Context Chandigarh case shows POSH Act works rarely; highlights low conviction, procedural gaps, and power imbalance in campuses. Key Issues in POSH Act • Consent ≠ informed consent → law ignores manipulation, emotional coercion, power imbalance.• 3-month filing limit unrealistic; trauma delays reporting.• Terminology (“respondent”) softens seriousness.• Burden of proof on woman; law ignores behavioural patterns & circumstantial evidence.• No mechanism for inter-institutional complaints (common in academia).• Fear of “malicious complaint” clause retraumatises victims. Digital Age Gaps • Harassment now via disappearing messages, encrypted chats.• ICCs lack training; no standard protocol for digital evidence.• Risk: tech loopholes allow offenders to escape. What Needs Reform (2025) • Clearer definitions: informed consent, emotional & digital abuse.• Extend complaint timelines.• Accept behavioural & circumstantial evidence.• Joint ICCs across institutions.• Digital forensics training + national guidelines.• Victim-centric processes to prevent re-trauma. Mains Question (as in doc) “Despite being a landmark legislation, the POSH Act, 2013 struggles to deliver justice in educational institutions.”Examine the conceptual and procedural gaps in the law and suggest reforms needed in the context of the digital age.(10 marks)
Assam Polygamy Ban: Key Highlights for UPSC Current Affairs 2025
Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 seeks to criminalise polygamy to protect women and curb fraudulent marriages. Core Provisions • Criminal offence: Second marriage during subsistence of first.• Penalty:• Up to 7 years jail + ₹1 lakh fine (general offence).• Up to 10 years for hiding an existing marriage.• Up to ₹1.5 lakh fine for priests/qazis who knowingly solemnise such marriages.• Abetment liability: Parents/guardians delaying or hiding information punishable.• Jurisdiction extended to Assam residents even if marriage occurs outside the State. Exemptions • Scheduled Tribes under Article 342.• Sixth Schedule areas (due to customary marital practices). Rationale • To protect women, reduce marital exploitation, and standardise personal law practices for social order.
Major Takeaways from COP30 (Belém, Brazil)
Health, Forests, and Human-Centered Climate Action Climate Governance, Finance, and Negotiation Processes Technology, Transparency, and Ethical Climate Action Energy Transition & Global Cooperation Initiatives India’s Position
Conference of the Parties (COP)
What COP Is and How It Works? Structure & Key Functions Major Historical Milestones First Global Stocktake (2023): Assessment of global progress and gaps under Paris Agreement.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Introduction Institutional Mechanism ASEAN’s work is carried out through: Evolution and Major Milestones ASEAN Summit 2025 – Key Outcomes The 47th ASEAN Summit and 20th East Asia Summit were held in Kuala Lumpur (25–28 October 2025). Important outcomes: Significance of ASEAN for India Challenges in ASEAN–India Relations Way Forward for ASEAN–India Engagement
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
Origin Membership and Institutional Structure Full Members China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Belarus. Permanent Bodies Main Organs Objectives and Core Mandate Key Areas of Cooperation Security Economic and Energy Cooperation Connectivity Initiatives Cultural & People-to-People Cooperation India’s Role and Interests in SCO
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
What is EPFO? Institutional Structure Understanding the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS)
Juvenile Justice Board (JJB)
Composition Powers Functions Significance
Just Transition
What Just Transition Means Core principles include: What Just Transition Means Core principles include: Why Just Transition Is Needed Key Challenges Major Initiatives India’s Efforts Global Efforts Way Forward Strengthen renewable-energy infrastructure, including transmission upgrades and grid modernisation. Key Challenges Major Initiatives India’s Efforts Global Efforts Way Forward Strengthen renewable-energy infrastructure, including transmission upgrades and grid modernisation.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
About the Scheme Major Achievements Key Strategic Initiatives Significance Supports gender inclusion and climate-preparedness in coastal and inland fisheries.
