Current Affairs 06 February 2025

Content:

1. 100 Indians deported from U.S. for illegal entry arrive in Amritsar on military transport plane
2. New life-sized mechanical elephant to assist Kerala temple in ceremonies
3. Govt. warns officials against using AI tools due to security risks
4. The rise and rise of UPI digital payments
5. What is the SC directive on sacred groves?
6. Western Ghats: a living archive of culture, memory, and resilience
7. At least 2,900 dead during M23’s capture of east DRC’s Goma: UN

100 Indians deported from U.S. for illegal entry arrive in Amritsar on military transport plane

Overview of the Deportation Incident

• A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, carrying around 100 Indian nationals suspected of entering the U.S. illegally.

• Initial estimates suggested over 200 individuals, but later reports confirmed a smaller number, in line with large-scale deportation flight norms.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ,Governance)

Unprecedented Use of Military Aircraft

• The deportation drew attention due to the use of a military transport plane instead of regular commercial repatriation flights.

• This is the first time such deportations were conducted using one of the U.S.’s largest cargo aircraft.

• It highlights the U.S.’s strict stance on illegal immigration and possible bilateral coordination with India on such issues.

Handling of Deportees in India

• The Punjab Police took charge of the deportees upon arrival.

• Authorities facilitated their return to home states (Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat) via commercial taxis, airlines, and special flights to Delhi and Gujarat.

• Most deportees from Punjab belonged to districts like Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Kapurthala, indicating a regional pattern of migration attempts.

Immigration Concerns & Broader Implications

• The event reflects the ongoing crackdown by the U.S. on illegal immigration.

• Many Indians attempt irregular migration through Latin American routes, often falling prey to human trafficking networks.

• The use of military resources signals greater enforcement measures by the U.S. and potentially stricter future deportation protocols.

• India may need to intensify awareness campaigns and strengthen measures against illegal migration networks to prevent exploitation of its citizens.

Future Outlook

• This incident could prompt more coordinated repatriation policies between India and the U.S.

• India may tighten its own migration control policies to reduce illegal entries and potential diplomatic strains.

New life-sized mechanical elephant to assist Kerala temple in ceremonies

Context and Significance

• The introduction of a mechanical elephant in temple rituals marks a progressive shift in Kerala’s traditional religious practices.

• It aligns with animal welfare efforts and reduces the reliance on live elephants, often subjected to harsh conditions.

• The move reflects a growing awareness of ethical treatment of animals in religious and cultural spaces.

Relevance : GS 1(Culture), GS 3(Environment), GS 4(Ethics)

Features of Kombara Kannan

• Dimensions: 3 metres tall, weighing 800 kg.
• Purpose: To assist in temple ceremonies without harming animals.
• Unveiling Ceremony: Conducted by Satish Vimalan, followed by a Panchari melam (traditional percussion ensemble).

Ethical and Cultural Implications

• Alternative to Captive Elephants:
  • Reduces exploitation and stress experienced by real elephants.
  • Promotes their preservation in natural habitats.

• Religious Acceptance:
  • The Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple welcomes the mechanical elephant, setting a precedent for other temples.

• Impact on Devotees:
  • Mechanical elephants ensure tradition is maintained without ethical concerns.
  • Enthusiastic response from children and devotees indicates cultural adaptability.

Broader Implications

• Animal Rights Advocacy: Encourages PETA-led campaigns against captive elephants.
• Legal and Policy Influence: May push for stricter regulations on elephant ownership.
• Future Adoption: Potentially influences other temples and festivals across India.

Govt. warns officials against using AI tools due to security risks

Background of Circular

• On January 29, the Ministry of Finance, through the Department of Expenditure (DoE), issued a circular advising government officials to avoid using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek, on official devices due to concerns about data confidentiality.

• The circular emphasized that such AI tools pose a significant risk to the security of government data and documents.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Technology)

AI Tools in Focus

• The warning specifically targets ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI (whose CEO, Sam Altman, is currently visiting India), and DeepSeek, an AI tool developed in China and launched in January.

• The circular highlights the security risks posed by these AI tools, with the key concern being that they might access or expose sensitive government data.

Official Advisory

• Explicit instructions that the use of these AI applications on office devices should be strictly avoided.

• The Finance Secretary approved the decision, ensuring that the order holds official status across government departments.

Potential Threats to Confidentiality

• AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek process large amounts of data, raising concerns over the potential breach of confidential government information.

• There is fear that sensitive information entered into these AI models could be misused or accessed by unauthorized parties, leading to significant security and privacy risks.

Government’s Countermeasures

• In response to concerns over DeepSeek, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Information Technology, indicated that DeepSeek would be hosted on Indian servers soon. This would allow the government to better control data privacy and security parameters associated with the tool.

• The Indian government has previously hosted other open-source models, such as Llama, on local servers to ensure data protection.

Previous Training Initiatives

• In contrast, in October 2024, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) organized a training session for officials, including those at the Joint Secretary level, on using ChatGPT-4 Plus.

• The training was intended to familiarize officials with AI tools but did not appear to address the security risks that have now prompted the recent circular.

Future of AI in Government

• The current stance on AI tools reflects a cautious approach, as the government evaluates the benefits of AI alongside data privacy and security risks.

• There is likely to be a balance between harnessing AI’s potential for improving governance while mitigating any threats to national and governmental security.

Public and Institutional Reactions

• The debate surrounding AI’s role in government work raises critical questions about data sovereignty and cybersecurity. There is potential for broader discussions on how to manage the integration of AI technology while maintaining robust privacy protections.

The rise and rise of UPI digital payments

Context: Rapid Growth in Digital Payments:

• Digital payments in India have surged dramatically, growing more than 3.5 times in value from ₹772 lakh crore (2013) to ₹2,758 lakh crore (2024).

• The volume of digital payments has increased even more significantly, from 222 crore in 2013 to over 20,787 crore in 2024.

• Between 2019 and 2024, digital payments grew by 1.6 times in value and 6.7 times in volume, as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Payment System Report.

Relevance : GS 3(Economy , Banking)

UPI Dominance in Digital Payments:

• The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has emerged as the key driver of this growth, consolidating multiple bank accounts into a single mobile interface for seamless transactions.

• UPI’s volume share in the digital payments landscape surged from 34% in 2019 to 83% in 2024, illustrating its growing prominence.

Impressive Growth in UPI Transactions:

• UPI transaction volumes increased by an astonishing 46 times from 375 crore in 2018 to 17,221 crore in 2024.

• In contrast, other payment methods only saw a doubling of transaction volumes during this period, indicating the outsized role of UPI in the growth of digital payments.

Surge in UPI Transaction Values:

• UPI transaction values surged from ₹18.37 lakh crore in 2019 to ₹246.83 lakh crore in 2024, reflecting the increased adoption and value of UPI-based transactions.

Person-to-Person (P2P) vs. Person-to-Merchant (P2M) Transactions:

• UPI transactions in the P2M category (business payments) grew faster than P2P (personal transfers) transactions in terms of volume.

• This shift towards P2M transactions highlights the growing role of UPI in facilitating business payments, particularly in the retail and services sectors.

Comparative Share of Digital Payment Methods in 2024:

• In terms of transaction volume, UPI dominates, accounting for over 80% of all digital payments.

• However, when it comes to transaction value, UPI’s share is lower, constituting about 30%, suggesting that larger value transactions still rely on other payment methods.

Key Data Points and Insights:

• UPI Growth in Volume (2019-2024): From 1,078.75 crore in 2019 to 17,220.80 crore in 2024.

• UPI Growth in Value (2019-2024): From ₹18.37 lakh crore in 2019 to ₹246.83 lakh crore in 2024.

• Other Payment Methods: While other digital payment methods like IMPS, credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets have grown, UPI continues to outpace them, both in volume and overall adoption.

Conclusion:

• The rise of UPI has been a pivotal factor in India’s digital payment revolution, reshaping the landscape by providing a simple, cost-effective, and secure way for users to transfer funds across multiple platforms.

What is the SC directive on sacred groves?

Context : The Supreme Court’s December 18, 2024 directive mandates the Rajasthan Forest Department to map and classify sacred groves as ‘forests’ and ‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife Protection Act, shifting control from community-based management to government oversight, conflicting with the Forest Rights Act.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

December 18, 2024 SC Order:

• Mapping and Classification: The Rajasthan Forest Department is mandated to map sacred groves, both on the ground and through satellite, regardless of size, based on their ecological and cultural importance to local communities.

• Transfer to Forest Department: Sacred groves will be classified as ‘forests’ and designated as ‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972. This move shifts the management from community-driven conservation to Forest Department oversight.

Implications of the Order:

• Control Shift: The order transfers sacred groves from traditional community management to government control, disrupting the grassroots conservation models that have existed for centuries.

• Conflict with Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006: The move undermines the FRA, which grants communities the rights to manage forest resources, including sacred groves. The FRA designates communities as statutory authorities for conservation, contrasting with the centralization envisioned by the SC order.

T.N. Godavarman Case (1997):

• Definition of ‘Forest Land’: The case expanded the definition of ‘forest land’ to include not just forested areas but any land recorded as a forest, irrespective of ownership. This laid the groundwork for classifying sacred groves as forest land, leading to their inclusion under WLPA.

• Impact on Sacred Groves: The order places sacred groves under the same category as other forests, potentially altering how these groves are managed and conserved.

Traditional Community Conservation:

• Cultural and Ecological Significance: Sacred groves are traditionally managed by communities, governed by customary laws and taboos, preserving biodiversity and natural resources.

• Conservation Practices: Communities maintain sacred groves as sacred spaces, with limited or no resource extraction, ensuring their long-term preservation. These groves play an integral role in ecological health, serving as biodiversity hotspots, flood and soil erosion buffers, and sources of medicinal plants.

Sacred Groves in India:

• India is home to 1-10 lakh sacred groves, the highest concentration globally. These groves have different regional names and serve as cultural hubs, often linked to temples, shrines, and burial grounds, alongside being vital ecological sites.

Community Reserves under WLPA 2002:

• Legal Framework: The WLPA introduced the concept of community reserves, areas of community or private land voluntarily protected by locals. These areas are managed by a reserve committee, often including local representatives, with strict penalties for violations.

• Management Changes: The SC’s directive requires the establishment of a management committee to oversee conservation efforts in sacred groves, adding a layer of bureaucratic control.

Potential Clashes with FRA:

• FRA’s Role: Sacred groves, if classified under FRA, would fall under ‘community forest resources’, empowering local communities to protect and manage these areas according to their customs and needs.

• Conflict with Forest Department Control: Under FRA, community forest resources are managed by gram sabhas (village councils), but the SC’s directive places sacred groves under the control of the Forest Department, potentially eroding the traditional rights and governance systems.

Concerns Over Customary Rights:

• Sacred groves are deeply embedded in local culture and governance, with communities having historical and spiritual ties to them. The shift to Forest Department management could threaten these traditions and diminish the community’s role in forest conservation.

Western Ghats: a living archive of culture, memory, and resilience

• Geographical Importance:
  • The Western Ghats (Sahyadri) stretch across six Indian states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

• Known for rich biodiversity, the Ghats host a variety of flora and fauna, earning their designation as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Current Threats:

• Climate Change & Deforestation: The region faces environmental degradation due to deforestation, climate change, and the decline of traditional livelihoods.

• Land Encroachment & Displacement: Tribal communities, historically living in harmony with the land, are being displaced due to industrialization and urbanization.

• Exploitation of Natural Resources: Activities such as quarrying, illegal mining, and poorly planned construction projects exacerbate ecological instability.

Cultural and Spiritual Connection to Nature:

• Traditional Livelihoods: The people of the Western Ghats, especially tribal communities, rely on the land for sustenance and spiritual practices, with rituals tied to agricultural cycles.

• Cultural Legacy: The land holds cultural and spiritual significance, with deities associated with natural elements. These cultural connections are being increasingly threatened by modern development.

Ecological Devastation:

• Flood and Fury: Ecological Devastation in the Western Ghats (B. Viju): Critiques the historical and contemporary exploitation of the Western Ghats, linking it to increased environmental disasters like landslides and floods.

• “The Nilgiri Hills: A Kaleidoscope of People, Culture, and Nature” (Paul Hockings): Discusses the interconnection between culture, nature, and the ecological degradation of the Western Ghats, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.

Resistance and Resilience:

• Tribal communities has shown resistance to land encroachment while also exploring personal growth, social dynamics, and the strength of cultural resilience in the face of modernity.

Call for Conservation and Cultural Preservation:

• The destruction of the ecosystem is tied to the erasure of cultural identity, making conservation efforts critical not only for ecological reasons but for the survival of traditions and communities.

• Policy Failure: Despite the ecological importance of the Ghats, government policies and corporate actions often fail to protect the region’s fragile environment and its indigenous peoples.

• The future of the Western Ghats hinges on respecting both the natural landscape and the lives intertwined with it. Preservation requires a collective effort to combat exploitation and protect this precious ecosystem for future generations.

At least 2,900 dead during M23’s capture of east DRC’s Goma: UN

Context : At least 2,900 people have died in recent clashes in Goma, with 2,000 bodies found on the streets and 900 in local hospitals. This highlights the devastating toll on civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

• The city of Goma, a major urban center, has been heavily impacted, adding to the suffering of an already displaced population in the mineral–rich region of eastern DRC.

M23 and Rwandan Forces’ Role:

• The M23 armed group, with backing from Rwandan forces, has escalated its military offensive, capturing the town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu province, about 100 km from Bukavu. This advances the group’s territorial control and poses further risks to the safety of civilians.

• Despite declaring a unilateral ceasefire, the M23 broke it shortly after, continuing its offensive, proving that ceasefire agreements in the region have repeatedly failed.

Political and Military Dynamics:

• The M23’s strategic advances, particularly towards Bukavu, signal that the ceasefire was a temporary measure, with no real intent for peace. This reflects the complexity of the conflict, where ceasefires are routinely broken, undermining efforts for a peaceful resolution.

• Congolese government officials have criticized the ceasefire as a “ploy” by the M23, emphasizing the unreliability of past agreements in ending hostilities.

• Military reinforcements are being mobilized by both Congolese and M23 forces, indicating the intensification of the conflict and further military escalation.

International Attention and Accountability:

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed concern over the grave escalation of violence, particularly given the region’s history of conflict and human rights violations. This indicates a potential for international scrutiny and accountability regarding the actions of the M23 and their Rwandan backers.

• The ongoing violence in the DRC, particularly with the involvement of neighboring Rwanda, continues to destabilize the Great Lakes region, drawing attention to regional security and humanitarian crises.

Long-term Consequences:

• The capture of Goma marks a significant escalation in the decades-long conflict in the DRC, a region already fraught with armed group activities, and exacerbates the humanitarian situation with thousands of displaced individuals.

• The continuous breakdown of ceasefire agreements and military escalations complicate peace efforts, prolonging the suffering of the Congolese population and leading to further instability in the region.

Geopolitical Implications:

• The involvement of Rwanda in supporting the M23, and the ongoing military confrontations, raises concerns about regional dynamics and international diplomacy.

• The conflict places pressure on the upcoming summit between the Presidents of Rwanda and the DRC, which is intended to address the crisis but faces challenges due to the volatile situation on the ground.