Supreme Court Orders Mandatory Accessibility Standards

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Why is it in the news?

• A Supreme Court bench recently directed the Union government to create mandatory rules to ensure public places and services are accessible to persons with disabilities. The Court found that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and the associated rules were not being enforced as obligatory standards.
• This judgment establishes accessibility as a fundamental right and mandates necessary legal mechanisms to enforce it.

About RPwD Act

• India, as a signatory to the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), is committed to promoting accessibility as a basic right.
• Article 9 of the CRPD obligates nations to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to transportation, information, communications, and other public services on equal terms.
• The RPwD Act, enacted in 2016, aligns with the CRPD to guarantee equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and dignified living for persons with disabilities. In 2017, rules under this Act were introduced to set specific accessibility standards.

Current Accessibility Standards and Limitations

• The Supreme Court observed that, while the RPwD Act mandates compliance, the 2017 rules only offer self-regulatory guidelines without enforcement. The Court cited a report from the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR)’s Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) to highlight the lack of uniformity in accessibility standards.
• Currently, 17 standards across various government sectors, including guidelines from Indian Railways and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, exist but lack cohesion. As a result, there are conflicting standards across sectors, making enforcement challenging.

Key Rulings from the Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court’s ruling followed a writ petition filed in 2005 by Rajive Raturi, a visually impaired petitioner, seeking accessibility and safety in public spaces.
• The Court ruled that the RPwD rules do not set “non-negotiable” standards but merely provide recommendations. It deemed Rule 15 (1) beyond the powers of the RPwD Act and directed the Union government to formulate mandatory rules within three months, consulting stakeholders and NALSAR-CDS.
• The judgment also mandates penalties, including withholding completion certificates, to enforce compliance.

Findings of the NALSAR Report

• In November 2023, the Supreme Court directed NALSAR’s Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) to evaluate the national status of accessibility, highlighting insufficient progress by both the Centre and the states.
• The report gathered input from 14 states, three union territories, and persons with disabilities to review accessibility initiatives across sectors, including courts and prisons.
• In the transportation sector, the report emphasized the importance of accessibility for access to education, employment, and healthcare, noting significant disparities—such as Delhi’s 3,775 accessible buses compared to Tamil Nadu’s 1,917 out of a total 21,669.
• Additionally, the report noted that accessibility issues are often intensified by intersecting social factors like caste, gender, religion, and regional differences.
• It highlighted specific barriers, such as inaccessible job portals for the visually impaired and the lack of official recognition for sign language, which further isolate persons with disabilities in India.

Australia Plans to Ban Social Media for Teenagers

GS 2: International Relations: Regulating social media accessibility

Why is it in the news?

• The Australian government plans to introduce a law prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that this “world-leading” legislation, expected in Parliament this year, would require social media companies to take “reasonable steps” to prevent underage access, though users won’t face penalties.
• This proposal has sparked debate on the necessity, effectiveness, and impact of such a ban on adolescents.

Details of the Proposed Legislation

• The law would limit social media access for those under 16. Previously, South Australia conducted a study, led by former Chief Justice Robert French, examining potential frameworks for such restrictions.
• The resulting Children (Social Media Safety) Bill 2024 draft holds social media providers responsible for blocking users under 14, while 14- and 15-year-olds would need parental consent.
• The bill defines social media as platforms designed for interaction, connecting users, or allowing content posting. It also suggests appointing a regulatory body to fine companies that fail to enforce age limits, with fines directed to a Children’s Online Safety Fund to support implementation and assist harmed minors.

Challenges in Age Verification

• A significant challenge is verifying users’ ages online. Current platforms generally request a birthdate without requiring proof, allowing underage users to enter false information. VPNs can also bypass country-specific age restrictions by altering a user’s virtual location.
• The South Australian report explored methods like using government ID, credit card information, facial age estimation, and ID verification for birthdate changes, though these methods raise privacy concerns, particularly over minors’ data security.

Social Media’s Impact on Adolescents

• Social media has been linked to problematic use behaviours, such as difficulty controlling usage, withdrawal, and neglect of other activities.
• The World Health Organization’s Europe region study found an increase in problematic use among adolescents from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022, with a higher prevalence among girls (13%) than boys (9%).
• Social media overuse is associated with lower mental well-being, substance abuse, sleep disturbances, and later bedtimes. According to experts, while social media allows connection and self-expression, adolescents may not always use it healthily, given their developing brains.
• They noted that many teens derive self-worth from online validation, becoming stressed or anxious when posts aren’t well-received or they experience trolling. Overuse may also contribute to communication difficulties and a fear of missing out, supporting the idea of restricting social media use for teens.
• However, during the pandemic, social media served as a vital tool for connection and support while people stayed home, providing teens with spaces to discuss issues like mental health, gender, and sexual identity, which may be difficult to address elsewhere.

Promoting Responsible Social Media Use

• Experts advocate for responsible social media use. Parents should carefully consider when to permit social media access or provide devices and discuss online behaviour.
• In 2023, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued guidelines for fostering healthier habits:

1) Policymakers: Develop age-appropriate safety standards, enforce strong privacy protections for children, limit underage access, and promote digital literacy in schools.

2) Companies: Increase transparency, assess risks, prevent misuse, apply safety settings for minors, and enforce age restrictions.

3) Parents and Caregivers: Create family media plans, designate tech-free zones, foster in-person friendships, model responsible use, and educate children on safe online practices, reporting any cyberbullying or abuse encountered.

• This comprehensive approach aims to address the complexities of adolescent social media use, prioritizing safety, privacy, and responsible online engagement.

How the Discontinuation of the SDS Visa Will Impact Students

GS 2: International Relations: Canada’s SDS Visa

Why is it in the news?

• In November 2024, the Canadian government announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa, a fast-track visa option for international students, particularly Indian students.
• This change has significant implications for Indian students, who have traditionally been among the largest groups of international students in Canada. In 2022, India accounted for over 21% of all international students in Canada, with 222,450 students choosing Canadian institutions.
• Notably, over 189,000 Indian students opted for the SDS visa that year, benefiting from a higher approval rate (63%) compared to non-SDS applicants (19%).

About the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa

• The SDS visa, introduced in 2018, was designed to simplify and expedite the study permit application process for international students, with a special focus on Indian students. It provided faster processing times, reduced application fees, and required fewer supporting documents compared to the standard study permit process.
• To qualify, applicants needed a confirmed admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), higher English language proficiency, and proof of financial stability.
• These factors contributed to its popularity, making it a go-to choice for many international students, including those from countries like Brazil, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines, in addition to India.

Discontinuation of SDS Visa

• The Canadian government’s decision to end the SDS visa program stemmed from several concerns. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited the need to curb misuse of the visa system, where some applicants were using the SDS route as a means to gain entry for low-level courses with the eventual goal of seeking permanent residency.
• Furthermore, the government highlighted the need to strengthen the integrity of the program, address student vulnerability, and ensure equal access for all students.
• This move also coincides with Canada’s growing concerns over housing shortages, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where the influx of international students had worsened the strain on housing and public services.
• By discontinuing the SDS visa, the Canadian government aims to better manage the growing number of international students and ensure they contribute positively to the economy.

Impact of the Discontinuation on Indian Students

• The removal of the SDS visa has created significant challenges for Indian students who relied on its faster processing and lower fees. The immediate effect is longer processing times for standard student visa applications, which may disrupt students’ academic plans.
• Without the SDS, students now face delays in receiving their study permits, which could derail their educational timelines. Additionally, the standard visa process demands more extensive documentation, including proof of funds, language proficiency scores, and detailed study plans, making it more complex.
• The increase in application fees compared to the SDS visa also adds financial strain, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. This has led to growing uncertainty among Indian students, with many concerned about the higher costs and delays.
• Moreover, the SDS visa was seen as a potential path to permanent residency in Canada, and its removal now makes it harder for students to secure post-study work opportunities and navigate the immigration process.

The Alternative Visa Options

• Despite the discontinuation of the SDS visa, alternative visa options are still available for Indian students. The traditional student visa remains a viable pathway, but it comes with its own set of challenges.
• The application process for a standard student visa is more time-consuming and requires a more comprehensive set of documents compared to the SDS visa. Students must submit proof of funds, language proficiency, and a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• To increase the chances of visa approval, students should ensure they submit all required documents accurately and on time. Given the complexities of the process, consulting with immigration experts may help students navigate the system and avoid potential mistakes that could lead to delays or rejections.

Conclusion

• The discontinuation of the SDS visa presents challenges for Indian students, but careful planning and adjustment to the new process can help navigate these changes. With longer processing times, additional documentation, and higher fees, students must apply early and be thoroughly prepared to overcome these obstacles.
• While the change creates immediate difficulties, there is hope that the Canadian government may introduce new reforms or pathways to simplify the visa process for international students.
• By staying informed and proactive, Indian students can continue to pursue their academic and career aspirations in Canada, despite the evolving immigration policies.

 The Discovery of Insulin and the ‘Flame of Hope’

GS 3: Science and Technology: World Diabetes Day

Why is it in the news?

• Insulin, discovered by Sir Frederick Banting, is not a cure for diabetes but a treatment that enables people to live near-normal lives. Banting’s birth anniversary is commemorated as World Diabetes Day on November 14, honouring the monumental breakthrough in medicine.
• The “Flame of Hope” in Canada symbolizes Banting’s achievement and the ongoing fight against diabetes.

The Path to Discovery

• The endocrine system, responsible for regulating bodily functions, releases hormones in minute amounts that travel through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues. The pancreas holds a crucial role in this system, managing blood sugar levels by releasing insulin.
• This discovery came to light after centuries of struggle against diabetes, particularly Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), a condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Type 1 diabetes, affecting millions globally, often begins in children and young adults. Despite evidence of diabetes symptoms in ancient civilizations, it wasn’t until the 19th century that progress was made in understanding the disease.
• In 1869, Paul Langerhans identified clusters of cells in the pancreas, known as the islets of Langerhans, that hinted at its role in blood sugar regulation. In 1889, Oskar Minkowski and Joseph von Mering’s experiments with dogs further confirmed that the pancreas influenced blood sugar levels.
• However, it took several more decades for researchers to connect the pancreas with diabetes management.
• After serving as an orthopaedic surgeon during World War I, Sir Frederick Banting returned to Canada determined to research diabetes. In 1920, he approached John Macleod at the University of Toronto with the idea of isolating the pancreatic secretion responsible for carbohydrate metabolism.
• Macleod assigned Charles Best to assist Banting, and together, they succeeded in isolating insulin. James Collip, a biochemist, further refined the insulin preparation, making it safe for human use, which was essential for insulin’s widespread application.

First Successful Insulin Injection

• On January 11, 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old diabetic boy, received the first insulin injection. The initial extract caused an allergic reaction due to its impurity, but Collip’s refinements led to a successful injection on January 23, 1922, resulting in a significant reduction in blood glucose levels. This marked a turning point in diabetes treatment.
• Banting and Macleod were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923, though there was controversy over who deserved recognition. Banting and Macleod later shared their prize money with Best and Collip, acknowledging their contributions.

Mass Production of Insulin

• Despite the success of insulin therapy, the initial purification process wasn’t scalable for mass production. This changed in the 1980s with the advent of recombinant DNA technology.
• Scientists inserted the human insulin gene into E. coli bacteria, enabling the production of insulin identical to that produced by the human body. This method allowed for the large-scale production needed to meet the rising demand for insulin.

The Flame of Hope

• In 1989, Queen Elizabeth ignited the “Flame of Hope” in honour of Banting’s discovery. This eternal flame, located in Sir Frederick G. Banting Square in London, Ontario, serves as a symbol of hope for the millions affected by diabetes. It stands as a tribute to the ongoing research to find a cure for diabetes.
• The flame will continue to burn until a definitive cure is discovered. While insulin has transformed the lives of those with diabetes, the search for a cure remains, and the flame symbolizes this unwavering pursuit.

MATES: A New Opportunity for Young Indians to Work in Australia

GS 2: International Relations: Enhancing India-Australia Relations

Why is it in the news?

• Australia has launched a new scheme called the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) aimed at offering young, talented individuals from India an opportunity to work in Australia for up to two years.
• The scheme is part of a larger Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) established between Australia and India on May 23, 2023.
• The MMPA aims to promote legal migration while addressing irregular migration issues between the two countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for MATES, Indian nationals must meet certain criteria:

• Applicants should be 30 years old or younger at the time of application, have graduated within the last two years from a recognized Indian university, and hold a qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in one of the following fields: renewable energy, mining, engineering, Information Communications Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (FinTech), or agricultural technology (AgriTech).
• Additionally, candidates must have proficient English language skills, with a minimum IELTS score of 6 overall, and at least 5 in each module.
• Eligible applicants must have graduated from one of the top 100 universities in India, according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking for 2024.
• Universities such as Panjab University, Chandigarh University, Thaper Institute of Engineering and Technology, and Lovely Professional University from Punjab are eligible for this scheme.

Key Features of the MATES Scheme

• The MATES scheme offers numerous benefits to young professionals, allowing them to live and work in Australia for up to two years. There is no requirement for an Australian employer sponsorship, providing flexibility for participants.
• Although it is designed to support professionals in specific fields, visa holders are not strictly required to work within their field of study, offering room to expand skills and networks.
• The scheme will be launched as a pilot program, with 3,000 places for primary applicants available per year. Participants can also bring dependents (spouses and children), who will have work rights in Australia but will not count towards the annual cap.

Visa Duration and Extensions

• Visa holders will have 12 months to make their first entry into Australia, with the option to stay for 24 months from the date of first entry. The visa allows multiple entries during this period.
• If desired, participants may apply for an extension to their stay through a new visa, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for temporary or permanent residence.
• The visa for MATES will be granted through a ballot system, where applicants are randomly selected. The application fee for the ballot is AUD 25. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed with the next steps for further formalities, as guided by the Australian authorities.