Jan 27-28th 2025 Current Affairs

Index:

1. JPC Rejects All Amendments to Waqf Bill Made by Opposition

 

  • Parliamentary Committee Decision:
    • The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill accepted 32 amendments moved by BJP and allies.
    • Over 500 amendments were moved, but Opposition’s proposals were entirely rejected.
  • Opposition’s Concerns:
    • Alleged that their voices were not heard in the committee.
    • Criticized the Chairperson for not permitting clause-by-clause discussion.

Key Amendments Accepted in the Bill:

  1. Waqf Board Structure:
    • Waqf Board can now have two non-Muslim members instead of just one.
  2. Dispute Resolution:
    • Earlier, Collectors were allowed to conduct inquiries on Waqf property disputes.
    • Now, state governments must designate an officer above Collector rank to handle such disputes.
  3. Registration of Waqf Property:
    • New Waqf properties must be mandatorily registered before the law comes into force.
  4. Waqf Property Usage:
    • Existing Waqf by User properties will remain waqf even if they were used for religious purposes for a long time.
  5. Deadline for Registering Waqf Properties:
    • The timeframe for registration has been extended from six months as per the original bill.
  6. Ban on Certain Practices:
    • The Bill states that only persons practicing Islam can be a Mutawalli (caretaker) of Waqf properties.
  7. Non-Muslim Members in Waqf Board:
    • Board appointments, including ex-officio members, shall be non-Muslim in some cases.
    • The phrase “excluding ex-officio members” was removed from the Bill, indicating that ex-officio members can now also be non-Muslims.

Opposition’s Rejected Amendments:

  • Wanted to restore the law to the 1995 Waqf Act.
  • Sought to remove the separate Waqf Boards for Aga Khanis and Bohra sects.
  • Proposed removal of clause allowing non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council.
  • Opposed Clause 40, which permits non-Muslims to donate property to Waqf.

Political Reactions:

  • Opposition MPs accused the government of ignoring their concerns.
  • Stated that they were prevented from expressing their views through clause-by-clause discussion.

Warned of a grave precedent where a single religious group’s interests are favored in the legislation.

2. Impact of Coal Dust on Vegetation in Odisha

Context:

  • Issue: A study highlights that coal dust from mining activities in Odisha is blocking plant leaves, reducing carbon uptake and water transpiration, thereby exacerbating global warming and harming the local ecosystem.
  • Region of Study: Jharia (Jharkhand) and Odisha, where open-cast coal mining is predominant.

 

  1. Key Findings of the Study
  • Reduced Carbon Uptake:
  • Plants covered in coal dust absorb 2-3 grams less carbon per square meter.
  • This results in more carbon dioxide (CO₂) being released into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
  • Impact on Photosynthesis:
  • Dust particles clog stomata (leaf pores), blocking the exchange of CO₂, water vapor, and oxygen.
  • Reduces plants’ ability to convert CO₂ into biomass, weakening the local carbon sink capacity.
  • Effect on Transpiration:
  • Coal dust reduces water vapor release through transpiration.
  • This lowers humidity, leading to hotter and drier conditions in mining areas.

 

  1. Coal Mining & Dust Pollution
  • India’s Coal Dependency:
  • 75% of India’s electricity is generated from coal-fired power plants.
  • Coal is also crucial for iron, steel, cement, and fertilizer industries.
  • India is the 2nd largest coal producer and consumer after China.
  • Open-Cast Mining & Dust Dispersal:
  • Mining in Odisha and Jharkhand involves removing soil and rock layers to expose coal seams.
  • Dust from blasting, transport, and excavation spreads up to 30 km from mines.
  • Fine coal dust accumulates on leaves, reducing light absorption and hindering plant growth.

 

  1. Scientific Methods Used in the Study
  • Satellite Data Analysis:
  • Researchers used NASA’s Landsat 8, Sentinel-2, and PlanetScope satellites to track dust accumulation over years.
  • Satellite data helped estimate coal dust levels on plant leaves and their impact.
  • Statistical Modeling:
    • Researchers used statistical models to compare the amount of dust accumulation and carbon uptake reduction in affected regions.
  1. Environmental & Climate Implications
  • Exacerbation of Global Warming:
  • Reduced plant carbon uptake means higher CO₂ emissions, worsening climate change.
  • Impact on Local Climate:
  • Lower transpiration leads to hotter, drier conditions, affecting local agriculture and biodiversity.
  • Threat to Ecosystem & Biodiversity:
  • Coal dust harms local vegetation, affecting wildlife habitats and pollination.
  • Human Health Risks:
  • Fine coal dust particles contribute to air pollution, causing respiratory diseases in nearby communities.

 

  1. Possible Solutions & Recommendations
  • Dust Control Measures:
  • Use water sprinklers, tree barriers, and dust suppression technologies in mining areas.
  • Green Belt Development:
  • Large-scale afforestation programs around mining zones to act as natural dust filters.
  • Sustainable Mining Practices:
  • Adoption of modern, eco-friendly mining techniques to minimize dust emissions.
  • Regulatory Actions:
  • Stronger environmental laws and strict monitoring of mining companies to limit pollution.
  • Alternative Energy Promotion:

Reducing dependence on coal by shifting towards renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro).

3. U.S. Deportation Policy and Colombia’s Response

Context:

  • The U.S. deportation drive under Donald Trump’s administration faced resistance from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who refused landing permission for U.S. military planes carrying deported migrants.
  • This led to a diplomatic standoff, with threats of tariffs and sanctions by the U.S., highlighting tensions between economic interests and migration policies.

 

Key Issues

  1. U.S. Deportation Policy
  • The U.S. has been deporting undocumented migrants from Latin America, using military planes.
  • Migrants, including Colombians and Brazilians, have reported inhumane conditions during deportation (e.g., handcuffing, denial of basic amenities).
  • Other Latin American countries, including Brazil, have protested against the “degrading treatment” of deportees.
  1. Colombia’s Resistance & Economic Backlash
  • Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially refused U.S. deportation flights.
  • Trump administration threatened 25% tariffs on Colombian goods, escalating to 50% tariffs and financial sanctions.
  • Colombia, under economic pressure, agreed to accept deportees with “dignity and respect”.
  1. Economic & Diplomatic Consequences
  • U.S.-Colombia trade in 2022: $53.5 billion, with the U.S. having a $4 billion surplus.
  • A trade war could have crippled Colombia’s economy, worsening political instability and guerrilla conflicts.
  • The crisis showcased U.S. economic coercion as a diplomatic tool, raising concerns about long-term geopolitical consequences.

 

Implications on International Relations

  1. Geopolitical Impact
  • The U.S. risks losing influence in Latin America by using coercion rather than diplomacy.
  • Latin American countries are increasingly opposing U.S. intervention in their internal matters.
  1. Human Rights Concerns
  • Deportees faced poor treatment, contradicting America’s global stance on human rights.
  • Raises ethical questions on migrant rights and U.S. responsibility.
  1. Trade & Economic Stability
  • High tariffs would have affected Colombia’s economy but also U.S. businesses that rely on Colombian imports.
  • Latin America might seek alternative trade partners, reducing U.S. economic leverage.
  1. Diplomatic Alternatives
  • Instead of tariffs and threats, the U.S. could use negotiation, consensus-building, and foreign aid to address migration issues.

A more collaborative approach could strengthen alliances in Latin America.

4. Uttarakhand Adopts Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

 Context:

  • Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) post-Independence.
  • Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially launched the UCC for all residents, except Scheduled Tribes (STs) and natives who have migrated out of the state.
  • A government portal (ucc.uk.gov.in) was also launched for UCC-related registrations.

 

 Key Provisions of the UCC Bill

  1. Bans certain Islamic practices:
  • Halala – Practice where a divorced Muslim woman must marry another man before remarrying her former husband.
  • Iddat – Waiting period after divorce before a woman can remarry.
  • Talaq – Islamic divorce practice.
  1. Ensures gender equality:
  • Equal rights for women in property and inheritance matters.
  1. Mandates online registration of:
  • Marriages
  • Divorces
  • Live-in relationships
  1. Digital Implementation:
  • Aadhaar-based verification for registrations.
  • AI-based translation service in 22 languages (including English).
  • Integrated data from 13+ government departments (police, courts, civic bodies, etc.).

 

Significance

  • Promotes gender justice and equality by removing discriminatory practices.
  • Reflects BJP’s commitment to the UCC, fulfilling their electoral promise.
  • Technology-driven governance through an online portal and AI integration.
  • Sets a precedent for other states considering UCC implementation.

 

Political & Social Impact

  • Pushkar Singh Dhami termed UCC as “beginning of a new era of equality and harmony.”
  • PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership credited for UCC implementation.
  • The initiative may act as a model for national UCC adoption.

Challenges & Concerns

  • Exclusion of Scheduled Tribes (STs) raises questions on uniformity.
  • Opposition from religious groups who view UCC as interference in personal laws.
  • Implementation and legal challenges in ensuring compliance and smooth transition.

5. Decline in Social Sector Spending & FY26 Budget

Context

  • Social sector spending in India has declined over the years, impacting key areas such as health, education, rural development, and welfare.
  • The article analyzes budget allocations from FY18 to FY25, highlighting reductions in spending on MGNREGS, National Social Assistance Programme, PM Poshan, and other schemes.
  • The upcoming FY26 Budget is crucial in determining whether this decline will be reversed.

 

Key Findings on Social Sector Spending

  1. Decline in Social Sector Allocations (Table 1)
  • Health: Declined from 2.47% in FY18 to 1.75% in FY23-25.
  • Rural Development: Allocation below 6% for the last 3 years, showing stagnation.
  • Higher Education: Declined from 1.57% in FY17-20 to 1.27% in FY25.
  • School Education: Fluctuated but overall decline from 1.89% in FY16 to 1.77% in FY25.
  • Social Welfare: Dropped from 1.66% in FY20 to 1.10% in FY25.
  1. Reduction in Allocations for Specific Schemes (Table 2)
  • MGNREGS: 2.67% in FY19 → 0.70% in FY25.
  • National Social Assistance Programme: From 0.36% in FY19 to 0.18% in FY25.
  • PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal Scheme): Dropped from 0.41% in FY19 to 0.26% in FY25.
  • Higher Education:
  • UGC funding reduced.
  • Grants to Central Universities (CUs) & IITs/IIMs also declined.
  1. Impact of Budget Cuts
  • MGNREGS wage delays due to reduced allocation.
  • Decline in PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal) funding may impact nutrition levels among school children.
  • Health spending stagnation affects rural healthcare infrastructure.
  • Reduced higher education grants may impact quality and accessibility.

 

Policy Implications

  1. Need for increased allocation in social sectors to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  2. Impact on employment and rural economy due to declining MGNREGS budget.
  3. Education and skill development concerns due to stagnant school & higher education funding.

Healthcare and nutrition crisis due to lower budget allocation.

6. Rebuilding Teesta-3 Dam in Sikkim

Context:

  • Teesta-3 dam, Sikkim’s largest hydropower project, was washed away due to a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).
  • The flood resulted in 100+ deaths and severe damage.
  • The Environment Ministry’s expert panel has now cleared the plan to rebuild the dam.

 

Key Features of the New Dam

  • Material: Fully concrete (previously part rock, part concrete) for greater strength.
  • Capacity: Spillway to manage 19,946 cumecs (three times the old dam’s capacity of 7,000 cumecs).
  • Early Warning System:
  • Sikkim Urja Ltd. (SUL) will install an early warning system in the upstream catchment area.
  • This will allow timely evacuation of workers and opening of flood gates.

 

Reasons for Previous Dam Failure

  • Dam Overtopping (Breach) due to flood gates not opening in time, leading to excessive water pressure.
  • Structural weakness: Partly rock-based dam was not fully resistant to extreme flooding.

Project Cost & Restoration Timeline

  • New Restoration Cost: ₹4,189 crore.
  • Previous Project Cost (2017): ₹13,965 crore.
  • Restoration Plan:
  • Underground powerhouse & electromechanical equipment to be restored in 10-12 months.
  • Water conductor system mostly intact, full restoration within a year.

 

Environmental & Disaster Risk Considerations

  • New Design Factors in Climate Change:
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD) models predict extreme rainfall for the next 100 years.
  • Structural modifications will account for worst-case flooding scenarios.
  • Safety Enhancements:

Control room will be shifted to a higher elevation for worker safety.

7. Displaced Gazans Returning Home

Context:

  • The image depicts thousands of displaced Gazans walking back toward Gaza City.
  • Israel reopened access to the northern territory, allowing people to return.
  • Many carry their belongings in plastic bags and repurposed flour sacks.
  • The scene highlights the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict in the region.

 

  1. Geopolitical Context:
  • The Israel-Palestine conflict has resulted in repeated displacement of civilians.
  • The situation in Gaza remains a major international humanitarian concern.
  • Ceasefire agreements and border openings significantly impact civilians.
  1. Humanitarian Crisis:
  • Large-scale displacement leads to critical shortages of food, water, and medical aid.
  • Refugees often lack adequate shelter and access to basic necessities.
  • International organizations like the UN and Red Cross play a role in relief efforts.
  1. International Relations:
  • The role of regional players like Egypt, Israel, and other Middle Eastern nations in the Gaza conflict.
  • Involvement of international organizations such as the UN, EU, and the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation).
  • The impact of geopolitical shifts (e.g., the Abraham Accords, US foreign policy changes).
  1. Impact on India’s Foreign Policy:
  • India’s historical position on the Israel-Palestine issue (Balancing relations with both).
  • India supports the two-state solution and humanitarian assistance to Palestine.
  • Economic and strategic ties with Israel continue to grow.
  1. Ethics & Disaster Management:
  • Ethical concerns of civilian casualties and displacement.
  • Strategies for post-war rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Role of diplomacy and conflict resolution mechanisms.

8. Mbiresaurus raathi Fossil Discovery

Context:

  • Fossils of Mbiresaurus raathi were discovered in Zimbabwe in 2019.
  • It was a small dinosaur species, about 1 meter tall, with a long tail and weighing up to 30 kg.
  • This discovery sheds light on early dinosaur evolution in Africa.

 

  1. About Mbiresaurus raathi
  • One of the oldest known dinosaurs from Africa, dating back to the Late Triassic period (~230 million years ago).
  • A small, bipedal, herbivorous or omnivorous dinosaur.
  • Part of the Sauropodomorpha group, which later evolved into giant long-necked dinosaurs.
  1. Significance of the Discovery
  • Provides insight into the early evolution and migration of dinosaurs.
  • Suggests that dinosaurs dispersed across the ancient supercontinent Pangaea before continental drift.
  • Strengthens Africa’s role in prehistoric biodiversity and evolution studies.
  1. Paleontological and Geological Importance
  • Found in the Mid-Zambezi Basin, a region with rich fossil evidence of prehistoric life.
  • Confirms that dinosaurs were present in Africa much earlier than previously thought.
  • Helps understand the Triassic ecosystem, which was dominated by early reptiles and dinosaurs.
  1. Global Relevance
  • Similar dinosaur fossils have been found in South America and India, indicating a common ancestry.
  • Supports the theory that dinosaurs originated in the southern regions of Pangaea and spread globally.
  1. India’s Connection to Paleontology
  • India has significant Triassic fossil discoveries (e.g., Isisaurus, Rajasaurus).
  • The Narmada Valley and Gujarat are key regions for dinosaur fossils.

Enhances collaboration between India and African nations in paleontological research.

9. MGNREGS Budget Allocation and Wage Delays

Context:

  • The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has not received additional budgetary allocation for 2024-25, despite a funding deficit.
  • Delayed wage payments and material costs are impacting workers and suppliers.
  • The government has shifted from additional funding to a fixed allocation system.

 

  1. About MGNREGS
  • Introduced: 2005 under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
  • Objective: Provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households.
  • Implementation: Demand-driven scheme funded by Central (60%) and State (40%)
  • Significance: Reduces rural distress, ensures livelihood security, and boosts rural infrastructure.

 

  1. Key Issues Highlighted in the News
  2. Budget Deficit & Wage Delays
  • In 2024-25, the allocated budget of ₹86,000 crore was not increased, despite fund shortages.
  • Payments for completed work are being delayed beyond two weeks, violating MGNREGA norms.
  • Suppliers reluctant to provide material due to late payments.
  1. Shift in Fund Allocation Pattern
  • Earlier, the scheme had additional allocations during high demand periods.
  • Now, fixed annual budgets limit flexibility in responding to rural job crises.
  1. Structural Challenges
  • Artificial Suppression of Demand: Reports indicate that lack of funds discourages new work requests.
  • Lower Budget Estimates: The Standing Committee on Rural Development warned in 2024 that low funding creates operational challenges.
  • Impact on Rural Economy: Delayed wages affect rural consumption and local markets.

 

 

  1. Government’s Stand
  • The Centre maintains that funding is adequate and that States must manage the allocated amount.

Officials argue that MGNREGS is meant for distress employment, not as a permanent job provider.

10. Geo-Tagged Digital Identity for Kashmir’s Chinar Trees

Context:

  • The Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) has launched a ‘Digital Tree Aadhaar’ initiative to assign geo-tagged digital identities to Chinar trees.
  • This initiative aims to preserve and monitor the Chinar trees, which are facing decline due to urbanization, highway expansion, and illegal felling.

 

  1. About the Initiative
  • Each tree is assigned a unique digital ID (similar to Aadhaar).
  • Metal QR-coded plates are attached to trees, providing details about:
  • Location
  • Height
  • Health status
  • Tourists and researchers can scan the QR code for tree data.

 

  1. Significance of Chinar Trees
  • Scientific Name: Platanus orientalis (Oriental Plane Tree).
  • Height: Up to 30 meters.
  • Girth: 10-15 meters at ground level.
  • Cultural & Historical Importance: Symbol of Kashmir’s heritage.
  • Ecological Role: Provides shade, maintains biodiversity, and contributes to the ecosystem.

 

  1. Conservation Efforts
  • Census Started (2021): Kashmir had 40,000 Chinar trees, but numbers are declining.
  • 28,560 trees have been geo-tagged so far.
  • Ganderbal district has the highest number of Chinars, including the world’s third-largest chinar (girth: 74 feet).

 

  1. Geographic Spread
  • Chinar trees are found in:
    • Kashmir Valley
    • Chenab Valley (Jammu)
    • Pir Panjal Valley
  • More regions will be included under the initiative.

 

  1. Technology Used
  • Geographic Information System (GIS) for database creation.
  • Quick Response (QR) codes for tracking and monitoring.

 

  1. Issues & Challenges
  • Urbanization & Infrastructure Projects: Road widening leads to tree loss.
  • Illegal Logging: Trees are felled for wood and land clearance.

Climate Change: Rising temperatures and environmental stress impact Chinar survival.

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