Current Affairs 04 January 2025

Content:

1. India Protests China’s New Counties in Ladakh
2. Union Health Ministry Monitors HMPV Outbreak in China
3. Delhi Schools Fare Much Better in Digitalisation Than National Average
4. After protests, MHA grants foreign fund registration to NGO
5. Protests erupt in Pithampur over arrival of Union Carbide waste
6. In Madurai, mining for tungsten and trouble

India Protests China’s New Counties in Ladakh

Context: India has lodged a formal protest with China over the creation of two new counties in the Hotan prefecture that incorporates territory of India’s Ladakh.

Relevance: GS 3 (Internal Security)

• New Counties:
  • India has protested the formation of two new counties, He’an and Hekang, in the Hotan prefecture.
  • These counties include territory that belongs to India’s Ladakh region.

• India’s Stance:
  • India maintains that it does not accept China’s illegal occupation of Indian territory.
  • The creation of new counties will not affect India’s long–standing position on its sovereignty over the area.
  • Mr. Jaiswal stated, “The creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India’s long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation of the same.”

• Hydropower Project Concerns:
  • India has raised concerns about China’s mega hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra).
  • The river flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India.

• Dam Project:
  • China’s announcement of the dam project is a cause for concern as it is expected to be the world’s largest infrastructure project.
  • India protested the lack of communication through official channels regarding this project.

• Diplomatic Engagement:
  • The protest occurred against the backdrop of a meeting between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in December 2024.
  • This meeting aimed to address tensions following the Galwan clashes of June 2020.

• India’s Demand:
  • India urged China to ensure transparency in the dam project.
  • India emphasized the need for China to consult downstream countries like India before proceeding with the project.
  • India stated that it would continue to monitor the situation to protect its national interests.

Union Health Ministry Monitors HMPV Outbreak in China

Context: India is monitoring the reported outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, where cases are rising, particularly in children under 14 years.

Relevance: GS 3 (Health)

Monitoring of Outbreak:

• The Union Health Ministry of India is closely monitoring the alleged outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.

No Unusual Spike in India:

• While China has reported a surge in HMPV cases, India has not registered any unusual spike in winter respiratory diseases, suggesting no immediate threat in the country.

Symptoms and Complications of HMPV:

• Symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and potential complications like bronchitis and pneumonia, especially among children. Cases have been rising in northern China.

Global Context:

• HMPV was first reported in 2011-12 in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Europe, indicating that the virus is not new but is gaining attention due to its recent surge.

Government’s Monitoring Actions:

• India’s National Centre for Disease Control is actively monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases and maintaining communication with international health agencies to stay updated on the situation.

No Cases Reported in India:

• Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, confirmed that there have been no reported cases of HMPV in India, emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm at this point.

General Statement on Respiratory Illnesses:

• HMPV is described as similar to other respiratory viruses that cause flu-like symptoms and is common during winter months. Hospitals in India are well-equipped to handle such illnesses.

Lack of Special Treatment for HMPV:

• There are no specific antiviral drugs for HMPV, and no major cases have been reported in Indian hospitals or by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Global Understanding of HMPV:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV can cause both upper and lower respiratory diseases and is particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

HMPV’s Background and Significance:

• Discovered in 2001, HMPV is a member of the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased awareness of HMPV as a significant cause of respiratory infections.

Delhi Schools Fare Much Better in Digitalisation Than National Average

Context: The digital infrastructure in Delhi schools has outpaced the national average, as revealed by the Ministry of Education’s UDISE+ data.

Relevance: GS 2(Education ) , GS 3 (Digital Infrastructure)

Delhi’s Digital Edge:

• 99.1% of Delhi schools have functional desktops, compared to the national average of 32.4%.
• 60.9% of Delhi schools are equipped with projectors (national average: 20.3%).
• 37.3% of Delhi schools have integrated teaching-learning devices, against a national average of 8.1%.
• 74% of Delhi schools have smart classrooms, surpassing the national average of 24.4%.

Digital Divide Across States:

• States like Assam (12.8%), Bihar (13.3%), and Jharkhand (17%) have the least number of schools with functional desktops.
• Chandigarh leads in integrated teaching-learning devices (42.2%), while Meghalaya ranks lowest (2.4%).

Private vs. Government Schools:

• 50.6% of private schools have mobile phones for teaching purposes, compared to 30.2% of government schools.
• 45.9% of private schools have integrated teaching–learning devices versus 30.3% of government schools.
• Smart classrooms are present in 79.5% of private schools and 70% of government schools.

Impact of the Pandemic:

• The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital teaching methods, encouraging teachers to innovate beyond textbooks.
• Despite infrastructure improvements, device accessibility for students remains a challenge, with 30-35% of students unable to attend online classes during pollution-related school closures.

Challenges in Government Schools:

• While digital facilities have improved, many students in government schools lack access to personal devices, affecting online class attendance

After protests, MHA grants foreign fund registration to NGO

Introduction : The FCRA License Renewal Saga

• The Sambhavna Trust, a crucial NGO providing free medical aid to the victims of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, recently had its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration restored by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This came after five years of waiting and protests by the Trust’s staff and beneficiaries.

• The NGO’s registration was cancelled in 2019 on technical grounds for not uploading annual returns, despite the Trust claiming that glitches in the MHA portal were responsible. The Trust re-applied in 2023, but its plea remained pending for months, jeopardizing its operations due to lack of funds. The MHA finally acted after public protests drew attention to the issue.

Relevance: GS2 (Governance) , GS3 (Internal Security).

Issues at Stake

FCRA and Regulation of NGOs

• The FCRA, enacted in 1976 and amended in 2010 and 2020, aims to regulate foreign donations to NGOs and prevent their misuse for activities deemed detrimental to India’s sovereignty, security, or public interest.

• The 2020 amendments introduced stricter conditions, such as:
• Prohibition on sub–granting foreign funds to other NGOs
• Mandatory Aadhaar verification for office-bearers
• Limiting administrative expenses to 20%

The cancellation of FCRA licenses has increased in recent years. Between 2011-2021, over 19,000 NGOs lost their FCRA registration for various reasons, including non-compliance.

Impact on Public Health and Social Services

• The Sambhavna Trust has been pivotal in providing healthcare to survivors of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters.

• The Trust operates clinics offering free treatment to thousands of victims suffering from respiratory, neurological, and reproductive issues caused by the toxic gas leak.
• It primarily relies on donations from foreign individuals, and the lack of FCRA registration had pushed it to the brink of closure.

The Trust’s financial crisis highlights the dependence of several NGOs on foreign contributions to sustain critical public health initiatives, especially in areas where state intervention is inadequate.

Concerns Around Overregulation of Civil Society

• India’s NGO sector plays a crucial role in supplementing government efforts in healthcare, education, and disaster relief. However, the overregulation of civil society organizations under the FCRA regime has led to:

• Increased bureaucratic hurdles
• Financial uncertainty for NGOs
• Shrinking civic space

Critics argue that the FCRA framework is being used to target dissenting voices and restrict civil society movements.

• For instance, prominent NGOs like Amnesty International India have faced FCRA cancellations, citing violations of funding norms.
• Greenpeace India and CARE India have also faced similar actions, raising concerns about freedom of association and expression.

Procedural Issues in FCRA Compliance

The case of the Sambhavna Trust underscores technical glitches and procedural issues in the FCRA system.

• The Trust claimed that annual returns were filed, but technical issues on the MHA portal prevented their successful submission.
• Despite repeated pleas, the MHA cancelled the license, showing a lack of procedural flexibility in the system.
• The prolonged delay in processing the Trust’s application in 2023 further indicates bureaucratic inertia.

This raises questions about:

• The efficiency of FCRA mechanisms
• The need for reforms to ensure fair and transparent procedures

Larger Implications for Civil Society and Governance

Case Study: The 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which occurred on December 2-3, 1984, was a catastrophic industrial disaster.

• Over 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from a Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant, killing thousands and leaving long-term health effects on survivors.
• The tragedy highlights the need for continuous healthcare for survivors, making the role of NGOs like Sambhavna Trust indispensable.

Role of Sambhavna Trust:

• Established in 1996 to provide free medical care, using a mix of modern medicine, Ayurveda, and yoga.
• The Trust also conducts research on the long-term effects of chemical exposure and advocates for justice for the victims.

Constitutional and Legal Dimensions

• Article 19(1)(c): Right to form associations or unions
• Article 21: Right to health as a part of the right to life
• FCRA, 2010 & Amendments (2020): Legal framework for foreign funding regulations

Way Forward

Balance Between National Security and Civil Society Participation
The government must ensure that security concerns do not stifle legitimate civil society activities.

Reforming FCRA Processes

• Address technical glitches in the system
• Ensure timely and fair processing of applications

Strengthening Public Health Services
There is a need to reduce dependence on foreign funds by strengthening public healthcare infrastructure, especially in disaster-hit areas like Bhopal.

Protests erupt in Pithampur over arrival of Union Carbide waste

The recent protests in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, over the disposal of 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, highlight ongoing public concerns regarding environmental safety and public health risks.

The waste, a remnant of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, was transported to Pithampur’s industrial incineration facility, sparking violent protests and self-immolation attempts by locals.

Why Are People Protesting?

Environmental and Health Concerns:

• Local residents fear groundwater contamination and air pollution from burning the toxic waste, despite government assurances of safe disposal.
  • Activists argue that the previous assurances by authorities on handling hazardous materials have not always been trustworthy.

Public Mistrust:

• The lack of transparency and scientific clarity in handling toxic waste has led to public skepticism.
  • Past incidents of environmental negligence in industrial areas have further worsened the trust deficit.

Historical Trauma of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy:

• The Bhopal disaster of 1984 is considered one of the worst industrial disasters in history, resulting in thousands of deaths and long-term health complications.
  • The survivors and their families have consistently opposed any move to relocate waste without proper remediation.

Government’s Response

Chief Minister’s Assurance:

• CM Mohan Yadav has assured that the state would follow scientific guidelines and court orders to ensure safe disposal of the waste.
  • He urged citizens to avoid misinformation and stated that no immediate burning would take place.

Police Action:

• The police used water cannons and resorted to baton charges to disperse protesters marching toward the incineration site.
  • Section 163 of the BNS was imposed around the Ramky Group’s waste management facility, prohibiting public assembly near the area until January 12.

Legal and Institutional Framework

Judicial Oversight:

• The transport and disposal of hazardous waste are being conducted under the directions of courts and scientific advisory committees.
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and other bodies have previously monitored hazardous waste disposal processes in India.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 163:

• Section 163 of the BNS is a provision to restrict public gatherings in sensitive areas to prevent law and order situations.
  • This move indicates the administration’s focus on controlling public dissent rather than addressing environmental concerns directly.

Environmental and Governance Issues

Hazardous Waste Management

• The Bhopal gas tragedy waste disposal highlights India’s challenges in managing toxic and hazardous waste.
• Issues include lack of infrastructure, inadequate scientific protocols, and public mistrust.

Public Health and Environmental Justice

• The protest showcases the intersection of environmental protection and public health concerns.
• It raises questions about India’s preparedness to manage legacy pollution and protect vulnerable communities.

Policy and Institutional Challenges

• There is a need for transparency in government policies related to hazardous waste disposal.
• Citizen participation in decision-making processes can help build trust and accountability.

Critical Takeaways

Legacy Pollution Requires Urgent Attention:

• The Bhopal waste issue is a reminder of India’s lagging waste management system and responsibility towards industrial disaster victims.

Need for Transparent Governance:

• Public concerns must be addressed through open communication, scientific clarity, and independent oversight.

Balancing Development and Environmental Concerns:

• The industrial town of Pithampur faces a development vs. environment dilemma, showcasing the importance of sustainable industrial policies.

In Madurai, Mining For Tungsten And Trouble

Context :The Union Government granted tungsten mining rights in eight blocks in Madurai district to Hindustan Zinc Limited (Vedanta’s subsidiary) in November 2024. This sparked sustained protests by local residents, particularly in Melur taluk, which includes Arittapatti, a biodiversity heritage site. The opposition stems from concerns over environmental degradation, cultural heritage loss, and livelihood disruption.

Relevance: GS2 ( Governance), GS3 (Environment & Economy )

Importance of Tungsten

• Tungsten is a critical mineral used in:
• Defence and automobile industries
• Green energy technologies (batteries, solar panels)
• Aerospace and electronic applications

• India is pushing for self–reliance in critical minerals due to geopolitical concerns and global decarbonization goals. This makes tungsten extraction strategically significant.

Global Context:

• The U.S. Critical Minerals Policy (2018) prioritized securing such resources.
• India’s amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act in 2023 strengthened exploration rights for critical minerals.

Environmental and Cultural Concerns

A. Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site

• Tamil Nadu’s first biodiversity heritage site (notified in 2022).
• Home to 250 bird species, including Laggar falcon, Shaheen falcon, and Bonelli’s eagle.
• Contains 200 natural ponds and three check dams, crucial for agriculture.
• Habitat for Indian pangolin and slender loris.

B. Historical and Archaeological Significance

• The seven rocky granite hills in the region have archaeological evidence from the 16th-century Pandya kingdom, including:
• Megalithic structures
• Rock-cut temples
• Tamil Brahmi inscriptions
• Jain beds

Archaeologists argue that these sites are historically significant and should be preserved.

Impact on Livelihoods

Most residents in Melur taluk are farmers and daily wage labourers.

• They depend on agriculture and livestock.
• The Mullaperiyar dam-fed ponds are critical for irrigation.
• Tungsten mining would disrupt water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods.

• Additionally, locals consider the hills sacred, with folktales of village protectors (e.g., Kazhinja malai legend of Vemban) intertwined with their cultural beliefs.

Legal and Administrative Issues

A. Role of the Union and State Governments

• The Union Ministry of Mines granted mining rights under Section 20A of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• The Tamil Nadu government opposed the project and passed a resolution in the State Assembly against it.
• However, the Union Government’s authority supersedes State concerns in matters of national interest, especially related to critical minerals.

B. Resurvey and Redefinition of Boundaries

In response to protests, the Union government asked the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to redefine the boundaries of the Nayakkarpatti block, excluding Arittapatti from mining.

• This partial exclusion did not satisfy residents, as other villages remain threatened.
• Activists claim another 35,000 hectares in Melur are being studied for future auctions.

Grassroots Protests and Local Sentiment

The protests in Madurai have been intense and sustained, driven by local communities, especially women.

• Kummi dance protests by women symbolize their cultural resistance.
• Gram Sabha resolutions in 20+ panchayats have opposed the project.
• Residents are determined to protect their land and culture despite pressure from political parties.

Protesters believe that development must not come at the cost of heritage, environment, and livelihoods.

Ethical Dimensions

A. Environmental Ethics

The protests highlight conflicts between development and environmental conservation.

• Question: How far can the government go to exploit natural resources for economic gain?

B. Cultural and Ethical Responsibility

The government must respect local beliefs, traditions, and livelihoods. The sacred hills are symbolic of the community’s identity, and their destruction would erase cultural memory.

Possible Consequences of Tungsten Mining

Case Study:
China’s tungsten mining sites have caused soil and water contamination and health issues. India risks similar consequences.

Way Forward

A. Legislative Solutions

The Tamil Nadu government can pass a special law to protect Melur’s natural resources, similar to its Special Agricultural Zone Law for the Cauvery delta.

B. Community Participation

The Union Government must adopt a participatory approach by consulting local communities and panchayats before granting mining rights.

C. Balance Development and Conservation

Development projects must strike a balance between national interest and local livelihoods.

• Critical minerals are essential for India’s energy transition, but local concerns must be addressed through impact assessments and compensatory mechanisms.