Current Affairs 27 February 2025

Content:

1. Govt. questions petitions in apex court for lifetime ban on convicted politicians
2. Over 70% farmers still use cash to sell their produce
3. Why are PwDs worried about DPDP rules?
4. Trump’s Russia-Ukraine policy hangs over EU-India talks
5. Panel seeks penalties to end proxy rule by male kin of women panchayat leaders
6. Cancer-related mortalities increased faster among women in the past decade
7. EU says ready to address India’s specific concerns on carbon tax levy on imports
8. Indian peacekeepers serve with commitment: UN
9. Coal-fired power plants in India cut rice, wheat yield by up to 10%

Govt. questions petitions in apex court for lifetime ban on convicted politicians

Context :

• The Centre has opposed a lifetime ban on convicted politicians from contesting elections or holding legislative positions.
• It argues that penal punishments are finite in nature and that once a sentence is served, rights should be restored.
• The Supreme Court had questioned the “apparent conflict of interest” in allowing convicted politicians to return as lawmakers.

Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Governance)

Government’s Stand

• Current disqualification provisions under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA) are sufficient (disqualification lasts for the prison term + 6 years).
• Lifetime ban would be excessive – Punishments under penal law apply only for a fixed term, after which citizens regain their full rights.
• Legal consistency – Other convicts in society do not face permanent loss of rights after completing their sentence.

Supreme Court’s Concerns

• Conflict of interest – Lawbreakers should not become lawmakers.
• Question of public trust – A convicted individual re-entering politics could undermine governance and legislative integrity.

Key Constitutional & Legal Aspects

• Article 14 (Right to Equality) – Lifetime ban may be seen as discriminatory.
• Article 19 (Freedom of Speech & Expression) – Restrictions on political participation must be reasonable.
• Moral & Ethical Governance – Legislators should uphold the law, not exploit legal loopholes.

Arguments For Lifetime Ban

• Ensuring Clean Politics – Prevents criminal elements from influencing governance.
• Enhancing Democratic Integrity – Restores public trust in the electoral process.
• Precedent in Other Fields – Bureaucrats and judges face lifelong restrictions post-conviction.

Arguments Against Lifetime Ban

• Rehabilitation & Reintegration – Convicts should be given a second chance.
• Selective Disqualification – No such rule exists for corporate leaders, bureaucrats, or other public figures.
• Potential for Political Misuse – Opponents may use criminal charges to permanently eliminate rivals.

Over 70% farmers still use cash to sell their produce

Key Findings from RBI Survey:

• Cash Transactions Dominant:
  • Over 70% of farmers still use cash for selling produce.
  • Pre-pandemic (2019): 88% farmers used cash.
  • Post-pandemic (2024): 72% farmers still rely on cash.

Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) , GS 3(Economy )

• Slow Growth in Digital Payments:
  • Farmers: Electronic payments usage grew from 8% (2019) → 18% (2024).
  • Traders: Electronic transactions increased from 8% (2019) → 31% (2024).
  • Retailers: Digital payments surged from 3% (2019) → 22% (2024).

• Limited Digital Awareness for Market Prices:
  • 55% farmers rely on traders for price information (↑ from 47% in 2019).
  • 47% farmers depend on fellow farmers (↓ from 51% in 2019).
  • Digital sources (apps/websites) remain underutilized (only 10% use them in 2024).

Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture:

• 64% farmers reported crop damage in the 2023-24 rabi season.
• Key Reasons for Crop Damage:
  • Unseasonal Rainfall: 37% farmers affected.
  • Heatwaves (Climate Change Impact): 30% reported losses.
• Weather Forecasts Influence Sowing Decisions:
  • 90% farmers rely on weather forecasts.
  • Irrigation availability (60%) and expected prices (40%) rank lower.

Farmers’ Share in Final Retail Prices (2024):

• Highest Share: Wheat (67%), Lentils/Chana (60%) (Govt. Procurement Involved).
• Lowest Share: Perishable goods like potatoes, mangoes, cauliflower (40%).

Key Takeaways:

• Digital penetration remains low in agricultural transactions and price discovery.
• Climate change is increasingly affecting crop yields and sowing decisions.
• Market inefficiencies lead to lower price realization for perishable goods

Why are PwDs worried about DPDP rules?

Key Concerns of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)

• Mandated Guardian Consent:
  • Section 9(1) of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 requires legal guardians to provide consent for the processing of personal data of PwDs, equating them with children.
  • Activists argue this undermines the autonomy of PwDs and assumes their inability to make decisions in the digital space.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance)

• Lack of Clarity in Implementation:
  • The draft Rules limit the number of disabilities covered under Section 9(1), but critics say they do not address all practical challenges.
  • Rule 10 requires data fiduciaries to verify the guardian’s legal status, but no clear guidelines exist for different disabilities or their severity.

• Mismatch with Guardianship Laws:
  • Two laws govern PwD guardianship in India:
    • National Trust Act (NT Act), 1999 → Full guardianship for PwDs with autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.
    • Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 → Limited guardianship, supporting PwDs in decision-making rather than replacing their autonomy.
  • DPDP Act fails to differentiate between the two types of guardianship, raising concerns about forced dependence on guardians.

Challenges & Conflicts

• Violation of UNCRPD Principles:
  • The DPDP Act assumes that having a guardian implies an inability to make decisions, contradicting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which India has ratified.

• Gender & Intersectionality Issues:
  • A PwD woman may require guardian consent even for essential online purchases like sanitary napkins, restricting their rights.

• Confusion in Definition of PwDs:
  • The draft Rules include “physical impairment” under disabilities requiring guardian consent, but there is no provision for physical disabilities to have legal guardians.

Practical Issues in Digital Data Handling

• Data Collection & Privacy Risks:
  • Platforms may have to ask whether a user has a disability and whether they have a guardian. If a user is disabled but does not have a guardian, their disability status still gets recorded without any legitimate purpose.

• Legal Accountability of Guardians:
  • If the legal guardian is the data principal, they may face penal consequences under the DPDP Act. This could lead to guardians acting in their own interest rather than that of the PwD.

Accessibility Issues Remain Unaddressed

• A 2023 accessibility study by Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy found that apps like Paytm, Swiggy, Zomato, and Flipkart had low accessibility scores, highlighting that digital barriers remain a bigger issue for PwDs than data privacy rules.

Trump’s Russia-Ukraine policy hangs over EU-India talks

Context & Background

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and 21 EU Commissioners are visiting India for two days.
• The visit aims to strengthen EU-India ties amidst shifting U.S. foreign policy, particularly on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• The trip is termed “unprecedented” by the EU, as such a large delegation has never traveled together to any country before.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Key Issues & Developments

Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy Changes

• Donald Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war has caused concerns in Europe.
  • The U.S. recently opposed an EU-backed UN resolution calling for Russian troop withdrawal.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is negotiating with Trump on a ceasefire proposal.

EU-India Relations & Strategic Focus

• The visit seeks to reset EU-India ties, which have been overshadowed by the Ukraine conflict.
  • No EU-India annual summit has taken place since 2020, though a Leaders’ Summit was held in 2021.
  • A formal EU-India summit is planned for later in 2025.

Trade & Economic Cooperation

• EU-India Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) negotiations, relaunched in 2022, remain stuck over tariff issues on cars, wine, spirits, and non-tariff barriers.
  • The visit aims to provide political momentum before the next round of trade talks (March 10-14 in Brussels).
  • The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) will discuss AI policies, semiconductors, quantum computing, and green technology.

EU’s Stance on Russia-Ukraine & India’s Position

• The EU imposed its 16th round of sanctions on Russia.
  • Despite U.S. policy shifts, the EU remains committed to enforcing sanctions.
  • India, which has rejected sanctions and increased Russian oil imports, is unlikely to alter its stance.

Geopolitical Implications

• Discussions will cover the EU-India Strategic Roadmap (2020-2025), with a focus on Indo-Pacific cooperation.
  • The timing of the visit is crucial ahead of the March 6 extraordinary European summit.

Panel seeks penalties to end proxy rule by male kin of women panchayat leaders

Background & Context

• The Supreme Court directed the Union Panchayati Raj Ministry (September 2023) to address the issue of proxy leadership by male relatives of women panchayat leaders.
• Women’s reservation in panchayats was introduced through the 73rd Constitutional (Amendment) Act, 1992, mandating one-third reservation of seats.
• 21 States and 2 Union Territories increased this quota to nearly 50%, but in many areas, male relatives exercise de facto power, reducing women leaders to mere figureheads.

Relevance : GS 2(Polity and Governance)

Key Recommendations by Advisory Panel

“Exemplary Penalties” for Proxy Leadership

• The panel suggests punitive action to deter male relatives from controlling women-led panchayats.
  • However, it does not specify whether penalties should be financial or legal.

Multi-Pronged Strategy for Women’s Empowerment

• Policy Interventions & Structural Reforms: Legal mechanisms to enforce women’s leadership.
  • Technological Monitoring: Use of digital tools to track decision-making authority.
  • Peer Support Programs: Federations of women leaders for collective empowerment.
  • Gender-Exclusive Quotas: Inspired by Kerala’s model, allocating certain panchayat subject committees exclusively to women.
  • Public Swearing-In Ceremonies: Gram Sabha participation to strengthen women’s legitimacy.

Accountability & Oversight Mechanisms

• Helplines & Women Watchdog Committees: Confidential reporting of proxy leadership.
  • Whistleblower Rewards: Incentivizing verified complaints against male interference.

Minimum Education Requirement Debate

• A field recommendation suggested minimum school education for panchayat president candidates.
  • Haryana had set a Class 8 minimum qualification for women candidates, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2021.
  • However, the advisory panel did not include this in its final nine-point recommendations due to ongoing debates on educational eligibility.

Challenges & Implications

• Enforcement of Penalties: Without clear legal backing, penalizing proxy leadership may face resistance.
• Grassroots Resistance: Societal norms may continue enabling male control despite legal safeguards.
• Education Mandate Controversy: Could disenfranchise rural women with low literacy rates, limiting their political participation.

Conclusion

• The panel’s recommendations reflect a serious push for women’s true leadership in local governance.
• However, success depends on effective enforcement, cultural shifts, and legal clarity on punitive actions.

Cancer-related mortalities increased faster among women in the past decade

Context : Key Findings from ICMR & GLOBOCAN (2022)

• Cancer-related deaths have increased faster among women (1.2%-4.4% annual growth) compared to men (1.2%-2.4%) in the past decade.
• Three out of five individuals in India die after a cancer diagnosis.
• Cancer burden expected to rise due to demographic shifts, with more people moving into middle and geriatric age groups.
• Five most common cancers contribute 44% of India’s total cancer burden.

Relevance : GS 2(Health)

Gender Disparities in Cancer Incidence & Mortality

• Women have higher crude incidence & mortality rates compared to men.
• Population Factor (2022):
  • Females: 0.676 billion
  • Males: 0.731 billion
• Crude rates (new cases or deaths per population) show a significant cancer impact on women.

Age-Wise Cancer Risk

• Lowest risk: Childhood & reproductive age (0.08%-1.3%).
• Highest risk: Middle-aged & geriatric population, leading to an expected cancer epidemic in the near future.

Concerns & Implications

• Demographic Transition: India’s aging population may significantly increase cancer cases & deaths.
• Healthcare Preparedness: Rising cancer burden demands better screening, early detection, and treatment facilities.
• Gender-Specific Interventions: Need for targeted cancer awareness & healthcare strategies for women.

Conclusion

• Cancer mortality is rising at a faster pace among women, highlighting the need for improved cancer care, awareness, and policy interventions to address gender disparities in healthcare.

EU says ready to address India’s specific concerns on carbon tax levy on imports

Key Highlights

• EU acknowledges India’s concerns over the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a tax on carbon-intensive imports starting in 2026 (with a transition phase from 2023).
• EU claims CBAM is WTO-compatible, but is open to addressing specific concerns.
• EU unlikely to include CBAM in the Modi-von der Leyen talks on Friday, though India wants to raise the issue.
• EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra: 90% of companies may be excluded from CBAM.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

India’s Concerns on CBAM

• Economic impact on Indian exports, particularly steel, aluminum, cement, and other carbon-intensive sectors.
• Potential trade barriers affecting India’s competitiveness in the EU market.
• Compliance burden for Indian companies, given CBAM’s strict reporting and carbon pricing requirements.

EU’s Stand

• While some concerns are considered “illegitimate”, the EU is willing to share experiences to facilitate implementation.
• Asserts CBAM is not protectionist but a climate action tool aligned with WTO rules.

Potential Implications for India

• Higher export costs for carbon-intensive sectors.
• Need for decarbonization investments to remain competitive.
• Possibility of negotiations or exemptions for Indian exporters.

Conclusion

• India is pushing for dialogue on CBAM’s impact, while the EU remains firm on implementation but open to discussions.
• Long-term solution: India may need to accelerate green energy transitions and explore carbon pricing mechanisms to mitigate trade risks.

Indian peacekeepers serve with commitment: UN

Context : Indian peacekeepers serve with commitment, says UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

• Peacekeeping mission in Congo faces restrictions in M23 rebel-controlled areas, affecting movement and supply.
• India recognized as an important member in global peacekeeping efforts.
• Conference on ‘Women in Peacekeeping — A Global South Perspective’ held in India (Feb 24-25), bringing together representatives from 35+ countries.
• Call for UN Security Council reforms to reflect current global realities.
• Situation in Congo remains concerning, with M23 gaining territory, backed by Rwandan armed forces.
• India among top troop contributors: As of October 2024, 5,466 Indian personnel (5,046 military) deployed in UN missions, ranking fourth after Nepal, Rwanda, and Bangladesh.

Challenges for UN Peacekeepers in Congo

• Restrictions on movement & supply chains in M23-controlled areas.
• Threats to civilians and regional instability due to armed conflict.
• Peacekeepers’ safety concerns, though they are not directly targeted.

India’s Role in UN Peacekeeping

• Long-standing contribution to global peace operations.
• Women peacekeepers’ participation highlighted in recent conference.
• Advocacy for UN reforms, including Security Council restructuring.

Geopolitical Context

• Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 rebels worsening instability in Congo.
• No immediate prospects of ceasefire in Ukraine, UN monitoring still uncertain.

Conclusion

• India’s commitment to UN peacekeeping reaffirmed, despite challenges in volatile regions.
• Continued advocacy for global governance reforms and greater representation in international peace efforts.

Coal-fired power plants in India cut rice, wheat yield by up to 10%

Context : Key Findings from the Study

• Yield Loss: Coal-fired power plants reduce rice and wheat yields by up to 10% in several states.
• Primary Cause: Nitrogen oxides (NO₂) from coal plants are phytotoxic, causing cellular stress in plants and affecting enzymatic activities.
• Impact of NO₂:
  • Contributes to ozone formation, worsening crop damage.
  • Produces particulate matter, reducing sunlight for photosynthesis.

Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture , Environment)

Methodology of the Study

• Conducted by Stanford University researchers, led by Kirat Singh.
• Used satellite data (TROPOMI) to track NO₂ concentration across agricultural regions.
• Used Near-Infrared Reflectance of Vegetation (NIRv) as a proxy for plant health.
• Analysed wind patterns to differentiate coal pollution from other sources.

Regional Impact

• Chhattisgarh: Highest coal-related NO₂ pollution (19% in monsoon, 12.5% in winter).
• Uttar Pradesh: High NO₂ levels but only a small portion from coal.
• Tamil Nadu: Low NO₂ levels, but majority from coal power.
• West Bengal: 5.7% of cropland near coal plants could see 5-10% yield increase if coal-related NO₂ is eliminated.
• Madhya Pradesh: 5.9% of cropland could gain 5-10% yield; 11.9% could gain more than 10%.

Economic Impact

• Estimated ₹7,000 crore annual gain from reduced NO₂ pollution:
  • ₹3,500 crore ($420 million) increase in rice production.
  • ₹3,300 crore ($400 million) increase in wheat production.
• Targeting a few highly polluting plants can significantly benefit agriculture.

Policy Implications

• Coal power is crucial for India’s energy needs (255% budget increase for Ministry of Coal in FY 2025-26).
• Need for pollution-control policies balancing energy and food security.
• Strategic installation of pollution-control equipment in high-impact coal plants could maximize agricultural benefits.
• Findings could aid policymakers in prioritizing power plants for emission reduction measures.

Future Research Directions

• Further studies on the impact of other coal pollutants on agriculture.
• Identifying optimal locations for emission control investments.
• Exploring alternative energy solutions to reduce reliance on coal while sustaining agricultural productivity.