GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

In a latest development, Hamas agreed to a draft ceasefire plan, which aims to end the conflict. However, it still requires final approval from the Israeli Cabinet. The plan was developed with the help of the US, Qatar, and Egypt.

Background of the Conflict:

• The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas started in October 2023, with Hamas launching attacks on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli casualties.
• In retaliation, Israel launched military operations in Gaza, leading to more than 64,000 Palestinian deaths, according to reports.
• The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people is rooted in a complex history of territorial disputes, wars, and political struggles that date back over a century.
• key historical events and issues involved in the conflict:
  • Creation of Israel (Pre-1948)
    • Before 1948, the area known as Palestine was under British control following World War I and the defeat of the Ottoman Empire.
    • Palestine had a Jewish minority and Arab majority, along with other ethnic groups.
    • Tensions escalated after Britain supported the idea of establishing a "national home" for Jewish people in Palestine, particularly after World War II, when many Jews fled to the area due to the Holocaust.
    • In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. Jerusalem was to be an international city. The Jewish leaders accepted the plan, but the Arab states rejected it.
    • In 1948, after British withdrawal, Jewish leaders declared the State of Israel. Israel was recognized by the UN in 1949.
    • The 1948 Arab-Israeli War: Immediately after Israel’s declaration of independence, it was attacked by five Arab nations. This became known as the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. Israel survived and gained control over much of the territory, including parts of Jerusalem.
  • The 1967 Six-Day War: In 1967, Israel fought Egypt, Syria, and Jordan in the Six-Day War. Israel launched a preemptive strike fearing attacks. By the end of the war, Israel had captured significant territories: Sinai Peninsula and Gaza from Egypt, Golan Heights from Syria, and West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan. This expanded Israeli control over areas that Palestinians view as part of their future state.
  • The West Bank and Gaza
    • The West Bank and Gaza Strip are considered Occupied Palestinian Territories. The West Bank is home to about 3 million Palestinians.
    • Israel controls the West Bank but allows the Palestinian Authority to govern most towns and cities there. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, but Israel disputes this.
    • Gaza is controlled by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that governs the area since 2007, after defeating the rival Palestinian faction Fatah in a civil war.
    • Jerusalem: Both Israel and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital. Israel controls the entire city, including East Jerusalem, which it captured in the 1967 war. Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

What is the Draft Ceasefire Agreement?

• The draft ceasefire plan has three phases.
• Phase 1: Immediate Ceasefire and Hostage Release (6 weeks)
  • A complete ceasefire will be implemented, halting all military operations.
  • Israeli forces will withdraw from all populated areas of Gaza.
  • 33 Israeli hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, will be released by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
  • Palestinian civilians will be allowed to return to their homes and neighborhoods, particularly in northern Gaza.
  • Humanitarian aid will be provided, with 600 trucks delivering food and medical supplies daily.
• Phase 2: Further Hostage Exchange and Israeli Withdrawal
  • In the second phase, Hamas will release the remaining living Israeli captives, mainly male soldiers.
  • This release will be in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners.
  • The full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza will take place.
  • Details of this phase will be negotiated during the first phase.
• Phase 3: Gaza Reconstruction and Final Hostage Return
  • A major reconstruction plan for Gaza will begin.
  • Any remaining deceased hostages will be returned to their families.

Why This Matters?

• The conflict has caused immense destruction and loss of life, particularly in Gaza.
• The ceasefire deal represents a potential turning point in the conflict but remains uncertain due to political disagreements within Israel.
• The deal is expected to halt the most deadly and destructive war between Israel and Hamas.
• It would bring respite to the Gaza Strip, where 90% of the population of 2.3 million have been displaced during nearly a year and a half of war and many are at risk of famine.
• The involvement of global actors like the US, Qatar, and Egypt shows the international significance of the issue.

In a significant shift from traditional methods, the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission has proposed a new, more nuanced approach to defining and diagnosing “obesity”. The report emphasizes the limitations of using Body Mass Index (BMI) alone as the primary indicator of obesity and suggests adopting a more comprehensive approach that factors in the distribution of body fat and other health metrics.

Why This Matters?

• Obesity is a growing global health concern, contributing to various chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
• Current diagnostic methods, which rely heavily on BMI may not provide an accurate reflection of a person's overall health.
  • BMI is a measurement of a person's weight with respect to his or her height. It is more of an indicator than a direct measurement of a person's total body fat.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• Limitations of BMI: BMI has been the standard tool for diagnosing obesity, with a threshold of 30 kg/m² used as an indicator of obesity. However, the commission points out that BMI doesn’t account for where body fat is stored. Fat concentrated around the abdomen or internal organs (such as the liver or heart) is linked to higher health risks compared to fat stored in other body areas, like the arms or legs.
• New Diagnostic Criteria:
  • Additional Measurements: The commission recommends using at least one additional body size measurement, such as waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio, along with BMI to provide a more accurate assessment of obesity. These measurements help determine how fat is distributed in the body, which has significant health implications.
  • Direct Body Fat Assessments: For more precision, the commission advocates for techniques like DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scans, which can directly measure body fat. For individuals with a very high BMI (above 40 kg/m²), the commission suggests that excess body fat can be assumed without further testing.
• Introduction of New Obesity Categories:
  • Clinical Obesity: This is defined as a chronic, systemic illness where excess body fat causes dysfunction in organs or tissues. It is linked to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic disturbances. The commission provides 18 diagnostic criteria for clinical obesity in adults, focusing on areas such as the nervous system, cardiovascular health, and metabolism.
  • Pre-clinical Obesity: This refers to individuals with excess body fat but without current organ dysfunction. While they are not yet experiencing health problems, they are at an increased risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The commission emphasizes that lifestyle modifications, such as improved diet and exercise, are crucial for individuals with pre-clinical obesity to prevent further health issues.
• Tailored Treatments for Obesity: By classifying obesity into clinical and pre-clinical stages, the commission proposes a more personalized approach to treatment. For those with pre-clinical obesity, lifestyle changes may suffice, while individuals with clinical obesity might require medical interventions, including medications or even weight-loss surgery, to address their health needs.

Implications for Public Health:

• The commission’s recommendations are designed to provide a more precise and individualized approach to obesity diagnosis and treatment, moving beyond the limitations of BMI.
• This shift is particularly relevant for populations, like in India, where obesity-related health risks, such as diabetes and heart disease, occur at lower BMI thresholds due to factors like abdominal fat accumulation.
• By introducing these new diagnostic criteria and emphasizing a more personalized treatment approach, the Lancet Commission aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of obesity-related diseases globally.
• The framework also encourages more accurate diagnoses and interventions, which could prevent the under- or over-diagnosis of obesity-related health issues.

In a strongly worded statement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is “incomplete” without the territory under Pakistan’s control, referring to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

What is Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)?

• Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), once part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, was illegally occupied by Pakistan in 1947.
• PoK comprises Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB),
• The region shares borders with several international locations:
  • to the west, it borders Pakistan's Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
  • to the north-west, it borders Afghanistan's Lakhan Hall
  • to the north, it adjoins China's Xinjiang province
  • to the east, it borders India's Jammu and Kashmir
• Glacial lakes: Chitta Katha Lake, Ratti Gali Lake ,Shounter, Saral Lakes, Baghsar Lake, Banjosa Lake, Ganga Lake and the Subri Lake
• Major rivers: Kishanganga / Neelum, Jhelum, Poonch River
• The region occupies a strategic geographic location that serves as a crucial link between China and Pakistan.
• China’s Growing Interests in PoK

• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): The CPEC project is a flagship initiative involving Chinese investments in infrastructure, trade routes, and energy projects. PoK is an integral part of this corridor, which connects China's Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. The CPEC passes through Gilgit-Baltistan, and its strategic positioning gives China access to the Arabian Sea and vital trade routes.
• Infrastructure Development: China is heavily investing in roads, railways, and energy projects within PoK, making it a key element of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

History of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)

• Before the partition, Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state under the British Empire. When India and Pakistan gained independence in August 1947, the princely states were given the option to join either of the new nations or remain independent.
• Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, initially sought to keep the state independent. However, the region was soon engulfed in a wave of turmoil, setting the stage for a larger conflict.
  • The Uprising and Infiltration of Pashtun Tribesmen: In the same year, Poonch (a district in Jammu and Kashmir) saw an uprising against Maharaja Hari Singh's rule. The uprising, fueled by oppressive taxes, spread rapidly, weakening the Maharaja's control over the region. During this period, Pashtun tribesmen from Pakistan’s North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) entered Jammu and Kashmir, with the support of the Pakistani Army. Their primary goal was to wrest control of the region and end the Maharaja's rule.
  • By October 1947, these tribal invaders had seized significant portions of the region, including Muzaffarabad (the current capital of PoK) and Baramulla.
• Instrument of Accession: Faced with this grave situation, Maharaja Hari Singh sought assistance from India. India’s response to the Maharaja's request for help was conditional. India agreed to send military assistance, but only if the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession (IoA), which would formalize Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India. The IoA would grant India control over the state’s defense, foreign affairs, and communications.
  • Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, and Indian troops were swiftly dispatched to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, to defend the region. This marked the beginning of the first Indo-Pakistani war.
• The two countries fought wars over Kashmir in 1947-48 and 1965. They formalised the original ceasefire line as the Line of Control in the Simla Agreement, but this did not prevent further clashes in 1999 on the Siachen Glacier, which is beyond the Line of Control.
• The situation was further complicated by an Islamist-led insurgency that broke out in 1989. India gave the army additional authority to end the insurgency under the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
• Despite occasional reviews of the AFSPA, it still remains in force in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
• Since the 1947-48 war, Jammu and Kashmir has remained a highly contested territory, with both India and Pakistan claiming sovereignty over the entire region.

The Union Government inaugurated "Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan", marking a historic effort to open up areas previously restricted for tourism due to strategic reasons.

What is Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan?

• "Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan" is a new initiative by the Indian Army and the Ministry of Tourism, launched to promote battlefield tourism in India.
• The project aims to showcase significant battlefields and border sites across the country where military action has occurred in the past, including notable locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
• The Ministry of Tourism has developed a dedicated website for Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, where visitors can find essential information about the 77 selected sites.
• Sites included in Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan: The program highlights 77 historic sites where major military events have taken place, with a focus on border regions. Some notable locations include:
• Galwan Valley (Ladakh): Site of the 2020 India-China clashes.
• Doklam: The site of the 2017 standoff between India and China, located at the tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China.
• Dras (Kargil, Ladakh): Known for the 1999 Kargil War.
• Siachen Base Camp (Ladakh): The highest battlefield in the world, home to ongoing tensions.
• Longewala (Rajasthan): Famous for the 1971 India-Pakistan war, particularly the Battle of Longewala.
• Bum La and Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh):
  • Bum La Pass is a high-altitude pass located at the border of India and Tibet. It is located in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. 
  • Kibithu is India's easternmost inhabitat place which stands on the line of control or LAC.

These sites have been carefully selected for their historical significance and role in India’s military history.

On January 15, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) marked 150 years of service. To celebrate this milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Mission Mausam, with a focus on improving India’s weather forecasting and disaster management capabilities. The mission aims to make India "weather-ready" and "climate-smart" as part of the country’s efforts to reduce the impact of natural disasters, which have been increasing due to climate change.

What is Mission Mausam?

• Mission Mausam is a large-scale initiative designed to enhance the forecasting, modelling, and dissemination capabilities of India's meteorological services.
• The mission will have a budget of Rs 2,000 crore for the first two years of implementation.
• The key objective is to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts that will benefit crucial sectors such as agriculture, aviation, defence, disaster management, tourism, and health.
• Key Goals of Mission Mausam:
  • Improving Weather Forecasting: The mission aims to enhance the accuracy of weather predictions, particularly for extreme events like heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and cyclones. Currently, the IMD’s forecasting accuracy for extreme heatwaves is about 97.99%, while heavy rainfall forecasts stand at around 80%. The mission seeks to close these gaps in prediction reliability, ensuring better preparedness across sectors.
  • Weather Modulation: Mission Mausam will also focus on “managing” specific weather events by enhancing or suppressing rainfall, hail, fog, and later, lightning strikes. This will be achieved through advanced research in cloud physics, which is crucial for weather modification. The goal is to control certain weather phenomena to minimize their negative impacts.
  • Research in Cloud Physics: One of the core areas of research under the mission is cloud physics. India is setting up a cutting-edge cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune. This facility will allow scientists to study the conditions required for cloud formation, which is vital for understanding and managing monsoon clouds. This is especially important given the unique nature of Indian monsoons and the country's dependency on them for agriculture.
• Unlike basic cloud chambers found in other countries, India's cloud chamber will have convection properties, necessary for studying Indian monsoon clouds. This will be a first-of-its-kind facility in India, with only a few such chambers available worldwide.
• Key Institutions Overseeing the Mission: The Mission Mausam initiative will be led by three key institutions funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences:
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune
  • National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida

The camel population in India faces a critical decline that requires immediate intervention.

About Camel (Camelus dromedarius or Camelus bactrianus)

• India has the third largest camel population in the world; and the majority of these are in Rajasthan.
• The Thar Desert of Rajasthan is their homeland. It provides them an adequate and ideal vegan diet along with climatic conditions that they require to thrive and remain healthy.
• The different breeds of camels in India are: Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi, Mewari and Jalori Camels.
• Their physiology is suited to a dry desert climate (hot day, cool night) because they can go for long periods without drinking water and their padded feet are suited to soft desert sands. 
• The lifespan of a camel is 20 years. It starts breeding at about 4 years but conceives once in 2½ years. There is therefore no way in which their numbers can multiply fast.
• Declining Population
  • Across the world, the camel population rose from nearly 13 million in the 1960s to more than 35 million now, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
  • But their numbers are on a drastic decline in India – from nearly a million camels in 1961 to just approximately 200,000 today. And the fall has been particularly sharp in recent years.
  • The camel population has shown a declining trend over the last 4 Livestock Censuses, i.e. 17th (2003), 18th (2007), 19th (2012) and 20th (2019) when it was 2.5 lakh, having decreased by 37.1% over the previous Census.
• Government Policies & Interventions
  • The Rajasthan government passed the Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act. The law prohibits the transport, illegal possession and slaughtering of camels.
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids to highlight the key role the animal plays in the lives of millions of households in more than 90 countries.

The ongoing debate in India about the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President, particularly regarding technology policies and their impact on Indian interests, including tech talent export, data governance, and geopolitical strategies.

H-1B Visa and Immigration Policy

• H-1B Visa Controversy: The debate around H-1B visas is a contentious issue, with the tech industry advocating for skilled immigration while addressing concerns of anti-immigrant sentiments in the U.S. Trump’s second term is likely to focus on balancing immigration needs with stricter control over illegal entry.
• India’s Role: India, as a major supplier of tech talent, is unlikely to lose out in the H-1B system, as demand for skilled Indian professionals remains high. However, India needs to cooperate more on preventing illegal immigration while supporting legal, merit-based immigration channels.
• Bipartisan Divisions: In the U.S., bipartisan tensions between supporting skilled immigration for economic growth and curtailing illegal immigration remain unresolved, complicating the H-1B visa issue.

Trump’s Technology Policies

• Political Polarization and Social Media: Trump’s technology policies are likely to deepen political polarization in the U.S. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been accused of bias, and the shift in platform policies could affect both U.S. and global political dynamics, with potential spillovers to other democracies.
• Techno-libertarianism: Trump’s alignment with “techno-libertarians” such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel may lead to deregulation of emerging technologies, shifting focus from ethical oversight to innovation-driven policies, especially in AI development.
• Impact on Geopolitics: Trump’s technology policies, particularly in the context of competition with China, could lead to intensified technological and military confrontations. His administration is expected to pursue a more aggressive stance against China, particularly in AI and defense technology.

Implications for India’s Tech Diplomacy

• U.S.-India Technological Cooperation: Trump’s tech policies could strengthen U.S.-India collaboration in technological innovation, especially in AI and defense, despite tensions around issues like data localisation and trade policies.
• China and Global Tech Race: India’s strategic positioning in the global tech race, especially in collaboration with the U.S., will be shaped by Trump’s stance on China and technological sanctions. India may face challenges balancing its relationship with both the U.S. and China in the tech sector.
• India’s Diplomacy Role: India’s tech diplomacy will need to find common ground with the U.S. on technology and defense while navigating Trump’s policies, including potential shifts in global governance of emerging technologies.

Practice Question:

Q. Analyze the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second term on global technological governance, focusing on the U.S.-India relations, tech industry policies, and the geopolitical competition with China.

The Central government is focusing on the developments in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) following the abrogation of Article 370, with a focus on infrastructure development and economic initiatives. The Centre has emphasized development in the region, particularly through tourism and infrastructure projects, as part of a broader strategy to improve the economy of the Union Territory (UT).

Economic Development Focus

• Tourism and Employment Generation: The Centre has identified tourism as a key sector to generate employment, support small businesses, and improve J&K’s financial situation. Investments in infrastructure are aimed at boosting the tourism industry, which can have long-term economic benefits for the region.
• Infrastructure Push: A significant infrastructure development initiative worth over Rs 40,000 crore has been initiated, including national highway projects and the Sonmarg tunnel. These efforts aim to improve connectivity, foster economic growth, and ensure J&K is better integrated with the rest of the country.
• Positive Impact on Local Economy: The development projects are seen as essential for improving J&K’s infrastructure and financial stability. This push aims to strengthen the local economy, enhance job opportunities, and foster a more sustainable economic environment.

Political Stability and Leadership

• Engagement Between J&K and Centre: The interaction between the J&K government and the Centre appears cooperative, with positive gestures exchanged between the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister. This reflects a mutual understanding and potential for collaborative progress on various issues.
• Chief Minister’s Pragmatism: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed the need to focus on economic development while acknowledging the importance of restoring statehood in the future. He seeks to work with the Centre, maintaining a balanced approach toward governance.
• J&K's Financial Dependence: Given J&K’s financial deficit, the region remains reliant on the support of the Government of India. This dependency highlights the importance of maintaining a collaborative relationship between J&K and the Centre to ensure economic stability.

Future Prospects and Governance

• Restoration of Statehood: Although the restoration of statehood remains a priority for J&K’s leadership, it is clear that the process will take time. Both the Centre and J&K's political leadership seem to be cautious in their approach, focusing on pragmatic development goals.
• Economic and Political Monitoring: The Centre’s handling of both economic and political commitments in J&K will be closely observed. The successful implementation of infrastructure and development plans will shape future political dynamics in the region.
• Long-term Vision for J&K’s Development: The overall focus is on ensuring J&K’s long-term economic growth, political stability, and integration within India’s broader development framework. The trajectory of this development will depend on continued cooperation and strategic decision-making at both local and national levels.

Practice Question:

Q. Examine the role of infrastructure development in promoting economic stability and growth in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370. Discuss the challenges and prospects for the region’s political and economic future.

The crisis of wildfires in California highlights the societal, political, and environmental issues surrounding them. It reflects on the state’s social, economic, and cultural changes over time, questioning the role of progressivism, technology, and media in shaping public responses to natural disasters.

California's Crisis and its Impact

• Environmental Risks and Natural Disasters: California is frequently threatened by devastating wildfires, yet the state remains a symbol of the "California Dream" for many. The constant threat of these disasters, particularly in southern California, creates a sense of insecurity among its residents.
• Polarization and Social Media's Role: The increasing polarization in California is reflected in how residents and media react to crises. Issues like climate change, political ideologies, and identity politics dominate discussions, obscuring practical responses to crises like wildfires.
• Historical and Cultural Context: California's identity has evolved dramatically, from being a beacon of the American Dream to becoming a symbol of societal dysfunction. Once a symbol of opportunity, it now embodies both the potential for greatness and the pitfalls of unchecked progressivism.

Media, Technology, and Public Discourse

• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Reality: Social media has distorted public understanding, where reality often becomes a battleground for ideological narratives. The blending of facts and misinformation complicates efforts to address real crises like wildfires.
• Deterioration of Civic Engagement: Political discourse has shifted focus from practical community issues, such as fire risks, to global and ideological concerns, such as divestment or international policies, showcasing a disconnection from local realities.
• Ideological Fragmentation: The discourse in California is increasingly driven by ideological extremes. Some see wildfires as a consequence of climate change, while others frame them as a byproduct of progressive policies, illustrating the ideological rift that weakens collective action in times of crisis.

Call for Reconnection and Reflection

• The Loss of Sense of Place: California has lost its cultural and spiritual roots, with residents and policymakers prioritizing technocratic solutions and ideological battles over addressing real challenges like fire prevention and environmental sustainability.
• The Need for Holistic Solutions: The author calls for a more grounded, respectful relationship with nature, invoking indigenous wisdom to guide ecological practices. This includes rethinking the consequences of unchecked development and addressing the root causes of environmental destruction.
• Global and Local Lessons: The broader question posed is about humanity's growing disconnection from the sacredness of nature and its consequences. The article suggests that to prevent future disasters, societies must confront the false causalities and distractions created by ideological divides.

Practice Question:

Q. Examine the societal, environmental, and political challenges California faces in managing natural disasters like wildfires, and discuss the role of media and social discourse in shaping public responses to these crises.