15-November-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

THE BIHAR CASTE SURVEY AND THE SOCIAL JUSTICE AGENDA

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Bihar government’s recent initiatives, including a comprehensive caste survey and the public release of caste population data, mark significant strides towards social justice. However, the critical challenge lies in effectively utilizing this data to rejuvenate the social justice agenda. This necessitates moving beyond traditional approaches and addressing the multidimensional context of the 21st century.

                             

Historical Initiatives and Present Opportunity

Caste Census and Socio-Economic Data:

• Bihar’s historic steps involve conducting a caste survey and disclosing socio-economic data associated with different caste groups.
• Significance lies in surpassing other states and the central government in fostering transparency and social justice.

Navigating a New Context for Social Justice

Global Economic Situation:

• Neoliberal policies reshape states as market enablers, posing challenges to social welfare.
• The need for mass-scale employment, defined as “decent work” by the International Labour Organization (ILO), becomes imperative.

Authoritarian Regime and Hegemony:

• India faces an authoritarian regime with a north-Indian Hindu upper-caste hegemony, exemplified by Hindutva ideology.
• The erosion of core constitutional norms and the concentration of power demand innovative responses.

Internal Caste Dynamics:

• Internal differentiations within major caste groups require nuanced strategies.
• The emerging necessity for coalitional caste politics addressing class fractions and potential class polarization.

Conclusion:

Bihar’s ruling coalition stands at a historic crossroads, holding the potential to redefine caste politics. Acknowledging the multifaceted contemporary context, the state can break from traditional practices while upholding the core social justice agenda.

Caste politics, in this scenario, needs to evolve beyond a one-dimensional equation with social justice, emphasizing the crucial role Bihar can play in countering Hindutva politics and preserving Indian federalism. By effectively utilizing the caste survey data, Bihar has the opportunity to shape a new narrative for representation, balancing identity-based and performance-based criteria.

THE QATAR DEATH ROW AND INDIA’S OPTIONS

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The recent imposition of the death penalty on eight former Indian Navy officers in Qatar has triggered a significant diplomatic challenge for India. The complex situation necessitates a meticulous approach, considering legal avenues, diplomatic engagements, and international precedents.

Case Overview and Similar Incidents

Qatar’s Verdict:

• On October 26, Qatar’s local court sentenced eight former Indian Navy officers to death.
• The officers, associated with Dahra Global Technologies, faced legal proceedings after their detention in August 2022.

Comparative Cases:

• Similarities with cases like Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in India-Pakistan conflict.
• Both cases involved diplomatic maneuvers and negotiations for the release of Indian nationals.

India’s Legal and Diplomatic Options

Legal Appeals in Qatar:

• Article 110 of Qatar’s Penal Code categorizes espionage as a serious criminal offense.
• India can initiate legal appeals within the Qatari legal system to mitigate the sentence.

Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners Agreement:

• A 2015 agreement between India and Qatar allows Indian citizens sentenced in Qatar to serve their prison term in India.
• If legal appeals within Qatar prove ineffective, India can explore this option to bring the individuals back.

International Court of Justice (ICJ):

• Drawing parallels with the Jadhav case, India can approach the ICJ if internal legal proceedings do not yield positive outcomes.
• The delay in notifying the Indian embassy could be a crucial factor, mirroring the Jadhav case.

Diplomatic Efforts and Economic Leverage

India-Qatar Relations:

• Diplomatic efforts can leverage the robust economic ties between India and Qatar.
• Qatar’s significance as a major LNG provider and the largest expatriate group (Indian community) can be pivotal.

Vienna Convention on Consular Relations:

• Article 36 of the Vienna Convention is central, emphasizing the right to consulate access.
• Diplomatic dialogue should consider the Convention’s implications.

Human Rights Organizations:

• International human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, can be mobilized to advocate for the detained officers.

Conclusion:

India faces a complex diplomatic challenge in the Qatar death row case, demanding a multifaceted strategy. By exploring legal avenues, leveraging economic ties, and engaging in diplomatic dialogue, India has the potential to seek a resolution and ensure a fair and just outcome for the former Navy officers. The case underscores the significance of adherence to international conventions and strategic diplomatic maneuvers in safeguarding the interests of Indian nationals abroad.

CITIES WITH WORSE AIR THAN DELHI FIXED THE PROBLEM: NINE THINGS INDIA NEEDS TO DO TO FOLLOW SUIT

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

India grapples with severe air pollution, the fifth-largest cause of death in the country, leading to 1.6 million premature deaths in 2019. Despite awareness, the challenge persists due to fragmented responses, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. Drawing lessons from countries like China, Singapore, and Mexico City, nine coordinated interventions are proposed to combat air pollution effectively.

Recognizing the Complexity of Air Pollution

Systemic Nature of Air Pollution:

• Air pollution is a complex issue crossing state and regional boundaries, involving various emissions sources and interconnected economic factors.
• Fragmented responses often tackle symptoms, not root causes, perpetuating the crisis.

Impact on Vulnerable Groups:

• Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, rural communities, and the urban poor, contribute the least but bear the brunt of the problem.
• Disruption of life, work, and study is routine, with rural Indians forming a significant share of premature deaths.

           

Coordinated Interventions for Long-term Impact

Integrated Emission Reduction Approach:

• Addressing root causes demands a comprehensive approach.
• Strategies encompass limiting emissions from power plants, industries, and household sources, emphasizing the need for coherent cross-sectoral policies.

Green Urban Public Transport:

• A significant increase in affordable green urban public transport is essential.
• Emulating models from Singapore and Hong Kong can provide last-mile connectivity, contributing to climate goals, economic productivity, and job creation.

Widespread Electrification:

• Promoting electrification in buildings, vehicles, and production processes is crucial.
• Complexities in transport fuel switching require substantial investments, mirroring China’s efficient land-based transport infrastructure.

Regional Approach and Construction Management

Regional or Airshed Approach:

• Adopting a regional approach is necessary to address pollution sources across an entire region.
• Administrative challenges in India, stemming from fragmented governance, pose obstacles to coordinated action.

End-to-End Construction and Waste Management:

• Comprehensive construction and waste management are pivotal.
• Recycling materials from existing buildings and addressing construction and demolition waste can make tangible differences in reducing dust and waste release.

Legislative Measures, Citizen Mobilization, and Financial Investment

Strong Legislation and Enforcement:

• Consistent legislation and enforcement throughout the year, not just during specific events, are imperative.
• Determined courts and executive resistance against environmental regulation dilution are essential.

Citizen Mobilization and Financial Investment:

• Wide-scale citizen mobilization for awareness and education is vital.
• Considerable financial investment, similar to the Fifteenth Finance Commission’s precedent, is needed to implement coordinated actions and strengthen local government capacity.

Conclusion:

Addressing India’s air pollution crisis demands a multifaceted, coordinated effort that tackles root causes. Piecemeal approaches yield annual cycles of panic and shutdowns, underscoring the urgency of sustained, comprehensive actions to achieve urban climate and health goals simultaneously. The choices are clear; the challenge lies in determining when to act.

CRACKING CYPRUS CONFIDENTIAL: EU STATE GAVE INVESTORS TAX HAVEN, SECRECY – AND A GOLDEN PASSPORT

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The recent investigative report, “Cyprus Confidential,” conducted by The Indian Express in collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), sheds light on the offshore money flows involving Russian oligarchs, Syrian warlords, and global investors, including Indian corporates. This adds to the series of revelations about the utilization of tax havens by the global elite, with Cyprus emerging as a hub for such financial activities.

Unveiling Offshore Money Flows

Background of Investigations:

• The investigation follows a series of revelations such as Offshore Leaks (2013), HSBC Swiss Leaks (2015), Panama Papers (2016), Paradise Papers (2017), and Pandora Papers (2021).
• Cyprus Confidential uncovers offshore transactions facilitated by financial service providers on the island and a Latvian agency, comprising over 3.6 million records.

Duration and Collaboration:

• The Indian Express, along with over 60 media partners, including renowned international outlets, collaborates on this ICIJ investigation.
• Analysis spans over eight months, examining more than 20,000 documents related to India’s connection within the data trove.

Indian Business Investments and Passport Scheme

Benefits Exploited by Indian Investors:

• Indian businessmen leverage Cyprus’s preferential tax rates, loosely controlled tax exemptions, and other financial benefits.
• Confidential documents reveal complex investment schemes, including the acquisition of Cypriot passports under the now-withdrawn golden passport investment scheme.

Response from Cyprus Government:

• The Cyprus government asserts adherence to international standards, citing positive assessments from the FATF consolidated list.
• The government highlights commitment to fighting corruption, implementing EU sanctions, and freezing significant funds related to financial instruments.

The Complex Web of Offshore Activities

Prominent Offshore Service Providers:

• Investigative reporters examine records from six financial service providers based in Cyprus and a Latvian agency.
• Records unveil a maze of investments made by Indian businessmen, intertwined with complex structures, financial statements, and email communications.

Russian Oligarchs and Political Implications:

• The documents expose Cyprus’s role as a massive financial hub for Russian oligarchs, contributing to a bonanza for the island’s financial industry.
• Money flows reveal connections to Putin’s regime, Syrian rulers evading U.S. sanctions, and Kremlin operatives channeling payments through Cyprus.

Conclusion:

The Cyprus Confidential investigation reveals the intricate web of offshore money flows, implicating global elites, Russian oligarchs, and Indian investors. Despite being an EU member state, Cyprus’s role as a financial hub for questionable financial activities comes to the forefront. This exposé is expected to prompt regulatory and investigative actions in India, mirroring responses to previous global investigations, which unveiled substantial tax avoidance and evasion, totaling Rs 20,352 crore following the Panama Papers and Paradise Papers leaks.

NIRBHAY MISSILES TO BE WITH ALL THREE FORCES

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

India’s defence capabilities receive a substantial augmentation with the impending inclusion of Nirbhay class long-range cruise missiles across all three armed forces. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these subsonic missiles boast a range exceeding 1,000 km.

Key Points:

Government’s Proposal: The government is in the advanced stages of approving the proposal to induct Nirbhay class cruise missiles into all three defence services, marking a strategic advancement.

Clearance for Inclusion: Clearance for including these missiles in the inventory of the other two services was granted approximately two years ago.

Deadly Combination: The subsonic Nirbhay class cruise missiles, coupled with the supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles, create a potent combination, providing commanders with versatile options during conflicts.

Rocket Force Development: These missiles will become integral to the rocket force being systematically developed by the Indian defence forces.

Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles: There is contemplation about inducting medium-range ballistic missiles to serve conventional roles within the armed forces.

Enhanced BrahMos Range: The BrahMos cruise missiles receive a significant boost with enhanced ranges, contributing to the overall firepower of the defence forces.

Long-Range Test: A long-range test of the cruise missiles is scheduled in the near future, reflecting ongoing advancements in India’s defence capabilities.

HAZARDS OF FIRECRACKERS

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

Extreme exposure to firecrackers poses severe health risks due to the presence of various chemicals. It is crucial to understand the potential harm caused by specific components, highlighting the need for caution during festive celebrations.

Chemical Hazards:

Strontium (Red Colour):

Health Impact: Causes bone growth problems, particularly concerning in children.

Barium (Green Colour):

Health Impact: Damages the nervous system, leading to heart tremors, weakness, and paralysis.

Copper Compounds (Blue Colour):

Health Impact: Triggers skin problems, hormonal imbalances, and poses a risk for cancer.

Aluminium (White Light):

Health Impact: Causes contact dermatitis and bioaccumulation in the body.

Antimony Sulphide (Glitter Effect):

Health Impact: Classified as a carcinogen, it can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

Barium Nitrate and Lithium Compounds:

Health Impact: Immediate respiratory stress upon exposure.

CHIKUNGUNYA

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The United States has granted approval for the world’s inaugural chikungunya vaccine, named Ixchiq. This breakthrough immunization contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus.

Chikungunya Overview:

Transmission:

Aedes mosquitoes transmit chikungunya, a viral disease affecting humans.

Symptoms:

Common manifestations include fever, arthralgia (joint pain), and rash.

Geographical Presence:

Initially identified in Tanzania in 1952, chikungunya is primarily observed in Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas.

Mother-to-Child Transmission:

The virus can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her unborn child, posing a potential fatality risk for newborns.

Lack of Treatment:

Currently, there is no specific treatment for chikungunya.

Inclusion in India’s Programme:

Recognizing its impact, chikungunya is part of India’s National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme.

Recognizing its impact, chikungunya is part of India’s National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme.