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1st and 2nd May- Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – 1st and 2nd May

Table of Contents

India’s New Labour Regime: Four Labour Codes and Their Impact

India’s new labour regime has come into focus after the implementation and discussion of the Four Labour Codes, which replaced 29 old labour laws. The issue was highlighted through debates between the government, trade unions and industry bodies.

What is India’s New Labour Regime?

The Government of India consolidated 29 central labour laws into 4 Labour Codes to simplify labour regulations, improve ease of doing business and expand worker welfare.

The Four Labour Codes

  1. Code on Wages, 2019
    • Ensures minimum wages and timely payment.
    • Introduces a national floor wage.
    • Promotes equal remuneration for men and women.
  2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020
    • Regulates trade unions, strikes and layoffs.
    • Increases threshold for government approval for layoffs from 100 to 300 workers.
    • Encourages fixed-term employment.
  3. Code on Social Security, 2020
    • Extends social security benefits to gig workers and platform workers.
    • Covers EPF, ESI, maternity benefits and gratuity.
  4. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020
    • Focuses on workplace safety and welfare.
    • Covers migrant workers, contract labour and working conditions.

Key Features of the New Labour Regime

  • Positive Aspects

    • Simplification of complex labour laws.
    • Single registration and licensing system for businesses.
    • Greater coverage of social security.
    • Recognition of gig economy workers like delivery agents and cab drivers.
    • Uniform definition of wages.

    Concerns and Criticism

    Trade unions and labour organizations have opposed some provisions.

    Major concerns include:               

    • Easier layoffs for companies.
    • Fear of weakening trade unions.
    • Increase in contractual employment.
    • Possibility of 12-hour workdays (while weekly limit remains 48 hours).
    Reduced take-home salary due to higher PF and gratuity contributions.

Challenges in Implementation

  1. Labour is in the Concurrent List, requiring coordination between Centre and States.
  2. Resistance from trade unions.
  3. Fear of exploitation of informal workers.
  4. Lack of awareness among workers and MSMEs.
  5.  

Way Forward

  • Ensure stronger social security for informal and gig workers.
  • Maintain balance between labour flexibility and worker protection.
  • Increase tripartite consultations among government, employers and unions.
  • Strengthen labour inspection and grievance redressal mechanisms.
  • Promote skill development and formalisation of employment.
  •  

Komagata Maru Incident: Symbol of Colonial Racism and Indian Resistance

The Komagata Maru incident (1914) was in news after renewed discussions on colonial discrimination and migration rights. The episode remains an important topic for UPSC because it highlights racial discrimination under British rule and its role in strengthening revolutionary nationalism.

What was the Komagata Maru Incident?

The Komagata Maru was a Japanese steamship chartered by Baba Gurdit Singh, a Sikh businessman from Singapore, in 1914. The ship carried 376 passengers — mainly Sikhs, along with Muslims and Hindus from British India to Canada seeking better opportunities.

Background

Canada had introduced discriminatory immigration laws, especially the:

  • Continuous Journey Regulation (1908)
    • Allowed entry only to immigrants arriving through a direct continuous journey from their country of origin.
    • Since no direct ship operated between India and Canada, it effectively blocked Indian migrants.

Sequence of Events

  • Arrival at Vancouver (May 1914)

    • The ship reached Vancouver on 22 May 1914.
    • Canadian authorities refused passengers permission to disembark.
    • Passengers faced shortages of food and water during a two-month standoff.

    Return to India

    • The ship was forced to return to India in July 1914.
    • On reaching Budge Budge near Kolkata, British police attempted to arrest the passengers.
    • A clash occurred and police firing killed around 20 passengers.

Significance for Indian Freedom Struggle

Exposure of Colonial Racism

The incident shattered the belief that Indians, as “British subjects,” enjoyed equal rights within the British Empire.

Boost to the Ghadar Movement

The incident angered Indians living abroad and became a rallying point for the Ghadar Party, which advocated armed revolt against British rule.

Growth of Revolutionary Nationalism

  • Increased anti-British sentiment in Punjab.
  • Inspired revolutionary activities against colonial rule.
  • Strengthened unity among overseas Indians.

Modern Relevance

The incident is remembered today as:

  • A symbol of racial discrimination in immigration policies.
  • An example of the struggles of the Indian diaspora.
  • An important chapter in India-Canada historical relations.

Canada officially apologized for the incident in 2016.

Commercial LPG Price Hike: Impact on Economy and Inflation

What Happened?

  • The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder was increased by around ₹993.
  • In Delhi, the cylinder price rose to nearly ₹3,071.50.

Domestic household LPG cylinders remained unchanged.

Why Did Prices Increase?

1. West Asia Geopolitical Crisis

  • Rising tensions involving Iran and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz pushed up global crude oil and gas prices.
  • India imports a major portion of its LPG requirement, making it vulnerable to global shocks.

2. Market-Linked Pricing

  • Commercial LPG prices are market-linked and revised according to international energy prices.
  • Unlike domestic LPG, commercial cylinders are not heavily subsidised.

3. Pressure on Oil Marketing Companies

  • Public sector OMCs such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum were facing under-recoveries due to rising fuel import costs.

Sectors Affected

    • Food and Hospitality Sector

      • Restaurants, dhabas, bakeries and catering services depend heavily on commercial LPG.
      • Many businesses warned of higher food prices for consumers.

      Small Businesses

      • Tea stalls, street vendors and cloud kitchens faced rising operational costs.
      • Some establishments considered switching back to coal or biomass fuels.

      Textile and Manufacturing Sector

      • Textile exporters and industries using LPG for heating processes experienced higher production costs.

Economic Implications

      1. Inflationary Pressure

        The LPG hike can increase:

        • Food inflation
        • Service costs
        • Transportation and hospitality expenses

        This may indirectly affect the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

        Energy Security Concerns

        The issue highlighted India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and the vulnerability of energy supply chains during geopolitical conflicts.

        Fiscal Burden

        Keeping domestic LPG prices unchanged while global prices rise increases subsidy pressure on the government and OMCs.

Government Response and Alternatives

  • Experts suggested:

    • Promoting electric and induction cooking
    • Diversifying energy imports
    • Expanding renewable energy usage
    • Strengthening strategic petroleum reserves

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in News: Supreme Court Calls for Reform

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971 was in news after the Supreme Court observed that the law should be amended to remove rigid time limits for abortion in cases involving minor rape survivors. The Court stressed reproductive autonomy and dignity under Article 21.

Why was it in News?

The Supreme Court dealt with a case involving a 15-year-old rape survivor seeking termination of a pregnancy beyond the statutory limit. The Court:

  • Allowed termination of the pregnancy.
  • Rejected objections that the minor should be forced to continue the pregnancy.
  • Suggested reconsideration of legal gestational limits in exceptional cases involving minors and sexual assault survivors.

What is the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act?

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act was enacted in 1971 to legalise abortion under specific conditions and reduce maternal deaths caused by unsafe abortions. It was based on the recommendations of the Shantilal Shah Committee (1964).

Key Provisions of the MTP Act

    • Original Provisions (1971)

      • Abortion permitted up to 20 weeks.
      • Allowed under conditions such as:
        • Risk to mother’s life
        • Grave physical or mental injury
        • Pregnancy due to rape
        • Failure of contraception

MTP Amendment Act, 2021

  1. The law was amended in 2021 to expand access to safe abortion services.

    Major Changes

    Increased Gestation Limit

    • Up to 20 weeks → opinion of one doctor
    • Between 20–24 weeks → opinion of two doctors

    Special Categories Covered

    Termination up to 24 weeks allowed for:

    • Rape survivors
    • Minors
    • Victims of incest
    • Women with disabilities
    • Women facing marital status change

    Beyond 24 Weeks

    Allowed only in cases of:

    • Substantial fetal abnormalities
    • Approval by a Medical Board

    Inclusion of Unmarried Women

    The amendment replaced the term:

    • “married woman and husband”
      with
    • “any woman and her partner”
    This recognized reproductive rights outside marriage

Supreme Court Observations

The Court emphasized:

Reproductive Autonomy

A woman’s right to make reproductive choices is part of:

  • Right to dignity
  • Bodily integrity
  • Personal liberty under Article 21.

State Cannot Force Motherhood

The Court stated that:

  • Neither the State nor doctors can force a minor rape survivor to continue pregnancy against her will.

Need for Legal Reform

The Court suggested:

  • Relaxing rigid time limits in exceptional cases involving minors and sexual assault survivors.

Challenges in the Existing Law

Delay in Detection

Minor survivors often discover pregnancy late due to:

  • Fear
  • Social stigma
  • Lack of awareness

Dependence on Courts

Women frequently approach High Courts or Supreme Court for permission beyond 24 weeks.

Medical Board Delays

Approval procedures are often lengthy and cumbersome.

Ethical and Medical Concerns

Late-term termination involves:

  • Risk to mother
  • Fetal viability issues
  • Ethical debates

India’s Solar Capacity Surge and Energy Security Concerns

Solar energy was in news as India accelerated its renewable energy expansion while also relying on coal power to meet rising summer electricity demand amid possible El Niño conditions. The development highlighted India’s balancing act between clean energy transition and energy security.

Why was it in News?

  • India recorded a sharp increase in electricity demand during summer.
  • The government announced major growth in solar energy capacity.
  • Concerns over weak monsoon and rising power demand due to El Niño increased focus on reliable energy supply. 
    •  

India’s Solar Energy Progress

    • Record Solar Capacity Addition

      India added around 45 GW of solar capacity in FY 2025–26, reaching nearly 150 GW cumulative solar capacity. India is now among the top solar energy producers globally.

      Major Government Initiatives

      PM Surya Ghar Yojana                        

      • Rooftop solar scheme for households.
      • Aims to provide solar power to 1 crore homes.

      PM-KUSUM Scheme

      • Solarisation of agricultural pumps and feeders.
      • Helps reduce diesel usage and subsidy burden.

      Production Linked Incentive (PLI)

      • Promotes domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules.
      • Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in renewable energy.

      International Solar Alliance (ISA)

      India is a founding member of the International Solar Alliance, which promotes global solar cooperation.

    • Energy Security

      • Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
      • Helps diversify India’s energy mix.

      Climate Commitments

      Supports India’s targets under:

      • Paris Agreement
      • Panchamrit goals
      • Net Zero by 2070

      Sustainable Development

      Solar energy contributes to:

      • Clean energy access
      • Rural electrification

      Green jobs creation

Challenges in Solar Expansion

    • Intermittency Problem

      Solar power depends on sunlight and cannot provide continuous base-load power.

      Storage Limitations

      Battery storage infrastructure remains expensive and underdeveloped.

      Grid Infrastructure Issues

      Transmission bottlenecks affect renewable energy integration.

      Dependence on Coal

      Despite renewable growth, coal still contributes nearly 67% of electricity generation during peak demand.

      Land and Environmental Concerns

      Large solar parks require extensive land acquisition.       

El Niño and Power Demand

    • The possible emergence of El Niño may:

      • Weaken monsoon rainfall
      • Increase irrigation demand
      • Raise cooling requirements
      • Increase electricity consumption

      Thus, India is simultaneously expanding solar energy and maintaining coal reserves for uninterrupted power supply.

       

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