GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Rebel fighters (Syrian opposition forces) have captured the Syrian capital of Damascus, effectively toppling the Assad regime that has been in power in the country since 1971. Assad was forced to flee the country as Islamist rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).  Assad had been in power since 2000.

Fall of Assad

• The exit of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been met with joy in the streets of Damascus.
• Assad, ruling the country since 2000, having inherited the legacy from his father Hafez al-Assad since 1971.
• The regime was marked by repression, censorship and human rights violations.
• Background on Bashar al-Assad:

• Assad’s rise to power: Initially, Assad was seen as a reluctant leader but eventually gained popularity, with 68% of Arabs voting for him in 2009.
• Economic issues: Though Assad initiated some economic reforms, they mainly benefited the elite and worsened inequalities. The lower classes suffered, and there was growing discontent over economic issues and a lack of democratic reforms.
• Arab Spring: The wave of protests in 2011, inspired by the Arab Spring, reached Syria. Assad responded with violent crackdowns, leading to a full-blown civil war. This escalated into a conflict with international dimensions, where the US supported the rebels, while Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah supported Assad. The regime was also accused of using chemical weapons against its people and rebels.
• Impact:The fall of Bashar al-Assad came as a major blow to the influence of Russia and Iran in the heart of the region, key allies who propped up the President during critical periods in the conflict.

Who are the rebels in Syria?

The rebels in Syria have been a diverse and shifting group of factions fighting against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad since 2011. These groups have had different goals, ideologies, and supporters, but they were united by their opposition to Assad's rule. Here's a breakdown of the key developments and players:

• Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS): HTS began as Jabhat al-Nusra in 2011, an affiliate of al-Qaeda. It was formed with the involvement of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS.
• Free Syrian Army (FSA): The FSA was formed in 2011 by defectors from the Syrian army. It was the main opposition group early in the conflict, aiming to overthrow Assad and establish a democratic government. Over time, the FSA lost prominence as more radical and Islamist groups emerged, but remnants of the FSA are still active in areas like the southern regions of Syria. They have been mostly inactive in recent years, but they have revived in the wake of Assad's weakening.
• Kurdish Forces: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), largely led by the YPG (People’s Defense Units), are Kurdish-led forces in the northeast of Syria. The Kurds took advantage of the weakening of Assad’s forces and established control over major cities, including Deir ez-Zor. They have been key in the fight against ISIS and are supported by the United States, but they are also at odds with Turkey, which views Kurdish groups as terrorists.
• Islamic State (ISIS): ISIS, also known as the Islamic State, was once a powerful group in Syria, taking over large parts of the country and declaring a caliphate in 2014. It was a splinter of al-Qaeda and opposed all other factions, including the Assad regime.

 What Is at Stake After Assad's Fall?

• Impact on Iran: Syria has been an important ally for Iran, serving as a strategic route for arms and support to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Losing Syria would be a significant blow to Iran’s regional influence.
  • Iran’s position in the region, particularly its Axis of Resistance (which includes Syria, Hezbollah, and other groups), is now in jeopardy, complicating its strategic interests in Lebanon and Israel.
• Lebanon: The fall of Syria could disrupt Hezbollah’s supply routes, which pass through Syria from Iran. This would affect Hezbollah’s logistics and its ability to operate in Lebanon, especially in the context of its war with Israel.
• Turkey’s Position: Turkey has supported rebel groups in Syria while also trying to maintain influence over Kurdish separatists along the border. The fall of Assad could reshape Turkey’s policies, particularly in its quest to control northern Syrian areas and counter Kurdish militancy.
• Israel’s Concerns: Although Assad’s regime had not directly threatened Israel, it allowed Iran to use Syrian territory to supply weapons to Hezbollah. The rebellion’s success, however, brings a new problem: HTS, the leading rebel group, has an Islamist agenda and is hostile to Israel.
  • Israel has resumed airstrikes in Syria, targeting strategic military sites, which could further destabilize the region.
• Power Vacuum in Syria: With Assad gone, the power vacuum in Syria is creating uncertainties. The regional balance of power is shifting, with countries like Turkey, Iran, and Israel vying for influence in a post-Assad Syria.

Chandigarh has become the first city in India to fully implement three new criminal laws introduced five months ago. These laws aim to modernize and strengthen the criminal justice system by integrating key pillars such as the police, forensics, and judiciary.

About New Criminal Laws:

• The three laws introduced are:
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (replaces the Indian Penal Code of 1860)
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (replaces the Indian Evidence Act of 1872)
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1898)
• These new laws require upgrading infrastructure and forensic capabilities. States have five years to fully implement them.
• The new law seeks to replace the colonial-era sedition law which was mainly used against Indian political leaders seeking independence from British rule.
• Also, the state-of-the-art technologies have been incorporated in these laws.
• The objective of these laws is not to punish anyone but give justice and in this process punishment will be given where it is required to create a sense of prevention of crime.

Need for Reforms in India’s Criminal Justice System

The need for reforms in India's criminal justice system arises due to several deep-rooted issues that hinder the delivery of justice:

• Colonial Legacy: The current legal system is based on colonial-era laws inherited from British rule. These laws were designed to control and dominate the population rather than serve the interests of justice. Their relevance and effectiveness in today’s democratic India are questionable.
• Ineffective Justice System: The system often fails to protect the innocent or punish the guilty. Instead of delivering justice efficiently, the system frequently leads to harassment, especially for ordinary citizens, due to its outdated procedures and lack of timely action.
• Backlog of Cases: India faces a massive backlog of approximately 35 million pending cases in its courts, particularly at the local and district levels. This delay in the legal process denies justice to many individuals, particularly those waiting for long periods for their cases to be heard.
• High Number of Undertrials: India has one of the highest proportions of undertrial prisoners in the world. Over two-thirds of India’s prison population consists of individuals who are awaiting trial, further exacerbating the issue of overcrowded prisons and delayed justice.
• Police Challenges: The police are an essential part of the criminal justice system, but they face significant challenges such as corruption, heavy workloads, and lack of accountability. These issues make it difficult for the police to carry out their duties fairly and efficiently, often delaying justice and compromising public trust.

Positive Aspects and Concerns

The Supreme Court of India faces an overwhelming number of cases each year, with thousands already pending. To manage this large caseload, the Court prioritizes cases through a systematic approach that balances urgent matters with those requiring detailed hearings.

How the Court decides which cases to prioritize?

• Over the last month, the Supreme Court has been focusing on Special Leave Petitions (SLPs). These are cases where the Court has already issued notices to the involved parties but has not yet admitted the case for hearing. These petitions primarily consist of appeals from High Court decisions, and the Court first decides whether to grant permission (leave) to appeal.
  • SLP Admission: If granted, the case moves forward to be fully heard. If denied, the case is dismissed, which helps in reducing the backlog.
  • Short Hearings: The Court deals with these cases quickly, often in hearings that last just a few minutes, allowing for a swift decision on whether to admit or reject them.
• To expedite this process, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has scheduled three days a week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) for handling these SLPs, limiting the number of cases requiring detailed hearings to the remaining days (Mondays and Fridays).

Efforts to Address Backlog

Currently, over 82,000 cases are pending before the Supreme Court. To manage this large volume, CJI Khanna has focused on:

• Expediting SLPs: By prioritizing petitions that are at the admission stage, the Court quickly resolves whether they should be admitted or dismissed, cutting down on the backlog.
• Limiting Regular Hearings: Detailed hearings, which involve full arguments from both parties, are now scheduled mainly on Mondays and Fridays, allowing the Court to focus on faster disposals during the rest of the week.

Case Flow and the Administrative Process

The Supreme Court Registry plays a key role in managing how cases are processed. Here’s a look at the general journey of a case:

• Filing and Verification: Cases are filed through an advocate, and the supporting documents are checked for completeness. Once verified, the case is assigned a diary number and registered.
• Listing for Hearing: After registration, cases are scheduled for hearing. Mondays and Fridays are designated as Miscellaneous Days, where fresh cases are considered. These cases are either admitted or dismissed after a brief hearing.
• After Notice Matters: Once a case is admitted, it enters the "after notice miscellaneous" phase, where the Court decides whether to move forward with the full hearing or dismiss it.

Constitution Bench Hearings

• Some complex cases, particularly those requiring interpretation of the Constitution, are heard by a Constitution Bench.
• These cases are also prioritized, especially as they can have significant implications for the country’s legal framework.
• These hearings are often scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays when no regular matters are heard.

Surge in Pending Cases in Indian Courts

• The number of pending cases in India’s judicial system has been increasing sharply, with the most significant rise seen in subordinate courts. The Supreme Court and High Courts are also facing growing backlogs, though the extent of the issue is most pronounced at the lower court levels.

Key Statistics:

• Supreme Court: Pending cases surged by 35% from 59,859 in 2019 to 80,765 by the end of 2023, an increase of over 20,900 cases.
• High Courts: Pending cases increased by 33%, from 468,000 in 2019 to 620,000 in 2023, marking a rise of 150,000 cases.
• Subordinate Courts: The backlog is the highest here, with over 40 million cases pending by the end of 2023, up from 32 million in 2019, a rise of 38%. Uttar Pradesh leads with over 11 million pending cases in its subordinate courts.

Factors Contributing to the Rise in Pending Cases:

• Infrastructure and Staffing Issues: The physical infrastructure of courts and the availability of support staff are crucial for processing cases efficiently. Insufficient resources, especially in lower courts, contribute significantly to delays.
• Complexity of Cases: The complex nature of many cases, particularly in areas like criminal law, family law, and commercial disputes, leads to longer processing times. Cases that require detailed examination of evidence and expert testimony can take years to resolve.
• Nature of Evidence: In many cases, the nature and volume of evidence—such as forensic reports, witness testimonies, or complex documentation—can delay proceedings, especially if the evidence is contested or requires lengthy analysis.
• Lack of Coordination Among Agencies: Delays are often due to poor coordination between various stakeholders in the criminal justice system, such as the police, prosecution, forensic labs, and witnesses. These agencies need to work together seamlessly, but frequent gaps in cooperation often slow down case resolution.
• Frequent Adjournments: Another key factor is the frequent adjournments requested by litigants, lawyers, or even the court itself. These adjournments can push back hearings, sometimes delaying cases by months or even years.
• Lack of Timelines for Case Disposal: The absence of clear timeframes for the disposal of various types of cases further contributes to delays. Without defined limits, cases can drag on for extended periods, especially if there are no consequences for exceeding the set time.
• Inadequate Monitoring and Oversight: Monitoring systems for tracking the progress of cases are often weak or poorly implemented. This lack of oversight leads to delays, as cases can languish without proper follow-up.

Impact of Backlog:

• Delayed Justice: The growing backlog means that justice is delayed, which harms citizens who are waiting for resolution. Particularly in cases involving human rights, criminal offenses, or family disputes, delays can cause significant harm to individuals and communities.
• Pressure on Judges: The backlog increases the pressure on judges and court staff, leading to fatigue and further inefficiencies. It also results in a high caseload per judge, making it difficult to ensure detailed, quality decisions.

In 2023, global mean temperatures reached nearly 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, with new research identifying declining low-altitude cloud cover as a significant contributor to the warming. A study published in Science suggests that 0.2°C of this rise could be attributed to this decline, particularly in regions such as the northern mid-latitude and tropical oceans, including the Atlantic.

The Role of Low-Altitude Clouds in Cooling

• Low-altitude clouds play a crucial role in cooling the planet by reflecting sunlight back into space. However, in 2023, the global cover of these clouds fell by 5%, continuing a decade-long decline of 1.27%.
• This reduction has led to a measurable drop in planetary albedo, the amount of solar radiation that gets reflected away from Earth after interacting with the atmosphere and surface.
• The decline in albedo results in more solar radiation being absorbed by the Earth’s surface, contributing to rising temperatures.

Contribution of Other Factors

• While El Niño and anthropogenic greenhouse gases are primary drivers of the 2023 temperature surge, the study also identified additional factors, such as increased solar activity, volcanic water vapor, and fewer aerosol particles in the atmosphere. However, the researchers noted that even accounting for these variables, 2°C of warming remains unexplained.

Context

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has developed an AI-powered model called MuleHunter.AI to combat the rising problem of mule bank accounts used for financial fraud. This initiative is part of RBI's broader efforts to reduce digital fraud and enhance security in the banking sector.

What is a Mule Bank Account?

• A mule bank account refers to a bank account that is used by criminals for illegal activities, including money laundering.
• Criminals typically take over these accounts, which are often owned by victims—individuals who may be from lower-income groups or lack technical literacy.
• These individuals, known as money mules, unknowingly become part of illegal schemes when their accounts are used to launder stolen or illicit funds.
• Unfortunately, when fraud is detected, the money mules are often the ones investigated, while the actual criminals remain hidden.
• The Scale of the Problem in India: Mule bank accounts are a significant issue in India, particularly in the context of online financial fraud.
  • In the past few years, the government has taken action by freezing a large number of these accounts. 5 lakh mule accounts were frozen by the Indian government, with notable numbers detected in major public sector banks.
  • The involvement of such a large number of accounts demonstrates how prevalent the use of mule accounts is in financial crimes.

RBI’s Initiative (MuleHunter.AI):

• To address this issue, the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) has developed AI, a model that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to detect mule bank accounts more efficiently.
• This AI-powered system aims to help banks identify suspicious accounts used for fraud, making the process quicker and more effective.
• A pilot test conducted with two large public sector banks showed positive results.
• The RBI has encouraged other banks to collaborate with RBIH to further enhance the MuleHunter.AI model.
• Government and RBI Efforts to Tackle Mule Accounts: The Indian government has taken several steps to address the problem of mule accounts. In December 2023, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) held a meeting with officials from the RBI, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), and various banks to discuss strategies for combating digital financial fraud. Banks were urged to:
• Adopt AI and machine learning solutions for real-time detection of mule accounts.
• Train staff on fraud prevention and detection.
• Collaborate with other banks to share information and best practices.

The increasing demand for Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) as pets has led to their involvement in one of the largest global wildlife trafficking networks, making them a target for illegal trade.

About Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

• The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a remarkable species known for its striking obsidian shell and vibrant Sun-yellow star patterns.
• While these tortoises are hardy herbivores and have become popular exotic pets, their trade and ownership are illegal in India due to their vulnerability in the wild.
• They are endemic to the subcontinent, found in northwest India, south India, and Sri Lanka.
• Legal Protection and Smuggling: The Indian star tortoise is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and is listed in Appendix I of CITES, which provides the highest level of protection.

The death of three individuals in Chennai, suspected to have occurred due to contaminated piped water, highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring potable water in urban centres despite extensive infrastructure. The incident occurred in suburban Pallavaram, where drinking water supplied by the State agency led to hospitalizations for 34 others. This underscores the broader issue of urban water contamination across India.

Urban Water Contamination

• Problem of Contaminated Water in Cities: Cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Noida have witnessed large-scale outbreaks of waterborne diseases due to contamination, primarily by E.coli, pointing to a systemic problem of unsafe drinking water.
• Inadequate Hygiene & Infrastructure Issues: The remarks from the Tamil Nadu Minister regarding hygiene were deemed insensitive, reflecting the larger problem of urban hygiene and strained water infrastructure. Water and drainage systems in growing cities are under immense pressure, contributing to contamination risks.
• Lack of Accountability: Despite the suspected contamination, laboratory test results from the local water samples in Chennai have not been made public, raising questions about transparency and the accountability of water supply agencies.

Challenges in Ensuring Safe Drinking Water

• Prevalence of Chemical Contaminants: Arsenic and fluoride contamination are widespread in groundwater across India, with affected districts in 25 and 27 states respectively, highlighting the broader challenge of ensuring clean water in rural and urban areas alike.
• Global Water Safety Crisis: According to the World Health Organization, 1.7 billion people worldwide consume water contaminated with faeces, contributing to an estimated one million deaths annually from waterborne diseases.
• UN Recognition of Water as a Human Right: The UN General Assembly has recognized access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental human right, underscoring the global responsibility to ensure safe water access for all.

Government Initiatives and Future Actions

• Tamil Nadu Government's Commitment: Tamil Nadu has promised to increase per capita drinking water supply, reduce wastage, and improve water recycling as part of his 10-year vision for the state’s development.
• Challenges in Implementation: Despite these commitments, translating vision into action remains a significant challenge, as demonstrated by the continued contamination of urban water sources.
• Non-Negotiability of Clean Water Access: Addressing chemical pollution of groundwater and ensuring access to safe drinking water is non-negotiable for the state government in order to fulfill basic human rights and prevent health crises.

Practice Question

Q. Examine the challenges India faces in providing safe drinking water in urban centres. How can the state and central governments work together to address water contamination issues?

The Indian Economic Survey (2023-24) claims that India has decoupled its economic growth from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Between 2005 and 2019, India’s GDP grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%, while emissions grew at a slower CAGR of 4%. This claim raises questions about the possibility and implications of decoupling in India’s context, especially concerning sustainable development and environmental goals.

Understanding Decoupling

• Types of Decoupling: Decoupling refers to breaking the link between economic growth and environmental degradation. It is classified into two types: absolute decoupling, where economic growth occurs without increasing emissions, and relative decoupling, where GDP grows faster than emissions, but emissions still rise.
• Global Imperative for Decoupling: As the climate crisis escalates, decoupling becomes crucial for nations aiming to sustain economic growth while reducing their environmental footprint. This aligns with the global push for green growth, where economic development is pursued with reduced environmental harm.
• Debate on Growth Models: While proponents of green growth advocate for economic expansion alongside environmental preservation, degrowth advocates argue that economic growth itself exacerbates ecological degradation and should be restrained. However, the degrowth approach overlooks the need to address poverty and improve living standards through economic growth.

India’s Decoupling Claim

• Relative Decoupling Achieved: India’s Economic Survey compares the GDP and emissions growth rates from 2005 to 2019, indicating that GDP growth outpaced emissions growth, suggesting relative decoupling. However, it is unclear whether this represents absolute decoupling.
• Sectoral Contribution to Emissions: The agriculture and manufacturing sectors, key contributors to India’s GHG emissions, have shown varying rates of decoupling. Since 1990, while India’s GDP has grown six-fold, emissions have only tripled, indicating relative decoupling across the economy.
• Limitations of Relative Decoupling: Although relative decoupling is a step in the right direction, India has not yet achieved absolute decoupling, where emissions would decline even as GDP grows. Given that India is still in its developmental phase, achieving absolute decoupling will be a long-term and challenging goal.

Challenges and the Path Ahead

• Emissions Growth Despite Economic Progress: India’s emissions are expected to continue rising as economic growth accelerates, especially since it has not yet reached the peak of its emissions. Therefore, absolute decoupling remains an ambitious goal in the near future.
• The Role of Policy and Innovation: Achieving absolute decoupling will require significant efforts, including policies promoting renewable energy, emission mitigation, and sustainable development practices. Continued investment in clean technologies will be crucial for balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability.
• Future Climate Commitments: India’s long-term climate targets necessitate that it works toward achieving both relative and eventually absolute decoupling. This journey will require concerted efforts from the government, businesses, and citizens to ensure that environmental preservation accompanies growth.

Practice Question

Q. Analyze the concept of decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. How can India achieve sustainable development while ensuring continued economic growth?

The issue of unemployment has become a significant concern for India’s economic policy. The Economic Survey 2023-24 estimates the need for 78.5 lakh new jobs in the non-farm sector annually until 2030. A key policy prescription to tackle this challenge is to bridge the growing gap between the skills of job seekers and the needs of the industry.

India’s Skilling Challenge

• Limited Reach of Skilling Programs: Despite India’s comprehensive institutional and policy framework for skilling, the outcomes remain limited. The 2022-23 Periodic Labour Force Survey found that only 21% of youth aged 15-29 had received vocational/technical training, and just 4.4% received formal training.
• Employability of Graduates: India faces a significant challenge in employability, with only 51% of graduates considered employable, according to the Chief Economic Advisor. This highlights concerns regarding the quality and industry relevance of existing skill training programs.
• Government Focus on Quality Skilling: In the 2024-25 Budget, the Prime Minister’s package for employment and skilling emphasized improving the outcomes and quality of skilling, aligning training content with the needs of industry to better equip youth for the job market.

Skilling for Industry 4.0

• Industry 4.0 Demands: India faces a challenge in upskilling its workforce for Industry 4.0, which incorporates advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, IoT, and big data. Over two-thirds of Indian manufacturers are expected to embrace digital transformation by 2025.
• Shortage of New-Age Skills: Estimates show that only 1.5% of Indian engineers possess the skills required for new-age jobs, and 60% of the MSME workforce lacks digital skills, exacerbating the need for targeted skilling in these areas.
• Government Initiatives: The SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 initiative by the government aims to support the digital transformation of the industry. However, it is crucial to scale up efforts to meet the increasing demand for digital skills across sectors.

Innovative Skilling Solutions: Gamification and Simulation

• Gamified Learning for Engagement: Gamified learning, which incorporates game elements, offers an interactive and engaging way to enhance skill training. It improves knowledge retention, motivates learners through rewards, and provides instant feedback on progress.
• Simulation-Based Learning for Practical Skills: Simulation-based learning, which mimics real-world scenarios, helps trainees apply their skills in a controlled environment. It allows for hands-on experience, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Adoption in Government Programs: India can integrate gamified and simulation-based learning into existing platforms like SWAYAM and Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). These platforms have already garnered significant participation, with millions of enrollments, and could be used to offer high-quality training, catering to the industry’s evolving needs.

Practice Question

Q. What are the challenges India faces in skilling its workforce for Industry 4.0? Discuss the role of innovative learning methods such as gamification and simulation in overcoming these challenges.