CURRENT AFFAIRS (17 December 2024) 

1. Feral Horses in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park 

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, situated in Assam, is notable for its distinct population of feral horses, which are thought to be descendants of cavalry horses abandoned by British forces during World War II. Over the last eight decades, these horses have successfully adapted to their natural environment, contributing significantly to the park’s biodiversity. Nevertheless, their legal status is unclear, as they do not fall under the protection of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which is primarily concerned with native wildlife. This lack of formal recognition poses challenges for their conservation, as there are no established policies for their management or protection. These horses exemplify the complex relationship between human actions and ecological change, serving as a poignant illustration of the unintended impacts of warfare on the natural world. Additionally, the park is confronted with threats such as habitat degradation, encroachment, and the presence of invasive species, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive conservation strategy that addresses all facets of its biodiversity. 

General Studies (GS) Paper 2: Polity, Governance, and International Relations 

2.Uniform Civil Code (UCC) 

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has re-emerged as a significant topic in political discussions, with the Union Home Minister reaffirming the government’s dedication to its enactment. The UCC seeks to replace personal laws derived from religious customs with a standardized legal framework that governs marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Advocates contend that the UCC is crucial for fostering gender justice and equality, as many current personal laws are perceived as discriminatory, particularly against women. For example, Muslim women encounter difficulties under personal laws that permit practices such as triple talaq, which has recently been prohibited. Additionally, the UCC is viewed as a means to enhance national unity by establishing a consistent set of regulations for all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations. Conversely, opponents argue that the UCC poses a threat to India’s cultural diversity and encroaches upon the rights of religious minorities to manage their personal laws. The Law Commission has begun consultations, yet reaching a consensus remains a formidable task, as the discourse frequently becomes politically and emotionally charged. 

3.Minority Rights in India  

India’s Constitution incorporates strong protections for minority rights, underscoring the nation’s dedication to inclusivity and pluralism. Article 29 affirms the right to preserve unique languages, scripts, and cultures, while Article 30 empowers minorities to establish and manage their educational institutions. These provisions are essential in a diverse nation like India, where religious and linguistic minorities constitute a substantial segment of the population. Nevertheless, the lack of a standardized definition of “minority” has resulted in legal uncertainties. In pivotal rulings, such as the TMA Pai Foundation case (2002), the Supreme Court determined that minorities should be defined at the state level, taking into account regional demographic differences. This ruling highlights the necessity for decentralized policymaking approaches. However, challenges remain in translating these constitutional rights into real benefits, particularly for economically and socially marginalized minority groups. 

General Studies (GS) Paper 1: Indian Heritage, History, and Geography 

1.Cultural Heritage and Preservation  

India’s cultural heritage is characterized by its richness and diversity, which includes both tangible elements such as monuments, art, and architecture, as well as intangible components like folklore, languages, and traditions. The recent emphasis on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India highlights the critical need to safeguard both tangible and intangible aspects of this heritage. Nevertheless, challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and insufficient funding have placed significant strain on these heritage sites. For instance, coastal structures like the Sun Temple at Konark face threats from rising sea levels, while uncontrolled tourism adversely affects ecosystems surrounding historical sites like the Taj Mahal. The incorporation of modern technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance, has the potential to revolutionize heritage conservation efforts. Furthermore, the implementation of community involvement models, exemplified by Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village in Odisha, underscores the vital role of grassroots participation in preserving cultural heritage. 

General Studies (GS) Paper 2: Polity, Governance, and International Relations 

1.Global Refugee Crisis and India’s Response 

The ongoing global refugee crisis, intensified by conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine situation and the Rohingya crisis, presents considerable challenges for international relations and governance. India, due to its geographical closeness to these crisis-affected areas, has experienced an influx of refugees from Myanmar, Afghanistan, and other neighboring nations. Although India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, it has accommodated a substantial number of refugees, attempting to balance humanitarian responsibilities with national security concerns. Historically, India has provided refuge to Tibetan refugees and Bangladeshi migrants during the 20th century; however, the recent surge of Rohingya refugees has ignited discussions regarding the limitations of India’s refugee policies. The task of reconciling international obligations with domestic security and resource limitations continues to be a significant challenge. Additionally, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its effects on asylum policies have further stimulated debates surrounding India’s refugee policy framework.