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Feb 14, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 14 February 2025

Content: President’s Rule imposed in Manipur days after CM’s exit FM unveils Income Tax Bill 2025 in LS that seeks to simplify compliance 22 gates allow free movement of people on India-Myanmar border Unloading of Union Carbide waste begins in M.P. town Challenges of malaria vaccination, as elimination becomes achievable Is appointing ad-hoc judges a viable means to reduce backlog? What is happening in the DRC? President’s Rule imposed in Manipur days after CM’s exit Context & Background Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence for nearly two years, primarily between the Kuki–Zo and Meitei communities. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Polity) Over 250 people have been killed, and approximately 60,000 displaced since violence erupted on May 3, 2023. Former CM N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, after meeting Home Minister Amit Shah. Constitutional Basis & Legal Implications President Droupadi Murmu invoked Article 356 of the Constitution to impose President’s Rule (PR) in Manipur. PR was imposed after Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s report stated that governance could not continue per constitutional provisions. The Manipur Legislative Assembly is under “suspended animation“, meaning it is not dissolved but remains inactive. Under Article 356(3), the proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months to remain in effect. Key Takeaways Security & Ethnic Tensions: Ongoing conflict remains unresolved, and instability persists. Border & Immigration Concerns: Ex-CM linked the crisis to demographic changes and border policies. Uncertain Future: PR can last up to six months, extendable with parliamentary approval. The future course depends on political resolution and security stabilization. Additional Information: President’s Rule (Article 356) – Key Points Constitutional Basis Article 356 allows the President to impose President’s Rule (PR) in a state. PR is imposed when the state government fails to function as per the Constitution. Grounds for Imposition Governor’s report states constitutional breakdown in the state. State government defies Union government directives (Article 365). Political instability, law and order failure, or inability to conduct elections. Procedure President issues a proclamation imposing PR. Must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months (Article 356(3)). If approved, PR lasts six months, extendable to three years with conditions. Effects of President’s Rule State government is dismissed; Governor takes over with Union government’s guidance. State legislature is either dissolved or suspended (Manipur’s case: suspended animation). Union government controls state administration via the Governor. Laws for the state are made by Parliament. Judicial Safeguards S.R. Bommai Case (1994): PR is subject to judicial review. Governor’s report is not final and can be challenged. State Assembly cannot be dissolved immediately without parliamentary approval. History of Imposition First imposed in Punjab (1951). Longest PR in J&K (2018-2019). Manipur has seen PR multiple times (1967, 1973, 1979, 1992-95, 2025). Issues & Concerns Weakens federalism by increasing central control. Governance impact as bureaucrats replace elected representatives. Risk of political misuse to dismiss opposition-led governments FM unveils Income Tax Bill 2025 in LS that seeks to simplify compliance Introduction & Purpose: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income Tax Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha. Aims to simplify the existing Income Tax Act, 1961, which has been amended over 4,000 times since 1962. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) Legislative Process: The Bill will be referred to a Parliamentary Select Committee for review. Key Structural Changes: Word count reduction: From 5.1 lakh words to nearly half. Chapters reduced: From 47 to 23 for easier comprehension. Terminology Simplification: “Tax Year” introduced to replace multiple terms like “assessment year” and “previous year.” “Financial Year” retained for compliance and procedural timelines. TDS & TCS Rationalization: Multiple provisions consolidated in one place for clarity and ease of compliance. Implications: For Taxpayers & Practitioners: Reduces complexity and confusion in tax filing. Standardizes terminology to avoid discrepancies. For Tax Authorities & Legal System: Expected to reduce tax litigation and improve clarity. Streamlined structure may enhance compliance and enforcement efficiency. Broader Economic Impact: A modernized tax framework could improve India’s ease of doing business ranking. Potential for increased taxpayer compliance and better revenue collection. 22 gates allow free movement of people on India-Myanmar border Context & Background Free Movement Regime (FMR) History & Changes: Introduced in 1968 due to ethnic and familial ties. Territorial limit changes: 40 km initially → reduced to 16 km (2004) → 10 km (2024). Additional regulations enforced in 2016 to strengthen security. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,International Relations) Operational Border Gates: 22 out of 43 crossing points under the revised FMR agreement are functional. Distribution of operational gates: Manipur: 10 gates Mizoram: 5 gates Nagaland: 5 gates Arunachal Pradesh: 2 gates Regulation and Security Measures: Assam Rifles designated as the primary agency for issuing border passes and conducting first-level security checks. State police forces (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur) responsible for verification at the place of stay. QR code-enabled passes introduced for movement regulation. Biometric data recording and central database verification for security screening. Political & Security Implications: Despite Home Minister’s announcement on scrapping FMR, no formal orders from MEA yet. Myanmar faces intensified conflict between Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and the military junta since coup on Feb 1, 2021. Over 40,000 Chin refugees have entered Mizoram and Manipur since the coup. Significance & Impact Humanitarian Aspect: Facilitates movement for border communities with deep cross-border ties. Ensures controlled access while addressing refugee concerns. Security Concerns: Increased surveillance amid conflict spillover risks. Potential challenges in tracking illegal migration and insurgency threats. Diplomatic Angle: India’s balancing act in managing border security without disrupting relations with Myanmar’s ethnic groups. Unclear future of FMR suspension, given lack of formal MEA directive. Unloading of Union Carbide waste begins in M.P. town Context: Unloading of toxic waste from Union Carbide factory in Bhopal starts in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, despite protests. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) Timeline: 358 tonnes of chemical waste were moved on January 2 and unloaded on February 13, five days before Jabalpur High Court’s next hearing on February 18. Historical Context: The Union Carbide plant was the site of a 1984 gas leak disaster that killed thousands. Safety Measures: Dhar Collector Priyank Mishra assures public that waste containers remain locked, and incineration will not start until court hearing. Incineration Process: The government plans to incinerate waste at Pithampur facility, but it has been delayed by protests. Protests: Locals and activists continue to protest the incineration, fearing environmental and health impacts. Protests include symbolic acts like shavasana (corpse pose). Court Involvement: High Court hearing on February 18 will decide the next steps, with local groups focusing on presenting their evidence in court. Official Statements: Authorities deny rumours of incineration beginning, confirm unloading is done with safety protocols, and emphasize public consultation for any future action. Local Concerns: Locals remain skeptical, and protests are expected to intensify based on court’s ruling. Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) Chemical Formula: CH₃NCO Type: Highly toxic and volatile chemical compound. Uses: Primarily used in the production of pesticides, especially carbamate pesticides (e.g., Sevin). Properties: Colorless gas with a pungent odor. Extremely reactive and unstable, especially when exposed to moisture or heat. Toxicity: Causes severe respiratory issues, eye irritation, and damage to the nervous system. Can lead to death in high concentrations. Bhopal Gas Tragedy: MIC was the primary gas released during the 1984 Bhopal disaster. Its leakage from a Union Carbide plant resulted in thousands of deaths and long-term health effects for hundreds of thousands of people. Challenges of malaria vaccination, as elimination becomes achievable Historical Context of Malaria Discovery Malaria was initially misunderstood as a result of miasma (foul air). Key discoveries: 1880: Alphonse Laveran identified the Plasmodium parasite, proving malaria was caused by a living organism. 1897: Ronald Ross demonstrated that Anopheles mosquitoes were the vectors, completing the malaria transmission cycle. Malaria’s transmission path shaped colonial powers‘ ability to control regions, ironically reinforcing subjugation rather than liberation. Relevance : GS 2(Health) The Complexity of Malaria and Its Vaccine Development Parasite life cycle: The cycle begins with an infected mosquito injecting Plasmodium sporozoites into a human, infecting the liver, multiplying undetected, then re-entering the bloodstream to infect red blood cells (RBCs). Some parasites become gametocytes, which mosquitoes ingest, continuing the transmission cycle. Unlike simpler viruses, Plasmodium is a protozoan, evolving multiple developmental stages and surface proteins, complicating immune recognition and vaccine design. Immune Evasion by Plasmodium Antigenic variation: Plasmodium frequently alters its surface proteins, evading the immune system, leading to reinfection and weakened long-term immunity. Intracellular lifestyle: The parasite hides within liver cells and RBCs, evading immune surveillance, making immunity harder to develop. Genetic adaptability: Plasmodium evolves to evade immune responses, making universal vaccines difficult to develop. Challenges in Malaria Vaccine Development RTS, S Vaccine: Targets the liver stage of the parasite by inducing immunity against circum-sporozoite protein (CSP). Efficacy is 36% after four doses, much lower than vaccines for viral diseases like measles (90-95%). Effectiveness varies across age groups and transmission settings and declines over time. Requires multiple doses, complicating distribution in resource-poor regions. Second-Generation Vaccines: R21/Matrix-M: 77% efficacy over 12 months, shows promise in improving immune response. PfSPZ: A whole-parasite vaccine targeting the liver stage. RH5-based vaccines: Target the blood stage of infection, preventing RBC invasion. Transmission-blocking vaccines: Aim to stop mosquitoes from becoming infectious by targeting Pfs25 and Pfs230 proteins. Underfunding of Malaria Vaccine Research Funding challenges: Malaria primarily impacts low-income countries, leading to limited funding for research and healthcare infrastructure. Although treatments exist, the urgency for a vaccine has decreased, reducing research prioritization. Pharmaceutical barriers: The complexity of the parasite and the high cost of research deter large-scale investment from pharmaceutical companies. Resurgence of Malaria Shifting mosquito habitats and drug resistance are contributing to malaria’s resurgence, especially in regions where environmental factors and urbanization alter the landscape. A comprehensive strategy for malaria control will require: More effective vaccines. Enhanced mosquito control methods. Improved treatment options to address drug resistance. Long-Term Outlook While malaria elimination is achievable, the path remains challenging. The development of a universal, long-lasting vaccine faces hurdles due to the parasite’s adaptability and complexity. Combination strategies that integrate vaccines, vector control, and treatments will be key in eradicating malaria globally. Is appointing ad-hoc judges a viable means to reduce backlog? Viability of Ad-Hoc Appointments: The Supreme Court’s endorsement of ad-hoc judges aims to address the 62 lakh case backlog in High Courts as of January 2025. Previous attempts at ad-hoc appointments have been minimal, but renewed hope exists with recent judicial intervention. High judicial vacancies (367 out of 1,122) highlight the need for immediate action to reduce the backlog. Relevance : GS 2(Indian Judiciary) Impact on Regular Judicial Appointment Process: India has lacked a systematic approach to address judicial delays for 75 years, with concerns over the handling of regular judicial appointments. Ad-hoc appointments do not interfere with the regular appointment process and provide timely relief, especially for criminal cases. Reforming the Ad-Hoc Appointment Process: Simplifying the appointment process is key: The Chief Justice of High Courts should directly recommend candidates to the Supreme Court collegium. Avoid unnecessary procedures like intelligence clearances to speed up the appointment process and avoid discouraging candidates. Impact on Judicial Careers and Seniority: Ad-hoc judges serve for 2-3 years and do not compete with sitting judges, meaning they do not affect the seniority of current judges. Article 224A ensures that ad-hoc judges cannot be elevated, protecting the promotion prospects of regular judges. Strain on Judicial Infrastructure: The government must ensure resources like stenographers and law researchers for ad-hoc judges to focus on judicial duties. High Courts already have the capacity to accommodate additional courtrooms, and logistical challenges can be addressed by reassigning staff. Attracting Judges to Return to the Bench: Financial incentives and privileges are necessary to attract retired judges, as alternatives like arbitration and independent practice are more lucrative. The restriction on practicing in the same High Court after serving as an ad-hoc judge may discourage some candidates. Judicial Independence Concerns: Personal connections with the legal community do not inherently compromise judicial independence. Careful selection of candidates with integrity and technical expertise is crucial to maintaining judicial independence. Conclusion: Ad-hoc appointments can offer immediate relief for reducing case backlogs, particularly in criminal appeals, without disrupting the regular judicial system. The effectiveness of this measure depends on simplifying the appointment process, ensuring government cooperation, and providing necessary logistical support. Additional notes: Ad-Hoc Judges in Indian Polity Definition: Ad-hoc judges are temporary appointments made to handle the mounting backlog of cases in the judiciary. They are typically retired judges appointed for a limited term to assist in case adjudication. Constitutional Provision: Article 224A of the Indian Constitution allows the appointment of ad-hoc judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts to address judicial pendency. Recent Developments: In January 2025, the Supreme Court authorized High Courts to appoint retired judges on an ad-hoc basis to hear criminal appeals, working alongside sitting judges. Challenges: The process requires presidential approval, making government cooperation essential. Despite constitutional provisions, the practice has been limited in scope, with only a few ad-hoc appointments in the past. Benefits: Provides immediate relief in reducing case backlogs, especially in criminal cases. Does not affect the seniority or career progression of sitting judges. Concerns: The appointment process has been cumbersome, with calls for simplification to speed up the process. Judicial independence must be maintained by ensuring only candidates of impeccable integrity are appointed. What is happening in the DRC? Current Situation: M23 militia, backed by Rwanda, captures Goma: The DRC’s mineral-rich city of Goma, located near the Rwanda border, was captured by the M23 militia in early 2025. Casualties and Displacement: UN estimates state that over 2,900 people have died, 700,000 displaced, and many others injured since January 2025 due to escalating violence. M23’s Advances: The militia has now set its sights on Bukavu, another resource-rich area, as conflict spreads south. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ) Historical Context of the Region: Ethnic Conflicts Between Hutus and Tutsis: The region’s strife began during the colonial era under Belgian rule, where the Tutsi minority held power, leading to resentment from the Hutu majority. The 1959 Hutu Revolution and Rwanda’s Independence: The Hutu revolution, which resulted in the deaths of 20,000 Tutsis, led to a shift in power and the eventual independence of Rwanda in 1962. The Rwandan Genocide (1994): Sparked by the assassination of President Habyarimana, the genocide saw the systematic slaughter of Tutsis and moderate Hutus, claiming around 800,000 lives in 100 days. Aftermath of the Genocide: Hutu Refugees in DRC: Post-genocide, millions of Hutus, including perpetrators of the violence, fled to DRC, leading to the formation of several armed groups, including the M23. Invasions by Rwanda in 1996 and 1998: Rwanda invaded DRC twice, citing the need to protect Tutsi interests, triggering the First and Second Congo Wars, which caused massive regional instability. The Second Congo War (1998-2003): Known as Africa’s World War, it involved nine nations and 25 armed groups, resulting in 5 million deaths. The M23 Militia: Formation and Goals: M23, formed in 2012, emerged from a breakaway faction of the Congolese Army (CNDP). The group’s stated aim is to protect Tutsis, and it has a history of capturing Goma. Renewed Activity: The M23 resurfaced in 2022, citing unmet promises from the DRC government, and is accused of war crimes by the UN. Leadership: The militia is led by Sultani Makenga and is primarily based in the North Kivu province. Ethnic Strife vs. Resource Wealth: Ethnic Tensions: While ethnic strife between Hutus and Tutsis plays a role, the DRC’s vast mineral resources are central to the conflict. Coltan as a Key Resource: The DRC is a significant global source of Coltan, a crucial mineral for electronic devices, which is a major factor in the region’s appeal for both armed groups and nations. Responses to the Crisis: DRC’s President Tshisekedi’s Statement: DRC President Felix Tshisekedi termed the capture of Goma as “an act of war” and faces political challenges due to the loss. Rwanda’s Role and Kagame’s Stance: Rwandan President Paul Kagame has not directly admitted Rwanda’s support for M23 but has suggested that the group’s actions represent legitimate Tutsi interests. Burundi’s Warnings: Burundi, with its own tensions with Rwanda, has expressed concern over M23’s advance, warning that further conquest could lead to broader regional war. Uganda’s Position: Uganda takes a middle ground by assisting Congolese troops against militants linked to ISIS while indirectly allowing M23 to use Ugandan territory.

Feb 13, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 13 February 2025

Content: PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Turns One India Energy Week 2025 Showcases India’s Clean Cooking Gas Model: A Blueprint for the Global South PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Turns One Introduction Launch & Vision: Launched on February 13, 2024, by PM Narendra Modi, aiming to install rooftop solar panels for one crore households by March 2027. World’s Largest Rooftop Solar Initiative: Aims to make solar energy affordable and accessible, accelerating India’s transition to sustainable energy. Current Achievements (as of Jan 27, 2025): 8.46 lakh households benefited. 70,000 installations/month, a 10x increase from pre-scheme levels. ₹4,308.66 crore disbursed as Central Financial Assistance (CFA). 45% beneficiaries receiving zero electricity bills. Relevance : GS 2(Schemes) , GS 3(Energy Security) Key Benefits Free Electricity for Households: Subsidized rooftop solar panels ensure zero-cost electricity for many. Reduced Government Electricity Subsidy Burden: Estimated annual savings of ₹75,000 crore in government electricity expenses. Promotes Renewable Energy Usage: Strengthens India’s push towards clean energy and energy security. Lower Carbon Footprint: A significant step in reducing carbon emissions, aiding India’s climate commitments. Subsidy Structure Monthly Electricity Consumption (Units) Solar Plant Capacity Subsidy Amount 0-150 units 1-2 kW ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 150-300 units 2-3 kW ₹60,000 – ₹78,000 > 300 units Above 3 kW ₹ 78,000 Application Process: Households can apply via the National Portal and select a certified vendor. Financial Assistance Processing Time: On average, 15 days post-redemption request. Loan Support: Collateral-free loans at 7% interest for solar systems up to 3 kW. Impact Assessment Household Benefits: Cost Savings: Solar power users save significantly on electricity bills. Income Generation: Households can sell surplus power to DISCOMs. Energy Independence: Reduces dependency on fossil-fuel-powered electricity Expansion of Solar Capacity: 30 GW additional solar capacity expected in residential sectors. Environmental Gains: Over 1,000 BUs of electricity generation over 25 years. 720 million tonnes CO₂ emission reduction. Employment Generation: Expected to create 17 lakh direct jobs across: Manufacturing Logistics & Supply Chain Sales & Installation Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Model Solar Village Initiative Objective: One Model Solar Village per district to showcase energy self-sufficiency. Funding: ₹800 crore total, ₹1 crore per village. Selection Criteria: Must be a revenue village. Population requirement: 5,000+ (2,000 in special category states). Selected based on highest renewable energy (RE) capacity six months post-identification. Future Roadmap Target Installations: 10 lakh installations by March 2025. 20 lakh by October 2025. 40 lakh by March 2026. One crore by March 2027. Economic & Environmental Milestones: ₹75,000 crore in government savings. Stronger renewable energy infrastructure. Enhanced rural electrification via solar villages. Conclusion PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a game–changer in India’s clean energy transition. The scheme reduces household energy costs, decarbonizes electricity production, and boosts employment. The Model Solar Village initiative fosters rural self-sufficiency in energy. India reaffirms its global leadership in renewable energy, accelerating towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. India Energy Week 2025 Showcases India’s Clean Cooking Gas Model: A Blueprint for the Global South Introduction : India showcased its success in achieving universal access to clean cooking fuel, positioning itself as a model for the Global South. Relevance : GS 3 (Energy Security) The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was highlighted as a game-changer in driving LPG adoption, with affordable pricing of 7 cents/day for beneficiaries and 15 cents/day for other consumers. India’s strategy involves targeted subsidies, digitalized distribution networks, and nationwide awareness campaigns. International stakeholders recognized India’s approach as highly replicable in nations facing energy access challenges. Discussions & International Participation Ministerial roundtable chaired by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri included representatives from Brazil, Tanzania, Malawi, Sudan, Nepal, and industry leaders like IEA, Total Energy, and BCG. Countries shared their clean cooking expansion strategies, challenges, and policy insights: Tanzania: Aims for 80% household transition to clean cooking by 2030, facing financing and regulatory challenges. Sudan: Emphasized private sector participation for LPG supply and local cylinder production. Nepal & Rwanda: Working on reducing firewood dependency through electric stoves and biogas initiatives. India’s Policy Success & Key Takeaways Targeted Subsidies: Ensured affordability for low-income households. Strong Political Will: Government commitment enabled efficient policy execution. Digital Distribution Networks: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) streamlined last-mile delivery. Cultural Shift Campaigns: Public awareness efforts boosted LPG adoption. Global Perspectives on Scaling Clean Cooking IEA Deputy Executive Director Mary Burce Warlick: Highlighted the role of concessional financing and PPPs in clean cooking expansion. BCG Partner Rahool Panandiker: Stressed the need for refining the LPG refill model for sustainability. Regulatory Adjustments & Tax Reductions: Identified as crucial for large-scale adoption. Future Prospects: Expanding Beyond LPG Solar Cookers: Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) developed solar cookers with integrated panels (~$500/unit). Challenge: High cost limiting mass adoption. Proposed solution: Carbon financing & private sector collaboration to reduce costs. Diverse Clean Cooking Options: India’s long-term goal is to reduce biomass reliance & cut carbon emissions. India’s Global Leadership in Energy Transition Shri Puri emphasized that universal clean cooking access is a moral, health, and environmental imperative. India’s policies provide a scalable and sustainable framework for other developing nations. Strengthened international cooperation through India Energy Week, reaffirming India’s role as a leader in global energy dialogues. India Energy Week 2025: Significance Evolved into the world’s second-largest energy event within two years. The third edition (Feb 11-14, 2025, Yashobhoomi, New Delhi) focused on shaping global energy narratives. Demonstrates India’s proactive stance in energy transition & clean cooking accessibility.

Feb 13, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 13 February 2025

Content: Budgeting for a gender-inclusive ‘Viksit Bharat’ Averting Engels’ pause Budgeting for a gender-inclusive ‘Viksit Bharat’ Context: The Union Budget 2025-26 underscores inclusive development, prioritizing the poor, youth, farmers, and women. The explicit focus on women aligns with the government’s commitment to women-led development. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Practice Question: Gender-responsive budgeting is essential for achieving inclusive economic growth. Discuss the key provisions in the Union Budget 2025-26 aimed at enhancing women’s participation in economic activities. What challenges remain, and how can they be addressed? (250 words) Gender Budget Allocation – Highest in Two Decades Gender budget increased to 8.8% of total Budget (₹4.49 lakh crore), up from 6.8% in the previous year. 49 Union Ministries and departments now have gender budget components. 12 additional Ministries from non-traditional sectors (e.g., Railways, Ports, Land Resources, Pharmaceuticals) have integrated gender budgeting. A whole-of-government approach reflects enhanced gender mainstreaming in policies. Boosting Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) FLFPR (usual status) increased to ~42% in 2023-24 (from 33% in 2021-22), nearing the global average of 47%. However, a 37-percentage point gap exists compared to men’s FLFPR (79%). Achieving the 70% target by 2047 requires: Investment in skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship Access to productive resources and social security Key Budget Allocations for Women in Economic Activities: Skill India Programme, ESDP, National Skill Training Institutes, DAY-NRLM, MGNREGS, PM Employment Generation Programme, PM Vishwakarma, Krishonnati Yojana Combined allocation increased from ₹1.19 lakh crore to ₹1.24 lakh crore, with 52% of funds directed towards women and girls. New schemes: PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana First-time entrepreneurs’ scheme Sustainable livelihood for urban workers Centres of Excellence for ‘Make in India’ Formalizing Women in the Gig Economy 90% of India’s working women are in the informal sector. Budget proposes: Identity cards for gig workers Registration on the e-Shram portal Potential benefits: Formal identity and recognition Access to social security and financial inclusion Challenges in the gig economy: Low wages, job insecurity, lack of employment rights Need for comprehensive social security measures, including maternity benefits Labour code enforcement and progressive parental entitlements are crucial for economic security. AI & Digital Skilling for Women Centre of Excellence on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the education sector introduced. ₹600 crore allocated under India AI Mission for gender-focused AI initiatives. Importance of AI and digital skilling: Bridging the digital divide Enhancing women’s employability in high-growth sectors Strengthening Women’s Financial Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Women play key roles in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and employment, requiring better financial support mechanisms. Key Budget Provisions: Simplifying loan documentation (e.g., delinking Kisan Credit Cards from land ownership). Gender-disaggregated tracking of financial access to enhance efficiency. Supporting women entrepreneurs via collateral-free loans, alternative credit scoring, and financial literacy programs. Potential impact: Women-owned MSMEs (20.5% of total MSMEs) employ ~27 million people. 30 million additional women-led businesses could generate 150-170 million jobs by 2030. Gender-Responsive Budgeting – Key to Inclusive Growth Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for women’s economic participation. Key measures for realizing Viksit Bharat: Sustained policy implementation Infrastructure development Transforming social norms Gender-responsive budgeting ensures: Strengthened social protection An inclusive labour market for both women and men Women as key drivers of national growth Conclusion: Achieving 70% women’s participation in economic activities by 2047 requires sustained investment, social security, and structural reforms. Gender-sensitive policies and financial inclusion will be crucial for women-led economic transformation in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat. Averting Engels’ pause AI Governance and Global Commitments Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for AI governance, standards, and trust-building at the AI Action Summit in Paris (Feb 11, 2025). India, along with over 50 countries, committed to principles of trust, safety, and universal access in AI development. The focus on mitigating AI risks while advancing technology aligns with India’s long-term AI strategy. Relevance : GS 3(Technology), GS 2(Governance) Practice Question : Discuss the concept of Engels’ Pause in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven economic transformations. How can India mitigate the risks associated with job losses and wage stagnation while ensuring sustainable AI adoption? (250 words) Labour Market Challenges and Engels’ Pause Engels’ Pause: A phase where technological advances benefit firms, but real wages stagnate before eventual trickle-down effects. Historical perspective: PM Modi highlighted how past technological revolutions created new employment opportunities. The Economic Survey acknowledges concerns that AI-driven productivity gains could initially disrupt labour markets. India’s IT and services sector contributes significantly to GDP but employs a smaller workforce—AI efficiency gains could reduce job creation and stagnate wages. Proactive policy responses are essential to ensure AI adoption does not exacerbate job losses. Energy Sustainability and AI’s Rising Power Demand AI’s energy footprint is increasing due to high computational power required for model training and deployment. The U.S. produces over twice India’s electricity with a quarter of its population—data centres are becoming major consumers. India must focus on renewable energy-driven AI expansion to ensure sustainability. India’s AI Strategy and Future Path Unlike Western AI firms pursuing a high-investment, low-return model, India must focus on cost-effective AI tailored to national needs. The IndiaAI Mission promotes AI research through: Subsidised GPU clusters for AI model training. Funding for promising AI projects to foster innovation. Skilling and education: Scaling up AI training programs to ensure a strong domestic talent pool. Addressing the brain drain by ensuring India retains top AI expertise. Way Forward AI’s impact on labour markets and wages must be monitored and managed through policy interventions. Energy-efficient AI adoption is critical for India’s sustainability goals. Developing indigenous AI capabilities will ensure economic competitiveness and reduced dependence on foreign technologies. A balanced AI strategy can help India avert Engels’ Pause and harness AI for inclusive economic growth.

Feb 13, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 13 February 2025

Content: IMEC project gains traction as PM holds talks with Macron AI dangerous tool, be it in Chinese or American hands, says Delhi HC Implications of the AI Diffusion Framework A 11-year high of 55% urban residents report stagnant income in 2025 Should convicted persons contest elections? Centre’s new Immigration Bill likely to have provisions denying entry to foreigners Illegal coal mining continues in Meghalaya: report IMEC project gains traction as PM holds talks with Macron Project Overview: The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) aims to connect India to Europe through both sea and land routes. Relevance : GS 2(international Relations) , GS 3( Infrastructure) Key Stakeholders: India and France reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the IMEC project during PM Modi’s two-day visit to France. Discussion Focus: PM Modi held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing the importance of the project and strengthening bilateral ties. Previous Milestone: IMEC was first launched during the G-20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023. Objective: Both nations agreed to collaborate closely on the implementation of the IMEC, enhancing connectivity and economic cooperation. Broader Vision: The corridor is expected to bolster trade, infrastructure, and diplomatic relations between India, the Middle East, and Europe. India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) Project Objective: To connect India to Europe via the Middle East using sea and land routes, enhancing trade, economic ties, and regional connectivity. Key Stakeholders: India, France, Middle Eastern countries, European Union. Launched: First announced at the G-20 Summit in September 2023; reaffirmed by PM Modi and President Macron in February 2025. Strategic Components: Sea Routes: Connecting Indian and Middle Eastern ports to Europe. Land Routes: Rail networks linking the Middle East to Europe. Digital Integration: AI and tech for optimized trade flow. Benefits: Economic growth, job creation, improved regional stability, and energy/resource transport. Challenges: Geopolitical tensions, high infrastructure costs, multi-nation coordination. Future Outlook: Strong backing from India and France, with momentum expected in the coming years. AI dangerous tool, be it in Chinese or American hands, says Delhi HC Court’s Observation: The Delhi High Court stated that artificial intelligence (AI) is a “dangerous tool” in anyone’s hands, whether Chinese or American. Relevance : GS 3(Technology) Context: The observation came during a petition urging the Centre to block access to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot available in India. AI’s Risks: The court emphasized the potential dangers of AI, highlighting its misuse regardless of the origin (China or the U.S.). Centre’s Response: The Centre’s counsel acknowledged the issue and sought more time to get instructions, with the matter scheduled for hearing on February 20. Petitioner’s Concerns: The petition raised issues with DeepSeek’s privacy and security practices, claiming it poses a threat to India’s sovereignty, integrity, data security, and public order. Privacy Issues: The petition cited that DeepSeek’s terms of use and privacy policies fail to protect Indian citizens’ right to privacy and do not comply with IT Rules, 2011 and Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Global Concern: Other countries have also raised concerns regarding DeepSeek’s data handling practices. Implications of the AI Diffusion Framework Overview of the AI Diffusion Framework Announced in the final week of the Biden-Harris administration. Aims to: Maintain U.S. dominance in AI technology. Balance innovation with national security. Prevent adversaries (China, Russia, North Korea, Iran) from leveraging AI for strategic gains. Reflects U.S. strategy of using AI for economic and military advancements. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) ,GS 3(Technology) Mechanism of the Framework Extends export controls to all aspects of AI technology: AI chips and chip-making tools. Closed AI model weights (key to AI decision-making). Three-tier classification of countries: First tier: Key allies (e.g., Austria, Israel) — unrestricted AI access. Second tier: Includes India — limited AI access with restrictions on compute capacity and model exports. Third tier: U.S. adversaries (China, Russia, North Korea, Iran) — full export controls to block AI advancements. Short-term effects: No major disruptions in global AI trade. Restrictions on closed AI model weights impact only future advanced AI systems. Long-term Strategic Implications U.S. seeks to concentrate AI technological capabilities within its own borders and closest allies. American AI companies face barriers in setting up frontier AI facilities abroad. Concerns for U.S. allies: Sets a precedent for unilateral U.S. restrictions. Allies may diversify supply chains to reduce dependence on the U.S. Potential risk of fragmenting the global AI ecosystem, reducing U.S. dominance over time. Impact on India India placed in the second tier, limiting its AI technology access. Could discourage AI investments in India from leading U.S. tech companies. May lead to brain drain, with top Indian AI talent moving abroad. Risks slowing knowledge transfer and innovation in India’s AI sector. Contradicts India-U.S. strategic cooperation in sectors like semiconductors and Indo-Pacific security. Could strain bilateral ties, pushing India to seek alternative AI partnerships. Takeaways The framework aims to secure U.S. AI leadership but may alienate strategic partners like India. India may hedge against over-reliance on the U.S. by strengthening domestic AI capabilities and forging new tech alliances. The policy mirrors past U.S. technology restrictions (e.g., post-1998 nuclear sanctions), raising concerns over long-term trust in India-U.S. tech cooperation. A 11-year high of 55% urban residents report stagnant income in 2025 Context : Stagnant Income Levels 55% of urban consumers reported unchanged income in January 2025, the highest in 11 years. Decline in the share of respondents who reported an increase in income. Relevance :GS 3(Indian Economy) Employment Concerns 42.7% of respondents observed a decline in job opportunities compared to the previous year. Employment optimism, which had improved post-pandemic, started reversing in mid-2024. Inflation Trends Retail inflation eased to 4.31% in January, a five-month low. 93% of respondents still felt that prices increased, but this was the lowest since July 2024. Consumer Spending Perception Essential Items: 87.6% reported increased spending, the lowest since September 2024. Non-Essential Items: A slight increase in those reporting unchanged spending, with a marginal decline in those saying spending increased. Economic Sentiment 43% of urban consumers felt the overall economic situation worsened in January 2025, the highest in at least a year. Pessimism about income and job prospects overshadowed optimism from lower inflation. Implications Consumer Confidence: A weak employment market and stagnant incomes may dampen economic sentiment, affecting consumer spending and business investments. Policy Challenges: The government may need targeted interventions, such as employment generation schemes or wage support, to boost purchasing power. Growth Prospects: Reduced consumer spending, especially on discretionary items, could slow down overall economic growth. Long-term Impact: If income stagnation persists, it may widen income inequality and hinder aspirations of upward mobility among urban households. Should convicted persons contest elections? Context: Legal Provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act, 1951) Section 8(3): Disqualifies a person convicted of a criminal offense with imprisonment of at least two years. The disqualification extends for six years post-release. Section 8(1): Includes disqualification for heinous crimes like rape, untouchability (PCR Act), unlawful association (UAPA), and corruption (Prevention of Corruption Act), irrespective of sentence duration. Section 8(4): Previously allowed sitting legislators to continue post-conviction if they appealed. Struck down in the Lily Thomas case (2013). Section 11: Election Commission (EC) can reduce or remove disqualification. Used in 2019 to shorten Prem Singh Tamang’s disqualification period. Relevance : GS 2(Elections) Key Supreme Court Judgments Supporting Decriminalization of Politics ADR Case (2002): Mandated candidates to disclose criminal records. CEC vs. Jan Chaukidar (2013): Held that undertrial prisoners cannot contest elections, but Parliament later overturned this through an amendment. Lily Thomas Case (2013): Invalidated Section 8(4), ensuring immediate disqualification of convicted legislators. Current Petition for a Lifetime Ban Petition seeks a permanent ban on convicted persons from contesting elections. Argument: If convicted individuals are barred from government jobs, they should not become lawmakers. Government’s stance (2020): MPs and MLAs are not subject to service conditions like government employees, and the existing six-year disqualification is adequate. Criminalization of Politics: The Data ADR Report (2024): 46% (251 out of 543) elected MPs have criminal cases. 31% (171 MPs) face serious charges like rape, murder, and kidnapping. Candidates with a criminal background had a 15.4% winning chance, while clean-background candidates had only 4.4%. Recommendations and Challenges Law Commission (1999, 2014) and EC: Recommended disqualification of candidates facing charges for crimes punishable with more than five years. However, concerns remain about misuse of politically motivated cases. Way Forward: Possible lifetime disqualification for heinous crimes and corruption-related offenses. Review of EC’s power to reduce disqualification periods. Need for political consensus on stricter norms to curb criminalization. Centre’s new Immigration Bill likely to have provisions denying entry to foreigners Context : Key Provisions of the Centre’s new Immigration Bill Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Denial of Entry on Security Grounds: First-time introduction of threat to national security and sovereignty as explicit grounds to deny entry or stay to foreign nationals. May also bar entry based on relations with a foreign state. Immigration Officer’s Authority: The Bill could make the Immigration Officer’s decision final and binding regarding entry denial. Previously, entry was denied, but there was no explicit legal provision mentioning such authority. Repeal of Existing Laws: The Bill is likely to replace four Acts: Foreigners Act, 1946 Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000 These laws were enacted around World War I and II and had overlapping provisions. Avoiding Legal Overlaps: The new law aims to streamline regulations related to passports, visas, registration, and exit procedures. Seeks to remove inconsistencies between multiple laws. New Definitions and Institutional Responsibilities Immigration Officers: The Bill may define their functions and grant them legal backing under the Bureau of Immigration. Responsibilities of Educational and Medical Institutions: Universities and medical institutions admitting foreigners may have new obligations under the law. Foreigners may bear the burden of proof to establish their nationality. Penalties for Violations Illegal Entry: Punishable with up to five years’ imprisonment or fines up to ₹5 lakh or both. Fraudulent Travel Documents: Usage or distribution may lead to 2-7 years’ imprisonment. Fines may range from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Implications & Concerns Strengthening of national security measures by legally empowering immigration authorities. Concerns over broad executive powers and potential misuse in denying entry based on vague security concerns. Impact on foreign students, medical tourists, and businesses due to increased scrutiny. Clarity on appeal mechanisms needed, as the Immigration Officer’s decision may be final and binding. Illegal coal mining continues in Meghalaya: report Context: Key Findings of the Report Illegal mining persists in six coal-rich districts despite government action. Drone videography and volumetric assessment provided fresh evidence of unauthorized mining. Seized coal data discrepancies suggest large-scale illegal extraction and potential underreporting. Relevance : GS 3(Minerals , Mining) Coal Seizure and Discrepancies 2022 Report (State Government Data): 92,268.43 MT seized in East Jaintia Hills, South Garo Hills, and West Khasi Hills (May-Aug 2022). Private firm recorded an additional 41,477.54 MT in these districts. 2025 Report (State Mining & Geology Department Data): Total seized coal now 4,10,796.44 MT across six districts: New additions: West Jaintia Hills, East Garo Hills, and South West Khasi Hills. Increase of 1,69,602.35 MT in three newly reported districts compared to 2022 figures. Mismatch in coal figures across districts raises concerns of illicit mining operations. Challenges and Recommendations Difficult terrain hinders conventional surveillance. Drone monitoring suggested for better enforcement. Regular patrolling needed to curb ongoing illegal mining activities. Implications Environmental concerns: Unregulated rat-hole mining leads to severe ecological damage. Regulatory failure: Discrepancies in coal seizure data indicate possible collusion or inefficiency in enforcement. Need for stronger action: More robust monitoring mechanisms and legal interventions required.

Feb 12, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 12 February 2025

Content: Digital Agriculture Mission Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Digital Agriculture Mission Introduction Approved by the Government on 2nd September 2024 with an outlay of ₹2817 crore. ₹54.972 crore allocated for FY 2025-26; funds released based on state proposals. Aims to create a robust digital ecosystem for agriculture, improving access to farmer-centric digital solutions and real-time crop-related data. Components of the Mission A. Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture (DPIA) Encompasses various IT-driven initiatives by Central and State Governments. Includes Agristack, Krishi Decision Support System, Comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map, and other digital innovations. B. Agristack: Core Digital Initiative Aims to establish a structured agricultural database for improved decision-making. Comprises three foundational registries: Farmers’ Registry – Digital database of farmers’ demographic details. Geo-referenced Village Maps – Mapping of agricultural land parcels. Crop Sown Registry – Real-time data on crops sown across various regions. Maintained by State Governments/UTs with central administrative and technical support. C. Benefits of Agristack Farmer Authentication: Helps farmers digitally verify their identities for accessing government benefits. Access to Credit & Insurance: Facilitates loans, insurance, and procurement services. Market Linkages: Supports online transactions for purchase and sale of inputs and produce in a trust-based digital environment. Integration with National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) e-NAM is a virtual platform integrating physical wholesale markets (mandis) across India. Enables transparent price discovery and ensures better prices for farmers. As of December 31, 2024: 1410 mandis integrated across 23 States and 4 UTs. Facilitates online agricultural commodity trading at a national scale. Challenges and Way Forward A. Challenges Data Privacy Concerns: Ensuring farmer data security and preventing misuse. Digital Divide: Limited access to smartphones and internet in rural areas. Interoperability Issues: Need for seamless integration between different state and central digital platforms. Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Connectivity issues, especially in remote agricultural regions. B. Potential Solutions Strengthening Cybersecurity: Implement robust data protection mechanisms. Digital Literacy Programs: Train farmers on using digital platforms effectively. Enhancing Rural Connectivity: Expand broadband access in agricultural belts. Harmonizing Data Standards: Ensure uniformity across state and central databases. Conclusion The Digital Agriculture Mission is a transformative step toward modernizing India’s agriculture sector. Agristack and e-NAM are key enablers for data-driven decision-making, financial inclusion, and market accessibility for farmers. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Overview Nature of the Disease: Highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs. Causes fever, blisters on the mouth and feet, and can lead to severe economic losses. Although it has low mortality in adults, it severely affects productivity (milk yield, growth rate, and fertility). Relevance : GS 3( Economic and Agricultural Impact: Reduces milk production and meat quality, leading to financial losses for farmers. Affects trade due to restrictions on livestock exports from infected areas. Requires intensive control measures, including mass vaccination and surveillance. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) (2019) Objective: To control and eradicate FMD through vaccination and animal tracking. Funding: 100% central assistance to States/UTs for FMD vaccination. Integration: Included under Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) since 2021. Components of NADCP: Vaccination Strategy: Quality vaccines procured and distributed centrally. Ear-tagging of vaccinated animals for tracking. Financial support for vaccination accessories and cold chain infrastructure. Monitoring and Data Management: Livestock registration and vaccination data uploaded on Bharat Pashudhan portal. Seromonitoring & serosurveillance conducted to track vaccine efficacy. Capacity Building & Awareness: Financial aid to research institutions (ICAR-NIFMD, ICAR-IVRI, NIVEDI, etc.). Awareness programs for farmers and stakeholders. FMD-Free Zone Approach Concept: Creating disease-free zones to improve control measures. Current Focus States (9 states): Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand. Expansion based on state-specific requirements. Progress & Achievements under NADCP Mass Vaccination Drive Total FMD vaccinations under NADCP (Till Jan 2025): 107.34 crore Reduction in Disease Incidence Over 60% reduction in FMD outbreaks since NADCP launch. Outbreaks are now sporadic, with fewer animals affected. Effectiveness of Vaccination Programme Seromonitoring Results: Indicate increasing protective immunity. Serosurveillance: Shows a decreasing trend of infection risk. Review Mechanism & Policy Coordination National & Regional Reviews: Regular meetings to assess vaccination and control measures. 17th August 2024: National review meeting for “FMD-Mukt Bharat”. Regional reviews conducted twice a year. State-specific Action Plans: Address local challenges in vaccination and monitoring. Challenges in FMD Eradication Vaccine Coverage & Logistics: Ensuring full vaccine coverage across rural and remote areas. Maintaining cold chain infrastructure for vaccine potency. Disease Surveillance: Need for real-time monitoring and rapid response to outbreaks. Improving coordination among veterinary health workers. Farmer Awareness & Participation: Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Increasing participation in tracking and reporting livestock health. Future Directions Strengthening Surveillance Mechanisms: AI-based disease tracking via Bharat Pashudhan portal. Expanding seromonitoring for vaccine efficacy evaluation. Expanding FMD-Free Zones: Gradual inclusion of more states under the special focus category. Strengthening cross-border surveillance to prevent re-introduction. Boosting Research & Development: Development of more effective vaccines. Collaborative research on new diagnostic techniques for early detection. Conclusion NADCP has significantly reduced FMD outbreaks, demonstrating the success of mass vaccination, monitoring, and policy interventions. Continued efforts in disease surveillance, awareness, and research are essential for achieving FMD-Mukt Bharat.

Feb 12, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 12 February 2025

Conten: A role for India in South-South climate cooperation A legal ‘remedy’ that perpetuates survivor trauma A role for India in South-South climate cooperation Article 6 of Paris Agreement (PA): Focuses on cooperative approaches for emission reductions. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question :Discuss the significance of Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement in facilitating climate finance and emissions trading. How can India leverage it to strengthen South-South climate cooperation? (150 words) Importance of Article 6.2 Role in Climate Finance: Enables Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) between host (developing) and partner (developed) countries. Operationalization at COP29 (Baku, Azerbaijan): Enhanced focus on market mechanisms for carbon-neutral transition. Potential Benefits: Promotes emissions reductions in host countries. Facilitates financial & technical support from developed nations. Helps meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India’s Position on Article 6.2 Third Largest GHG Emitter (absolute terms only). Climate-Development Balance: Struggles with financial and technical constraints in achieving NDC targets. Call for Climate Finance: India demands $1 trillion annually from developed nations for climate action. Domestic Efforts: Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) (2023): India’s domestic emission trading scheme (ETS) for carbon credits. Prior Market Experience: CDM, VCM, ESCerts, RECs—strong foundation for international carbon trading. India’s Strategic Engagement with Article 6.2 14 Key Activities Identified for International Collaboration, including: Renewable Energy (RE) Energy Storage Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Green Hydrogen & Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Key International Partnerships: South Korea, EU, Japan. ITMO Benefits for India: Funds climate-resilient projects. Enhances clean energy adoption. Creates green jobs & co-benefits (e.g., reduced health risks). South-South Cooperation: Potential leader in ITMO exchange with developing nations. Strengthening RE deployment & climate technology in Africa. India’s Role in Global Climate Finance Unlocking Large-Scale Finance: Countries with stringent NDCs can buy ITMOs from India. Boosts green technology and sustainability investments. Example: India’s RE sector attracted $10 billion FDI (2022)—ITMO transactions could expand such inflows. New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG): Recognizes South-South climate finance contributions. India can lead voluntary financial & technical cooperation among developing countries. India-Africa Climate Partnership Rationale: Africa’s vulnerability to climate change (agriculture, water resources). India’s 10 Principles for India-Africa Engagement include economic cooperation & climate action. Mutual Benefits: India (partner) funds RE & climate projects in Africa (host). African nations gain sustainable infrastructure & energy solutions. India benefits from additional carbon credit opportunities. ITMO Transfer Challenges & Risks Risk of Carbon Offshoring: Developed countries might rely on low-cost Indian ITMOs instead of domestic decarbonization. India might lose critical carbon reductions needed for its own NDCs. Transparency & Governance Issues: Weak oversight can cause inefficiencies, inequities. Over-reliance on ITMOs may hinder India’s domestic green tech growth. Mitigation Strategies: Equitable benefit-sharing: Ensure partner contributions align with India’s sustainability goals. Transparency & Safeguards: Implement Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)-like governance for fair carbon credit allocation. Self-Sufficiency Focus: Prioritize domestic sustainability while engaging in ITMO transfers. India’s Leadership Potential in Global Carbon Markets Transparent & Equitable Market Engagement: Promoting inclusive ITMO agreements. Ensuring fair cost-benefit distribution between India and partner nations. Strengthening Institutional Capacity: Scaling up carbon finance mechanisms (CCTS, ITMOs). Expanding public-private partnerships in climate innovation. Positioning as a Climate Leader: Driving South-South cooperation in emissions trading. Championing low-carbon transition strategies globally. Conclusion India’s strategic engagement with Article 6.2 presents an opportunity to unlock climate finance, enhance sustainability, and emerge as a global leader in emissions trading. However, ensuring fair, transparent, and equitable ITMO agreements remains critical to balancing economic growth and climate commitments. A legal ‘remedy’ that perpetuates survivor trauma A legal remedy should serve justice, not perpetuate survivor trauma. The practice of granting bail on the condition of marriage undermines constitutional safeguards, compromises gender justice, and weakens deterrence against sexual crimes. Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Judiciary) Practice Question: How does granting bail on the condition of marriage violate legal and constitutional principles? (150 words) Legal Concerns Violation of Supreme Court Guidelines: Contradicts Aparna Bhat vs State of Madhya Pradesh (2021), which prohibits any contact between the accused and survivor. Arbitrariness in Bail Conditions: Kunal Kumar Tiwari vs State of Bihar (2017) emphasized that bail conditions must not be arbitrary or extend beyond the scope of justice. Breach of Legal Safeguards: Goes against Section 437(3)(c) of CrPC, which limits bail conditions to non-arbitrary measures in the interest of justice. Gender Justice and Survivor Autonomy Perpetuation of Patriarchal Notions: Reinforces the regressive idea that a woman’s dignity is tied to marriage. Violation of Consent and Autonomy: Forcing marriage undermines the survivor’s choice and coerces her into a legal relationship with the accused. Potential for Continued Abuse: Marriage as a legal safeguard for the accused increases the risk of intimate partner violence under legal protection. Impact on Criminal Justice System Compromising Trial Integrity: Marriage between the survivor and accused during trial affects the survivor’s ability to testify freely. Conflict of Interest in Sentencing: Courts may hesitate to convict an accused who has legally married the survivor, affecting the administration of justice. Legitimization of Crime through Matrimony: Sets a dangerous precedent where perpetrators can escape punishment by marrying their victims. State’s Responsibility and Welfare Obligations Neglect of State’s Role: In Re: Right to Privacy of Adolescents (2024), the Court held that the state must provide rehabilitation, financial aid, and counselling to survivors. Forced Dependence on Perpetrator: Lack of support forces survivors into financial and social dependence on their abusers. Violation of Article 21 (Right to Dignity): Forcing a survivor into marriage with the accused undermines her right to live with dignity. Societal Implications and Future Risks Normalization of Rape-Marriage Nexus: Encourages societal perception that rape can be ‘remedied’ by marriage. Undermining Women’s Rights Movements: Reverses decades of progress in gender justice by reinstating outdated beliefs. Weakening Deterrence Against Sexual Crimes: Allows accused individuals to evade accountability, reducing the deterrent effect of rape laws. Conclusion The practice of granting bail on the condition of marriage fundamentally undermines justice, perpetuates survivor trauma, and shifts the burden of rehabilitation from the state to the judiciary. A legal remedy should restore dignity and autonomy, not reinforce coercion and injustice. A re-evaluation of such judicial practices is imperative to align them with constitutional and human rights principles.

Feb 12, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 12 February 2025

Content: Don’t erase or reload EVM data, says SC IIT Madras develops indigenous Shakti semiconductor chip Addressing the growing threat of forest fires Economy on speedy rebound, India to remain fastest growing nation: FM Products developed in-house by service innovators catch eyeballs India, 57 countries call for inclusive and sustainable AI Don’t erase or reload EVM data, says SC Supreme Court ruling on EVM verification: The Court provided clarity on the process of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) verification, emphasizing that it should focus only on ensuring the microcontroller has not been tampered with. The ruling made it clear that the process should not involve any action that could alter the data stored in the machines, such as erasing or reloading it, ensuring the integrity of the machines remains intact. Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Elections) Key instruction for verification process: The Court directed that engineers should verify the microchips in the EVMs, confirming no tampering has occurred. This verification process must be carried out in the presence of the petitioners (candidates), which adds a layer of transparency to the procedure. The role of engineers is to certify that the microcontrollers are intact and have not been tampered with during the election process. Petitioners’ concerns: The petitioners, represented by senior advocates Devadutt Kamat and Prashant Bhushan, raised concerns that the EVM verification process was more of a “mock poll” than an actual tampering check. They argued that the manner in which checks were being conducted did not provide the level of transparency and thoroughness they expected in verifying the EVMs’ integrity. Election Commission’s defense: Senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing the Election Commission (EC), contested the maintainability of the petitions, suggesting that the issue had already been adjudicated in the past. Singh pointed out that some petitioners were revisiting the same issue after multiple rounds of litigation, including a judgment that upheld the use of EVMs, which the EC believes should settle the matter. This highlights the repetitive nature of the litigation around EVM verification and the EC’s position that the matter had already been addressed legally. Next steps in the legal process: The Court has scheduled the next hearing for the week of March 3, 2025, to discuss the matter further. The EC has been instructed to file a short affidavit, providing its response to the petitioners’ concerns. This will likely lead to a more detailed examination of the verification procedures and whether there are any procedural improvements that could address the petitioners’ concerns. Broader implications: The case reinforces ongoing public debates about the transparency and security of the electoral process, particularly the use of EVMs in elections. The Supreme Court’s ruling ensures that any verification of EVMs is conducted with transparency, but it also maintains that the fundamental integrity of the machines should be preserved, avoiding any manipulation of the data. This case could further influence future electoral reforms and the procedures for ensuring the credibility of voting systems in India. IIT Madras develops indigenous Shakti semiconductor chip Indigenous Shakti semiconductor chip: IIT Madras, in collaboration with ISRO, has developed an indigenous aerospace-quality Shakti-based semiconductor chip. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Backing and support: The development is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under its Digital India RISC-V initiative (DIRV). The initiative aims to boost the indigenous development of microprocessor-based products with enhanced security and visibility for users adopting RISC-V technology. Key features and applications: The chip is built on the Shakti processor baseline, with a specific focus on space applications, making it suitable for use in aerospace and other strategic sectors. The semiconductor chip has potential applications across diverse fields, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and computer systems, addressing both commercial and strategic needs. Strategic importance for ISRO: The development of this chip is part of ISRO’s broader effort to indigenize semiconductors, supporting its goal of self-reliance in space technologies. ISRO aims to reduce dependence on foreign technologies by developing domestic alternatives that can be integrated into space missions. Make in India and self-reliance: ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan highlighted the chip’s role as a significant milestone in the Make in India initiative, focusing on semiconductor design and fabrication within India. This indigenous chip represents a step forward in India’s ambition to become a leader in semiconductor technology and enhance its capabilities in both defense and space sectors. Broader implications: The development of the Shakti-based chip signals India’s growing capabilities in semiconductor design and fabrication, vital for future advancements in electronics, defense, and space technology. The successful creation of this chip may inspire further investments in semiconductor innovation and production, contributing to India’s technological independence. Addressing the growing threat of forest fires Growing threat of forest fires: Forest fires are a global and national concern, often receiving attention only after significant incidents, such as the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. In India, 36% of forest cover is prone to fire, with incidents increasing tenfold in the last two decades, exacerbated by climate change and human activities. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management) Human-induced causes of forest fires: 90% of forest fires are caused by human activities: land clearing, slash-and-burn agriculture, and unattended campfires. Rising temperatures and extended dry spells further amplify the risk and intensity of forest fires. Consequences of forest fires: Environmental impact: Loss of biodiversity, wildlife, and trees; disruption to soil fertility, water cycles, and human-wildlife conflicts. Economic losses: Forest fires emit 69 million tonnes of CO2 annually, contributing to climate change. Forest degradation costs India ₹1.74 lakh crore annually. Social impact: Communities dependent on forests lose access to timber and non-timber forest products, affecting their livelihoods. Existing policies and schemes: India has the National Action Plan on Forest Fires and the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FFPMS) to enhance fire management. However, funding for these schemes has been inconsistent, underscoring the need for more stable financial backing. Challenges in forest fire management: The Forest Fire Alert System is unable to differentiate between forest and other fires, delaying responses. Limited technological tools, such as predictive modelling and real-time monitoring, hinder efficient fire management. Technological solutions and advancements: Advanced predictive modelling can help identify high–risk areas for forest fires based on climate and geographic data. Drones with thermal imaging could monitor fire-prone areas, assess damage, and guide firefighting efforts, with successful pilot projects in Tamil Nadu and Odisha. Data integration from the Forest Survey of India, IMD, and ISRO could enhance fire predictions and management. Empowering local communities: Local communities in fire–prone areas should be trained to collect and share real-time fire data via mobile apps, SMS-based systems, and toll-free helplines. Community initiatives, like those in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, can be expanded across India, where self-help groups collect pine needles to reduce fire risks. Empowering women and youth as ‘forest fire scouts’ and combining local knowledge with modern tools like fire risk mapping can strengthen community-driven fire prevention. Need for a holistic approach: Addressing forest fires requires collaboration among policymakers, scientists, civil society groups, and local communities. A multi–dimensional approach, involving infrastructure improvement, consistent funding, technology adoption, community empowerment, and policy intervention, is essential for effective forest fire management. Economy on speedy rebound, India to remain fastest growing nation: FM India’s economic rebound: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asserts that India’s economy is undergoing a “speedy rebound” after a brief moderation in the second quarter of 2024-25. The Union Budget 2025-26 is designed to address the immediate challenges posed by global uncertainties while focusing on spurring growth and private sector investments. Relevance :GS 3( Indian Economy) Economic growth performance: India has experienced an average growth rate of 8% in the three years prior to 2024-25. Only two of the last 12 quarters saw growth rates below 5.4%, highlighting the resilience of the economy. Sitharaman stresses that India will remain the fastest growing major economy, with strong foundations supporting the ongoing rebound. Focus on rural demand: Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) is projected to grow by 7.3% in 2024-25, with rural demand playing a significant role. PFCE is expected to account for 61.8% of nominal GDP, marking the highest level since 2002-03. Global economic uncertainties: Sitharaman acknowledges the impact of global issues like persistent conflicts, stagnation in global GDP, and inflation in emerging markets on India’s economy. These global uncertainties are influencing India’s budget, but the government aims to balance national priorities with fiscal responsibility. Capital expenditure: Responding to concerns about capital expenditure, Sitharaman clarifies that capital expenditure outlays have actually increased, not decreased. The effective capital expenditure for 2025-26 is pegged at 4.3% of GDP, slightly lower than the fiscal deficit of 4.4% of GDP. The government is prioritizing capital expenditure over revenue or other commitments, with borrowed funds being directed towards creating capital assets rather than covering routine expenses. Government’s fiscal strategy: Sitharaman emphasizes that nearly all borrowed resources are being used for financing capital expenditure, indicating the government’s focus on long-term investments to boost economic growth. Products developed in-house by service innovators catch eyeballs AI Weapon System Development: The Ten AI Weapon System (TAIWS) has been developed in-house by Army personnel, including Colonel Ashish Dogra and Lieutenant Colonel Prashanth Agrawal, with collaboration from IIT Bombay and MIET Jammu students. TAIWS has completed successful field trials and is expected to enhance border surveillance, particularly for preventing terrorist infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC). Relevance : GS 3(Technology) Secondary Vision Technology: The system uses secondary vision technology to track terrorist movement in difficult terrains, such as the bushy and jungle areas of Kashmir, which are hard to monitor. The technology is integrated with a medium machine gun with a killing range of 2 km, already in use by the Army. The gun can also be swapped out if needed. Innovation and Efficiency: These innovations are developed based on operational needs, aimed at improving efficiency and addressing the unique challenges faced by the Army. The Army Design Bureau has emphasized the role of “service innovators” in creating these solutions. Additional Innovations: A 50-meter footbridge has been developed that can be quickly laid across water bodies in less than an hour. A 9mm sub-machine gun, developed by a serving Army officer, has already seen the induction of around 550 units. Intellectual Property and Projects: The Army Design Bureau has filed for 75 intellectual property rights (IPRs), with 12 already granted. The Bureau is currently funding 100 projects, with 75 of them in their final stages. India, 57 countries call for inclusive and sustainable AI Inclusive and Sustainable AI Joint Statement: Fifty-eight countries, including India, China, Brazil, France, and Australia, signed a joint statement on “Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet” at the AI Action Summit in Paris. The statement promotes the accessibility of AI and emphasizes trust and safety in its deployment. Relevance : GS 3(Technology) Key Goals of the Statement: Focus on enabling conditions for AI development while avoiding market concentration and promoting industrial recovery. Aims to foster AI in a way that positively shapes the future of work and labor markets. Emphasizes the need for AI to be human rights-based, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy. Highlights the importance of narrowing inequalities and assisting developing countries in building AI capacities. U.S. and U.K. Stance: The U.S. and the U.K. did not sign the statement. U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance expressed concerns about excessive regulation in the AI sector, advocating for pro-growth AI policies. He warned that excessive regulation could harm the AI industry at its critical stage of development. Previous International Statements: This is the third such international statement on AI, following similar ones issued after summits in the U.K. and South Korea. India and France’s Role: India and France are co-chairing the AI Action Summit, emphasizing global collaboration on AI development and regulation.

Feb 11, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 11 February 2025

Content: PM-VIKAS SCHEME SASCI Scheme PM-VIKAS SCHEME Introduction : Full Name: Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS). Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs. Objective: Socio-economic upliftment of six notified minority communities through skill development, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership initiatives. Relevance : GS 2(Schemes) Convergence of Schemes: Merges five pre-existing schemes: Seekho Aur Kamao – Skill development program. Nai Manzil – Educational support for school dropouts. Nai Roshni – Leadership training for minority women. Hamari Dharohar – Preservation of cultural heritage. USTTAD – Skill development & market linkage for traditional artisans. Focus Areas Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Enhancing employability through vocational training. Support for artisans and craftsmen, especially in traditional sectors. Leadership Development for Minority Women Training and mentorship programs to promote empowerment. Educational Assistance Bridge courses and financial aid for school dropouts to continue education. Credit Linkages & Financial Support Facilitation of loans through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Market Linkages Beneficiaries will be connected to the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) for better livelihood opportunities. Implementation & Challenges Status: Yet to be implemented. Challenges Expected: Effective coordination among different merged schemes. Ensuring outreach to all eligible minority beneficiaries. Strengthening financial literacy to maximize credit linkage benefits. Efficient tracking and monitoring of training outcomes. Socio-Economic Impact For Beneficiaries: Skill enhancement leading to higher employability. Economic self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship. Empowerment of minority women as community leaders. For Economy: Strengthening of traditional handicrafts and artisanal sectors. Increased participation of minority communities in the workforce. Contribution to the MSME and export sector via improved market linkages. Conclusion PM VIKAS is a holistic and integrated scheme aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of minorities. By converging multiple schemes, it streamlines resources, avoids duplication, and enhances efficiency. Effective implementation and strong monitoring mechanisms will be key to achieving its objectives. SASCI Scheme Context : Government of India sanctioned 40 projects in 23 States for ₹3295.76 Crore in Financial Year 2024-25 under ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Relevance : GS 2(Schemes), GS 3(Tourism ) Objective: Comprehensive development of iconic tourist centers in India. Enhancement of branding and marketing of these centers at a global scale. Key Features: End-to-End Tourist Experience: Ensuring the entire tourist journey is well-managed, from arrival to departure, with a focus on seamless services and experiences. Responsible Tourism Practices: Adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices, promoting environmental conservation and local community engagement. Challenge Mode Funding: Projects are supported through a competitive process, encouraging innovation and the best proposals. Tourist Value Chain Strengthening: Focus on improving all aspects of the tourist journey, including infrastructure, services, and attractions. Expertise in Design and Development: Bringing in specialized skills to design and develop high-quality tourism infrastructure and experiences. Sustainability: Emphasis on the long-term operations and maintenance of tourism projects to ensure they remain viable and environmentally friendly. Sanctioned Projects (FY 2024-25): A total of 40 projects across 23 states were sanctioned, with a total funding of ₹3295.76 crore. Projects in Chhattisgarh: Development of Chitrotpala Film City: Cost: ₹95.79 crore Focuses on creating a film city that will boost tourism through film-related attractions, events, and entertainment infrastructure. Development of Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre: Cost: ₹51.87 crore Aims to promote the tribal culture and heritage of Chhattisgarh through a dedicated space for cultural events, festivals, and conventions. Broader Implications: This scheme is part of the government’s broader vision to elevate India’s tourism sector and make it a major player on the global tourism map. It also aims to generate economic growth in local areas through enhanced infrastructure and tourism-related employment. The initiative is aligned with sustainable development goals by integrating responsible tourism practices, which would help preserve India’s cultural and natural heritage. Strategic Focus: The SASCI scheme places significant emphasis on the tourism ecosystem, meaning it is not just about improving one landmark but enhancing the entire value chain of tourism. This could provide long-term benefits by fostering more holistic, well-rounded tourism destinations that can attract global tourists and foster sustainable development in these areas.

Feb 11, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 11 February 2025

Content: Gaza and Trump’s ‘expanding the canvas’ strategy India as a bridge between the Global North and South Troubled waters Gaza and Trump’s ‘expanding the canvas’ strategy Context :Trump’s ‘Expanding the Canvas’ Strategy A negotiation tactic where an initial extreme proposal is made to force stakeholders into a counter-offer. Trump’s proposal (February 4, 2025) suggested depopulating Gaza and converting it into a global tourist hub. Praised by Netanyahu, with implications for Saudi Arabia potentially joining the Abraham Accords. Saudi Arabia (MbS) rejected Israeli ties without a Palestinian state, shifting the geopolitical discourse. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : Analyze the implications of Trump’s ‘Expanding the Canvas’ strategy in the context of West Asia’s geopolitical, security, and economic landscape. (250 words) Geopolitical Reconfiguration in West Asia Post-October 7, 2023, the region has undergone intense turmoil, with new power dynamics emerging. Israel’s perceived invincibility weakened; Iran’s strategic outreach disrupted. The Axis of Resistance (Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas) temporarily subdued but remains a latent threat. Heightened instability in the region due to the interplay of military actions and diplomatic maneuvering. Political and Security Challenges Political Realignments: The Gaza war solidified the centrality of the Palestinian issue in regional negotiations. U.S. aims to expand the Abraham Accords but faces resistance due to ongoing conflicts. Ultra-religious Jewish factions and the Syrian militant group HTS gaining influence. Security Dynamics: Iranian nuclear ambitions remain a significant issue. Kurdish aspirations for autonomy continue to be a destabilizing factor. The Yemeni crisis remains unresolved despite Saudi Arabia’s partial disengagement. Economic Challenges in West Asia War-Induced Economic Strains: Gaza’s reconstruction estimated at $50 billion; Lebanon ($8.5 billion); Syria (~$500 billion). Western sanctions further hinder economic recovery in war-torn regions. Structural Economic Issues: Heavy dependence on hydrocarbons, which face long-term decline due to global energy shifts. Trump’s energy policies (exit from Paris Agreement, “Drill, baby, drill”) disrupt oil markets. Potential oil price volatility threatens both U.S. shale industry and West Asian oil-dependent economies. Trump’s Tariff and Currency Policies: Sanctions and tariffs disrupt trade flows, affecting West Asian economic diversification. A strong U.S. dollar reduces regional competitiveness, exacerbating economic stagnation. Saudi Arabia’s Role as a Regional Power Economic Powerhouse: GDP of $1.07 trillion; Saudi Public Investment Fund assets of ~$930 billion. Aramco market cap of ~$1.79 trillion, making it a key player in global energy markets. Strategic Maneuvering by MbS: Balanced relations with U.S., China, and Russia without alienating any. Exit from Yemen conflict and diplomatic normalization with Iran and Qatar. Played a key role in moderating OPEC+ decisions amid global energy market shifts. Challenges in U.S.-Saudi Relations: MbS seeks security guarantees and nuclear technology in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel. Gaza war has hardened Saudi Arabia’s stance on Palestinian statehood. U.S.-Saudi cooperation crucial for post-war reconstruction, but political divergences persist. The Path Ahead: U.S.-Saudi-Israel Dynamics Trump’s impulsive diplomacy could either expedite or derail regional settlements. Saudi Arabia may fund regional reconstruction but demands meaningful Israeli concessions. Israeli leadership remains resistant to a two-state solution, complicating negotiations. Trump-MbS partnership could be pivotal in reshaping West Asia’s future but remains uncertain. India as a bridge between the Global North and South Introduction India has positioned itself as a key advocate for the Global South while simultaneously engaging with the Global North. This shift is evident in India’s leadership at forums like the Voice of Global South Summit and its role in G20 reforms (e.g., inclusion of the African Union). The approach differs from the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) and aims for a balanced, strategic presence in global affairs. Relevance : GS 2(international Relations) Practice Question : Discuss India’s evolving role as a bridge between the Global North and Global South. What challenges does it face in maintaining this position, and what steps can be taken to strengthen its role? (250 words) Factors Influencing India’s Renewed Engagement Strategic Autonomy & Multipolarity Unlike NAM, India is not anti-Western but seeks cooperation with all blocs while maintaining independence. Strengthening ties with the U.S., EU, and new partners like Poland while championing the interests of developing nations. China Factor India and China compete for influence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America via investments and trade partnerships. India’s approach: Alternative development model (not debt-driven like China’s Belt & Road Initiative). Indo-Pacific Strategy (Quad with the U.S., Japan, and Australia counters China’s regional dominance). Economic & Developmental Cooperation India’s focus on sustainable, demand-driven assistance, not conditional aid like the West. Global Development Compact and ITEC program offer a human-centric, skills-based model for growth. Challenges & Steps Needed for India’s Success Redefining Development Cooperation Shift from India-first approach to mutual learning and collaboration with the Global South. Avoid perception as a dominant power imposing policies—instead, promote equal partnerships. Human-Centric & Capacity Building Approach Expand beyond Mission LiFE (low consumption lifestyle) to economic empowerment models. Focus on Skill India, MSME cooperation, women entrepreneurship, and sustainability challenges. Strengthening Global Governance Role Beyond pushing for institutional reforms (e.g., UNSC, WTO, IMF), India must build domestic capacity for global leadership. Trilateral partnerships with experienced nations (e.g., Germany, France) for development programs. Long-term goal: Establish India-led global initiatives, creating an independent international cooperation framework. Conclusion India must balance assertiveness with receptiveness—being the ‘Voice’ of the Global South requires listening. A collaborative and inclusive approach will enhance India’s credibility as a bridge between the Global North and South. Troubled Waters Context : Frequent Arrests & Detentions On February 8, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 14 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district for alleged poaching. Total arrests in 2024 have crossed 500 (528) for the first time in a decade; in 2014, it was 787. Courts in Sri Lanka have started imposing heavier fines and convictions, making release more difficult. Relevance: GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : Critically examine the causes and implications of the India-Sri Lanka fisheries dispute in the Palk Bay region. Suggest policy measures to address the issue. (250 words) Use of Bottom Trawling: Tamil Nadu fishermen employ bottom trawling, which damages marine biodiversity and depletes fish stocks. Sri Lanka’s Northern Province fishermen oppose this method, as they are still recovering from the civil war and rely on sustainable fishing. International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) Violations: Indian fishermen frequently cross the IMBL into Sri Lankan waters, triggering diplomatic tensions. Unlike past instances where detained fishermen were quickly released, recent trends show increasing convictions. Policy & Diplomatic Considerations Need for Bilateral Talks: The last formal talks between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen were in November 2016. India raised the issue in the Joint Working Group meeting in October 2023, but Sri Lanka remains reluctant to engage in negotiations. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister has urged the Indian government to secure the release of 97 fishermen and 216 boats. Comparative Perspective: The number of fishermen arrested in Sri Lanka is significantly higher than those detained in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar. This highlights a more systemic conflict rather than isolated incidents of maritime border violations. Way Forward Short-Term Measures: Immediate discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen to explore interim solutions. Faster legal and diplomatic interventions to secure the release of detained fishermen. Stricter enforcement of IMBL regulations to prevent unauthorized fishing. Long-Term Solutions: Incentivizing Indian fishermen to move away from bottom trawling through subsidies and alternative fishing techniques. Promoting deep-sea fishing programs to reduce dependence on Palk Bay waters. Enhancing cooperation in marine resource management to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

Feb 11, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 11 February 2025

Content: The problem of regulating live-in relationships Centre’s allocations for justice-related schemes fluctuate What Has the Budget Offered Scientists? Modi arrives in France for AI summit, talks with Macron Hamas to stop release of prisoners, accuses Israel of ceasefire violations Is global warming accelerating? Cross-blood transplant performed on a patient with Bombay blood The problem of regulating live-in relationships Mandatory Registration: Opposite-sex live-in relationships must be registered within one month. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Criminalisation: Failure to register a live-in relationship or refusal to do so after notice is punishable by imprisonment or fines. Legitimacy of Children: Children born in live-in relationships are deemed legitimate. Maintenance Rights: Provides maintenance rights in case of desertion but not upon voluntary termination. State Surveillance: All registered live-in relationships must be reported to the local police. Potential Issues and Criticism Legal and Social Mismatch Undefined ‘Desertion’: While maintenance is granted in cases of desertion, the term remains legally vague. No Maintenance for Termination: A partner (especially a woman) left without financial support if the relationship ends voluntarily. Ambiguous Definition of Live-in Relationships: Drawn from domestic violence law, assumes they are ‘marriage-like’, which does not reflect reality. Fluid Nature of Relationships Overlooked: Many live-in relationships do not have a clear starting point, making mandatory registration impractical. Violation of Sexual Autonomy and Privacy State and Parental Control Over Adults: If a partner is under 21, their parents/guardians are informed—violating privacy and increasing risks of honour-based violence. Contradicts Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018), where the Supreme Court upheld an adult’s right to sexual autonomy. Police Surveillance: Conceptualises live-in relationships as potential law-and-order problems. Creates undue state interference in personal lives. Exclusion and Discrimination Same-Sex Relationships Ignored: UCC mandates registration only for opposite-sex live-in relationships, leaving same-sex couples without legal protections. Moral Policing?: Unlike global laws that extend marital benefits to cohabiting couples, Uttarakhand’s UCC treats live-in relationships as a problem to regulate rather than protect. Conclusion The UCC’s approach prioritises control over protection, undermining individual rights. Instead of ensuring welfare and legal safeguards, the law increases state and social surveillance. Centre’s allocations for justice-related schemes fluctuate Context : Findings from the India Justice Report 2025-26 Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary ) Declining Budget Allocations: The Central government has consistently reduced funds for justice-related schemes since 2019. Only a fraction of the allocated budget is actually utilized. Modernisation Fund for State Police Forces: Created to upgrade State police infrastructure and Crime and Criminal Tracking Systems. Budget Estimates (BE) have declined from ₹900 crore (FY19) to ₹587.97 crore (FY26). Revised Estimates (RE) show drastic reductions—e.g., ₹780 crore (BE) in FY21 was revised to ₹106 crore. Actual spending is even lower; in FY23, only ₹34.7 crore (6% of the allocation) was spent. Modernisation of Forensic Capacities: Aims to strengthen forensic testing infrastructure and increase the number of forensic scientists. Funding has fluctuated significantly over the past few years. Modernisation of Prisons Fund: Established over two decades ago to improve prison infrastructure. Peak allocation: ₹400 crore (FY23), reduced to ₹300 crore (FY25 & FY26). Utilization fell sharply after FY23 (only 44% of funds were used). Judiciary-Related Schemes: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA): Allocations have increased over the years, ranging from ₹150-200 crore. 100% utilization from FY19 to FY24. Infrastructure Development for Judiciary: A centrally sponsored scheme for State judicial resources. High utilization rates but reduced allocation from ₹1,123.40 crore (FY25) to ₹998 crore (FY26). Key Issues & Implications Severe Underutilization of Allocations: Police modernisation and forensic capacity schemes see low spending despite budgetary provisions. Focus on Judiciary Efficiency: Judiciary-related schemes show high utilization rates, contrasting with law enforcement funding gaps. Security and Justice System Disparities: The declining trend in police modernization funds may impact law enforcement effectiveness. What Has the Budget Offered Scientists? Overall Budget Trends ₹20,000 crore dedicated fund for private sector R&D, part of the ₹1 lakh crore corpus from the July 2024 Budget. Focus on strategic autonomy in deeptech and sunrise sectors. Increased funding for biotechnology and applied sciences, while basic science funding stagnates. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Science) Sector-Wise Analysis Department of Science & Technology (DST): ₹20,000 crore allocated to boost innovation through public-private partnerships. ₹100 crore for National Geospatial Mission to enhance geospatial infrastructure. Department of Biotechnology (DBT): ₹3,446.64 crore allocation (51.45% increase). ‘Bio-RIDE’ scheme launched to promote biomanufacturing and bio-entrepreneurship. Focus on gene-editing, personalised medicine, and sustainable agriculture. New missions on high-yielding seeds, minor oil seeds, and genetic resource characterisation. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): Supports Agri-Districts Initiative, Millets Mission, and Cotton Mission for self-reliance. Focus on Green Hydrogen Mission and Indigenous Manufacturing. Jigyasa Programme for STEM education and Seaweed Mission for women entrepreneurs. Nuclear Energy and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Aim to increase nuclear power capacity to 100 GWe by 2047. Private sector participation introduced in nuclear energy. Concerns over Nuclear Liability and Damage Act 2010 amendments. Challenges & Criticism Basic Science Funding Declining: IISc and IISERs saw funding cuts, while education spending remains at only 2.54% of GDP (far below the NEP-2020 target of 6%). Curiosity-Driven Science Overlooked: Focus is on mission-mode projects like AI and nuclear energy, leaving fundamental research underfunded. Rigid Bureaucracy in Research Grants: Hinders efficient fund allocation and scientific progress. Modi arrives in France for AI summit, talks with Macron Context: AI Action Summit: Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. Focus areas: innovation, AI governance, future of work, and public interest. India represents the Global South in AI discussions. Part of a global AI dialogue following the UK (2023) and South Korea (2024) summits. Relevance :GS 2(International Relations), GS 3(Technology) Bilateral Engagements with France: Economic Cooperation: Interaction with the India-France CEOs Forum. Strategic Partnership: Reviewing the 2047 Horizon Roadmap for India-France ties. New Indian Consulate: To be opened in Marseille, strengthening diplomatic outreach. Nuclear & Energy Collaboration: Visit to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project. ITER is a major global initiative for nuclear energy research. Tribute to Indian Soldiers: Modi to visit Mazargues War Cemetery to honor Indian soldiers who died in World War I & II. Geopolitical & Strategic Significance AI & Digital Cooperation: Strengthening India’s position in global AI governance. Strengthening Ties with the West: Engagements in France & the U.S. boost India’s global influence. Economic & Technological Advancements: Collaboration in nuclear research, AI, and industrial sectors. Next Stop: United States Modi will visit Washington, D.C. after France. Plans to meet Donald Trump to strengthen India-U.S. ties in diverse sectors. Emphasis on continuity in India-U.S. relations from Trump’s first term. Hamas to stop release of prisoners, accuses Israel of ceasefire violations Context : Hamas’ Announcement: Stopped releasing Israeli hostages over alleged Israeli ceasefire violations. Conditions for Resumption: Compliance with the ceasefire and compensation for past violations. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Accusations Against Israel: Delaying Palestinian return to northern Gaza. Israeli shelling & gunfire targeting Palestinians. Blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Ceasefire Status: Began on January 19, largely holding despite stray violent incidents. Some Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces during this period. Aid agencies report an increase in humanitarian aid since the ceasefire. Israeli Response: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called Hamas’ move a violation of the ceasefire deal. Ordered military readiness in Gaza and to defend Israeli communities. Hostage Release Status: 16 out of 33 Israeli hostages expected in the first phase have been released. Five Thai hostages were returned in an unscheduled release. Implications Ceasefire Fragility: The breakdown of trust increases the risk of renewed hostilities. Humanitarian Concerns: Delayed aid and restrictions on movement worsen conditions in Gaza. Geopolitical Impact: International pressure on both sides to uphold the agreement may intensify. Is global warming accelerating? Context:Record-Breaking January 2025: January 2025 was 0.09°C warmer than January 2024, making it the hottest January on record. It was 1.75°C warmer than pre-industrial times. 18 of the last 19 months hit or surpassed the 1.5°C threshold. Relevance : GS 3(Environment ,Climate Change) Scientific Debate on Acceleration: James Hansen (Former NASA Scientist) claims global warming is accelerating, with the past 15 years warming twice as fast as the previous 40 years. University of Michigan’s Overpeck agrees, saying climate change impacts are getting worse. Skepticism from Other Scientists: Gabe Vecchi (Princeton): Not enough data; could be random variation. Michael Mann (University of Pennsylvania): Warming is within climate model predictions. Natural Climate Factors & Their Impact: El Niño (2023-24): Caused temperature spikes, but ended in June 2024. La Niña (2025 Onset): Expected to cool global temperatures, but January still broke records. Sulphur Pollution Reduction: New shipping regulations reduced sulphur aerosols, which previously reflected sunlight and mitigated warming. Uncertainty About 2025: Earlier predictions suggested 2025 would be cooler than 2024 due to La Niña. Hansen contradicts this, arguing 2025 may surpass 2024’s record. Implications: Climate Thresholds & Paris Agreement: 1.5°C threshold is being exceeded frequently but not permanently yet. Scientists won’t declare the Paris Agreement limit breached until global temperatures stay above it for 20 years. Policy & Global Response: Need for urgent emission reductions from fossil fuels. Climate policies may need adjustments if acceleration is confirmed. Scientific Uncertainty & Debate: Conflicting views highlight the complexity of climate science. More long-term data needed to confirm if warming is truly accelerating. Cross-blood transplant performed on a patient with Bombay blood Context : First-Ever Cross-Blood Kidney Transplant for Bombay Blood Group A 30-year-old patient with the extremely rare Bombay blood group received a kidney transplant from his mother, who had a different blood type. Relevance : GS 2(health) ,G S 3(Science) Challenges of the Bombay Blood Group in Transplantation The Bombay blood group (HH group) lacks the H antigen, making it impossible to receive blood or organs from any ABO group. Only 0.0004% of the global population has this blood type, making donor matches exceedingly rare. Even type O blood, considered the universal donor, is incompatible with Bombay blood group patients. Breakthrough Medical Innovation Doctors applied principles from ABO cross-blood transplants, using a Japanese technique called Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP). The process involved: Measuring anti-H antibodies to determine safe transplantation levels. Administering monoclonal antibodies to deplete B cells producing these antibodies. Performing plasmapheresis to further reduce antibody levels. Using immunosuppressive IVIG therapy to prevent organ rejection. No prior medical literature existed on managing anti-H antibodies in transplantation, so doctors had to make assumptions about safe antibody levels. Successful Surgery & Post-Operative Recovery The patient did not require blood transfusion during surgery. No signs of organ rejection were observed in the critical first two weeks post-transplant. Six months later, the patient has returned to his normal activities. Implications & Future Prospects New Hope for Bombay Blood Group Patients The success of this case opens doors for similar transplants worldwide. If further studies confirm its viability, Bombay blood group patients may no longer be restricted to only matching blood group donors. Medical & Research Breakthrough A major advancement in transplant medicine, proving that cross-blood transplantation is possible even in ultra-rare cases. Sets a precedent for future medical interventions in rare blood group transplants. Challenges & Further Research Needed The lack of prior data means long-term outcomes remain uncertain. Future research is needed to refine safe antibody threshold levels for similar procedures.

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