Current Affairs 03 January 2025

Content:

1. Poverty, trafficking in Bengal linked to climate change: experts
2. PSLV C-60 mission: space start-up firm gets desired results
3. Why has Trump called the Panama treaty ‘foolish’?
4. ‘Suicides among CISF personnel dip 40% due to proactive measures’
5. SC questions petition alleging ‘favouritism’ in legal profession
6. Experts on GM crop panels to declare conflict of interest
7. Indian researchers develop injectable hydrogel for targeted cancer treatment
8. Govt. report reveals stark infrastructure gap in Indian schools

Poverty, Trafficking in Bengal Linked to Climate Change

Context: Human trafficking continues to be a significant policy challenge in West Bengal, particularly in regions like the Sundarbans, where socio-environmental vulnerabilities are exacerbated by climate change.

Relevance:GS 2 (Social Issues), GS 3 (Climate Change)

Climate Change and Trafficking Connection:

• Cyclones and environmental disasters in West Bengal, especially in the Sundarbans, have intensified poverty and displacement.
• Repeated tropical cyclones, including Amphan (2020) and Yaas (2021), have devastated livelihoods, forcing migrations that expose vulnerable populations, especially women and children, to trafficking risks.

Data and Trends:

• Missing Persons (2022):
  • Total: 58,871 (53,655 women, 12,455 children).

• Human Trafficking Cases:
  • 59 (2020), 61 (2021), and 67 (2022).

• Victims in 2022:
  • 78, including 60 girls and 18 boys.

Exploitation by Traffickers:

• Traffickers exploit socio-economic vulnerabilities by luring impoverished individuals with false job promises.

Conviction Rates:

• The conviction rate for trafficking cases in 2022 was 55%, underscoring gaps in addressing the issue comprehensively.

Call for Integrated Interventions:

• Organizations like ILFAT and Bijoyini work to rescue survivors, spread awareness, and advocate for systemic changes.

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and survivor networks emphasize the intersection of climate change, poverty, and trafficking, highlighting the urgent need for integrated interventions.

• Recommendations:
  • Creating livelihood opportunities.
  • Improving access to support systems in disaster-affected areas.

PSLV C-60 Mission: Space Start-up Firm Gets Desired Results

Context: Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space start-up, has announced the successful performance of its Rudra High–Performance Green Propulsion System.

Relevance: GS 3 (Space)

Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System:

• Successfully fired aboard POEM–4 during the PSLV C-60 mission.
• Proven reliability and repeatability, replicating results from the January 2024 space qualification test.
• All subsystems are 100% developed in-house by Bellatrix Aerospace.

Technical Performance:

• The system caused a yaw axis disturbance of 1.4 degrees per second during a 60–second firing.
• Achieved an 80-degree angular rotation of the POEM platform, setting a new benchmark for performance.

Future Plans:

• Additional test firings of the propulsion system are scheduled to further evaluate its capabilities.

Significance:

• Demonstrates advancements in green propulsion technology, emphasizing sustainability in space exploration.
• Reinforces Bellatrix Aerospace’s position as a key player in the Indian space technology sector.

Why has Trump called the Panama Treaty ‘Foolish’?

Context: The Panama Canal dispute arises from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial statements about reclaiming control of the canal, citing unfair treatment of U.S. interests.

Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations)

Trump’s Concerns:

• Transit Fees:
  Severe droughts in 2023 reduced shipping slots by 36%, prompting the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to increase fees, impacting U.S. vessels.

• Chinese Influence:Since 2017, Panama’s engagement with China through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has led to significant Chinese investments near the canal.Concerns include operational influence and potential surveillance by Chinese entities.

Historical Context:

• The Panama Canal, a crucial 80-kilometer waterway linking the Atlantic and PacificOceans, was built and controlled by the U.S. until 1999.
  • The Torrijos-Carter Treaties transferred control to Panama and declared the canal neutral, allowing vessels from all nations and granting the U.S. rights to defend its neutrality.

Panama’s Response:

• President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s claims, reaffirming Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.
  • Defended transit fees as being aligned with international standards and denied allegations of Chinese military presence or undue influence.

China’s Position:

• China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Trump’s accusations, emphasizing respect for Panama’s sovereignty and the canal’s role as a neutral passageway.

Potential Developments:

• Diplomatic negotiations are likely to address U.S. concerns over transit fees and Chinese involvement.
  • Panama may seek international support to counter U.S. pressures, reinforcing its sovereignty and the neutrality of the canal.

Global Implications:

• The canal’s strategic importance for globaltrade (handling 6% of maritime trade) makes its governance a critical geopolitical issue.
  • Tensions could influence U.S.-China-Panama relations and broader dynamics in Latin America.

Suicides Among CISF Personnel Dip 40% Due to Proactive Measures

Context: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has successfully reduced its suicide rate by 40% in 2024 through targeted interventions, bringing it below the national average for the first time in five years.

Relevance: GS 2 (Social Issues, Suicide)

Reduction in Suicide Rates:

• CISF Suicide Rate: Dropped to 9.87 per lakh people in 2024, compared to the national rate of 12.4 per lakh people in 2022.
  • Decline: A 40% reduction compared to the previous year.

Factors Contributing to Stress:

• Prolonged family separation.
  • High-pressure work environment.
  • Personal challenges.
  • CAPFs are particularly vulnerable due to unique occupational challenges.

Proactive Measures Taken by CISF:

• Enhanced Communication:Commanding officers conduct regular visits and hold daily briefing-debriefing sessions to identify and address signs of distress.

• Grievance Redressal:Launched an online grievance portal for real-time monitoring and resolution, up to the Director General (DG) level.

• Mental Health Support:24×7 tele-counselling and personal counselling services.Over 4,200 personnel availed of counselling by September 2024.

• One-on-One Counselling:Individualized mental health support for personnel.

• Collaboration with AIIMS:Conducted a comprehensive mental health study and implemented actionable recommendations at the unit level.

Impact and Significance:

• The CISF’s efforts demonstrate the effectiveness of proactive mental health interventions.
  • The measures could serve as a model for other CAPFs and organizations dealing with high-stress environments.

SC Questions Petition Alleging ‘Favouritism’ in Legal Profession

Context: Advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara has petitioned the Supreme Court to abolish the senior advocate designation system, alleging it fosters elitism and privilege in the legal profession.

Relevance: GS 2 (Polity & Governance)

Senior Advocate Designation:

• Governing Law: The designation is governed by Section 16 of the Advocates Act.
  • Criteria: Senior advocates are distinguished based on professional standing, expertise, and contributions to law.
  • Privileges: Senior advocates enjoy certain privileges, including pre-audience rights under Section 23(5) of the Act.

Petitioner’s Allegations:

• Claims the designation process is biased in favor of judges’ relatives and influential personalities.
  • Asserts the system violates Article 14 (equality), Article 19 (right to practice any profession), and Article 21 (right to life) of the Constitution.
  • Demands the abolition of the senior advocate designation and the Collegium system to combat perceived elitism in the judiciary.

Court’s Response:

• Justice B.R. Gavai challenged the petitioner to provide concrete evidence of favoritism.
  • The Bench termed several claims in the petition as “scurrilous and unfounded”, granting the petitioner time to revise or withdraw the petition.
  • Strongly warned of action against the petitioners if baseless allegations are not removed.

Arguments by Mr. Nedumpara:

• Cited the recent designation of 70 lawyers by the Delhi High Court as an example of bias.
  • Criticized the creation of a “special class” of advocates with privileges not available to others, calling it unconstitutional.

Court’s Position on Reflection:

• Suggested that Mr. Nedumpara “reflect upon” the allegations and amend the petition.
  • Emphasized the need for factual substantiation rather than broad insinuations.

Possible Outcomes:

• If the petition is not revised, the court may dismiss it or take action against the petitioners for making unsubstantiated claims.
  • The case could reignite debates about reforms in the legal profession, including the senior advocate designation and the Collegium system.

Experts on GM Crop Panels to Declare Conflict of Interest

Context: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has amended rules for selecting expert members to the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), addressing concerns of conflict of interest.

Relevance: GS 3 (Genetic Engineering)

Amendments to GEAC Rules:

• Disclosure of Interests: Expert members must disclose any direct or indirect interests that could conflict with their duties.
  • Recusal from Discussions: Experts with potential conflicts of interest are expected to recuse themselves from meetings unless specifically requested to participate.
  • Detailed Affiliation Form: Members must disclose professional affiliations for the past 10 years before joining the GEAC.

Supreme Court’s Role:

• Split Verdict on GM Mustard (July 2023):Two judges delivered differing opinions on the Centre’s 2022 approval of GM mustard for environmental release.The final resolution on the validity of GM mustard remains pending before a future Bench.
  • Directives on Conflict of Interest:
    • Both judges agreed on the need for rules to address potential conflicts of interest in decision-making bodies.

Background of Conflict Allegations:

• In 2013, the Coalition for GM-Free India alleged that a member of a Technical Expert Committee appointed by the SC had ties to Monsanto, a biotech and pesticide company.
  • The member reportedly ran an organisation funded by Monsanto, raising questions about the impartiality of recommendations on GM crops.

Significance of the Amendments:

• Enhances transparency and accountability in GEAC decisions.
  • Aims to address public skepticism about potential bias in approving genetically modified crops.
  • Aligns with the SC’s directive to resolve issues around conflict of interest in regulatory bodies.

Next Steps:

• The Centre is expected to formulate a national policy on GM crops as per the SC’s 2023 order.
  • The final decision on GM mustard’s release, as well as broader implications for GM crop regulation, awaits further judicial deliberation.

Indian Researchers Develop Injectable Hydrogel for Targeted Cancer Treatment

Context: Researchers from IIT-Guwahati and the Bose Institute, Kolkata have developed an advanced injectable hydrogel aimed at improving localized cancer treatment.

Relevance: GS 3 (Health)

Development of Injectable Hydrogel:

• Functionality: Acts as a stablereservoir for anti–cancerdrugs, ensuring controlled release.
  • Targeted Action: Designed to spare healthy cells while targeting tumors.
  • Focus Area: Specifically aimed at breast cancer therapy.

Scientific Basis:

• Hydrogel Composition: Made of ultra-short peptides that remain insoluble in biological fluids, ensuring localization at the injection site.
  • Glutathione Sensitivity: Reacts to elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), a molecule abundant in tumor cells, enabling precise drug activation.
  • Biomimicry: Mimics living tissue structure, making it ideal for biomedical applications.

Advantages Over Conventional Treatments:

• Limitations of Chemotherapy: Current treatments cause systemic side effects, affecting both healthy and cancerous cells.
  • Localized Action: Hydrogel targets the tumor site directly, reducing systemic side effects and improving treatment efficacy.

Research Collaboration:

• Lead Researchers: Led by Debapratim Das (IIT-G) with co-authors Tanushree Das and Ritvika Kushwaha.
  • Bose Institute Contributors: Kuldip Jana, Satyajit Halder, and Anup Kumar Misra.
  • Publication: Findings published in Materials Horizons, a journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Potential Impact:

• Revolutionary Approach: Offers a new method for breast cancer therapy and potentially other localized cancer treatments.
  • Precision in Treatment: Enhances precision in cancer treatment, aligning with the need for innovative, minimally invasive solutions.

Quote from the Researchers:

• “This work exemplifies how scientific innovation can address the pressing needs of cancer treatment. The hydrogel’s properties allow it to work harmoniously with the biological environment, offering precision,” said Prof. Das.
  • This research marks a significant step forward in developing targeted cancer therapies that reduce harm to patients while improving treatment outcomes.