CURRENT AFFAIRS (24 DECEMBER 2024)

India’s Role in the Indo-Pacific 

• Context: Strengthened focus on India’s Indo-Pacific strategy amid China’s growing assertiveness. 

• Key Points:  

• Strategic Initiatives:  

• QUAD partnership: Enhancing maritime security and infrastructure development in the region. 

• Focus on Act East Policy to deepen ties with ASEAN countries. 

• Challenges:  

• Balancing relations with the U.S. and China. 

• Countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through alternative projects like Blue Dot Network. 

1. Women’s Reservation Bill Update 

Context:The Women’s Reservation Bill aims to allocate 33% of legislative seats to women, enhancing gender representation in governance. 

Key Points:A. Benefits: 

  – Increased Representation:The bill seeks to address the historical underrepresentation of women in politics, promoting a more equitable political landscape. 

  – Focus on Women’s Issues:More women in legislative roles may lead to greater attention on policies related to healthcare, education, safety, and economic empowerment. 

1. Obstacles:

  – Political Resistance: Some political factions oppose the bill, fearing it may affect their electoral prospects and disrupt existing power dynamics. 

  – Lack of Consensus: Disagreements among parties regarding implementation and its impact on other marginalized groups hinder progress. 

– International Perspective: 

  Global examples can offer insights into the potential effects of the Women’s Reservation Bill.India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) 

Context: MoU signed during the G20 Summit 2024 to establish a connectivity corridor. 

Key Features:  

-Linking India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and beyond. 

-Strategic alternative to China’s BRI. 

-Opportunities for trade, energy, and digital connectivity. 

GS Paper 3: Economy, Environment, Technology, and Security 

1. India’s Green Hydrogen Mission 

• Context: Government’s investment push in green hydrogen to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. 

• Key Points:  

• Targets: Achieve 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen production by 2030. 

• Challenges: High production costs and limited infrastructure. 

• Solutions: Subsidies, international collaborations, and development of hydrogen hubs. 

1. Semiconductor Manufacturing in India 

• Context: India’s efforts to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. 

• Key Points:  

• Collaboration with countries like Taiwan and the U.S. for technical expertise. 

• Government’s $10 billion incentive program under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. 

• Strategic importance: Reducing dependency on China and boosting electronics manufacturing. 

1. Climate Resilience and Disaster Management 

• Key Developments:  

• World Bank Report: India among the top countries affected by climate-induced disasters. 

• Government Initiatives: National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) and early warning systems. 

• International Collaborations: Joining global initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). 

1. Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions 

• Context: Rise in cyberattacks targeting government and private sectors. 

• Key Initiatives:  

• Launch of Cyber Suraksha Abhiyaan for awareness and training. 

• Strengthening CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team). 

• Development of indigenous cybersecurity tools and AI-driven solutions. 

GS Paper 1: Indian Heritage, Culture, and Society 

1. Promotion of Tribal Languages 

• Context: UNESCO’s declaration of 2024 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages. 

• Government Actions:  

• Launch of digital platforms for documenting endangered tribal languages. 

• Integration of tribal dialects in educational curricula. 

• Financial grants to tribal scholars for research and documentation. 

1. Gender Issues and Social Empowerment 

• Empowering women and girls is essential for achieving gender equality and sustainable development. Addressing gender issues requires a multifaceted approach that promotes education and economic opportunities while challenging societal norms. The “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (BBBP) program, now revitalized as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 2.0, focuses on enhancing the social empowerment of women and girls through key initiatives. 

Emphasis on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 2.0 

1. STEM Education for Female Students  

•    – Objective: Bridge the gender gap in STEM fields. 

Strategies  

    – Develop engaging STEM curricula for girls. 

     – Establish mentorship programs with women professionals in STEM. 

     – Create scholarships for girls pursuing STEM education. 

     – Promote STEM-related extracurricular activities. 

2. Financial Incentives for Higher Education and Skill Enhancement

   – Objective: Remove financial barriers to higher education and vocational training for girls. 

   – Strategies:  

     – Introduce conditional cash transfers for families supporting daughters’ education. 

     – Establish favorable loan schemes for female students. 

     – Collaborate with the private sector for internships and apprenticeships that offer financial support and skill development. 

3.Didi Ki Library Initiative 

• – Context: The ‘Didi Ki Library’ initiative represents a recent effort focused on enhancing education and literacy.   

• Key Points:   

• – Objective: To offer accessible educational materials to disadvantaged communities.   

• – Implementation: Information regarding the rollout of the initiative.   

• – Impact: Anticipated advantages concerning literacy levels and educational achievements. 

GS Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude 

1. Enhancing Ethical Corporate Governance

Context:Recent corporate scandals have revealed serious governance flaws, damaging public trust and causing financial and legal repercussions. Strengthening ethical corporate governance is essential for ensuring accountability, transparency, and integrity. 

Key Recommendations: 

1. A. Strengthen SEBI’s Regulatory Framework:  

   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) must: 

   – Update Regulations: Regularly revise regulations to meet emerging challenges and adopt global best practices. 

   – Enhance Enforcement: Impose stricter penalties for non-compliance and ensure prompt investigations into misconduct. 

   – Increase Transparency:Require detailed disclosures on governance, risk management, and financial performance. 

1. Implement Whistleblower Protection Systems:To encourage reporting of unethical practices, organizations should:

   – Develop Clear Policies:Establish policies for reporting unethical behavior, ensuring confidentiality and protection. 

   – Create Independent Reporting Channels:Set up anonymous reporting mechanisms, like hotlines or online platforms. 

   – Advocate for Legal Protections: Support legal safeguards for whistleblowers. 

2.Integrity in Public Service 

• Focus: Enhancing transparency in bureaucratic decision-making. 

• Steps Taken:  

• Implementation of RTI amendments for better access to public records. 

• Online monitoring of grievance redressal systems. 

1. AI and Ethics 

• Context: Rising use of Artificial Intelligence in governance and its ethical implications. 

• Key Concerns:  

• Algorithmic bias leading to discrimination. 

• Lack of transparency in AI decision-making processes. 

• Recommendations:  

• Development of AI ethical guidelines. 

• Establishing accountability mechanisms for AI deployment in public services. 

FACTS FOR PRELIMS  

Indian Economy: 

1. The PM Gati Shakti Plan: Advancements achieved through the comprehensive infrastructure development initiative aimed at improving multimodal connectivity throughout India.  
2. Economic Growth in India: The Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased to 60.7 in December 2024, reflecting strong expansion in both the services and manufacturing industries.

Government Schemes: 

1.  PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman (PM-VIKAS): This initiative aims to enhance the skills of traditional artisans and craftsmen by providing them with financial assistance.   

1. Agnipath Scheme: This program is currently facilitating the recruitment of Agniveers into the defense services, incorporating changes in eligibility requirements to encompass a broader range of skills.   

3. Swachh Bharat 2.0: Recent initiatives have been introduced to achieve complete waste segregation in urban regions.

International Relations: 

1. India-China Relations:  An inquiry has been launched regarding the imposition of safeguard duties in response to the rising influx of steel imports from China, highlighting the complexities of India-China relations.   

1. India’s Electronics Initiative: The Indian government has unveiled a $5 billion incentive scheme aimed at bolstering the domestic production of electronic components, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the electronics sector. 

Environment & Sustainability: 

1. First Bio-Bitumen Highway: 1. India has launched its first National Highway made from bio-bitumen to encourage sustainable infrastructure development.   

1. Carbon Credit Trading Bill: A draft bill has been completed to oversee carbon credit trading in India. 

Science & Technology: 

1. Gaganyaan Mission: Preparations are in progress for India’s upcoming crewed spaceflight mission scheduled for 2025, with astronaut training approaching its final stages.   

1.  Hydrogen Valley Program: Updates on the advancements in India’s initiatives to establish hydrogen ecosystems are being provided. 

State Initiatives: 

1. Uttarakhand Wine Production: The state launched its first wine production unit to boost tourism and local employment. 

1. Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corridor: Fast-tracking renewable energy projects with a focus on solar and wind power. 

Cultural Highlights: 

1. Kashi Tamil Sangamam: Initiatives for cultural exchange between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two areas.