12-February-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

MODI-TRUMP MEETING: STRENGTHENING INDIA-US BILATERAL TIES

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States during President Donald Trump’s second term is a crucial diplomatic engagement. The discussions will cover key issues like trade, immigration, and strategic cooperation, shaping the future of India-US relations.

Key Aspects of the Visit

Personal Bond and Diplomatic Relations

• Modi and Trump share a strong personal rapport, developed through past high-profile events like the Howdy Modi rally (2019) and Trump’s Ahmedabad visit (2020).
• This familiarity can help smoothen diplomatic negotiations, but Trump’s aggressive second-term policies demand a careful approach from India.

Immigration and Deportation Issues

• The US has started deporting illegal Indian immigrants, with a recent case of 104 individuals sent back in shackles, raising human rights concerns.
• With over 7.25 lakh illegal Indian migrants in the US, India seeks fair treatment for deportees while advocating for legal visa pathways for students and workers.
• Modi is expected to emphasize the need for humane treatment and protection of Indian interests in US immigration policies.

Trade Disputes and Tariff Concerns

• The US is pushing for a fairer trade balance, as India has a $40-50 billion trade surplus with the US in a $200 billion bilateral trade relationship.
• Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on aluminium and steel imports, creating challenges for Indian exporters.
• India has lowered some tariffs, such as on high-end motorcycles, but a comprehensive trade deal is needed to ensure market access for both countries.

Strategic Cooperation Against China

Trump was the first US President to openly declare China as a strategic threat, aligning with India’s security concerns.

Modi and Trump are likely to deepen strategic ties, focusing on:

• Strengthening the Quad alliance (India, US, Australia, Japan).
• Enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in drone technology and military procurements.
• Countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Technology and Critical Sector Collaboration

India and the US are working together on advanced technologies, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Space research
• Quantum computing

With China advancing rapidly in these fields, India aims to boost technology partnerships and increase US investments in critical sectors.

Conclusion

• Modi’s visit to the US presents both opportunities and challenges.
• While trade tensions and immigration policies remain difficult issues, India and the US share common interests in defense, technology, and countering China’s influence.
• The success of this visit will depend on balancing trade negotiations, strengthening security ties, and ensuring fair treatment of Indian migrants, ultimately reinforcing long-term bilateral relations.

Practice Question:

1. Evaluate the significance of Prime Minister visit to the United States in strengthening bilateral relations with the Trump administration. What are the key challenges and opportunities in trade, immigration, and strategic cooperation between India and the US? (250 WORDS / 15 MARKS).

INDIA’S ROLE IN SOUTH-SOUTH CLIMATE COOPERATION

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, discussions focused on climate finance and Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which enables carbon credit trading. India, as a major emitter, seeks to balance development with climate commitments while securing financial and technological support.

Importance of COP29 and Article 6.2

Climate Finance and Market Mechanisms

• COP29 is termed the ‘Climate Finance COP’ due to its focus on funding mechanisms for climate action.
• Article 6 of the Paris Agreement enables global carbon trading, helping countries transition to low-carbon economies.
• Article 6.2 allows Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), facilitating emission reduction transfers between nations.

Benefits for Developing Countries

• ITMOs help developing nations gain financial, technological, and capacity-building assistance from wealthier countries.
• Supports Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

India’s Stand on Article 6.2

Balancing Growth and Climate Commitments

• India is the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter but faces financial constraints in reducing emissions.
• It aims to cut emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, requiring large-scale financial and technological support.
• Before COP29, India demanded at least $1 trillion per year from developed nations for climate finance.

India’s Carbon Market and Experience

Strengthening Domestic Carbon Trading

• In 2023, India launched its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to align market mechanisms with national policies.
• While CCTS is not directly linked to Article 6.2, it improves transparency in carbon credit tracking.

India’s Previous Carbon Market Experience

• Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
• Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)
• Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts)
• Renewable Energy Certificates (REC)
• This experience helps India effectively engage in ITMO transactions.

India’s Areas of Collaboration under Article 6.2

Key Focus Sectors for Climate Cooperation

• Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Storage
• Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
• Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Partnering with Global Players

• India seeks technical and financial partnerships with South Korea, the EU, and Japan for these projects.
• ITMO transactions can help achieve climate targets, create green jobs, and reduce pollution-related health risks.

Opportunities for India in ITMO Transactions

• Instead of relying solely on developed nations, India can support climate finance in other developing countries.

• India’s renewable energy sector attracted $10 billion in FDI (2022). ITMO transactions can expand this to other developing nations.

• Africa has huge renewable energy potential but faces climate challenges.
• India can help African nations through green technology expertise and climate financing.

• ITMO transactions will follow mutual agreements, possibly adopting Japan’s Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) model.

Challenges for India in ITMO Transactions

• Wealthy nations might buy cheap emission reductions from India instead of cutting their own carbon footprint.

• Selling ITMOs could limit India’s use of these credits for its own climate commitments.

• Weak regulations could lead to unfair practices. Strong oversight is needed to ensure fair benefit-sharing.

15. Need for Protective Measures

• ITMO agreements should safeguard India’s economic and environmental interests while promoting fair global climate cooperation.

Conclusion

Article 6.2 presents India with a chance to gain climate finance, expand clean energy, and lead South-South cooperation. Partnering with both developed and developing nations can drive green technology innovation and economic sustainability.

ADDRESSING THE GROWING THREAT OF FOREST FIRES

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The increasing frequency of forest fires worldwide, including recent incidents in Los Angeles, highlights the urgent need for effective fire prevention and management. In India, forest fires pose a severe threat to biodiversity, climate, and livelihoods, requiring immediate action.

Rising Concerns Over Forest Fires

• Forest fires often receive attention only after major disasters, despite their growing frequency.
• They serve as a warning that no region is completely safe from the risk of wildfires.

Forest Fires in India: A Worsening Problem

• About 36% of India’s forests are vulnerable to fires, according to the Forest Survey of India.
• The occurrence of forest fires has surged tenfold in the last 20 years, whereas forest cover has increased only slightly (1.12%).
• States frequently affected include Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka.

Primary Causes of Forest Fires

Human Activities (90% of cases):

• Clearing land for agriculture.
• Slash-and-burn farming practices.
• Negligence, such as leaving campfires unattended.

Climate Change Factors:

• Rising temperatures and extended dry seasons make forests more flammable.

Impact of Forest Fires

Environmental Damage

• Destroys forests, wildlife, and disrupts ecosystems.
• India’s forest fires emit around 69 million tonnes of CO₂ annually (World Resources Institute).
• Alters the water cycle and reduces soil quality.

Economic Losses

• Affects timber and non-timber forest products, harming communities dependent on forests.
• The estimated financial loss due to forest degradation, including fires, is ₹1.74 lakh crore annually (Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, 2018).

Social Consequences

• Forces wildlife to enter human settlements, increasing conflict.
• Impacts the livelihoods of those relying on forests for resources.

Existing Policies and Initiatives

• National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF) and Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FFPMS) aim to support states in handling forest fires.
• The FFPMS provides financial aid for preventive measures and fire management.

Challenges in Forest Fire Management

Budgetary Issues

Funding for the FFPMS has been inconsistent:

• ₹46.40 crore (2019-20) → ₹28.25 crore (2022-23).
• Initially, ₹51 crore was allocated for 2023-24 but later reduced to ₹40 crore.

Technological Gaps

• The current Forest Fire Alert System struggles to distinguish between different types of fires, leading to delays.
• Advanced tools like predictive models and drones with thermal imaging can enhance monitoring and firefighting.

Strengthening Community Involvement

• Local participation is crucial for fire prevention and response.
• Initiatives such as mobile apps, toll-free helplines, and SMS alerts can improve early warning systems.
• Some women-led self-help groups collect dry pine needles, reducing fire risks.
• Models from Nepal (Community Forest User Groups) and Indonesia (Fire-Free Village Program) offer valuable lessons for India.

The Way Forward

• Policy and Funding: Ensure consistent financial support for fire management programs.
• Technology Adoption: Use drones, AI-driven fire prediction models, and satellite monitoring.
• Community Engagement: Train and empower locals for early detection and quick response.

Conclusion

Addressing forest fires requires a collaborative effort between policymakers, scientists, local communities, and civil society. Strengthening policies, adopting technology, and encouraging community participation are key to mitigating the rising threat of wildfires.

MANIPUR POLITICAL CRISIS AND PRESIDENT’S RULE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The resignation of Manipur’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, on February 9 has created political uncertainty. The BJP is working to find a replacement to avoid President’s Rule, which would shift governance to the Centre.

About President’s Rule

Article 356: Meaning and Consequences

• Article 356 allows the Centre to take over a state’s administration when it cannot function as per the Constitution.
• The Governor’s report is crucial for recommending this to the President of India.
• Once imposed, the state legislature is suspended or dissolved, and Parliament takes over legislative functions.
• The High Court retains its powers, ensuring legal oversight.
• The initial proclamation lasts for two months and can be extended up to three years with Parliament’s approval under special conditions.

Past Instances of President’s Rule in India

• Since 1950, President’s Rule has been imposed 134 times across different states and Union Territories.
• Manipur and Uttar Pradesh have each been placed under President’s Rule 10 times.
• The longest duration was in Jammu & Kashmir (over 12 years), followed by Punjab (10+ years) and Puducherry (7+ years).
• The latest instance was in Puducherry in 2021, after a failed confidence vote.

Supreme Court’s Interpretation of Article 356

• The landmark case S R Bommai v. Union of India (1994) laid down guidelines for using Article 356.
• The Court ruled that President’s Rule is subject to judicial review and must be based on valid reasons.
• Dismissing a state government under Article 356 requires parliamentary approval within two months.
• Justice B P Jeevan Reddy stressed that states are not mere extensions of the Centre, helping to reduce the misuse of President’s Rule.

Key Commission Recommendations on President’s Rule

Sarkaria Commission’s View

• Suggested Article 356 should be used only as a last resort.
• The Centre should explore all possible alternatives before imposing President’s Rule.
• Recommended giving the state government a warning before invoking Article 356.

Punchhi Commission’s Suggestions

• Recommended a more localized approach instead of applying President’s Rule to an entire state.
• Proposed that President’s Rule could be applied to specific districts or regions facing governance failure.

Current Situation in Manipur

• The BJP is struggling to find a consensus Chief Minister after N Biren Singh’s resignation.
• If the political deadlock continues, Manipur may face President’s Rule.
• The BJP wants to avoid this scenario, as it could create political instability and impact governance.

Conclusion

• The crisis in Manipur highlights the challenges of political stability and governance.
• While President’s Rule ensures constitutional order, its frequent or unnecessary use can weaken state autonomy.
• Finding a political solution in Manipur is crucial to maintaining democratic processes and federal balance in India.

Practice Question:

1. What are the constitutional provisions for imposing President’s Rule in a state? Discuss the historical use of Article 356 and its judicial limitations, with reference to recent political crises in India. (250 WORDS / 15 MARKS).

EARTH’S INNER CORE IS CHANGING SHAPE AND AFFECTING ROTATION

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

A recent study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that Earth’s inner core has been changing shape over the past few decades. This shift is likely due to interactions at the outer boundary of the inner core, impacting the planet’s rotation.

About Earth’s Inner Core

Inner Core and Its Rotation

• The inner core does not rotate at the same speed as the Earth’s outer layers.
• Earlier, it was moving slightly faster, but recent studies indicate a slowdown.
• It plays a crucial role in Earth’s magnetic field generation and can even influence the length of a day.

Layers of the Earth

The Earth consists of multiple layers, each with distinct properties:

• Crust – The outermost solid layer where life exists.
• Mantle – A semi-fluid layer responsible for tectonic activity.
• Outer Core – A liquid metallic layer that surrounds the inner core.
• Inner Core – The deepest, solid iron-nickel core, influenced by external forces.

How Scientists Studied the Inner Core

• Researchers analysed seismic waves from earthquakes to examine inner core movements.
• They studied over 100 earthquake pairs from the South Sandwich Islands (1991-2004) using seismometers in Alaska and Canada.

Key Findings of the Study

Seismic signals from identical earthquakes were expected to be the same but showed variations, suggesting a shift in the inner core’s position.

Possible causes include:

• Turbulence in the outer core affecting the inner core.
• Gravitational forces from dense mantle regions influencing movement.
• The inner core being close to its melting point, making it more susceptible to deformation.

Significance of These Findings

• This study improves our understanding of the inner core’s behaviour and its impact on Earth’s rotation.
• Future research could reveal how these core dynamics affect global geophysical processes, including magnetic field fluctuations and climate patterns.

Conclusion

The inner core’s structural changes indicate complex interactions within the Earth’s layers. Understanding these shifts helps scientists predict long-term planetary changes and their potential effects on Earth’s geophysical stability.

GLOBAL CORRUPTION INDEX 2024: INDIA RANKS 96TH AMID RISING CORRUPTION CONCERNS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International highlights that corruption remains a global issue, with many countries showing a decline in anti-corruption efforts. India ranked 96th out of 180 countries, reflecting persistent governance challenges.

Global Corruption Trends

Worsening Corruption Worldwide

• Out of 180 countries, 47 nations recorded their worst scores since the ranking system started in 2012.
• The global average score remained stagnant at 43, with more than two-thirds of the countries scoring below 50.
• This indicates widespread governance failures and weak anti-corruption measures in many regions.

Best and Worst Performing Nations

• Denmark retained the top spot with 90 points, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84).
• New Zealand dropped to 4th place with 83 points, losing its previous position.
• The countries at the bottom of the ranking include:
  • South Sudan (8 points) – now the most corrupt country.
  • Venezuela (10 points) and Syria (12 points) also ranked among the lowest.

Decline Among Major Nations

Several influential economies experienced a decline in their rankings:

• United States: Dropped from 69 to 65 points, slipping from 24th to 28th place.
• France: Fell 4 points to 67, dropping to 25th place.
• Germany: Lost 3 points, scoring 75, and slipped six places to 15th, now tied with Canada.

India’s Performance in CPI 2024

• India ranked 96th out of 180 countries, with a score of 38, a one-point drop from the previous year.
• This decline signals persistent corruption issues and the need for stronger governance reforms.
• Despite economic growth, corruption in public administration, bureaucracy, and political institutions remains a concern.

About Transparency International

• Founded in 1993, it is a Berlin-based international NGO.
• Works to combat global corruption through civil society-led anti-corruption measures.
• Publishes important reports such as:
  • Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) – Measures perceived corruption levels globally.
  • Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) – Surveys public perception of corruption in different countries.

INDIA AND 57 NATIONS ADVOCATE FOR INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE AI

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

India, along with 57 other countries, signed a statement promoting inclusive and sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) for global benefit. The agreement focuses on making AI trustworthy, ethical, and accessible while ensuring it supports sustainable development.

Key Highlights of the Joint AI Statement

Objective of the AI Statement

• The declaration promotes fair and responsible AI use for people and the planet.
• It emphasizes AI safety, accessibility, and ethical deployment worldwide.
• More nations may endorse the statement after further discussions.

India and France’s Leadership

• India and France co-chaired the summit, underscoring their commitment to AI governance.
• The statement seeks to encourage AI innovation without excessive market dominance.
• It also addresses AI’s impact on industries and employment opportunities in the future.

Summit Background

• This was the third international AI summit, following previous meetings in the United Kingdom and South Korea.
• The discussions exposed differences in AI regulation approaches and economic interests among countries.

Ethical AI and Global Equity

Ensuring AI for All

• The statement insists AI should be human-centric, ethical, and secure.
• It calls for reducing the AI gap between developed and developing nations.
• Countries should work together to help underdeveloped nations build AI capabilities.

AI and Human Rights

• AI must be used to promote human rights and fairness.
• Governments should ensure AI does not reinforce biases or inequalities.

Disagreements Over AI Rules

• The U.S. and the U.K. did not sign the statement, reflecting a difference in approach.
• The U.S. prioritizes AI’s economic benefits and warns against strict regulations that may slow innovation.
• Countries like India, France, and China advocate for a balanced approach, ensuring both innovation and ethical AI use.

Conclusion

The AI declaration is a step towards responsible AI governance that ensures technological growth benefits everyone. While some countries prefer fewer restrictions, a global framework is essential to prevent misuse and promote fairness.

BURMESE PYTHONS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Burmese pythons are among the largest snake species in the world, capable of growing up to 20 feet long and weighing over 250 pounds.

Recently, scientists at the University of Florida analyzed extensive data on Burmese python populations to improve their removal strategies.

These snakes pose a major ecological threat as an invasive species in Florida due to their impact on native wildlife.

Characteristics of Burmese Pythons

• Non-venomous, solitary, and primarily nocturnal in nature.
• Excellent swimmers, capable of staying underwater for up to 30 minutes.
• Spend most of their time hidden in underbrush, moving mainly for hunting or when threatened.
• Previously classified as a subspecies of Python molurus, but recognized as a distinct species since 2009.

Habitat and Distribution

• Found in grasslands, marshes, swamps, woodlands, rainforests, and mangrove forests.
• Native to India, Myanmar, southern China, Southeast Asia, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
• Invasive species in Florida, introduced through the pet trade, causing ecological imbalance.

Conservation Status

• Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, indicating a declining population due to habitat loss and illegal trade.