Feb 17th 2025 Current Affairs

Index:

1. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY)

Introduction

Announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget on February 1.
Aims to boost agriculture by working in partnership with states.

Background: On the Lines of ADP

Inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) launched in 2018.
ADP focused on 112 districts, targeting health, nutrition, education, agriculture, water resources, skill development, and infrastructure.

Coverage and Implementation

Covers 100 districts based on crop diversity, cropping intensity, and market linkages.
Specific clusters will be identified for focused development.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ministry to implement it.

Objectives

Enhancing Agricultural Productivity
Crop Diversification & Sustainable Practices
Improving Post-Harvest Storage & Marketing Infrastructure
Encouraging Local Branding & Exports
Ensuring Long-Term Agri-Growth

Allocation & Execution

₹1 lakh crore agricultural credit target set.
Separate fund to be created, details to be finalized.
Ministries of Agriculture, Food Processing, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry to coordinate efforts.
To be implemented in a phased manner.

Significance

Supports long-term agricultural sustainability.
Boosts market linkages and farmer income.
Encourages eco-friendly and diversified farming practices.

2. Unilateral Changes to Status Quo a Concern in Indo-Pacific – EAM S. Jaishankar

Context:

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar highlighted concerns over China’s aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region.
Addressed the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman.
Discussed challenges related to maritime security, economic constraints, and geopolitical tensions.

Key Concerns Raised:

Geopolitical Tensions in Indo-Pacific:

Increased “stronger assertions of interests” by various nations.
Unilateral changes to the status quo raise concerns over sovereignty and international order.
Indo-Pacific faces deeper tensions and sharper contestations, mainly attributed to China.

Maritime Security and Economic Challenges:

Indian Ocean nations face resource constraints and economic headwinds.
Need to rebuild connectivity and regional cooperation, post-colonial era disruptions.
Illegal fishing, trafficking, and terrorism are widespread maritime threats.

Maritime Churn in West Asia:

The Middle East and West Asia region experiences significant geopolitical disruptions.
Maritime trade and global shipping costs have been impacted.
Long-standing maritime issues are being revisited, leading to different approaches and disruptions.

India’s Response and Strategy:

Strengthening capabilities and forging partnerships with Indian Ocean nations.
Shouldering responsibilities in crisis situations, leading regional initiatives.

Advocating for rules-based international order and respect for maritime sovereignty.

3. Chhattisgarh HC Extends Marital Rape Exception: Why This Matters

Context:

The Chhattisgarh High Court (HC) recently ruled that marital rape immunity extends to Section 377 of the IPC.
Section 377 criminalizes unnatural sex, but the HC ruled that this section does not apply if the act is within a marital relationship.

Key Provisions Involved:

IPC Section 375 (Rape Law):

Defines rape as non-consensual intercourse, but exempts husbands from being prosecuted for rape within marriage.

IPC Section 377 (Unnatural Sex):

Criminalizes sexual acts “against the order of nature”, regardless of consent.
Originally used to penalize homosexuality (before being read down in 2018).

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) & Section 377:

BNS replaces IPC and omits Section 377.
However, rape laws remain unchanged, continuing the marital rape exemption.

Chhattisgarh HC Ruling:

A woman filed a case against her husband for non-consensual unnatural sex, under Section 377.
The HC ruled that marital rape immunity applies to Section 377 as well.
The court upheld the 2017 trial court ruling, stating that “sexual intercourse or sexual acts with a wife has no rape and therefore unnatural sex with a wife cannot be treated as an offense”.
Key Legal Reasoning: If Section 375 grants marital rape immunity, then Section 377 should not criminalize the same act.

Issues Raised:

Marital Rape Exception Debate:

Husbands are not prosecuted for rape within marriage.
Women’s rights activists demand removal of this immunity.
India is among the few countries where marital rape is not criminalized.

Impact of Section 377’s Removal in BNS:

The BNS does not have a direct equivalent of Section 377.
Concerns over LGBTQ+ protections: Section 377 was used for legal protections in certain cases.
The Standing Committee ignored demands to retain some provisions of Section 377.

Judicial and Legislative Standpoints:

Courts have often upheld marital rape immunity, citing legislative domain.

The Delhi HC split verdict (2022) on marital rape criminalization led to Supreme Court intervention.

4. AI-enabled Cameras in Similipal Tiger Reserve – Poaching Control

Context:

Similipal Tiger Reserve (Odisha) has implemented AI-powered cameras (TrailGuard AI) to curb poaching.
The AI system has significantly reduced poaching incidents and increased wildlife protection.

How TrailGuard AI Works:

AI-powered cameras detect movement and classify objects (animals, humans, vehicles).
If necessary, the camera transmits images to officials within 40 seconds.
Data helps track poachers, smugglers, and illegal activities.

Impact of AI-enabled Cameras:

Decrease in Poaching: 96 poachers arrested; 86 country-made guns seized in 10 months.
Improved Response: Faster identification and response to poaching incidents.
Proactive Enforcement: Officials prepared in advance when poachers enter the reserve.
Safer Forest Guards: Early warnings reduce direct encounters with armed poachers.

Challenges in Catching Poachers:

Poachers often come from nearby villages, making it difficult to track them.
Intelligence sources and undercover operatives play a crucial role in identifying suspects.
Legal actions and strict penalties deter habitual offenders.

Advantages of TrailGuard AI Over Traditional Methods:

Aspect	Traditional Camera Traps	TrailGuard AI
Detection Time	Delayed (manual checking)	Instant detection & alert
Identification	No object classification	AI differentiates between humans, animals, vehicles
Cost	Expensive for large-scale use	Cheaper & scalable
Battery Life	Short	Long-lasting (months)
Connectivity	No real-time updates	Real-time transmission to officials

Smaller, Cheaper & Durable:

Size: As small as a notepad.
Battery Life: Operates for months without recharge.
Cost: ₹7,000–₹53,000 per unit.

Community Engagement & Awareness:

Tribal and local communities are sensitized about conservation.
Authorities work with villagers to prevent poaching.
Focus on providing alternative livelihoods to former poachers.

Other Conservation Efforts in India:

Uttarakhand: AI-powered cameras in Jim Corbett National Park.
Karnataka: Use of drones and night-vision cameras in Bandipur & Nagarhole.
Madhya Pradesh: Anti-poaching squads and rapid response teams in Panna Tiger Reserve.

5. Will U.S.’s F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets Fit into IAF’s Future Plans?

Context:

The U.S. showcased the F-35 stealth fighter jet at Aero India in Bengaluru, alongside Russia’s Su-57.
S. President Joe Biden announced increased military sales to India, raising speculation about India acquiring F-35s.

Key Features of F-35 Fighter Jet:

Fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin.
Single-engine, single-seat aircraft designed for air superiority and strike missions.
Operated by U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps; also used by NATO allies.
Advanced radar and networked warfare capabilities.

Challenges for India in Acquiring F-35s:

IAF’s Preference for Twin-Seat Fighters:
IAF traditionally prefers twin-engine fighters (e.g., Su-30MKI, Rafale) for better range and survivability.
F-35’s single-engine design might not align with IAF’s doctrine.
High Cost & Maintenance:
F-35 is among the costliest jets, with unit costs exceeding $100 million and lifecycle costs exceeding $299 billion.
Requires advanced maintenance infrastructure and logistics support.
Operational & Strategic Challenges:
S. approval process for military exports can be complex and time-consuming.
India’s existing mix of Russian, French, and Israeli systems might pose integration challenges.
India’s non-alignment policy in global geopolitics requires balancing U.S. and Russian defense ties.

India’s Indigenous Fighter Jet Programs:

LCA Tejas:
LCA Mk-1A (indigenous 4.5-generation fighter) already in production.
LCA Mk-2 (larger, more capable variant) expected in 2026.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA):
India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter in development.
First prototype expected by 2025, first flight in 2026.

Way Forward for IAF:

Focus on indigenous fifth-generation aircraft (AMCA) to ensure self-reliance.
Continued partnership with France (Rafale, Safran engines) and Russia for technological transfers.
Possible acquisition of F-35 in the future, depending on cost, geopolitical considerations, and strategic fit.