06-January-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

GUARDIANS OF THE EARTH: PROTECTING THE SHOMPEN PEOPLE AND THEIR ANCESTRAL LANDS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Shompen people of the Nicobar Islands are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) with a deep connection to their ancestral lands. Recent development projects and wildlife sanctuary declarations threaten their existence, culture, and the ecosystems they have preserved for generations.

Significance of the Nicobar Islands for Indigenous Communities

• Cultural and Spiritual Importance: Islands like Meroë and Menchal, known as Piruii and Pingaeyak to locals, hold spiritual and cultural significance. Community elders manage these islands sustainably, guided by traditional beliefs and conservation practices.
• Sustainable Resource Use: Indigenous communities have relied on these islands for food and resources while preserving ecological balance. Practices such as protecting coral reefs and managing resources sustainably are intrinsic to their lifestyle.

Challenges Posed by Development Projects

• The ₹72,000-crore project on Great Nicobar includes an international cruise terminal and shipbreaking yard.
• It threatens the delicate ecosystems of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, including coral reefs and forests. Forest destruction: Over 8-10 lakh evergreen trees will be cut.
• Wildlife at risk: Endangered Leatherback turtles, Nicobar Megapodes, and crocodiles face habitat destruction.
• Indigenous displacement: The Shompen and other Nicobarese will lose access to hunting grounds, settlements, and farmlands.

Unilateral Wildlife Sanctuary Declarations

• In May 2022, authorities proposed three wildlife sanctuaries, disregarding indigenous land ownership.
• Designations included Meroë (coral sanctuary), Menchal (Megapode sanctuary), and parts of Little Nicobar (turtle sanctuary).
• Indigenous communities were not informed or consulted before these declarations.
• Appeals to authorities by tribal councils were ignored, undermining their rights and voices.

Way Forward:

• Recognizing Indigenous Rights: Respect and uphold the rights of the Shompen and other tribes over their ancestral lands. Avoid exclusionary conservation models that marginalize communities.
• Sustainable Development: Engage indigenous communities in conservation and development planning. Promote their role as stewards of biodiversity, combining traditional knowledge with modern practices.

Conclusion
Indigenous peoples like the Shompen are the earth’s original guardians, preserving biodiversity for millennia. Empowering them and protecting their rights is essential for equitable development and sustainable conservation.

Practice Question

1. With reference to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India, consider the following statements:

1. PVTGs are identified based on criteria such as a stagnant population, pre-agricultural level of technology, and economic backwardness.
2. Every state in India has at least one community classified as a PVTG.
3. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is responsible for the welfare and development of PVTGs.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

• PVTGs are identified based on criteria such as stagnant or declining population, low literacy levels, pre-agricultural technology, and economic backwardness.
• PVTGs are not present in every state of India. Some states do not have any communities classified as PVTGs.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal ministry for the welfare and development of PVTGs.

Additional Fact:
There are 75 identified PVTGs in India, distributed across various states and union territories.

A 2025 WISHLIST FOR FARMS AND FARMERS

TOPIC: (GS3) AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED: THE HINDU

To achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047, boosting agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ incomes are essential. This requires reforms in subsidies, infrastructure, and sustainable practices to ensure inclusive growth in the agriculture sector.

Key Challenges in Indian Agriculture

• Impact of Climate Change: 2024 was the warmest year since 1901, with temperatures 0.9°C above average. Rising temperatures can reduce wheat yields by up to 5% due to heat spikes during grain formation.
• Inadequate Agri-Extension Services: Despite introducing 109 climate-resilient crop varieties, weak agricultural extension services hinder their adoption by farmers.
• Food Inflation and Policy Gaps: Vegetable inflation reached 29% in November 2024, disrupting RBI’s monetary policies.
• Discrepancies in wheat production estimates between government and private traders have led to price pressures.

Proposed Reforms

• Subsidy Restructuring: Merge fertilizer subsidies with PM-Kisan for direct per-hectare support to farmers. Deregulate fertilizer prices to encourage efficient use and reduce wastage.
• Food Subsidy Overhaul: Replace blanket food subsidies with digital coupons for purchasing nutritious food items.
• Rural Employment Schemes: Align MGNREGA with agricultural work and housing schemes like PM-Awas Yojana.

Investment Priorities

• Infrastructure Development: Allocate savings from rationalized subsidies to build rural roads, water conservation systems, and modernized mandis.
• Boosting Agri-R&D: Increase funding for agricultural research and extension services to ensure climate-resilient practices are widely adopted.

Political Opportunities for Reform

• Strategic Year: With no imminent elections, the government can implement bold reforms in agriculture and rural development.
• Curbing Freebie Culture: Shift focus from election-driven welfare promises to sustainable and inclusive development policies.

Conclusion
Reforming subsidies, enhancing rural infrastructure, and adopting climate-resilient practices are critical for India’s agricultural transformation. These steps will not only benefit farmers but also contribute significantly to achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.

IMPLICATIONS OF CHINA’S MEGA-DAM PROJECT ON THE BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER BASIN

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

China’s construction of a massive hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra at the Great Bend in Tibet has significant environmental and geopolitical implications. This project threatens communities and ecosystems in the entire Himalayan River basin.

Overview of the Brahmaputra River Basin

• Transboundary River: Spans China, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Known as the Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet and Brahmaputra in India and Bangladesh. Drains into the Bay of Bengal.
• Hydraulic Projects by Riparian Nations: All four nations have major plans for hydropower dams, barrages, and irrigation structures.

China’s Mega-Dam Project

Location and Scale: Situated in Medog County, Tibet. Part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan; approved in December 2024. Proposed capacity of 60 GW, making it one of the largest dams globally.

China’s Strategy: Dams as symbols of sovereignty and national control. Previous projects like the Three Gorges Dam and Zangmu Dam signify China’s hydropower ambitions.

Impacts on Communities and Environment

• Traditional Livelihoods Affected: Communities relying on the river’s natural flow face disruption due to altered water levels. Loss of agricultural productivity downstream in India and Bangladesh.
• Ecological Concerns: Blocking river flow may disturb monsoon patterns and groundwater systems. Increased risks of floods and climate-related disasters like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
• Geological Risks: The Medog region is seismically active; the 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake caused massive devastation downstream.

Geopolitical Ramifications

• India’s Response: Plans for a large dam in Upper Siang to counter China’s project. Lack of a comprehensive treaty between China and India exacerbates tensions.
• Regional Dynamics: Bhutan’s medium-scale dam projects also raise concerns for downstream countries. No riparian country has signed the 2014 UN Convention on watercourse management.

The Way Forward

• Adopt Sustainable Practices: Shift focus from mega-dams to eco-friendly solutions.
• Regional Cooperation: Strengthen mechanisms like the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) for dialogue. Promote collaborative management to protect the Himalayan bioregion.

Conclusion:
Mega-dams like China’s Medog project highlight the urgent need for cooperative water governance. Without sustainable strategies, the Brahmaputra basin faces environmental and socio-economic disaster.

Practice Question

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Brahmaputra River:

1. The Brahmaputra River originates in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in its upstream course.
2. The river flows through the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh before entering Bangladesh, where it is known as the Jamuna.
3. The Brahmaputra River has a predominantly east-to-west flow, contrary to most major rivers in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2, and 3
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 2 and 3 only

Answer: A

Explanation:

• The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet and is called the Yarlung Tsangpo in the Tibetan Plateau.
• The river flows through Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India before entering Bangladesh, where it is known as the Jamuna.
• The Brahmaputra flows predominantly from east to west, but its general course is from the north to the south (not west), making it one of the few major rivers in the world with such a flow direction.

Additional Fact:
The Brahmaputra is one of the longest rivers in the world, with a total length of around 2,900 kilometers. It plays a crucial role in the floodplains of Assam and the economy of both India and Bangladesh.

INDIA NEEDS TO PRIORITIZE PREVENTIVE CARE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

India is facing a growing healthcare crisis characterized by an early onset of diseases and rising costs. Strengthening preventive care can reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and improve financial stability for households.

Key Concerns in Healthcare

• Rising NCD Burden: Non-communicable diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer account for 65% of deaths in India (2022). Median age for cancer diagnoses in India is lower than global averages.
• Healthcare Costs: India allocated ₹87,657 crore to health in the Union Budget 2024, a 13% increase but inadequate for growing challenges.
• Household health expenses still form over 50% of the total spend, one of the highest globally.
• WHO projects NCDs could cost India ₹280 lakh crore by 2030, equivalent to ₹2 lakh per household.

Importance of Preventive Care

• Regular screenings can identify conditions early and reduce healthcare costs.
• Screenings for breast, cervical, and lung cancer, liver disease, and heart ailments are essential for early intervention.
• Comprehensive health checks are expensive, costing ₹8,000–₹15,000 in metro cities. Awareness and affordability remain key barriers to preventive care adoption.

Policy Recommendations

• Increase Tax Deductions: Current tax deduction under Section 80D for preventive care is ₹5,000, unchanged since 2013.N Raise the limit to ₹15,000 to encourage more individuals to undergo preventive health checks.
• Subsidized Screenings: Allocate funds from healthcare cess or GST on tobacco and sugar products to subsidize screening costs.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Use Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres for AI-driven mass screenings. Encourage insurers to provide affordable screening packages for individuals aged 40-60.

Conclusion:
Shifting focus to preventive care can improve health outcomes and curb rising healthcare costs, ensuring a healthier and economically stronger India.

MIGRANT WORKERS AND E-SHRAM PORTAL

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The e-Shram portal, launched in 2021, aims to create a national database for these Migrant workers but has been critiqued for its limited impact on social security inclusion.

Background of e-Shram Portal

• Launch and Purpose: Initiated by the Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E) in May 2021. Designed to create a unified database of unorganised workers, including migrants, for better policy formulation.
• Historical Context: Efforts like the Interstate Migrant Workmen Act (1979) and Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act (2008) had provisions for registering workers but lacked implementation.

Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers

• Exclusion from Social Security: Around 80 million migrant workers were excluded from food security schemes in 2023.
• Documentation Issues: Inadequate identity proofs like Aadhaar or ration cards prevent registration. Workers often lack permanent mobile numbers linked to Aadhaar.
• Vulnerability: Migrants face stigma, disenfranchisement, trafficking, and poor access to essential services.

Initiatives for Migrant Workers

• Launched by the MoL&E to integrate welfare schemes with the e-Shram portal.
• Schemes like One Nation One Ration Card, MGNREGA, and PM Shram Yogi Maandhan have been linked.
• Future plans include integrating additional schemes for housing, health, and skill development.

• Gender Inclusion: Women account for over 53% of registered workers, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive approaches.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Universal Access: Ensure eligibility by addressing documentation gaps.
• Portability of Benefits: Enable inter-state transfer of welfare benefits for mobile workers.
• Disaggregated Data: Map workers’ socio-economic profiles for equitable policy design.
• Asset-Based Approach: Focus on human development outcomes rather than viewing benefits as subsidies.

Conclusion

Migrant workers are vital contributors to India’s economy and require robust social protection systems. While initiatives like e-Shram and OSS are steps forward, a more inclusive and comprehensive approach is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals.

Practice Question

1. Consider the following statements regarding the E-Shram portal:

1. The E-Shram portal is an initiative by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to create a national database for unorganized workers in India.
2. It provides workers with access to social security schemes, including health insurance, accident insurance, and pensions.
3. The portal is only accessible to registered formal sector workers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

• The E-Shram portal is indeed an initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment to create a national database for unorganized workers, which includes migrant workers, construction workers, and others.
• The portal provides workers with access to social security schemes, including health insurance, accident insurance, and pensions, particularly under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana.
• The E-Shram portal is designed to benefit unorganized workers (including informal sector workers), not just formal sector workers.

DRAFT DIGITAL PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION RULES

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: PIB

The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules aim to safeguard personal data and protect citizens’ rights while fostering innovation and regulation in India’s growing digital ecosystem. These rules implement the provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

Key Features of the Rules

• Citizens are prioritized in the framework, ensuring transparent and informed consent for data processing.
• Individuals can request data erasure, appoint digital nominees, and access user-friendly mechanisms for data management.
• Provisions for parental controls to enhance children’s online safety.

Informed Consent and Grievance Redressal

• Data fiduciaries must provide clear details about data processing to ensure informed consent.
• Mechanisms are established for grievance redressal, giving users the power to address concerns efficiently.

Balance Between Regulation and Innovation

• The framework ensures innovation is not hindered while prioritizing the protection of citizens’ data.
• Reduced compliance requirements for small businesses, startups, and MSMEs to support ease of doing business.
• Adequate time is provided for these entities to transition to compliance.

Digital-First Approach

• A “digital by design” philosophy ensures seamless processes for data protection and grievance handling.
• The Data Protection Board operates digitally, enabling citizens to file complaints online without physical appearances.

Addressing Stakeholder Concerns

• A balanced approach imposes stricter obligations on Significant Data Fiduciaries while easing compliance for smaller entities.
• The rules incorporate inputs from diverse stakeholders, reflecting global best practices.
• Public feedback is being sought until February 18, 2025, for further refinement.

Awareness Campaigns

• The government plans to launch an awareness drive to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities under the framework.
• This initiative aims to build trust in digital platforms and encourage responsible data practices.

Conclusion

The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules represent India’s commitment to a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital future. They aim to balance data protection with growth in the digital economy while ensuring citizens’ rights remain a top priority.

REVIVAL OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH’S 1978 ANTI-CONVERSION LAW

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Arunachal Pradesh government is reviving the 1978 Freedom of Religion Act, focusing on preserving indigenous cultures amid concerns about religious conversions. The move highlights the ongoing debate between cultural protection and religious freedom.

Key Features of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act

• Enacted in 1978 to prevent conversions through force, fraud, or inducement.
• Violators face up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of ₹10,000.
• Mandatory reporting of religious conversions to the Deputy Commissioner.
• Remained inactive for 46 years due to the absence of implementation rules.

Why Was the Act Introduced?

• To protect the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh’s ethnic groups like the Monpas, Sherdukpens, and Tani tribes.
• Growing concerns over the increasing influence of religious conversions, particularly to Christianity.
• The Christian population rose from 0.79% in 1971 to 4.32% in 1981, prompting fears of losing traditional practices.

Reasons for Dormancy

• Opposition from Christian organizations, such as the Arunachal Christian Forum, citing the law as discriminatory.
• Significant growth of Christianity, which became the largest religion (30.26% in 2011), creating strong resistance.
• Political unwillingness to alienate religious groups prevented the framing of operational rules.

Why Is the Act Being Revived?

• A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 2022 criticized the government for not framing rules, prompting the Gauhati High Court to issue a directive.
• Indigenous groups like the Indigenous Faiths and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) emphasize the law’s importance in preserving traditions.
• Concerns over the rising rate of conversions renewed calls for the law’s enforcement.

Concerns and Diverging Views

• Critics argue the Act may restrict religious freedom and foster discrimination.
• Supporters see it as crucial for safeguarding indigenous faiths.
• Organizations like the RSS are perceived as promoting traditional practices, complicating the discourse.

Conclusion

The revival of this law reflects the tension between protecting cultural heritage and ensuring constitutional rights. Effective implementation must balance diverse viewpoints while upholding religious freedom and cultural preservation.

TODA TRIBE AND MODWERTH FESTIVAL

TOPIC: (GS1) INDIAN CULTURE: THE HINDU

The Toda tribe, an indigenous community in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, recently celebrated the Modwerth festival. This event fosters cultural unity and serves as a platform to plan the tribe’s development.

About the Toda Tribe

• Location and Population: Reside in the Nilgiri Hills, mainly around Ooty (Udhagamandalam) in Tamil Nadu. A small tribal community with a gradually declining population.
• Language: Speak the Toda language, part of the Dravidian language family.
• Traditional Livelihood: Primarily pastoral, known for buffalo rearing and dairy product production.
• Distinctive Cultural Practices

• • Renowned for Toda embroidery, which is intricate and highly valued.
  • Unique rituals linked to dairy products, temples, and buffaloes.
  • Live in semi-cylindrical huts called “munds.”

• Religious Beliefs: Follow animistic traditions, worship nature, sacred groves, and buffaloes.
• Geographical Indication (GI): Toda embroidery and lifestyle have been recognized with GI status.

Modwerth Festival

• Celebrated to strengthen cultural ties and discuss strategies for the community’s welfare.
• Highlights the importance of preserving tribal identity and traditions.

Conclusion

The Toda tribe’s Modwerth festival symbolizes their commitment to cultural preservation and community progress, showcasing their unique heritage.