19-February-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

UNIFORM CIVIL CODE (UCC) IN UTTARAKHAND

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The debate on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India has always been sensitive, primarily focusing on religious and personal laws. However, the recent inclusion of live-in relationships in the Uttarakhand UCC has brought fresh discussions regarding legal, social, and personal rights. This development raises concerns about the necessity, scope, and impact of legal intervention in non-marital relationships.

Highlights of the issue

Growing Attention and Lack of Data

• Live-in relationships have been a subject of legal and social debate for years.
• There is no extensive research or official data on live-in relationships in India.
• Public perception is often influenced by media portrayals and extreme cases, such as the 2022 Shraddha Walker case.
• Despite the increasing number of legal cases involving live-in partners, Uttarakhand has not been a major contributor to such disputes.
• This raises questions on whether the UCC is a justified response to these relationships.

Legal and Judicial Perspectives

• Since the 2000s, Indian courts and legal experts have discussed non-marital cohabitation.
• The legal debate intensified when attempts were made to expand the definition of “wife” under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
• Celebrities’ statements on pre-marital relationships have sparked controversies and legal discussions.
• The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, includes “relationships in the nature of marriage,” highlighting the lack of a clear legal framework for live-in relationships.
• Despite discussions, laws remain inconsistent and restrictive.

Different Forms of Live-in Relationships

• Live-in relationships can serve different purposes:

• As a trial period before marriage.
• An alternative to traditional marriage.
• A companionship choice for widowed or divorced individuals.

• Some live-in relationships involve already married partners.
• Historically, some Indian cultural traditions have recognized these relationships, but current laws fail to account for their diversity.

Legal Protections and Challenges

• Legal recognition of live-in relationships initially aimed to protect women.
• The Malimath Committee suggested expanding the definition of “wife” under CrPC Section 125 to include long-term live-in partners.
• However, judicial rulings such as Velusamy vs. D Patchaiammal (2010) and Indra Sarma vs. V.K. Sharma (2013) have restricted these protections.
• Courts have hesitated to grant equal legal status to live-in partners, leaving gaps in legal safeguards.

Key Provisions of the Uttarakhand UCC on Live-in Relationships

• Mandatory Registration: Live-in relationships must be registered within one month.
• Criminalization of Non-Registration: Failure to register may result in fines or imprisonment.
• Exclusion of Same-Sex Couples: The law applies only to opposite-sex couples.
• Police Involvement: Live-in relationships are reported to local police, raising concerns about privacy.
• Parental Notification: If either partner is under 21, parents/guardians are informed, increasing the risk of honor-based violence.

Restrictions and Concerns

• The Uttarakhand UCC imposes strict regulations, reducing the flexibility of live-in relationships.
• The law treats these relationships as matters requiring government supervision, rather than personal choices.
• Instead of protecting individuals, the regulations may lead to social scrutiny and moral policing.
• The rigid framework fails to accommodate evolving social trends and personal freedoms.

Conclusion

The inclusion of live-in relationships in the Uttarakhand UCC has sparked debates on personal freedoms and legal intervention. While legal protection for vulnerable individuals is necessary, excessive regulations may infringe on autonomy. A balanced approach that ensures legal safeguards while respecting personal choices would be a better solution for modern Indian society.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the implications of including live-in relationships under the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC). How does this impact personal freedoms, legal protections, and societal norms in India? (150 WORDS)

INDIA-QATAR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS

India and Qatar have strengthened their bilateral ties by upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership.

This move aims to enhance trade, investment, energy cooperation, and security between the two nations.

Trade and Investment Growth

• The target is to double trade between India and Qatar from USD 14 billion to USD 28 billion by 2030.
• Qatar has committed to investing USD 10 billion in India, focusing on infrastructure, ports, renewable energy, smart cities, start-ups, and advanced technologies like AI and robotics.

Energy Cooperation

• Qatar, a major supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to India, will supply 7.5 million metric tonnes annually for 20 years starting in 2028.
• This ensures India’s long-term energy security.

Exploring Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• Both countries discussed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could boost economic ties and streamline trade regulations.

Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

• Both nations condemned terrorism and agreed to strengthen cooperation in intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and anti-money laundering.

Diplomatic and Regional Issues

• Discussions covered West Asia’s regional stability, including the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• India also engaged with Qatar regarding the pending case of a former Indian Navy officer.

VENEZUELAN KAYAKER ENGULFED BY HUMPBACK WHALE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

On February 8, a 23-year-old Venezuelan kayaker, Adrián Simancas, was briefly engulfed by a humpback whale while kayaking in the Strait of Magellan, near Chile’s Patagonian coast.

The incident highlights the behavior of whales and their interaction with humans.

Types of Whales

Whales are classified into two main categories:

1. Baleen Whales – Includes humpbacks, blue whales, and grey whales. These whales have baleen plates made of keratin to filter-feed on krill, plankton, and small fish instead of teeth.
2. Toothed Whales – Includes sperm whales, killer whales, and dolphins. They have teeth to catch prey but do not chew their food.

Can Whales Swallow Humans?

• Despite their large mouths, baleen whales like humpbacks have small throats, making it impossible to swallow humans.
• Toothed whales have larger throats but still cannot swallow an entire human.
• Sperm whales are the only exception, but such incidents are extremely rare.

Why Did the Whale Engulf the Kayaker?

• Humpback whales lunge at the surface with open mouths to catch prey.
• Due to cloudy water and the silent movement of the kayak, the whale likely did not detect the kayaker.
• Humpbacks rely on hearing, and small, motorless vessels can go unnoticed.

1. Which of the following statements about humpback whales is correct?

1. They have teeth to catch and chew their prey.
2. They use echolocation to navigate and hunt like toothed whales.
3. They have baleen plates to filter-feed on krill and small fish.
4. They can swallow humans due to their large throat size.

Answer: C.

CONTROVERSY OVER INDIA’S GOT LATENT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The show India’s Got Latent, hosted by comedian Samay Raina, is popular for its dark humor but has sparked controversy due to crude remarks by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia.

The issue goes beyond the remarks and reflects the broader struggle for control over digital media.

Legal Perspective on Vulgarity

• The Supreme Court ruled in Apoorva Arora v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2024) that obscenity must be judged objectively.
• While Allahabadia’s remarks were offensive, they do not meet the legal definition of obscenity.
• Despite legal protection, moral outrage often leads to censorship and intimidation.

Use of Section 69A for Censorship

• The government uses Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, to block content, though “decency and morality” are not valid legal grounds for blocking websites.
• Past censorship examples include the banning of Savita Bhabhi and stricter IT Rules, 2021.

Push for Stronger Digital Regulations

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working on a new Broadcasting Bill to regulate online creators like TV channels.
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT is also pushing for stricter digital content regulations.

Government Crackdown on Content

• Similar censorship occurred with Tandav (2021), where legal pressure led to content edits.
• OTT platforms are increasingly complying with government censorship to avoid legal trouble.

Political and Economic Implications

• The controversy highlights techno-patrimonialism, where digital content is regulated as part of governance.
• Political parties compete not just on welfare policies but also on controlling online content.

Future of Digital Freedom

• If restrictions continue, content creators may voluntarily seek regulation to avoid harsh crackdowns.
• The debate on digital censorship is part of a larger political shift rather than just a response to an offensive joke.

U.S.-RUSSIA AGREEMENT ON UKRAINE

TOPIC: (GS3) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

The United States and Russia have agreed to work towards ending the Ukraine war and improving diplomatic and economic relations.

This marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.

The agreement has raised concerns among Ukraine and European allies, who fear being excluded from critical discussions.

Key Agreements Between the U.S. and Russia

• The U.S. and Russia committed to diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
• Three main objectives were outlined by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio:
  1. Restoring embassy staffing in both countries.
  2. Forming a high-level team for peace negotiations on Ukraine.
  3. Exploring economic cooperation between the two nations.

Ukraine’s Exclusion from Talks

• No Ukrainian officials were present in the discussions, leading to strong objections from Kyiv and European leaders.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded that Ukraine be included in any negotiation process.
• European nations expressed concerns about being sidelined and insisted on having a role in shaping the agreement.

U.S. and European Reactions

• The U.S. acknowledged that peace efforts require concessions from all involved parties, including European nations.
• European leaders responded by increasing defense spending and discussing the possible deployment of troops in Ukraine.
• French President Emmanuel Macron called for urgent discussions to address the issue.
• Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposed sending troops, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the idea.

Russia’s Position on the Agreement

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomed the talks, stating that the U.S. is beginning to understand Russia’s concerns.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia’s willingness for peace talks, but emphasized the need for a comprehensive security framework in Europe.

Impact on U.S.-Russia Relations

• The discussions aim to set the stage for a future summit between Trump and Putin, though no date has been confirmed.
• The U.S. admitted that any settlement must involve European nations due to ongoing sanctions and security concerns.

Changing Global Dynamics and NATO’s Role

• NATO and the EU are reassessing their defense strategies in response to shifting U.S. policies.
• NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed that Europe must take more responsibility for its security.
• EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged member states to increase defense spending.

Divisions Among European Nations

• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opposed troop deployment, calling it an ineffective strategy.
• Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs warned against complacency in defense measures.
• Some European leaders believe the continent must build independent defense capabilities rather than relying on the U.S..

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

• Analysts view this U.S. policy shift as a turning point for transatlantic security.
• The debate highlights Europe’s need to strengthen its military and defense amid an uncertain global landscape.

Conclusion

The U.S.-Russia agreement signals a major realignment in global politics. While negotiations have begun, challenges remain in achieving a unified European response and resolving the Ukraine crisis. The situation will shape future diplomatic and security strategies in the coming years.

CASE OF NIMISHA PRIYA

TOPIC: (GS3) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala, has been sentenced to death in Yemen for the murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. The Supreme Court in Sana’a confirmed her death sentence in 2020. This case has sparked diplomatic and legal efforts to secure clemency for her.

Recent Developments

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took interest in the case after meeting Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Muscat.
• Araghchi later discussed the issue with Mohammed Abdul Salam, a senior representative of the Houthi group (Ansar Allah), which controls parts of Yemen.
• The Iranian minister expressed optimism, stating that efforts were being made for a possible resolution.

Family’s Efforts for Clemency

• Nimisha Priya’s family alleges she suffered prolonged abuse and violence at the hands of Mahdi.
• They have initiated an international campaign requesting clemency.
• Efforts are underway to raise reparations or “blood money” as per Islamic law, which may lead to a pardon.

Indian Government’s Role

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has assured full support but emphasized that the final decision depends on negotiations between the victim’s family and Priya’s family.
• Civil society organizations in Kerala have criticized the government for not taking sufficient action to secure her release.

Diplomatic Importance

• Iran has significant influence over the Houthi group, which may assist in negotiating clemency.
• A senior Iranian official earlier assured support to India’s efforts during a visit to Delhi.

Legal Challenges

• Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stressed that this remains a legal matter rather than a political one.
• Exploring alternative legal options is crucial to preventing her execution.

Conclusion

The case remains legally and diplomatically complex. While Iran’s intervention provides hope, a resolution hinges on legal negotiations, diplomatic engagement, and the possibility of securing clemency through reparations under Yemeni law.

JAVELIN ANTI-TANK GUIDED MISSILE

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

India and the US have decided to collaborate on procuring and co-producing Javelin anti-tank guided missiles.

This agreement aims to strengthen India’s defense capabilities by acquiring advanced missile technology.

About Javelin Missile

• The Javelin is a portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system.
• It is jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, two leading US defense companies.
• The missile is designed to destroy heavily armored vehicles like main battle tanks.
• It can also target fortifications, bunkers, and even helicopters.

Key Features

• Range: The Javelin has an effective range of up to 2.5 km.
• Fire-and-Forget Technology: It locks onto the target before launch and guides itself automatically.
• Infrared Guidance: The missile uses infrared tracking, allowing the operator to take cover immediately after firing.
• Top-Attack Capability: The Javelin targets tanks from above, where their armor is weakest.
• Multi-Purpose Use: Apart from armored vehicles, it is effective against fortifications and in direct attacks.

EARTHQUAKE SWARM IN GREECE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

A state of emergency has been declared in Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi due to a series of undersea earthquakes. This phenomenon, known as an earthquake swarm, is a cluster of small earthquakes occurring in a short period in a specific area.

What is an Earthquake Swarm?

• It refers to multiple earthquakes of similar intensity occurring in a region over a short time.
• Unlike regular earthquakes, there is no single major shock; instead, several minor tremors happen over days or weeks.
• Earthquake swarms often occur in volcanic or geothermal regions due to the movement of underground fluids or magma.

Causes of Earthquake Swarms

Fluid Movement

• In volcanic areas, underground fluids (water or gases) move through cracks, triggering small earthquakes.
• This happens in geothermal zones where heated water circulates beneath the Earth’s surface.

Active Volcanism

• Magma moving beneath the Earth’s crust can create cracks and cause earthquakes.
• Tremors usually occur near these cracks as magma pushes through.

Slow-Slip Events

• These are slow-moving earthquakes where faults shift gradually over weeks or years.
• They commonly occur in subduction zones like the Hikurangi subduction zone.