DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme, which was introduced by the Ministry of Law & Justice under the Nirbhaya Fund, is an initiative aimed at expediting the trial of rape and child sexual abuse cases, particularly under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

Key Features of the Fast Track Special Courts Scheme

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: The FTSCs are funded by the Nirbhaya Fund, which was established to enhance women’s safety and support initiatives against gender-based violence.
• Target for Disposal: Each FTSC is tasked with disposing of at least 165 cases annually. This sets a benchmark for the pace at which these courts must process cases.
• Extension and Scope: The FTSC Scheme has been extended twice, and the latest extension is valid until March 31, 2026, aiming to establish 790 FTSCs across India. This reflects the government's commitment to addressing the backlog of cases and ensuring timely justice for victims.
• Case Backlog: The Supreme Court of India directed in July 2019 that districts with over 100 pending POCSO cases should establish exclusive special courts for their speedy resolution. This directive was in response to the mounting backlog and the urgency to expedite these sensitive cases.
• Timely Justice Mandate: The POCSO Act mandates that special courts must conclude trials within one year from the date of taking cognizance of the offense, emphasizing the importance of quick justice.

Challenges Faced by the Fast Track Special Courts

1. Insufficient Number of FTSCs:
   • Operational FTSCs: As of June 2025, around 725 FTSCs (including 392 exclusive POCSO courts) are operational across 29 states and union territories. However, there is a significant gap, with only around 700 functional courts out of 1,023 sanctioned.
   • Backlog: Estimates suggest that 1,000 more FTSCs are needed to effectively clear the case backlog, which continues to grow, hindering the efficiency of the courts.
2. Quality Concerns:
   • Political Gimmick Allegation: Critics argue that the concept of fast-tracking one case may delay the others, as it often involves reallocating the same judges to handle urgent cases, leading to inefficiency.
   • Overburdened Judges: Fast-tracking cases without increasing the number of judges can cause delays and affect the quality of justice.
3. Lack of Specialized Support:
   • Victim-Friendly Facilities: Many FTSCs lack victim-friendly environments such as Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers (VWDCs) for the sensitive recording of testimonies and the provision of female prosecutors or counselors to guide the victims through the legal process.
   • Child-Friendly Measures: Child victims often face trauma during trials. The absence of specialized support such as child psychologists or in-camera trials can hinder the effective delivery of justice.

Recent Performance and Impact

Despite these challenges, the FTSCs have made significant progress:

• Disposal Rate: In 2024, the FTSCs achieved a 96% disposal rate, underscoring the impact of the scheme. However, the slow disposal rate (around 43% of cases disposed of as of June 2025) remains a concern, especially given the gravity of the crimes involved.
• Victim Confidence: The slow disposal rate can undermine public confidence in the justice system’s ability to swiftly address rape and child sexual abuse cases. Timely justice is critical in such cases not only for victim rehabilitation but also for creating a deterrent effect.

Measures to Strengthen Fast Track Special Courts

1. Judicial Improvements:
   • Specialized Judges: Appoint special judges specifically for POCSO and rape cases who are trained and sensitized to handle such sensitive matters.
   • Training for Judges and Prosecutors: Ensure all judges and public prosecutors, especially female prosecutors, undergo sensitization training on handling sexual abuse and gender-based violence cases.
2. Victim Support Facilities:
   • Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers (VWDCs): Establish VWDCs in all districts to ensure victims (especially children) can give their testimonies in a supportive, child-friendly environment, away from the pressures of the courtroom.
   • Child Psychologists and Support Staff: Deploy child psychologists in FTSCs to provide pre-trial and trial support to victims. This would help ease the emotional and psychological burden on victims during legal proceedings.
3. Technological Upgrades:
   • Courtroom Technology: Upgrade courtrooms with audio-video recording systems, LCD projectors, and better IT systems for e-filing and digital records, which can help speed up the case resolution process.
   • Online Tracking Systems: Develop online systems that allow real-time tracking of cases, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
4. Forensic Strengthening:
   • Expanding Forensic Labs: Invest in expanding the capacity of forensic labs and ensuring timely DNA testing and other forensic reports, which are often crucial for resolving sexual abuse and rape cases swiftly.

Conclusion

While the Fast Track Special Courts Scheme has made substantial progress in addressing the backlog of rape and child sexual abuse cases, the slow disposal rate remains a significant challenge. The scheme’s effectiveness hinges on addressing infrastructure gaps, judicial overburden, and the lack of victim-friendly facilities. Strengthening these areas through judicial reforms, better support systems, and technological advancements will be crucial to ensuring the success of FTSCs in delivering timely justice for the victims of these grave crimes

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India struck down the Indian Army’s policy that limited the appointment of women officers to only the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch and excluded women from serving in counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism operations. This decision is a critical step toward ensuring gender equality in the Indian Army and reflects the broader societal shift towards inclusivity and diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Key Directives from the Supreme Court’s Ruling

1. Common Merit List for JAG Recruitment:
   • The Supreme Court ruled that the Army and Union Government could no longer limit the number of women officers in the JAG branch once they are permitted entry under the Army Act, 1950.
   • The Court directed the Indian Army to prepare a single merit-based list for recruitment, ensuring selection based solely on merit, and not gender. This ruling ensures that women are not discriminated against in the JAG recruitment process.
2. Equal Opportunity in Combat-Support Roles:
   • The Court highlighted that exclusion of women from counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism operations is unconstitutional. It emphasized that gender equality should prevail, as no legal basis exists for restricting women's participation in such vital defense roles.
   • The Court also stressed that no country can be secure when half its population is held back from contributing to national security.
3. Proven Operational Capability of Women:
   • The Supreme Court pointed to the successful careers of women in the Indian Armed Forces as proof of their capability in high-risk, demanding roles. It mentioned examples of women officers who excelled in operational and combat situations:
     • Captain Ojaswita Shree and Major Dwipannita Kalita (both serving in high-risk duties)
     • Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh (a combat pilot)
     • Major Gopika Bhatti, who led a convoy in militant-prone areas
     • Colonel Anshu Jamwal, who served in UN peacekeeping missions in combat zones

These examples undermine the argument that women lack the capability to perform in counter-insurgency or counter-terror roles.

Previous Supreme Court Rulings on Women in the Armed Forces

• Secretary, Ministry of Defence vs. Babita Puniya (2020):
  • The Supreme Court ruled that Permanent Commission (PC) should be available to women officers in all branches of the Army, where Short Service Commission (SSC) is available.
  • The Court also ruled that denying women the opportunity to hold command positions was a violation of Article 14 (Equality before Law) of the Indian Constitution.
• Kush Kalra vs. Union of India (2021):
  • The Court allowed women to enter the National Defence Academy (NDA), enabling them to train for permanent commissions, alongside their male counterparts.

Nari Shakti in Defence: Women’s Growing Role

Over the past decade, the role of women in India’s defence forces has expanded significantly:

• The number of women in India’s armed forces has risen from around 3,000 in 2014 to over 11,000 by 2025.
• The National Defence Academy (NDA) inducted its first 17 female cadets in 2022, and since then, 126 women have joined in four batches. This marks a historic step toward integrating women into both combat-support and operational roles.

Significance of Women in the Defence Forces

1. Enhancing Operational Effectiveness:
   • Women bring diverse skills that enhance modern military operations, particularly in fields like intelligence, logistics, and humanitarian missions. This diversity improves situational awareness, decision-making, and overall operational efficiency in conflict zones.
2. Strengthening Peace and Security:
   • Women in the defence sector play an essential role in protecting vulnerable populations, especially women and children, during conflicts. Their involvement makes security strategies more holistic and responsive to societal needs.
3. Social Impact:
   • Women in senior military roles act as role models and mentors to younger officers, helping to boost morale and promote career growth. Their presence challenges traditional gender stereotypes, influencing future generations.
   • During Operation Sindoor, Col. Sofia Qureshi and Wg Cdr. Vyomika Singh exemplified leadership and professionalism, having a lasting social impact in challenging military operations.
4. Gender Equality and Representation:
   • Integrating women into the armed forces reflects broader societal progress, ensuring gender representation in a field that has historically excluded them. This upholds constitutional values, specifically Articles 14, 15, and 16, and promotes equality and human rights within the armed forces.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a monumental shift in the way women are viewed in the Indian armed forces, reflecting a broader movement towards gender equality and inclusivity in critical national security roles. By removing barriers and ensuring gender-neutral selection processes, the Court has paved the way for women officers to contribute equally in combat-support and operational roles. This shift is not only a victory for women in the military but also for society as a whole, aligning the defense forces with the principles of equality, meritocracy, and human rights

India, home to diverse agricultural systems, has recently gained recognition for hosting three Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). This milestone was highlighted by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the Lok Sabha, underscoring India’s significant contribution to preserving traditional agricultural knowledge and sustainable farming practices.

About the GIAHS Programme

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) is a programme initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), launched at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002. The programme seeks to recognize, conserve, and promote globally significant agricultural systems that are at risk due to threats like climate change, biodiversity loss, and community displacement.

Objectives of the GIAHS Programme:

1. Conservation and Sustainable Adaptation: The aim is to balance the conservation of agricultural traditions with the socioeconomic development of communities involved in traditional farming practices.
2. Mitigation of Threats: GIAHS helps mitigate the global challenges faced by family farming systems, particularly related to environmental changes and socioeconomic pressures.
3. Multistakeholder Approach: The programme encourages collaboration between various stakeholders, including local farmers, government bodies, and international organizations, for sustainable development.
4. Technical Assistance and Market Development: It provides technical support to improve farming practices and also promotes the value of traditional agricultural knowledge. Additionally, GIAHS stimulates agrotourism, market opportunities, and the marketing of agricultural products from these heritage systems.

India's Three GIAHS Recognized Areas

India currently hosts three distinct GIAHS sites, each representing unique agricultural systems that combine traditional practices with sustainable farming methods. These areas not only preserve agricultural biodiversity but also support local cultures and economies.

1. Koraput Region, Odisha:
   • Agricultural Focus: The Koraput region is renowned for its subsistence paddy cultivation on highland slopes. It is a genetic treasure trove of paddy landraces and farmer-developed rice varieties.
   • Cultural Significance: The region is deeply interwoven with tribal communities, whose traditional knowledge systems play a crucial role in maintaining the diverse agricultural practices. These communities also rely on medicinal plants and have developed unique techniques for managing agricultural biodiversity.
   • Biodiversity and Conservation: The region holds rich genetic resources of medicinal plants and other agricultural species, contributing to the socioeconomic development of the local communities while preserving biodiversity.
2. Kuttanad System, Kerala:
   • Agricultural Landscape: The Kuttanad system is a below-sea-level farming landscape in Kerala, which is famous for its integration of wetlands for paddy cultivation, fish catching, and coconut farming. The region also relies heavily on inland water bodies for fishing and shell collection.
   • Unique Practices: This system is an example of eco-friendly agriculture where intercropping, fish farming, and coconut cultivation are seamlessly integrated. The combination of agriculture and aquaculture has led to a sustainable farming system that is also resilient to environmental challenges.
   • Environmental and Economic Benefits: The Kuttanad farming system plays an essential role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, particularly flooding, and supports the livelihoods of the local population.
3. Saffron Park, Kashmir:
   • Agricultural Focus: The Saffron Park in Kashmir is characterized by its traditional saffron cultivation. The farming system is based on intercropping, which helps maintain soil health and enhances biodiversity.
   • Cultural Heritage: Kashmir's saffron is renowned worldwide for its unique quality. The traditional farming practices are deeply rooted in the region’s agro-pastoral culture, where farming and livestock rearing are integral.
   • Sustainability: The farming practices here are organic, using natural fertilizers and traditional irrigation methods, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices that preserve the local environment.

Significance of the GIAHS Programme

1. Conservation of Traditional Knowledge: The GIAHS programme not only promotes the sustainable use of land and water resources but also preserves traditional agricultural practices, which are deeply connected with local culture and history.
2. Climate Resilience: By promoting agricultural systems that have been adapted to local environmental conditions over centuries, the GIAHS programme helps make agriculture more resilient to climate change. These systems often use natural resources efficiently and rely on biodiversity for pest control and soil fertility.
3. Economic Empowerment of Local Communities: Through initiatives like agrotourism and the promotion of local produce, GIAHS supports the economic development of the communities who depend on these agricultural systems. This can help reduce the out-migration of people from rural areas and provide a sustainable livelihood.
4. Global Recognition: The recognition of these agricultural systems as GIAHS helps in bringing international attention to the need for the preservation of agricultural diversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. It also boosts the global visibility of Indian agriculture and its traditional systems.

Conclusion

The inclusion of India’s Koraput, Kuttanad, and Saffron Park regions as GIAHS sites is a significant achievement for the country’s agricultural heritage. These systems serve as models of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and cultural preservation. The GIAHS programme highlights the importance of maintaining traditional farming systems while adapting to modern environmental and socio-economic challenges.

The Made in India Label Scheme has recently been supported by a proposed allocation of INR 995 crores over the next three years, a move that highlights the Indian government’s commitment to promoting domestic manufacturing and enhancing the brand reputation of Indian-made products.

About the Made in India Label Scheme

The Made in India Label Scheme is a voluntary certification initiative aimed at supporting manufacturers by boosting the visibility and credibility of products that are manufactured in India. This scheme is designed to ensure that products made in India have an identity based on origin and quality, giving them a competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.

Key Features of the Scheme:

1. Brand Recognition: It aims to strengthen the reputation of products manufactured in India, emphasizing their authenticity and quality.
2. Voluntary Certification: Manufacturers can voluntarily apply for this certification, helping them demonstrate that their products meet certain quality standards and are truly made in India.
3. Product Origin: The label guarantees the authenticity of the products and helps consumers easily identify items that are crafted with locally sourced raw materials.
4. QR Code and Logo: The label comes with a QR code and a logo that provide additional details such as location of manufacturing, label validity, and product-specific information. This helps consumers verify the product’s origin and quality.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Made in India Label has several key objectives aimed at improving both the domestic market reach and the global competitiveness of Indian products:

1. Identity Creation: The label helps products build a distinct identity based on their origin and quality, facilitating better recognition in the marketplace.
2. Branding and Quality Recognition: It fosters a mechanism to qualify and brand Indian-origin products, ensuring they are perceived as authentic and high-quality by consumers.
3. Domestic and International Recognition: The label helps in recognizing Indian-made products in both domestic and international markets, allowing them to stand out in a competitive landscape.
4. Competitive Advantage: By displaying this label, products can gain an edge in the market by indicating their authenticity, differentiation, and quality, helping them compete against other international brands.

Eligibility Criteria for the Label

To qualify for the Made in India Label, the following criteria must be met:

1. Manufacturing or Assembly in India: The product must be manufactured or assembled wholly or substantially in India. This includes using a significant amount of local raw materials or components in the production process.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Each product must meet specific quality standards and manufacturing criteria established by relevant regulatory bodies before it can be granted permission to use the label.
3. Voluntary Participation: The certification is voluntary, allowing manufacturers the option to seek certification as a way to gain trust and recognition in the market.

Stakeholders Involved

• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT): The initiative is led by the DPIIT, which is responsible for promoting industrial growth and trade within India.
• Quality Council of India (QCI): The QCI is actively involved in ensuring the standards of the scheme and maintaining the quality of certified products.
• India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF): The IBEF works alongside the DPIIT, advising and promoting Indian products internationally to enhance the brand’s presence in the global market.

Impact and Future Prospects

1. Increased Export Potential: By creating a recognizable label that guarantees quality and authenticity, Indian products can gain a stronger foothold in global markets, leading to increased exports.
2. Empowering Local Manufacturers: It supports local manufacturers by enhancing their credibility, helping them compete with international brands both domestically and abroad.
3. Economic Growth: As the domestic manufacturing sector becomes more competitive, the scheme could lead to greater economic growth and job creation, especially in the manufacturing and assembly sectors.
4. Consumer Confidence: The label's transparency, backed by certification standards, helps build trust among consumers, ensuring they can easily identify high-quality, locally manufactured products.
5. Sustainability: The scheme may also encourage more sustainable manufacturing practices by promoting the use of locally sourced raw materials and emphasizing eco-friendly production methods.

Conclusion

The Made in India Label Scheme is an important step towards fostering a strong, competitive, and globally recognized Indian manufacturing sector. By ensuring that products made in India are identifiable, high-quality, and traceable, the government aims to promote self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and boost the global presence of Indian products.

Recently, Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization, organized an awareness program under the theme “Conservation and Coexistence” at the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Morigaon district. The initiative aimed to engage local communities and raise awareness about the importance of conservation, especially the protection of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros and other wildlife species in the sanctuary.

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant wildlife haven located in Assam, specifically in the eastern region of Guwahati, and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary plays a vital role in the conservation of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, with the highest density of these rhinos in India.

Key Facts:

• Established: 1998
• Area: 48.81 sq.km.
• Location: Located in Morigaon district, Assam, near Guwahati.

The sanctuary is formed by the Rajamayong and Pobitora Reserve Forests, both of which contribute to its ecological diversity. It is also part of the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 program, which aims to increase the population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros through breeding and conservation efforts.

Flora and Fauna

• Flora:
  • The sanctuary is predominantly covered by wet savannah vegetation like Arundo donax, Erianthus ravennae, and Saccharum spp. These plants contribute to the region's unique ecosystem.
  • Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) is a major concern as it forms dense mats on water surfaces, which disrupt waterfowl habitats.
• Fauna:
  • Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros: The sanctuary holds the highest density of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in the country.
  • Other Animals: The sanctuary is home to a variety of species, including leopards, wild boars, barking deer, and wild buffalo.
  • Migratory Birds: Over 2,000 migratory birds visit the sanctuary, making it an essential site for bird conservation.
  • Reptiles: The sanctuary also supports a variety of reptile species.

Conservation Programs and Initiatives

The sanctuary is actively involved in rhino conservation, particularly as part of the Indian Rhino Vision 2020, a project that aims to protect and increase the population of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros. The sanctuary has implemented various breeding programs to enhance rhino conservation and habitat restoration.

Challenges

• Water Hyacinth Problem: One of the pressing issues is the spread of water hyacinth, which poses a threat to aquatic life and the habitat of migratory birds. Effective management strategies are required to address this.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Given its proximity to human settlements, the sanctuary faces issues related to human-wildlife conflict. Programs like “Conservation and Coexistence” aim to bridge this gap by educating local communities about the importance of preserving wildlife and mitigating conflict.
• Tourism and Local Involvement: Eco-tourism can play a significant role in conservation by generating revenue for local communities and creating awareness about the sanctuary’s biodiversity. Engaging local populations in sustainable livelihoods related to conservation is also a priority.

Significance of the Awareness Program

The awareness program held by Aaranyak was crucial for fostering local participation in wildlife conservation. The theme “Conservation and Coexistence” focused on educating communities about the benefits of protecting wildlife and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature.

Conclusion

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary plays a key role in India's conservation efforts, especially for the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros. The ongoing initiatives, like the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 and awareness programs, are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of the sanctuary’s biodiversity. Efforts to mitigate challenges such as water hyacinth and human-wildlife conflict, along with engaging local communities, will be vital for the sanctuary's continued success.