Welcome to the 6 Aug Current Affairs UPSC update, where we cover critical topics including India’s alignment with UNCRC guidelines, landmark judgments on the age of consent, and major geopolitical shifts. This 6 Aug Current Affairs UPSC briefing is essential for aspirants preparing for UPSC, TSPSC, and SSC exams. Keep following our 6 Aug Current Affairs UPSC series to stay ahead in your exam preparation. Join Telegram :Join our Telegram group to get instant alerts and study materials on current affairs and important topics: Link 1.India-Philippines Strategic Partnership: A New Era in Indo-Pacific Diplomacy 📰 What’s the News? India and the Philippines have officially upgraded their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, marking a new phase of enhanced cooperation across defence, maritime security, trade, and connectivity. This development aligns with India’s Act East Policy and reflects a broader strategic recalibration in the Indo-Pacific region. 🌏 About the India-Philippines Relationship India and the Philippines are two vibrant democracies in the Indo-Pacific that share a commitment to maintaining a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the region. Their partnership is rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a growing convergence on regional and global issues. Diplomatic Ties: Formal diplomatic relations were established on 26 November 1949, soon after both nations gained independence — India in 1947 and the Philippines in 1946. Policy Evolution: Look East Policy (1992): Initiated deeper engagement with ASEAN, including the Philippines. Act East Policy (2014): Strengthened political-security, economic, and cultural linkages. 🔑 Key Highlights of the Strategic Partnership Strategic Partnership Framework Represents a higher level of bilateral engagement with structured action plans. Facilitates regular dialogues and collaboration in strategic areas. Defence and Maritime Cooperation Joint maritime exercises, naval visits, and capacity-building programs. BrahMos missile deal is expected to be finalized, a major step in defence exports. Closer engagement between the Indian Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard. Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Synergy Shared concerns over freedom of navigation and South China Sea stability. Support for international laws including the UNCLOS (1982). Both countries are active participants in the ASEAN-India Maritime Framework. Economic and Trade Relations India is the 15th largest trading partner of the Philippines (2022), with trade valued at approx. USD 3 billion. The Philippines is a net importer from India. Talks initiated for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to boost trade. Connectivity and People-to-People Exchange Direct flights between the two countries to be launched. E-tourist visas extended to Filipino nationals to increase tourism and exchanges. Digital Cooperation India supports the Philippines’ Sovereign Data Cloud project, promoting digital sovereignty and cybersecurity. 🌐 Recent Strategic Developments For the first time, three Indian Navy ships conducted joint exercises in the Philippines. In the backdrop of increased Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, this cooperation adds strategic depth to regional security. The Philippines has shown interest in acquiring Indian defence technologies and participating in India-led initiatives. 🧭 Geostrategic Importance of the Philippines The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia comprising 7,641 islands. It is bordered by the Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Celebes Sea — making it a maritime pivot in the region. Manila is the capital; Luzon and Mindanao are the two largest islands. Home to Mount Apo, the highest point and an active volcano. Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country frequently experiences volcanic activity and earthquakes. Noted for rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, making it a global ecological hotspot. 📜 Relevant Conventions & Frameworks UNCLOS (1982): Both nations support international maritime law, critical for South China Sea navigation rights. ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation Framework: Strengthens multilateral engagement in maritime governance. Join Telegram :Join our Telegram group to get instant alerts and study materials on current affairs and important topics: Link 2.In Top Court, Centre Rejects Any Move to Lower Age of Consent 📰 What’s the News? The Union Government has submitted before the Supreme Court of India that it does not support lowering the age of consent under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, from 18 to 16 years. The Centre emphasized that such a move could compromise child protection mechanisms and increase vulnerability to trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. 📌 Key Points for UPSC (Prelims + Mains) 🔒 1. Current Legal Framework Under Section 2(d) of the POCSO Act, a child is defined as any person below the age of 18. Section 3 to 10 of the Act criminalize penetrative and non-penetrative sexual acts with a child — even if consensual. Therefore, all sexual activity with a person under 18 is treated as statutory rape, regardless of consent. ⚖️ 2. Government’s Stand (2025) Lowering the age of consent would dilute child protection laws. The government argues that adolescent relationships may need reform through sensitization, not through weakening of legal safeguards. Concerns raised: Risk of child marriage, trafficking, and grooming of minors by older individuals. 🧑🏫 3. Key Facts and Data As per a 2007 study by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD): 🔹 53.22% of children surveyed had faced some form of sexual abuse.🔹 Boys were equally vulnerable as girls. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 Report: 🔹 Over 50% of cases under POCSO involve adolescents in consensual relationships aged 16–18.🔹 However, they are treated as criminal acts due to absence of a close-in-age exception. 🧑⚖️ 4. Recent Judicial Observations 🏛️ a. Justice G. Jayachandran (Madras HC, 2023): Observed that many POCSO cases involve consensual adolescent relationships. Suggested reconsidering the strict age limit due to changing societal dynamics. 🏛️ b. Delhi HC & Karnataka HC : Called for close-in-age or "Romeo and Juliet" clause, to avoid criminalizing teenagers in consensual romantic relationships. 🏛️ c. Supreme Court's Role: Currently hearing a batch of petitions seeking clarity on adolescent consent and misuse of the POCSO Act. No ruling yet, but the Centre’s affidavit strongly opposes any legislative change. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC): Defines a child as anyone under 18. Emphasizes legal safeguards, protection from exploitation, and the best interest of the child. India is a signatory to UNCRC, hence obligated to uphold child protection laws. ⚖️ 6. Legal and Social Implications ✅ Arguments in Favour of Retaining Age at 18: Upholds international standards for child rights and protection. Prevents misuse of “consent” in cases of child trafficking or coercion. Serves as a deterrent against child sexual abuse. ⚠️ Concerns and Need for Reform: Misuse of POCSO in genuine adolescent relationships. Long legal battles and imprisonment for youth involved in consensual acts. Criminalization of consensual love among teens may lead to mental health issues and social stigma. Join Telegram :Join our Telegram group to get instant alerts and study materials on current affairs and important topics: Link 3. India’s Presence Amid a Broken Template of Geopolitics 📰 What’s the News? India’s foreign policy is navigating through a fragmented and self-serving global order, where traditional diplomacy is eroded by power-centric geopolitics. This is evident in recent events like Operation Sindoor, US sanctions, and global double standards. 📌 Key Points: 🛡️ Operation Sindoor: A covert military operation (hypothetical or symbolic in this context) showcasing India’s assertive counter-terrorism capabilities. Demonstrates India’s independent operational doctrine in its neighborhood. 🌍 Shifting Global Dynamics: U.S. under Donald Trump imposed: Tariff hikes on Indian steel & aluminum (Section 232). GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) status revoked in 2019. EU’s energy hypocrisy: Penalized India for buying Russian oil, while EU imports record volumes of Russian LNG (2023-24). China’s growing influence: Through BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) projects in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives. Military bases and port diplomacy in Gwadar (Pakistan) and Djibouti. 🤝 India’s Response: Multi-Alignment Policy of strategic autonomy — engaging with Quad, SCO, BRICS, I2U2 while maintaining non-alignment principles. Focus on energy diversification, resilient supply chains, and regional diplomacy (e.g., SAGAR vision in IOR). 📜 Relevant Conventions/Treaties: WTO Most Favoured Nation (MFN): Ensures non-discriminatory trade practices. India-EU BTIA: Under negotiation since 2007; stalled over IP, tariffs, and digital trade clauses. 🌐 Implications: India must recalibrate foreign policy amidst weaponized trade and energy politics. Calls for deeper engagement in multilateral forums (G20, WTO, UNSC reform). Need for institutional reforms to defend sovereign economic and security interests. Join Telegram :Join our Telegram group to get instant alerts and study materials on current affairs and important topics: Link 4. The Technocratic Calculus of India’s Welfare State 📰 What’s the News? India’s welfare governance is becoming increasingly technocratic, driven by digital tools and AI. While efficient, this may undermine democratic accountability and inclusiveness. 📌 Key Points: 💻 Technological Tools in Welfare: Aadhaar-based biometric verification central to welfare disbursement. DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): Over ₹5 lakh crore transferred digitally in FY 2023. Use of AI/ML in schemes like PM-KISAN, Ujjwala, and ration delivery under One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC). 📉 Declining Social Sector Spending: Public spending on health, education, and welfare declined from 21% of GDP (2012) to 17% (2023) (Source: PRS India). 📁 RTI and Democratic Deficit: Over 4 lakh RTI cases pending (as per 2024 CIC data). Amendments to RTI Act (2019) diluted fixed tenures of Information Commissioners, undermining autonomy. 🌍 Global Parallels: Brazil’s Bolsa Família and Estonia’s e-Welfare model are digitally driven but retain democratic checks. Concerns of "data colonialism" and exclusion by design raised by scholars (e.g., Reetika Khera). 📜 Relevant Conventions: UN SDG Goal 16: Peace, justice, strong institutions. UDHR Article 22: Right to social security and dignity. 🌐 Implications: Need to balance efficiency and inclusivity in digital welfare delivery. Empower Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies for need-based schemes. Ensure legal safeguards, transparency, and grievance redressal mechanisms. 5. Bullying Tactics in Trade: India’s Assertive Rebuttal 📰 What’s the News? India has strongly rejected coercive trade tactics by the U.S. and EU over Russian oil imports and high tariffs, asserting its strategic autonomy in global energy and trade matters. 📌 Key Points: 🔧 High Tariffs and Trade Coercion: U.S. imposed 25%+ tariffs under Section 232 of Trade Expansion Act. India’s GSP status revoked in 2019, impacting exports worth $5.6 billion. ⛽ Energy Diplomacy: India imports discounted Russian crude (~33% of total oil imports in 2024). U.S. accuses India of “financing war”; MEA rebutted, citing national interest. 🗣️ Assertive Statements: MEA: “India buys oil where it gets the best deal.” Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal: “Unilateral pressures are against WTO norms.” Watch Video – Click Join YouTube:Subscribe to our YouTube channel for daily updates on current affairs, environment, governance, and more: Link Join WhatsApp:Join our WhatsApp group to get instant alerts and study materials on current affairs and important topics: Link Join Instagram:Follow us on Instagram for quick facts, infographics, and updates on UPSC and government exams: Link Join Facebook:Like and follow our Facebook page to stay connected with detailed analysis, live sessions, and discussions: Link Join Telegram :Join our Telegram group to get instant alerts and study materials on current affairs and important topics: Link
