Weekly Current Affairs (22nd to 30th November 2023) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Emissions Gap Report 2023: UNEP

Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has once again sounded the alarm through its recent publication, the Emissions Gap Report 2023: Broken Record – Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions.

• This comprehensive report emphasizes the critical need for immediate and substantial climate action to curb the alarming trajectory of rising global temperatures.

Understanding the Emissions Gap Report (EGR)

The EGR stands as a pivotal annual report released by UNEP, strategically unveiled before the Annual Climate negotiations. Its primary focus is to analyze the disparity between current global emission trajectories, as per country commitments, and the necessary benchmarks required to restrict global warming within 1.5°C.

Key Highlights Unveiled

• Temperature Rise Trajectory: Despite the Paris Agreement's pledges, the current path leads to a 2.5-2.9°C rise in temperatures by the century's end, far exceeding the targeted 1.5-2°C limit.
• Global Emissions Trends: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions hit a record 57.4 Gigatonnes of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (GtCO2e) in 2022, predominantly propelled by fossil CO2 emissions.
• Emissions from Major Sectors: Segmented into energy supply, industry, agriculture, land use, transport, and buildings, these sectors showcase distinct contributions to the overall emissions scenario.
• Mitigation Efforts: Current policies only marginally mitigate the rise, with a projected 3°C warming by century-end, significantly surpassing the desired targets.

Challenges & Progress

While some progress has been made since the Paris Agreement, it's far from sufficient. Policy advancements have slightly reduced the gap, with nine countries updating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) potentially reducing emissions by 9% by 2030. However, more substantial reductions are imperative to chart cost-effective pathways to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Recommendations for Bridging the Emissions Gap

• Low-Carbon Development: Urgent transformations focusing on energy transition are critical to curbing emissions.
• Support and Financing: Developed nations must support developing countries financially and technologically to meet emission goals.
• Carbon Dioxide Removal: While essential, carbon dioxide removal technologies face risks due to their nascent stage, necessitating immediate action to enhance these mechanisms.

Initiatives in India

India has taken significant steps to mitigate emissions, from adopting stricter emission norms (BS-VI) to schemes like UJALA and the International Solar Alliance. Updating its NDC also showcases the country's commitment to combating climate change.

About the United Nations Environment Programme

Established in 1972, UNEP leads global environmental initiatives, advocating for sustainable development within the UN system. Its reports, campaigns, and support for metrics like the 'Common Carbon Metric' highlight its multifaceted approach toward global environmental protection.

Conclusion

The Emissions Gap Report 2023 serves as a clarion call, urging immediate and resolute action from global stakeholders. The need of the hour is not just awareness but a concerted, transformative effort to curb emissions, adopt sustainable practices, and secure a viable future for our planet.

India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

Context: In the realm of international relations, the 2nd India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue recently convened in New Delhi, India, sparking discussions and strategic alignments between the foreign affairs and defense ministers of both nations.

• This pivotal meeting aimed to bolster the collaborative efforts between India and Australia in various key areas, accentuating the significance of their growing partnership.

Key Highlights of the Dialogue

• Enhanced Cooperation: Both countries emphasized bolstering cooperation in crucial domains like information exchange and Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). These aspects were identified as pivotal for strengthening the strategic ties between the two nations. The imminent Quad's Indo-Pacific MDA, currently in the implementation phase, is slated to dominate discussions at the upcoming Quad summit hosted by India.
• Implementing Arrangements: Discussions centered on implementing arrangements focusing on hydrography cooperation and air-to-air refueling, signifying a significant step toward concrete collaboration in defense areas.
• Niche Training Areas: A shared vision emerged to collaborate in specialized training areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Anti-Submarine Warfare, anti-drone warfare, and the cyber domain. This commitment underscores a joint effort to develop advanced defense capabilities.
• Defense Industry Collaboration: Recognizing the potential for deeper cooperation, both countries identified areas such as shipbuilding, ship repair, maintenance, and aircraft overhaul as potential zones for joint collaboration in the defense industry and research.
• Research in Underwater Technologies: Joint research discussions on underwater technologies and collaboration among defense startups signify a concerted push for innovation and technological advancement in defense strategies.
• Reaffirmed Bilateral Defense Relations: he dialogue reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening bilateral defense relations, expressing contentment over the increasing military-to-military cooperation, joint exercises, exchanges, and institutional dialogues.

Historical Trajectory of India-Australia Relations

India-Australia relations have traversed a diverse historical trajectory. From the establishment of diplomatic ties during the pre-Independence period to historic lows during India’s nuclear tests in 1998, the relationship has experienced several fluctuations. However, pivotal moments, such as the signing of a Uranium supply deal in 2014 and the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, have been instrumental in shaping the contemporary partnership.

Navigating Challenges and the Way Forward

• Despite the strides in their partnership, challenges persist, including controversies surrounding projects like the Adani coal mine in Australia, visa issues for Indian students and professionals, and sporadic violence against the Indian Diaspora.
• However, the strategic vision shared by both nations for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region provides a roadmap for overcoming these challenges. Initiatives like bilateral summits offer opportunities to fortify ties and play an active role in ensuring a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Conclusion

The India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics and shared aspirations between the two nations. With a strategic focus on defense collaboration, mutual interests in economic ties, and a commitment to a rule-based regional order, India and Australia are poised to strengthen their alliance, contributing significantly to the stability and growth of the Indo-Pacific region.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse

Context: The collapse of the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, has brought to light significant concerns regarding tunnel construction, necessitating a thorough examination of potential causes and preventive measures.

Understanding the Incident

The under-construction Silkyara-Barkot tunnel, a part of the ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project, collapsed, trapping numerous workers inside. This incident has sparked a reevaluation of tunnel construction practices across India.

Potential Causes of Collapse

• While the exact cause remains undetermined, a potential factor could be a concealed weak or fractured rock section around 200-300 meters from the tunnel entrance. Water seepage through this compromised rock might have gradually eroded it, leading to an unseen void above the tunnel structure.

Critical Aspects of Tunnel Construction

Tunnel Excavation Techniques:

• Drill and Blast Method (DBM): Utilizes drilling holes into rock and detonating explosives for fragmentation. This method is prevalent in challenging terrains like the Himalayas.
• Tunnel-Boring Machines (TBMs): Costlier but safer, TBMs bore through rock while supporting the tunnel with precast concrete segments.

Aspects in Tunnel Construction:

• Rock Investigation: Comprehensive examination of rock strength and composition to assess stability and load-bearing capacity.
• Monitoring and Support: Continuous monitoring using stress meters and various support mechanisms like shotcrete, rock bolts, steel ribs, and specialized tunnel pipe umbrellas.
• Geologist Assessments: Independent geologists play a pivotal role in predicting potential failures and determining rock stability.

Major Tunnels in India

• Atal Tunnel: World's longest tunnel above 10,000 feet, located in Himachal Pradesh.
• Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel: India's longest transportation railway tunnel.
• Jawahar Tunnel: Facilitates year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu.
• Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road Tunnel: India's longest road tunnel.

Strategies for Future Construction

• Regular Maintenance: Implement stringent schedules for structural inspections, drainage, and ventilation.
• Risk Assessment and Preparedness: Periodic third-party risk assessments considering geological and environmental factors.
• Training and Awareness: Educate personnel and the public about safety measures and emergency response protocols.
• Technology Integration: Utilize AI, drones, or robotics for efficient inspections and early issue detection.

Conclusion

The Uttarkashi tunnel collapse highlights the critical need for stringent safety measures, advanced technologies, and expert supervision in tunnel construction across India's challenging terrains. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risks associated with such ambitious projects, ensuring safer infrastructural development for the future.

Transit Anticipatory Bail

Context: In a recent development by the Supreme Court (SC) of India, a landmark ruling concerning transit anticipatory bail has been established, altering the landscape of legal protection for accused individuals facing charges beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the court.

Understanding Transit Anticipatory Bail: Unveiling Legal Safeguards

The SC's ruling in the case of Priya Indoria vs State of Karnataka and Ors, 2023, affirms that a Sessions Court or the High Court within a state can grant transit anticipatory bail to an accused even when the First Information Report (FIR) is registered outside their jurisdiction. This pivotal decision underscores the constitutional mandate to safeguard citizens' rights to life and personal liberty, a fundamental principle enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

What Defines Transit Anticipatory Bail?

• Transit anticipatory bail functions as a shield against arrest for the accused until they reach a court with territorial jurisdiction over the alleged offense. Although not explicitly defined in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) or other legislations, the concept was introduced by the SC in the case of State of Assam v. Brojen Gogol in 1998. It provides interim relief, especially beneficial for individuals residing in a different state, enabling them to seek anticipatory bail.

The SC’s Directive on Transit Anticipatory Bail: Safeguards and Conditions

• The SC's ruling emphasizes that the grant of transit anticipatory bail by High Courts or Sessions Courts falls under Section 438 of the CrPC, 1973, in the interest of justice, particularly for cases registered outside their jurisdiction. This precedent-setting decision aims to prevent unjust consequences for genuine applicants facing wrongful, mala fide, or politically motivated prosecution.

Outlined Conditions for Interim Protection

• Mandatory Notice: Investigating officers and public prosecutors must receive notice during the initial hearing.
• Reasoned Orders: The order granting limited relief must explicitly state reasons behind anticipating inter-state arrest and its potential impact on the ongoing investigation.
• Justification of Inability: The applicant must satisfy the court regarding their inability to seek anticipatory bail from the court with territorial jurisdiction over the FIR.
• Preventing Abuse: A territorial connection between the accused and the court's jurisdiction is crucial to prevent potential abuse of the provision.
• Bail Explained: Diving into Types and Legal Implications
• Definition of Bail: Bail represents conditional release from legal custody, promising to appear in court when required. It involves a security deposit before the court for release.

Types of Bail in India:

• Regular Bail: Directed by any court to release a person already under arrest and in police custody.
• Interim Bail: Temporary relief granted until the decision on Anticipatory or Regular Bail is pending.
• Anticipatory Bail: Applied for before arrest, granted under Section 438 of the CrPC, and is discretionary.
• Statutory Bail: Granted when the police fail to file a report/complaint within a specified timeframe, distinct from regular bail procedures.

Conclusion: Pioneering Legal Safeguards

The SC's ruling on transit anticipatory bail sets a significant precedent, ensuring equitable access to legal protection for individuals facing charges beyond the jurisdictional boundaries. It reinforces the constitutional imperative to uphold citizens' rights while outlining stringent conditions to prevent abuse of this provision. Understanding the nuances of bail and its varied types is crucial in comprehending the evolving landscape of legal protections within the Indian judicial system.

Climate Impact on Women in Agri-Food Systems

Context: In the intricate web of agricultural and food systems worldwide, the vulnerability of women engaged in these sectors has gained prominence in recent discourse. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems meticulously delves into the unequal effects of the climate crisis on women associated with agri-food systems globally.

Defining Agri-Food Systems

Agri-food systems encompass a complex network involving individuals, activities, and resources engaged in the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food. This network includes farmers, traders, processors, retailers, and consumers, constituting the food value chain.

Key Highlights of the Study

• Global Ranking of Climate Change Threats: The study evaluated 87 countries, highlighting India's 12th rank among nations facing significant climate risks in agri-food systems. Other Asian countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal also confront substantial threats.
• Identification of High-Risk Regions: Regions across central, east, and southern Africa, as well as west and south Asia, emerged as hotspots vulnerable to climate risks in agri-food systems, particularly in production, post-harvest handling, and distribution.
• Climate Agriculture Gender Inequality Hotspots: By merging insights on climate, gender, and agri-food systems, the study mapped regions as 'climate-agriculture-gender inequality hotspots.' These visualized indicators can aid gender-responsive climate actions, influencing upcoming climate conferences and investments.

Insights into Climate Change's Impact on Women in Agri-Food Systems

• Reduced Food Security and Income: Climate change disrupts agricultural production, affecting crop yields and quality, thus impacting the income and food security of women farmers who heavily rely on agriculture.
• Increased Workload: The rising demand for water, labor, and resources due to climate change adds to the workload of women farmers. They often bear responsibilities for household duties and collecting essential resources, compounded by the necessity to adapt to changing weather patterns.
• Reduced Health and Well-being: Exposure to heat stress, diseases, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and hygiene disproportionately affect the health of women farmers, exacerbating gender-based violence in crisis situations.
• Limited Participation and Empowerment: Gender-based norms, restricted access to decision-making processes, and limited access to education hinder women's involvement and empowerment in agricultural and climate change-related spheres.

Government Initiatives and the Way Forward

Several governmental initiatives like Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, and Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana aim to recognize and empower women in the agricultural sector. To further uplift women in agri-food systems, it's imperative to:

• Enhance women’s access to resources, markets, and social protection.
• Promote women's participation in decision-making processes and governance structures.
• Strengthen their knowledge on climate-smart agriculture and disaster risk reduction.
• Address underlying causes of gender inequality to support women's empowerment and agency.

Conclusion

Recognizing and mitigating the unequal impacts of climate change on women in agri-food systems isn't just a matter of social justice; it's a necessity for sustainable and resilient food systems. As discussions evolve in global forums and local policymaking, addressing these inequalities will be pivotal for a more equitable and resilient future.