Current Affairs 15 September 2025
Content Pendency continues to plague SC as case backlog hits all-time high Cotton import duty cuts: The farms versus firms debate How serious is the global plastic pollution crisis? PM inaugurates India’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant India must invest more in accelerating diversification of food production: FAO Chief Economist Maximo Cullen Stop paying more for being a woman: avoid Pink Tax Kolhan tribe’s Manki-Munda system Operation Polo and Hyderabad’s accession to India China–Philippines tensions over Scarborough Shoal (South China Sea) Pendency continues to plague SC as case backlog hits all-time high Basics Event/Issue: Supreme Court pendency of cases has reached record levels, prompting judicial and administrative focus on workload management, bench strength, and case disposal efficiency. Background/Context: India’s apex court has historically faced rising backlog, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing thereafter. Increased filings, complex litigation, and limited judge strength contribute to delays. Fact/Data: As of 2025, the Supreme Court’s pending cases reached 88,417, including 69,553 civil and 18,864 criminal matters. Disposal rate in August 2025 was 5,667 cases, below fresh filings of 7,080. Relevance : GS-II (Judiciary, Access to Justice, Legal Reforms), GS-II/III (Social Issues: child marriage, gender rights). Why in News Recent data highlights sustained rise in pendency despite full judge strength (34 sanctioned judges). Collegium and government are actively working to fill Supreme Court vacancies quickly to maintain functioning at full strength. Overview Polity/Legal: Chief Justice and collegium have emphasized full bench strength to avoid even one vacancy. Successive Chief Justices have initiated reforms for increased benches and summer working schedules. Judicial recommendations stress timely appointments and efficient adjudication. Governance/Administrative: 21 benches worked during partial summer recess to manage backlog. Disposal rates still lag behind fresh filings, highlighting systemic inefficiencies. Economy: Minimal direct economic impact, but delayed dispute resolution affects investment, corporate litigation, and enforcement of contracts. Society: Backlog hinders redress in civil and criminal matters, affecting women and marginalized groups disproportionately. International: Judicial efficiency indices globally consider backlog; India’s Supreme Court pendency contrasts with courts in comparable democracies, impacting global rule-of-law perception. Challenges Persistent increase in filings surpassing disposal rate. Regional disparities in social and legal cases complicate prioritisation. Limited judge strength relative to workload. Administrative inefficiencies in case allocation and tracking. Ensuring timely appointments without political or procedural delays. Way Forward Maintain full sanctioned bench strength at all times; quick government action on collegium recommendations. Expand working benches and continue partial recess sittings when needed. Implement digital case management, AI-assisted prioritisation, and e-filing systems to streamline processes. Encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to reduce civil case load. Monitor social issue cases (child marriage, gender rights) for fast-track adjudication. Consider National Judicial Data Grid and real-time reporting for transparency and policymaking. Conclusion Supreme Court pendency reflects structural and administrative challenges that require coordinated action by the judiciary, executive, and technology interventions. Maintaining full bench strength, leveraging digital solutions, and prioritising social justice cases are key to improving access to justice. Cotton import duty cuts: The farms versus firms debate Basics Event/Issue: Removal of 11% import duty on cotton by the Indian government has triggered protests from farmers while being welcomed by the textile industry. Background/Context: India is a major global cotton producer and exporter, but rising global cotton supply, falling prices, and structural inefficiencies in the domestic cotton supply chain are creating price-parity challenges. Fact/Data: Cotton imports in 2024-25 jumped 77% to 5.25 lakh tonnes despite the import duty. Relevance : GS-III (Agriculture, Textile Industry, Trade Policy, Rural Livelihoods). Why in News Government lifted import duty on cotton, ostensibly to ease costs for the textile industry amid global trade pressures and high tariffs (e.g., 50% US tariffs on Indian apparel). Farmers oppose the move, arguing it lowers domestic prices and threatens livelihoods. The issue highlights structural weaknesses in Indian cotton R&D, productivity, and farm-to-firm linkages. Significance Cotton is a critical raw material for India’s textile sector, one of the largest employers, especially of women. Price declines affect farmers’ incomes; job losses in textile manufacturing impact rural and urban livelihoods. Policy decision reflects tension between farmer welfare and industrial competitiveness. Overview Polity/Legal: Balancing MSP, domestic procurement policies (Cotton Corporation of India), and trade liberalisation; political backlash from farmer unions. Governance/Administrative: Supply chain inefficiencies in farm-to-firm linkages; CCI procured 34% of production, signalling market distortions. Economy: Rising global supply lowers cotton prices; domestic costs are higher due to declining productivity, weak cotton-to-lint ratio, and high input costs; textile exporters face global tariff pressures. Society: Declining prices reduce farmer income, prompting crop shifts from cotton to paddy, soyabean, or groundnut. Job losses in women-dominated garment sector due to global supply chain adjustments. Environment/Science & Tech: Stagnant productivity; Bt cotton covers 95% of acreage but faces pest resistance; India lags in adoption of advanced technologies like Bollgard-III and CRISPR-based varieties. International: India’s cotton trade integrated with global markets; US tariffs, global price trends, and competition from Brazil, China, and Australia influence policy decisions. Challenges Domestic cotton prices remain higher than global prices, causing import dependence. Declining acreage and productivity, with crop shifts reducing supply. Technological stagnation: Bt cotton over two decades old, leading to pest resistance. Weak public investment in R&D, lagging behind global competitors. Balancing farmer welfare and industrial competitiveness amid global trade dynamics. Way Forward Increase public investment in cotton R&D focusing on high-yield, pest-resistant, climate-resilient varieties. Strengthen farm-to-firm linkages to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce costs. Encourage adoption of advanced biotechnology (Bollgard-III, CRISPR) in collaboration with private and international partners. Rationalise MSP and procurement policies to protect farmers while ensuring competitive domestic cotton for industry. Promote sustainable cotton cultivation practices to improve productivity and reduce input costs. Conclusion India’s cotton sector faces the dual challenge of global market pressures and domestic structural inefficiencies. Policy interventions must balance farmer welfare, industrial competitiveness, and technological upgrading to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience. How serious is the global plastic pollution crisis? Basics Event/Issue: Rapidly increasing plastic pollution is a major global environmental concern, affecting ecosystems, human health, socio-economic development, and climate. Background/Context: Plastics are widely used in packaging, consumer goods, textiles, and single-use items. Mismanagement of plastic waste leads to environmental contamination and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Fact/Data: Global plastic production reached 460 million tonnes in 2019, with only 9% recycled and 22% escaping waste management systems, often polluting terrestrial and aquatic environments. Relevance : GS-III (Environment, Pollution, Waste Management, Climate Change), GS-II (International Cooperation, Treaties). Why in News 2025 World Environment Day (June 5) focused on “Ending Plastic Pollution”. UNEP and UN member states are negotiating a legally binding international treaty to curb plastic pollution. Reports (OECD, Ocean Conservancy) highlight alarming trends: 11 million tonnes of plastic enter oceans annually; global plastic waste may reach 1.2 billion tonnes by 2060. Significance Plastics cause microplastic contamination from the poles to oceans, threatening biodiversity and marine ecosystems. Plastics contribute 3.4% of global GHG emissions; projected 19% of carbon budget by 2040. Microplastics enter food chains, impacting human and animal health. Plastic mismanagement burdens waste management systems, damages fisheries, tourism, and livelihoods. Overview Polity/Legal: Need for international treaty on plastic pollution; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and regulations on single-use plastics. Governance/Administrative: Strengthening waste management infrastructure; incentivising recycling through landfill/incineration taxes; adopting pay-as-you-throw systems. Economy: Promotion of circular economy; boosting markets for recycled plastics; reducing import dependence on petrochemical feedstocks. Society: Awareness campaigns, behavioural change, adoption of biodegradable/green alternatives; media engagement. Environment/Science & Tech: Development of eco-friendly alternatives, improved recycling technology, reduction of microplastic contamination, mitigation of carbon footprint. International: UN Environment Assembly goals, global cooperation on treaty and innovation, alignment with SDG targets (7, 12, 13, 14, 15). Challenges Limited recycling capacity (only 6% of plastics recycled globally). Widespread use of single-use and virgin plastics. Poor waste management in low-income regions, leading to ocean and terrestrial pollution. Industrial resistance and cost barriers to green alternatives. Enforcement of international agreements and national policies. Way Forward Legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, with clear timelines. Incentivise recycling and circular economy: EPR, landfill/incineration taxes, deposit-refund systems. Promote R&D in biodegradable plastics and innovative product design. Limit virgin plastic production; phase out unnecessary single-use plastics. Public awareness campaigns and media engagement to change consumption patterns. National policies aligned with UNEP goals and SDGs; international collaboration for technology transfer and best practices. Conclusion Plastic pollution is a multi-dimensional global crisis requiring coordinated international, national, and societal action. Without decisive measures, environmental, health, and economic costs will escalate by mid-century. PM inaugurates India’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant Basics Event/Issue: Inauguration of India’s first bamboo-based bioethanol plant in Golaghat, Assam, and foundation of a ₹7,230-crore polypropylene plant at Numaligarh Refinery. Background/Context: India’s energy imports are high; government aims for energy self-sufficiency, promotion of green energy, and rural economic development. Bamboo has recently been declassified as a tree, facilitating its commercial use. Fact/Data: The bioethanol plant will process 5 lakh tonnes of green bamboo annually to produce ~48,900 tonnes of ethanol, along with acetic acid, furfural, and liquid CO₂. Relevance : GS-III (Energy Security, Renewable Energy, Rural Development, Bioeconomy). Why in News PM Modi inaugurated the bamboo-based ethanol plant and laid the foundation for the polypropylene plant. Emphasis on energy self-sufficiency, clean energy, and leveraging Assam’s resources. Highlighted benefits for local farmers and tribal communities via procurement of bamboo. Noted alignment with deep-water hydrocarbon exploration and green energy initiatives. Significance Energy Security: Reduces India’s dependence on fossil fuel imports. Sustainable Development: Promotes renewable energy and circular economy (“zero-waste” model). Rural Economy: Generates employment and income for northeastern farmers/tribals. Industrial Growth: Strengthens northeast’s industrial capacity, linking agriculture and energy sectors. Exam Relevance: Connects GS-III topics: Energy Security, Renewable Energy, Rural Development, Bioeconomy. Overview Polity/Legal: Bamboo reclassification enables commercial harvesting; reflects central-state coordination in resource utilization. Governance/Administrative: NITI Aayog and Ministry of Petroleum alignment in promoting green energy; implementation of procurement policies benefiting local communities. Economy: Boost of ₹200 crore to Assam’s rural economy; diversification from hydrocarbons to bio-based chemicals; potential import substitution. Society: Empowers tribal and rural populations; provides livelihoods while reducing illegal bamboo harvesting conflicts. Environment/Science & Tech: First-of-its-kind “green bamboo” ethanol plant; supports circular bioeconomy and carbon-neutral fuel initiatives; aligns with clean energy targets. International: Joint venture with Finland’s Fortum and Chempolis OY demonstrates technology transfer and foreign investment in renewable energy. Challenges Sustainable sourcing of 5 lakh tonnes of bamboo annually without ecological degradation. Integration with local communities and ensuring fair procurement prices. Technological adaptation and scaling up of bamboo-to-ethanol conversion. Market competitiveness vis-à-vis fossil fuels and other biofuels. Monitoring environmental impact (water use, effluents, carbon footprint). Way Forward Strengthen supply chains via cooperative models with farmers/tribals. NITI Aayog/ARC recommendation: replicate bamboo ethanol model in other northeastern states. Encourage R&D in advanced bio-refineries and circular bioeconomy. Align with SDG-7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) and SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption & Production). Explore export potential and international collaborations in biofuels and biochemicals. Conclusion The bamboo-based bioethanol plant represents a strategic step toward India’s energy self-reliance, sustainable industrial growth, and rural empowerment. Continued focus on environmental safeguards and community engagement will determine its long-term success. India must invest more in accelerating diversification of food production: FAO Chief Economist Maximo Cullen Basics Definition: Food security implies physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. A “healthy diet” includes diverse food groups—fruits, vegetables, proteins, cereals. Context: FAO’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report tracks affordability of healthy diets globally. Fact: In 2024, 40.4% of Indians (~60 crore people) could not afford a healthy meal, down from 74.1% in 2021 (FAO estimate, revised methodology). Relevance : GS-II (Food Security, Right to Food, Governance), GS-III (Agriculture, Nutrition, Climate-Smart Farming). Why in News FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero Cullen, in an interview, highlighted India’s improved but still high food insecurity numbers, urging diversification of production beyond cereals. Emphasis on India’s critical role in global Zero Hunger (SDG-2) by 2030. Overview Polity/Legal Right to food part of Article 21 (Right to Life); enforced via National Food Security Act (2013). Judicial recognition in PUCL vs Union of India (2001) expanded food rights. Governance/Administrative NFSA covers ~81 crore people with subsidised cereals, but lacks focus on protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods. Need for convergence with Poshan Abhiyaan, ICDS, Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM Poshan). Economy High cost of diverse diets due to supply-chain bottlenecks, storage losses, and tariffs. Cereal-centric MSP procurement distorts cropping patterns. Diversification (pulses, horticulture) can boost farmers’ incomes and reduce dietary costs. Society Malnutrition persists: NFHS-5 shows 35.5% of children under 5 stunted, 19.3% wasted. Gender dimension: Women and children disproportionately affected. Environment/Science & Tech Diversification aligns with climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, and soil health. Pulses fix nitrogen, reduce chemical fertiliser use. International India central to SDG-2 (Zero Hunger) due to scale. Tariff wars risk fragmenting food trade, creating inefficiencies and uncertainties. India’s export bans (e.g., rice) affect global markets, raising food insecurity elsewhere. Challenges Persistent malnutrition despite NFSA coverage. High prices of fruits, vegetables, pulses. Policy bias towards cereals (wheat, rice). Post-harvest losses, weak cold storage. Trade uncertainties due to global tariff wars. Way Forward Diversification: Shift from cereal-heavy procurement to pulses, oilseeds, horticulture (as recommended by Shanta Kumar Committee). Nutrition-sensitive policies: Integrate dietary diversity into NFSA and welfare schemes. Infrastructure: Invest in cold chains, logistics, and farmer-producer organisations. Market reforms: Rationalise tariffs, stabilise food trade policies. Best Practices: Brazil’s “Zero Hunger” programme linked agriculture with nutrition. SDG-aligned policies: Focus on affordability and sustainability together. Conclusion India has made notable progress in reducing food insecurity, but with 40% of people still unable to afford a healthy diet, urgent steps are needed in diversification, affordability, and nutrition-sensitive governance to meet SDG-2 and secure its role as a global leader in the fight against hunge Stop paying more for being a woman: avoid Pink Tax Basics Definition: Pink Tax is not an actual government tax but a pricing phenomenon where products and services targeted at women cost more than those for men. Origin: Term believed to have originated in California, 1994. Global Example: US studies show women’s personal care products are ~13% costlier than men’s. Relevance : GS-II (Women’s Rights, Gender Justice, Consumer Protection), GS-III (Economic Empowerment of Women). Why in News Growing awareness in India after the 2018 GST exemption on sanitary napkins/tampons. Recent discussions highlight how gender-based pricing affects household savings and women’s economic participation. Overview Polity/Legal No dedicated Indian law against Pink Tax. NCDRC ruling: Companies must follow fair pricing, avoid gender-based discrimination. Relates to CEDAW (Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) commitments. Governance/Administrative Lack of regulatory guidelines on gender-neutral pricing. Need for Consumer Protection Authorities to take proactive role. Economy Increases cost of living for women despite gender wage gap (India’s women earn ~20–30% less on average). Reduces disposable income, impacting savings and consumption patterns. Society Reinforces stereotypes via “pink packaging” and gendered marketing. Burdens households where women are non-earning members. International US & UK: Studies confirm systemic higher costs for women’s products (deodorants, clothing, dry cleaning). UN (2017): Called on states to end gender-based price discrimination. Challenges Low awareness: ~67% of Indians have never heard of Pink Tax (IFSA study). Cultural acceptance of gendered marketing. Weak regulatory monitoring. Lack of affordable gender-neutral alternatives. Way Forward Legal/Policy: Draft gender-neutral pricing guidelines under Consumer Protection Act. Consider anti-discrimination provisions under Competition law. Awareness: Consumer education on comparing unit costs, demanding fair pricing. Market Solutions: Promote gender-neutral brands and unisex services (salons, clothing). Global Best Practices: Some US states banned gender-based pricing in services. EU consumer advocacy campaigns for transparency. Conclusion The Pink Tax highlights a subtle but systemic form of gender inequality in markets. India needs a mix of legal safeguards, consumer awareness, and industry responsibility to ensure fair pricing and protect women’s economic rights. Kolhan tribe’s Manki-Munda system Basics Issue: Recent protests in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district by Ho Adivasis over interference in their traditional Manki-Munda self-governance system. Background: The system is a hereditary, village-based governance structure with Munda (village head) and Manki (overseeing 15 villages). It predates colonial rule and was codified by the Wilkinson’s Rules (1837). Fact: The system covers ~3,000 villages across Kolhan region (Ho-majority). Relevance : GS-I (Indian Society, Tribal Culture), GS-II (Panchayati Raj, PESA Act, Customary Governance). Why in News Ho tribal groups accused the Deputy Commissioner of interfering in their customary system by removing Mundas. DC later clarified the protest was based on misinformation but issued a directive to bring transparency in functioning. Overview Polity/Legal Wilkinson’s Rules gave formal recognition to Manki-Munda authority. Courts (2000, Patna HC) noted they are customs, not laws, but still practiced. Tension with PESA Act (1996) and Panchayati Raj institutions. Governance/Administrative Dual system: state administration vs traditional heads. Creates friction over accountability, transparency, and adaptation to democratic norms. Mundas often lack education, making record-keeping and modern administration difficult. Economy Originally ensured land protection; now complicated by zamindari legacy, revenue demands, and land alienation. Protests highlight fear of losing land rights under state intervention. Society System fosters community cohesion and respect for customary authority. But hereditary leadership may exclude capable individuals and limit representation of women and youth. International (comparative) Similar indigenous governance debates exist worldwide (e.g., Maori in New Zealand, First Nations in Canada). Global best practice: blending customary systems with constitutional democracy. Challenges Clash between hereditary traditional authority and democratic state structures. Lack of transparency, exclusion of women/youth, hereditary rigidity. Land alienation, revenue pressures, and poor documentation of rights. Administrative conflict between PESA institutions and Wilkinson’s Rules. Rising distrust between state officials and tribal communities. Way Forward Codify reforms: Harmonize Wilkinson’s Rules with PESA Act provisions. Capacity-building: Train Manki-Mundas in record-keeping, legal literacy, and governance. Participatory approach: Ensure women/youth representation within customary councils. Legal clarity: State government should revisit the system via consultation, possibly through a commission of inquiry. Global learnings: Adopt hybrid governance models (e.g., Maori councils with legal powers in NZ). Conclusion The Manki-Munda system reflects the deep cultural autonomy of the Ho community, but to remain relevant in the 21st century, it must be reformed and integrated with democratic governance while safeguarding tribal identity and rights. Operation Polo and Hyderabad’s accession to India: Basics Event: Operation Polo (Sept 13–17, 1948) was India’s military action that led to the integration of the princely state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. Background: Hyderabad, ruled by the Nizam, was the largest princely state (2 lakh sq. km., 16 million population, majority Hindus under a Muslim ruler). Fact: The Nizam refused to accede to India post-1947, leading to military intervention. Relevance : GS-I (Modern Indian History), GS-II (Polity: Federalism, Integration) Why in News The editorial marks the 77th anniversary (Sept 2025) of Operation Polo, reflecting on the political, social, and military aspects of Hyderabad’s merger with India. Overview Polity/Legal The Instrument of Accession was the legal basis for merging princely states. Hyderabad’s refusal posed a constitutional crisis—could a large independent enclave exist within Indian territory? Operation Polo reinforced India’s unity and territorial integrity. Governance/Administrative Post-accession, Hyderabad was placed under military administration until Dec 1949. Later, civilian governance was restored, and elections were held in 1952. Demonstrated the importance of central authority in unifying governance structures. Economy Hyderabad was rich in agriculture, textiles, and culture but feudal landholding and oppressive taxation led to agrarian distress. Land reforms and integration opened Hyderabad to wider economic modernization. Society Hindu majority faced repression under the Nizam’s Razakars (paramilitary group). Social tensions, religious polarization, and peasant movements (e.g., Telangana armed struggle) shaped public opinion in favor of integration. International The Nizam sought UN and Commonwealth intervention. India’s swift action prevented internationalization of the Hyderabad issue, unlike Kashmir. Challenges Religious violence during Razakar brutality and after integration. Managing international criticism of India’s “police action.” Ensuring smooth governance transition from monarchy to democracy. Reintegrating diverse linguistic regions (Telugu, Kannada, Marathi) under one state. Way Forward Lessons for present-day federal integration: dialogue first, but decisive action if national unity is threatened. Promote inclusive governance to address regional grievances (learning from Telangana struggle). Strengthen historical awareness: integrate Operation Polo in public discourse as part of India’s nation-building journey. Use constitutional safeguards (Art. 355, 356, special provisions) carefully for balancing unity with diversity. Conclusion Operation Polo symbolized India’s resolve to integrate princely states into a united democratic nation. While marked by violence, it laid the foundation for political stability, democratic governance, and India’s federal structure. China–Philippines tensions over Scarborough Shoal (South China Sea) Basics Event: China has announced the creation of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Background: Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Dao by China / Panatag Shoal by Philippines) is a strategic atoll, ~200 km off the Philippines coast and within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Fact: The South China Sea carries annual trade worth $3 trillion; it is also rich in fisheries and hydrocarbon resources. Relevance : GS-II (International Relations, Maritime Law, UNCLOS), GS-III (Security, Trade, Indo-Pacific Strategy) Why in News China approved a 3,524-hectare marine nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines reacted strongly, accusing China of damaging coral reefs and violating international law. Tensions revived over sovereignty, fishing rights, and maritime security. Overview Polity/Legal UNCLOS (1982) grants EEZ rights to the Philippines within 200 nautical miles. Permanent Court of Arbitration (2016) rejected China’s “nine-dash line” claim, but China does not recognize the verdict. Raises questions about international law enforcement and arbitral authority. Governance/Administrative Philippines struggles with limited coast guard/naval capacity compared to China’s maritime militia and coast guard. Managing fisheries and marine environment requires cooperative mechanisms, not unilateral actions. Economy Scarborough Shoal is a fishing hotspot, vital for Philippines’ coastal communities. Disruption threatens food security and livelihoods. Trade security through South China Sea is critical for global supply chains. Society Filipino fishermen face harassment, reducing income and deepening social tensions. Rising nationalism in both countries complicates diplomatic resolution. Environment/Science & Tech China claims “nature reserve” status, but dredging, coral destruction, and militarization contradict ecological aims. Marine biodiversity loss impacts regional ecology. International US–Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (1951) covers South China Sea after recent updates. China–US rivalry sharpens, making the shoal a potential flashpoint. ASEAN divided between pro-China and pro-US positions, weakening collective response. Challenges China’s rejection of international arbitration rulings. Asymmetry of military and coast guard capabilities between China and Philippines. Risk of accidental escalation from maritime confrontations. Weak enforcement of environmental safeguards. ASEAN’s lack of unity on South China Sea Code of Conduct. Way Forward Strengthen UNCLOS-based dispute resolution; push for binding ASEAN–China Code of Conduct. Philippines to enhance maritime domain awareness (satellites, AI-based surveillance) with Quad/US support. Promote joint development of resources (as done in some ASEAN disputes) while shelving sovereignty claims. Environmental safeguards under SDG-14 (Life Below Water) to balance ecology with security. India and like-minded nations to support freedom of navigation under Indo-Pacific strategies. Conclusion The Scarborough Shoal dispute reflects the larger contest between international law and power politics in the South China Sea. A rules-based, cooperative approach is the only sustainable way forward to ensure peace, ecology, and regional stability.