Aakar Ics

CURRENT AFFAIRS ( 18 December 2024) 

GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance   

1 . Chemical Castration for Sex Offenders

Context: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers’ Association suggests introducing chemical castration for convicted sex offenders. 

Proposals: 

  – Mandatory chemical castration for those convicted of sexual offences against women and children. 

  – Permanent castration for offenders given life imprisonment or the death penalty. 

  – Establishment of fast-track courts to expedite cases involving serious crimes. 

Legal Concerns: 

  – Chemical castration is considered a controversial punishment due to potential human rights violations. 

  – The Supreme Court emphasized that crimes against women result more from the lack of effective enforcement of laws than the absence of strict punishments. 

  – India’s criminal justice system already includes stringent punishments for sexual offences under laws such as the POCSO Act and IPC. 

Implications: 

  – Advocates argue this measure could deter heinous crimes. 

  – Critics highlight the need for judicial reform and better implementation of existing laws. 

 

  1. Procedure for Removing Judges

Context: 55 Rajya Sabha MPs have moved a motion for the removal of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court, citing alleged misconduct. 

Constitutional Provisions: 

  – Articles 124(4) and 217: Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can be removed for “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity.” 

  – The process requires the President’s assent after the motion is passed in both Houses of Parliament with a special majority. 

Procedure: 

  – A three-member inquiry committee is formed under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. 

  – If charges are proven, Parliament votes on the motion, followed by the President’s approval. 

Significance: 

  – Ensures accountability while safeguarding judicial independence. 

  – Highlights the need for institutional checks and balances within the judiciary. 

GS Paper 2: International Relations 

  1. India-Sri Lanka Naval Exercise (SLINEX 2024)

Context: The bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, SLINEX 2024, is being held in Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command. 

Details: 

  – Initiated in 2005, SLINEX aims to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the navies. 

  – Includes: 

    – Harbour Phase: Professional interactions, social exchanges, and training exercises. 

    – Sea Phase: Joint maneuvers, communication drills, gun firings, and Special Forces operations. 

  – Participating units: 

    – India: INS Sumitra, a Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel, and Special Forces teams. 

    – Sri Lanka: SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with Special Forces units. 

Strategic Importance: 

  – Strengthens ties amidst increasing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean. 

  – Improves coordination for counter-piracy and humanitarian assistance missions. 

 

 

GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology 

 

  1. Impact of La Niña on India’s Climate

Context: La Niña, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean, influences weather patterns worldwide. 

Impacts on India: 

  – Monsoons: Typically brings above-average rainfall, boosting agriculture and reducing drought risks. 

  – Winters: Leads to colder winters, particularly in northern India, due to enhanced western disturbances. 

Current Scenario: 

  – Predictions suggest a 57% likelihood of weak La Niña conditions forming this winter. 

Significance: 

  – Offers opportunities for better agricultural planning. 

  – Highlights the importance of climate monitoring to mitigate adverse effects. 

 

 

  1. Greenwashing Concerns in Indian Railways

Context: Allegations of “greenwashing” in the Indian Railways’ 100% electrification mission have surfaced, questioning its transparency. 

Details: 

  – Greenwashing refers to exaggerated claims about environmental benefits for public image enhancement. 

  – Critics argue: 

    – Electrification does not necessarily translate to carbon neutrality unless the electricity is sourced from renewables. 

    – Emphasis should be placed on transparency and reporting standards. 

Significance: 

  – Raises accountability concerns in sustainability projects. 

  – Reinforces the need for independent audits and global benchmarks for climate claims. 

 

 

GS Paper 3: Economy 

 

  1. Wholesale Food Inflation Eases in November 2024

Context: Wholesale price data indicates a decline in food inflation, offering relief to consumers. 

Details: 

  – Price reductions in key items like vegetables, cereals, and pulses contributed to the decline. 

  – Policy interventions, such as buffer stock releases and import facilitation, played a role. 

Implications: 

  – Positive for economic stability as inflation affects purchasing power. 

  – Provides policymakers room to focus on growth-oriented measures. 

 

 

  1. India’s Export of Motor Fuel

Context: India has diversified its motor fuel export destinations, redirecting supplies to Asia amid declining demand from Europe. 

Details: 

  – Asian demand for Indian fuel surged threefold between August and November 2024. 

  – Factors include geopolitical tensions and a shift in European markets towards renewable energy. 

Significance: 

  – Highlights India’s adaptability in global trade dynamics. 

  – Demonstrates the resilience of the petroleum sector in sustaining foreign exchange earnings. 

 

 

GS Paper 1: Art and Culture 

 

  1. M.S. Subbulakshmi Award

Context: The award, named after legendary Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi, recognizes excellence in Indian classical music. 

Details: 

  – Recipients are chosen for their contribution to preserving and promoting Indian music traditions. 

  – It reflects India’s cultural emphasis on honoring its artistic heritage. 

Significance: 

  – Encourages younger generations to embrace and sustain classical music forms. 

  – Recognizes the impact of cultural icons in shaping India’s identity. 

 

 

  1. Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Contributions

Context: Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has been lauded for his contributions to Indian and global music. 

Details: 

  – Known for blending traditional Indian rhythms with global music genres. 

  – Actively promotes Indian music on international platforms. 

Significance: 

  – Reflects India’s cultural diplomacy through music. 

  – Inspires global appreciation for Indian classical arts. 

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Abraham Lincoln

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