GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a landmark judgment regarding child pornography, establishing critical clarifications on related laws and emphasizing the need for comprehensive changes in terminology and approach to child sexual exploitation.

Key Points from the Judgment:

• Terminology Change: The Court rejected the term "child pornography" as a misnomer, coining the term "child sexual exploitative and abuse material" (CSEAM) to reflect the serious nature of the crime, emphasizing the exploitation and abuse involved.
• Legal Implications: The judgment clarifies that both Section 15 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 67B of the Information Technology (IT) Act penalize not only the creation and distribution but also the storage and viewing of CSEAM.
• Mandatory Reporting: The Court mandated that social media intermediaries must report instances of child abuse to local authorities, reinforcing that compliance with the IT Act does not exempt them from responsibilities under the POCSO Act.
• Comprehensive Sex Education: The judgment stressed the importance of positive, age-appropriate sex education to combat misconceptions and prevent youth from engaging in harmful sexual behaviors, including the distribution and viewing of CSEAM.
• Focus on Intent: The judgment outlined specific provisions under Section 15 of POCSO, categorizing different offenses based on intent, such as:
  • Sub-section (1): Storage with intent to transmit.
  • Sub-section (2): Actual transmission or facilitation.
  • Sub-section (3): Storage for commercial gain.
• Presumption of Culpability: The Court noted that a statutory presumption of culpable mental state can be invoked if foundational facts of the offense are established.
• Recommendations: The Court suggested that the government amend the POCSO Act to reflect the new terminology and recommended comprehensive sex education programs, victim support services, and community awareness campaigns.
• Expert Committee: The Court proposed forming an Expert Committee to develop a nationwide strategy for health and sex education, emphasizing child protection and well-being.

Causes of Child Abuse

Impact

• Mental Health Issues: Survivors often face depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dissociation. Feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness are common, affecting overall quality of life.
• Health Issues: There can be physical manifestations of trauma, such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, and other stress-related ailments.
• Risk of Re-Victimization: Survivors may be at increased risk for further victimization or abusive relationships, often due to learned behaviors and vulnerability.
• Substance Abuse: Some survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with emotional pain, leading to potential substance abuse issues.
• Impact on Life Success: The trauma can hinder educational attainment and career prospects, affecting concentration, motivation, and interpersonal skills.
• Risky Behaviors: In some instances, survivors may engage in delinquent behavior or criminal activities as a response to their trauma.
• Social Isolation: Emotional consequences often lead to social withdrawal, isolating survivors from friends, family, and community support.

India has officially surpassed Japan to become the third most powerful country in Asia, as reported by the latest Asia Power Index released by the Lowy Institute. This significant shift underscores India’s expanding influence across the continent and positions it as a major global player with aspirations of superpower status.

What the Asia Power Index Measures?

• The Asia Power Index, compiled annually by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, evaluates power dynamics across Asia using a comprehensive set of metrics. These include:
  • Economic Resources: It measures GDP, trade, and investment capabilities.
  • Military Capability: It assesses defense spending, armed forces strength, and technological advancements.
  • Diplomatic Influence: It evaluates participation in international organizations and bilateral relations.
  • Cultural Reach: It considers the impact of cultural exports and soft power.
  • Future Resources: It looks at population dynamics and potential growth.
• India's rise to third place reflects improvements in these key areas, particularly in defense, diplomacy, and economic growth.

Key Drivers Behind India’s Rise

• India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Significant advancements in technology, manufacturing, and services have fueled this expansion. With a youthful and dynamic workforce, India is becoming a hub for innovation and investment, bolstered by initiatives like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” aimed at enhancing its industrial base.
• India’s substantial investments in military modernization have amplified its strategic importance. The development of advanced missile systems, nuclear capabilities, and an expanding naval presence, particularly in the Indian Ocean, positions India as a key player in regional security. A growing defense budget further emphasizes India’s rising military stature.
• India has increasingly asserted its role in international diplomacy, participating actively in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and the Quad. Strategic partnerships with nations like the United States, Australia, Japan, and the European Union have enhanced India’s presence in global affairs, solidifying its position on the world stage.
  • In 2023, India ranked sixth in terms of diplomatic dialogues, due to its active participation in multilateral forums and its expanding role in the Indo-Pacific.

Japan’s Decline in Regional Power

• Slow Population Growth: Japan’s stagnant demographic trends limit its potential for economic expansion.
• Limited Military Expansion: Japan’s reserved geopolitical stance, especially in military matters, has hindered its influence compared to India’s assertive foreign policy.
• Economic Stagnation: Japan’s relatively stagnant economic performance has contributed to its slipping influence in favor of rising powers like India.

India’s Path to Global Superpower Status

• Demographic Dividend: By 2030, India is projected to have the world’s largest working-age population. This demographic advantage presents tremendous opportunities for economic growth and innovation, positioning India as a key engine for global development.
• Strategic Position in Global Politics: As a democratic nation with a crucial role in the Indo-Pacific region, India is integral to global geopolitical dynamics. Its participation in regional security alliances and expanding partnerships with key global players highlights its importance in maintaining stability in the region.
• Economic Reforms and Infrastructure Development: India's focus on economic self-reliance, combined with reforms in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology, is expected to attract significant foreign investment, propelling the country further into the ranks of the world’s largest economies.
• Leadership in Climate Change and Sustainability: India is making notable strides in addressing climate change through ambitious renewable energy goals and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This leadership is positioning India as a crucial player among emerging economies in setting environmental standards.

Challenges on India’s Road to Superpower Status

• Income Disparities: Significant income inequality persists, particularly in rural areas, posing a challenge to long-term growth and stability. Addressing this divide will be critical for inclusive development.
• Infrastructure Needs: To fully leverage its demographic advantages, India must invest substantially in physical infrastructure, including transportation, healthcare, and education, which are vital for sustaining economic growth.
• Geopolitical Tensions: India's complex relationships with neighboring countries, particularly ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan, present challenges to regional stability. Navigating these delicate geopolitical dynamics will be essential for India’s continued rise as a global power.

The ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub was launched on September 25, 2014 and has completed a decade into existence.

About ‘Make in India’ Initiative

• The ‘Make in India’ initiative aims to establish India as a global manufacturing hub. Over the past decade, it has focused on enhancing investment, fostering innovation, and developing a robust manufacturing infrastructure.
• Objectives: The campaign promotes investment, skill development, intellectual property protection, and aims to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities.
• Vocal for Local: It emphasizes boosting local manufacturing while showcasing India’s industrial potential globally.
• Make in India 2.0: This phase encompasses 27 sectors, integrating both manufacturing and services.
• Four Pillars of the Initiative
  1. New Processes: Enhancing the business environment and promoting entrepreneurship through improved ease of doing business.
  2. New Infrastructure: Development of industrial corridors and smart cities, integrating technology and communication to improve infrastructure and IPR.
  3. New Sectors: Opening FDI in critical sectors such as defense, insurance, and railways.
  4. New Mindset: Shifting the government's role from regulation to facilitation, partnering with industry for economic development.

Key Achievements of Make in India

• Mobile Manufacturing Growth: From just two mobile manufacturing units in 2014, the number has skyrocketed to over 200. Mobile exports surged from ?1,556 crore to ?1.2 lakh crore, a remarkable 7,500% increase. Today, 99% of mobile phones used in India are domestically produced, positioning India as the second-largest mobile manufacturer
• Steel and Semiconductor Production: India has become a net exporter of finished steel. Investments in semiconductor manufacturing exceeded ?1.5 lakh crore, with new plants projected to produce over seven crore chips daily.
• Renewable Energy Expansion: India is now the 4th largest producer of renewable energy globally, with capacity increasing by 400% in the past decade.
• Electric Vehicle Industry: The electric vehicle sector, nearly non-existent in 2014, has grown to a market worth $3 billion.
• Defence Exports: Defence exports have surged from ?1,000 crore to ?21,000 crore, reaching more than 85 nations.
• Toy Industry Success: The toy industry has witnessed a 239% increase in exports while imports have halved, significantly benefiting local manufacturers.
• Empowerment of MSMEs: The initiative has empowered ordinary citizens, especially within the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, fostering entrepreneurship and wealth creation.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: PLI schemes have attracted thousands of crores in investments and created millions of jobs, improving the ease of doing business.
• Cultural and Industrial Pride: Iconic projects like Vande Bharat trains, BrahMos missiles, and various consumer electronics proudly carry the Make in India label, reflecting Indian innovation and quality.

Key Initiatives to enable Make in India

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: These schemes attracts investment and promotes technology in 14 key sectors to enhance global competitiveness.
• PM GatiShakti: It is a strategic initiative for creating multimodal connectivity to achieve a $5 trillion economy by 2025, driven by seven engines: Railways, Roads, Ports, Waterways, Airports, Mass Transport, and Logistics Infrastructure.
• Semiconductor Ecosystem Development: It encompasses four key schemes:
  • Modified Scheme for Setting Up Semiconductor Fabs in India
  • Modified Scheme for Setting Up Display Fabs in India
  • Modified Scheme for Setting Up Compound Semiconductors, Silicon Photonics, Sensors Fabs, and Discrete Semiconductors, along with Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) / OSAT Facilities in India
  • Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme
• National Logistics Policy: Complementing PM GatiShakti, it enhances the logistics sector's soft infrastructure through the Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP).
• National Industrial Corridor Development Programme: It focuses on creating smart cities and advanced industrial hubs.
• Startup India: Supports entrepreneurs and aims to shift India into a job-creating economy.
• Implementation of GST: It streamlines taxation to facilitate manufacturing and trade.
• Unified Payments Interface: It aims to bolster India’s digital economy, enhancing ease of doing business.
• Ease of Doing Business: Continuous efforts to simplify regulations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles to boost investor confidence.

The record warming of 2023-2024 has highlighted the profound effects of global warming, as extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, floods, droughts, and wildfires become more frequent and severe. Given these experiences, there is the urgent need to improve climate predictions and adapt to an increasingly volatile climate.

Current Climate Observations

Key observations and implications from this period include:

• Crossing the 1.5º C Threshold: Some estimates suggest the world may have surpassed the critical 1.5º C warming threshold, although the exact duration of this warming's impact remains uncertain.
• Unexpected Extremes: The warming has produced a mix of weather extremes that defy predictions. For instance, while a strong El Niño was anticipated, the actual warming was much greater, likely influenced by factors like volcanic activity and wildfires.
• Erratic Monsoon Patterns: The 2023 monsoon was below normal but did not classify as an El Niño drought. Future predictions about monsoon patterns, including expectations for 2024, remain uncertain.
• Cyclone Activity: The North Indian Ocean cyclone season has been weaker than expected for a La Niña year, indicating unpredictability in weather patterns.

Challenges in Prediction

• Model Limitations: Existing climate models struggle to accurately reproduce monsoon trends over the past 50 years, leading to questions about their reliability for future forecasts.
• Increasing Complexity: As the climate continues to warm, predictions may become even more challenging due to the complex interactions among various climate systems (e.g., hurricanes, El Niño, Indian Ocean Dipole).
• Natural Variability: There is still much to learn about how climate change affects natural variability and whether current observed patterns are short-term fluctuations or longer-term trends.

In a significant legal development, the Special Court for MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru has directed the Lokayukta to investigate Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding allegations linked to land allotment by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Who is a Lokayukta?

• The Lokayukta is an independent anti-corruption authority designed to address complaints of corruption and misconduct against public servants, including government officials and elected representatives.
• Its establishment is rooted in the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which aims to create a framework for investigating allegations of corruption at both national and state levels.
• Functions and Jurisdiction
• Independent Investigations: The Lokayukta can initiate inquiries independently or in response to citizen complaints, focusing on corruption, abuse of power, and maladministration within government offices.
• Diverse State Frameworks: While the Lokayukta system is prevalent across various Indian states, there are notable differences in jurisdictions, definitions of public servants, and procedural frameworks among the states.
• Historical Context: The concept of the Lokayukta is inspired by the Scandinavian Ombudsman model, with the first such institution established in Sweden in 1809.
• • The first Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) in India advocated for the creation of both Lokpal and Lokayukta to safeguard citizens against governmental malpractice.

Australia is actively negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with India.

What is CECA?

• A CECA is a free-trade agreement between two countries that strengthens their bilateral trade.
  • A free trade agreement is an arrangement between two or more countries where they agree either to end or reduce customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them, besides cutting down non-trade barriers on a significant value of imports from partner countries and easing norms to promote services exports and bilateral investments.
• It promotes bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. 
• It eliminates tariffs on goods traded and liberalises services sectors to facilitate great business opportunities and cooperation between Singapore and India. 

India-Australia Trade Relations

• Australia is an important trade and strategic partner of India.
• India is one of Australia’s largest trading partners, with two-way trade in goods valued at over USD 6.7 billion in 2023-24.
• Bilateral trade between both sides, including goods and services, stood close to USD 50 billion at the end of calendar year 2023.
• Both the countries are part of the Indo Pacific Economic Forum for Prosperity (IPEF) and Trilateral Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).
• The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which came into effect in December 2022, has led to about USD 30 billion worth of Australian exports entering India tariff-free, with Australians saving around USD 225 million on goods from India.

China conducted a successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed to potentially reach US cities. This marked a rare public display of military capability aimed at showcasing China's strategic deterrence. China choosing the Pacific Ocean as the location for test-firing its missile comes across as both a display of its increased nuclear capabilities and as a warning to the United States and its allies in the region.

About intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

• China’s latest ICBM is known to be DF-41 (Dongfeng-41), which first came into service in 2017. It is known to have an operational range of up to 12,000–15,000 km, capable of reaching the United States’ mainland.
• Chinese state-run media have claimed the missile can load up to 10 MIRV warheads with a total weight of 2,500 kg.
• An ICBM typically has a range greater than 5,500km (3,420 miles) and is designed to carry nuclear warheads.
• How common are missile tests in the Pacific region?
  • Few countries have ICBMs in their arsenal, and testing is usually restricted to their own territory.

Every year on September 26, World Environmental Health Day is observed to safeguard environment for a healthier future. 

History of World Environmental Health Day

• The day was established in 2011 by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
• This observance highlights the critical link between our environment and human health.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), improving environment could prevent approximately 25% of global diseases.
• Theme for 2024: "Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation"
• World Environmental Health Day reinforces the importance of global efforts (United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)) such as:
  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)
  • SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Relationship of human health and environment health

• Human health is intrinsically linked to the health of the environment. Environmental health challenges such as rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, deforestation, and resource depletion have led to serious issues such as air pollution, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. 
• Clean air, water, and food sources are vital to human survival, and when these resources are compromised, public health suffers.
  • Polluted air can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases like asthma, lung cancer, and heart conditions.
    • Long-term exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO?), and sulfur dioxide (SO?) leads to chronic illnesses and premature deaths.
  • Contaminated water leads to waterborne diseases (cholera, typhoid, and dysentery)
  • Poor soil quality affects food safety.
• Climate change, a major environmental threat, amplifies these issues, resulting in heat-related illnesses and the spread of diseases like malaria to new areas.

China recently announced restrictions on the export of antimony, a critical mineral used in defense applications, citing national security concerns. This move is part of a broader strategy, highlighting China's dominance in the global critical minerals supply chain and its increasing willingness to leverage these resources for political and strategic ends.

Moves and Countermoves

• China's Dominance in Critical Minerals: China controls approximately 60% of global rare earth production and 80% of processing capabilities, giving it a significant influence over the supply chain. This monopoly status renders countries like the S., India, and Japan strategically vulnerable due to their dependence on these minerals for advanced technologies and defense systems.
• Historical Precedents: China's history of using export controls as a political tool became evident during the 2010 rare earth embargo against Japan, which raised global awareness of dependence on Chinese resources. The recent antimony restrictions echo this strategy, reinforcing the perception that China is willing to weaponize its mineral resources against Western nations in response to trade tensions.
• Reciprocal Actions Against the West: In 2023, China reciprocated U.S. export control measures by imposing restrictions on minerals critical for advanced technologies, such as gallium and germanium. This shift from intimidation to the weaponization of critical minerals reflects a more aggressive foreign policy posture, aimed at undermining Western efforts to establish alternative supply chains.

India’s Vulnerability

• Strategic Dependence on China: India is heavily reliant on imports of critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, resulting in significant import costs. This dependence poses a substantial risk to India's technological and defense sectors, given the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
• Need for Alternative Supply Chains: India's escalating demand for minerals necessitates urgent measures to diversify supply sources and establish partnerships with like-minded countries.
• Call for Strategic Realignment: The recent developments in critical mineral exports from China serve as a wake-up call for Indian policymakers. Emphasizing collaboration with allies and investing in domestic mineral exploration will be critical for bolstering national security and economic resilience in the face of external pressures.

Practice Question

Q. “Over the last decade, China’s control over critical minerals has grown steadily. Any restrictions by China on critical mineral exports have direct impact for global supply chains.” Comment

September 26 marks the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. This year, the UN General Assembly will discuss the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), a significant topic amidst global divisions over various conflicts and crises. The discussions are particularly relevant for countries like India that have opted out of the TPNW, as their responses may influence the future of nuclear disarmament efforts.

Understanding the TPNW

• Objectives and Provisions: The TPNW, effective since 2021, prohibits signatories from developing, testing, or using nuclear weapons, extending beyond the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). While the NPT focuses on preventing proliferation and promises disarmament, it lacks explicit prohibitions on the use of nuclear weapons.
• Origins and Support: The TPNW emerged from a humanitarian initiative highlighting the severe impacts of nuclear weapons on health and the environment. Although it has gained support from 70 states, its effectiveness is challenged by the absence of nuclear weapon states and their allies, who remain “persistent objectors” to the treaty.
• Reactions to Nuclear Threats: Recent global tensions, including Russia’s nuclear posturing and Iran's uranium enrichment, have reignited discussions about nuclear risks. Influential voices from former NATO leaders are advocating for their countries to join the TPNW, seeking to establish a legal framework that treats nuclear weapons similarly to chemical and biological weapons.

India’s Position and Implications

• India's Non-Signature of the NPT: India has not signed the NPT, viewing it as discriminatory and contrary to its national interests. Despite not being a signatory, India has benefited from the NPT's role in limiting nuclear proliferation, maintaining a policy of abstention without actively undermining the treaty.
• Navigating the TPNW: India and other nuclear possessors face the challenge of remaining outside the TPNW while not opposing it. The TPNW’s lack of robust enforcement mechanisms presents challenges, but its potential to delegitimize nuclear deterrence and possession could reshape international norms.
• Long-Term Prospects for Disarmament: The TPNW's success in stigmatizing nuclear weapons akin to chemical and biological weapons would enhance global safety. Although this change won't occur immediately, the treaty could catalyze a necessary dialogue about the roles and effectiveness of nuclear weapons in contemporary security contexts.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the implications of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) for global nuclear disarmament efforts, particularly in light of the positions of nuclear-armed states like India and the current geopolitical landscape.

Recent employment data in India presents contrasting trends, with the Reserve Bank of India's KLEMS data indicating a 6% job growth for FY24, while the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy reports a rising unemployment rate of 9.2% in June 2024. This discrepancy raises concerns about job creation in light of a growing workforce.

Employment Trends and Data Discrepancies

• Conflicting Reports: The RBI reports a significant rise in job growth from 3.2% in FY23 to 6% in FY24. In contrast, CMIE indicates an increase in unemployment from 7% to 9.2% in just one month. These differences highlight the need for better data coordination and definitions among agencies.
• Skill Gaps: India faces dual skill gaps: job seekers often lack necessary skills despite qualifications, and there is inadequate skill training available. Additionally, an aspirational gap exists where available jobs do not meet the expectations of job seekers, particularly in IT and among migrant workers.
• Technological Impact: Advancements in technology, especially AI, are decreasing employment elasticity, resulting in fewer jobs being created relative to output growth. Unlike previous technological innovations that increased jobs, current trends risk replacing human roles with machines, particularly in middle management.

Strategies for Improving Employment Growth

• Educational Reforms Needed: Significant reforms in education and skill development are crucial to align with job market needs. Many graduates face higher unemployment due to a disconnect between educational quality and industry requirements.
• Balancing Growth Strategies: A dual approach is necessary: focus on industrialization in labor-intensive sectors like textiles and enhance competitiveness in technology-driven sectors like pharmaceuticals. This balance can help generate sustainable employment.
• Comprehensive Policy Framework: A sector-specific policy framework should promote both labor-intensive and high-tech industries. This approach aims to enhance growth rates, which are essential for creating new jobs.

Practice Question

Q. What are the challenges and strategies for improving employment generation in India, considering the recent trends in job growth, skill gaps, and the impact of technological advancements?