06 January 2025: The Hindu Analysis (Daily Current Affairs)

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1. Implications of China’s mega-dam project

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

• The proposed Medog dam, a substantial 60 GW hydropower project, is set to be constructed in the Great Bend region of Medog County, Tibet, China. This initiative poses significant downstream implications for India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

Impact of the Dam

• Mega-dams serve as instruments of sovereignty, allowing upstream nations like China to exert control over essential natural resources. The Medog dam is expected to alter the natural flow of the Brahmaputra River, a vital water source for agriculture and ecosystems in the downstream countries. The dam's obstruction of water for hydropower might adversely affect surface water levels, monsoon patterns, groundwater systems, and agricultural output across India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
• The Brahmaputra is a transboundary river traversing China, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. As the upstream riparian nation, China governs the river’s source in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Zangbo. India and Bhutan are classified as middle riparian nations, while Bangladesh is situated at the lowest point where the river flows into the Bay of Bengal. Each riparian country is involved in significant water infrastructure projects, including dams, embankments, and irrigation systems.

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Hydropower Competition

• China and India are engaged in a competitive race to develop major hydropower projects, exemplified by the Great Bend Dam in China and the Upper Siang Dam in India. Bhutan, with its smaller dams, also raises concerns regarding downstream effects. The absence of a comprehensive treaty governing shared water resources, coupled with unresolved territorial disputes, amplifies geopolitical tensions in the region.

Community Risks

• Communities residing along the Brahmaputra, both upstream and downstream, depend heavily on traditional knowledge regarding the river’s ecological cycles. The construction of mega-dams threatens to undermine this traditional wisdom and escalates disaster risks, adversely impacting agriculture, biodiversity, and the delicate Himalayan ecology.

Climate Change and Natural Disasters

• The Himalayas are integral to global climate systems, influencing monsoon dynamics and glacial patterns. Climate change is contributing to an increase in Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), as illustrated by the 2023 collapse of the Chungthang Dam in Sikkim. Dams disturb natural cycles, leading to detrimental effects on ecosystems, communities, and the overall hydrological system.

Historical Context

• The 1950 Medog Earthquake had profound downstream repercussions, resulting in floods in Assam and Bangladesh, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

Conclusion

The Medog dam has the potential to heighten geopolitical tensions and environmental risks, underscoring the necessity for a collaborative and sustainable strategy in managing the Brahmaputra’s resources.

Practice Question: Discuss the geopolitical and environmental implications of China’s proposed 60 GW hydropower project at the Great Bend on the Brahmaputra River. How can India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh collaborate to mitigate the downstream risks? (250 Words /15 marks)

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2. Arunachal Pradesh Revives 1978 Anti-Conversion Law Amid Cultural Preservation and Religious Freedom Debate

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 14)

Topic: GS2 – Polity

Context

• The government of Arunachal Pradesh is moving to reinstate a dormant anti-conversion law originally enacted in 1978, prompted by growing concerns regarding cultural preservation and the dynamics of religious conversion within the state.

Analysis of the news:

What is the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act?

• The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, established in 1978, prohibits religious conversions that occur under duress, inducement, or deceitful practices. Penalties for violations include imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of ₹10,000. The legislation mandates that all conversions be reported to the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district. Despite its establishment, the Act has remained largely unexecuted for 46 years due to the absence of implementing guidelines.

Why Was the Act Introduced?

• The primary aim of the Act is to shield the diverse indigenous faiths and cultural identities of Arunachal Pradesh's ethnic groups, including the Monpas, Sherdukpens, and Tani tribes, from perceived threats stemming from religious conversions. The growth of Christianity in the region, which rose from 0.79% of the population in 1971 to 4.32% in 1981, has ignited debates concerning proselytization and its implications for indigenous practices, leading to calls for legal protections.

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Why Has the Act Remained Dormant?

• Opposition from Christian organizations, such as the Arunachal Christian Forum, which perceive the Act as discriminatory and susceptible to misuse, has impeded its enforcement. With Christianity becoming the predominant religion in Arunachal Pradesh—comprising 30.26% of the population in 2011—there has been a substantial pushback against the Act. Moreover, political apprehension regarding the alienation of these community groups has further delayed the development of the necessary rules for implementation.

Why Is the Act Being Revived Now?

• A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) submitted in 2022 to the Gauhati High Court brought attention to the state government's inaction regarding the framing of rules for the Act. Following a recent directive from the court to finalize these rules within six months, discussions surrounding the Act have been reignited. Advocates, including the Indigenous Faiths and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), assert that the Act is crucial for preserving indigenous traditions amidst rising conversion rates.

Concerns and Diverging Views

• Critics, notably from Christian organizations, argue that the Act serves as a mechanism to restrict religious freedom and incite discrimination. Conversely, supporters consider it essential for safeguarding cultural heritage. The involvement of organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in promoting indigenous faiths introduces additional complexity, as their actions are often interpreted as support for traditional practices without overt attempts at conversion.

Conclusion

• The revival of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act highlights the ongoing tensions between protecting cultural identity and ensuring religious freedom. Effective implementation of this law will necessitate a careful balance to accommodate diverse viewpoints while adhering to constitutional rights.

Examine the challenges and implications of enforcing anti-conversion laws such as the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, particularly in relation to the preservation of indigenous cultures and the safeguarding of constitutional rights to religious freedom. (150 Words / 10 marks)

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Prelims Facts

1. Tribal festival

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Context

• The Toda tribe, located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, celebrates the Modwerth festival, which serves to unite the community and strategize for their future in Udhagamandalam.

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Toda Tribe:

• Location: Primarily inhabits the Nilgiri Hills, especially around Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
• Population: Small tribal community, with numbers declining over the years.
• Language: Speak the Toda language, part of the Dravidian family.
• Livelihood: Traditionally pastoral, known for rearing buffaloes and producing dairy products.
• Distinctive Culture:
• Famous for intricately embroidered shawls (Toda embroidery).
• Practice unique rituals associated with dairy, temples, and buffaloes.
• Housing: Live in semi-barrel-shaped huts called “munds.”
• Religion: Animistic beliefs; worship nature, buffaloes, and sacred groves.
• Festivals: Celebrate the Modwerth festival to discuss community plans and strengthen cultural bonds.
• Recognition: Toda embroidery and lifestyle are recognized as Geographical Indications (GI).

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2. Moving away from coal a must: South African court upholds ‘Cancel Coal’ case

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

• On December 4, 2024, the High Court in Pretoria ruled against the South African government's proposal to increase the number of coal-fired power stations on the grid. The court determined that this plan was “inconsistent with the Constitution,” rendering it unlawful.

The ‘Cancel Coal’ Case

• Civil society organizations, including the African Climate Alliance and the Vukani Environmental Justice Movement, contested the government's 2019 Integrated Resource Plan. The government intended to add 1,500 MW of coal power capacity by 2027, but these organizations argued that such a decision would be detrimental to the environment and public health, particularly for vulnerable populations like children.

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South Africa’s Energy Mix and Climate Commitments

• In 2022, coal constituted 71% of South Africa’s energy supply. The country ranks as the 16th largest emitter of greenhouse gases and has pledged to reduce its emissions and achieve net-zero by 2050, in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

Details of the Judgement

• The court highlighted that the government failed to sufficiently assess the detrimental effects of coal power on health and the environment, especially concerning children. The ruling stressed the government's neglect of its constitutional duty to safeguard the environment for future generations.

Environmental Justice and Global Transition

• This case emphasizes the urgent necessity for a global transition away from coal to cleaner energy sources, a critical step in addressing climate change and safeguarding public health.

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3. Dinosaur highway: where dinos walked

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

• A limestone quarry located in Oxfordshire, UK, has unveiled a significant number of dinosaur footprints, shedding light on the movements and behaviors of dinosaurs during the Jurassic era.

A Dinosaur Highway:

• The limestone quarry in Oxfordshire has been aptly termed a "dinosaur highway," owing to the multitude of footprints uncovered at the site.
• In 1997, researchers found over 20 dinosaur footprints, with some extending as far as 180 meters at Dewars Farm Quarry. These footprints can be traced back to the Jurassic period.
• Most recently, on January 4, 2024, a collaborative team from the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford discovered an additional 200 footprints.
• Dating to the Middle Jurassic period, these footprints were made by sauropods (specifically cetiosaurus) and a carnivore (megalosaurus).
• This latest find includes five distinct trackways, providing evidence that these dinosaurs were walking rather than running.

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4. Grampians Park Bushfire Alert

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

• Grampians National Park in Victoria, Australia, is currently facing challenges due to bushfires intensified by extreme heat conditions.

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Places in news:

• Located in the state of Victoria, Australia, Grampians National Park has been affected by bushfires that erupted in late December 2024.
• The intensity of these fires has been aggravated by an extreme heatwave affecting southeastern Australia, particularly in Victoria.
• Reports indicate that temperatures in some areas soared up to 14°C above the average, significantly increasing the fire hazard.
• Authorities and emergency services are actively engaged in efforts to manage the fires and ensure the safety of the public.

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5. Empower the guardians of the earth, do not rob them

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)

Context

The ₹72,000-crore infrastructure project on Great Nicobar encompasses plans for an international cruise terminal and a shipbreaking yard. This initiative has sparked significant concerns regarding its potential impact on the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, particularly the Shompens and the Nicobarese.

Shompens

• The Shompens are a semi-nomadic, indigenous tribe inhabiting the dense forests of Great Nicobar Island.
• Renowned for their isolation, they are among the most secluded tribes within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and are protected under the Indian Constitution.
• Their way of life is primarily sustained through subsistence hunting and gathering, relying on the forest for food, medicinal resources, and shelter materials.
• The Shompens reside in small communities within temporary huts and adhere to non-agricultural practices. They maintain limited interaction with outsiders, preserving their traditional customs.
• Furthermore, they are afforded protection under India’s Tribal Rights Acts due to their vulnerable and isolated status.

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Nicobarese

• The Nicobarese form the largest indigenous group in the Nicobar Islands, primarily residing on Great Nicobar and several adjacent smaller islands.
• This community possesses a distinct language, Nicobarese, and adheres to a blend of animistic traditions and Hindu beliefs influenced by external factors. Traditionally, the Nicobarese engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as coconuts, rice, and various vegetables.
• Their cultural practices also include fishing, hunting, and gathering, highlighting a robust maritime tradition.
• In contrast to other tribes, the Nicobarese exhibit a more developed socio-political structure, featuring a council system for governance.
• However, this tribe faces challenges related to modernization and ongoing infrastructure developments within the region.

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6. Post-Pandemic India Sees Decline in Income Inequality, But Wealth Concentration Remains a Challenge

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Economy – Page No. – 13)

Context

• This article reviews the trends in India’s recovery following the pandemic, drawing insights from a working paper by the People Research on India’s Consumer Economy (PRICE).

Analysis of the news:

Income Inequality Trends: Improvement with Persistent Concerns

• Income inequality in India saw a notable improvement in 2022-23 after a significant rise during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21. This rebound reflects the effectiveness of recovery measures implemented in response to the crisis. Notwithstanding this positive trend, wealth remains significantly concentrated among the top income earners, while the lower decile continues to face considerable struggles. This scenario underscores the critical need for sustained and inclusive economic strategies moving forward.

The Gini Index: A Mixed Journey

• The Gini index serves as a key indicator of income inequality, ranging from 0 (indicating perfect equality) to 100 (indicating perfect inequality). Post-independence, India's index improved to 0.367 by 2015-16 but deteriorated to 0.506 in 2020-21 due to the pandemic's effects. As of 2022-23, the index has improved to 0.410, signaling recovery yet revealing ongoing disparities within the economy.

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Income Share Distribution: Rising Inequality Amid Recovery

• For the bottom 50% of earners, the income share increased modestly from 15.84% in 2020-21 to 22.82% in 2022-23, although this remains below the 2015-16 figure of 24.07%. The middle 40% experienced a rise to 46.6%. Conversely, the top 10% saw their share peak at 38.6% during the pandemic, but it has since decreased to 30.6% by 2022-23. The top 1% continues to account for a disproportionate amount of wealth, further highlighting the entrenched disparities.

Key Drivers of Inequality: Structural and Sectoral Imbalances

• The COVID-19 pandemic intensified pre-existing structural inequalities, with job losses and economic instability hitting the bottom 50% particularly hard, while sectors such as technology and e-commerce fueled income growth for the top 10%. Despite the recovery trends, the wealth gap remains significant and cannot be overlooked.

Policy Recommendations: Building an Inclusive Framework

• The paper advocates for enhanced investment in education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure to effectively tackle inequality. While social safety nets like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and various financial inclusion initiatives have led to modest improvements, they necessitate scaling and refinement. Implementing progressive taxation and ensuring the portability of benefits may further foster equitable distribution of growth.

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