Current Affairs 19 February 2025

Content:

1. India, Qatar elevate ties to strategic partnership
2. The danger of a digital censor board
3. Agricultural protectionism pushes up India’s import tariff
4. What is the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine?
5. Government obliged to consider remission of eligible convicts: SC
6. India prepares to submit updated greenhouse gas inventory to UN
7. Centre revamps websites, creates multilingual AI hub for better scheme outreach
8. A planet on the edge: are Saturn’s rings older than they look?

India, Qatar elevate ties to strategic partnership

Context :Strategic Partnership Elevation

• India and Qatar upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.
• Focus areas: Trade, investment, energy cooperation, security, and regional/international collaboration.
• Qatar becomes the fifth Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member with which India has a strategic partnership (after Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia).

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Economic and Trade Engagement

• Both nations aim to double bilateral trade to $28 billion.
• 38 Qatari entities from retail, finance, and energy sectors participated in trade discussions.
• Signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to boost cross-border investments.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Considerations

• India and Qatar are exploring a bilateral FTA, parallel to the ongoing India-GCC FTA negotiations.
• An FTA could enhance market access, reduce tariffs, and streamline trade processes.

Energy Cooperation

• Qatar is a major energy supplier to India, crucial for India’s LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) imports.
• Strengthening energy ties ensures India’s energy security and stable supply chains.

Security and Regional Geopolitics

• Security cooperation discussed but without a concrete timeline for execution.
• Both countries shared perspectives on West Asian developments, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • India reiterated its support for a two-state solution and welcomed the ongoing ceasefire.
  • Qatar conveyed its stance; both sides acknowledged differing perspectives.

Challenges and Diplomatic Sensitivities

• The case of Commander Purnendu Tiwary, an ex-Indian Navy officer still in Qatari custody, remained a sensitive issue.
  • Seven other Indians from the same 2022 case were repatriated in February 2024.
  • The case remains sub judice in Qatari courts.
• India’s large diaspora in Qatar (~600 Indians imprisoned; 85 pardoned in 2024) highlights consular and welfare priorities.

Regional Dynamics and Strategic Timing

• The visit occurred two days before the Arab states’ summit in Riyadh.
• Discussions in Riyadh to feature US proposals regarding Palestinian resettlement—India has not officially commented.
• India’s diplomatic balancing act reflects its broader regional strategy without alienating key Middle Eastern partners.

Business and People-to-People Ties

• Joint Business Forum hosted high-level business leaders from both nations, emphasizing private sector involvement.
• Indian diaspora in Qatar remains pivotal in economic and cultural exchanges.

The danger of a digital censor board

Context of the Controversy:

• The controversy stems from crude remarks by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia on the show India’s Got Latent.
• Hosted by comedian Samay Raina, the show features judges critiquing performers with dank humor.
• Political leaders, including Chief Ministers, a Parliamentary Standing Committee, and even the Supreme Court, condemned the remarks.
• Despite their popularity, both YouTubers seem to be entangled in a larger issue of controlling digital media.

Relevance :GS 1(Society) , GS 2(Social Issues)

Legal Dimensions:

• Supreme Court’s Stance:
  • Called Allahabadia’s comments indicative of “a very dirty mind” but emphasized separating moral outrage from criminality.
  • Apoorva Arora v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2024): Quashed prosecutions for vulgar language, advocating an objective test for obscenity (not mere indecency).

• Section 69A of IT Act, 2000:
  • Empowers the government to block websites, but “decency and morality” are not valid grounds under this section.
  • Increase in opaque blocking orders facilitated by the IT Rules, 2021.

Regulatory Push & Broadcasting Bill:

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Broadcasting Bill seeks to place online creators under traditional broadcasting regulations.
• Initial public opposition to the Bill has weakened amid the latest controversy.
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee (headed by Nishikant Dubey) has renewed calls for stricter digital regulations.
• Pattern emerges where public uproar leads to expanded governmental control over digital content.

Precedent of OTT Platform Regulation:

• Tandav controversy (2021) led to criminal cases, government pressure, and eventual scene cuts.
• Introduction of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, partly influenced by similar controversies.
• OTT platforms, to avoid legal hassles, now often self–censor or accept Ministry oversight—a “Faustian bargain.”
• Consequence: Web series that challenge societal or political norms risk being discontinued.

Implications for Freedom of Expression:

• The uproar over a “distasteful joke” masks a broader agenda of increasing digital censorship.
• Popular creators may soon advocate for regulation to avoid harsher penalties—risking erosion of creative freedom.
• Blocking decisions lack transparency, raising concerns about unchecked executive power.

Broader Concerns:

• Expansion of censorship under the guise of morality could stifle dissent and artistic expression.
• Regulatory ambiguity in the Broadcasting Bill and IT Rules threatens independent journalism and online creativity.
• Society risks normalizing censorship in response to orchestrated public outrage.

Agricultural protectionism pushes up India’s import tariff

Overview of India’s Import Tariffs

• India’s average import tariff in 2023: 17%, five times higher than the U.S. (3.3%).
• Highest among BRICS nations:
  • India: 17%
  • Brazil: 11%
  • South Africa & China: 7%+
  • Russia: 6.6%
  • European Union: 5%

Relevance :GS 2(international Relations ), GS 3(Economy)

Agricultural vs. Non-Agricultural Tariffs

• Agricultural tariffs: Over 38% (2018–2023), except 2020.
• Non-agricultural tariffs: Consistently below 15% during the same period.
• High agricultural tariffs aim to:
  • Protect domestic farmers and food security.
  • Safeguard rural livelihoods (agriculture employs a significant population).
  • Counterbalance low agricultural investment (only 6% of total national investment).

Global Context and Protectionism Justification

• India’s stance: High tariffs compensate for global agricultural subsidies (notably U.S. subsidies).
• Challenge: Reducing tariffs may expose Indian farmers to subsidized imports, harming local markets.
• Competitiveness issue: Indian agriculture remains inefficient by global standards.

Sector-wise Tariff Trends (2018–2023)

• High tariffs (>30%): Agriculture, dairy, beverages, and tobacco.
• Reduced tariffs: Transport equipment, cotton, textiles.
• Increased tariffs: Electrical machinery, leather/footwear, some manufactured goods.

India-U.S. Trade Dynamics and Pressures

• U.S. stance: Advocates for reciprocal tariffs to counter perceived unfairness.
• India’s response: Recently reduced bourbon whiskey tariff from 150% to 100%.
• India’s trade surplus with the U.S.:
  • Exports crossed $53 billion (FY25, April–November).
  • 18% of India’s total exports now go to the U.S. (up from 15% a decade ago).

Implications for Bilateral Trade Negotiations

• Pressure on India: U.S. may push for agricultural tariff reductions during negotiations.
• India’s position: Agricultural tariffs, especially on cereals, remain non-negotiable in FTAs.
• Potential outcome: India-U.S. bilateral talks may prioritize agricultural market access for the U.S.

Way Forward and Policy Considerations

• Enhancing agricultural competitiveness:
  • Increase investment beyond the current 6%.
  • Promote modern farming techniques and infrastructure.

• Balancing protectionism with global trade commitments:
  • Safeguard farmer interests while avoiding WTO disputes.

• Diplomatic maneuvering:
  • Strategically negotiate non-agricultural concessions to protect core sectors.

What is the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine?

Context : Sentences in the Two Cases

R.G. Kar Medical College Case

• Crime: Rape and murder of a female doctor on duty (August 9, 2024).
  • Accused: Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer.
  • Verdict: Life imprisonment with a fine.
  • Reasoning: Court stated it did not qualify as ‘rarest of rare’ despite the heinous nature of the crime.

Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Judiciary)

Sharon Murder Case

• Crime: Sharon Raj, a 23-year-old student, was poisoned by his partner, Greeshma (October 14, 2022).
  • Verdict: Death penalty awarded by Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court.
  • Reasoning: Court deemed the premeditation, betrayal, and cruelty involved as fitting the ‘rarest of rare’ category.

Differences Between the Two Sentences

• Nature of Crime:
  • R.G. Kar Case: Crime of opportunity with no prolonged planning.
  • Sharon Case: Premeditated with deliberate betrayal and calculated execution.

• Victim-Offender Relationship:
  • R.G. Kar Case: Perpetrator and victim were strangers.
  • Sharon Case: Crime involved a personal relationship, deepening the breach of trust.

• Judicial Assessment:
  • R.G. Kar Case: Despite the brutality, court found insufficient grounds for death penalty.
  • Sharon Case: Considered morally reprehensible and meriting the severest punishment.

Constitutional Validity of the Death Penalty

• Upheld by the Supreme Court:
  • Jagmohan Singh vs. State of U.P. (1973): Held death penalty constitutional under Article 21 (Right to Life), provided due process is followed.
  • Arguments Against: Claimed violation of Articles 14 and 19 but dismissed by the court.

• Current Standing:
  • Death penalty remains constitutional but restricted to the ‘rarest of rare’ cases.
  • Judicial discretion is pivotal in determining the punishment.

Circumstances for Awarding Death Penalty

• Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980):
  • Introduced the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine.
  • Emphasized consideration of both aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

• Machhi Singh vs. State of Punjab (1983): Framework provided under five categories:
  • Manner of Commission: Extreme brutality or shock to community conscience.
  • Motive: Reflects total depravity or heinous intentions.
  • Social Impact: Crimes causing community-wide outrage (e.g., targeting vulnerable groups).
  • Magnitude: Multiple murders or crimes affecting large groups.
  • Victim’s Status: Children, elderly, disabled, or helpless women.

Role of Judicial Discretion

• Broad Judicial Latitude:
  • Judges weigh mitigating factors (e.g., age, mental state, absence of criminal record) against aggravating factors (e.g., brutality, premeditation).

• Lack of Uniform Criteria:
  • No precise definition of ‘rarest of rare’ leads to varied interpretations.

• Recent Developments:
  • 2022: Supreme Court considering uniform guidelines for assessing mitigating circumstances at trial stage.

Conclusion

While the death penalty is constitutionally valid, its application hinges on contextual factors and judicial interpretation under the ‘rarest of rare’ principle.

Government obliged to consider remission of eligible convicts: SC

Context:

• The Supreme Court (SC) ruled on the obligation of governments to consider remission for eligible convicts.
• Judgment delivered by a Bench of Justices A.S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan.
• Relates to remission policies under:
  • Section 432 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
  • Section 473 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

Relevance :GS2(Governance & Justice)

Key Highlights of the Judgment:

• Mandatory Consideration:
  • Appropriate governments must proactively consider remission when convicts become eligible.
  • No need for convicts or their families to apply for remission.

• Policy-Based Consideration:
  • If the government has a remission policy, it must apply to all eligible convicts consistently.
  • Eligibility must be assessed as per the laid-down guidelines.

• Obligation of the State:
  • The decision places a legal duty on the state to ensure fairness in the remission process.
  • Prevents administrative delays or bias in considering applications.

Legal Framework:

• Section 432 CrPC:
  • Empowers the state government to remit or suspend sentences.
  • Typically used for good conduct, humanitarian grounds, or reformation.

• Section 473 BNSS, 2023:
  • New provision under the BNSS, replacing parts of CrPC.
  • Aims to streamline the remission process under updated criminal justice laws.

Implications:

• For Convicts:
  • Greater access to remission without procedural hurdles.
  • Protects rights of reformed prisoners.

• For Governments:
  • Requires establishing or adhering to clear remission policies.
  • Periodic review mechanisms must be implemented.

• For the Judiciary:
  • Reinforces the principle of reformation and rehabilitation in sentencing.
  • Reduces the burden of petitions filed for remission due to administrative inaction.

India prepares to submit updated greenhouse gas inventory to UN

Context & Background

• India is finalizing its first-ever Biannual Transparency Report (BTR) under the Paris Agreement (COP-21, 2015).
• The BTR is part of a global effort to improve transparency in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting.
• While developing countries like India were previously exempt, all UNFCCC signatories now must submit BTRs.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Significance of the BTR

• Unlike earlier National Communications and Biannual Update Reports (BURs), the BTR will undergo a technical review by independent UNFCCC-accredited experts.
• Marks a shift from self-reporting to externally verified transparency.

India’s Reporting Timeline & Challenges

• Countries were to submit BTRs by December 2024, but many, including India, missed the deadline.
• The delay stems from challenges in data collection, standardization, and reporting procedures.

Key Features of India’s BTR Submission

• Data Coverage: Will include GHG emission data up to 2022, compared to the BUR which covered data until 2020.
• Sectoral Coverage:
  • Emissions from energy, industry, agriculture, and waste sectors.
  • Measures for improving energy efficiency and renewable energy transitions.
• Resource Availability: Will highlight resource needs for mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Trends in India’s Emissions

• 2020 BUR Data: Reported a 7.93% reduction in emissions (largely due to COVID-19 lockdowns affecting energy consumption).
• Expected BTR Data: Likely to show an emissions increase post-pandemic, consistent with global trends.
• India’s emissions remain:
  • 4% to 5% of global emissions.
  • Per capita emissions less than one-third of the global average.

Broader Implications

• Reinforces India’s commitment to global climate goals while emphasizing its development needs.
• Positions India as a responsible stakeholder while continuing to demand climate justice and equity.
• External review process may improve global credibility but also pressure India for more ambitious targets.

Way Forward

• Strengthen domestic data collection systems for future compliance.
• Balance between economic growth and low-carbon development pathways.
• Explore international climate finance to meet mitigation and adaptation needs.

Centre revamps websites, creates multilingual AI hub for better scheme outreach

Context & Background

• The Union Government is revamping official websites to create a uniform digital identity and improve outreach.
• Driven by PM’s push to enhance website quality and user experience.

Relevance : GS2 (Governance), GS3 (Science & Technology)

Key Highlights of the Initiative

• Digital Brand Identity Manual:
  • Released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • Focuses on establishing a standardized design language for government websites.
  • Aim: Harmonise the government’s digital footprint and build a cohesive brand presence.

• Reasons for Revamp:
  • Digital platforms are becoming the primary contact point for citizens.
  • Need to engage effectively with both national and global audiences.

Multilingual AI Hub

• Developed by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
• Purpose: Efficient dissemination of information on government initiatives.
• Features:
  • Multilingual translation capability to reach diverse linguistic populations.
  • Aims to enhance the accessibility of government information across India.
• Status: Under development; formal inauguration pending.

Other AI & Digital Initiatives

1. Digital India Bhashini: Language translation platform enabling linguistic inclusivity.
2. BharatGen:
   1. World’s first government-funded multimodal large language model (LLM).
   1. Launched in 2024 to boost indigenous AI capabilities.
3. Sarvam-1 AI LLM: Focuses on multilingual and multimodal AI applications.
4. Chitralekha: Open-source video transcreation platform for content adaptation across languages.
5. Everest 1.0: AI system catering to various Indian languages, enhancing regional outreach.

Implications & Significance

• Improved Accessibility: Bridges digital divide, ensuring wider reach of government schemes.
• Enhanced User Experience: Uniform design reduces complexity and improves navigation.
• Strengthened Digital Governance: Aligns with Digital India’s goal of transparent and accessible governance.
• Boost to AI Innovation: Encourages development of homegrown AI solutions for India’s multilingual landscape.

Challenges & Considerations

• Ensuring data privacy and cybersecurity in AI deployment.
• Addressing linguistic nuances for accurate translations.
• Digital literacy remains crucial for effective citizen engagement.

A planet on the edge: are Saturn’s rings older than they look?

Background

• Saturn’s rings are composed mainly of bright-white water ice and rock fragments, ranging from tiny grains to house-sized chunks.
• Traditionally believed to be 100 million years old due to their “clean” appearance, despite the Solar System being 4.6 billion years old.

Relevance :GS 3 (Science )

Key Findings of the New Study (Institute of Science Tokyo & Paris Institute of Planetary Physics

• Dust Evaporation Model:
  • Dust particles colliding with ring ice evaporate and fragment into smaller flecks.
  • These flecks either fall into Saturn, escape its gravitational pull, or get pulled into its atmosphere.

• Implication:
  • Rings remain bright regardless of age, contradicting the belief that older rings should be darker.
  • Rings could be as old as the Solar System (~4.6 billion years).

Challenges in Determining the Age

• No craters on ring particles (unlike moons or planets), making traditional crater-counting methods ineffective.
• Ring collisions erase historical evidence, complicating age estimation.
• Diverse methods yield conflicting estimates—leading to a long-standing scientific debate.

Implications Beyond Saturn

• Enceladus (Saturn’s Moon):
  • Plume activity releases water vapour and icy particles into Saturn’s rings.
  • Understanding ring evolution informs habitability studies and the formation of icy moons.
• Solar System Dynamics:
  • Could explain why the four gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) have diverse ring systems.
  • Raises questions about the formation and evolution of planetary systems.

Recent and Future Missions

• Cassini (2004-2017): Provided critical data on ring composition and Enceladus’s plumes.
• NASA’s Clipper Mission (launched Oct 2024): Focuses on Jupiter’s moon Europa, studying its subsurface ocean and dynamic link with Jupiter.
• Potential Future Mission: Proposal to send a spacecraft directly to Saturn’s rings for in-depth analysis.