15-November-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

REIMPOSITION OF AFSPA IN MANIPUR

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been reimposed by the Union Home Ministry in certain areas of Manipur. AFSPA was previously lifted from these areas in 2022 due to an improved security environment, but recent unrest has led to its reinstatement.

Background on AFSPA

• AFSPA Overview: AFSPA grants special powers to armed forces in areas deemed “disturbed,” allowing them to maintain public order.
• Past Withdrawal: In April 2022, the Manipur government had removed AFSPA from certain areas after security conditions had stabilized, improving public confidence in those regions.
• Reimposition Reasons: Due to rising violence and instability, the Home Ministry has issued a fresh notification to reinstate AFSPA in selected locations.

Areas Declared as ‘Disturbed’

• Locations Covered: The reimposed AFSPA covers six police station limits in five districts:
  • Imphal West: Sekmai and Lamsang police station areas
  • Imphal East: Lamlai police station area
  • Jiribam: Jiribam police station area
  • Bishnupur: Moirang police station area
  • Kangpokpi: Leimakhong police station area
• Purpose: The declaration of these regions as “disturbed” enables coordinated security operations aimed at curbing insurgent activities.

Reasons for Reimposing AFSPA

• Increased Ethnic Violence: Continued ethnic conflicts have led to a surge in violent incidents, making AFSPA necessary to maintain law and order.
• Security Review: The Home Ministry’s decision follows consultations with stakeholders and an assessment of the security landscape, which indicated persisting volatility.

Duration of AFSPA Reimposition

• Effective Period: This recent order extends AFSPA in the designated areas until March 31, 2025, allowing for sustained efforts to stabilize the situation.

Previous Extension of AFSPA in Hill Districts

• September 2023 Notification: The Manipur government had previously extended AFSPA to all 10 hill districts, excluding certain valley districts with a generally lower threat level.

AFSPA in the North-East:

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was introduced in 1958 to address insurgency in the North-East. It grants armed forces special powers to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.”

• Purpose: AFSPA enables forces to carry out operations, search, and arrest without a warrant, empowering them to manage insurgency and protect national security in volatile regions.

Drawbacks

• Human Rights Concerns: AFSPA has faced criticism for alleged human rights violations, including reports of wrongful arrests and excessive use of force, which have strained relations between security forces and local communities.
• Impact on Civilians: The act’s broad powers can disrupt daily life, leading to a sense of alienation and resentment among residents in affected areas.

Way Forward

• Review and Recommendations: The Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005) recommended repealing AFSPA, suggesting that it be replaced with a more humane law. Similarly, the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission urged gradual AFSPA withdrawal from stabilized areas to foster trust and support development.
• Balanced Approach: A nuanced, case-by-case approach to AFSPA application is essential. The government can periodically review and limit its enforcement to areas with high insurgent activity, complementing it with socio-economic initiatives to address root causes of unrest.

Conclusion

The reimposition of AFSPA in selected areas of Manipur underscores the government’s efforts to address the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. With this move, security forces have greater authority to conduct operations and respond effectively to the region’s volatile situation.

EXEMPTION OF DUAL ECO-CLEARANCE FOR 39 INDUSTRY CATEGORIES

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

In response to industry requests, the Union Environment Ministry has recently exempted 39 “white category” industries from requiring dual environmental clearances. This policy change, aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, will allow non-polluting industries to bypass the usual dual compliance of both environmental clearance (EC) and consent to establish (CTE).

Background on Dual Compliance

• Dual Compliance Requirement: Previously, industries needed both an environmental clearance and consent to establish from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
• Industry Demand: For years, industries have advocated for simpler compliance processes, as dual clearance was seen as redundant, particularly for low-pollution sectors.
• Ministry’s Move: To reduce compliance pressure, the Ministry has removed the CTE requirement for specific non-polluting sectors.

Exempted Industries

• White Category: The 39 exempted industries fall under the “white category” per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), meaning they are the least polluting.
• Examples: This category includes industries such as:
  • Solar cell and module manufacturing
  • Wind and hydropower units
  • Fly ash brick and block manufacturing
  • Leather cutting and stitching units
  • Assembly and repair units for air coolers and air conditioners
• Significance of White Category: Industries in this group were identified in 2016 by CPCB as having minimal environmental impact, making the removal of additional clearance a logical step.

Purpose and Benefits of the Exemption

• Reducing Compliance Burden: By exempting these sectors, the Ministry aims to streamline regulatory processes, thereby reducing the administrative load on industries.
• Encouraging Ease of Business: This policy change aligns with the government’s broader goals of “ease of living” and “ease of doing business,” reducing hurdles for new, low-impact enterprises.
• Eliminating Duplication: Industries that already obtained an environmental clearance will no longer need CTE, preventing unnecessary overlap of permissions.

Legislative Context

• Water Act Amendments: This decision builds on recent amendments to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Act originally mandated state permissions for industries discharging into waterbodies.
• SPCB’s Role and Changes: The amendments provide the Centre with increased authority over state pollution boards in certain cases, simplifying the regulatory landscape for non-polluting industries.

Impact on Environmental Regulations

• Updated Approach to Regulation: The Environment Ministry noted that outdated regulations caused a “trust deficit” and subjected minor violations to penal consequences. The new policies aim to rectify this by focusing on significant environmental risks rather than minor infringements.
• Shift from Punitive to Facilitative Regulation: The environment minister emphasized that punitive measures for minor infractions often harassed businesses unnecessarily. By reducing these requirements, the Ministry aims to foster a cooperative regulatory environment.

Way Forward

• Focus on High-Pollution Industries: Authorities can now allocate more resources to monitoring and regulating high-pollution industries rather than focusing on minor, low-impact sectors.
• Sustaining Environmental Oversight: While easing burdens for white-category industries, SPCBs and CPCB must ensure adequate oversight in other sectors to balance development with environmental protection.

Environmental Clearance for Industries in India

• Approval Requirement: Environmental clearance (EC) is mandatory for industries in India that may significantly impact the environment, such as those in mining, thermal power, and large-scale manufacturing. It ensures that projects are sustainable and follow environmental safeguards.
• Clearance Process: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) or State-level Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) evaluates projects based on their size and potential environmental risks. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is usually required.
• Categorization of Projects: Projects are divided into categories (A and B) based on their pollution potential. Category A projects (high-impact) require central clearance, while Category B projects (moderate impact) may only need state-level approval.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Key Features

EIA assesses potential environmental effects of proposed projects to ensure sustainable development.

• Process: It involves screening, scoping, public consultation, and impact assessment to identify and mitigate risks.
• Project Classification: Projects are classified by impact levels, determining if central or state bodies conduct the review.
• Public Involvement: Local communities can provide input on environmental concerns, influencing decisions.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Approved projects must follow environmental guidelines and submit regular impact reports.

Conclusion

The exemption of dual compliance requirements for 39 low-polluting industries is a step toward simplifying industrial regulations in India. By reducing administrative redundancy, the government aims to encourage industry growth, maintain environmental protections for high-risk industries, and promotes compliance and sustainable practices.

TRADE-RELATED CLIMATE MEASURES AND DEVELOPING NATIONS’ CONCERNS AT COP29

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The recent climate talks at COP29 saw tensions rise over trade restrictions tied to climate goals. Countries like India and China objected to the European Union’s (EU) climate-related trade measures, which they argue create unfair trade barriers that primarily impact developing nations.

Key Points on Climate-Related Trade Measures

EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

• CBAM taxes imports based on their carbon emissions, affecting products like steel and aluminium with high carbon footprints.
• This measure aims to prevent “carbon leakage,” where industries relocate to countries with lower emissions standards.
• Although intended to maintain high environmental standards, it raises concerns about competitiveness for exporters from developing countries.

Impact on Developing Nations

• Countries like India and China argue that CBAM makes their exports less competitive and serves as a non-tariff barrier that violates international trade agreements.
• These nations contend that the Paris Agreement requires consideration for developing economies in climate policies, which CBAM fails to address.

Global Protectionism and Supply Chain Shifts

• CBAM reflects a larger trend of climate-induced protectionism that influences global trade, with nations reconsidering supply chains to mitigate risk.
• This protectionist trend has been heightened post-pandemic, with more countries favouring “nearshoring” (production near home) or “reshoring” (returning production to the home country) to reduce dependency on global supply chains.

Mixed Effects of Climate-Related Trade Policies

• While some argue that trade policies like CBAM could drive innovation in green tech, others believe they impose unequal burdens on developing economies.
• A study by the Asian Development Bank noted that CBAM might have minimal impact on actual greenhouse gas reduction, suggesting other approaches, like emissions trading, may be more effective in addressing climate goals.

Developing Countries’ Stand at COP29

• Represented by the BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China), developing nations called for discussions on these issues at COP29.
• The group stressed that climate policies should not impose discriminatory trade practices or hinder growth in less-developed countries. While these discussions were delayed at COP29, the debate is expected to continue as countries push for balanced solutions.

Conclusion

The pushback from India, China, and others against climate-linked trade measures underlines a critical issue at COP29: the need for climate policies that are fair and inclusive. As more countries consider similar trade restrictions, balancing global climate goals with equitable trade practices will be essential to avoid deepening economic divides.

AUSTRALIA’S PLAN TO BAN SOCIAL MEDIA FOR TEENAGERS

TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU

Australia is considering a groundbreaking law to restrict children under 16 years from accessing social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, this proposed legislation aims to address the harmful impacts of social media on adolescents. It has sparked debates on its necessity, feasibility, and broader implications.

Key Features of the Proposed Ban

Legislative Highlights

• The law will hold social media platforms accountable for preventing underage access.
• Adolescents aged 14-15 years may be allowed access only with parental consent.
• Platforms could face penalties if they fail to comply, and the fines will contribute to a fund supporting online safety initiatives and compensating affected children.

• Influence from South Australia: The proposed legislation draws from the Children (Social Media Safety) Bill 2024, introduced in South Australia.

• This framework emphasizes strict age verification methods and penalizing companies for non-compliance.

Challenges in Implementation

• Age Verification Methods: Current systems rely on self-reported birthdates, which are easy to falsify.

• Proposed measures include requiring government-issued IDs, credit card details, or facial recognition technology to verify age.
• Privacy concerns arise regarding the storage and use of such sensitive data.

• Technological Barriers: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and other tools allow users to bypass age and location-based restrictions.

Social Media’s Impact on Adolescents

Negative Effects

• Anxiety, stress, and depression due to online interactions.
• Sleep deprivation and neglect of other activities.
• Addiction-like behaviour, leading to inability to control usage.
• Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to online validation, trolling, and the fear of missing out (FOMO), which can damage self-esteem and mental health.

Positive Aspects

• Social media facilitates discussions on less-talked-about issues like mental health and gender identity.
• It kept people connected during the pandemic, helping children stay in touch with peers and family.

Recommendations for Responsible Use

• Parental Role: Parents should guide children on appropriate online behavior, monitor their usage, and maintain open communication about social media’s benefits and risks.
• Policy Interventions: Governments should implement stronger privacy protections and introduce digital literacy programs in schools to educate children about safe internet practices.
• Role of Companies: Social media platforms must enforce stricter age limits, provide robust privacy settings, and assess risks associated with online interactions.

Conclusion

Australia’s initiative to ban social media for teenagers under 16 years reflects growing concerns about its negative impact on mental health and well-being. However, challenges like effective age verification and data privacy must be addressed for the law to succeed. While the debate continues, fostering responsible online behaviour through education and parental involvement remains crucial.

WALKING PNEUMONIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: TIMES OF INDIA

Walking pneumonia is a mild but lingering lung infection. Unlike severe pneumonia, it usually allows people to continue with daily activities while experiencing mild symptoms.

What is Walking Pneumonia?

• This condition is a type of atypical pneumonia often caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae but may also result from other bacteria or viruses.
• Symptoms resemble those of a cold or mild respiratory illness, such as a persistent cough, sore throat, mild fever, and fatigue.
• It is less severe than typical pneumonia, with fewer complications in breathing.

Symptoms and Characteristics:

• Symptoms can last for weeks if not treated, making it disruptive even though it’s mild.
• It is sometimes called “silent” pneumonia, as people may not have noticeable symptoms despite fluid-filled air sacs seen in lung X-rays.

Transmission: Walking pneumonia is contagious, spreading through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact.

Treatment: Often manageable with rest, plenty of fluids, and antibiotics if necessary, making recovery simpler than with typical pneumonia.

EXERCISE SEA VIGIL-24

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY: THE HINDU

The Indian Navy will conduct the fourth edition of Exercise Sea Vigil-24 on November 20-21, 2024. This coastal defence exercise aims to assess and strengthen India’s maritime security systems.

About Exercise Sea Vigil:

• Established in 2018, Sea Vigil was conceptualized to review and enhance coastal security following the 26/11 attacks.
• The exercise activates the Coastal Security network across India, evaluating coastal defence measures and infrastructure.

Objectives and Scope:

• Involves participation from six Ministries and 21 organizations, including the Indian Army, Air Force, and a large fleet of ships and aircraft, enhancing the scale of this edition.
• Focuses on protecting critical coastal assets such as ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, and Cable Landing Points.
• Engages the full coastal security apparatus, including maritime stakeholders, local fishing communities, and the coastal population.

Awareness and Community Involvement:

• Aims to raise awareness about coastal security among coastal communities, with involvement from NCC students, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and the fishing population.

Significance:

• Sea Vigil, coordinated by the Indian Navy, serves as a national initiative to evaluate India’s maritime defence.
• Acts as a precursor to the Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), which the Indian Navy conducts biennially to further strengthen operational readiness.

CRINUM ANDHRICUM

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Botanists recently discovered a new flowering plant species, Crinum andhricum, in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. This discovery adds to India’s rich botanical diversity, especially in endemic plant species.

About Crinum andhricum:

• The plant belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is named after Andhra Pradesh, where it was first found.
• It is a part of India’s Crinum species, bringing the total to 16, with many species unique to India.

Key Features:

• Crinum andhricum has unique characteristics, including broad, oblanceolate perianth lobes (outer floral parts) and clusters of 12 to 38 flowers.
• The plant’s flowers are waxy white and bloom between April and June.
• It grows on a tall stem that can reach up to 100 cm, with large, elliptic leaves with smooth edges.

Habitat and Distribution:

• This plant is adapted to dry, rocky crevices in the Eastern Ghats, highlighting its resilience in specific natural habitats.

Conservation Status:

• Due to its limited distribution and environmental threats, Crinum andhricum has been preliminarily categorized as ‘Data Deficient’ under IUCN guidelines, indicating that more information is needed for accurate conservation measures.

BOOKER PRIZE 2024

TOPIC: (GS3) MISCELLENOUS: THE HINDU

The Booker Prize is among the most prestigious global awards in literature, given annually for a single work of fiction. Established in 1969 in the UK, it aims to honor exceptional novels written in English.

Booker Prize 2024 Winner:

• Winner: British writer Samantha Harvey won the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel Orbital.
• Novel: Orbital is a short, wonder-filled novel set aboard the International Space Station, exploring themes of existence and connection.

About the Booker Prize:

• Recognized as the world’s leading literary prize for fiction, it was initially limited to Commonwealth authors but now is open to writers globally, as long as they write in English.
• The goal is to highlight outstanding fiction by awarding the best novel of the year written in English.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Only novels originally written in English and published in the UK or Ireland are eligible.
• The work must be original, not self-published, and published by a registered UK or Irish imprint.

Prize Amounts: The winner receives £50,000, while each shortlisted author is awarded £2,500.

Booker Prize Foundation: A charity founded in 2002, it oversees both the Booker Prize and the Booker International Prize, awarded since 2005.