Current Affairs 07 January 2025

Content:

1. IED blast by suspected Maoists kills 9 in Bijapur
2. NHRC expresses concern over continuous deaths of sanitation workers
3. No sanction given for death sentence, Houthis handling nurse’s case: Yemen Embassy
4. India’s first organic fish cluster in Sikkim
5. The end of global climate policy
6. What is the human meta-pneumovirus?
7. AI-generated deepfakes targeting women politicians around the world

IED blast by suspected Maoists kills 9 in Bijapur

Incident Overview:

• An IED blast in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, killed 9 people: 8 security personnel and 1 civilian.
• The blast occurred at 2:15 p.m. on the Kudri Bedre road near Ambeli village, close to the Maharashtra boundary.
• The victims were part of a joint-operation team returning from an anti-Maoist operation in the Abujhmad forests.

Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security )

Victims:

• The eight deceased were from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, specialized forces combating left-wing extremism.
• The civilian, who was driving the vehicle, has yet to be found (body suspected to have fallen into a nearby rivulet).

Explosion Details:

• Forensic experts reported the explosion created an elliptical crater 8 feet deep and 10-16 feet wide in places.
• The explosive device was made of 60-70 kg of material, buried beneath the ground with grass over it, indicating it had been planted a long time ago.
• Similar to a previous blast in Dantewada in April 2023, the blast was triggered via electrical wires.

Search Efforts:

• Security forces combed the area, recovering the remains of the jawans but still searching for the civilian’s body.
• Divers were deployed to search a nearby rivulet.

Casualties and Context:

• This marks the loss of 9 personnel in just the first week of January 2025 and 19 in the entire year of 2024.
• The incident underscores the persistent risk to security personnel in the region, especially during and after long operations.

Local Impact:

• The explosion was heard 2 km away in nearby Kutru village, which is usually a busy route with many vehicles.

Security Concerns:

• The blast highlights ongoing threats from Maoist insurgents, especially as they adapt tactics to resist security forces.
• The lack of a road-opening party, which could have provided additional protection for the convoy, has been cited as a possible factor in the attack’s success.

NHRC expresses concern over continuous deaths of sanitation workers

Issue Overview:

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expressed grave concern over the continuing deaths of sanitation workers in India, highlighting that 377 people died between 2019 and 2023 due to hazardous tasks like cleaning sewers and septic tanks.

• Despite existing legal provisions aimed at eradicating manual cleaning of sewage, these deaths remain a significant issue.

Relevance : GS 2( Social Justice)

NHRC’s Recommendations:

• Pilot Project: NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian (retired) called for the implementation of a pilot project in one state, utilizing technology such as robots for cleaning sewers and septic tanks, to assess its effectiveness and potential for broader application.
• Legislative and Executive Measures: Justice Ramasubramanian stressed that while manual scavenging is being addressed legislatively and judicially, there is a need to understand the root causes of worker deaths and suggest remedial measures.

Data on Sanitation Worker Deaths:

• Government data revealed that 377 sanitation workers died over the last five years, from 2019 to 2023, due to dangerous manual cleaning practices.

Societal Impact:

• The NHRC acknowledged that manual scavenging disproportionately affects certain castes and communities, marking it as a major societal challenge that requires collective efforts to resolve.

• The Commission emphasized the need to address manual scavenging through better implementation of mechanized cleaning processes across states.

Suggested Measures:

• Rehabilitation and Welfare: NHRC called for effective surveys to implement rehabilitation programs, ensuring that sanitation workers receive minimum wages.

• Transparency and Monitoring: The Commission stressed the importance of transparency in reporting data on manual scavenging and deaths caused by sewer cleaning, recommending the creation of a database for health insurance, education, and welfare of those involved in the practice.

• Awareness Campaigns: There was a call for more awareness campaigns under initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) to reduce manual scavenging.

Conclusion:

• The NHRC’s intervention underscores the need for technological solutions and better enforcement of laws to prevent the deaths of sanitation workers and to address the persistent issue of manual scavenging in India.

No sanction given for death sentence, Houthis handling nurse’s case: Yemen Embassy

Case Overview:

• The Yemeni Embassy in India clarified that Rashad al–Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, has not ratified the death sentence for Indian nurse Nimisha Priya.
• The Embassy stated that the case is being handled entirely by the Houthi militia, which controls the capital, Sanaa, and that Priya is currently detained under their authority.

Political Context:

• The Yemenigovernment is divided among three factions:
  • The internationally recognized, Saudi–backed government, represented by the Yemeni Embassy in India.
  • The Houthi militia, which controls Sanaa and half of Yemen’s population.
  • The UAE–backed Southern Transition Council.

• The differing statements reflect the ongoing political division in Yemen, with the Houthi militia not having official relations with India.

Priya’s Case:

• Nimisha Priya was sentenced to death in Sanaa for the 2017 murder of her business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi.
• Recent reports suggested that Rashad al-Alimi had approved the death sentence, but the Yemeni Embassy clarified that he had not ratified the judgment.

Iran’s Involvement:

• A high-level Iranian official recently stated that Tehran would “take up” Priya’s case, adding an international dimension to the issue.

Current Status:

• The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Houthi militia, which complicates diplomatic efforts, as the Houthi faction does not have official representation in India.
• The situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy amid Yemen’s internal conflict, with India’s official stance and response still pending from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Implications:

• This development emphasizes the challenges in resolving cases involving individuals detained in politically fragmented regions.
• The Yemeni Embassy’s clarification suggests a need for further diplomatic discussions to address the fate of Nimisha Priya.

India’s first organic fish cluster in Sikkim

Launch of Organic Fish Cluster:

• Union Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated India’s first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng district, Sikkim, marking a significant step towards sustainable aquaculture.
• The initiative aims to provide antibiotic, chemical, and pesticide–free organic fish, targeting eco-conscious global markets.

Relevance : GS 3(Animal Husbandry )

Objective and Benefits:

• The organic fish cluster is designed to enhance farmer incomes by promoting eco–friendly and sustainable fish farming practices.
• It aligns with Sikkim’s broader vision of organic farming, making the state a leader in promoting environmentally conscious agricultural practices.

Focus on Sustainability:

• The organic fisheries cluster emphasizes an ecologically healthy fish farming system, with minimal environmental pollution and a focus on preserving aquatic ecosystems.
• This initiative supports sustainable fish production practices and contributes to the overall goal of reducing the ecological footprint of aquaculture.

Implications:

• The project could serve as a model for other states to adopt sustainable and organic farming practices in aquaculture.
• It also aligns with global trends of increasing consumer demand for organic and sustainably sourced food, boosting the potential for export markets.

The end of global climate policy

• Baku 2024 Conference Shift:
  • The 2024 climate conference in Baku challenged the existing global climate treaty by dismantling the traditional post-colonial dichotomy of ‘donors’ and ‘recipients’.
  • The conference highlighted the need for an alternate global sustainability forum, with developing countries taking responsibility for their own future.

Relevance : GS 3( Environment )

• Historical Context of Climate Treaty:
  • The 1992 climate treaty aimed to address climate change collectively, with the G7 countries leading the emission reductions.
  • Developing countries accepted responsibility for climate action, expecting technology transfer and financial support, unaware that the imbalance in research capacity would lead to shifting the burden onto them.

• Unequal Global Dynamics:
  • The G7’s dominance in shaping the climate agenda has led to continuing advantages for them, with global concerns being treated superficially.
  • The focus on emissions reduction has shifted away from the core issues, exacerbating the unfair distribution of responsibility.
  • The G7 has gradually absolved itself of the responsibility for climate change, presenting an “optical illusion” of financial support.

• Conflicting World Views:
  • The G7 sees the issue of climate change primarily as reducing emissions, while the Global South, comprising most of the global population, focuses on sustainable development, energy transition, and climate justice.
  • Climate justice addresses the historical inequities in emissions and highlights how solutions like carbon pricing and trade restrictions increase inequality.

• Impact of Urbanization:
  • Urbanization, a stable global trend, is a significant driver of climate change, with cities accounting for the majority of emissions and resource use.
  • The G7’s past consumption patterns contributed to climate change, and by 2050, Asia is projected to account for the majority of global emissions, in line with its population share.

• Need for New Sustainability Principles:
  • The article calls for new foundational principles that prioritize sustainability and justice, with India playing a crucial role in creating a more equitable global order within ecological limits.
  • A rethinking of global climate policy is necessary to ensure shared prosperity and comparable well-being.

• Proposed Initiatives:
  • Alternate Sustainability Forum: BRICS and partner countries should create a forum focused on urban energy transition, researching sustainability, and monitoring G7 climate policies.
  • UN Climate Negotiations: The UN climate talks should focus on emissions reductions from G7 countries and direct grants to the most vulnerable nations.
  • Stocktaking and Course-Correction: International forums should serve as platforms for assessing progress and adjusting strategies. The WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism could be allowed to decline.

• BRICS and Global Governance:
  • BRICS could play a bridging role in the new multilateral order and claim a rightful place in the UN Security Council, promoting justice and fairness in global governance.

What is the human meta- pneumovirus?

What is HMPV?

• HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes mild infections similar to the common cold. It was first identified in 2001 and belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), measles, and mumps.
• It can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, typically circulating in winter and early spring.

Relevance : GS 2(Health )

Is HMPV a cause for concern?

• While HMPV is not new and typically causes mild symptoms, it can lead to complications like bronchitis or pneumonia in certain individuals, particularly those who are young, elderly, or immunocompromised.
• Despite recent cases in China, there is no indication of a serious new threat from HMPV. The virus has been circulating globally for years, and the Indian government has reassured the public that the health systems are vigilant.

How does HMPV spread?

• HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs and snebezes, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
• Close contact, such as hugging or shaking hands with infected individuals, can also facilitate the virus’s transmission.

Symptoms of HMPV infection:

• Symptoms resemble those of the common cold, including:
  • Cough
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Wheezing

• The incubation period is usually 3 to 6 days, and most cases resolve on their own within a few days with rest and supportive care.

Treatment and prevention:

• Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Supportive care, such as over-the-counter medications to relieve fever, pain, and congestion, is typically sufficient.

• Prevention: To reduce the risk of infection:
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
  • Avoid touching the face, mouth, nose, and eyes.
  • Wear a mask if you are infected to prevent spreading the virus.
  • People with pre-existing lung conditions like asthma or COPD should take extra precautions.

Government’s response in India:

• The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases and coordinating with international agencies.
• Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus, and there is no need for alarm. The virus has been circulating globally for many years, and India’s health systems are well-prepared.

AI-generated deepfakes targeting women politicians around the world

• What are AI-Generated Deepfakes?
  • Deepfakes are digitally altered images or videos created using AI, often for malicious purposes like producing non-consensual explicit content.

Relevance : GS 1(Society ), GS 3(Technology )

• Who are the victims?
  • Women politicians globally, including from the U.S., Italy, the U.K., Pakistan, and others, are increasingly targeted.
  • High-profile victims include U.S. Congresswomen, U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

• Why is it concerning?
  • Reputation damage: Tarnishes the credibility of victims, harming their careers.
  • Harassment and blackmail: Can lead to exploitation and threats.
  • Impact on democracy: Discourages women from participating in politics due to harassment and fear of further victimization.

• How is AI enabling this trend?
  • Technological advancements: Cheap and widely available AI tools enable anyone to create deepfakes, fueling the rise of AI-enhanced pornography.
  • Apps for digital manipulation: Photo apps allow users to undress women digitally or create explicit deepfake images.

• Case Studies:
  • U.S. Congresswomen: Over 35,000 instances of deepfake content involving 26 Congresswomen were found on pornographic websites.
  • Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sought damages after deepfake videos were posted on internet.
  • Pakistan: Lawmakers Meena Majeed and Azma Bukhari were targeted with deepfakes that manipulated their images in culturally sensitive contexts.

• Impact on Women’s Participation in Politics:
  • Chilling effect: The use of deepfakes creates a fear of harassment, deterring women from pursuing political careers and leadership roles.

• Legal and Regulatory Challenges:
  • Global Disparities: Regulations to tackle deepfakes are inconsistent globally.
  • U.K. and U.S. efforts: The U.K. is working towards banning sexualized deepfakes.
  • , and several U.S. states have criminalized its creation.
  • Pakistan’s lack of legislation: No specific laws exist in Pakistan to combat sexualized deepfakes.

• Future Risks:
  • Disparity of privilege: Women with fewer resources may struggle to have deepfakes removed, leaving them vulnerable.
  • Systemic inequalities: High-profile figures may get faster takedown responses, while everyday women face prolonged harm.

Conclusion: The growing use of AI-generated deepfakes to target women, particularly in politics, presents a serious threat to their privacy, safety, and participation in public life. Global regulations and stronger protections are urgently needed to address this issue.