UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 26th February 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Governance

Human Smuggling Must Engage Parliament’s Attention

Why in News?

Human smuggling is a significant humanitarian crisis affecting numerous Indians who seek better opportunities abroad through illegal channels. The inefficiencies in existing legal frameworks, particularly the Emigration Act of 1983 and the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act of 2012, necessitate urgent parliamentary attention to address this growing issue.

• Human smuggling networks exploit vulnerable individuals seeking better prospects.
• Existing laws are outdated and fail to adequately define or criminalize human smuggling.
• Immediate legislative reforms are essential to protect citizens from human trafficking.

Additional Details

• Socio-Economic Factors: Many individuals resort to illegal migration due to limited local employment opportunities, leading them to rely on smugglers' false promises.
• Exploitation by Smugglers: Smugglers charge exorbitant fees, often leading families to sell their assets or incur debts, believing this will lead to prosperity abroad.
• The journey itself is perilous, with many facing dangerous routes, overcrowded conditions, and severe mistreatment.
• Legal Framework Gaps: The Emigration Act of 1983 lacks clear definitions for human smuggling and does not impose significant penalties, allowing traffickers to operate with impunity.
• The Punjab Act is limited in scope and enforcement, only applicable within Punjab and failing to address the national and international dimensions of human smuggling.

In conclusion, the issue of human smuggling is a grave violation of human rights that warrants immediate legislative action. The current legal and enforcement frameworks are inadequate, and it is essential for Parliament to enact comprehensive laws to protect Indian citizens from this ongoing crisis. Without decisive action, many more lives will be at risk in this ruthless trade.

GS2/International Relations

The Right’s Rise, Europe’s State of Denial

Why in News?

Recent discussions surrounding the Munich Security Conference in Germany and the United Nations General Assembly vote on Ukraine have revealed significant contradictions and hypocrisy in international relations, particularly involving the U.S. stance on European security and its implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

• The U.S. criticized European nations for not supporting right-wing parties while simultaneously facing its own issues with domestic right-wing movements.
• Despite urging Europe to increase defense spending, the U.S. has historically opposed European efforts to create independent security frameworks.
• The U.S. voted against a European-Ukrainian resolution, contradicting its previous stance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Additional Details

• U.S. Criticism vs. Its Own Actions: U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance accused Europe of suppressing right-wing parties, despite the U.S. attempting to delegitimize its own right-wing movements, such as those involved in the Capitol riot.
• U.S. Demand for European Security Responsibility: The U.S. has pushed Europe to enhance its defense spending and reduce NATO dependency, while historically opposing European security initiatives that could weaken NATO.
• Shifting U.S. Stance on Ukraine: Initially, the U.S. provided significant support to Ukraine, coordinating sanctions against Russia and mobilizing NATO allies for military assistance. However, it later shifted blame onto European nations for the ongoing conflict and voted against a resolution supporting Ukraine.
• Trans-Atlantic Partnership: Despite these tensions, the partnership remains crucial due to shared security commitments through NATO and deep economic ties, including collaboration on technology and climate change.
• Lessons for India: India should focus on maintaining policy consistency, diversifying its economic and defense partnerships, and investing in domestic capabilities to reduce reliance on the unpredictable U.S. foreign policy.

This evolving situation underscores the complexities of international relations and the need for countries like India to navigate these waters carefully, ensuring their own national interests are protected while engaging with global powers.

GS3/Environment

Thames River and Climate Change

Why in News?

A recent study has revealed that climate change is increasing the likelihood of algal blooms in the River Thames, despite a significant reduction in phosphorus levels over the past forty years.

• The River Thames is 346 kilometers long, making it the longest river in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom.
• The river flows through southern England and serves as a critical source of drinking water for London.

Additional Details

• Geographical Course: The river originates at Thames Head, located near Kemble in the Cotswold Hills, Gloucestershire County, and it ultimately flows into the North Sea via the Thames Estuary.
• Basin Area: The Thames Basin covers an area of approximately 16,130 square kilometers.
• Major Cities: Some notable cities along the Thames include London, Reading, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor, and Oxford, where it is locally known as the Isis River.
• Water Supply: The Thames provides about two-thirds of London’s drinking water.
• Historical Significance: The river has been a vital transportation route since ancient times, facilitating trade and commerce across England.
• Bridges: There are 16 bridges that cross the River Thames in Greater London, with the Golden Jubilee Bridges and the Millennium Bridge being prominent pedestrian crossings.
• Main Tributaries: The major tributaries include the Lea, Leach, Churn, Coln, Windrush, Kennet, Evenlode, Ock, and Loddon.

This information underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the River Thames, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental health.

GS2/Governance

NAKSHA Scheme To Update Urban Land Records

Why in News?

The Union Rural Development Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has recently launched the NAKSHA initiative, which stands for National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations. This initiative is aimed at modernizing urban land records and improving transparency in property ownership and transactions.

• NAKSHA is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
• The initiative focuses on mapping urban areas to enhance land governance.
• The pilot project involves 152 urban local bodies across 26 states.

Additional Details

• Objectives: NAKSHA aims to create a comprehensive geospatial database for urban land records, employing aerial and field surveys integrated with GIS technology.
• Scope: The initiative targets cities with an area less than 35 sq km and a population under 2 lakhs.
• Funding: The project is 100% centrally funded, ensuring comprehensive coverage and implementation.
• Need for Updation: Many urban areas lack proper land records leading to governance inefficiencies; NAKSHA addresses these challenges.

The NAKSHA initiative aims to enhance urban planning, governance, and infrastructure while creating accurate and efficient urban land records. It will also reduce land disputes, improve property tax collection, and streamline ownership records, facilitating smoother property transactions.

GS3/Economy

Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP)

Why in News?

The shareholders of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) have recently endorsed a proposal to raise up to ₹95,000 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) of equity shares in one or multiple tranches.

• A QIP is a mechanism for capital raising by publicly listed companies.
• It allows the issuance of equity shares or convertible securities exclusively to Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs).
• QIBs can include entities like mutual funds, venture capital funds, pension funds, and other institutional investors.
• This method of raising capital is common in India and several Southeast Asian countries.
• QIPs offer a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional public offerings such as IPOs and FPOs.

Additional Details

• Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP): It simplifies the process of raising capital for listed companies, allowing them to do so without the need for extensive legal paperwork required by market regulators.
• Context of Introduction: The QIP process was introduced by SEBI in 2006 to facilitate easier capital raising in the domestic market, reducing the reliance on foreign funding mechanisms like American Depository Receipts (ADRs), Global Depository Receipts (GDRs), and Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs).
• This approach aids companies in minimizing their dependence on foreign investors for funding.

The approval of the QIP proposal by IREDA shareholders marks a significant step in enhancing the company's capital structure and operational capabilities, reflecting a robust strategy for growth and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.

GS3/Environment

Cali Fund Launched at CBD COP16

Why in News?

A new international biodiversity fund, the Cali Fund, was launched on February 25, 2025, at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Rome. This initiative aims to enhance biodiversity financing and conservation efforts globally.

• The Cali Fund is an international financing mechanism targeting biodiversity conservation.
• It collects funds from private companies that utilize Digital Sequence Information (DSI) from nature.
• Supports projects for biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and aid to indigenous communities.

Additional Details

• Funding Source: Businesses that utilize genetic data (DSI) from plants, animals, and microorganisms will contribute financially to the fund.
• Utilization of Funds: 50% of the funding is allocated to projects supporting indigenous and local biodiversity initiatives.
• Global Management: The fund is managed by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) overseeing financial operations.
• Alignment with Global Goals: It supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which aims to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
• First-of-Its-Kind: This initiative represents the first direct private sector contributions to a global UN biodiversity fund.

What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?

DSI refers to genetic information extracted from plants, animals, and microorganisms. This information is utilized across various industries, including:

• Pharmaceuticals: In the development of medicines.
• Cosmetics: For researching natural ingredients.
• Agriculture: In crop improvement and pest resistance.
• Biotechnology: In genetic engineering and bioinformatics.

About the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The CBD, which has 196 contracting parties, is the most comprehensive international agreement focused on nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. It was opened for signing at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.

• Main Objectives:
  • Conservation of biological diversity (including genetic, species, and habitat diversity).
  • Sustainable use of biological diversity.
  • Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
• The CBD addresses biodiversity at all levels: ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.
• Conference of the Parties (COP): This is the governing body of the CBD, which meets biennially to assess progress, set priorities, and develop action plans.
• Secretariat: Located in Montreal, Canada, the CBD secretariat supports the implementation of the convention.
• The CBD includes two binding protocols:
  • The Cartagena Protocol (2000) regulates the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) and came into force in 2003.
  • The Nagoya Protocol (2010) provides a legal framework for access to genetic resources and ensures fair sharing of benefits from their use.

The establishment of the Cali Fund marks a significant advancement in global biodiversity financing, highlighting the importance of private sector involvement in conservation efforts.

GS2/International Relations

African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO)

Why in News?

The 21st African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) conference recently concluded, emphasizing that the strongest development outcomes arise from community-based initiatives, leveraging local knowledge, technology, and fostering south-south cooperation.

• AARDO was established in 1962 as an autonomous inter-governmental organization.
• It aims to enhance rural development through coordinated efforts and the exchange of experiences among member countries.
• The organization currently includes 32 full member countries and 3 associate members from Africa and Asia.

Additional Details

• Membership: Membership is open to countries in the Afro-Asian region that are full or associate members of the United Nations or its specialized agencies.
• Functions:
  • Collaborates with international and regional organizations, including UN agencies.
  • Organizes training programs to strengthen institutional capacities in sustainable agriculture and rural development.
  • Initiates research and disseminates data and statistics to member countries.
  • Provides technical and financial support for pilot projects aimed at experimentation and replication.
• International Relations: AARDO has observer status with major international organizations such as FAO, IFAD, UNCTAD, UNESCO, and UNDP.
• Headquarters: The organization is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

AARDO's emphasis on community-driven development strategies is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by rural areas in Africa and Asia, ensuring that development efforts are both effective and sustainable.

GS2/Polity

High Court's Verdict on Nighttime Arrests of Women

Why in News?

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has made a significant ruling regarding the arrest of women during nighttime. The court determined that the provision in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which restricts the arrest of women at night, is directory rather than mandatory.

• The Madras High Court ruled that nighttime arrests of women are not strictly prohibited.
• Section 46(4) of the CrPC was deemed directory, indicating flexibility in its application.
• Clear guidelines for defining "exceptional circumstances" are needed to prevent misuse.

Additional Details

• Safeguards for Arresting Women at Night:The court highlighted two main conditions for nighttime arrests:
  • No arrest after sunset and before sunrise, except in exceptional circumstances.
  • In such cases, a woman police officer must obtain prior written permission from a magistrate.
• Physical Contact Restrictions: Officers are prohibited from making physical contact with a woman unless they are a woman officer or circumstances necessitate it.
• Ambiguity in Definitions: The term "exceptional circumstances" remains undefined in Section 46(4) of the CrPC, leading to potential confusion in enforcement.
• Public Duty of Police Officers: The ruling emphasizes that police officers have a public duty and strict adherence to procedures should not impede law enforcement.
• Impact of the Madras HC Ruling: The court clarified that non-compliance with Section 46(4) does not automatically render an arrest illegal; however, officers must justify their actions.

This ruling aims to balance the necessity of law enforcement with the protection of women's rights, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines to avoid arbitrary applications of the law.

GS3/Economy

SWAYATT Initiative

Why in News?

The Government e Marketplace (GeM) recently celebrated the sixth anniversary of the SWAYATT initiative in New Delhi, which aims to empower startups, women, and youth in public procurement.

• The SWAYATT initiative was launched on February 19, 2019.
• It focuses on increasing participation from women-led enterprises and youth in public procurement processes.
• SWAYATT is part of GeM's commitment to facilitate business operations and ensure direct market access for various groups, including startups, women entrepreneurs, Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• The initiative is aligned with GeM's foundational principle of social inclusion.

Additional Details

• GeM Portal: Established in 2016, the GeM portal serves as an online marketplace for government ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings to procure goods and services efficiently.
• National Procurement Portal: GeM is envisioned as India's National Procurement Portal, developed by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with technical assistance from the National e-Governance Division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• The platform is entirely paperless, cashless, and system-driven, minimizing human interaction in procurement processes.

This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing inclusivity and accessibility in government procurement, thereby fostering economic growth and empowering marginalized communities.

GS3/Environment

What is Black Plastic?

Why in News?

A recent study has highlighted concerns regarding black plastic, noting that it may contain harmful flame retardants that can leach into food, posing potential health risks at hazardous levels.

• Black plastic is frequently made from recycled electronic waste, including items such as old computers, TVs, and appliances.
• This type of plastic can contain harmful substances, including flame retardants and heavy metals.

Additional Details

• Flame Retardants: These are added to prevent fire hazards but can persist in recycled plastics, posing ongoing risks.
• Many of the chemicals found in black plastic, including bromine-based compounds, lead, cadmium, and mercury, are now banned in several countries due to their toxicity.
• Legacy plastics, which still contain these harmful substances, continue to enter the recycling process, leading to contamination in household products.

Threats Posed by Black Plastic

• Contains Toxic Chemicals: Black plastic made from recycled e-waste may include flame retardants, heavy metals, and antimony.
• Food Contamination: Heat and acidic foods can leach these harmful chemicals into meals.
• Environmental Impact: Black plastic is difficult to recycle, contributing to pollution in landfills and potential contamination of groundwater.
• Health Risks: Exposure is linked to various health issues, including hormonal problems, neurological damage, and cancer.

In summary, the presence of toxic substances in black plastic poses serious health and environmental risks, necessitating increased awareness and regulation to mitigate these dangers.

GS3/Defence & Security

INS Tamal: India's Stealth Frigate

Why in News?

The Indian Navy's crew that will operate INS Tamal, a stealth frigate currently under construction in Russia, has recently arrived in St. Petersburg to prepare for its commissioning.

• INS Tamal is a state-of-the-art stealth guided missile frigate.
• It is an upgraded Krivak-III class frigate, part of a $2.5 billion deal between India and Russia.
• The frigate will be the last warship commissioned outside of India, as the country focuses on indigenous shipbuilding.

Additional Details

• Frigate Details: INS Tamal is designed for blue water operations, capable of engaging in various dimensions of naval warfare, including air, surface, underwater, and electronic warfare.
• It measures 125 meters in length and has a displacement of 3,900 tonnes, integrating Russian design elements with Indian technology.
• Approximately 26% of its components are sourced from Indian manufacturers.

Armament and Missile Systems

• Armament: The frigate is equipped with a 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM), enhancing its naval artillery capabilities.
• It features two Indigenous Triple Torpedo Launchers (ITTL) designed for 324mm torpedoes, facilitating effective anti-submarine warfare operations.
• Missile Systems: INS Tamal carries an array of missile systems, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and vertically launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles, which provide formidable offensive and defensive capabilities.

Following the delivery of INS Tamal, the Indian Navy will also receive two additional frigates that are being constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited in India. These developments mark a significant step in India's naval capabilities and self-reliance in defense production.