R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB BATCHES START EVERY 1ST & 15TH of month. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

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1: Recounting Velpur’s story in ending child labour

• Background:
  • Child labor is a widespread global issue, with an estimated 160 million children engaged in it worldwide, affecting their right to education and childhood.
  • In India, the problem is particularly prevalent in 10 states across nine out of 10 districts.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, forcing more children into labor due to school closures and job losses.
  • The Census 2011 estimated 4.353 lakh children in India were engaged in child labor, with a significant portion in hazardous occupations.
  • Legislation like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act (CLPRA), 1986, has been in place, but enforcement remains a challenge.
• The Situation Now:
  • The article highlights the successful model implemented in Velpur Mandal, Telangana, which demonstrated a "total control" over child labor eradication through community involvement.
  • The Velpur initiative involved community members forming village-level committees, identifying and monitoring children, and ensuring their enrollment in schools.
  • Initially, 480 children were identified as child laborers in 2004. Within a year, 100% of these children were back in school.
  • The success of the Velpur model is attributed to consistent efforts, strong community leadership, and collaboration between NGOs and the government.
  • The Ministry of Labor and Employment, Government of India, organized a program in Nizamabad to eliminate child labor, and the Velpur model was presented as a success story.
  • The Velpur story is well-documented, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Labour have visited the region.
• Way Forward:
  • The Velpur model provides a blueprint for effective child labor eradication, emphasizing community-led initiatives, strong political will, and inter-agency collaboration.
  • The successful implementation of such models requires sustained support, adequate infrastructure, and education facilities.
  • The article suggests that the Velpur model is a valuable resource for policymakers and should be studied for replication in other areas affected by child labor.
  • Continued monitoring and enforcement of existing child labor laws are crucial.

• Background:
  • The article opens with a tragic incident in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025, where a stampede at a major public event, a crowd of 20,000 people attending the Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate RCB's first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title, resulted in casualties.
  • Such incidents underscore a broader issue of inadequate crowd management and safety protocols at large public gatherings in India.
  • There is a perception that profit often takes precedence over public safety.
• The Situation Now:
  • The Bengaluru stampede highlighted severe lapses in crowd control, insufficient entry/exit points, and inadequate security measures.
  • Investigations into similar incidents have revealed no accountability from organizers or authorities.
  • Many public spaces in India lack proper safety infrastructure, including clear walkways, designated pedestrian paths, and adequate lighting, increasing risks for pedestrians and commuters.
  • Crowd management protocols are often poorly implemented, and licenses for events are sometimes granted without proper scrutiny.
  • The article criticizes the lack of transparency and accountability from authorities, noting that "nobody is held accountable" for past incidents.
  • A recent IRAS officer's report revealed "showering of bounties" during the IPL season in an example of unchecked practices.
• Way Forward:
  • There is an urgent need for a detailed and scientific study of crowd management protocols by experts.
  • A robust audit of public spaces and event venues is required to identify and rectify safety deficiencies.
  • Stronger enforcement of existing regulations and accountability for those responsible for public safety lapses.
  • Promote a culture of safety where human lives are prioritized over profits.
  • Implement measures to ensure transparency in granting licenses and conducting events, with clear responsibilities assigned.
  • Invest in infrastructure improvements, including proper entry/exit points, emergency exits, and security personnel training.

• Background:
  • The article highlights a recent alarming increase in crimes committed by juveniles across India.
  • Juvenile delinquency is a significant social issue, often stemming from complex factors like social inequality, family breakdown, and lack of opportunities.
  • Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), US Department of Justice, and UN indicate a global trend of increasing juvenile crime.
• The Situation Now:
  • In 2022, nearly half of all juveniles apprehended in India were accused of violent offenses.
  • The number of juvenile delinquents increased by 6.5% between 2017 and 2022.
  • In 2022, 37.4% of juveniles apprehended were in conflict with the law for violent crimes.
  • Crimes committed by juveniles include murder, bodily injury, robbery, and sexual offenses.
  • Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are the states with the highest share of juvenile crime in their respective states.
  • The share of apprehended juveniles for criminal offenses has increased by 57% since 2014-2018.
  • Juvenile cases involving rape have seen a significant increase.
• Way Forward:
  • The rise in juvenile crime necessitates a comprehensive approach involving social, educational, and legal reforms.
  • Focus on early intervention programs and support systems for at-risk youth.
  • Address underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency.
  • Strengthen the juvenile justice system to ensure rehabilitation and reintegration rather than simply punishment.
  • Invest in community-based programs that provide positive alternatives for young people.
  • Improved data collection and analysis are needed to understand the nuances of juvenile crime and inform effective policies.
  • Promote awareness and education to address the challenges faced by adolescents and prevent their involvement in criminal activities.

NEWS IN SHORTS

India, U.S. Inch Closer to Limited Trade Agreement India and the U.S. are nearing a "mini-deal" on a limited trade agreement, with a potential signing by early November. The deal will likely address U.S. demands for greater market access in agriculture and remove high tariffs on steel and aluminum, benefiting both nations.

IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking Will Require Aadhaar From July 1 From July 1, Aadhaar-based authentication will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website and mobile app. This new rule aims to ensure equitable access to Tatkal tickets and curb misuse, with only 30 minutes of advance booking available for Tatkal tickets.

Rescuers Connect Towline to Ship Ablaze Off Kerala Rescuers successfully connected a towline to the burning Singapore-flagged vessel MV Wan Hai 503 off the Kerala coast, containing the blaze. Efforts are underway to tow the ship to New Mangalore Port, with continuous monitoring for an oil spill. Four crew members remain missing.

Case Filed Against Owner of Elsa 3 The Kerala Police have registered a case against the owner of the Liberia-flagged MSC Elsa 3, which sank off the Kerala coast in May with dangerous goods onboard. The case was filed based on a complaint by a shipping company, the ship's master, and others.

Connecting Bridge: Rail Link Will Bring Kashmir Closer to the Rest of India The 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, is nearing completion, connecting Kashmir to the national rail network. This infrastructure aims to boost economic activity, reduce travel time, and integrate the region, symbolizing an empowered Jammu & Kashmir.

Bad Blood: India and Canada Must Use Every Opportunity to Reset Ties India and Canada are urged to reset ties, especially after allegations of Indian government involvement in a Khalistani activist's assassination. Despite past tensions and diplomatic expulsions, opportunities like the upcoming G-7 summit are crucial for rebuilding trust and improving bilateral relations.

A Different Approach to the Caste Census The article discusses the Bihar caste survey, highlighting the demand for a comprehensive caste census to understand social disparities and formulate effective policies. It debates the benefits and drawbacks of a caste census, emphasizing the need for transparent and equitable data collection for targeted welfare programs.

Two Maoists Killed in Sukma; Men Who Indulged in Riots Made to Clear Debris in Manipur Security forces killed two Maoists in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, recovering arms and explosives. The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs, with rewards announced for information leading to their identification. Separately, in Manipur, men involved in riots were ordered to clear debris as part of community service.

India and U.K. Carry Out Joint Naval Exercise in Arabian Sea The Indian Navy's INS Tabar, a submarine, and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft conducted a joint naval exercise with the UK Carrier Strike Group in the North Arabian Sea. This exercise demonstrated deepening cooperation, enhancing anti-submarine warfare and tactical maneuver capabilities.

Indian Army Contingent in Mongolia for 'Khaan Quest' An Indian Army contingent of 40 personnel, including one woman officer, has arrived in Mongolia for the multinational military exercise 'Khaan Quest' from June 14 to 28. The annual exercise, initiated in 2003, aims to enhance peacekeeping capabilities and foster military collaboration.

Axiom Space Mission Postponed to Repair Rocket's Oxygen Leak Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station has been postponed due to an oxygen leak detected in the Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX is working to repair the leak, and the mission will proceed once the rocket is deemed flightworthy. The launch date is pending.

Centre to Revise AC Temperature Range for More Efficiency The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is reviewing the default temperature range for ACs to promote energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption. The proposal aims to standardize temperatures between 20-28 degrees Celsius, potentially leading to significant energy savings across the country.

Trump Says U.S.-China Deal Is 'Done,' Tariffs to Stay at 55% President Donald Trump announced a "done" trade deal with China, where the U.S. will obtain magnets and rare earth minerals, and tariffs on Chinese goods will remain at 55%. Chinese students will also be allowed to attend U.S. colleges.

Bill to Dissolve Netanyahu Govt. Submitted in Knesset A bill to dissolve Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has been submitted to the Knesset. If passed, it would lead to early elections. The move comes amid public discontent over the government's handling of the Gaza conflict and its ultra-Orthodox coalition partners.

News in Numbers: Various Statistics A diarrhoea outbreak in Jaipur affected 250 people, with two deaths. Singapore dismantled over 1,000 IPs linked to cybercrimes. Turkey will export 48 fighter jets to Indonesia over 10 years, valued at $10 billion. 40 Uttarakhand villages are being revitalized under Vibrant Village 2.0. Sri Lanka approved a 15% increase in electricity tariffs ahead of an IMF visit.