Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Strengthening the Unique Bond: India-Nepal Relations

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

Question : Examine the cooperation between India and Nepal in the power sector, especially in the context of the Joint Vision Statement (2022) and the long-term power trade agreement. How has this cooperation impacted Nepal’s hydro sector and electricity export potential?

Introduction:

• Nepal and India share a special relationship due to open borders, cultural ties, economic interdependence, and deep people-to-people connections.
• Both countries are working to further strengthen this bond.

India’s Significance for Nepal:

• Largest trading partner
• Top source of tourists
• Sole supplier of petroleum products
• Largest source of foreign investment
• Transit route for Nepal’s third-country trade
• Significant source of remittances from Nepalis working in India
• First responder during disasters (e.g., recent earthquake) – provided immediate relief and $75 million development package

New Initiatives:

• Addressing trade deficit (currently 18% of Nepal’s GDP)
• Reducing high transaction costs at borders
• Strengthening cross-border digital financial connectivity (mobile payments, money transfers)

Cooperation in Power Sector:

• Dramatic progress since signing the Joint Vision Statement (2022) on power sector cooperation
• Electricity export from Nepal to India reached 650 MW in 2023 (over Rs 10 billion earned)
• Long-term power trade agreement signed to export 10,000 MW from Nepal to India in 10 years
• Increased investor confidence in Nepal’s hydro sector
• Initiated new hydropower projects and cross-border transmission lines
• Facilitated Nepal’s electricity export to Bangladesh under a tripartite agreement (potential for 40 MW export in 2025)

Digital Space Cooperation:

• Established and enhanced digital financial connectivity
• Enabled mobile payments for Indian tourists in Nepal (Nepali citizens to follow soon)
• Streamlined mobile money transfer mechanism for workers in both countries
• Simplified bank account opening for Nepalis in India
• Straightforward process for Nepalis to obtain Aadhaar cards

Reducing Cross-Border Trade Costs:

• Constructing two new petroleum pipelines between India and Nepal (following the success of the Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline)
• Building two additional Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in Nepal to facilitate cargo and passenger movement
• Upgrading border roads and developing cross-border rail links (Raxaul-Kathmandu railway feasibility study completed, Ayodhya-Janakpur rail service under consideration)

Conclusion:

• The India-Nepal relationship is strong, but there are areas for improvement.
• Continued momentum in partnership and progress is essential.
• Utilizing established bilateral mechanisms to address cooperation, concerns, and boundary issues will ensure a robust relationship.

 

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : New Bharatiya Codes for Criminal Justice System in India

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Polity

 

Question : Discuss the significance of the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) in replacing the existing Indian criminal laws. How do these new codes address the long-standing issues in the criminal justice system?

Introduction:

• On July 1, 2024, three new codes replace existing laws:
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – Replaces Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
  • Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – Replaces Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – Replaces Indian Evidence Act, 1872

Positive aspects of the new codes:

• Address long-standing issues in criminal justice system:
  • Overcrowded jails with high number of undertrials
  • Delays in obtaining justice
  • Clogged courtrooms
• Introduce new measures:
  • Community service as punishment
  • Mandatory summary trials for petty offenses
  • Video conferencing for trials
  • Timelines for speedy trials
  • Criminalization of mob lynching and child marital rape

Areas for further improvement:

• Issues not addressed in the new codes:
  • Criminalizing marital rape
  • Making sexual offenses gender-neutral
  • Legalizing euthanasia
  • Revisiting sedition law
• Limited public consultation due to pandemic
• Lack of parliamentary debate due to suspension of opposition

States’ concerns:

• Translation delays for regional languages
• Provision allowing 14 days for police investigation before FIR
• Exclusion of Section 377 (protects against sexual assault of men)

Looking ahead:

• Ongoing debate and feedback crucial
• Importance of citizen and civil society involvement
• Need for police reform and judicial infrastructure improvements
• The new codes are a starting point, not a finished product

Conclusion:

• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam mark a significant step towards a more just and efficient legal system.
• Continuous adaptation and improvement are essential.