Current Affairs 24 December 2024

Content:

1. Suspected Khalistan operatives gunned down in Uttar Pradesh
2. Kashmiri artisans give wings to the dodo
3. Filmmaker who gave a voice to the voiceless, held dear the idea of India
4. Octopuses and their kin are a new animal welfare frontier
5. Kashmiris forced to burn wood for heat as weather turns frigid
6. Envisioning India as a global skill supplier
7. Why has the MHA reimposed restrictions in three NE States?

 Suspected Khalistan Operatives Gunned Down in Uttar Pradesh

Context :

• Three pro–Khalistan operatives involved in a grenade attack at the Bakshiwala police post (Punjab, Dec. 18) killed in an encounter in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh.

• The operatives were linked to the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), a terror group associated with Pakistan’s ISI.

Relevance to GS 3 (Internal Security)

• Details of the Encounter:
  • Encounter labeled as a breakthrough against KZF terror module by Punjab Police.
  • Recovered: Two AK-47 rifles and two 9mm Glock pistols from the deceased operatives.

Cross-Border Terrorism and International Links:

• Suspected British Connection: Mastermind Jagjeet Singh, allegedly a British Army personnel, used the alias Fateh Singh Baghi, indicating international involvement in the attack.

• Transnational Terror Network: The terror module is controlled by Pakistan-based Rajeet Singh Nita, with Greece-based Jaswinder Singh Mannu playing a significant role.

• Role of Diaspora: The UK-based Jagjeet Singh’s involvement suggests the role of the diaspora in funding, radicalizing, and supporting terror activities.

• Global Coordination: The KZF operates with cross-border support, including Pakistan, Greece, and the UK, indicating a well-coordinated and transnational operation.

Radicalization and Recruitment:

• Socioeconomic Background: The operatives came from lower socioeconomic strata, with at least one having a criminal history, suggesting the exploitation of vulnerable youth for recruitment.

• Radicalization Patterns: The involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds in terror groups reflects the tendency of radical groups to recruit disillusioned and marginalized individuals.

Investigations and Future Actions:

• Ongoing Investigation: Efforts are underway to investigate the broader terror network, focusing on logistics, financing, and potential collaborators.
  • Internal and External Threats: The operation highlights persistent threats from both domestic terror modules and international terror groups with foreign backing.

Kashmiri Artisans Give Wings To The Dodo

Introduction:

• Kashmir artisans have revived the extinct dodo bird in papier mâché form.
• The dodo was introduced to Kashmir’s art scene by tourists from Mauritius about 20 years ago.

Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage )

Artisans’ Contribution:

• Artisans use modern images to create detailed dodo models.
• Floral prints on the models symbolize deforestation leading to the bird’s extinction.

Economic Impact:

• Over 50,000 papier mâché dodo models exported in 2023.
• High demand for dodos in Europe and Mauritius, where it is a national symbol.

Production Process:

• It takes 5-10 days to craft a large dodo model.
• Local karkhanas produce up to 3,000 models per season for export.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

• Papier mâché dodos help preserve the memory of the extinct bird.
• Global influence, integrating international symbols into local craftsmanship.
• Handicrafts Promotion: Growing demand boosts local economies.
• Market Diversification: New designs cater to global market trends.
• Sustainability: Symbolism of deforestation connects crafts with eco-conscious themes.

• Cultural Diplomacy: Exports foster international connections and cultural exchange.

The DODO :

• The dodo, a flightless bird native to Mauritius.
•  Became extinct in 1681 due to overhunting and habitat loss.
• Approximately three feet tall, the dodo is remembered as a symbol of human-induced extinction and environmental neglect.

Filmmaker Who Gave A Voice To The Voiceless, Held Dear The Idea of India

Introduction:

• Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal (1934-2023) chronicled India’s changing societal contours through meaningful cinema.

• He explored marginalized voices with empathy, blending idealism, satire, and realism.

Relevance : GS 1 (Indian Culture)

Contributions

• Indian New Wave Cinema:
  • Pioneered with films like Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), and Manthan (1976), depicting silent resistance of marginalized communities.
  • Addressed themes of feudalism, gender, and exploitation.

• Cultural Narratives:
  • Adapted classics like Kalyug (modern Mahabharata) and Suraj Ka Satwan Ghoda.
  • Explored Muslim women’s lives in Sardari Begum, Mammo, and Zubeidaa.

• Historical and Social Contributions:
  • Directed Bharat Ek Khoj (based on Nehru’s Discovery of India), capturing India’s pluralistic identity.
  • Highlighted Gandhi’s early life in The Making of Mahatma and Bose’s struggles in The Forgotten Hero.
  • Directed Samvidhan, educating youth on the Indian Constitution.

Legacy and Ethical Perspectives

• Advocacy for Pluralism:
  • Emphasized India’s inclusive identity; urged against intolerance.

• Innovative Cinema:
  • Pioneered crowd-funding with Manthan.

• Contribution to Film Governance:
  • Suggested reforms in the Central Board of Film Certification.

• Advocated for empathy, equality, and cultural preservation through his craft.

• Highlighted the ethical responsibility of filmmakers in shaping public conscience.

Octopuses and Their Kin Are A New Animal Welfare Frontier

Context :

• Rising awareness about cephalopod intelligence prompts ethical debates on animal welfare standards.
• Highlights the need for humane treatment of non-vertebrate species based on cognitive capacities.

Relevance : GS3 (Environment and Biodiversity)

• Cephalopod Intelligence:
  • Comparable to vertebrates in learning, memory, and problem-solving.

• Example: Octopus vulgaris has 500 million neurons, with 300 million in arm “mini-brains.”

• Unique Behaviors:
  • Camouflage: Advanced visual systems enable intricate pattern creation using chromatophores (e.g., 150,000/sq. inch in Octopus vulgaris).

• Learning and Decision-Making: Capable of delayed gratification, like waiting for preferred prey (e.g., live shrimp).

• Animal Welfare Implications:
  • Current welfare standards exclude invertebrates.

• EU and research organizations advocate ethical guidelines for cephalopods.

• Ethical Considerations:
  • U.S. states banning octopus farming in 2024 reflect growing concern.
  • Criteria like neuron count and behavior complexity inform ethical decisions.

Way Forward

• Broaden animal welfare frameworks to include intelligent invertebrates.

• Support research on cephalopod cognition and its implications for biodiversity conservation

Kashmiris Forced To Burn Wood For Heat As Weather Turns Frigid

Context :

• Growing energy challenges in extreme weather conditions.
• Reflects the interplay of infrastructure limitations, environmental concerns, and traditional practices.

Relevance : GS3 (Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure)

• Chillai Kalan:
  • A 40-day harsh winter period in Kashmir with sub-zero temperatures.
  • Srinagar recorded its coldest night in 33 years at -8.5°C, freezing water pipes and impacting daily life.

• Energy Crisis:
  • Unscheduled 12-16 hour power cuts rendered electric heating gadgets ineffective.

• Dependency on traditional heating methods like kangris, bukharis, and wood-based hamams resurged.

• Economic Impact:
  • Increased demand for firewood and charcoal boosted local businesses.

• Residents faced financial setbacks due to unused modern heating investments like electric hamams and air conditioners.

• Challenges for KPDCL (Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited):
  • Overloading during winter damages transformers and circuits, prolonging outages.

• Infrastructure strain despite maintaining transformer banks for rapid repair.

• Safety Concerns:
  • Ice-covered roads pose risks for motorists, requiring extra caution.

• Environmental ConcernsReverting to wood for heating raises questions about deforestation and air quality.

• Highlights the urgent need for sustainable, reliable energy solutions in extreme climates.

• Way ForwardInfrastructure Development: Modernize energy distribution and storage to withstand peak winter demands.Renewable Energy: Promote solar and wind energy tailored to Kashmir’s geography.Community Initiatives: Encourage the judicious use of electricity and adopt hybrid heating systems.

Envisioning India as a Global Skill Supplier

Context :

• India’s significant demographic dividend presents an opportunity to become a key supplier of skilled labor to the global workforce.

• Highlights existing policy gaps and suggests recommendations for enhancing international labor mobility.

Relevance : GS2 (Governance and Social Justice) and GS3 (Economic Development)

Highlights

Global Trends in Labour Migration:

• Traditional migration destinations (U.S., U.K., Canada, GCC countries) prioritize skilled immigration.

• Emerging destinations (Germany, Japan, South Korea) seek skilled workers to address demographic challenges like ageing populations and low fertility rates.

India’s Current Status:

• Lacks a comprehensive, evidence-based national policy on international labour mobility.
  • Data limitations: Annual emigration clearance data covers only low-skilled workers migrating to 18 countries.

Existing Frameworks:

• India has bilateral agreements on social security, skill development, and worker welfare.
  • However, these agreements lack integration into a cohesive national strategy.

Challenges in Skill Development:

• Inadequate mapping of skills required in global job markets.
  • No alignment between India’s skill qualification systems and international standards.

Return Migration Concerns:

• Neglected aspect of migration policies.
  • Lack of mechanisms to utilize the skills acquired by return migrants.

Policy Recommendations

Comprehensive Policy Framework:

• Develop a National Policy on International Labour Migration with skill-centred migration as a core focus.

Skill Gap Analysis:

• Conduct systematic mapping of skill needs in target countries through regional and national skill forecasting.
  • Utilize big data analytics to track real-time job vacancies globally.

Enhancing Skill Development:

• Align India’s skill development programs with international standards.
  • Revise the National Skills Qualification Framework for compatibility with global skill qualifications.
  • Integrate skills identified in target countries into institutional curriculums and training programs.

Utilizing Return Migrants:

• Establish accreditation mechanisms to recognize and certify skills acquired abroad.
  • Facilitate reintegration of return migrants into the Indian labour market.

Data-Driven Approach:

• Build a Skill-Centred International Labour Migration Information System to generate and analyze migration-related data.
  • Enable evidence-based interventions and facilitate skill partnerships with destination countries.

Boosting Global Collaboration:

• Strengthen international skill partnerships with developed economies.
  • Leverage forums like G20 to position India as a global skill hub.

Why Has The MHA Reimposed Restrictions in Three NE States?

Context : The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram, requiring foreigners to obtain prior permission through Protected Area Permits (PAP) before entering these states.

Relevance : GS 2 (Governance )

Key Details of the Protected Area Regime

What is the Protected Area Regime?

• It is a regulatory framework under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
  • It mandates that foreigners cannot enter or remain in protected areas without a valid permit from the central government or an authorized official.

Areas Under Protection:

• Protected areas include regions between the inner line and the international border in specific states such as Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Sikkim (partly protected and restricted).

Key Requirements of PAP:

• Details of place of entry, place of residence, and period of stay.
  • Mandatory registration with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival.

Restricted Areas:

• Certain regions in Sikkim and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are designated as restricted under a separate 1963 order.

Historical Relaxation of PAR

• In 2010, the PAR was relaxed in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland to promote tourism, with extensions granted periodically until 2027.
• The recent reimposition overrides this relaxation, effective December 17, 2023.

Reasons for Reimposition

Security Concerns:

• Ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023 between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
  • Cross-border influx of over 40,000 refugees from Myanmar after the 2021 military coup.

Border Challenges:

• India’s 1,643 km border with Myanmar makes the region vulnerable to cross-border movement and security threats.
  • The Free Movement Regime (FMR), which permitted movement within 16 km of the border, was suspended in January 2023.

Accusations of External Influence:

• Manipur’s Chief Minister cited “outsiders and foreign hands” as exacerbating the violence.

Implications of PAR Reimposition

• Enhanced Monitoring:
  • Foreign nationals, including Myanmar citizens, must now compulsorily register and secure permits.

• Restricted Movement:
  • Stricter control over foreign visitors ensures better tracking and reduces security risks in the border regions.

• Tourism and Trade Impact:
  • Potential dampening of tourism initiatives that were boosted during the relaxation phase.

How to Obtain a PAP?

• Authorized Agencies:
  • Indian missions, MHA, district magistrates, resident commissioners, Home Commissioners, and Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO).

• Special Conditions:
  • Nationals of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, and individuals of these origins, require prior MHA approval.
  • Myanmar nationals now need PAPs irrespective of their visa type.