PM Narendra Modi on Youth Empowerment and Veer Bal Diwas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significant role of youth energy in India's progress, noting that the global community views India with hope due to its dynamic youth. Speaking at Veer Bal Diwas in New Delhi, he highlighted the continuous contribution of Indian youth from the freedom struggle to modern movements.

Government Initiatives for Youth Empowerment

• Youth-Centric Policies: The government focuses on empowering youth through various policies: 
  • Startup ecosystem development
  • Space economy advancements
  • Sports and fitness sector growth
  • Fintech and manufacturing industry support
  • Skill development and internship schemes
• Technological Advancements: Emphasized the need to prepare youth for future shifts, including AI and machine learning.

Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan

• Launched to improve nutritional outcomes and eliminate malnutrition.
• Includes a competition among anganwadis with 1,000 gram panchayats receiving Rs 1 lakh each for nutrition improvements.

Veer Bal Diwas and Historical Sacrifices

• Veer Bal Awards: Acknowledged 17 children for their bravery.
• Sahibzadas' Sacrifice: Reminded of the sacrifices by Sahib Zorawar Singh and Sahib Fateh Singh, who stood firm against the Mughal sultanate.
• Their bravery is linked with spiritual strength from historic figures like Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Gobind Singh.

Significance of Veer Bal Diwas

• Marks the 75th year of the Indian Republic and the Constitution.
• Highlights that every citizen draws inspiration from the Sahibzadas.
• Reinforces the principle that no individual is small or big, aligning with the teachings of the Gurus.

Assisted Dying Legalisation in England and Wales

Britain's House of Commons voted to legalise assisted dying, marking a significant social shift. Proponents view it as a compassionate choice for those suffering, while opponents fear it could pressure vulnerable individuals.

• 75% public support per UK National Centre for Social Research survey.

Controversy Surrounding the Move

The sensitive nature of assisted dying involves ethical and philosophical questions. UK courts and governments have left the decision to parliament. Notably, the current legislation is a private member's bill supported by key political figures, though opposed by six Cabinet Ministers.

Current Law

• Suicide is not a criminal offense, but assisting suicide is punishable by a 14-year sentence under the 1961 Assistive Suicide Act.

Proposed Law

Targets terminally ill, mentally competent adults with less than six months to live, requiring approval from two doctors and a High Court judge.

Petitioners' Prayers

• Since 2001, disabled applicants have argued against the 1961 law's compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
• Cited rights include self-determination, alleviation of suffering, privacy, freedom of conscience, and non-discrimination.

Court Rulings

In 2014, the Supreme Court found the 1961 law incompatible with the rights of non-terminally ill petitioners but left changes to parliament. The European Court of Human Rights supported this stance.

International Status

• The crown dependencies of Jersey and the Isle of Man are nearing legislative enactment for assisted dying.
• Examples of countries with similar laws include Switzerland, Oregon (USA), Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Germany.

Position in India

In Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court recognised the right to die with dignity under Article 21, legalising passive euthanasia and setting guidelines for its implementation.

• Guidelines involve living wills and judicial oversight, recently simplified by a Constitution Bench.
• New draft guidelines by the Health Ministry aim to fill regulatory gaps in healthcare practice.