CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22/11/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22/11/2023

Israel declares Lashkar-e-Taiba as terror organization

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : TH

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Israel has officially declared the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a terrorist organization, ahead of the 15th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

• The move is aligned with Israel’s commitment to supporting the global war on terror.

Key Highlights

• Israeli Declaration:
  • Despite not receiving a request from the government of India, Israel has completed all necessary procedures to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba as an illegal terrorist organization.
  • The official announcement emphasizes Israel’s dedication to combating terrorism on a global scale.
• Background:
  • The announcement coincides with Israel’s ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip, initiated in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli targets.
  • Israel’s ambassador to India, NaorGilon, revealed that Israel has been urging India to ban Hamas, but New Delhi has not taken such action thus far.
• Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Actions:
  • The declaration characterizes Lashkar-e-Taiba as a deadly and reprehensible terror organization responsible for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians and others.
  • The announcement specifically recalls the heinous actions of November 26, 2008, during the Mumbai attacks, including the infamous raid on the Chabad House in Nariman Point where several Israeli citizens lost their lives.

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Alarming countdown

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

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The United Nations’ latest report, titled “Broken Record,” serves as a clever pun reflecting the repeated warnings on the consequences of escalating greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

• The report underscores the alarming trend of overlooking prior warnings and surpassing new emissions limits.

Key Highlights

• Progress since Paris Agreement:
  • Despite the 2015 Paris Agreement’s goal to limit temperature rise to 2°C, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C, the report indicates sluggish progress.
  • The analysis suggests that, based on countries’ commitments under the agreement, temperatures could exceed 2.5°C-2.9°C by the end of the century.
  • To meet the 2°C target, a 28% reduction in emissions by 2030 is required, and for 1.5°C, a more substantial 42% reduction is necessary.
• Doubts on “Net Zero” Commitments:
  • While many countries have pledged to achieve “net zero” carbon emissions, the report questions the credibility of these promises.
  • Even in optimistic scenarios, the likelihood of meeting the 1.5°C target is assessed at just 14%.
• Positive Impact of Paris Agreement:
  • Despite challenges, the Paris Agreement has not been entirely ineffective.
  • Initially projected 2030 GHG emissions, based on existing policies, have seen a significant reduction from a 16% increase to a projected 3% increase.
  • However, the report emphasizes the need for annual emissions reduction of 8.7% until 2030 to stay within the 1.5°C threshold.
• Current Emission Trends:
  • The report reveals that global emissions reached 57.4 billion tonnes in 2022, marking a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
  • While the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 4.7% drop in emissions, 2023 projections indicate a return to near pre-pandemic levels.
  • The consequences of global inaction are highlighted, with 86 days recorded in 2022 experiencing temperatures over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • September recorded the highest global average temperatures ever, at 1.8°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Call for Urgent Action:
  • The report reiterates longstanding advice that wealthier nations and those historically responsible for significant carbon emissions must commit to more substantial and faster reductions.
  • It underscores the limited time remaining for the world to address the escalating climate crisis.

About Paris Agreement 2015

• The Paris Agreement, adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is a landmark international treaty aimed at addressing climate change.
• Here are key elements of the agreement:
  • Global Temperature Goals:
    • The primary goal is to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
    • Aspirationally, efforts are made to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, recognizing the increased risks associated with a higher temperature rise.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
    • Countries submit their voluntary NDCs, outlining their individual climate action plans, emission reduction targets, and strategies.
    • NDCs are expected to be progressively strengthened over time.
  • Financial Support:
    • Developed countries commit to providing financial support to developing nations to assist in both mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (coping with the impacts of climate change).
    • A goal of mobilizing $100 billion annually by 2020 from developed to developing countries is established.
  • Transparency and Accountability:
    • The agreement emphasizes transparency and accountability through a system of regular reporting and assessment of countries’ progress in implementing their NDCs.
    • A global stocktake is conducted every five years to assess collective progress toward the agreement’s goals.
  • Adaptation and Loss & Damage:
    • The agreement recognizes the importance of adaptation to climate change impacts and addresses loss and damage associated with the effects of climate change, particularly in vulnerable nations.
  • Technology Transfer and Capacity Building:
    • The agreement encourages the development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies and promotes capacity-building efforts, particularly in developing countries.

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Parochial law

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

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The Punjab and Haryana High Court has nullified the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020, which mandated 75% reservation for state domiciles in private sector jobs offering a monthly salary below ₹30,000.

• The court ruled that such legislation falls outside the state’s authority, violating constitutional principles of equality and freedom.

Key Highlights

• Court’s Rationale:
  • The court asserted that the state exceeded its jurisdiction by attempting to regulate private sector hiring, arguing that it infringed upon employers’ freedom to recruit from the open market.
  • The Act was deemed in violation of Article 14, guaranteeing equality, and Article 19, protecting freedom, of the Constitution.
  • The court contended that the legislation impinged on the rights of citizens from other states, creating artificial barriers within India.
  • The court likened the Act’s requirements on private employers to an “Inspector Raj,” suggesting that it imposed undue and unreasonable restrictions on workers’ freedom to move freely across India.
• Concerns about Similar Legislation:
  • The court warned against the Act setting a precedent for other states to enact similar laws, leading to the creation of “artificial walls” across the country.
  • The imposition of such reservations could negatively impact the national economy, limiting job opportunities for workers seeking employment outside their home states.
• Unconstitutionality of Local Reservations:
  • The court’s decision aligns with other states, like Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, facing similar challenges to their local reservation laws, emphasizing the potential unconstitutionality of such measures.
• Acknowledging resentment in better-off states over “migrant” workers taking local jobs, it is highlighted that the knee-jerk protectionist measures, while addressing concerns, may be unconstitutional and problematic.
• It is also proposed that rather than resorting to protectionism, states should focus on ensuring basic labor rights for all workers, including migrants, to create a fair playing field and curb exploitative practices by employers.

About Articles in the Constitution

• Article 14: Right to Equality:
  • “The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.”
  • Meaning: Article 14 enshrines the principle of equality before the law and equal protection of the laws for all individuals within the territory of India.
  • It prohibits discrimination and ensures that all persons, irrespective of their background, are treated equally by the State.
• Exceptions to Article 14:
  • Reasonable Classification:
    • While Article 14 prohibits unjust and unreasonable discrimination, it allows for reasonable classification.
    • The State can classify individuals for the purpose of legislation as long as the classification is reasonable, and there is a rational nexus between the classification and the objective of the law.
  • Article 19: Right to Freedom:
    • “All citizens shall have the right—
      • to freedom of speech and expression;
      • to assemble peaceably and without arms;
      • to form associations or unions;
      • to move freely throughout the territory of India;
      • to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; and
      • topractise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.”
    • Exceptions to Article 19:
      • Reasonable Restrictions:
        • While Article 19 grants several freedoms, they are not absolute.
        • The State can impose reasonable restrictions on these freedoms in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign countries, public order, decency, or morality.
      • The State can curtail the exercise of these freedoms if it believes that such exercise may disrupt public order, decency, or morality.
      • Certain restrictions on the right to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business may be imposed in the interest of the general public.

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Recognising the impact of climate change on health

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : TH

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As India prepares for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), there is a critical need to assess the profound implications of climate change on the country’s health.

Key Highlights

• Direct Health Impacts of Climate Change:
  • Increased Sickness and Mortality:
    • Climate change directly contributes to a rise in sickness and mortality, posing a significant threat to the population’s well-being.
  • Record-High Temperatures and Heat Waves:
    • The year 2023 witnessed the highest temperatures and heat waves in recorded history, signaling an alarming trend that is likely to exacerbate in the future.
  • Emergence of Climate Emergencies:
    • Anticipated climate emergencies such as extreme heat, cyclones, and floods are expected to occur more frequently, jeopardizing food security, livelihoods, and intensifying health challenges.
  • In indirect ways, climate change affects nutrition, reduces working hours, and intensifies climate-induced stress, creating a multifaceted health challenge.
    • It is also estimated that If global temperatures increase by 2°C, several parts of the country could become uninhabitable
  • Double Burden of Morbidity:
    • Climate change worsens the double burden of morbidity in India, impacting both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
    • Climate change may introduce vectors and pathogens into areas where they did not exist before, such as mosquitoes in the Himalayan States.
  • Impact on Non-Communicable Diseases:
    • Impact on Kidney Injuries and Respiratory Diseases:
      • Heat, physical exertion, and dehydration contribute to kidney injuries, rising in India due to uncontrolled diabetes. Respiratory diseases, including COPD, worsen with increased air pollution and heat.
    • Risk of Depression and Mental Health Issues:
      • Climate emergencies contribute to depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, often overlooked and unaddressed in India.
    • Urbanization Challenges:
      • Rapid and unplanned urbanization exacerbates the urban heat island effect, making urban areas more vulnerable to climate change impacts.
      • Urban areas, lacking sufficient green spaces and facing air pollution challenges, experience heightened health risks due to climate change.
      • Climate-induced stress, compounded by urbanization-related issues, poses additional threats to mental health, often overlooked in India.
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Modify health information systems to gather data on the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change.
      • Implement social support and health services to address the impact of climate change, acknowledging the role of socio-economic conditions.
      • Prioritize upstream interventions, including better urban planning, increased green cover, water conservation, and public health initiatives, to mitigate the health impact of climate change.
    • Global, Regional, and Local Action:
      • Recognize the need for action at global, regional, and local levels to effectively address climate change impacts on health.
      • Researchers should propose policy options for action, and governments at national, state, and local levels must make informed decisions to implement these policies.
      • Emphasize the importance of collaboration between problematisation, policy options, and political decision-making to bring about meaningful change in addressing climate change and its impact on health.

What are communicable and non-communicable diseases?

• Communicable Diseases:
  • Communicable diseases, also known as infectious or transmissible diseases, are illnesses caused by infectious agents or pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
  • These diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from person to person, from animals to humans, or through the environment.
  • Common modes of transmission include air, water, blood, or vectors like mosquitoes.
• Examples of communicable diseases include:
  • Influenza (Flu):
    • Caused by the influenza virus, the flu is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • Tuberculosis (TB):
    • A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • HIV/AIDS:
    • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids and can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition where the immune system is severely compromised.
  • Malaria:
    • Transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and is a significant public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions.
  • COVID-19:
    • The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, causes COVID-19, which primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and has led to a global pandemic.
  • Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):
    • Non-communicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, are medical conditions that are not caused by infectious agents and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
    • These diseases typically have a prolonged and gradual onset and are often associated with lifestyle factors, genetics, and environmental influences.
  • Examples of non-communicable diseases include:
    • Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs):
      • Conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.
    • Diabetes:
      • A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, either due to insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively (Type 2 diabetes).
    • Cancer:
      • Abnormal cell growth that can invade and spread to other parts of the body, leading to various types of cancer, such as lung, breast, or colon cancer.
    • Chronic Respiratory Diseases:
      • Conditions affecting the lungs and airways, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
    • Neurological Disorders:
      • Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.
    • Non-communicable diseases are not transmitted between individuals and typically develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
    • Prevention:
      • Communicable diseases can often be prevented through vaccination, hygiene practices, and control of vectors.
      • Non-communicable diseases are often preventable through lifestyle modifications, early detection, and management of risk factors.
    • Chronicity:
      • Communicable diseases may have acute or chronic manifestations, but they are primarily characterized by their transmissibility.
      • Non-communicable diseases are often chronic, with a gradual onset and long-term impact on health.

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What the OECD report says of climate finance ahead of COP 28?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

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The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recently released a report revealing that economically developed countries failed to meet their commitment of jointly mobilizing $100 billion annually for climate mitigation and adaptation in 2021, one year beyond the 2020 deadline.

• This report carries significance as it provides insights into the climate finance strategies of rich countries, especially with the upcoming COP 28 climate talks where this issue is expected to be a major point of discussion.

Key Highlights

• Shortfall in Climate Finance Commitments:
  • Developed countries fell short of their promise to mobilize $100 billion annually for climate needs in 2021, managing only $89.6 billion.
  • Adaptation finance witnessed a 14% decline in 2021 compared to the previous year.
  • The report follows a pledge by developed nations at COP 26 in 2020 to double adaptation finance.
  • Parties to the UNFCCC expressed regret at COP 26 for the failure to meet the $100 billion goal in 2020.
• Impact on Developing Countries:
  • Inadequate climate finance hampers the capacity of developing nations to address climate mitigation and adaptation needs.
  • The shortfall erodes trust among poorer countries regarding the commitment of developed nations to combat the climate crisis.
• Accounting for Climate Finance:
  • The OECD report reveals that of the $73.1 billion mobilized in 2021 by the public sector, $49.6 billion was provided as loans.
  • The report does not specify interest rates, but data from other sources indicates a substantial reliance on loans at commercial rates by rich countries.
• Loan Conditions and Debt Stress:
  • The Climate Policy Initiative found that 61% of climate finance between 2011 and 2020 was in the form of loans, with only 12% at concessional interest rates.
  • The OECD report’s disclosure that two-thirds of public climate financing was in the form of loans raises concerns about the potential exacerbation of debt stress in poorer countries.
• The OECD report highlights challenges in climate finance accountability, specifically focusing on the issues of “additionality” and the lack of a commonly agreed-upon definition for ‘climate finance.’
• These challenges have significant implications for the effectiveness and transparency of financial commitments made by developed countries in addressing climate change.
• Additionality: Ensuring New and Additional Finance:
  • The UNFCCC mandates that developed countries must provide “new and additional financial resources” to cover the full costs incurred by developing countries in meeting their convention obligations.
  • The principle of additionality prevents developed nations from redirecting overseas development assistance (ODA) to fund climate needs, ensuring that funds allocated for one purpose, such as healthcare, are not diverted to climate initiatives.
• Avoiding Double-Counting:
  • Developed countries are prohibited from double-counting funds that contribute to both emission reductions and overall development. The “new and additional” criterion is designed to prevent such practices.
  • Despite these guidelines, instances of double-counting have been acknowledged, where funding intended for development aid is also categorized as climate finance, raising concerns about adherence to the “new and additional” principle.
• Definitional Ambiguity in Climate Finance:
  • There is currently no universally agreed-upon definition of ‘climate finance,’ creating ambiguity in what qualifies as funds directed toward climate mitigation and adaptation.
• Historical Opposition to Definition:
  • Developed countries, including Australia, the U.K., the U.S., Switzerland, and Sweden, have resisted efforts to establish a common definition.
  • At COP 27 and COP 26, attempts to define ‘climate finance’ were either halted or blocked.
  • The absence of a clear definition allows developed nations to categorize a wide range of funding, including ODA and high-cost loans, as climate finance.
  • This lack of clarity raises concerns about the actual allocation of funds for climate-related purposes.
  • Instances, such as funding for chocolate and gelato stores in Asia or a coastal hotel expansion in Haiti, have been cited as examples of projects labeled as climate finance, showcasing the potential misuse of the term.
• Meeting the $100 Billion Goal:
  • The latest OECD report tentatively suggests that the $100 billion climate finance goal may have been achieved in 2022.
  • However, this data is preliminary and unverified, warranting skepticism.
  • The $100 billion target emerged during COP 15 talks without a comprehensive assessment of the actual climate investment needs of developing countries.
  • The report estimates that by 2025, developing countries will require approximately $1 trillion annually for climate investments, escalating to around $2.4 trillion per year from 2026 to 2030.
  • The $100 billion goal is deemed insufficient, underscoring the unmet financial requirements.
• Challenges in Private Sector Engagement:
  • The OECD report challenges the optimism surrounding the private sector’s role, revealing that private financing for climate action has stagnated over the past decade.
  • Private sector involvement in climate adaptation faces hurdles as investments in this sector may not yield high returns compared to mitigation projects like solar or wind farms.
  • Despite calls from figures like U.S. climate envoy John Kerry and World Bank president Ajay Banga, the private sector has not shown significant interest in massively increasing its climate investments.
• Reasserting the Role of Public Funding:
  • The OECD report underscores the limited impact of private sector contributions in meeting the scale of climate financing needed.
  • Public funding, involving governments in developed nations and multilateral development banks, is deemed crucial to address the funding gaps and fulfill the financial commitments required to combat climate change.

About Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that was established to promote economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development among its member countries.

• The OECD was established on December 14, 1960.
• It replaced the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC), which was formed in 1948 to administer the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe after World War II.
• The OECD has 38 member countries. These member countries include a mix of developed and emerging economies.
• Key Publications:
  • Notable publications include the “OECD Economic Outlook,” “OECD Employment Outlook,” and the “OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook.”

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India, Japan converge in Southeast Asia

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

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The Philippines has decided to distance itself from Chinese-led infrastructure projects due to sustainability and geopolitical concerns.

• Instead, the country is turning its attention towards Japan and India for development assistance, emphasizing the need for like-minded partnerships amid China’s behavior in the region.

Key Highlights

• Philippine-Japan Strategic Partnership:
  • Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines is actively safeguarding its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea against China’s interests.
  • The country is strengthening its ties with Japan, which has been a major investor and the largest source of overseas development assistance (ODA).
  • The strategic partnership is evolving beyond the U.S. hub-and-spokes system, with Japan playing a more significant security role.
  • Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s historic visit marked a turning point, leading to discussions on overseas security assistance (OSA) and a reciprocal access agreement (RAA), setting the stage for enhanced military cooperation.
• Philippine-India Bilateral Relationship:
  • The Philippines is also deepening its ties with India, incorporating New Delhi into its strategic considerations.
  • Recent milestones include the visit of Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo to India and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Philippine and Indian Coast Guards.
  • This MoU aims to improve interoperability, intelligence sharing, and maritime domain awareness.
  • India has further offered to supply the Philippine Coast Guard with seven indigenously manufactured helicopters under a soft loan agreement, complementing the earlier delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Southeast Asian country.
• Motivations and Objectives:
  • The shift in focus reflects the Philippines’ commitment to securing its interests against China’s assertiveness.
  • President Marcos Jr.’s foreign policy prioritizes collaboration with like-minded partners, both traditional and non-traditional, sharing common goals and concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The Philippines seeks to diversify its development assistance sources and enhance its defense capabilities through strategic partnerships with Japan and India.
  • Japan and India are intensifying their engagements in Southeast Asia, particularly with countries like the Philippines, as part of a strategy to reduce vulnerability to China’s economic influence and power projection capabilities.
  • Robust ties with friendly regional powers become crucial for Southeast Asian countries amid the escalating competition between the United States and China.
• Strategic Importance of Japan and India:
  • Based on the 2023 State of Southeast Asian Survey, Japan and India emerge as the top two choices for alternative Indo-Pacific strategic partners among Southeast Asian countries.
  • This strategic preference aligns with the contemporary geopolitical conditions, providing an opportunity for Japan and India to operationalize their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, with a specific focus on Southeast Asia.
• India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership:
  • The special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan is characterized by strong ties in various domains.
  • In terms of security, both nations engage in regular bilateral military exercises, two-plus-two meetings, and participate in multilateral frameworks like the Quad and the G20.
  • Shared threat perceptions regarding an assertive China further solidify their cooperation, as highlighted in Tokyo’s 2022 National Security Strategy and India’s commitment to countering Chinese aggression.
• Third-Country Cooperation Model:
  • India and Japan have extended their collaboration beyond bilateral ties through a third-country cooperation model.
  • The Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), initiated in 2017, aimed at establishing industrial growth and development networks across Asia and Africa.
  • While facing setbacks due to geopolitical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, both countries are exploring new third-country cooperation models.
  • Notable examples include trilateral partnerships between India, Japan, and Bangladesh, as well as a similar framework involving India, Japan, and Sri Lanka.
• Opportunities in Southeast Asia:
  • As India expands and deepens its ties with Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines, there is an opportunity to extend the third-country developmental model with Japan into the sub-region of the greater Indo-Pacific.
  • This becomes especially relevant as resident countries seek alternative sources of development and security amid the polarizing dynamics of the U.S.-China power competition.

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