Unmasking Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India    
Violence Against Women in India    
Supreme Court’s Words Against Bulldozer Justice    
China-Africa Relations    
 

1.    Unmasking Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India
Context
•    Chhattisgarh Elections: Recently concluded assembly elections in Chhattisgarh focused heavily on tribal votes, with the state’s tribal population
constituting 34% of the electorate. Tribal areas, especially Bastar, are deeply affected by Maoist insurgency, leading to violence during elections.

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
•    Definition: Left-Wing Extremism refers to radical political movements advocating revolutionary societal change through violent means.
•    Origins: The LWE movement in India began with the 1967 Naxalbari Uprising in West Bengal.
•    Affected Areas: LWE affects 90 districts in 10 states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and West Bengal). States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar face the most frequent violence.
Causes of Left-Wing Extremism
•    Inequitable Development: High levels of poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy in affected areas. Tribals are often deprived of land, forest, and mineral rights.
•    Governance Deficit: LWE-affected areas suffer from weak governance, making it easy for extremists to fill the power vacuum and disrupt state functions.
•    Ideological Appeal: The extremists propagate Maoist ideology, advocating armed revolution over democracy, with a focus on the rights of the oppressed.
•    Globalization Impact: Displacement caused by globalization contributes to feelings of alienation, making marginalized communities susceptible to extremist narratives.
Government Measures
1.    Security Measures
o Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like CRPF and BSF.
o    Formation of specialized units like Cobra Commandos and Greyhounds for targeted anti- Naxal operations.
OASHUB

2.    Development Initiatives
o    Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for infrastructure development.
o    Skill development programs and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras to provide livelihoods and reduce Naxal recruitment.
3.    Rights and Entitlements

4.    Counter-Maoist Propaganda: Launch information campaigns highlighting the gap between Maoist rhetoric and their actions.
5.    Peace Negotiations: Explore peaceful negotiations with moderate Maoist factions while addressing root causes.
6.    Long-term Strategic Planning: Focus on sustainable development, social justice, and inclusive governance to address the root causes of the insurgency.

o    Forest Rights Act, 2006:        

Recognizes tribal rights to forest resources.
o    Grievance redressal mechanisms ensure locals’ concerns are addressed.
4.    Civic Action Program (CAP): CAPFs conduct Civic Action Programs to improve relations with local communities.
5.    Rehabilitation Policy: Financial grants and vocational training are provided to surrendered Naxal cadres under Surrender and Rehabilitation policies.
6.    SAMADHAN Doctrine: A comprehensive strategy emphasizing Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, and Actionable Intelligence.
Impact of Government Actions
•    Violence Reduction: A significant decline

Prelims Question
With reference to Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, consider the following statements:
1.    The Naxalbari Uprising in 1967 marked the beginning of the LWE movement in India.
2.    LWE primarily affects urban areas with dense populations.
3.    LWE groups often reject parliamentary democracy and advocate armed revolution.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

in LWE-related incidents and casualties        

since 2013.
•    Casualties: LWE violence incidents decreased to 413 in 2022-23. Casualties to security forces reduced by 33% compared to 2021.
What More Can Be Done?
1.    Effective Implementation of PESA Act: Full enforcement of Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, empowering Gram Sabhas in tribal areas.
2.    Empowering Tribals: Increase tribal representation in governance and nurture tribal leadership.
3.    Development Programs: Ensure development programs are participatory and engage local communities.

Mains Question
Discuss the root causes of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India and evaluate the government's strategies in dealing with the issue. What further steps should be taken to effectively address the LWE problem?

2.    Violence Against Women in India
The News
The recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata has sparked nationwide concerns over women's safety, with healthcare workers demanding a Central law for their protection.
Despite stricter laws, crimes against women are 
on the rise, highlighting the need for
comprehensive reforms. Demands of Healthcare Workers
•    Central Protection Act: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is pushing for a law similar to the UK's NHS zero-tolerance policy and the US felony classifications for assaults on healthcare workers.
•    Enhanced Safety Measures: Improved lighting, security systems, and monitored security cameras in healthcare facilities, alongside well-lit corridors and secure wards for doctors.
•    Current Provisions:
o    State Responsibilities: Health and law and order are State subjects, and there is no centralised data on attacks on medical professionals.
o    Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: Mandates an FIR within six hours of violence against healthcare workers.
o    National Medical Commission (NMC): Directs medical colleges to ensure safe work environments.
Data on Women's Safety in India
•    Rising Crime Rates:
o    NCRB 2022: 445,256 cases of crimes against women, up 12.9% from 2018.
o    National Family Health Survey-5: One-third of women aged 15-49 have experienced violence.
•    Common Crimes:
o    Cruelty by husbands/in-laws
(31.4%)
o    Kidnapping and abduction (19.2%)
o    Assault to outrage modesty
(18.7%)
o    Rape (7.1%)
•    Persistently High Rape Cases: Over 30,000 rapes are reported annually, with low conviction rates of 27%-28% from 2018 to 2022.
•    Impact of Covid-19: Pandemic exacerbated violence against women, with a rise in crimes from 56.5 per 100,000 women in 2020 to 64.5 in 2021.

Strategies and Government Measures
•    Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Focus on preventing gender-biased sex selection and ensuring the survival, protection, and
education of girls.
•    Ujjawala Scheme: Prevention of trafficking and rehabilitation of victims of sexual exploitation.
•    NIRBHAYA Fund: Supports safety initiatives like emergency response systems.
•    Women Safety in Trains: Introduction of 182 helpline, CCTV cameras, and the R- Mitra mobile app for emergencies.
Challenges in Laws and Regulations
•    Implementation Gaps: Although laws like the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 were enacted post-Nirbhaya, implementation remains inconsistent. 
•    Systemic Issues: Corruption within law enforcement and delayed justice can deter victims from reporting crimes.
•    Cultural Norms: Victim-blaming and societal stigmas prevent women from seeking help.
•    Legal Challenges: High burden of proof, delayed trials, and complex legal processes contribute to low conviction rates.
•    Economic Dependence: Women often remain in abusive relationships due to financial dependence.
•    Lack of Awareness: Many women are unaware of their legal rights and available support systems.

Prelims Question
With reference to the safety of women in India, consider the following statements:
1.    The Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act was enacted in 2013.
2.    The National Family Health Survey-5 reports that nearly one-third of women aged 15-49 in India have faced some form of violence.
3.    The Ujjawala Scheme primarily focuses on workplace harassment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Mains Question
Discuss the persistent challenges in addressing violence against women in India despite stricter laws. What comprehensive reforms can be implemented to ensure women's safety and justice?

3.    Supreme Court’s Words Against Bulldozer Justice
Context

•    The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval over the practice of
“bulldozer justice”, where houses of accused individuals are demolished without following legal due process.

What is Bulldozer Justice?
•    Bulldozer justice refers to using bulldozers to demolish properties of alleged criminals or rioters, often without legal proceedings.
•    It is a punitive action prevalent in states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, and Maharashtra.
Supreme Court Ruling
•    The Supreme Court stated that no property can be demolished merely because an individual is accused of a crime.
•    Even convicted individuals are entitled to due process before their property is demolished.
•    The Court emphasized the importance of natural justice and due process and called for nationwide guidelines to regulate such actions.
Issues with Bulldozer Justice
•    Targeting Marginalized Communities: Often, marginalized and minority communities are disproportionately impacted, deepening existing inequalities.
•    Undermining the Rule of Law: This practice bypasses established legal processes, weakening the rule of law and eroding public trust in institutions.
•    Violation of Human Rights: Bulldozer justice frequently violates human rights, such as the right to shelter, with n 
compensation or resettlement provided to those affected.
•    Ethical Concerns: The practice conflates the roles of judge, jury, and executioner, leading to unjust punishments. Innocent family members often suffer for the actions of the accused.
•    Psychological Trauma: The sudden nature of demolitions causes significant psychological distress to the victims and communities.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to 'bulldozer justice', consider the following statements:
1.    Bulldozer justice involves demolishing properties of accused individuals without a legal trial.
2.    The Supreme Court of India has issued guidelines allowing the demolition of properties of convicted criminals without following due process.
3.    Bulldozer justice has been widely implemented in several Indian states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: "Bulldozer justice undermines the rule of law and human rights." Discuss the ethical and legal implications of this practice in the context of Indian democracy, and suggest measures to ensure justice while maintaining law and order.

4.    China-Africa Relations
Context:
•    In January 2022, China outlined three key objectives for Africa: pandemic control, implementation of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) outcomes, and upholding common interests while resisting hegemonic politics.

Chinese Projects in the Horn of Africa:
•    Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC):
o    In 2021, the Horn of Africa region actively participated in FOCAC, adopting four key resolutions:
1.    Dakar Action Plan: Focused on the development of China-Africa relations, recognizing the forum’s role in international cooperation with Africa.
2.    China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035: A long-term strategy for deepening cooperation and fostering a shared future for both regions.
3.    Sino-African Declaration on Climate Change: Emphasizes joint efforts in the multilateral climate process, safeguarding rights of developing nations.
4.    Declaration of the Eighth Ministerial Conference: Reinforces sustainable development and deepening of strategic cooperation between China and Africa.
•    COVID-19 Assistance: China donated vaccines to multiple African countries, including Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea, as part of its vaccine diplomacy.
China’s Primary Interests in the Region:
•    Infrastructure:
o    China funded major infrastructure projects such as the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa and the Mombasa-Nairobi rail link in Kenya.
o    In Djibouti, China funded 14 major infrastructure projects and has completed 80 projects in Somalia, including hospitals and roads.
•    Financial Assistance:
o    China is a major investor in African countries like Ethiopia, holding a
significant share of Kenya’s debt (67%).
•    Natural Resources:
o China has strong investments in Ethiopia’s mineral wealth, focusing on gold, iron ore, and natural gas.
o    South Sudan is a major source of petroleum products, with Chinese investment dating back to 1995.
•    Maritime Interests:
o    China’s only overseas military base is located in Djibouti.
o    China has plans to develop Eritrea's coast, linking it with landlocked Ethiopia.

Navy to tighten surveillance of the region.
•    Vital Shipping Routes:
o    The Indian Ocean carries 80% of the world’s oil and one-third of global bulk cargo. China aims to
secure these routes for energy and trade transportation.
•    Influencing Indian Ocean Countries:
o    China is investing in ports, roads, and railways in Indian Ocean countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, expanding its regional influence.
•    Expansion Through OBOR:
o    The Indian Ocean plays a key role in China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, which India has chosen not to join.

Significance of the Horn of Africa for India        

•    Strategic Importance:
o    The Horn of Africa is located near oil-producing regions in the Middle East, with 40% of the oil produced crossing through the Red Sea shipping lanes.
•    Shipping Routes:
o    Djibouti is a critical choke point on these shipping routes, attracting military bases from the United States, France, and China.
•    India’s Strategic Interests:
o    India has declared its national interests stretch from Aden to Malacca, underlining the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean for economic growth.

India's Concerns Over China's Presence in the Indian Ocean
•    Dominance in the Indian Ocean:
o    Djibouti could become another part of China’s “string of pearls” strategy, encircling India with military alliances.
o    China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean forces the Indian

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to China’s infrastructure projects in Africa, consider the following statements:
1.    China’s only overseas military base is located in Djibouti.
2.    The Mombasa-Nairobi rail link in Kenya was entirely funded by India.
3.    China has invested in over 80 infrastructure projects in Somalia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 3 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: "China's growing presence in the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean poses strategic challenges for India." Discuss the implications of China's expansionist policies in these regions and suggest measures India can take to safeguard its interests.