About Barbados:

• Location: It is an island country located in the south eastern Caribbean region of North America.
• It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
• It is part of Caribbean Community (CARICOM)which was established in 1973.
• Capital City: Bridgetown
• Geographical Features of Barbados:
  • Climate: Its climate is classified as a tropical monsoon.
  • Highest Point: The highest point on the island is Mount Hillaby.

About Dornier 228 Aircraft:

• It is a highly versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft.
• It has been developed specifically to meet the manifold requirements of utility and commuter transport, third level services and air-taxi operations, coast guard duties and maritime surveillance.
• Features of Dornier 228 Aircraft:
  • It is powered by a pair of Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines and has a supercritical wing that generates large amounts of lift at slow speeds.
  • It is a twin-turboprop aircraft known for its reliable performance and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. 
    • The STOL capabilities, allows it to operate from unprepared, unpaved, and grass surfaces and specialize in hot and high environments.
  • It has the unique design of the TNT wing, capable of generating large amounts of lift at slow speeds.
  • The Dornier 228 is typically promoted for its versatility, low operational costs, and high levels of dispatch reliability.

About Combined Maritime Forces:

• It is a multinational maritime partnership that upholds the International Rules Based Order (IRBO) by countering illicit non-state actors on the high seas.
• It promotes security, stability and prosperity across international waters, which encompass some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
• Mandate: Its main focus areas are counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, suppressing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and engaging with regional and other partners to strengthen relevant capabilities and promote a safe maritime environment free from illicit non-state actors.
• CMF has five Combined Task Forces: 
  • CTF 150(Maritime Security Operations outside the Arabian Gulf)
  • CTF 151(Counter-Piracy)
  • CTF 152(Maritime Security Operations inside the Arabian Gulf)
  • CTF 153(Red Sea Maritime Security)
  • CTF 154(Maritime Security Training)
• Member Countries: It comprises 47 nations including India.
  • The member countries are not bound by either a fixed political or military mandate. 

About Rajaji National Park:

• Location: It is located in
• It was established by merging three wildlife sanctuaries- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. 
• It is named after  Rajagopalachari,a prominent freedom fighter, fondly known as “Rajaji”. 
• It is nestled between the Shivalik ranges and the Indo-Gangetic plains.
• Rivers: River Ganga bifurcates the park into two parts.
• Vegetation: It hosts Moist Shivalik Sal Forest, Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous and Khair-Sissoo forests in the Southern Slopes,
• Fauna: It is home to Asian Elephant, Tiger, leopard, Himalayan Black bear, sloth bear, Civet, Marten, Jackal, Hyena etc.

About Wheat:

• Wheat is an important staple food crop in India.
• It is a temperate crop that thrives in cool and dry climates.
• It is primarily grown as a Rabi crop.
• Required climatic conditions for wheat cultivation
  • Temperature: A cool temperature (10°C to 15°C) during sowing and 21°C to 26°C during ripening ensures optimum growth and grain quality.
  • Rainfall: Wheat requires 50-75 cm of well-distributed rainfall.
  • Soil: It grows well in a clay loam or loam texture
• Major Wheat Producing Countries: China, India, Russia and United States.
• Major Wheat Producing States: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

Why in news?

The Supreme Court has signalled a shift in its approach to gender sensitivity by moving beyond the 2023 Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes, issued under former CJI D Y Chandrachud. Current Chief Justice Surya Kant described the handbook as overly academic and stressed the need for more practical, ground-level judicial training.

The observations arose during a suo motu hearing of an Allahabad High Court ruling that had controversially termed certain acts—such as grabbing a victim’s breasts and loosening her pyjama string—as mere “preparation” rather than an “attempt” to rape. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed the judgment and, later, formally set it aside.

The bench directed the trial court to proceed with attempt-to-rape charges, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to a more sensitive and legally sound interpretation in sexual assault cases.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Shift from Handbook to Institutional Training
• Inside the 2023 Gender Stereotypes Handbook

Shift from Handbook to Institutional Training

• During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the practical utility of the 2023 Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes.
• The bench observed that the handbook relied on “forensic meanings” — technical or clinical interpretations — which may not reflect survivors’ lived realities or common social understanding.
• CJI Surya Kant described the document as “too Harvard-oriented,” suggesting it was overly theoretical and disconnected from India’s ground realities.
• The Court noted that merely issuing a handbook to guide High Court judges “serves no purpose” if it does not translate into meaningful change.
• Instead of relying on advisory texts, the bench emphasised the need for structured institutional reform.
• Role of the National Judicial Academy
  • The Court directed the National Judicial Academy (NJA), Bhopal, to constitute a committee of domain experts, academics, and lawyers to draft practical training guidelines.
  • These will become part of the NJA’s curriculum for High Court judges.
  • Once finalised, judges will undergo batch-wise training focused on handling sexual assault cases with sensitivity and legal clarity.
  • Senior advocates have been engaged to assist in refining the new guidelines, ensuring they balance legal precision with survivor-centric sensitivity.

Inside the 2023 Gender Stereotypes Handbook

• Released in August 2023, the 35-page Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes aimed to eliminate patriarchal language and biased reasoning from judicial decisions.
• In his foreword, then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud emphasised that language shapes justice, warning that stereotypes distort the law’s application to women.
• Reforming Courtroom Language
  • A major section of the handbook provided a glossary identifying “Incorrect” (stereotype-promoting) terms and suggesting “Preferred” alternatives.
  • Examples of Suggested Changes
    • “Adulteress” → “Woman who has engaged in sexual relations outside marriage”
    • “Eve teasing” → “Street sexual harassment”
    • “Child prostitute” → “Child who has been trafficked”
    • “Housewife” → “Homemaker”
    • Avoiding terms like “fallen woman” or “woman of easy virtue”
  • On “survivor” vs “victim,” it stated that both are valid but the individual’s preference should be respected.
• Challenging Judicial Reasoning Patterns
  • Beyond vocabulary, the handbook sought to dismantle stereotypes in judicial thinking, particularly in sexual offence cases.
  • Inherent Characteristics - It rejected assumptions such as:
    • Women are overly emotional or illogical
    • All women want children
    • Young women cannot take major life decisions
  • The handbook clarified that gender does not determine rationality or autonomy.
  • Gender Roles - It challenged beliefs that:
    • Working women are negligent mothers
    • Women must be submissive
  • It reaffirmed constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity.
• Approach to Sexual Violence Cases
  • The handbook addressed evidentiary misconceptions in rape trials:
    • Clothing, alcohol consumption, or lifestyle do not imply consent.
    • Lack of physical resistance does not equal consent.
    • Absence of injuries does not invalidate testimony.
• Judicial Precedents Cited
  • The handbook grounded its guidance in Supreme Court rulings, including:
    • State of Punjab v. Gurmit Singh (1996) — Survivor testimony is inherently credible.
    • State of Jharkhand v. Shailendra Kumar Rai (2022) — Banned the “two-finger test”.

Why in news?

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, secured a decisive victory in the recent elections, emerging on course for a two-thirds majority in the 300-member Parliament. The polls, the first since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, also saw a significant rise in seats for the Jamaat-e-Islami.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rahman on his “decisive victory.” The outcome marks a turning point for India–Bangladesh relations, which have faced uncertainty since Hasina’s removal, and will shape the trajectory of bilateral ties in the coming years.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India and the BNP: A Complex Political Legacy
• India’s Diplomatic Pivot After BNP’s Victory
• Key Challenges for India in the Post-Hasina Era

India and the BNP: A Complex Political Legacy

• India’s engagement with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) dates back to its founding in 1978 by General Ziaur Rahman.
• After his assassination, Khaleda Zia led the party for decades, shaping its ideology.
• Tarique Rahman assumed leadership after her death and returned to Bangladesh following 17 years in self-exile.
• Strained Ties During 2001–2006
  • Relations between India and Bangladesh were tense during the BNP-Jamaat coalition government (2001–2006).
  • India raised concerns over insurgent and terror groups operating from Bangladeshi soil, allegedly with protection from Jamaat leaders, posing security challenges for India’s Northeast.
  • When Sheikh Hasina returned to power in 2008, her government launched a crackdown on insurgent groups, strengthening counter-terror cooperation with India.
  • While New Delhi welcomed the improved security environment, Hasina also used anti-terror measures to target political opponents, including BNP and Jamaat leaders.
• Post-Hasina Political Realignment
  • Following Hasina’s removal amid protests in 2024, the political landscape shifted rapidly.
  • With the Awami League barred from contesting and Hasina in India, the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have emerged as dominant forces in Bangladesh’s current political environment.

India’s Diplomatic Pivot After BNP’s Victory

• PM Modi quickly congratulated Tarique Rahman on his victory, even before official results were declared.
• The prompt message signalled India’s readiness to engage constructively with the incoming BNP government.
• India had earlier extended diplomatic outreach after Khaleda Zia’s death, with EAM S. Jaishankar visiting Dhaka in December to convey condolences—helping stabilise bilateral ties.
• Conciliatory Tone from BNP
  • During the campaign and after his return from exile, Rahman avoided anti-India rhetoric and adopted an inclusive tone, emphasising safety and unity across religious communities.
  • This moderation has been positively received in both Delhi and Dhaka.
  • The BNP’s manifesto outlines a foreign policy centred on “Bangladesh Before All” and stresses equality and self-dignity in external relations—phrased as “Friend Yes, Master No,” an indirect assertion of balanced ties with India.
  • The BNP manifesto also emphasises non-interference in internal matters—interpreted as a signal of zero tolerance for anti-India activities within Bangladesh, while also safeguarding its sovereignty.
• Jamaat’s Position and Regional Focus
  • Jamaat-e-Islami has similarly adopted conciliatory language, advocating peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries, including India.
  • Notably, neither party’s manifesto mentions Pakistan, despite recent diplomatic engagement during the interim government.
  • However, both BNP and Jamaat stress strengthening ties with the “Muslim world,” signalling a broader strategic orientation alongside regional diplomacy.

Key Challenges for India in the Post-Hasina Era

• The Hasina Extradition Question - Sheikh Hasina’s continued presence in India is politically sensitive. The BNP leadership may face pressure, especially from Jamaat, to seek her extradition and prevent politically provocative statements from Indian soil.
• Preserving Economic Interdependence - Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, with strong ties in textiles, energy, and other sectors. Sustaining stable trade relations is vital for economic and political stability on both sides.
• Preventing Security Deterioration - India remains concerned about any resurgence of anti-India insurgent or extremist activity reminiscent of earlier BNP tenures. Maintaining security cooperation is a priority, with communication channels open even with Jamaat leaders.
• Connectivity and Development Projects - Delhi seeks continuity in infrastructure and connectivity projects linking Northeast India to Bangladesh. However, anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh requires sensitive handling of these initiatives.
• Strengthening People-to-People Ties - Bangladeshis frequently travel to India for healthcare and tourism. Expanding long-term and multiple-entry visa systems and improving service infrastructure can deepen goodwill.
• Managing Migration Sensitively - Economic migration from Bangladesh remains politically charged in several Indian states. The issue requires cooperative, non-confrontational management to avoid bilateral strain.
• Preventing Extremist and Anti-Minority Trends - India is wary of any extremist or anti-minority shift in Bangladesh. Ultimately, safeguarding pluralism depends on domestic leadership in Bangladesh, beyond external statements of concern.
• Avoiding Strategic Realignment - Strong bilateral cooperation can help prevent Bangladesh from drifting towards Pakistan or China, preserving regional stability.

Context:

• India’s new labour codes represent a major step toward strengthening financial inclusion and social security for workers.
• By consolidating fragmented labour laws, they aim to modernise labour governance and embed income protection, long-term safeguards, and social security into employment.
• Despite opposition and strike calls from some trade unions, the reforms seek to address historic exclusions and integrate millions of workers into formal financial and welfare systems, ensuring more equitable sharing of economic growth.
• This article highlights how India’s labour codes redefine wages, expand social security, and embed financial inclusion within employment.

Reforming the Wage Definition: Expanding Social Security

• Mandatory 50% Wage Threshold
  • A key reform under the labour codes is the revised definition of “wage.”
  • Employers must now ensure that wages (basic pay, dearness allowance, and retaining allowance) form at least 50% of total remuneration.
  • Earlier, many establishments kept this share as low as 30–35% to reduce social security contributions.
  • The new threshold increases contributions to Provident Fund (PF), pension, and gratuity, strengthening long-term financial security for workers.
• Gratuity for Fixed-Term Employees
  • Fixed-term employees are now eligible for gratuity after one year of service, reflecting modern labour market realities.
  • Previously, such workers often exited without terminal financial benefits despite productive contributions.
  • Extending gratuity coverage converts short-term employment into a tool for asset creation and income stability.
• Enhancing Financial Inclusion
  • PF, pension, and gratuity now function not merely as retirement benefits but as instruments of financial inclusion.
  • They enable workers to accumulate savings, manage life-cycle risks, and cushion income shocks during job transitions.
• Corporate Cost vs Worker Security
  • The reforms increase financial liabilities for large corporations with sizeable workforces and fixed-term employment.
  • However, these higher outflows directly translate into improved worker income security, stronger purchasing power, and broader social security coverage.
• Broader Economic Impact
  • Enhanced social security benefits contribute to:
    • Increased household consumption
    • Higher savings
    • Reduced vulnerability
  • The reform thus promotes fairer value distribution between capital and labour, reinforcing dignity and long-term stability in employment relations.

Macroeconomic Impact: Labour Codes and Inclusive Growth

• Expanding Social Security Coverage
  • The labour codes extend financial inclusion beyond organised workers to gig, platform, and unorganised workers.
  • For the first time, these groups are formally recognised under labour law, enabling access to insurance, provident fund mechanisms, and welfare schemes.
  • Portability of benefits across States and jobs is particularly crucial for migrant and informal workers historically excluded from stable financial systems.
• Strengthening Income Security
  • The Code on Wages introduces a universal wage definition, mandates statutory minimum wages, limits arbitrary deductions, and ensures timely payments.
  • These provisions stabilise incomes and enhance workers’ participation in the formal economy.
• Boost to Consumption and Savings
  • Redistribution of income toward workers increases purchasing power, encouraging higher consumption and improved savings behaviour.
  • Unlike shareholder income, worker income largely circulates within the domestic economy, supporting demand-led growth.
• Inclusive and Shock-Resilient Growth
  • By expanding social security and income protection, the labour codes reduce economic vulnerability and strengthen financial stability.
  • They serve as instruments of inclusive growth, reinforcing social cohesion and resilience against economic shocks.

Labour Law Reform: Modernisation Amid Opposition

• Outdated and Fragmented Legacy Framework
  • India’s earlier labour laws had become fragmented and outdated, ill-suited to a rapidly evolving labour market.
  • Consolidating them into four labour codes simplifies compliance, enhances transparency, and creates a more predictable regulatory environment for both workers and employers.
• Opposition and Implementation Concerns
  • While trade unions have raised concerns and called strikes, blanket opposition often overlooks the pro-worker provisions embedded in the codes.
  • Legitimate implementation challenges exist, but resistance driven by rhetoric risks obscuring tangible welfare gains.
• Structural Shift Toward Financial Inclusion
  • The labour codes represent more than regulatory restructuring.
  • By extending gratuity, broadening social security coverage, and closing legal exclusions, they promote financial inclusion and gradually redistribute economic value toward labour.
• Aligning Growth with Social Justice
  • By strengthening income security and financial dignity, the reforms aim to align economic growth with social justice.
  • Their long-term success will depend on effective implementation that ensures every worker benefits from India’s growth trajectory.