Caste Based Atrocities – The Persisting Peril

Why in News?

Despite constitutional promises of equality, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) face persistent caste-based violence and exclusion.

Why the caste based discrimination persists till today?

• Persisting discriminations – From assaults in rural areas for defying caste norms to urban discrimination in housing and employment, caste continues to deny citizens dignity and opportunity.
• Belief in caste-based superiority – It  persists even today,enabling social elites to perpetrate acts of violence, ranging from forcing Dalits to drink urine to ostracising Adivasis for asserting land rights, with alarming impunity.
• Societal failure – The acts of caste based violencereflect not only individual prejudice but a societal failure to internalise humanitarian values.
• This raises questions about India’s claim of being a civilised society.
• Lack of governmental actions – The current political dispensation, led by the current government, has fallen short in addressing this crisis.
  • For instance, the government occasionally promotes symbolic gestures by including Dalits and Adivasis in religious rituals, but these efforts lack substance.
• Inappropriate narratives – Hindutva narratives often frame resistance from marginalised communities as a threat to cultural unity.
• They often label activists as “Hinduphobic” and this rhetoric stifles legitimate demands for justice.
  • For instance, Hindutuva narratives abused those who protested, an order of the Supreme Court that diluted provisions of the Atrocities Act.
• Cultural Restrictions on Dalit – Restrictions on Bahujan cultural expressions (as seen during the release of the Hindi film Phule) further alienate these communities from becoming part of the mainstream discourse.
• Inefficient implementation of policies – Policies promoting social justice, such as reservations in education and employment, are inconsistently implemented.
• As a result, social elites continue to control and dominate institutions.
• Lack of policy framework – The absence of a robust policy framework to bridge the gap between social elites and subaltern groups is glaring.
• Lack of political will – The political parties and its affiliated organisations have not launched a national campaign to challenge caste prejudice or foster inter-caste fraternity in the fear that it would dilute the privileges of dominant castes.
• Elevation of dominant narratives – The promotion of Brahmanical cultural narratives often relegates the struggles of Dalit and Adivasi communities to the margins.
•  They portray the resistance of dalits as a challenge to traditional authority rather than as a fight for universal dignity.
• Fragmented Dalit movements – Today, such movements are fragmented or are relegated to the periphery, with little capacity to challenge current social ills.
• The response of civil society to caste atrocities has also waned.
• Lack of strict enforcement of laws – While there are laws, enforcement is hampered by delayed investigations, low conviction rates, and societal bias within the judiciary and the police.
  • For instance, a 2023 study by the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights noted that over 60% of cases under the Atrocities Act remain pending in courts.
• This underscores the need for systemic reforms beyond legal provisions.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, released in late September, reported that 57,789 cases were registered against SCs in 2023.

It marks a 0.4% increase over the 57,582 cases reported in 2022, and 12,960 cases were registered against STs in 2023, a sharp 28.8% increase over the 10,064 cases reported in 2022.

What are the movements and measures that reshaped caste dynamics?

• The Dalit Panthers – This movement in the 1970s galvanised marginalised communities, asserting their right to political power and social prestige.
• Rise of Dalit parties – The rise of the Bahujan Samaj Party in northern India further empowered Dalits and OBCs, amplifying their voices in governance and public discourse.
• Upsurge of Dalit arts – Intellectual influences and cultural initiatives, from Dalit literature to Adivasi art, laid claim to India’s pluralistic heritage.
• Rise of reformers – Social reformers such as Mahatma Phule, B.R. Ambedkar, Periyar, and Mahatma Gandhi, who challenged the Brahmanical caste order, remain a beacon of hope.
• Legal safeguards – The anti-caste movements, coupled with constitutional safeguards such as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, aimed to dismantle caste hierarchies.

What are the measures need to be taken?

• Strengthening existing laws – The state must strengthen the enforcement of existing laws, ensuring swift prosecution of perpetrators and sensitising law enforcement agencies about the ills of the caste system.
• Evolving a National campaign – Political leaders must champion a national campaign to promote egalitarian values, using education, the media, and public platforms to challenge conventional caste relationships based on hierarchies and prejudices.
• Building up of dialogue – Civil society, including religious institutions, cultural organisations, and academia must foster dialogue to bridge divides between communities.
• Firming up affirmative action – The affirmative action policies should be rigorously implemented, with transparent monitoring to ensure equitable access to education, jobs, and resources.
• Need for leadership – Most crucially, Dalit, Adivasi, and Bahujan voices must be amplified.
• The legacy of resistance against the caste system needs a new podium and leadership.
• Revival of anti-caste social movements – It will build solidarity among marginalised social groups and re-establish the social justice agenda as a prime concern.

Reference

The Hindu| Caste Based Atrocities

UNSC Resolution 1325

Why in News?

Recently, at the United Nations headquarters in New York on October 6, 2025, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous urged member states to turn the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security into a turning point rather than a commemoration.

What is UNSC resolution 1325?

• Adopted on – The Security Council adopted this resolution on women and peace and security on 31 October 2000.
• Purpose – The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction.
• Participation and gender perspective – It stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.
• It urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts.
• Ending gender based violence – It also calls on all parties to conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, in situations of armed conflict.
• Functional mandates – The resolution provides a number of important operational mandates, with implications for Member States and the entities of the United Nations system.
• 25th Anniversary – The year 2025 marks the 25^th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution.
• It is a ground-breaking resolution that was spearheaded by women leaders and organizations.

What were the common issues faced by women?

• Marginalization – Women remain predominantly in the periphery of formal peace processes, even in instances where they have been signatories to peace agreements, such as in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
• Undermining gender equality – The world was witnessing rising military spending and renewed pushback against gender equality and multilateralism, undermining the foundations of peace and security.
• Today, 676 million women and girls live within reach of deadly conflict, the highest number since the 1990s.
• Weak progress –The progress has been uneven, marked by “bold commitments followed too often by weak implementation and chronic under-investment.
• Referring to ongoing wars and crises, she cited the plight of women in Gaza, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Haiti.
• Numerous challenges – There is a stark global trends that are worsening conditions for women and girls
  • Shrinking education opportunities
  • Collapsing health systems
  • Reduced humanitarian funding.
  • For instance, Short-sighted funding cuts, are already depriving Afghan girls of schooling and limiting life-saving care for survivors of sexual violence in Sudan, Mali, Somalia, Haiti and elsewhere.

What are the impressive role played by women?

• Peacebuilding – Despite deepening crises, women continue to lead peacebuilding efforts around the world and at regional, national and community level.
• Under women’s leadership local conflicts in Abyei and the Central African Republic are being mediated.
• Leadership – Significant political leadership had taken place in in Haiti, Chad and Syria and gender-responsive budgeting is taking place in Ukraine.
• Conflict resolution – Women leaders across diverse networks and organizations continue to lead conflict resolution.
•  Political participation – They conduct political advocacy to realize their full participation in peace and political processes.

What are the things need to be done?

• Investment – There is a need for “significant investment” in women-led organisations on the frontlines of conflict.
• Cultural changes – The normalisation of misogyny which is currently poisoning our politics and fuelling conflict must be ended.
• Addressing various challenges – In the coming years, the women, and peace and security agenda must expand to address emerging threats.
• These threats include online gender-based violence, and must have a clear accountability measures for states and institutions that fail to act.
• A welcoming move – Bahous welcomed what she described as “positive responses” to United States President Donald Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.
• She called for a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike, where all women and girls live with dignity, security and opportunity.
• 5 calls to action – Bahous highlighted the calls to action
  • Ensure affirmative action for women’s participation in peace processes and leadership roles.
  • Measure progress by women’s direct involvement in peace and security decisions and their access to justice and reparations.
  • End all forms of violence against women and girls, including technology-facilitated abuse.
  • End impunity for crimes against women and uphold international law.
  • Embed the women, peace and security agenda among young people to sustain it for the future.

What lies ahead?

• Resolution 1325 was a landmark promise but remains only partially fulfilled.
• When women lead, peace follows.
• We made a promise to them 25 years ago and it is past time to deliver.

Reference

1. Down to Earth| Women Leads Peace Follows
2. United Nations.org| UNSC 1325

Integrated Alert System (SACHET)

Why in News?

In a session on disaster risk reduction (DRR) at the ongoing G20 ministerial meeting in Durban, India’s Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister outlined the need for compliant Integrated Alert System.

• The Integrated Alert System, known as SACHET, is a pan-India early warning platform for disseminating alerts on natural and man-made disasters.
• Developed by - The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), it is based on the international Common Alerting Protocol (CAP).
• Integrates alert agencies - The platform connects various government agencies that generate alerts, such as:
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD).
  • Central Water Commission (CWC).
  • Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
  • Geological Survey of India (GSI).
• Geo-targeted alerts - The system delivers real-time, geo-targeted alerts directly to citizens in their regional languages via multiple channels:
  • SMS notifications
  • A mobile app for Android
  • Browser alerts
  • Satellite terminals (GAGAN and NavIC)
• Comprehensive coverage - It provides warnings for a wide range of emergencies, including:
  • Natural disasters (cyclones, floods, tsunamis, forest fires)
  • Man-made crises (industrial accidents, health emergencies)
• Accessing SACHET
  • Mobile App - The official SACHET app is available on the Google Play Store and provides location-specific alerts and weather updates from the IMD.
  • Web Portal - The National Disaster Alert Portal (sachet.ndma.gov.in) is a GIS-based portal where the public can view current warnings nationwide.
  • Browser Notifications and RSS Feed - The web portal also allows users to subscribe to browser notifications and an RSS feed for alerts.
• Key benefits
  • Increased reach - By using various dissemination media, SACHET increases the chances that people in affected areas will receive timely warnings.
  • Improved response - It simplifies the process for officials to alert the public, reducing confusion and delay in emergency situations.
  • Enhanced awareness- The portal helps the public stay aware of potential dangers and provides guidance like "Do's and Don'ts" for various disasters.
  • Language support - The system operates in multiple Indian languages, making it more accessible to a wider population.

Reference

The Hindu | SACHET

Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects

Why in news?

Recently, UNESCO launches the World’s 1^st Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects at a global scale at MONDIACULT 2025, in Barcelona, Spain.

• The museum – An innovative digital platform -
  • to raise awareness of the illicit trafficking of cultural property; and
  • help facilitate the return of cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.
• It is a "first-of-its-kind" initiative that uses technology to highlight the stories of objects lost to looting, particularly during the colonial era.
• Launched at – UNESCO’s World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2025).

The MONDIACULT conference is the world's largest gathering of culture ministers. Next MONDIACULT conference is scheduled in 2029, in Saudi Arabia.

• Collaboration – With INTERPOL and is financially supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Designed by – Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Francis Kéré.
• The digital museum currently displays almost 240 missing objects from 46 countries.

Key features of the museum

• Accessible digital platform – The virtual museum is accessible online and via screens at UNESCO events, offering a globally accessible tool for education and restitution advocacy.
• Designed to empty itself – Unlike a traditional museum, the Virtual Museum is designed to shrink, not grow – as the objects are recovered, and returned to their countries of origin then it is removed from the digital collection.
• Unique web design – It is shaped like a baobab tree, a symbol of resilience in many African communities.
• The design features different "rooms" and an extendable virtual "ramp" that links different cultures.
• Virtual reality and AI – The platform uses 3D modeling and virtual reality to bring the stolen artifacts to life.
• Educational resources & testimonies – Beyond showcasing images, the museum includes educational narratives and testimonies from affected communities to highlight the cultural and historical significance of the objects.
• Display of successful restitutions – This site will highlight successful restitution cases, best practices, and the devastating impact of cultural loss on communities.
• It will also serve as a platform for dialogue, bringing together governments, museums, law enforcement, and civil society.

India’s representation – Features two 9^th century sandstone sculptures from Mahadev Temple in Pali, Chhattisgarh — a Nataraja and Brahma figure — stolen during colonial-era looting.

References

1. Indian Express | UNESCO’s Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects
2. UNESCO | Virtual Museum announced at MONDICULT Conference

WHO’s Guidelines to tackle Tuberculosis

Why in news?

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released new guidelines to tackle tuberculosis and undernutrition.

• The updated tuberculosis (TB) guidelines that integrate nutritional support into standard treatment, a major shift toward a more patient-centered and holistic approach.
• The shift in the global TB policy is inspired by the pathbreaking RATIONS trial by Indian researchers.

New recommendations

• Nutritional assessment & counseling – These services should now be offered to all people with TB and their household contacts.
• This recognizes that a significant proportion of people in households with TB may be undernourished.
• Targeted nutritional support – All TB patients who are undernourished should receive nutritional interventions, regardless of their age, pregnancy status, drug-resistance or severity of undernutrition. The goal is to optimize clinical outcomes.
• Food assistance for household contacts – In food-insecure regions, the WHO now advises providing food assistance to the households of TB patients to help prevent them from developing the disease.

Current status of TB

• WHO Global TB Report 2024 – India accounted for an estimated 26% of the world's TB cases in 2023, totaling around 2.7 million cases.
• Decline in incidence rate of TB cases – Notable 17.7% decline in the TB incidence rate from 2015 to 2023, a rate more than double the global average of 8.3%.
• Goal – Eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, 5 years before the global target of 2030.
• Mortality – TB deaths in India decreased by 21.4% between 2015 and 2023, a reduction from 28 to 22 deaths per 100,000 people.
• Drug-resistant TB – India has the highest burden of multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant (RR) TB. 

Quick Fact

References

1. Business Standard | WHO's new TB guidelines
2. WHO | WHO's new TB guidelines
3. PIB | TB Status of India

India’s Blue Economy Report

Why in news?

NITI Aayog has released a report on “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries”.

• The report outlining a phased approach for sustainable development of fisheries sector using technology and community involvement.
• The strategy is based on a framework that is science-based, technology-enabled, socially inclusive, and ecologically sustainable, identifies six key policy interventions.

Key Findings of the report

• Economic growth – India is the 2^nd largest fish-producing country in the world, accounting for 8% of global production.
• India’s fisheries sector supports nearly 30 million livelihoods and contributes significantly to exports, with fishery products earning Rs. 60,523 crore in FY 2023–24.
• Untapped potential – Despite having an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with an untapped potential of 7.16 million tonnes (MT) of resources, India's deep-sea and offshore fishing sectors remain underdeveloped.
• Limited high-seas presence – Only 4 Indian-flagged vessels operate in high seas versus Sri Lanka’s 1,883 and Iran’s 1,216, reflecting weak international engagement.
• Revise the existing act – The outdated guidelines of India's Merchant Shipping (MS) Act, 1958, which permit the registration of Indian-flagged fishing boats to operate only within 12 nautical miles from the coast, should be revised.
• Recommends a separate act – “Vessels Act” to facilitate the registration of modern fishing vessels capable of going beyond 12 nautical miles and in deep-sea areas.
• Comprehensive framework – For covering the deep-sea fishing sector within India’s EEZ and international waters accessed through regional fisheries agreements.
• Fleet modernization – Inclusive fleet development by supporting fisher cooperatives and cluster-based approaches, enabling collective ownership, operations, and access to modern technology.
• 3 phase strategic roadmap – To realize the potential of India’s deep-sea and off-shore fishing.
  • Phase 1 (2025–2028) – Laying the foundation and fostering early growth
  • Phase 2 (2029–2032) – Scaling up and achieving global competitiveness.
  • Phase 3 (2033 onwards) – Global leadership in sustainable deep-sea fisheries.
• 6 key policy interventions -
  • On overhauling policies and regulations;
  • Strengthening institutional and capacity building;
  • Modernizing fleets and upgrading infrastructure;
  • Promoting sustainable fisheries management;
  • Mobilizing resources and financing; and
  • Enhancing local community participation and partnerships.

Key challenges

• Infrastructure and technological gaps – Only 90 fishing harbours are adequately equipped to handle larger deep-sea vessels.
• Harvesting deep-sea resources efficiently also remains a technological challenge.
• Regulatory Gaps – India currently lacks specific regulatory laws for fishing activities within the EEZ, contributing to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing concerns.
• Further, maritime states are currently limited to issuing licenses only for fishing activities within the 12 nautical mile territorial waters.

Reference

1. PIB | NITI Aayog releases report on India’s Blue Economy
2. The Print | Niti Aayog report on India’s Blue Economy

United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave

Why in News?

The Conclave of Chiefs of United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) being hosted by India for the first time, in New Delhi from October 14-16.

• Hosted by – Indian Army.
• Objectives – To strengthening peacekeeping and upholding global stability via cooperation and reform.
• Participation – It was attended by over 30 military chiefs and senior military officials from 32 nations, including significant troop contributors like Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Kenya.

Key highlights of the conclave

• Purpose – The forum provided a platform to deliberate on operational challenges, share best practices, and build a shared understanding of the future of peacekeeping.
• It addressed topics like evolving threats, enhancing interoperability, and the role of technology and training.
• Key discussions – Discussions focused on adapting peacekeeping to modern challenges, including the rise of non-state actors, hybrid warfare, and disinformation.
• Indian Defence Minister emphasized a "4C formula" involving Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination, and Capacity Building to strengthen peacekeeping.
• Challenges faced by Peacekeepers – Volatile environments marked by terrorism, and asymmetric warfare and fragile political settlements to operations amid humanitarian crises, pandemics, and misinformation campaigns.
• Outcomes – The discussions reinforced a shared commitment among contributing nations to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of UN peacekeeping.
• The conclave underscored the need for peace operations to be technologically advanced, adaptive, and rooted in cooperation.

Quick Fact

Reference

The Hindu | UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave