GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar held high-level talks in New Delhi. The discussions led to significant agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in areas of trade, investment, energy, and security.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting:

• Strategic Partnership: India and Qatar agreed to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, which will help expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
• Trade and Economic Goals: The current bilateral trade between India and Qatar is valued at USD 14 billion
  • Both nations set a target to double this trade to USD 28 billion by 2030.
  • Qatar has committed to invest USD 10 billion in India, primarily through its Sovereign Wealth Fund (Qatar Investment Authority), which currently has USD 1.5 billion in FDI across sectors like retail, power, IT, health, and education.
• Energy Cooperation: Qatar is a major supplier of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) to India, and a new agreement between Qatar Energy and Petronet LNG Limited will ensure 5 million metric tonnes of LNG to India annually, starting in 2028, for 20 years.
• Exploring Free Trade Agreements (FTA): Both sides are exploring the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Qatar, as well as within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
• Agreements Signed: Two significant agreements and five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas such as:
  • Economic Cooperation
  • Youth Affairs
  • Avoidance of Double Taxation
  • Investment
• Security and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Both countries emphasized the need to combat terrorism in all its forms. This includes cooperation on issues such as:
  • Cross-border terrorism
  • Cybercrime
  • Anti-money laundering
  • Transnational crimes like drug trafficking.
• Enhanced information sharing and joint law enforcement efforts were agreed upon.
• People-to-People Ties: The Indian community in Qatar, which plays a key role in Qatar’s development, was acknowledged for its contribution. Both leaders discussed measures to further improve the welfare of Indian expatriates in Qatar.

In a latest development, President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to end the ongoing war in Ukraine that has been raging since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. In a recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump discussed the possibility of peace talks.

Territory at the Heart of the Talks:

• Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity: One of the major issues in the negotiations is territory. Ukraine has consistently said it will not accept any change to its borders, especially Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the Donbas region (Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson).
• Russia’s Territorial Claims: Russia not only controls about 20% of Ukraine’s land (including Crimea, annexed in 2014), but it also wants to keep the territories it has occupied since the war began in 2022.
• Possible Compromise:
  • Freeze the Fighting: One possible solution might be a temporary ceasefire where Russia keeps the land it controls, but no further fighting occurs. This would essentially "freeze" the conflict, with an agreement that future territorial disputes would be resolved later (e.g., in 10-15 years).
  • Ukraine’s Land in Russia: Ukraine still controls some land in Russia’s Kursk region, but Russia rejects the idea of Ukraine using this land as a bargaining chip.

US Reversal on Russia:

• Relations between the US and Russia have been at a low point for years, particularly after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This led to a series of sanctions and diplomatic expulsions.
• The US and its allies have sought to isolate Russia, while Trump’s administration aims to explore more direct engagement.
• US foreign policy has dramatically shifted, with Trump showing a willingness to engage Russia more directly. Ending the war in Ukraine could unlock new opportunities for economic partnership between the US and Russia.

Challenges Ahead:

• The talks face major hurdles: Russia wants guarantees that Ukraine won’t rebuild its military and will restrict foreign forces from the country, while Ukraine needs assurances that it won’t be left vulnerable to future Russian aggression.
• Additionally, Ukraine’s sovereignty and identity are critical issues. Russia has historically pushed for measures like making Russian an official language in Ukraine or banning Ukrainian national symbols, which could be non-starters for Kyiv.

Why It’s Important:

• International Tensions: The war has led to global instability, with sanctions imposed on Russia, major economic disruptions, and humanitarian crises. A peace deal could help stabilize the region, reduce economic strain, and potentially open diplomatic doors for cooperation between the US and Russia.
• Ukraine’s Future: Ukraine's involvement in these talks is crucial. A peace deal that doesn't fully consider its sovereignty might be deeply problematic, and excluding it could set a dangerous precedent for global diplomacy.

In January, two separate murder convictions (Kolkata Doctor's Murder (Sanjay Roy Case) and Sharon Raj Murder case) led to contrasting verdicts, raising questions about how the Indian judiciary applies the death penalty and the 'rarest of rare' doctrine.

The Cases

• Kolkata Doctor's Murder (Sanjay Roy Case) - Life Imprisonment:
  • Incident: A female postgraduate medical trainee was raped and murdered inside a seminar room at Kolkata's R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The accused, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested after forensic evidence linked him to the crime.
  • Verdict: The Additional District and Sessions Judge decided that the crime did not fall into the ‘rarest of rare’ category and sentenced Roy to life imprisonment, along with a fine. This verdict was based on the nature of the crime, which the judge did not consider to be exceptionally heinous enough for the death penalty.
• Sharon Raj Murder - Death Penalty:
  • Incident: Sharon Raj, a 23-year-old student from Kerala, was poisoned by his partner, Greeshma. She laced an Ayurvedic drink with poison. Raj died after suffering multiple organ failures.
  • Verdict: The Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court classified this case as one of the ‘rarest of rare’ and imposed the death penalty on Greeshma, based on the brutal nature of the crime and the emotional betrayal involved.

What is the ‘Rarest of Rare’ Doctrine?

The 'rarest of rare' doctrine determines when the death penalty should be applied. This doctrine was established by the Supreme Court of India to limit the application of capital punishment and ensure it is reserved for the most egregious crimes. However, the doctrine has not been clearly defined in law, leading to judicial discretion.

• 1972: Jagmohan Singh v. State of U.P.: The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty, stating that it did not violate fundamental rights. However, it also noted the lack of guidelines on when to impose it, leaving judges with broad discretion.
• 1980: Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab: This case is crucial as it established the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine, mandating that the death penalty should only be imposed in exceptional cases. However, the court did not define what constituted a 'rarest of rare'
• 1983: Machhi Singh v. State of Punjab: This case outlined five categories of crimes where the death penalty could be justified under the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine:
  • Manner of the crime: Extremely brutal murders that cause extreme public outrage.
  • Motive: Murders driven by total depravity or moral corruption.
  • Socially abhorrent nature: Crimes that target marginalized communities.
  • Magnitude: Large-scale or widespread crimes.
  • Personality of the offender: Victims who are especially vulnerable (e.g., children, the elderly, or women).

Revisions and Challenges:

Despite the framework provided in Machhi Singh, the Supreme Court has continued to address issues surrounding the death penalty:

• 1983: Mithu v. State of Punjab: The Court struck down Section 303 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which mandated the death penalty for a murder committed by someone already serving a life sentence. The Court ruled that this violated the Constitution's equality provisions (Article 14 and Article 21).
• 2022: Supreme Court’s Referral to Constitution Bench: In September 2022, the Supreme Court referred the issue of providing a “meaningful hearing” on mitigating circumstances to a Constitution Bench. This might lead to clearer guidelines on how to consider the circumstances of the accused when determining if a crime is ‘rarest of rare’.

Key Challenges and Controversies:

• Lack of a clear definition: While the Supreme Court has set out certain criteria for determining ‘rarest of rare’, the subjectivity involved in applying these criteria leads to varying interpretations by different judges in similar cases.
• Judicial Discretion: The broad discretionary power left to judges in deciding whether a crime qualifies as ‘rarest of rare’ continues to make the application of the death penalty
• Death penalty crisis: With increasing death sentences being awarded, there is growing concern over the fairness and effectiveness of the capital punishment system in India.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, reveals key insights into the unemployment scenario in urban India for the period October to December 2024.

Major Takeaways:

• Overall Unemployment Rate:
  • National Unemployment Rate (Urban areas): 4% for people aged 15 years and above.
    • Male Unemployment Rate: 8%.
    • Female Unemployment Rate: 1%.
• Comparison with Previous Periods:
  • October-December 2023: The unemployment rate was 5%.
  • July-September 2024: The unemployment rate stood at 4%.
  • Female Unemployment Rate in 2023: 6%.
• State-wise Unemployment:
  • Highest Unemployment Rate: Himachal Pradesh with 4%.
  • Lowest Unemployment Rate: Gujarat with 0%.
  • Female Unemployment Rate:
    • Highest: Himachal Pradesh (24%).
    • Lowest: Delhi (3%).
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
  • LFPR for all people (aged 15 years and above): 39.6%. This shows an increase from 39.2% in the same quarter last year.
  • LFPR for women: 20%, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from 19.9% last year. However, it decreased from the previous quarter's figure of 20.3%.
  • Lowest LFPR: Bihar, with 30.7% for all people and 9.9% for women.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
  • WPR for urban areas (aged 15 years and above): Increased from 46.6% (October-December 2023) to 47.2% (October-December 2024).
  • Male WPR: Increased from 69.8% to 70.9% during the same period.
• Employment Status Categories: The workers are divided into three broad categories based on their employment status:
  • Self-employed: 9% of the workforce.
    • This category includes both own account workers and employers, as well as unpaid helpers in household enterprises.
  • Regular Wage/Salaried Employees: 4%.
  • Casual Labourers: 7%.
• Sector-wise Employment Distribution:
  • Agricultural Sector: 5% of the workforce.
  • Secondary Sector (including mining): 8%.
  • Tertiary Sector (including services): 7% of the workforce.

Key Observations and Concerns:

• Unemployment Trends: While the overall unemployment rate remained stable compared to last year, the female unemployment rate is still significantly higher than the male rate, and certain states like Himachal Pradesh are struggling with very high unemployment rates.
• Labour Force Participation: The LFPR has seen a slight increase, but it is still lower for women compared to men, and the lowest LFPR is observed in Bihar, showing regional disparities.
• Shift towards Services: The majority of workers are employed in the tertiary sector (services), with a small proportion in agriculture, which indicates the urban shift in the workforce.
• Ongoing Job Crisis: The employment data aligns with concerns regarding India's job crisis. The female unemployment rate continues to be a significant issue, highlighting the challenges women face in securing jobs in urban areas.

The Haryana government’s ambitious Aravali Safari Park project has generated significant buzz and controversy since it was first proposed. This project is envisioned to be the world’s largest safari park. However, its scale and location have raised concerns, leading to stiff opposition from environmentalists, conservationists, and even former forest officials.

What is the Aravali Safari Park Project?

• The Aravali Safari Park is proposed to cover a vast area of 3,858 hectares, spread across the southern districts of Gurugram and Nuh in Haryana. The park will include various facilities such as:
  • Animal enclosures and safaris
  • Guest houses, hotels, restaurants, and cafeterias
  • Auditoriums, open-air theatres, and children’s parks
  • Botanical gardens, aquariums, and cable cars
  • An animal hospital, and a tunnel walk with exhibits
• Of the total proposed area, 2,574 hectares are planned for development in 11 villages in Gurugram, and the remaining 1,284 hectares will cover seven villages in Nuh.
• While the government presents the project as a major tourism boost, the scale of the park and its location have sparked widespread concern.

Ecological Significance of the Aravalis:

The Aravalis are one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, stretching across Rajasthan, Haryana, and parts of Delhi. This range is ecologically vital for several reasons:

• Combats Desertification: The Aravalis act as a natural barrier, preventing the spread of the Thar Desert toward the eastern regions of Rajasthan and Haryana.
• Water Recharge: The hills are a significant aquifer, recharging groundwater resources. The fractured and weathered rocks in the region allow rainwater to percolate and replenish water tables, which are crucial for the water-scarce districts of Gurugram and Nuh.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: The Aravali range is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species. These ecosystems are considered fragile, requiring protection from overdevelopment.

Environmental Concerns:

• Disturbance to Aquifers and Water Resources: The proposed safari park would increase footfall, vehicular traffic, and construction activity in the region. This could disrupt the delicate aquifer system under the Aravali hills, which are crucial for maintaining groundwater levels in the area.
• Impact on Forests and Biodiversity: The project is located in a region designated as “forest” land, which is protected under various environmental laws. These include the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 and the Punjab Land Preservation Act of 1900, which restrict non-agricultural use of the land to prevent deforestation. Additionally, the Aravalis play a critical role in maintaining the region’s biodiversity, and any large-scale development could lead to habitat destruction.
• Legal Protections for the Aravalis: Aravalis are designated as a Natural Conservation Zone under the Regional Plan-2021 for the National Capital Region (NCR), which limits construction activities in these areas to only 0.5%.
• Haryana’s Low Forest Cover: Haryana is one of the states with the lowest forest cover in India, at just 3.6%.

The Maharashtra government officially celebrates Shiv Jayanti on February 19.

About Shivaji Bhosale (1630-1680 C.E.)

Birth and Early Life

• Birth: Shivaji Maharaj, the first Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire, was born in the formidable Shivneri Fort in Pune on 19th February 1630 to Shahaji Bhosale (Maratha general serving the Deccan Sultanates) and Jijabai (daughter of Lakhuji Jadhavrao of Sindkhed).
• Early Life: As a young teenager, Shivaji demonstrated military prowess by capturing Torna Fort in 1645, followed by Kondana Fort from the Bijapur Sultanate.
• Different dates: Some historians argue that he was born on February 19, 1630, while others suggest April 6, 1627, as his actual birth date.
• At the time of Shivaji Maharaj’s birth, most of the territory in Maharashtra was under the possession of the Nizamshah of Ahmednagar and the Adilshah of Bijapur.

Conflict with the Mughals

Shivaji Maharaj’s early military tactics brought him into frequent conflict with the Mughal Empire:

• Raids on Mughal territory (1657): Shivaji raided Ahmednagar and Junnar, which led to retaliation from Nasiri Khan of the Mughal Empire.
• Victory over Shaista Khan (1659): Shivaji successfully defeated Shaista Khan, a maternal uncle of Aurangzeb, in Pune.
  • o    Defeat of Afzal Khan: In 1659, Shivaji Maharaj faced Afzal Khan, the Adilshahi general sent to crush him. In a tactical move, Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan, thereby securing a significant victory and strengthening his position.
• Sacking of Surat (1664): Shivaji’s raid on Surat, a wealthy Mughal trading port, proved a significant blow to the Mughals.
• Treaty of Purandar (1665): After intense battles, Shivaji agreed to surrender several forts to the Mughals and meet Aurangzeb at Agra.

• Expansion of the Maratha Navy: Recognizing the importance of maritime power, Shivaji Maharaj constructed a formidable navy, including warships like Gurab, Galbat, and Pal. This was crucial for safeguarding his coastal territories and ensuring the growth of trade and defense.
  • He also captured several forts like Mahuli, Songad, Karnala, Lohagad, Tunga, Tikona, Visapur, Tala, and Ghosala, in the Konkan.
• Arrest and Escape: In 1666, Shivaji visited Aurangzeb's court at Agra. Insulted by the Mughal Emperor, Shivaji managed a legendary escape, disguised with his son, from Agra. Following this, Shivaji launched a swift military campaign to recover territories from the Mughals, particularly after the Mughals withdrew Sambhaji’s jagir.
• Coronation and Title: On 6th June 1674, Shivaji Maharaj was formally crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad. He assumed several titles including Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.
• Death: Shivaji Maharaj passed away on 3rd April 1680, leaving behind a legacy that would dominate the Indian subcontinent for the next century.

Administrative Reforms under Shivaji Maharaj

• Central Administration: Shivaji established a sound administrative system inspired by Deccan reforms.
  • The administration was headed by Shivaji Maharaj, assisted by the Ashtapradhan (eight ministers).
  • Peshwa (Chief Minister) was responsible for the advisory council.
• Revenue Administration: Abolished the Jagirdari System and introduced the Ryotwari System.
  • Revenue officials like Deshmukhs, Deshpandes, and Patils were strictly monitored.
  • Chauth (1/4th of the income) and Sardeshmukhi (10%) were additional income sources.
• Military Administration: Shivaji organized a disciplined military, with infantry, cavalry, and a strong navy. Regular soldiers were paid in cash, while commanders received Jagir grants.

Legacy of Shivaji Maharaj

• Through his military genius and administrative brilliance, Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation for the Maratha Empire, which became a dominant power in India during the early 18th century.
• His contributions are remembered for their influence on military strategies, governance, and the fight for an independent Maratha state.
• Shivaji is remembered for his military strategy, governance, and vision of Swarajya (self-rule).

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was the first to initiate the celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti in 1870 after discovering his tomb at Raigad Fort.

February, typically considered a winter month in Mumbai, has witnessed unusually high temperatures this year. This heat wave is significant as it breaks the normal temperature patterns for this time of year.

Factors behind the Heat:

• Wind Patterns: Easterly winds are blowing in the morning hours, bringing some coolness, but by noon, the winds change direction to north-westerly.
  • These north-westerly winds cause a significant rise in daytime temperatures. This shift is a major factor behind the recent temperature spike.
• Absence of Western Disturbances: Normally, western disturbances—weather systems that bring rain and cooler northerly winds—help bring down temperatures in February. However, this year, western disturbances have been absent, preventing any cooling effect.
• Anticyclonic System in the Arabian Sea: The warm winds are due to an anticyclonic system over the Arabian Sea.
  • This system causes winds to move in a clockwise direction, resulting in north-westerly winds reaching Mumbai.
• Clear Skies and Bright Sunlight: Clear skies and bright sunlight throughout the day have contributed to higher daytime temperatures.
  • The absence of cloud cover causes faster cooling at night, which leads to a greater difference between day and night temperatures.

Does This Mark the End of Winter?

• Transition Month: February is considered a transition month between winter and summer in Mumbai. Therefore, fluctuations in temperature, like the current heat wave, are typical for this time of year.
• Official Start of Summer: Summer in Mumbai typically begins in March, but the IMD does not officially declare the end of winter or the onset of summer with a specific date.
• Future Forecast: The IMD predicts that the high temperatures will persist for the next 4-5 days, with the maximum temperature possibly reaching 37°C on February 22.
  • However, the heat may slightly reduce after Thursday when the anticyclonic system is expected to weaken, bringing a dip in temperatures.

Gyanesh Kumar assumed office as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, succeeding Rajiv Kumar. His appointment was made under the newly enacted Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. This law introduced significant reforms to the appointment process of the Election Commission of India (ECI), which has key responsibilities related to elections in India.

About Election Commission of India

• The Election Commission of India is responsible for managing elections at national and state levels, including to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India.
• It consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs).
• The President of India decides the number of Election Commissioners
• Eligibility Criteria: The CEC and ECs must meet specific qualifications:
  • Integrity: They should be persons of integrity.
  • Election Experience: They must have knowledge and experience in managing and conducting elections.
  • Administrative Experience: They must have held a senior government position, such as being a Secretary or an equivalent post.
• Tenure and Reappointment:
  • Members of the Election Commission, including the CEC and ECs, will serve for six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • Reappointment is not allowed for any member of the Commission.
  • If an Election Commissioner (EC) is appointed as the CEC, their combined term cannot exceed six years.
• Salary and Retirement Benefits: The salary, allowances, and other service conditions of the CEC and ECs will be the same as that of the Cabinet Secretary.
  • Pension and retirement benefits will also be available, based on the service they held prior to joining the Election Commission.
• Removal of Members: The CEC can be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court Judge, which requires a parliamentary process. Election Commissioners (ECs) can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC.

Appointment Process

• Supreme Court Ruling (2023): In 2023, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) should not be controlled solely by the executive (the ruling government).
  • The Court said there should be an independent Selection Committee to recommend the appointments, which would include the:
    • Prime Minister
    • the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
    • Chief Justice of India (CJI)
  • After the Supreme Court ruling, the government introduced the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
    • What changed? In the new law, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was removed from the Selection Committee and replaced by a Cabinet Minister (a government representative). This means the government now has more control in the process.

Suggestions made by various Commissions/Courts for composition of the Selection Committee

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa, Assam, located along the Brahmaputra River. This new terminal is part of efforts to enhance logistics and connectivity in Eastern India, and strengthen trilateral trade between India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

About

• The terminal will serve as a major trade hub, facilitating better logistics and connectivity in the region.
• It aims to significantly improve trade flow between the three nations, particularly through the Bharatmala Programme and the Dalu-Tura-Goalpara-Gelephu multimodal trade route.
• Strategic Location: The terminal is situated 108 km from the Bangladesh border and 147 km from Guwahati via Inland Water Transport (IWT).
  • It is located just 91 km from Gelephu, Bhutan, where a modern city is under development.
• The terminal is strategically linked to Bangladesh and other parts of India via the IBP (Indian-Bangladesh Protocol) route, connecting through Kolkata/Haldia.

Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) outflows from India’s equity markets have been occurring as investors book profits, indicating strong returns from Indian investments.

What is Foreign Institutional Investment (FII)?

• FII refers to investments made by foreign entities or institutions (such as hedge funds, pension funds, or mutual funds) in Indian financial markets, particularly in stocks (equity markets).
• These investments are made by non-resident entities seeking to earn returns from the growth and performance of the Indian economy.
• FIIs directly impact the stock/securities marketof the country, its exchange rate and inflation.
• The Indian stock market allows for easy entry and exit of foreign capital, which makes FIIs a critical part of the Indian financial ecosystem.
• Nature of FIIs: FIIs are typically large institutional investors, such as mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds, that pool large sums of money to invest in stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments.
  • FIIs tend to move large amounts of capital in and out of markets, which makes their impact on the stock market significant.
• All FIIs in India must register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) to participate in the market.
• Difference between FDI and FII:
  • "FDI" refers to "foreign direct investment," which is the investment made into a foreign country, usually an investment in a foreign company.
  • "FII" refers to "foreign institutional investor," which is a person or institution that invests in a foreign market, usually the stock market of another country.

A recent faunal survey conducted by the Forest Department at the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Palakkad has added 15 new species to the reserve’s biodiversity checklist.

Key-highlights

• New Species Recorded:
  • Birds: 15 new bird species were added, including Painted spurfowl, Rufus-bellied hawk-eagle, and Indian grey hornbill, bringing the total number of bird species in the reserve to 302.
  • Butterflies: 5 new butterfly species, such as Long-brand bushbrown and Shot silverline, were added, bringing the butterfly count to 273.
  • Odonates: 3 new species of dragonflies and damselflies were recorded, including Brown darner and Parakeet darner, raising the odonate checklist to 69 species.
• Notable Sightings:
• Birds: The Great Indian hornbill, Ceylon frogmouth, Lesser fish eagle, and Shaheen falcon were observed.
• Mammals: Herds of elephants, gaurs, spotted deer, sambhar deer, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, and smooth-coated otters were sighted.
• Butterflies and Insects: Species like the Southern birdwing, Malabar banded swallowtail, and Nilgiri tiger butterfly were also noted.

The earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria, with a magnitude of 7.8, resulted in widespread devastation, claiming at least 17,000 lives. This has drawn attention to the fault lines in the region and the vulnerabilities in seismic zones, including India. Earthquakes in the Himalayan region, linked to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, pose a significant risk for India, necessitating urgent preparedness and mitigation measures.

Fault Lines and Earthquake Risks

• Fault Line Dynamics: Fault lines, formed by tectonic plate movements, lie beneath Earth’s surface and can cause devastating earthquakes when they shift. These lines remain dormant for extended periods before triggering catastrophic events, as seen in the Türkiye-Syria earthquake.
• Himalayan Seismic Risk: The Indian Plate’s collision with the Eurasian Plate has created fault lines stretching from Kashmir to the North-East, impacting areas in Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. This region is particularly vulnerable to large-scale earthquakes.
• Seismic Activity in India: Recent seismic events, including a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tibet in January 2025, highlighted the cross-border impact of earthquakes. The tremors were felt in Nepal and northern India, underscoring the imminent danger faced by India’s seismic risk zones.

Infrastructure Vulnerabilities and Preparedness

• Fragility of Himalayan Infrastructure: Infrastructure development in the Himalayan region, such as hydropower projects and dams, is increasingly susceptible to earthquakes, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts. These factors must be considered in planning to prevent catastrophic damage.
• Adherence to Building Codes: Existing building codes in seismic zones are crucial but insufficient in mitigating earthquake damage. The recent tremors in Delhi and Bihar revealed the inadequacy of current structures in withstanding strong quakes.
• Disaster Preparedness and State Role: The Indian government must take decisive action to improve disaster preparedness, including implementing seismic-resistant infrastructure and providing public support for earthquake insurance schemes. State-driven initiatives will be vital in minimizing damage during future seismic events.

Urgent Action and Planning for Seismic Resilience

• Seismic Zonation and Engineering Controls: India must urgently revise seismic zonation maps and roll back engineering projects that weaken the earth’s crust, particularly in high-risk zones. Vulnerable structures must be identified and retrofitted or rebuilt to withstand seismic shocks.
• Collaboration and Research: Collaboration with global experts on earthquake prediction and mitigation technologies is essential. Investments in seismic sensors and advanced building techniques must be fast-tracked to enhance preparedness.
• Comprehensive Risk Management: A comprehensive seismic risk management plan should include not just infrastructure improvements but also the creation of emergency response systems, insurance schemes, and rehabilitation plans for affected populations. This proactive approach can help minimize both human and financial costs.

Practice Question:

Q. India's seismic vulnerability, particularly in the Himalayan region, calls for urgent and strategic action. Discuss the challenges in managing earthquake risks and suggest measures for improving preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

India's demographic dividend has been a key focus due to its large and youthful population. However, recent data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (U-DISE+) highlights a worrying trend: a significant decline in school enrolment, with a 15.5 million drop in the past five years. This decline marks the beginning of a demographic shift that could lead India to age before it becomes rich, signaling the potential end of its demographic dividend.

Declining School Enrolment and Demographic Transition

• School Enrolment Drop: The data reveals a 9.45% drop in total school enrolment over the past decade, with a particularly sharp decline of 13.45% at the elementary level. This signals that the demographic dividend window is closing, as school enrolment is directly tied to the size of the youth population.
• Impact of Population Decline: The decline in school enrolment aligns with a decrease in the population of children aged 6-17, which dropped by 5.78% over the same period. The fall in the population of children aged 6-13 years has been the most significant, directly correlating to the reduced number of school-age children.
• Decline in School Numbers: The number of schools has decreased by 5.1%, from 1.55 million in 2017-18 to 1.47 million in 2023-24, further highlighting the changing demographic landscape. This decrease reflects the broader trend of a shrinking youth population, which affects both the supply and demand for schooling.

Sector-wise Enrolment Analysis

• Government Schools' Struggles: Government and government-aided schools, serving the poorer segments of society, have seen the steepest enrolment declines—by 13.8% and 16.41%, respectively. The fall in enrolment at the elementary level in these schools was particularly stark, with declines of 18.31% in government schools and 24.34% in government-aided schools.
• Private Schools' Marginal Growth: In contrast, private unaided schools recorded a slight increase in enrolment by 2.03%. However, this increase was mainly observed at the senior secondary level, while enrolment in elementary and secondary levels remained relatively flat.
• Shifting Demographic Needs: The decline in enrolment across both government and private sectors points to a systemic shift driven by demographic changes rather than just improvements in data collection methods. This demographic transition is leading to reduced school-age populations, especially at the lower educational levels.

Implications and Long-Term Effects

• Shift in Age Demographics: India's fertility rate has fallen to 2.01, signaling a shift toward an aging population. As the youth bulge moves to older age brackets, the country may face a shrinking working-age population sooner than expected, which could impede its economic growth.
• Impending Aging Population: India's demographic structure is increasingly resembling that of developed countries, where a shrinking working-age population is the norm. This demographic transition may limit India's ability to capitalize on its youthful workforce and could lead to a slower economic growth trajectory.
• End of the Demographic Dividend: If the current trends continue, India may reach a point where it becomes an aging society without having fully exploited the potential of its youthful population. This could mark the premature end of the demographic dividend, which has been a central driver of its growth potential.

Practice Question:

Q. India is on the verge of experiencing a demographic transition, with a shrinking youth population and declining school enrolment. Discuss the implications of this shift for the country’s economic growth and its ability to capitalize on the demographic dividend.

The appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (EC) has once again become a point of contention, with the government proceeding with the process laid down in its December 2023 law.

Controversy Over the Appointment Process

• 2023 Law vs. 2022 Verdict: The newly enacted law in December 2023, which governs the appointment of the CEC and ECs, is at odds with the 2022 Constitution Bench verdict, which suggested that a committee consisting of the PM, LoP, and the CJI should be responsible for selecting members of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The new law replaces the CJI with a Union Minister in the selection panel.
• Court's Deferred Hearing: The Supreme Court, which had deferred the hearing of the case to February 19, 2025, has raised concerns over developments in the interregnum, observing that any decision on the validity of the Act will follow the Court’s final ruling. Despite the pending judicial review, the government proceeded with appointments under the 2023 law.
• Government's Defence: The government justifies its actions, arguing that the 2022 verdict was an interim measure until a law was enacted by Parliament. It contends that the Court's order was temporary, and the new law is constitutionally valid as it reflects the legislature’s role in defining the appointment process for the CEC and ECs.

Lack of Independence in the Appointment Process

• Executive Dominance: The 2023 law's inclusion of a Union Minister in the selection panel, instead of the CJI, has raised concerns about the independence of the Election Commission. With a 2:1 majority in the committee (with the executive holding significant weight), critics argue that the process undermines the autonomy of the Election Commission, especially in light of the perception that the ruling party could influence the appointments.
• Recent Appointments Amid Court Hearings: There have been appointments made by the government in the midst of ongoing Court hearings, further fueling the perception of executive interference.
• Declining Public Perception of the ECI: The public perception of the Election Commission as an independent body has diminished, with growing concerns over its ability to act impartially. The perception that the ECI could be influenced by the executive undermines its credibility, and it is crucial that the Commission remains above political influence to ensure free and fair elections.

Need for Judicial Intervention and Urgency

• Court's Role in Ensuring Independence: The Court's delay in adjudicating this issue has allowed the government to proceed with appointments under the contested 2023 law, potentially making the matter a fait accompli. The Court must now urgently address the question of whether the procedure outlined in the new law compromises the independence of the Election Commission, as envisaged in the 2022 verdict.
• Impact on Election Integrity: The legitimacy of elections depends on the perception of their fairness and the independence of institutions like the Election Commission. If the ECI is seen as compromised, the public’s faith in the electoral process may erode, undermining the very foundation of democracy. The Court must resolve this issue to ensure the ECI remains a strong, impartial institution.
• Urgency for Immediate Judicial Action: As the general election approaches, the urgency of resolving the issue cannot be overstated. The Court’s timely decision is essential to safeguard the integrity of the Election Commission and the democratic process in India.

Practice Question:

Q. The appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners has raised concerns over the independence of the Election Commission. In light of the 2022 Constitution Bench verdict, critically examine the implications of the new 2023 law governing appointments and its potential impact on the integrity of the election process