14-February-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

THE PROBLEMATIC GLOBALIZATION OF MEDICAL EDUCATION

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

There is a worldwide shortage of doctors, but access to medical education remains restricted, leading to an increase in students pursuing medical degrees abroad. This raises concerns about the quality of education and regulatory challenges in foreign medical institutions.

Trends in Global Medical Education

• The demand for doctors is rising worldwide.
• Governments and medical professionals often resist increasing medical seats.
• Limited opportunities in home countries push students to study medicine abroad.
• Medical education, once globally oriented, is now nationally regulated but is becoming international again due to rising healthcare needs.

Foreign Medical Education and Quality Concerns

• Over 200,000 students globally pursue medical education outside their home countries.
• Many enroll in institutions with questionable teaching standards.
• Before the Ukraine conflict, the country had around 24,000 international medical students, mostly from South Asia.

Challenges in a South Asian Country

• A shortage of doctors leads to fierce competition for medical seats.
• Around 2.3 million students take the national medical entrance exam annually, but only one in 22 secures admission.
• More than 20,000 students travel abroad for medical education due to:
  • Limited government seats.
  • High tuition fees in private medical colleges.
• Popular destinations for medical education include Russia, Ukraine (before the war), Kazakhstan, the Philippines, China, Mauritius, and Nepal.

Indian-Controlled Foreign Medical Institutions

• Some Indian education groups run medical colleges abroad.
• Examples include an Indian-run medical college in Nepal and a Caribbean medical school catering to Indian students.
• These institutions expand India’s influence in global medical education.

Difficulties Faced by Students Studying Abroad

• Students returning home must clear a national licensing exam to practice medicine.
• Completing a medical internship in the home country is mandatory.
• Those seeking careers abroad must meet the licensing requirements of the destination country.
• Due to varying educational standards, governments impose strict regulations on foreign medical graduates.

Government Initiatives in Medical Education

• A recent budget announcement emphasized progress in medical education.
• In the past decade, 1.1 lakh (110,000) medical seats have been added, marking a 130% increase.
• Plans include:
  • 10,000 additional medical seats by 2026.
  • 75,000 new seats over the next five years to meet growing demand.

Global Perspective on Medical Education

• Medical seat shortages exist in developed nations like France, Germany, and Norway, prompting students to study abroad.
• Many American students pursue medical education in Hungary, Poland, Ireland, the Caribbean, and the UK.
• Central and Eastern European universities offer English-medium programs to attract international students.

Conclusion

Governments acknowledge the issue, but solutions are expensive and face resistance from medical professionals. An aging population requires more trained doctors. The high number of students going abroad reflects unmet demand, but many foreign institutions lack quality control.

CHINA’S DAM PROJECT AND ITS IMPACT ON INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

China’s plan to build a massive hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet has raised concerns for India regarding water security, environmental risks, and bilateral relations. The lack of a formal water-sharing agreement between India and China makes cooperation on transboundary water management difficult.

China’s Hydroelectric Dam Project

• China is constructing a large hydroelectric dam on the lower stretch of the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet.
• This river, known as the Brahmaputra in India, is a crucial water source for millions in northeastern India and Bangladesh.
• The project is part of China’s push for clean energy under its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025).
• While shifting to renewable energy is beneficial, the dam raises concerns for India about water flow, environmental damage, and diplomatic ties.

Legal Issues in International Water Laws

• The project brings up concerns related to international water laws.
• The UN Watercourses Convention (1997) stresses fair usage, preventing harm, and cooperation in managing shared rivers.
• Neither China nor India is a signatory to this convention.
• China follows its own principles for water management, claiming to be a responsible upstream nation.
• However, lower riparian states like India view China’s control over transboundary rivers as a geopolitical tool.
• India depends on Tibetan rivers for nearly one-third of its water supply, making it vulnerable to China’s actions.
• Previous water-sharing agreements between India and China on the Sutlej and Brahmaputra rivers have expired, adding to concerns.
• Despite this, the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) continues to handle water-related issues between the two nations.

Environmental and Seismic Risks

• The dam is being built in a region prone to earthquakes, increasing the risk of structural failure.
• A major earthquake in Tibet in January 2025 resulted in over 120 deaths and many injuries, highlighting the area’s instability.
• Large dam projects disrupt river ecosystems, affect sediment transport, threaten biodiversity, and increase riverbank erosion.
• The environmental impact is not limited to India; it also affects Bangladesh, where the Brahmaputra flows after passing through India.

Bangladesh’s Position and Regional Impact

• Unlike India, Bangladesh has not strongly opposed the dam project.
• Political changes in Dhaka, especially after the government transition in August 2024, have shifted Bangladesh’s foreign policy.
• Strengthening ties between Bangladesh and China have influenced its approach to the project.
• Other South Asian nations, including Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan, could also be affected by China’s control over transboundary rivers.

Challenges in Regional Water Cooperation

• South Asia lacks a strong regional mechanism for negotiating transboundary river management.
• Political tensions between India and its neighbours make forming a unified water policy difficult.
• The water dispute between India and China is tied to their broader political and strategic relations.

Way Forward

Recent diplomatic talks between India and China offer hope for restoring expired water-sharing agreements. Increased transparency and cooperation on transboundary rivers can help ease concerns.

Practice Question:

1. Which of the following rivers originate in China (Tibet) and flow into India?

1. Brahmaputra
2. Indus
3. Sutlej
4. Ganga

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

• The Brahmaputra River originates from the Angsi Glacier in Tibet and enters India through Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Indus River originates near Mount Kailash in Tibet and flows into India through Ladakh.
• The Sutlej River also originates from the Mansarovar region in Tibet and enters India in Himachal Pradesh.
• The Ganga River, however, originates in India from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and does not originate in China.

THE RISING THREAT OF HEATWAVES IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

India is facing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This extreme weather poses severe risks to human health, economic productivity, water availability, and infrastructure.

Why Heatwaves Are Increasing in India

• Rising global temperatures are leading to more extreme weather patterns.
• Urbanization and deforestation are reducing natural cooling mechanisms.
• High energy consumption is increasing atmospheric heat.
• Delayed monsoons and erratic weather patterns worsen the situation.

Impact of Heatwaves

Health Risks

• Heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular issues are rising.
• The elderly, children, and outdoor workers are most vulnerable.
• 90% of Indians face heat-related health risks, and rural healthcare systems struggle to manage them.

Economic Consequences

• Outdoor laborers suffer productivity loss, reducing overall economic output.
• The World Bank estimates that heat stress could result in 34 million job losses in India by 2030.
• Businesses and industries experience disruptions due to excessive heat.

Water Scarcity and Agriculture

• High temperatures increase water evaporation, intensifying shortages.
• Over 54% of India’s land faces severe water stress.
• Reduced crop yields threaten food security and drive up irrigation demand.

Energy and Infrastructure Challenges

• Rising temperatures increase demand for electricity, straining power grids.
• Thermal power plants, which rely on water cooling, become less efficient.
• Infrastructure like roads and railways deteriorates faster under extreme heat.

Government Measures and Heat Action Plans (HAPs)

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Initiatives:

• Developing Heat Action Plans for states, districts, and cities.
• Conducting awareness campaigns on heatwave preparedness.
• Organizing national workshops to improve response strategies.

State and Local Government Actions:

• Declaring heatwaves as disasters for better resource allocation.
• Encouraging urban planning strategies to reduce heat effects.

Mitigation Strategies and Adaptation Measures

Innovative Solutions

• Promoting cool roofs and green spaces in cities to lower temperatures.
• Enhancing early warning systems for better preparedness.
• Implementing the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) for faster heatwave alerts.
• Introducing flexible work hours and cooling gear for outdoor workers.

About Heatwaves

Heatwaves are extended periods of unusually high temperatures that negatively impact people, ecosystems, and economies.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) Criteria:

• Plains: Maximum temperature of 40°C or higher.
• Coastal regions: Maximum temperature of 37°C or higher.
• Hills: Maximum temperature of 30°C or higher.

Heatwave Classifications:

Based on temperature deviation:

• Heatwave: 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal.
• Severe heatwave: More than 6.4°C above normal.

Based on actual temperature:

• Heatwave: 45°C or higher.
• Severe heatwave: 47°C or higher.

Declared when these conditions persist for at least two consecutive days in a region.

Conclusion

With over 250 Heat Action Plans in place, raising awareness and implementing sustainable urban strategies is crucial. A combination of policy changes, community participation, and infrastructure adaptation is needed to protect India from the worsening impact of heatwaves.

APPOINTING AD-HOC JUDGES TO REDUCE CASE BACKLOG

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Supreme Court has allowed High Courts to appoint retired judges on an ad-hoc basis to clear pending criminal cases. This step aims to improve judicial efficiency without affecting regular judge appointments.

Importance of Ad-hoc Judge Appointments

• The Supreme Court first supported this idea in a 2021 ruling, but implementation remained slow.
• As of January 25, 2025, over 62 lakh cases were pending in High Courts.
• The move raises hopes for long-term solutions to speed up the justice delivery system.

Challenges in Implementing Ad-hoc Judges

• The Constitution allows ad-hoc appointments, but they require presidential approval.
• Government approval delays the process, affecting implementation.
• Since these judges will not handle sensitive cases, political interference may be minimal.

Problems in the Regular Appointment Process

• The backlog exists due to inefficiencies in the judicial appointment system.
• Delays in promoting or selecting qualified judges have worsened the situation.
• Ad-hoc judges are a separate category and will not affect the career progression of regular judges.
• Slow justice affects ordinary litigants and increases overcrowding in prisons.

Making the Appointment Process Faster

• The Chief Justice of a High Court should directly recommend a judge to the Supreme Court collegium.
• After approval, the collegium should forward the recommendation to the government.
• The Lok Prahari case ruling (2021) suggested completing this process in three months.
• Additional background checks should be minimized to avoid unnecessary delays.

Impact on Sitting Judges

• Ad-hoc judges serve only for a limited period of two to three years.
• Their appointment does not affect the seniority or promotions of regular judges.
• With 367 vacancies in High Courts as of February 1, 2025, these appointments are essential.

Infrastructure and Resource Challenges

• Many High Courts lack the basic infrastructure to accommodate new judges.
• Additional staff such as stenographers and court assistants are necessary.
• The government must provide extra funding to ensure smooth operations.
• Some courts have unused spaces that can be converted into courtrooms.

Difficulties in Attracting Retired Judges

• Many retired judges prefer arbitration or private legal practice due to better earnings.
• Senior lawyers hesitate to accept these roles as they cannot practice in the same High Court afterward.
• The Supreme Court is already struggling to fill vacancies in tribunals, highlighting recruitment challenges.

Judicial Independence and Fairness

• Maintaining judicial independence depends on the integrity of the judges.
• Ad-hoc judges are expected to uphold fairness, even if they return to private practice later.
• Since they do not seek promotions, concerns over career incentives do not arise.
• The main objective is to clear pending cases and improve the judiciary’s efficiency.

Practice Question:

1. With reference to the appointment of Additional and Ad-hoc Judges in the Supreme Court of India, consider the following statements:

1. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) can appoint Ad-hoc Judges in the Supreme Court if there is a lack of quorum of permanent judges.
2. Additional Judges in the Supreme Court are appointed for a fixed tenure of two years.
3. Both Additional and Ad-hoc Judges in the Supreme Court enjoy the same powers and privileges as permanent judges.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

• As per Article 128 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) can appoint a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court as an Ad-hoc Judge if there is a lack of quorum of permanent judges.
• The Supreme Court does not have Additional Judges like High Courts. Additional Judges are appointed only in High Courts under Article 224 for a tenure not exceeding two years.
• Both Additional and Ad-hoc Judges, when appointed, exercise the same powers and privileges as permanent Supreme Court Judges.

ONLY PARLIAMENT CAN REMOVE A HIGH COURT JUDGE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar clarified that only Parliament has the constitutional authority to remove a High Court judge. His statement comes amid a removal notice against Justice Shekhar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court.

Key Highlights of the Issue

• Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized that removing a High Court judge is solely a parliamentary process.
• A removal notice against Justice Shekhar Yadav is currently under his consideration.
• The Supreme Court had earlier summoned Justice Yadav over alleged controversial remarks.
• A report on the matter was sought from the Allahabad High Court Chief Justice.
• The removal notice was submitted on December 13, 2024, with signatures from 55 Rajya Sabha members.
• Opposition members accused Justice Yadav of making hate speeches at a VHP event.

Constitutional Provisions for Judge Removal

• Article 124(4) (for Supreme Court judges) and Article 217(1)(b) (for High Court judges) outline the removal process.
• The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, governs the procedure.

• Grounds for Removal: A judge can be removed only on charges of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.

Process of Removal

• Initiating the Motion: Requires signatures from 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs. The motion is submitted to the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha).
• Inquiry Committee: A three-member panel consisting of:

• • A Supreme Court judge.
  • A Chief Justice of a High Court.
  • A legal expert.

• Parliamentary Approval: If charges are proven, both Houses must pass the motion with a two-thirds majority.
• Presidential Order: Once approved, the motion is sent to the President for final removal.

CRISIS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS

The DRC is facing renewed violence as the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has taken control of Goma, a strategically important city near the border. The conflict has now expanded towards Bukavu, worsening instability in the region.

Current Situation

• The M23 militia has seized control of Goma, a key mineral-rich city in eastern DRC.
• The conflict is escalating towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
• The DRC government considers this an act of war, while Rwanda denies direct involvement but supports M23’s inclusion in peace talks.

Historical Background of the Conflict

Ethnic Tensions Since Colonial Rule

• The conflict between Hutus and Tutsis dates back to colonial times.
• Colonial authorities gave administrative power to Tutsis, creating resentment among Hutus.
• After DRC’s independence in 1962, Hutus gained power, causing many Tutsis to flee to neighbouring countries.

Impact of the Rwandan Genocide (1994)

• A civil war between a Tutsi-led rebel group and a Hutu-led government began in 1990.
• The assassination of Hutu leaders in 1994 triggered mass killings, with nearly 800,000 Tutsis and some Hutus killed.
• After the genocide, millions of Hutus, including those responsible for the killings, sought refuge in eastern DRC.

Wars and Instability in the DRC

First Congo War (1996-1997)

• Rwanda invaded DRC to eliminate Hutu militias hiding in the region.
• This led to the overthrow of the then-President Mobutu Sese Seko.

Second Congo War (1998-2003)

• Rwanda and Uganda supported different rebel factions in DRC.
• Multiple African countries got involved, making it one of the deadliest conflicts, with around five million deaths.
• Even after the war ended, armed groups like M23 continued to operate in the region.

Economic Factors Behind the Conflict

• DRC is rich in minerals like Coltan, a key metal used in electronic devices.
• Goma, now under M23 control, is a critical trade and transport hub for these resources.
• Armed groups exploit these resources, fuelling prolonged violence.

Regional Responses and Implications

• DRC Government: Declares the M23 takeover as an act of war.
• Rwanda: Denies direct involvement but supports M23’s participation in peace talks.
• Burundi: Warns that the conflict could escalate further if not addressed.
• Uganda: Maintains a neutral stance but conducts military operations against militant groups.

Conclusion

The crisis in DRC is driven by both ethnic tensions and economic interests. Without a peaceful resolution, instability in the region may worsen, affecting security and development in Central Africa.

Practice Question:

1. With reference to the Congo Basin, consider the following statements:

1. The Congo Basin is the second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon Basin.
2. The Congo River, which flows through the basin, is the longest river in Africa.
3. The Congo Basin is primarily located in the countries of Central Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cameroon.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

• The Congo Basin is indeed the second-largest rainforest in the world, following the Amazon Basin.
• While the Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa, after the Nile River, it is not the longest.
• The Congo Basin spans several countries in Central Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and others.

INCOME-TAX BILL, 2025: A STEP TOWARDS SIMPLIFICATION

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Income-tax Bill, 2025, has been introduced in the Lok Sabha to replace the outdated Income-tax Act, 1961. The bill aims to simplify tax laws, reduce redundancy, and make compliance easier for taxpayers.

Key Features of the Bill

Modernizing the Tax System

• The bill seeks to replace the existing 1961 Act with a more streamlined and structured tax framework.
• It focuses on making tax provisions easier to understand while maintaining continuity in direct taxation.

Reduced Complexity and Improved Organization

• The new bill is 24% shorter than the previous Act, with 23 chapters instead of 47 and 536 sections instead of 819.
• The confusing numbering system of past laws has been removed, making tax rules more user-friendly.
• Tables have been introduced for deductions, exemptions, and TDS/TCS rates for better clarity.

Transition from Assessment Year to Tax Year

• The bill replaces the Assessment Year (AY) with Tax Year, aligning taxation with the same financial year.
• This change removes the confusion of tracking multiple periods for income reporting and tax filing.

Digital Assets and Cryptocurrency Regulation

• The bill increases tax authorities’ access to digital records, including social media, cloud storage, and online investments.
• Cryptocurrencies are formally classified as capital assets, making them taxable under capital gains.

Strengthening Dispute Resolution

• The bill aims to reduce litigation by providing clear reasons for decisions made by the Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP).
• This transparency is expected to speed up tax dispute resolution and minimize legal ambiguities.

Streamlining Capital Gains Exemptions

• Outdated exemptions, such as Section 54E for capital gains before April 1992, have been removed.
• Rules for standard deductions, gratuity, and leave encashment have been structured for better understanding.

Broader Definition of Income

• The bill expands the definition of taxable income, ensuring that new sources of earnings are covered.
• While new tax regime slabs are clearly outlined, the old regime’s details are not explicitly mentioned, indicating a shift towards a simpler tax structure.

Legislative Process and Implementation

• The bill was introduced following the Interim Budget 2024 announcement.
• After Parliamentary review and approval, the bill will take effect from April 1, 2026.
• Compliance rules remain largely unchanged, focusing on reducing unnecessary provisions rather than making drastic policy changes.

Conclusion:

The Income-tax Bill, 2025, is a major step towards a simpler, more transparent, and modern tax system. By reducing complexity, restructuring exemptions, and integrating digital aspects, the bill aims to enhance tax certainty, minimize disputes, and improve taxpayer experience in India.

RECORD-BREAKING NEUTRINO DETECTION

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

A deep-sea detector in the Mediterranean has recorded the most energetic neutrino ever, surpassing the previous record by 30 times. This discovery could provide insights into cosmic events beyond the Milky Way.

What are Neutrinos?

• Neutrinos are tiny subatomic particles with almost no mass, created during cosmic events like supernovae, radioactive decay, and cosmic ray interactions.
• Known as ‘ghost particles’, they barely interact with matter—trillions pass through human bodies every second unnoticed.

Why are Neutrinos Hard to Detect?

• Since neutrinos rarely collide with matter, detecting them is extremely challenging.
• Scientists use specialized detectors placed deep underwater, underground, or in ice to capture rare interactions.
• The latest detection was made by a still-incomplete Mediterranean Sea detector, showing progress in neutrino research.

Scientific Importance of Neutrino Studies

• Neutrino studies help in understanding the structure and evolution of the universe.
• By tracing neutrinos’ origins, scientists gain insights into extreme cosmic events like black holes and gamma-ray bursts.
• The newly detected neutrino might have originated beyond the Milky Way, offering clues about distant astrophysical processes.

A Breakthrough in Astrophysics

• The neutrino recorded had an energy level 30 times higher than any previously observed neutrino.
• It confirms that high-energy cosmic phenomena can produce powerful neutrinos detectable from Earth.
• This discovery could redefine our understanding of cosmic ray sources and extreme space environments.

Conclusion:

The detection of this ultra-high-energy neutrino marks a significant breakthrough in astrophysics. As research progresses, such findings could unlock deeper knowledge about the most energetic events in the universe and the forces shaping it.