February 20, 2025

Current Affairs

Iron Age in Indian Subcontinent

Context: Releasing a report on the antiquity of iron, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.K. Stalin proclaimed that the iron age began on “Tamil soil”, placing the date 5,300-odd years ago (4th millennium BCE). He asserted that the history of the Indian subcontinent could no longer overlook Tamil Nadu.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about the Iron Age.

About Iron Age

The iron age is the period of human history (pre-history) where iron became a regular metal to be used by the masses.

1. North India:

For North India, the early evidence suggests iron use around 1800 BCE. The Iron age likely began from the 1200 BCE i.e., after the Bronze Age. (Rakesh Tiwari, 2003)
- Iron artefacts, furnaces, and tuyeres, carbon-dated between 1800 BCE and 1000 BCE, were found during the excavations conducted at Raja Nala-ka-tila , Malhar, and Dadupur archaeological sites in Uttar Pradesh.
- In Malhar, especially, the presence of tuyeres, slags, and finished iron artefacts, hinted at a large-scale manufacturing of iron tools.
- Technical studies on materials found at several places suggested that iron smelting in India could have begun as early as the 16th century BCE.
Iron age in North India co-existed with Painted Grey Ware (1300-300 BCE) and Northern Black Polished Ware (700-200 BCE) civilisations. It also coincided with the Later Vedic Period and period of Mahajanapadas.

2. South India:

The recently released report by the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, ‘Antiquity of Iron: Recent radiometric dates from Tamil Nadu’, has placed the introduction of the iron age at 3,345 BCE to 2,953 BCE (fourth millennium BCE) in the State.
The report suggests that when cultural zones to the north of Vindhyas experienced the copper age, the south might have already entered into the iron age, owing to the limited availability of commercially exploitable copper ore.

Significance of the discovery of Iron:

The presence of Iron helped in the development and expansion of 2^nd phase of urbanisation in India (1^st phase was Indus Valley civilisation).
Iron helped in clearing forest and iron plough boosted agricultural productivity and surplus crops were produced.
Iron age is also characterised by social stratification, polity diversification, literary developments, Economic expansion and Trade and craft specialisation.

Urban Unemployment Rate at 6.4% in Q3 FY25: MoSPI

Context: As per the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the urban unemployment rate stood at 6.4% in Q3 FY25.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Idea about trends in Unemployment.

Key Findings of the Report

Overall Unemployment Rate (for individuals aged 15 and above) declined to 6.4% in the third quarter (Oct-Dec 2024) of the current financial year (FY25).
- Compared to 6.5% during the same period in 2023.
- Unchanged from 6.4% in July-Sept 2024 quarter of FY25.

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
- Overall LFPR: 39.6% (up from 39.2% in Oct-Dec 2023)
- Women’s LFPR: Increased marginally to 20% from 19.9% in 2023, but down from 20.3% in the previous quarter.
- Lowest LFPR: Bihar
Gender-wise Unemployment Rate:
- Men: 5.8%
- Women: 8.1% (down from 8.6% in Oct-Dec 2023)
State-wise Unemployment:
- Highest: Himachal Pradesh - 10.4%
- Lowest: Gujarat - 3%
State-wise Female Unemployment:
- Highest- Himachal Pradesh: 24%
- Lowest- Delhi: 1.3%
Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
- Overall WPR (15+ years): 47.2% (up from 46.6% in Oct-Dec 2023)
- Male WPR: 70.9% (from 69.8% in the previous year)
Employment Composition- by Employment type:
- Self-employed: 39.9%
- Regular wage/salaried employees: 49.4%
- Casual labourers: 10.7%
Employment Composition- by Sector:
- Agriculture: 5.5%
- Secondary sector (including mining): 31.8%
- Tertiary sector (includes services sector): 62.7%

Related Key terms:

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): It represents the percentage of the population aged 15 and above that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR measures the percentage of employed individuals within the total population aged 15 years and above.
Unemployment Rate (UR): It indicates the percentage of unemployed persons among those in the labour force.
Regarding Activity Status:
- Principal Activity Status (PS): The primary activity in which a person is engaged in for a substantial period (during 365 days preceding the survey).
- Subsidiary Economic Activity Status (SS): Additional economic activities performed, apart from the usual primary activity, for at least 30 days in the 365-day period before the survey.
- Current Weekly Status (CWS): This status reflects a person's activities during the immediate past 7 days before the survey date.

Agricultural Protectionism and Higher Import Tariffs in India

Context: India’s approach to import tariffs, especially in the agricultural sector, is characterised by a significant protectionist stance aimed at safeguarding its domestic producers.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Key trends related to Agricultural protectionism and Import Tariffs.

Overview of India’s Import Tariffs:

1. India’s Average Tariff (2023):

Average import tariff levied by India stood at 17% in 2023, which is five times higher compared to the U.S., where the average tariff is just 3.3%.
Despite the difference in the average tariffs levied by India and the U.S., the number of products subject to tariffs remains comparable in both countries.

2. Comparison with other Economies:

Other BRICS nations (Brazil, South Africa, China, and Russia) have relatively lower tariffs than India.
- India: 17%
- Brazil: 11%
- South Africa & China: 7%+
- Russia: 6.6%
- European Union: 5%

3. Agricultural vs. Non-Agricultural tariffs:

India’s higher tariff rate is largely attributed to the protection of its agricultural sector.
Non-agricultural tariffs tend to remain under 15%.
This disparity reflects the government's focus on shielding domestic farmers from international competition.

Agricultural Protectionism:

India levies significantly higher tariffs on agricultural goods, which have consistently been more than twice the tariffs on non-agricultural products. The tariff on agricultural goods has always exceeded 38%, with some exceptions like in 2020.
Key products with high tariffs: Agricultural and dairy products, beverages, and tobacco items attract duties higher than 30%.
Rationale:
- High agricultural tariffs are to protect India’s domestic agricultural sector, which faces inefficiencies due to low investment (6% of total national investment).
- These tariffs serve as a buffer against subsidised agricultural products from countries like the U.S., where government subsidies make foreign agricultural products more competitive.
- High agricultural tariffs reflect the Indian government’s preference for protecting food security and rural livelihoods.

Challenges in Reducing Tariffs

Global competition and subsidies:
- A significant challenge in reducing agricultural tariffs lies in the heavy subsidies provided by countries like the U.S.
- These subsidies make it difficult for Indian producers to compete with foreign agricultural products.
Inefficiencies in Indian Agriculture:
- The agricultural sector remains inefficient by global standards, and without substantial investment, it would struggle to compete internationally.
- The government is thus cautious about reducing tariffs, which could expose local farmers to global competition and harm livelihoods.

Impact on India-U.S. Trade Relations:

U.S. trade deficit with India:
- As India continues to increase its exports to the U.S., it has caused concern within the U.S. over trade imbalances.
- Goods exported from India to the U.S. surpassed $53 billion in FY25 (April-November).

Reciprocal Tariffs:
- U.S. President Donald Trump proposed the imposition of “reciprocal tariffs” on countries that have “unfair” trade practices, which could include pressure on India to reduce its agricultural tariffs.
India-U.S. bilateral negotiations:
- India has been adamant about excluding agricultural products, such as cereals, from tariff negotiations in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
- However, with increasing pressure from the U.S. for reciprocal tariffs, there is growing concern that agricultural tariffs may be revisited as part of a broader trade agreement.

Future of Agricultural Tariffs in India

Policy Flexibility:
- The Indian government is likely to continue its protectionist stance on agricultural tariffs to ensure food security and protect farmers.
- However, international trade agreements and pressure from countries like the U.S. may compel India to make some compromises.
Long-Term Sustainability:
- While tariffs provide short-term protection, they may not be sustainable in the long run.
- India will need to balance agricultural protectionism with the need for agricultural reforms and investment to enhance the sector’s competitiveness.

What does Indian Law say about Obscenity?

Context: Assam Police have registered a complaint against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia and comedian Samay Raina for allegedly making obscene remarks during an appearance on the YouTube show. They have been charged under Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and are currently under investigation by Mumbai police.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about obscenity laws in India.

Legal Provisions on Obscenity in India

Section 294 of the BNS, 2023
- It punishes selling, importing, exporting, advertising, or profiting from obscene materials (books, paintings, figures, electronic content, etc.)
- Defines obscene content as "lascivious or appealing to the prurient interest" or content that could "deprave and corrupt" readers, viewers, or listeners.
- Punishments:
  - First-time offense: Up to 2 years imprisonment + fine up to ₹5,000.
  - Repeat offense: Up to 5 years imprisonment + fine up to ₹10,000.
Section 67 of the IT Act, 2000 (For online obscene content):
- Similar definition as Section 294 of BNS but has stricter punishment:
  - First-time offense: Up to 3 years imprisonment + fine up to ₹5 lakh.
  - Repeat offense: Up to 5 years imprisonment + fine up to ₹10 lakh.
Section 296 of the BNS, 2023 (Applicable in this case):
- Criminalises obscene acts in public places or the utterance of obscene words, songs, or ballads that cause public annoyance.
- Punishment: Up to 3 months imprisonment and/or a fine up to ₹1,000.
Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition Act), 1986:
- Punishes the coarse representation of women.
- Punishment for first offence: Imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine of ₹2 thousand.
- Repeat Offence: Imprisonment up to 5 years and fine of ₹10 thousand to ₹1 lakh.
Information Technology (Intermediary guidelines and Digital Media Ethics) Rules, 2021: Amendments impose a legal obligation on intermediaries to make reasonable efforts to prevent users from uploading fake news.

Judicial Interpretation of Obscenity in India

Hicklin Test (1868, UK): Established in Regina vs Hicklin, this test judged obscenity by whether the content had the potential to corrupt those “open to immoral influences,” regardless of its literary or artistic merit.
- This test led to a low threshold for obscenity, as it focused on the impact on the most impressionable audiences.
Ranjit D. Udeshi vs State of Maharashtra (1964, India): The Supreme Court upheld the Hicklin test while declaring Lady Chatterley’s Lover obscene.
Modern Approach: Community Standards Test
- US Case: Roth vs United States (1957): Rejected the Hicklin test and introduced a new standard:
  Obscenity should be determined based on the dominant theme of the work, taken as a whole, and whether it appeals to prurient interest based on contemporary community standards.
- India: Aveek Sarkar vs State of West Bengal (2014): The Supreme Court adopted the community standards test, ruling that isolated passages cannot be taken out of context to judge obscenity.
  - Example: It quashed charges against a magazine for publishing a nude photo of tennis player Boris Becker with his fiancée, stating that it did not arouse lust but had an artistic and social message.

Obscenity and Online Content:

College Romance Web Series Case (2024): The SC has quashed obscenity charges under Section 292 of IPC and Section 67 of the IT Act. It held that mere usage of explicit language does not automatically qualify as obscenity if it does not arouse sexual desire. SC applied the community standards test and ruled that such language often expresses emotions like anger, frustration, or excitement rather than prurience.

Conclusion

In India, the obscenity laws have evolved from the Hicklin test (which had a rigid moralistic approach) to the community standards test, which considers changing societal norms.
The BNS, 2023, IT Act, and previous judgments provide a framework to regulate obscene content in different mediums to balance free speech and public morality.
Courts now take a contextual approach to determining obscenity, ensuring that content is judged as a whole rather than by isolated statements.
The way forward is self-censorship of such content by the creators.