Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st March 2025) - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Water Circularity: Managing India’s Urban Water Crisis

Why in News?

• A recent study titled Waste to Worth: Managing India’s Urban Water Crisis Through Wastewater Reuse, published by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), underscores the critical need for water circularity by promoting the reuse of treated wastewater as a strategy to address both water scarcity and environmental degradation.

Key Takeaways

• India ranks 132nd globally in per capita water availability, with freshwater resources declining by 73% since 1951.
• The Central Water Commission projects a drop in per capita water availability from 1,486 m³ in 2021 to 1,367 m³ by 2031.
• India faces serious water stress, with risks of becoming water-scarce without immediate action.
• Despite occupying 2% of the Earth's landmass, India only has 4% of global freshwater resources, supporting 18% of the world's population.

Additional Details

• Wastewater Generation Crisis: In 2020-21, Urban India produced 72,368 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, but only 28% of this was treated. Projections indicate a 75-80% increase in wastewater generation over the next 25 years, reaching 48 BCM annually by 2050.
• Water Governance Challenges: Many Indian cities rely on distant rivers, leading to increased costs and unequal access to water. The NITI Aayog Composite Water Management Index shows that 16 states score below 50 out of 100, indicating poor water management.
• Water Circularity: This practice involves recycling, reusing, and recovering resources within the water treatment cycle, aimed at maximizing value for people, nature, and businesses while minimizing waste and pollution.

In conclusion, addressing India’s water crisis through water circularity not only involves the reuse of treated wastewater but also the implementation of robust governance and innovative practices in water management. This strategy can significantly enhance water security and environmental health.

India-New Zealand Relations

Why in News?

• The Prime Minister (PM) of New Zealand (NZ) recently made an official visit to India. During this visit, he engaged in bilateral talks with India's PM and issued the India-New Zealand Joint Statement. Additionally, the NZ Prime Minister attended the 10th Raisina Dialogue as the Chief Guest, where he delivered the Inaugural Keynote Address.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Cooperation: Both countries agreed to initiate negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial trade agreement under NZ's "Opening Doors to India" policy.
• Security Cooperation: A defense cooperation MoU was signed to facilitate military exercises and naval visits, and NZ expressed interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
• Global Cooperation: Both nations committed to a free, inclusive, and stable Indo-Pacific, endorsing India's bid for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council and supporting its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
• Climate Change: NZ reaffirmed support for India's International Solar Alliance (ISA), joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and agreed on cooperation regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate agreements.
• Education and Sports: Both countries signed a renewed Education Cooperation Arrangement and a Sports Cooperation MoU to enhance academic partnerships and sporting ties.
• Diaspora: The leaders recognized the role of the Indian diaspora in NZ and committed to ensuring their safety, addressing concerns about pro-Khalistan activities.

Additional Details

India’s Importance for New Zealand:

• With a population of 1.4 billion and a growing middle class, India presents opportunities for NZ in exporting agricultural products, dairy, and meat.
• India is NZ's largest source of skilled migrants and the second-largest source of international students, particularly in IT and healthcare.
• India's expanding digital economy offers collaborations in IT, AI, and digital commerce.
• India's influence in the Indo-Pacific supports NZ's strategic interests.

New Zealand’s Importance for India:

• NZ's expertise in dairy and horticulture can help modernize Indian farming practices.
• Collaboration in vocational training can address skill gaps in India.
• NZ's climate technology supports India's low-carbon transition and sustainability efforts.
• NZ's vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) provides opportunities for India in surveillance and maritime security.

Opening Doors to India Policy: Launched in 2011, this strategic initiative aims to enhance New Zealand's economic, political, and cultural ties with India.

Challenges in India-New Zealand Relations

• Stalled FTA Negotiations: Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks that began in 2010 have stalled due to high tariffs on dairy and agricultural exports from NZ.
• Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Indian exports face sanitary and phytosanitary barriers in NZ, complicating trade.
• Low Trade Volumes: In 2023-24, bilateral trade was only USD 1.75 billion.
• Limited Market Awareness: There are complexities in trade perceptions between the two countries.
• Geopolitical Differences: NZ’s foreign policy may create discrepancies with India due to its economic reliance on China.

Way Forward

• Conclude FTA Negotiations: Address dairy and tariff disputes and pursue an Early Harvest Agreement focusing on key sectors.
• Enhance Market Access: Fast-track mutual recognition arrangements and reduce non-tariff barriers through technical cooperation.
• Climate Change and Sustainability: Collaborate on climate technology and renewable energy for India's clean transition.
• Defense Cooperation: Strengthen cooperation for regional stability through joint exercises and intelligence sharing.

In conclusion, the India-New Zealand relationship presents numerous opportunities for cooperation across various sectors, despite the challenges that exist. Enhanced collaboration can lead to mutual benefits for both nations.

State of Global Climate Report 2024

Why in News?

• The 2024 State of Global Climate report released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicates that global warming is approaching the critical threshold of 1.5°C established by the Paris Agreement.

Key Takeaways

• Current Warming Levels: Global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.34–1.41°C above pre-industrial levels, with 19 of the past 20 months exceeding the 1.5°C threshold. It is projected that the world could surpass this threshold as early as September 2029.
• Extreme Weather Events: In 2024, significant displacements due to cyclones, floods, and droughts have exacerbated food crises, alongside severe heat waves affecting regions such as East Asia, Southeast Europe, the Mediterranean, West Asia, and the southwestern United States.
• Carbon Dioxide Levels: The levels of atmospheric CO₂ reached 151% of pre-industrial levels in 2023, marking the highest concentration in 800,000 years.
• Cryosphere Decline: Arctic sea ice has been at record lows for 18 consecutive years, while Antarctic sea ice has also reached its lowest extent in 2024.
• Irreversible Impacts:
  • Ocean Warming: The year 2024 recorded the highest ocean heat content in 65 years, with warming rates increasing twofold since 1960.
  • Sea Level Rise: The global mean sea level has hit a record high, with observed rates of 2.1 mm/year (from 1993 to 2002) and 4.7 mm/year (from 2015 to 2024).
  • Glacier Melt: The period from 2022 to 2024 experienced the most negative glacier mass balance, particularly noted in regions such as Norway, Sweden, Svalbard, and the tropical Andes.
  • Ocean Acidification: pH levels are declining rapidly in the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and equatorial Pacific, leading to irreversible effects that could last for centuries.

What is the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)?

• To learn more about the WMO, refer to relevant resources that detail its role and functions in monitoring climate-related changes globally.

What is the Paris Agreement?

• Further details on the Paris Agreement can be found in educational resources explaining its objectives and significance in combating climate change.
• This report underscores the critical state of our planet's climate, highlighting urgent actions needed to mitigate the impacts of global warming and protect ecosystems and communities worldwide.

UNCAT and Custodial Torture

Why in News?

• The UK High Court's refusal to extradite Sanjay Bhandari and Tahawwur Rana has brought renewed attention to India's failure to ratify the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) of 1984 and to enact an anti-torture law.

Key Takeaways

• UNCAT aims to prevent torture and other forms of cruel treatment globally.
• India signed UNCAT in 1997 but has yet to ratify it.
• Custodial torture remains a significant issue in India, with thousands of reported deaths in custody.

Additional Details

• What is UNCAT? UNCAT is an international treaty that seeks to prevent torture and inhumane treatment worldwide, adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1984, and effective from June 26, 1987.
• Definition of Torture: Article 1 of UNCAT defines torture as the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain for purposes such as obtaining information or punishment, involving public officials.
• State Obligations: Countries that are parties to UNCAT must prohibit torture absolutely (Article 2), prevent extradition to countries where torture is likely (Article 3), and investigate allegations of torture (Article 12).
• India's Current Stance: Despite signing UNCAT, India has not ratified it and has faced criticism for not criminalizing torture, which impacts its international standing and extradition requests.
• Impact on Extradition Requests: Lack of an anti-torture law allows fugitives to challenge extradition, undermining India's ability to combat crime.
• Recommendations for Reform: Various committees and the Supreme Court have recommended legal reforms to address custodial torture, including a strict anti-torture law and enhanced accountability for police misconduct.

India's failure to ratify UNCAT weakens its human rights record and allows custodial torture to persist. Enacting an anti-torture law and ensuring accountability and judicial oversight are critical for upholding constitutional values and protecting vulnerable communities.

India's Integrated Theatre Commands

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence that several critical issues need to be resolved before the implementation of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs). This announcement aligns with the MoD’s declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms.'

Key Takeaways

• An ITC unifies Army, Navy, and Air Force assets under a single commander for enhanced coordination and effectiveness.
• ITCs aim to address the shortcomings of single-service operations and integrate modern warfare capabilities.

Additional Details

• Definition of Integrated Theatre Command: An ITC is a unified operational structure where military assets from all three services are managed under one command for a designated geographical area. This setup promotes better coordination and faster decision-making.
• Historical Recommendations: The Kargil Review Committee in 1999 recommended the establishment of ITCs and the role of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to enhance joint operations. The Shekatkar Committee in 2016 suggested three primary ITCs: Western, Northern, and Southern, aimed at improving tri-service collaboration.
• Proposed Theatre Commands:
  • Northern Theatre Command (Lucknow): Focused on countering threats from China.
  • Western Theatre Command (Jaipur): Centered on threats from Pakistan.
  • Maritime Theatre Command (Thiruvananthapuram): Responsible for operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Progress Toward Theatreisation: Significant steps have been taken, including the appointment of leadership in the Department of Military Affairs and the enactment of the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act 2023, which grants theatre commanders disciplinary power over all services.

Challenges to Implementing Theatre Commands

• Lack of Joint Doctrine: Divergent strategic cultures among services lead to complications in forming a unified war-fighting doctrine.
• Resource Allocation Issues: The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates below its sanctioned strength, limiting operational flexibility, while the Army dominates budget allocations, causing potential resource imbalances.
• Outdated Equipment: Legacy systems still in use highlight procurement shortcomings, impacting operational readiness.
• Infrastructure and Logistics: Inadequate infrastructure in key areas, particularly in the Northern Theatre, hampers joint operations.
• Technological Integration: There is a pressing need to enhance capabilities in cyber, space, and electronic warfare.
• Two-Front Threat: India must be prepared for simultaneous military challenges from both China and Pakistan.

Addressing ITC Challenges

• Unified Military Doctrine: Develop a joint warfighting doctrine through consensus to guide the operations of theatre commands.
• Phased Implementation: Launch pilot projects in targeted areas like air defense to refine the command structure.
• Modernise Command and Control Architecture: Invest in a secure and interoperable C4ISR system, integrating cyber and space elements into command planning.
• Enhance Infrastructure: Accelerate development in border areas through targeted programs to improve logistics and support forward operations.
• Joint Training Initiatives: Expand tri-service training programs to foster collaboration and preparedness among all services.

In conclusion, while the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands aims to significantly enhance India's military capabilities, addressing challenges related to inter-service coordination, resource allocation, and technological advancement is crucial for successful implementation. The year 2025 is poised to mark a transformative phase in India's defence strategy.

Mains Question: What are the major challenges in implementing Integrated Theatre Commands in India? Suggest solutions.

World Consumer Rights Day 2025

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution celebrated World Consumer Rights Day with the theme “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.” India observes December 24 as National Consumer Day each year, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides comprehensive legislation aimed at strengthening consumer rights.

Key Takeaways

• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaces the older Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
• It aims to enhance consumer rights in the face of globalization, technology, and e-commerce challenges.

Additional Details

• Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): Established to regulate unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements, and violations of consumer rights.
• The Act reinforces six consumer rights, including the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to seek redressal.
• E-Commerce Regulation: E-commerce platforms are now accountable for handling consumer grievances.
• Product Liability: Manufacturers, service providers, and sellers are liable for defective products or services.
• Simplified Dispute Resolution: Introduces mediation to lessen the burden on consumer courts.
• Enhanced Penalties: Imposes strict penalties for false or misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.
• Fast Resolution: Consumer complaints should be resolved within 3 to 5 months, based on the complexity of the case, as stated in Section 38(7) of the Act.

Key Initiatives to Strengthen Consumer Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

• E-Dakhil Portal and e-Jagriti: Launched in 2020, it allows consumers to file complaints online. E-Jagriti, introduced in 2024, enhances case tracking and management using digital tools.
• National Consumer Helpline (NCH) 2.0: Integrates AI-powered speech recognition, multilingual chatbots, and partnerships with over 1,000 companies to expedite grievance resolution. It supports 17 languages and is accessible via WhatsApp, SMS, Umang app, and other platforms.
• Consumer Welfare Fund (CWF): Provides financial aid for consumer rights advocacy and legal assistance.
• Consumer Protection in E-Commerce and Digital Transactions: The E-Commerce Rules, 2020 mandate fair business practices and grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Dark Patterns Regulation, 2023: Introduced to prohibit deceptive digital marketing practices such as false urgency and hidden charges.
• Jaago Grahak Jaago: A consumer awareness campaign that alerts users about fraudulent URLs, empowering informed e-commerce decisions.

Challenges in Consumer Protection in India & Way Forward

• Awareness: There is a low level of consumer awareness regarding rights and redressal mechanisms. Implementing widespread consumer education campaigns and integrating consumer rights education into school curricula is essential.
• Enforcement: Consumer courts face delays in case resolution, and product liability provisions are inconsistently enforced. Streamlining court processes, expanding consumer courts, and enhancing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are needed.
• Digital Marketplace Issues: Challenges related to e-commerce, data privacy, and online fraud require strengthened regulations and enforcement of data protection laws.
• Resource Constraints: Limited resources for consumer protection agencies hinder effective operation. Increasing funding and hiring more staff can help improve infrastructure.
• Regulatory Overlaps: There are overlaps and conflicts among various regulatory bodies. Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of different regulatory bodies will streamline the regulatory framework.

World Consumer Rights Day emphasizes the necessity for a transparent and equitable consumer ecosystem. Despite India's progress through policy reforms and digital initiatives, challenges such as delayed justice, digital fraud, and regulatory gaps continue to exist. Strengthening institutions, increasing awareness, and leveraging technology are crucial for ensuring consumer empowerment and economic fairness.

Mains Question: What are the major challenges in ensuring effective protection of consumer rights in India, and how can these be addressed through policy interventions and institutional reforms?