Current Affairs 18 January 2025

Content:

1. Gaza Truce Approved by Israel Security Cabinet
2. Courts Must Not Use Abetment of Suicide Charge Mechanically’
3. Dying for Black Gold
4. A Signal of Change
5. Russia, Iran Sign Treaty to Deepen Ties in the Face of Western Curbs
6. What is hydroclimate whiplash and how did it fuel the Los Angeles wildfires?
7. Digitisation of farmlands gains pace as 10 million farmers’ digital IDs linked to land records

Gaza Truce Approved by Israel Security Cabinet  

Context : Ceasefire Agreement:

• Israel’s Security Cabinet recommended a ceasefire deal with Hamas, pending approval by the full Cabinet.
  • The ceasefire is expected to begin as early as Sunday, after final sign-off.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Hostage Exchange Agreement:

• Under the deal, 33 out of approximately 100 hostages held by Hamas will be released.
  • In exchange, Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
  • A second phase of negotiations will focus on releasing the remaining hostages, including male soldiers.

Mediators’ Role:

• Qatar and the U.S. played a key role in mediating the agreement.
  • Last-minute delays were blamed on Hamas by Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Political Repercussions:

• The deal faces opposition from Netanyahu’s far-right allies, creating potential instability within the Israeli government.
  • Calls for a lasting ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza add complexity to the situation.

Contextual Background:

The October 7 Attack:

• Hamas launched a cross-border attack into Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.
  • This marked the start of the 15-month conflict.

Humanitarian Impact:

• Israeli military operations have resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, with a significant number being women and children.
  • Gaza residents face severe destruction, displacement, and a dire need for humanitarian aid.

Military Escalation:

• Israeli airstrikes continue to inflict casualties, with 72 people killed on Thursday alone.
  • Historically, both sides intensify military actions before ceasefires to demonstrate strength.

Immediate Implications:

Humanitarian Aid:

• The ceasefire would allow hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return home.
  • A surge in humanitarian assistance is anticipated following the truce.

Hostage Recovery Operations:

• Israeli forces are preparing for the return of hostages.
  • Families of captives have been informed about the potential release.

Global and Regional Reactions:

• The conflict has destabilized West Asia and sparked widespread protests globally.
  • Stakeholders continue to monitor developments, urging sustained peace efforts.

Challenges Ahead:

Second Phase of Hostage Negotiations:

• Releasing the remaining hostages, including soldiers, is expected to face greater challenges.
  • Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal for further releases.

Government Stability in Israel:

• Far-right coalition partners’ resistance to the truce could destabilize Netanyahu’s government.
  • Balancing domestic political pressures and international expectations remains critical.

Long-term Ceasefire Prospects:

• Hamas seeks a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
  • Israel’s stance on dismantling Hamas and maintaining security control complicates the pathway to peace.

Courts must not use abetment of suicide charge mechanically

Context:

• The Supreme Court dealt with a case involving the charge of abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
  • The accused was an employee of a financial company who had demanded the repayment of a loan from a young man, leading to the latter’s suicide.
  • The Madhya Pradesh High Court had rejected the accused’s plea for discharge, but the Supreme Court set aside this decision.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Judiciary)

Court’s Ruling:

• The Supreme Court emphasized that Section 306 (abetment of suicide) should not be applied mechanically or casually by the police.
  • The ruling highlighted that police authorities must carefully examine the facts before invoking this charge, ensuring there is a clear and direct connection between the accused’s actions and the victim’s decision to end their life.

Criteria for Abetment:

• For abetment of suicide to be proven, the accused must have actively instigated or facilitated the suicide.
  • It is not sufficient for the accused to have made a remark in anger or emotion without intent for the consequences to occur.
  • Instigation must involve actions or omissions that created circumstances where the victim felt they had no alternative but to take their own life.
    • Example: A word uttered in anger that did not foresee or intend the outcome would not meet the criteria for abetment.

Judicial Caution:

• The Court advised trial courts to exercise caution and avoid adopting a “play it safe” syndrome by mechanically framing charges.
  • The ruling stressed the importance of ensuring that criminal charges, especially in cases of suicide, are only filed when there is clear evidence of instigation or facilitation.

Role of Investigating Agencies:

• The Supreme Court highlighted the need for investigating agencies to be sensitized to the law under Section 306.
  • Authorities should avoid resorting to the charge as a quick solution to appease the distraught family or public sentiment.

Key Observations:

• Section 306 of IPC and its corresponding provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 should be invoked with circumspection.
  • It is critical to differentiate between genuine abetment and situations where the deceased acted out of personal distress or other reasons without clear external provocation.

Implications:

• The ruling serves as a reminder to law enforcement and judicial authorities to adhere to the principles of fairness and ensure due diligence before pursuing criminal charges in cases of suicide.
  • This case could set a precedent for more responsible legal processes surrounding the complex issue of suicide and the potential involvement of others in the decision to take one’s life.

Help Resources:

• The DISHA suicide prevention helpline (1056) is a support mechanism for individuals facing suicidal thoughts.

This ruling is significant for its emphasis on due process, ensuring that charges are not misused or filed without proper investigation, especially in emotionally charged cases like suicide.

What is hydroclimate whiplash and how did it fuel the Los Angeles wildfires?

Definition of Hydroclimate Whiplash:

• Hydroclimate whiplash refers to rapid swings between wet and dry conditions, often exacerbated by climate change. It leads to extremes in precipitation—intensely wet followed by dangerously dry weather.

Relevance :GS 3(Disaster Management)

Factors in California Wildfires:

• Wet Season Followed by Dry Conditions:In early 2024, California experienced a wet season, promoting vegetation growth. This was followed by prolonged dry conditions, with severe drought conditions in Los Angeles by January 2025.

• Drought Impact:36% of California faced moderate to extreme drought, and Los Angeles was under severe to moderate drought. The absence of natural forest regeneration due to lack of rainfall led to overgrown, dry vegetation, increasing fire risks.

Santa Ana Winds:

• The winds, which descend from dry desert areas, compress and warm as they move westward, exacerbating wildfire conditions. Combined with low humidity, high temperatures, and dry vegetation, they facilitate the rapid spread of fires.

Role of Hydroclimate Whiplash in Intensifying Fires:

• Vegetation Growth Followed by Drying:The initial wet season created abundant vegetation, which then dried out due to the subsequent drought, creating a large fuel load for fires.

• Strong Winds:Santa Ana winds are notorious for driving fire spread. Their combination with dry vegetation during droughts creates explosive wildfire conditions, as seen in the Palisades, Eaton, and Kenneth fires.

Global Trends and Future Projections:

• Increase in Hydroclimate Whiplash:Hydroclimate whiplash has increased globally by 31%-66% since the 20th century. Climate change is accelerating this, and with a 3°C rise in global temperatures, hydroclimate whiplash could increase by 113% in sub-seasonal periods.

• Impact on California:Experts predict more extreme wet and dry years in California, increasing the frequency and severity of such wildfires in the future.

Conclusion:
Hydroclimate whiplash, fueled by climate change, significantly contributes to the severity of wildfires in California, creating a cycle of wet and dry extremes that sets the stage for devastating fires like those currently ravaging Los Angeles

Dying for black gold

Background:

• On January 6, 2025, a flood occurred at a rat-hole coal mine in Kalamati, Assam, trapping nine miners.
• As of 10 days later, only four bodies have been recovered, highlighting the challenges in rescue operations and the scale of the disaster.
• The flood likely occurred due to water accumulation in the mine, a recurring issue during the mining season.

Relevance: GS 2(Poverty ),GS 3(Environment ,Disaster Management)

Rat-Hole Mining:

• Rat-hole mining involves creating narrow, vertical shafts up to 250 feet deep, from which coal is extracted through interconnected tunnels.
• Despite being hazardous and banned in many regions, rat-hole mining continues due to the high financial rewards, often paying miners significantly higher wages than other rural jobs.
• The mining method is labor-intensive and involves dangerous working conditions with minimal safety measures.
• The incident underscores the high human cost of the illegal mining practice, which primarily employs vulnerable workers seeking a quick source of income.

Risks of Rat-Hole Mining:

• Asphyxiation: Due to the limited airflow in narrow, enclosed tunnels.
• Tunnel Collapse: The mines are unstable, with frequent incidents of tunnel collapse leading to fatalities.
• Drowning: The mines frequently flood during the rainy season, as evidenced by the Kalamati incident.
• Exposure to Toxic Gases: Lack of ventilation increases exposure to dangerous gases, leading to health risks like asphyxiation or poisoning.
• Minimal Safety Measures: Miners use only head torches for visibility, and the lack of proper equipment or support systems exacerbates the risks.

Mining Season:

• Timeframe: Mining occurs mainly between November and March when the weather conditions are more conducive to extracting coal.
• Dewatering Process: Miners first drain water from flooded mines before starting coal extraction.
• Coal Extraction: Miners use basic tools like pickaxes and shovels to break coal from the walls of the tunnels. The coal is then hauled up using a crane system with metal troughs.

Government Response:

• The Assam Cabinet approved a judicial inquiry to investigate the incident, signaling an attempt to hold accountable those responsible.
• A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to further probe the illegal mining activities and identify those at fault.

Persistence of Illegal Mining:

• Supreme Court Ban (2014): A ban was imposed on rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014, but illegal mining continues in both Assam and Meghalaya due to entrenched local networks and corruption.
• Coal Syndicates: Organized coal syndicates control the mining and transportation of coal. They operate with the complicity of local politicians, law enforcement, and business interests, ensuring that illegal operations remain profitable.
• Legal Loopholes: The Sixth Schedule and the autonomous councils in the Northeast create a complex governance structure that allows mining activities to continue without effective state intervention.

Systemic Issues:

• Corruption and Collusion: There is widespread collusion between local politicians, landowners, and officials who benefit from illegal mining operations. This undermines any efforts to ban or regulate mining.
• Tribal Land Ownership: In regions like Meghalaya and Assam, tribal land ownership systems, coupled with autonomy granted to regional councils, complicate enforcement of national laws.
• Weak Enforcement: Despite legal frameworks, weak governance and local autonomy allow illegal mining to flourish unchecked.

Impact on Miners:

• Income Concerns: Many miners are worried that the Kalamati tragedy will lead to stricter enforcement of the mining ban, reducing their earnings. The high wages, despite the risks, have made rat-hole mining an attractive option for marginalized workers.
• Cautious Optimism: Some miners express confidence that coal demand will continue, and they plan to return to mining once the situation settles down. However, this highlights the dependency on the mining industry for livelihood in the region.
• Long-term Sustainability: The reliance on such dangerous and illegal mining practices raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the region’s labor force and the environmental consequences of continued exploitation of resources.

A signal of change

Context:

• In December 2024, Telangana inducted 44 transgender individuals as traffic assistants, a significant move towards inclusivity and formal recognition.

Relevance : GS 2 (Social Justice)

Challenges and Social Stigma:

• Many recruits face family rejection, as seen with Sarala and Ishaan, who struggle with identity acceptance and societal norms despite professional success.

Impact on Society:

• The initiative has shifted public perceptions, transforming transgender individuals from marginalized figures to respected authorities. Commuters now greet them with respect and acknowledgment.

Government Support and Implementation:

• Telangana Police Commissioner emphasizes the need for societal integration and better career opportunities for transgender individuals.
• The Hyderabad Police have been sensitized to ensure respectful onboarding and smooth integration of transgender recruits.
• Recruits underwent a two-week training, focusing on traffic management, fitness, and job challenges.

Economic and Social Benefits:

• Traffic assistants are paid ₹26,000-₹30,000 per month and receive medical and welfare benefits, offering economic independence to those previously excluded from formal employment.

Pilot Project and Future Outlook:

• The initiative, on a six-month trial, will be evaluated mid-2025 for potential expansion to other government departments.

Personal Narratives of Triumph:

• Recruits like Srivalli, Sania, and Nitya view their roles as symbols of transformation and societal acceptance, marking a shift in social integration.

Broader Implications:

• The success of this pilot could inspire other states to adopt similar inclusive policies, demonstrating the potential for broader societal change through equal opportunities for marginalized communities.

Russia, Iran sign treaty to deepen ties in the face of Western curbs

Strategic Partnership Treaty:

• Russia and Iran signed a comprehensive strategic partnership covering trade, military, science, education, and culture.

• The treaty aims to strengthen ties amid Western sanctions.

Relevance : GS 2(International relations)

Economic Cooperation:

• Putin acknowledged current trade and economic cooperation as insufficient, hoping the treaty will boost these areas.
• Focus on resolving technical obstacles for natural gas exports and transport corridors to Iranian ports in the Gulf.

Political Context:

• Treaty signing occurred before Trump’s inauguration in 2025, who has vowed a tougher stance on Iran.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied any link to Trump’s election, saying the treaty was long-planned.

Iran’s Commitment:

• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the treaty as a solid foundation for future cooperation.
• He emphasized resolving regional issues independently, criticizing external forces, particularly the U.S., for causing instability.

Military and Regional Cooperation:

• Russia and Iran have strengthened ties since Russia’s intervention in Ukraine in 2022, with accusations that Iran supplied drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Historical Ties:

• Russia-Iran relations have evolved from post-Soviet tensions to a strategic partnership, with Russia building Iran’s nuclear reactors and providing military support.

Syria Support:

• Both countries supported Assad’s regime in Syria but failed to prevent his downfall in 2024, after the opposition’s offensive.
• Assad fled to Russia.

Geopolitical Challenges:

• Iran’s dependence on Russian support has increased due to economic woes and regional setbacks.
• Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy could worsen Iran’s situation.

Digitisation of farmlands gains pace as 10 million farmers’ digital IDs linked to land records

Context : Government Initiative

• The Union government is linking digital IDs (e.g., Aadhaar) to land records for efficient implementation of agricultural policies.
• The aim is to create a comprehensive database of farmers for better policy targeting and direct beneficiary transfers.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance,Schemes)

Scope of the Drive:

• 10 million farmers across 10 states have been covered in the digitisation process.

Kisan Pehchaan Patra:

• A unique digital ID, known as ‘Kisan Pehchaan Patra,‘ contains details such as:
  • Land holdings
  • Crops grown
  • Other relevant agricultural data.
• These IDs facilitate easier access to government schemes and benefits through direct transfers.

Current Challenges:

• Landless and Marginal Farmers:
  • Approximately 80% of farmers in India are landless or marginal.
  • It remains uncertain how these farmers will be included in the digitisation drive, as they do not possess land records for linkage.

Census Implications:

• The digitisation effort coincides with the upcoming Census exercise, which is expected to provide more data for the agricultural database.