13th FEBRUARY, 2025 A.) National Women’s Day – Honouring Sarojini Naidu Why in News? Sarojini Naidu’s enduring legacy as a champion of women’s rights is honoured by celebrating her birth anniversary on February 13 as National Women’s Day in India. Background • Born in 1879 in Hyderabad to Bengali parents, Sarojini Naidu was a multi-talented personality. • She was a poet, freedom fighter, and advocate for women's rights. • Known as the Nightingale of India for her literary contributions. Details Role in the Freedom Movement • Joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1905 during the Bengal Partition movement. • Actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930). • Played a crucial role in the Salt Satyagraha (1930) and was imprisoned for her involvement. • Advocated for women’s rights, education, and social reforms. Political Achievements • First Woman President of INC (1925) – Promoted self-rule and equality. • First Indian Woman Governor (1947) – Appointed as the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) after independence. • Member of the Constituent Assembly – Contributed to the framing of the Indian Constitution. Literary Contributions • Notable works: o The Golden Threshold (1905) o The Bird of Time (1912) o The Broken Wing (1917) Sarojini Naidu’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle, politics, and literature continue to inspire generations, making her an icon of women’s empowerment and nationalism.   B.) India’s Push for Cleaner Natural Gas Why in News? A recent report recommends policy reforms to help India achieve its goal of increasing the share of natural gas in its energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030. Background • India aims to transition towards a cleaner energy economy by reducing reliance on coal and oil. • Natural gas is seen as a bridge fuel to support this shift. • The government is expanding City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks and promoting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports. Details Key Findings 1. India’s Gas Consumption: o Expected to grow by 60% by 2030. o The CGD sector (which supplies gas to households, industries, etc.) will lead the demand surge. 2. India’s Gas Production: o Reached 35 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2023. o The Krishna-Godavari deepwater fields contribute 25% of total output. 3. Imports: o India is the fourth-largest LNG importer globally. o LNG imports expected to more than double by 2030. 4. Compressed Biogas (CBG): o Vast potential remains largely untapped (current capacity <1% of potential). Challenges in the Gas Sector 1. Pricing Issues: o Gas prices from legacy fields are capped at ~USD 10 per MMBtu, limiting full price discovery. o Deepwater and ultra-deepwater fields also face price restrictions. 2. Market Dominance: o GAIL controls both gas marketing and pipeline transmission, creating conflicts of interest. 3. Infrastructure Gaps: o No underground gas storage (UGS) facilities. o Limited LNG storage capacity restricts supply security. Policy Recommendations • Liberalizing Gas Pricing: o Gradually extend pricing freedom to all gas fields (as suggested by the Kirit Parekh Committee, 2022). o Lift price ceilings on deepwater and ultra-deepwater projects. • Market Reforms: o Establish independent gas transmission system operators (TSOs) for fair pipeline access. o Promote the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) for transparent pricing. • Infrastructure Development: o Build Strategic Gas Reserves to enhance energy security. o Ensure transparent third-party access to gas pipelines. By implementing these reforms, India aims to create a competitive and sustainable gas market, reducing its dependence on coal and oil, and advancing toward cleaner energy solutions. C.) Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 Why in News? The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, is likely to introduce the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament to replace outdated immigration laws. Background • The Bill seeks to replace four existing laws: o Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 o Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 o Foreigners Act, 1946 o Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000 • These laws were enacted during extraordinary circumstances (World War I & II) and contain overlapping provisions. • The new Bill aims to modernize and streamline the legal framework governing foreigners, immigration procedures, and carrier responsibilities. Details Key Provisions of the Bill 1. Regulation of Foreigners: o Defines rules for foreigners' registration and their obligations in India. o Mandates residential property owners to report any foreign nationals residing on their premises. 2. Obligations for Educational & Medical Institutions: o Universities and educational institutions must report foreign students to the registration officer. o Hospitals, nursing homes, and medical institutions must inform authorities about foreigners receiving indoor medical treatment or their attendants staying on the premises. 3. Responsibilities of Transport Carriers (Airlines & Vessels): o Carriers must remove passengers denied entry by immigration officers. o They must submit passenger and crew details in advance. o Failure to comply can lead to a fine of up to ₹5 lakh. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aims to enhance national security, streamline immigration procedures, and hold institutions accountable for tracking foreigners in India.   D.) Decline in Palm Oil Imports in India Why in News? For the first time in over a decade, palm oil’s share in India’s total edible oil imports has fallen below 30%, primarily due to the availability of cost-effective alternatives like soyoil. Background • Palm oil is derived from the fruit of the African oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). • There are two types of palm oil: o Crude palm oil (CPO): Extracted from the fruit pulp, primarily used for cooking. o Palm kernel oil: Extracted from the seed, used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other non-edible purposes. • Major producers: Indonesia and Malaysia supply over 85% of the global palm oil market. Details Palm Oil Production in India • Major growing states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala (accounting for 98% of total production). • India is the world’s largest importer of palm oil. • To reduce dependency on imports, the government launched the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in 2021 to promote domestic cultivation. Reasons for Decline in Palm Oil Imports 1. Cost-Effectiveness of Alternatives: o Soyoil and sunflower oil are cheaper and more readily available, reducing reliance on palm oil. 2. Health & Consumer Preferences: o Growing awareness about health concerns related to palm oil consumption. o Increased demand for alternative edible oils with higher nutritional value. 3. Government Policies & Initiatives: o Efforts under NMEO-OP to boost domestic oil palm production. o Import duty revisions affecting palm oil imports. The decline in palm oil imports highlights shifting market dynamics and India’s efforts towards self-sufficiency in edible oils.   E.) Expansion of ‘Nari Adalats’ Across India Why in News? The Union Government has invited states to submit proposals for setting up ‘Nari Adalats’ (Women’s Courts), as announced by Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi. Background • Nari Adalats were launched on a pilot basis in 2023 in 50 gram panchayats each in Assam and Jammu & Kashmir. • The initiative is part of the “Sambal” sub-scheme under Mission Shakti, which focuses on women’s safety and empowerment. • Encouraged by the success of the pilot project, the government is now expanding the scheme to other states and Union Territories. Details What are Nari Adalats? • Women-led alternative dispute resolution forums. • Address petty disputes related to harassment, denial of rights, or social injustices against women. • Operate at the gram panchayat level, ensuring quick and accessible justice. Key Features 1. Structure: o Each Nari Adalat consists of 7 to 11 members called ‘Nyaya Sakhis’. o Members are nominated by the gram panchayat. 2. Functioning: o Resolves disputes through mediation, negotiation, and reconciliation. o Provides a low-cost, community-based redressal mechanism for women. 3. Implementation & Expansion: o Started in Assam and J&K; now being expanded to more states. o The Ministry of Women and Child Development has invited proposals from states and UTs for further implementation. Significance • Strengthens women’s access to justice at the grassroots level. • Empowers women by enhancing their legal awareness and participation. • Reduces burden on formal judicial systems. • Supports gender equality and social justice in rural India. The expansion of Nari Adalats marks a progressive step towards women's empowerment and accessible justice for all.   F.) Obscenity Laws in India Why in News? The issue of obscenity and freedom of expression has been a subject of debate, especially with the implementation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which replaces IPC and retains restrictions on obscene acts and materials. Background • In legal terms, obscenity refers to indecent expressions through words, actions, or gestures that violate public morality and decency. • The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) but imposes reasonable restrictions to maintain public order and morality. Details 1. Ethical Issues Surrounding Obscenity 1. Freedom of Expression vs. Obscenity Laws o BNS, 2023 restricts free speech through:  Section 294: Punishes obscene acts in public places.  Section 296: Prohibits sale and distribution of obscene material. 2. Subjectivity in Defining Obscenity o Aveek Sarkar v. State of West Bengal (2014):  The Supreme Court ruled that obscenity is subjective and varies across different societies and time periods. 3. Censorship vs. Artistic Freedom o M.F. Husain v. Raj Kumar Pandey (2008):  The court ruled that nudity alone does not constitute obscenity, highlighting tension between artistic expression and public morality. 2. Legal Provisions Related to Obscenity 1. Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 o Prohibits indecent, improper, or scandalous depiction of women in media. 2. Young Persons (Harmful Publication) Act, 1956 o Restricts publication of materials harmful to children and young persons. 3. Judicial Pronouncements on Obscenity 1. S. Khushboo v. Kanniammal & Ors. (2010) o The Supreme Court upheld the petitioner’s right to free speech, balancing individual expression and societal moral standards. 4. Key Recommendations for Addressing Obscenity 1. Clear Definition of Obscenity o Laws should provide context-sensitive and non-subjective definitions. 2. Application of the Harm Principle o Restrictions should prevent harm rather than merely offend public sensibilities. 3. Adoption of Community Standards o Implement a ‘Contemporary Community Standard’ test to reflect evolving societal norms. Conclusion The debate on obscenity revolves around striking a balance between free speech, public morality, and artistic freedom. A clear legal framework is necessary to ensure that obscenity laws are not misused while upholding constitutional values.