Current Affairs 18 October 2024

CONTENTS

1. Abetment of Suicide
2. International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2024
3. Positive Developments in India-Pakistan Relations at SCO Meeting in Islamabad
4. Kaizen
5. Battle of Walong
6. Hellfire Missile

Abetment of Suicide

Context:

The Supreme Court said recently that police and courts must avoid “unnecessary prosecutions” in cases of abetment of suicide allegedly from the workplace. This was the case of a salesman who had seemed to take his life due to harassment by senior officers at his company.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Background of the current case
2. Abetment of suicide 
3. Supreme Court’s Ruling on Abetment of Suicide

Background of the current case

• In FIR, it is alleged that senior officers of a company had “force” and “coerced” a salesman, Rajeev Jain to select the VRS in the year 2006.
• Over the past 23 years, Jain had seen continued pressure from his senior officers, including his team leader wherein he continued to decline the VRS.
• Later, Jain hanged himself in a suicide bid. His brother, Rajnish, filed a case against the senior officers of abating Jain’s suicide.
• The officers filed their plea for quashing the case in the Allahabad High Court. Quashing the officers’ plea it was noticed that the meeting in which Jain was made to feel “humiliated and threatened” directly led to his eventual suicide.
• The SC ruling comes in this background.

Abetment of suicide 

• Abetment of suicide is the act of encouraging, inciting or giving help to another to commit suicide.

Abetment IPC and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023

•  ‘Abetment’: Section 107 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), is the same as Section 45 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
• A person abets the doing of a thing, if he:
  • Instigates any person to do that thing, or
  • Engages with one or more others in any conspiracy for the doing of that thing, or
  • Wilfully abets by any act or illegal omission, the doing of that thing.
• In legal cases, proving abetment often requires showing a clear connection between the accused’s actions and the deceased’s suicide, typically through direct or strong encouragement.

• Section 306 IPC (Section 108 BNS) prescribes the punishment for abetting suicide which can be up to 10 years along with imprisonment and fine as well.
• Abetment of suicide is a crime that can be tried in a Sessions court and is a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable crime.
  • Cognizable offense: A police officer, on his discretion, can arrest a person without a warrant from a court.
  • Non-bailable offense: Granting bail lies within the discretion of the court and not as a matter of right.
  • Non-compoundable offence: It cannot be withdrawn by the complainant, even if the complainant and the accused have reached an amicable settlement.

Supreme Court’s Ruling on Abetment of Suicide

The Supreme Court of India has provided clarity on what constitutes abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), emphasizing the need for direct and intentional incitement to suicide. This follows a reevaluation of an Allahabad High Court decision from 2017, which was found lacking sufficient evidence to support a prima facie case of abetment. Here’s a detailed look at the principles and precedents set by various court rulings on this matter:

Key Points from the Supreme Court Ruling:

• Direct Incitement Required: The Supreme Court highlighted that abetment involves direct and alarming encouragement or incitement by the accused, distinct from mere emotional conflicts or harassment.
• Categories of Relationships:
  • Personal Relationships: Issues like emotional disputes within family ties can lead to psychological distress but do not necessarily constitute abetment unless there’s significant harassment.
  • Professional Relationships: In the workplace, only extreme levels of harassment that leave an individual feeling trapped and without recourse meet the criteria for abetment.
• Intentionality: Conviction under Section 306 of the IPC requires clear evidence that the accused intended to provoke the suicide, with a deliberate act that leaves the deceased feeling there are no alternatives.

Precedent Cases:

• M Mohan v The State (2011): Established a high standard for proving abetment, requiring specific intent and direct actions that compel the deceased to consider suicide as the only solution.
• Karnataka High Court Ruling (July 2023): Addressed a case involving workplace harassment where the court decided not to quash proceedings against the accused, acknowledging that actions and behaviors contributing to the deteriorating mental health of a sensitive individual could constitute abetment.
• Ude Singh v State of Haryana (2019): Reaffirmed that abetment relies heavily on the individual facts of each case, with a need for evidence of direct or indirect incitement.

Legal Framework and Societal Impact:

These judgments reflect the crucial role of deciding individual and professional dynamics in such abetment cases. The Supreme Court demands direct and intentional incitement to hold a person accountable because it requires serious proofs that the law will not be abused by frivolous charges.

What it reflects is a broader judicial consciousness of the intricacies involved in mental health issues and social contact implications on mental well-being. It also lays much responsibility on the heads of those in authority or position to conduct themselves such that they do not harm others’ mental well-being.

All these developments in judicial thought help even more to clarify the framework in which allegations of abetment to suicide are to be judged and interpreted with concern for the administration of justice in relation to the protection of rights and well-being.

-Source: Indian Express

International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2024

Context:

The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2024 presents broad implications of global energy trends, especially in clean energy transitions, increasing the demands on energy, and the implications of the current geopolitical conflict. The report also brings out other facts like the growing demand of energy in India, dependence on coal followed by efforts to achieve net zero emission by 2070.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About the International Energy Agency (IEA)
2. Major Highlights of the World Energy Outlook 2024 Report

About the International Energy Agency (IEA)

• The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous Intergovernmental Organisation established in 1974 in Paris, France.
• IEA mainly focuses on its energy policies which include economic development, energy security and environmental protection. These policies are also known as the 3 E’s of IEA.
• It is best known for the publication of its annual World Energy Outlook.

IEA’s Role and Functions

• IEA’s role has expanded to cover the entire global energy system, encompassing traditional energy sources such as oil, gas, and coal as well as cleaner and faster growing ones such as solar PV, wind power and biofuels.
• IEA acts as a policy adviser to its member states, as well as major emerging economies such as Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa to support energy security and advance the clean energy transition worldwide.
• IEA’s mandate has broadened to focus on providing analysis, data, policy recommendations and solutions to help countries ensure secure, affordable and sustainable energy for all. In particular, it has focused on supporting global efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition and mitigate climate change.
• The IEA has a broad role in promoting rational energy policies and multinational energy technology co-operation with a view to reaching net zero emissions.
• IEA Clean Coal Centre is dedicated to providing independent information and analysis on how coal can become a cleaner source of energy, compatible with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Membership of IEA

• The IEA is made up of 30 member countries. Only OECD member states can become members of the IEA.
• IEA member countries are required to maintain total oil stock levels equivalent to at least 90 days of the previous year’s net imports.
• In 2018, Mexico joined the IEA and became its 30th member.
• India became an Associate member of IEA (NOT full membership) in 2017 but it was in engagement with IEA long before its association with the organization.
• Other Association Countries of IEA apart from India are: Brazil, China, Indonesia, Morocco, Singapore, South Africa and Thailand.

Major Highlights of the World Energy Outlook 2024 Report

Global Perspective

• Geopolitical Conflicts: Ongoing issues like the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East tensions pose risks to global energy security.
• Renewable Energy Surge: A record 560 GW of renewable capacity was added globally in 2023, driving a major shift towards clean energy.
• Dominance of Renewables by 2030: Renewable sources are expected to surpass coal, oil, and gas as the main providers of electricity by 2030.
• Increasing Role of Solar and Wind: These sources, along with nuclear, are set to produce over 50% of global electricity by 2030.
• Market Shifts: The latter half of the 2020s may see a surplus in oil and LNG supplies, potentially lowering prices.
• Electric Vehicle Growth: EVs are projected to make up 50% of new car sales by 2030.
• Energy Technology Competition: There’s fierce competition among suppliers of technologies like solar PV and battery storage.
• Climate Change Challenges: Extreme weather events pose new challenges to energy systems.
• Energy Efficiency: Despite the importance of improving energy efficiency, the global target to double efficiency by 2030 may not be met under current policies.

Highlights Related to India

• Economic Growth: India was the fastest-growing major economy in 2023, with significant economic advancements expected.
• Population and Urbanization: Having surpassed China in population, India faces substantial increases in energy demand due to urbanization.
• Coal Dependency: Despite growth in renewables, coal remains significant, with an expected addition of nearly 60 GW of coal-fired capacity by 2030.
• Industrial Growth: Major increases are anticipated in sectors like iron, steel, and cement production.
• Air Conditioning Surge: The demand for cooling is set to massively increase, significantly impacting electricity consumption.
• Renewable Energy Expansion: India is on track to nearly triple its electricity generation capacity to 1,400 GW by 2035, with a strong focus on renewables.
• Battery Storage and Electric Mobility: By 2030, India aims to have the third-largest installed battery storage capacity globally, essential for integrating renewable energy sources.
• Net Zero by 2070: India’s ambitious targets for net-zero emissions involve significant reductions in coal and oil use, facilitated by the adoption of electric vehicles and hydrogen technologies.
• Government Initiatives: Programs like the PM-KUSUM scheme, the National Solar Mission, and the PLI Scheme for solar PV are critical components of India’s clean energy strategy.

-Source: Indian Express

Positive Developments in India-Pakistan Relations at SCO Meeting in Islamabad

Context:

During the recent SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, there was a notable informal interaction between India’s External Affairs Minister and Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. This interaction was marked by a more positive tone compared to previous meetings. The SCO Council of Heads of Government, where this interaction took place, serves as the second-highest council within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, following the SCO Council of Heads of States. This positive exchange could indicate a warming of relations or at least a more constructive approach to dialogue between the two nations.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Positive Developments Between India and Pakistan at the SCO Summit
2. What is the SCO? 

Positive Developments Between India and Pakistan at the SCO Summit

Key Positive Outcomes:

• Moderation in Statements: Both India and Pakistan demonstrated restraint by avoiding contentious language in their statements at the SCO summit. This approach helped maintain a cordial atmosphere during the discussions.
• Focus on Cooperation: The discussions emphasized collaboration over confrontation, with topics such as trade, connectivity, energy flows, and joint efforts against terrorism, separatism, and extremism being central themes.
• Commendation by India: India’s positive remarks about the productive organization of the SCO meeting by Pakistan signal a thawing in relations and a willingness to engage constructively.
• Energy and Economic Initiatives:
  • Discussion of the TAPI energy pipeline project involving Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India indicates ongoing collaboration in regional connectivity and energy security.
  • Proposals for an Economic Dialogue Programme and strategies to enhance economic cooperation were key outcomes, aiming to strengthen economic ties and regional development.
• Joint Statement Focus: The joint statement highlighted mutual interests in areas like green development, the digital economy, trade, poverty alleviation, and renewable energy, setting a roadmap for future collaboration.

Significance of These Developments

• Context of Tensions: Since the revocation of Article 370 by India, which led to a severe strain in relations including diplomatic downgrades and the suspension of bilateral trade, any positive interaction marks a significant shift towards potential reconciliation.
• Economic Impact:
  • Prior to the tension escalation post-2019, trade between India and Pakistan was substantial, indicating the economic loss due to political strife. Renewed dialogue could pave the way for a gradual resumption of trade ties, beneficial for both economies.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Improved relations can lead to better management of contentious issues like water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty and security concerns linked to terrorism and separatism.
• Regional Stability:
  • Constructive engagement between India and Pakistan at international forums like the SCO can contribute to broader regional stability and peace, which is crucial given the strategic importance of South Asia.

What is the SCO? 

• Founded in June 2001, it was built on the ‘Shanghai Five’, the grouping which consisted of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
• They came together in the post-Soviet era in 1996, in order to work on regional security, reduction of border troops and terrorism.
• They endowed particular focus on ‘conflict resolution’, given its early success between China and Russia, and then within the Central Asian Republics.
• Some of their prominent outcomes in this arena entail an ‘Agreement on Confidence-Building in the Military Field Along the Border Areas’ (in 1996) between China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which led to an agreement on the mutual reduction of military forces on their common borders in 1997.
• It would also pitch in to help the Central Asian countries resolve some of their boundary disputes. 
• In 2001, the ‘Shanghai Five’ inducted Uzbekistan into its fold and named it the SCO, outlining its principles in a charter that promoted what was called the “Shanghai spirit” of cooperation.
• The precise assertion, combined with some of the member states’ profiles, of building a “new international political and economic order” has often led to it being placed as a counter to treaties and groupings of the West, particularly North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Member states

• India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
• The SCO also has four observer states — Afghanistan, Iran, Belarus and Mongolia — of which Iran and Belarus are now moving towards full membership. 

Main goals

• Strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states;
• Promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research and technology, and culture.

Focus areas:

• Education, energy, transport, tourism and environmental protection.
• It also calls for joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region; and the establishment of a democratic, fair and rational new international political and economic order.

Organizational structure of SCO

The SCO secretariat has two permanent bodies —

• SCO Secretariat based in Beijing 
• Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent.

Other than this, the grouping consists of

Heads of State Council (HSC):

• It is the supreme decision-making body of the organisation.
• It meets annually to adopt decisions and guidelines on all important matters relevant to the organisation.

Heads of Government Council (HGC):

• The HGC (mainly including Prime Ministers) also meets annually to zero in on the organisation’s priority areas and multilateral cooperation strategy.
• It also endeavours to resolve present economic and cooperation issues alongside approving the organisation’s annual budget. 

Foreign Ministers Council:

• The Foreign Ministers Council considers issues pertaining to the day-to-day activities of the organisation, charting HSC meetings and consultations on international problems within the organisation and if required, makes statements on behalf of the SCO. 

-Source: Indian Express

Kaizen

Context:

The month-long strike at Samsung’s manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu has brought to the spotlight the stressful working conditions in these factories shaped and determined by their management philosophy, which draws inspiration from the Japanese production method called Kaizen.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

About Kaizen:

• Kaizen is a combination of two Japanese words joined together which together means “good change” or “improvement.”
• Kaizen is the Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement involvement by employees at any level in a company.
• The concept of kaizen encompasses vast ideas.
  • They make the work environment efficient by creating a team atmosphere, upgrading processes and procedures, increasing employee engagement, and making jobs more fulfilling, less tiring, and safer.
  • Kaizen creates small changes overtime to promote continuous improvement within the company.
  • The Kaizen process recognizes that the ripples caused by small changes today could also have huge impacts tomorrow.
  • Ultimately, that can mean better quality control, more efficient processes and the elimination of waste, among other benefits.
  • Under Kaizen, improvements can be initiated by any employee at any time.
  • The philosophy is that everybody has a stake in the company’s success, and everybody should strive, at all times, to help make the business better.

-Source: Indian Express

Battle of Walong

Context:

To mark the 62nd anniversary of the iconic battle of Walong during the 1962 war with China, the Army is planning a month-long series of commemorative events.

Relevance:

GS I: History

About Battle of Walong:

• About 1962 Sino-Indian War, it was placed at the easternmost tip of Arunachal Pradesh, near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar.
• During the course of which Chinese forces launched a full-scale offensive, Indian troops were entrusted with the task of defending Walong, the only advanced landing ground in the area a vital supply route connecting remote border posts.
• Walong was the key Chinese attack on the eastern front during the war after Tawang.
• The Chinese had overwhelming numbers on their side—an estimated 15,000 soldiers to India’s 2,500, accompanied by superior weaponry and artillery.
• Yet, despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, Indian soldiers displayed remarkable resolve.
• The Indian Army units involved included battalions from the Kumaon Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Gorkha Rifles, Assam Rifles, and Dogra Regiment. 
• Their tenacity and courage managed to hold back the Chinese advance for nearly three weeks, despite dire shortages of ammunition and supplies.
• The battle resulted in significant losses for India, with around 830 soldiers either killed, wounded, or captured.
• Yet, their defence stands as a powerful symbol of the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Army.
• It went down in history as the only Indian counterattack during the 1962 war.

-Source: Indian Express

Hellfire Missile

Context:

India recently concluded a deal with the US for the procurement of 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

AGM-114 Hellfire Missile

The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is a prominent tactical weapon extensively used by the United States and its allies for precision targeting, particularly in modern warfare scenarios. Below are the key features and developments related to the Hellfire missile system:

Key Features of the AGM-114 Hellfire Missile:

• Type and Usage: The Hellfire is a short-range air-to-ground missile, occasionally used in air-to-air roles. It is laser-guided and subsonic, designed primarily for tactical missions.
• Development: Initiated in 1972, the Hellfire was developed to meet the U.S. Army’s need for an effective anti-tank weapon against Soviet armor, reflecting the Cold War military dynamics.
• Targets: It is engineered to engage a variety of targets including armored vehicles like tanks, structures such as bunkers, radar and communication systems, and even hovering helicopters.
• Platforms: The missile is commonly deployed from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the MQ-1B Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, and MQ-1C Grey Eagle, illustrating its versatility in unmanned operations.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: The missile measures 1.62 meters in length, has a diameter of 17.7 cm, and a wingspan of 0.71 meters.
• Weight: It weighs between 45.4 kg and 49 kg, equipped with a multipurpose warhead weighing between 8 kg and 9 kg.
• Propulsion: Powered by a single-stage solid-propellant rocket motor.
• Velocity and Range: It can reach speeds up to 950 mph, with an operational range of 7 to 11 kilometers.

AGM-114R Hellfire Romeo:

• Latest Variant: The AGM-114R, also known as Hellfire Romeo, represents the most advanced model in the Hellfire II series.
• Enhanced Capabilities: This variant consolidates the functionalities of previous Hellfire models, designed to address diverse target requirements with a single missile type.
• Launch Platforms: It can be launched from multiple platforms including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, surface ships, and ground vehicles, underscoring its adaptability in different combat scenarios.
• Guidance System: It features a semi-active laser guidance system that ensures precision in targeting.
• Warhead: Equipped with an integrated blast fragmentation sleeve warhead, enhancing its effectiveness against a variety of target types that previously required multiple Hellfire variants to engage.

-Source: The Hindu