Feb 14th 2025 Current Affairs

Index:

1. Strife-hit Manipur put under President’s Rule

Context:

  • President Droupadi Murmu imposed President’s Rule in Manipur under Article 356 after receiving a report from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
  • The move follows the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and ongoing ethnic violence.

President’s Rule in Manipur (2024)

  • Invoked under Article 356 of the Constitution.
  • Manipur Legislative Assembly is under “suspended animation” (not dissolved).
  • Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to handle administrative and security-related decisions.

Background of Political Crisis

  • Ethnic conflict between tribal Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 3, 2023.
  • Over 250 people killed and 60,000 displaced due to violence.
  • CM N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2024, after meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah.
  • BJP leadership failed to agree on an alternative CM.

Historical Context: President’s Rule in Manipur

  • 11th instance of President’s Rule in the state.
  • First imposition: 1967 (for 66 days).
  • Longest duration: 2 years and 157 days (1969-1972).
  • Latest before 2024: 277 days (June 2, 2001 – March 6, 2002).
  • Rishang Keishing (Congress) was the first CM to complete a full term.
  • Okram Ibobi Singh (Congress) was the first CM to complete three terms.

Constitutional Provisions Involved

  • Article 356: Allows President’s Rule if a state government cannot function as per the Constitution.
  • Article 356(3): Proclamation must be laid before Parliament for approval within two months.
  • If not approved, the rule ceases to operate.

2. Pilgrims Meet Climate Change on an Island

Context:

  • The Gangasagar Mela on Sagar Island (West Bengal) is facing severe climate change impacts, especially rising sea levels and soil erosion.
  • The Kapil Muni temple is threatened as the sea is creeping inland.
  • The West Bengal government accuses the Centre of non-cooperation in funding protection measures.

Geographical Significance of Sagar Island

  • Located in the Sundarbans delta, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.
  • Situated at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.
  • Hosts the Gangasagar Mela, India’s second-largest religious gathering after the Kumbh Mela.
  • Home to fragile coastal ecosystems, including mangroves.

Climate Change Impact on Sagar Island

  1. Rising Sea Levels & Coastal Erosion
  • The Kapil Muni temple is now just 40 meters from the sea.
  • The coastline has receded by 1.2 km over 25 years.
  • Encroachment by seawater is reducing available land.
  1. Threats to Infrastructure & Livelihoods
  • Pilgrim shelters and houses have been damaged or submerged.
  • Fishermen and locals are losing homes and facing reduced fish catch due to saltwater intrusion.
  1. Impact on Pilgrimage & Tourism
  • Pilgrims face difficulty accessing the Kapil Muni temple due to encroaching waters.
  • Authorities built embankments, but these have collapsed due to erosion.
  1. Biodiversity Loss & Deforestation
  • Mangrove forests are declining, increasing the risk of storm surges and cyclones.
  • Local deforestation for infrastructure worsens soil erosion.

Centre-State Conflict

  • West Bengal government claims that the Centre is not providing adequate funds for coastal protection.
  • The state requested ₹500 crore for embankment projects, but there is no agreement on funding.
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and West Bengal Irrigation Department involved in tackling erosion issues.

Key Environmental Concerns

  • Sea Level Rise: Affects coastal communities and heritage sites.
  • Erosion & Land Loss: Reduces habitable land and agricultural space.
  • Saltwater Intrusion: Affects freshwater resources and agriculture.
  • Displacement: Threatens local livelihoods and forces migration.

Government Initiatives & Possible Solutions

  • Mangrove Restoration Projects to reduce coastal erosion.
  • Construction of Stronger Embankments using geotextile and concrete.
  • Relocation of Vulnerable Communities to safer inland areas.
  • Centre-State Coordination for climate adaptation funding.

Promotion of Sustainable Tourism to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.

3. Engaging Russia – Trump's Overtures to Putin

Context:

  • Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
  • The move has raised both hopes and fears—hopes for peace but fears of Moscow leveraging negotiations to its advantage.

 

 

Key Highlights of Trump’s Negotiations with Putin

  1. Trump-Putin Call (90 minutes)
  • Trump stated both leaders agreed on stopping the war.
  • Russia’s stance: Expressed readiness to receive American officials for discussions, including on Ukrainian settlement.
  1. Possible Meeting in Saudi Arabia
  • A significant shift from the current U.S. stance of isolating Russia through NATO and sanctions.
  • Breaks from Biden’s hardline approach, where he labeled Putin a “murderous dictator” and “pure thug”.
  1. Trump’s Position on the War
  • Pledged to end the war within 24 hours if elected.
  • Likely to push for a settlement unfavorable to Ukraine.
  • No U.S. troop commitment to Ukraine under Trump’s administration.
  • Ukraine’s NATO membership unlikely under Trump.
  • Pre-2014 borders (before Crimea annexation) ruled out as a settlement option.

Implications of Trump’s Approach

  1. Geopolitical Consequences
  • S. shifts responsibility to Europe → NATO and the EU would bear the brunt of Russian aggression.
  • Russia strengthens its position → Negotiations may lead to a deal that legitimizes Russian territorial gains.
  • Ukraine faces an unfavorable outcome → Would be forced to accept territorial losses without NATO membership.
  1. Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy
  • Contradicts Biden’s strong anti-Russia stance.
  • Could lead to fractures within NATO over policy on Ukraine.
  • Reduces U.S. strategic influence in European security.
  1. Global Security & Economic Effects
  • Weakening of Ukraine’s defense without U.S. and NATO backing.
  • Potential loss of confidence in U.S. commitments to allies.

Energy and trade disruptions if Europe faces further instability.

4. Removal of High Court Judge – Statement by Jagdeep Dhankhar

Context:

  • Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asserted that only Parliament has the jurisdiction to constitutionally remove a High Court judge.
  • The statement was made in the context of Justice Shekhar Yadav (Allahabad HC) facing an impeachment motion over alleged controversial remark.

Key Constitutional Provisions

  1. Article 124(4) & Article 217 of the Indian Constitution govern the removal of Supreme Court & High Court judges, respectively.
  2. Impeachment Process:
  • Initiated in either House of Parliament with a signed notice from at least 50 Rajya Sabha members or 100 Lok Sabha members.
  • The motion is investigated by a committee.
  • If found guilty, both Houses must pass the motion by a special majority.
  • Finally, the President gives assent, leading to removal.

Events Leading to the Issue

  • Justice Shekhar Yadav summoned by the Supreme Court over his controversial communal remarks.
  • Opposition parties moved an impeachment notice on December 13, 2024, with 55 Rajya Sabha members signing the motion.
  • Chairman Dhankhar reaffirmed that only Parliament can remove a High Court judge, not the Supreme Court.

Implications & Analysis

  1. Separation of Powers & Judicial Independence
  • Ensures checks and balances in the removal process.
  • Prevents judicial overreach by limiting the role of the Supreme Court in removal procedures.
  1. Political and Legal Impact
  • The impeachment motion reflects concerns over judicial conduct in sensitive matters.
  • Raises debates on judicial accountability vs. judicial independence.
  1. Constitutional Significance
  • Reinforces that removal of judges is a legislative process, preventing potential executive or judicial interference.
  • Highlights the complexity of removing judges under the Indian system.

5. Saudi Educator Wins $1M Global Teacher Prize for Charity & Prisoner Education

  • Mansour Al-Mansour, a Saudi educator, won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for his charity work and educating prisoners.
  • The Global Teacher Prize is an international award recognizing outstanding contributions in education.

About the Global Teacher Prize

  • Established by: Varkey Foundation in 2014.
  • Awarded for: Exceptional commitment to education and innovative teaching practices.
  • Prize Money: $1 million.
  • Previous Winners Include:
  • Ranjitsinh Disale (India, 2020) – Worked on girls’ education and developed QR-coded textbooks.
  • Andria Zafirakou (UK, 2018) – Focused on art education for underprivileged students.

Significance of Mansour Al-Mansour’s Work

  1. Prisoner Rehabilitation:
  • Uses education as a tool for reform.
  • Helps prisoners gain skills for reintegration into society.
  1. Charity & Social Impact:
  • Promotes inclusive education.
  • Supports underprivileged communities through teaching initiatives.
  1. Recognition of Teachers in Social Change:
  • Highlights role of education in reducing crime and enhancing human rights.

Encourages governments to invest in prison education programs.

6. HC Allows 25-Week Pregnancy Termination

Context:

  • The Bombay High Court permitted a 35-year-old woman to medically terminate her 25-week pregnancy despite existing Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Rules, which allow termination only up to 24 weeks.

Key Highlights:

  1. Legal Aspects:
  • The woman approached the High Court because her chosen private hospital refused termination beyond 24 weeks, citing legal restrictions.
  • The court upheld her reproductive rights, stating autonomy over her body and health is fundamental.
  • The HC granted relief under “utmost urgency” to facilitate termination.

 

  1. Medical Concerns:
  • The fetus had skeletal dysplasia and other congenital conditions, leading to high post-natal morbidity.
  • A panel of doctors confirmed multiple corrective surgeries would be required for survival.
  1. Challenges in MTP Act:
  • The court observed a lacuna in the law preventing abortion beyond 24 weeks even in cases of severe fetal anomalies.
  • There was no government hospital available to perform the procedure in time, necessitating court intervention.
  1. Significance:
  • Highlights legal hurdles in reproductive rights despite medical urgencies.
  • Raises concerns over strict MTP Rules limiting access to safe abortions.

May lead to policy discussions on extending the abortion limit for fetal abnormalities.

6. HC Allows 25-Week Pregnancy Termination

Context:

  • The Bombay High Court permitted a 35-year-old woman to medically terminate her 25-week pregnancy despite existing Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Rules, which allow termination only up to 24 weeks.

Key Highlights:

  1. Legal Aspects:
  • The woman approached the High Court because her chosen private hospital refused termination beyond 24 weeks, citing legal restrictions.
  • The court upheld her reproductive rights, stating autonomy over her body and health is fundamental.
  • The HC granted relief under “utmost urgency” to facilitate termination.

 

  1. Medical Concerns:
  • The fetus had skeletal dysplasia and other congenital conditions, leading to high post-natal morbidity.
  • A panel of doctors confirmed multiple corrective surgeries would be required for survival.
  1. Challenges in MTP Act:
  • The court observed a lacuna in the law preventing abortion beyond 24 weeks even in cases of severe fetal anomalies.
  • There was no government hospital available to perform the procedure in time, necessitating court intervention.
  1. Significance:
  • Highlights legal hurdles in reproductive rights despite medical urgencies.
  • Raises concerns over strict MTP Rules limiting access to safe abortions.

May lead to policy discussions on extending the abortion limit for fetal abnormalities.

7. Understanding the Downturn in Indian Markets-Infografic

8. SHOULD CONVICTED PERSONS CONTEST ELECTIONS-Infografic

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