According to reports from the Islamic Republic News Agency (ISNA), the meeting will take place in the morning and will involve an Iranian delegation. However, it is important to note that there will be no representatives from the US side present during this gathering. The absence of US officials suggests a continued divide in the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Last week, a delegation from Qatar travelled to the United States to communicate an Iranian proposal regarding the reopening of the vital waterway in exchange for economic relief. This proposal has become a significant part of the discussions as both nations evaluate their positions amid escalating tensions.

Iran’s Proposal Linked to Economic Conditions

During the UN General Assembly, Araghchi outlined a seven-day proposal that would see Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, provided that certain conditions were fulfilled by Washington. The Iranian government indicated that this proposal was shared through intermediaries, with the reopening contingent upon measures such as easing US military pressure on Tehran.

However, on September 27, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz publicly stated that the US had rejected this Iranian proposal. He contended that Tehran’s conditions included demands for sanctions relief and access to “billions in frozen assets,” which the US cannot acquiesce to before concrete negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. The assertion highlights the complexities inherent in the ongoing negotiations.

Despite the rejection, Waltz acknowledged that the US would eventually need to find a form of agreement with Iran, yet emphasised the necessity of keeping all options available, particularly given the current geopolitical context. This approach underscores the challenges both nations face as they navigate diplomatic avenues while tensions continue to rise.

Iran Prepared for Multiple Outcomes

In response to the ongoing discussions, Araghchi contested Waltz’s interpretation of the Iranian proposal, asserting that the US official did not have a complete understanding of the plan. During an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he expressed Iran’s readiness for diplomatic engagements, yet simultaneously prepared for potential escalation in hostilities.

Araghchi stated, “We are fully prepared for the war to be resumed. We stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war. We don’t care about U.S. midterm elections. We care about our national interests.” His comments illustrate a dual commitment to diplomacy, contingent upon the decisions made by US President Trump.

The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a focal point in the ongoing contention between Iran and the US, with each side holding firm to its respective positions. Moreover, the scheduled meeting in New York is anticipated to centre on the latest proposals and viewpoints communicated through mediators, reflecting the complexities of international relations in the region.

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Concerns Raised Over Minors’ Access to Social Media

The JRCA’s petition raises significant concerns regarding the ability of minors to create and maintain social media accounts, a practice that contradicts their legal incapacity to enter into binding contracts. During the proceedings, Justice Bagchi emphasised that the standards should not remain as mere guidelines but must be formalised into statutory obligations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta acknowledged the concerns raised and stated that the government would evaluate potential actions in line with existing laws.

Justice Bagchi highlighted the need for social media platforms to comply with Indian laws, suggesting that their software must be tailored to meet these legal requirements. The Solicitor General indicated that the issue would be reviewed further, referencing Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, which pertains to intermediary responsibilities concerning online content.

Moreover, senior advocate HS Phoolka, representing the JRCA, pointed out that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while addressing data privacy, will not take effect until 2027. He argued that the current framework already invalidates agreements made by minors, advocating for immediate action instead of waiting for future legislation.

Proposals for Regulatory Mechanisms

The Solicitor General proposed that a regulatory framework could be envisaged, requiring parental consent for minors to access social media. This would create a contractual relationship between parents and the platforms, thereby ensuring a level of oversight. The bench expressed concern regarding the obligation of digital platforms, many of which are incorporated abroad, to adhere to Indian regulations while operating within the country.

Phoolka indicated that the Centre could invoke Section 79 of the IT Act to compel foreign intermediaries to comply with Indian laws, specifically those protecting minors. He urged swift action to establish regulations that would safeguard children from various risks associated with online platforms, including grooming, sexual exploitation, and cyberbullying.

As discussions continue, the Supreme Court highlighted the importance of creating a safe digital environment for children. The risks associated with online engagement, such as sextortion, misuse of personal data, and behavioural profiling, underscore the urgency of implementing effective regulations. The government’s response to the court’s direction will be closely monitored by the JRCA and other advocacy groups concerned about child safety in the digital age.

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West Guwahati Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bolin Deori confirmed the arrest and expressed confidence that the investigation is progressing on the right track. According to reports, Ali and the 22-year-old victim checked into Rudra’s Kitchen, a homestay, on September 25. Shortly thereafter, police received reports indicating that the victim was found in an unconscious state.

After being transported to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), the student was declared dead upon arrival. The police are scrutinising CCTV footage from the homestay as part of their investigation and have reportedly been interviewing three individuals associated with the establishment. The aim is to determine if other parties may be implicated in this case.

Victim’s Family Calls For Justice

The father of the deceased student has publicly stated his desire for justice, labelling the tragedy as potentially a murder. He has expressed his expectations for a thorough investigation and has called for strict penalties for the accused. “I demand justice. I have faith in the police and the government to deliver a favourable outcome,” he remarked during a conversation with ANI.

The grieving father affirmed the emotional toll on the family in the aftermath of the incident. He urged law enforcement to treat the case with the seriousness it warrants and stressed the need for justice and exemplary punishments for any involved parties. “In the past few days, we have been living in a painful state,” he added.

The victim’s father further elaborated on his belief that the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s demise may point to foul play. “I suspect that it is a murder case. All pertinent details will surface during the investigation,” he stated. He has requested that the Assam Chief Minister take a firm stance on this matter and ensure that appropriate actions are taken against those responsible.

Police Efforts and Community Response

Ongoing efforts by the Guwahati police focus on gathering evidence and clarifying the events leading to the student’s death. As they explore potential motives and connections, investigators are working expeditiously to piece together a comprehensive timeline of the incident. The community has reacted with shock and concern, prompting discussions about safety standards in local accommodations.

The police have reaffirmed their commitment to a transparent investigation, assuring the public that no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth. A thorough examination of all evidence, including witness statements and security footage, is underway, aimed at ensuring justice for the victim and her family.

The tragic incident has brought to light broader issues of safety in public and private spaces, prompting calls for increased vigilance among students and their families. With the investigation still in its early stages, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that addresses the concerns raised by this unfortunate case.

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A Solution Born from Necessity

At the turn of the 20th century, the booming industrial towns along the narrow Wupper River valley faced a severe spatial crisis. Dense factories, housing, and steep topography left no space on the ground for conventional rail lines, while hard, rocky terrain made underground subway construction nearly impossible.

German engineer Eugen Langen proposed a radical alternative: build upward. By suspending passenger cars underneath an elevated steel frame, the system could utilize the unused airspace directly above the river. Construction began in 1898, and official passenger service launched on March 1, 1901. The 13.3-kilometer (8.3-mile) route glides 26 to 40 feet above the water and urban streets, linking 20 stations along the valley’s main arterial corridor.

The Backbone of Modern Transit

Far from being a static museum piece, the Schwebebahn serves as the daily transit backbone for Wuppertal. Operated by local utility firm Wuppertaler Stadtwerke (WSW), the line transports commuters across town in roughly 30 minutes.

Over its century-long operation, the railway has continually modernized to meet strict safety and efficiency demands. The original steel frame structure was meticulously rebuilt between 1995 and 2014, and the fleet was replaced with modern, lightweight steel-and-glass carriages. Powered by electric motors, the suspended monorail operates with zero direct emissions, serving as an early prototype for sustainable, space-efficient transit design in congested urban environments.

Cultural Identity and Folklore

Beyond its practical role, the flying train forms the core of Wuppertal’s identity. In fact, the railway is older than the city itself; the independent towns along the valley merged to form modern Wuppertal in 1929, largely tied together by the shared overhead transit line.

The railway’s long history includes legendary tales—most notably the 1950 incident involving Tuffi, a young circus elephant brought aboard as a publicity stunt. Frightened by reporters, the elephant crashed through a side window and tumbled into the Wupper River below, escaping with only minor scratches. Today, the story remains central to city lore, commemorated by a stone sculpture in the riverbed.

As Wuppertal celebrates 125 years of continuous service, the Schwebebahn stands as proof that forward-thinking transit design can endure across generations.

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Composition of the Collegium

The Collegium is composed of Chief Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justices Vikram Nath, BV Nagarathna, MM Sundresh, and PS Narasimha. This team is responsible for selecting candidates for appointment to the Supreme Court. Presently, the Supreme Court has 34 judges, which includes the Chief Justice. Should the Central Government endorse the recommendation, the total strength will increase to 37, approaching the sanctioned limit of 38 judges.

The timing of the recommendations is significant as the Supreme Court is undergoing changes in its judicial strength. Justice Satish Chandra Sharma is scheduled to retire on November 29. Following that, Chief Justice Surya Kant will retire on February 9, 2027. Justice Vikram Nath is anticipated to succeed him, while Justice BV Nagarathna is positioned to be India’s first female Chief Justice after Justice Nath’s retirement in September 2027.

Profiles of the Recommended Judges

Justice Sunita Agarwal has a distinguished legal career, having practised at the Allahabad High Court for more than twenty years before being appointed as a judge in 2011. She became the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court in July 2023, marking a significant advancement in her judicial journey.

Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya has served on the Allahabad High Court and was later elevated to Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. In January 2025, he assumed the role of Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, further enhancing his profile as a leading judicial figure.

Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh has also held various positions within the Indian judiciary; he previously served on the Jharkhand High Court and was the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court. His appointment as Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court came in July of the previous year, reflecting his growing influence in the judicial landscape.

Implications of the Recommendations

These recommendations signify an important development in the structure of the Supreme Court. Should the Ministry of Law and Justice approve the recommendations and the three judges are sworn in, the effective strength of the Supreme Court would shift towards its sanctioned capacity. This could lead to enhanced efficiency in handling the backlog of cases pending before the court.

The anticipated changes in the Supreme Court’s leadership structure further illustrate the dynamic nature of the Indian judiciary. With several retirements on the horizon, fresh appointments will play a crucial role in shaping future judicial precedents and interpretations of law.

In summary, the Collegium’s recommendations for the Supreme Court underline the necessity for judicial appointments to adapt to changing circumstances. As the Supreme Court prepares for upcoming transitions, the appointed judges’ extensive experience and backgrounds are expected to contribute significantly to the judiciary in India.

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According to reports by news agency Reuters, the upcoming discussions will likely revolve around an updated version of the ceasefire initiative initially presented by Iran during the United Nations General Assembly last week. Trump’s rejection of the original proposal has not deterred him from indicating a willingness for further talks with Tehran this week, suggesting a potential diplomatic opening.

The planned meetings follow a period of escalating tensions and complicated negotiations, as both nations appear to be at an impasse over critical issues. The potential for dialogue remains important amid the backdrop of ongoing regional conflicts and economic pressures faced by Iran.

Qatar Plays Mediator Role Amid Uncertainty

Qatar has taken on the role of mediator in the ongoing US-Iran relations, a shift that is notable given the lack of direct negotiations between the two countries. Araqchi, who is currently in New York following the UN General Assembly, is set to meet with Qatari mediators to discuss various proposals regarding the current geopolitical situation.

Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency confirmed that discussions are on the agenda for Monday morning, New York time. However, there is a degree of uncertainty regarding Araqchi’s extended presence in the United States, as Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated his return to Tehran is scheduled as per the original itinerary.

The choice of Qatari mediators highlights the complexities of US-Iran relationships, as both sides have struggled to engage in direct talks. Iran’s earlier proposals and the US response underscore the deep divisions over ceasefire conditions and broader diplomatic resolutions.

Overview of Iran’s Proposed Truce Initiatives

The centrepiece of the diplomatic discussions is Iran’s seven-day proposal, which calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in both Iran and Lebanon. This plan also requests the unfreezing of substantial Iranian assets and the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil, alongside an end to the US blockade of Iranian ports.

In exchange, Iran has indicated its willingness to allow the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and to resume negotiations concerning its nuclear programme. Trump, however, has publicly rejected this proposal, expressing concerns that Iran is hastily seeking an accord due to its challenging economic circumstances.

Despite the rejection, Trump indicated that US negotiators are anticipated to engage in further discussions this week. The ongoing mediation efforts seem centred on finding a version of the proposal that is acceptable to both sides, rather than aiming for an immediate, final agreement.

Khamenei Issues Warnings Amid Diplomatic Efforts

As these diplomatic engagements unfold, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has adopted a more aggressive stance. In a recent message, Khamenei asserted that Iranian forces have pushed foreign military presence away from areas near Iran’s coastline towards the Arabian Sea, suggesting a forthcoming intensification of military pressure.

Khamenei’s remarks, which were disseminated through Iranian media, did not specify the foreign forces targeted. His communications coincide with ongoing tensions primarily related to the Strait of Hormuz and other regional conflicts. He claimed that Iran has successfully inflicted significant losses on adversaries operating in its surrounding waters.

The timing of Khamenei’s statements is notable, reflecting a dual strategy of maintaining military pressure while still seeking avenues for diplomatic resolution. The upcoming days may prove critical in determining the progress of these two potentially conflicting approaches, particularly as Qatari mediators attempt to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran’s positions.

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Outcome of the Inquiry

The inquiry was assigned to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) in West Champaran-Bettiah, who was responsible for determining whether any protocols had been breached concerning the constable’s actions. The investigation established that she had violated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that governs the behaviour of police personnel on social media platforms. This finding indicated that making and disseminating such a video was not in line with departmental policies.

The police confirmed that the constable’s actions constituted negligence as they did not adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Bihar Police Headquarters in Patna. The inquiry’s conclusion prompted the Superintendent to issue an order for her suspension, alongside the initiation of departmental proceedings against her.

The actions taken indicate stringent adherence to rules regarding the use of official resources by police personnel, particularly in relation to social media conduct. This case highlights the importance placed on maintaining decorum and professionalism within the police force.

New Directives Issued by Bettiah Police

In light of the incident involving the woman constable, the Bettiah Police have reiterated their commitment to upholding strict standards concerning social media usage among their officers. Following the suspension, officials outlined a clear directive indicating that all personnel must follow established rules and departmental instructions concerning online conduct. This move aims to reinforce accountability within the police ranks.

Authorities have warned that any future breaches of these guidelines will lead to severe disciplinary measures for those involved. By reinforcing the importance of responsible social media use, the police are working to prevent similar incidents and ensure that officers comply with the expectations outlined by the department.

This proactive approach by the Bettiah Police signifies a broader commitment to maintaining the integrity of the force and upholding public trust in law enforcement agencies. Managing the online presence of police personnel is part of the larger initiative to promote professionalism and respect for regulations within the department.

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The conflict in Myanmar escalated significantly after the military coup on 1 February 2021, which overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Security forces’ violent repression of peaceful protests led many opponents of military rule to take up arms, sparking widespread conflict in several regions of the country.

Details of the Market Attack

The airstrike reportedly occurred around noon, with a fighter jet dropping two bombs in close proximity to the bustling local market in Kyauktaw, situated approximately 340 kilometres west of Mandalay. The Arakan Army noted that the fatalities included vendors, shoppers, and bystanders. There is a heightened concern regarding the potential for the death toll to increase, prompting rescue operations in the area.

Wai Hun Aung, a senior rescue official in Rakhine, confirmed the reported casualties to the Associated Press, citing information from rescue workers present at the scene. He described the market as a primary wholesale hub in the region, attracting numerous traders and patrons from surrounding areas. Eyewitness accounts and social media posts revealed scenes of destruction, including burning buildings and damaged vehicles, which underscore the severity of the incident.

In response to the airstrike, the military had not released an immediate statement. Historically, the military has defended its actions by asserting that its strikes target legitimate military objectives and has accused various resistance factions of engaging in acts of terrorism. This ongoing conflict remains complex, with multiple actors involved.

Conflict Background and Military Operations

The Arakan Army, the armed wing advocating for greater autonomy for Rakhine’s ethnic minority, has been active in the region. Their operations escalated in November 2023, culminating in the capture of significant military installations and control over 14 of the 17 townships in Rakhine state. The advancing hostilities have resulted in severe restrictions on trade routes, exacerbating existing food shortages and humanitarian crises.

This airstrike is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have unfolded in Rakhine. In December, a military airstrike targeting a hospital in Mrauk-U township resulted in at least 34 fatalities and injured around 80 individuals. Such events have heightened fears among the local populace regarding safety and security amid increasing military operations.

The situation remains fluid, with local authorities and resistance groups closely monitoring developments. Both the Arakan Army and rescue personnel continue to warn that the casualty figures from the recent airstrike may rise as more information becomes available. The humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict in Rakhine are significant, calling for immediate attention and response from both national and international communities.

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Eligible Products and Exemptions

The zero per cent tariff will be applicable to products that are utilised in the treatment of rare medical conditions, as well as treatments for infertility, cell therapies, gene therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates. Additionally, animal pharmaceuticals and the components used in these drugs will qualify for this exemption. An ad valorem tariff is defined as a tax levied as a fixed percentage of the value of the goods, as outlined by the World Customs Organisation.

The Commerce Department clarified that the products from the listed jurisdictions can avail themselves of the zero per cent tariff due to their existing or forthcoming trade and security framework agreements with the US. This provision aims to support specific medical treatments while balancing import tariffs on other pharmaceutical products.

Alongside India, the countries exempt from these tariffs include Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ecuador, El Salvador, the European Union, Guatemala, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, North Macedonia, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Taiwan, Thailand, Britain, and Vietnam. The inclusion of these nations reflects a broader strategy by the US to foster particular international collaborations in the medical field.

Background of the Tariffs

The announcement is part of a broader initiative that originated from a proclamation issued by former President Donald Trump on April 2. This proclamation aimed to impose tariffs on imports of patented pharmaceuticals and biologics, intending to bolster domestic production within the US. The exemption for certain speciality drugs is a specific application of this proclamation, which falls under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

The original proclamation, which imposed the significant 100 per cent tariff on specified patented pharmaceuticals, took effect on July 31 for certain companies and will extend to others from September 29. The Commerce Department also detailed that generic pharmaceutical products and their associated ingredients are not subject to these pharmaceutical tariffs. This provision allows for a distinction between generic and patented products, aiming to promote competition in the pharmaceutical market.

Technical adjustments were made to the initial proclamation, including revisions to the definition of generic pharmaceutical articles to specifically encompass unpatented animal health products. Furthermore, it clarified that the term “pharmaceutical articles” exclusively applies to finished pharmaceutical products, their active pharmaceutical ingredients, and the essential starting materials for such ingredients. These changes aim to ensure that there is a clear understanding of what products are covered under the new regulations.

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Then the next case arrives.

This pattern is the real story. India does not lack outrage or legislation. What it lacks is a change in the everyday beliefs that make sexual violence easy to commit, easy to excuse and hard to punish.

What the numbers say, and what they hide?

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is the government’s own record keeper. Its latest full report covers 2023. It shows about 29,670 registered rape cases that year. That works out to a rape rate of 4.4 per lakh population.

Here I need to be honest with you. For adult women, the registered figure has stayed roughly in the range of 30,000 a year for several years. It is not exploding. Anyone who says otherwise is not reading the data carefully, and the argument in this article does not need exaggeration.

The trend is different for children. Crimes against children rose from 1,49,404 in 2021 to 1,62,449 in 2022 and then to 1,77,335 in 2023, a 9.2% jump in the last year. Sexual offences against children numbered 70,053 in 2023, which is about 192 every day. Overall crimes against children have grown nearly tenfold since 2005, when 18,700 cases were recorded.

Look closer at the child cases. There were 40,434 cases of penetrative sexual assault on children in 2023. In 39,076 of them, the offender was someone the child knew, and in 3,224 cases the offender was a family member. The same report links 89 child murders to rape or sexual offences law.

This tells us that the “stranger in a dark alley” is largely a myth. The danger sits in homes, neighbourhoods, schools and relatives’ houses. And that is exactly where our culture teaches children and families to stay quiet.

Are cases rising, or is reporting rising?

Both may be true. Some of the rise in child cases reflects a stronger law (the POCSO Act of 2012) and more willingness to file complaints. Researchers who study these numbers say a higher count does not automatically mean a more hostile society. But consider the other side. If about 30,000 rapes reach a police officer register in a country of over 140 crore people, the real number is almost certainly far larger. Survey data on women who report experiencing sexual violence points to millions of women, not thousands. The gap between what happens and what is recorded is the silence that rape culture builds.

The justice numbers

Registering a case is only the first step. In 2023, about 2.03 lakh rape cases were pending trial in courts, and convictions came in only 4,464 of them, a conviction rate of 22.7 percent. In plain terms, roughly three out of four completed trials end without a conviction. For child sexual offences, over 5.9 lakh trials were pending.

Why does this happen? Police officers in Karnataka told journalists that many parents settle matters out of court because the case involves a child and they do not want to drag it on. The same report notes that the law requires POCSO trials to finish within a year, but this is hardly followed.

Read that again. Families settle with the accused because the system is slow, the shame is heavy and the child pays the price for a public trial. The offender, meanwhile, learns that the risk is low.

Who gets blamed: the woman’s clothes, or the woman’s clock?

Now turn to what happens after a woman is attacked. The first questions asked are rarely about the attacker. What was she wearing? Why was she out at that hour? Who was she with? Why did she not scream?

Every one of these questions quietly moves the responsibility from the person who committed the crime to the person who survived it.

Consider what the evidence says. Rape happens to toddlers in frocks, to women in sarees and salwar suits, to girls in school uniforms, to women in burqas, and to women in their own bedrooms. If clothing caused rape, these cases would not exist. The child cases above are the strongest answer to the dress argument. An eight-month-old baby does not “provoke” anyone.

Timing follows the same logic. We tell women to be home before dark, as if the home were safe. But the data shows the offender is known to the victim in the great majority of cases. The curfew does not protect women from the person most likely to harm them. It only shrinks women’s lives.

This is what I mean by gaslighting. A woman is told that her freedom is the problem. She is made to doubt her own judgment, to feel that if she had dressed differently or returned earlier, it would not have happened. She then carries guilt for a crime committed against her. Some families internalise this so deeply that they stop the girl’s education, marry her early or keep her inside.

Public figures have said these things aloud. In a well-known 2015 documentary on the Delhi case, the defence lawyers spoke openly about women being like flowers to be protected or objects to be kept safe. That is not fringe thinking. It is the same idea, said without embarrassment.

Nobody tells the boys, but why?

Now look at the other side of the picture. Where is the message aimed at men?

Most Indian boys grow up hearing a long list of things girls must do. Sit properly, cover up, speak softly, return early, tolerate. What they rarely hear is a plain sentence: you must never touch another person without their clear agreement, and “no” means stop.

Instead, many boys learn the opposite from the world around them. Films present stalking as romance, where a woman’s refusal is only the first step in a chase. Eve teasing is laughed off as “boys will be boys”. A boy who harasses is seen as naughty. A girl who complains is seen as trouble. Sex is not discussed at home or at school, so young people learn about it from pornography and from friends who know no more than they do.

The result is a generation of boys who have been trained to see women as prizes to be won or property to be guarded, and never as equals whose “no” carries weight. A society cannot ask women to change their behaviour and then act surprised when the behaviour of men stays the same.

The fix is not complicated to describe. Teach boys, at home and in schools, that consent is a basic rule of human behaviour. Teach them that a man who respects a woman’s boundaries loses nothing. And have fathers, uncles, teachers and sports coaches say it out loud. Boys copy what adults do far more than what adults say.

Tradition, privacy and consent

This is the deepest layer, and the one people are most reluctant to discuss.

In many Indian families, the individual barely exists as a separate person. A child’s body, choices, marriage and career belong to the family. A daughter’s virginity is called the family’s “izzat”, its honour. A wife’s body is expected to be available to her husband. A young person who asks for privacy is often treated as hiding something. A closed door invites suspicion.

When privacy is not respected, consent has no room to grow. If a child learns that no one asks before touching her, hugging her, deciding her future and choosing her spouse, she does not learn that her body is hers. And a boy raised the same way does not learn to ask.

This shows up in several places:

• Children. Many families teach children to obey any elder without question. An uncle or tutor who abuses a child can rely on that obedience and on the family’s fear of shame.

• Marriage. Indian law still carries an exception saying that sex by a husband with a wife above the age of 18 is not rape. The same idea moved from the old Penal Code into the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita of 2023. Marriage, in law and in tradition, is treated as permanent consent.

• Honour. A rape victim is often said to have “lost her honour”, as though she did something wrong. The idea that shame belongs to the victim and not to the attacker pushes families toward silence, compromise and even marriage of the survivor to the accused.

This is not an argument against Indian “culture”. India has also given the world traditions of respect for women, strong female figures and reform movements led by both women and men. The point is narrower. Certain inherited habits, especially the ideas that family honour lives in women’s bodies and that individual privacy is selfish, make it very hard for a victim to speak and for a society to listen.

The legal view

Indian law has moved a long way, and it deserves credit for that. After the 2012 Delhi case, the Justice Verma Committee reviewed the law, and Parliament passed the 2013 amendments. Stalking, voyeurism and acid attacks became clear offences. The definition of rape widened. The law now says consent must be a clear and voluntary agreement. The POCSO Act of 2012 created a special child protection law with child friendly procedures. In 2017 the Supreme Court recognised privacy as a fundamental right, and in 2018 it struck down the criminalisation of adultery and of consensual adult same sex relations, moves that treated adults as owners of their own choices.

Yet the law in the books and the law in the street are different things.

• Delays. As shown above, lakhs of cases are pending, and the one-year limit for POCSO trials is often ignored.

• Police behaviour. Women still report being turned away, told to “compromise”, or questioned about their character. Many stations lack women officers.

• Invasive practices. The Supreme Court banned the so called two finger test years ago because it is degrading and unscientific. Reports of its use still surface.

• Marital rape. As noted, the law still shields husbands, and the matter remains unresolved in the courts.

• Uneven justice. The Bilkis Bano case showed how fragile accountability can be. Convicts in a gang rape and mass murder case were released early in 2022 and welcomed with garlands in some quarters, and the Supreme Court later cancelled the release in 2024.

A stricter law does not help if the court is slow and the police officer is unsympathetic. Harsher punishment, including the death penalty for child rape introduced in 2018, has not reduced the cases. Research in many countries suggests that the certainty of getting caught deters crime far more than the severity of the sentence. Right now, with a conviction rate of 22.7 percent, an offender’s chance of being caught and convicted is low.

The psychological view

Why do so many people, including well educated ones, blame the victim? Psychologists offer some simple explanations.

The “just world” belief. Most of us want to believe that bad things happen to people who did something wrong, because it makes the world feel safe. If a woman was raped, we look for what she did wrong, because otherwise we would have to accept that it could happen to anyone, including us or our daughters. Blaming her is a way of calming our own fear.

Power, not desire. Researchers who study offenders repeatedly find that sexual violence is mostly about control and entitlement, not uncontrollable lust. A man who believes he is owed access to a woman’s body, and who sees her refusal as an insult, is more likely to force himself on her. That is why child rape and the rape of elderly women happen. Desire does not explain them. Power does.

Learning by watching. Children absorb behaviour from what they see. A boy who watches his father shout at his mother, or his friends mock a girl on the street, learns that this is normal male behaviour. A girl who watches her mother silently accept everything learns to expect the same.

The bystander effect. In a crowd, each person waits for someone else to step in. Many harassment incidents on buses and streets happen with plenty of onlookers. Silence protects the offender.

Trauma and silence. Survivors, especially children, often blame themselves. When the adults around them also blame or hush them, the harm multiplies. Many carry it for decades without telling anyone.

The sociological view

Sociologists look at how society is arranged. Three ideas are useful, and none needs a textbook.

Patriarchy. This just means a system where men hold most of the power and decisions, at home, at work and in public life. When power is unequal, it is easy for the stronger side to dismiss the weaker side’s complaint. Women’s lower share of property, jobs and public positions makes them more dependent on family approval, and so more likely to stay quiet.

Norms and enforcement. Every society has unwritten rules about what is acceptable. In India, these rules have long been policed against women (do not stay out late, do not argue) rather than against men (do not harass, do not force). The society enforces obedience by shaming girls and lets men off with a shrug.

Caste and class. Sexual violence in India is tangled with caste. Dalit and Adivasi women face a much higher risk and have a much harder time getting justice, because the accused is often more powerful locally. The police, the village and sometimes the courts lean toward the powerful. A woman who is poor, from a marginalised caste and living far from a city has the least protection.

Add rapid change to this mix. More women now study, work and travel alone than ever before. That is progress. But it collides with old expectations, and some men respond to women’s growing independence with resentment. The reaction to women’s freedom, dressed up as concern for “safety” or “culture”, is one of the strongest forces holding rape culture in place.

So why will it be so hard to undo?

Because the problem is not a shortage of laws. It is a chain of habits, each of which protects the next.

Families teach silence. Silence lowers reporting. Low reporting hides the true scale. Slow courts and weak conviction rates tell offenders they will likely get away with it. Victim blaming tells women that speaking up costs more than staying quiet. And the absence of any lessons on consent means a fresh group of boys arrives every year with the same beliefs their fathers had.

Each link relies on the others. Pull one, and the rest hold it in place. That is why a single new law or a single fast track court, however welcome, does not break the cycle. It is also why candlelight marches feel powerful for a week and change nothing for a decade.

Being honest about this is not the same as giving up. Societies do change, but usually slowly and on several fronts at once. What would it take?

1. Teach consent early. Age-appropriate lessons in schools, starting in primary classes, on body safety, privacy and respect. The reported cases of child abuse make this the most urgent step.

2. Speak to boys directly. Campaigns, teachers, sports clubs and parents must address men and boys as the people responsible for stopping sexual violence, not just as protectors of “their” women.

3. Fix the courts and police. Meet the one-year limit for child cases, add women officers, train police to record complaints without judgment, and publish the pending numbers every year.

4. Recognise marital rape. Remove the exception in the law so that consent means the same thing inside and outside marriage.

5. Protect victims from the family’s pressure. Support survivors with counselling, legal aid and safe shelter so that families are not forced to choose between justice and survival.

6. Stop blaming the victim, in public and at home. Media, politicians, religious leaders and neighbours all shape the tone. When a public figure mentions a woman’s clothes in a rape case, that person deserves criticism.

Last but not least

India can undo rape culture, but not soon and not through outrage alone. The figures are clear enough. About 30,000 rapes a year reach the police, which is only a fraction of what happens. More than 1.77 lakh crimes against children are recorded, with sexual offences among the largest groups, and the offender is almost always someone the child knows. Roughly three in four rape trials that end do so without a conviction.

Behind those numbers is a society that still asks a woman what she wore before it asks a man why he did it, and that still teaches girls to hide and boys to take. Until families change what they teach their sons, until schools talk openly about consent, and until courts deliver justice in months and not decades, each new case will feel like the first, and the country will keep lighting candles for the same reasons.

Views of the author are personal and do not necessarily represent the website’s views.

Dr. Jaimine Vaishnav is a faculty of geopolitics and world economy and other liberal arts subjects, a researcher with publications in SCI and ABDC journals, and an author of 6 books specializing in informal economies, mass media, and street entrepreneurship. With over a decade of experience as an academic and options trader, he is keen on bridging the grassroots business practices with global economic thought. His work emphasizes resilience, innovation, and human action in everyday human life. He can be contacted on jaiminism@hotmail.co.in for further communication.

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