In the Loop: Navigating Today's Current Affairs Landscape

India-Maldives Relations Security Partnership: 

Defense cooperation extends to the areas of Joint Exercises - “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, “Ekatha” and “Operation Shield” (begun in 2021). 

India provides the largest number of training opportunities for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their defense training requirements. 

Rehabilitation Centre: 

The signing of a contract for the Addu reclamation and shore protection project. 

A drug detoxification and rehabilitation center in Addu was built with Indian assistance. 

The center is one of 20 high-impact community development projects being implemented by India in areas such as healthcare, education, fisheries, tourism, sports, and culture. 

Economic Cooperation: 

Tourism is the mainstay of the Maldivian economy. The country is now a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others. 

In August 2021, Afcons, an Indian company, signed a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure project in Maldives which is the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP). 

India emerged as Maldives’ 3rd largest trade partner in 2021. 

A Bilateral USD Currency Swap Agreement between RBI and Maldives Monetary Authority was signed on 22nd July 2019. 

The India-Maldives relationship suffered a setback when Maldives entered into a Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) with China in 2017.

Infrastructure Projects: 

Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development project under an Indian credit line will add a brand-new terminal to cater to 1.3 million passengers a year. 

In 2022, the National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) was inaugurated by India’s External Affairs Minister. 

NCPLE is the largest grant project executed by India in Maldives. 

Greater Male Connectivity Project: 

It will consist of a 6.74 km-long bridge and causeway link between Male and nearby islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. It will use renewable energy. 

The project is funded by a grant of USD 100 million and a Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 400 million from India. 

It is not only the biggest project India is doing in the Maldives but also the biggest infrastructure project in the Maldives overall.

Chinese Infrastructure Investments: 

Maldives, like many other countries in the Indian Ocean region, has been a recipient of Chinese infrastructure investments. 

Maldives has massive Chinese investment and became a participant in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China funded and built various projects in Maldives, including the development of ports, airports, bridges, and other critical infrastructure as part of the “String of the Pearls” initiative. 

Shift in Alliances: 

The pro-China stance led to a shift in Maldives' traditional foreign policy, which had typically been closer to India. This shift created apprehensions in India about China's growing influence in its immediate neighborhood and the potential strategic implications. 

India’s Concerns: 

India has expressed concerns about China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives. The development of Chinese-controlled ports and military facilities in these areas has been seen as a challenge to India's strategic interests and regional security. 

India's Countermeasures: 

India has responded by intensifying its diplomatic and strategic engagement with Maldives and other Indian Ocean nations. It has provided economic assistance, undertaken infrastructure projects, and expanded defense cooperation to strengthen its influence in the region. 

India's "Neighborhood First" policy aims to counterbalance China's increasing presence.

Political Developments: 

With the election of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in 2018, who is seen as more inclined towards India, there has been a shift in Maldives' foreign policy back towards India. Solih's government has sought to balance relations between India and China while maintaining traditional ties with India. 

Strategic Importance: 

Maldives' strategic location in the Indian Ocean, along key maritime routes, continues to make it strategically significant for both India and China. As a result, both countries are likely to closely monitor developments in Maldives and vie for influence in these regions. 

Geography of Maldives 

Maldives, a Toll Gate in the Indian Ocean: Located at the southern and northern parts of this island chain lies the two important sea lanes of communication (SLOCs). 

These SLOCs are critical for maritime trade flow between the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Hormuz in West Asia and the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia. 

Physical geography primarily consists of Coral Reefs and Atolls and most of the area is under Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) 

Maldives primarily consists of an archipelago of low-lying islands, which has been threatened due to rising sea rise. Eight Degree Channel separates Indian Minicoy (part of Lakshadweep Islands) from that of Maldives.

Semiconductor Chips 

About: 

Semiconductors are materials that have a conductivity between conductors and insulators. They can be pure elements, silicon or germanium or compounds; gallium, arsenide, or cadmium selenide. 

Significance of Semiconductor Chips: 

They are the basic building blocks that serve as the heart and brain of all modern electronics and information and communications technology products. 

These chips are now an integral part of contemporary automobiles, household gadgets, and essential medical devices such as ECG machines.

 

Recent Increase in Demand: 

The COVID-19 pandemic-driven push to take sizable parts of daily economic and essential activity online, or at least digitally enable them, has highlighted the centrality of chip-powered computers and smartphones in people’s lives. Its shortage causes cascading effects, given that the first one creates pent-up demand that becomes the cause of the follow-up famine. 

Significance of Semiconductors 

Semiconductors are essential to almost all sectors of the economy including aerospace, automobiles, communications, clean energy, information technology medical devices, etc. 

Demand for these critical components has outstripped supply, creating a global chip shortage and resulting in lost growth and jobs in the economy. 

India's Stand in the Semiconductor Market 

India currently imports all chips and the market is estimated to touch USD 100 billion by 2025 from USD 24 billion now. However, for the domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips, India has recently launched several initiatives.

The Union Cabinet has allocated an amount of Rs 76,000 crore in 2021 for supporting the development of a ‘semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystem’. 

Consequently, a significant number of incentives would be provided to design companies to design chips. 

India has also launched the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) for manufacturing of electronics components and semiconductors. 

In 2021, India announced its roughly USD 10 billion Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to encourage semiconductor and display manufacturing in the country. 

In 2021, MeitY also launched the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme to nurture at least 20 domestic companies involved in semiconductor design and facilitate them to achieve a turnover of more than Rs.1500 Crore in the next 5 years. 

India’s consumption of semiconductors is expected to cross USD 80 billion by 2026 and USD 110 billion by 2030. 

Top 5 Countries Producing Semiconductors 

The top 5 Countries that produce the most semiconductors are Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, the United States, and China. 

Taiwan and South Korea make up about 80% of the global foundry base for chips. TSMC, the world’s most advanced chipmaker, is headquartered in Taiwan. 

Currently, foundries in Taiwan account for over 70% of the chips that mobile devices made in India utilize, according to industry estimates by the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association.

Caste-based Discrimination in Indian Prisons

News: 

The Supreme Court (SC) of India recently issued notice to the Centre and 11 states on a public interest litigation (PIL) that alleged caste-based discrimination and segregation of prisoners in jails and sought a direction to repeal provisions that mandate such practices under the state prison manuals. 

Instances of Discrimination: 

The PIL exposes instances from Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu jails where cooking is allocated to dominant castes, while "specific lower castes" are assigned menial jobs such as sweeping and cleaning toilets. 

The Prison system in India is alleged to perpetuate discriminatory practices, including the division of labor based on caste hierarchy and the caste-based segregation of barracks. 

Caste-based labor distribution is deemed a relic of colonial India and is considered humiliating and unhealthy, violating the prisoners' right to life with dignity. 

State Prison Manual Sanctions: 

The petition claims that prison manuals in various states sanction caste-based discrimination and forced labor within the prison system. 

Rajasthan Prison Rules 1951: 

Assignment of Mehtars to latrines and Brahmins to kitchens based on caste. 

Palayamkottai Central Jail in Tamil Nadu: 

The petition highlights the caste-based segregation of inmates in Palayamkottai Central Jail in Tamil Nadu, pointing to the separation of Thevars, Nadars, and Pallars into different sections. 

West Bengal Jail Code: 

Directs menial tasks like sweeping to prisoners from the Mether or Hari caste, Chandal, and other castes. 

2003 Model Prison Manual Guidelines: 

The petition refers to the 2003 Model Prison Manual, emphasizing guidelines for classification based on security, discipline, and institutionalized programs 

It argues against any classification based on socioeconomic status, caste, or class. 

Fundamental Rights: 

The petition argues that a person does not lose fundamental rights or the equality code merely for being a prisoner, citing the Supreme Court's judgment in the Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration (1978) case on the fundamental rights of prisoners. 

Call for Repeal of Discriminatory Provisions: 

The petition emphasizes the need to repeal discriminatory provisions in state prison manuals, advocating for the protection of prisoners' fundamental rights and equality within the prison system.

Supreme Court's Observations on Caste Discrimination in Prisons 

Three-judge Bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India, finds that prison manuals in over 10 states support caste-based discrimination and forced labour. 

States include Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. 

Caste-based discrimination, segregation, and treatment of denotified tribes as "habitual offenders" within prisons are deemed a "very important issue" by the SC. 

SC emphasized the need for prompt and comprehensive addressing of alleged discriminatory practices. 

The SC sent a notice and asked for a response from the States and the Union within four weeks on the petition. 

Legacy of Colonial Policies: 

India's criminal justice system, rooted in colonial legacy, primarily focuses on punishment rather than reformation or rehabilitation. 

The 'Prisons Act of 1894,' dating back almost 130 years, underscores the outdated nature of the legal framework.

The Act lacks provisions for the reform and rehabilitation of prisoners. 

Recognizing the deficiencies in existing laws, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reviewed 'The Prisons Act, of 1894,’ ‘The Prisoners Act, of 1900,’ and ‘The Transfer of Prisoners Act, of 1950.’ 

This review led to the assimilation of relevant provisions into the forward-looking 'Model Prisons Act, 2023.’ 

The effective implementation of the Model Prisons Act, 2023 which was finalized by the MHA in May 2023, is expected to improve the prison conditions and administration and protect the human rights and dignity of the prisoners. 

Prison Manuals: 

State-level prison manuals, largely unchanged since the establishment of the modern prison system, reflect both colonial and caste mentalities. 

Existing prison manuals enforce the central premise of the caste system, emphasizing notions of purity and impurity. State prison manuals mandate that duties like cleaning and sweeping must be performed by members of specific castes, perpetuating caste-based discrimination. 

Prison manuals, such as the one in West Bengal under Section 741, safeguard the monopoly of "savarna Hindus" on cooking and carrying food for all prisoners. 

Despite constitutional and legal provisions against untouchability, caste-based rules persist in prison administration.

Decoding Psychoanalysis

Context: 

Delhi Police revealed that six individuals accused in the Parliament breach incident underwent psychoanalysis to decipher their motives. 

Psychoanalysis 

About:

Psychoanalysis is a set of theories and therapeutic techniques that treat mental disorders. 

It aims to treat a range of mental health issues by investigating the relationship between the unconscious and conscious elements of psychological experience. 

It was pioneered by Sigmund Freud, a Viennese psychiatrist, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries 

Key Aspects Related to Psychoanalysis: 

Unconscious Mind: 

Freud proposed that much of human behavior is influenced by unconscious desires, fears, memories, and conflicts, often stemming from early childhood experiences. 

Psychoanalysis delves into the unconscious mind, exploring how it shapes thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and personality 

Id, Ego, Superego: 

Freud introduced a structural model of mind comprising the id (driven by instincts and pleasure), ego (mediates between id and reality), and superego (internalizes societal norms and values). 

This model helps understand conflicts within the mind. 

Psychoanalytic Therapy: 

It involves verbal exchanges between the patient and therapist, aimed at exploring unconscious conflicts and gaining insight into one’s emotions and behaviors. 

Informed Consent: The patient must be fully informed about the nature of psychoanalysis, its potential benefits, risks and alternatives before beginning treatment. 

This is crucial because the process often involves delving into personal and sensitive topics. 

Furthermore, obtaining informed consent also safeguards against potential violations of Article 21, as highlighted in the Selvi vs State of Karnataka & Anr Case (2010). 

Confidentiality: 

Maintaining patient confidentiality is paramount in therapy. However, in some situations, therapists may face ethical dilemmas, such as when a patient poses a danger to themselves or others. 

Balancing confidentiality with the duty to warn or protect can be challenging. 

Managing these emotions ethically to ensure they don't interfere with treatment or professional boundaries is important. 

Cultural Sensitivity: 

Therapists need to be culturally competent and aware of their biases to ensure they provide appropriate care and respect diverse perspectives.

Developing Empathy: 

Psychoanalysis can foster empathy by helping individuals understand the impact of their actions on others. 

Through self-reflection and insight gained in therapy, offenders can develop a greater understanding of the consequences of their behavior, leading to increased empathy. 

Impulse Control: 

For individuals with a history of violent or impulsive behavior, psychoanalysis can assist in understanding and managing these tendencies. 

By exploring deep-seated emotions and unresolved conflicts, individuals can learn to better regulate their emotions and impulses, reducing the likelihood of reoffending. 

Preventing Recidivism: 

By addressing the core motivations, individuals are better equipped to break free from destructive patterns and reintegrate into society in a meaningful way.

Revitalizing Urban Development: Kerala Initiative

Context: 

India, among the world's fastest-growing economies, is predominantly driven by its cities, projected to contribute 70% to the country's GDP by 2030. The World Bank estimates a crucial investment of USD 840 billion over the next 15 years to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding urban population. 

This rapid urbanization, while promising economic prosperity, brings forth challenges to livability. 

A closer examination uncovers inherent limitations within the existing framework of urbanization, emphasizing the need for strategic solutions to ensure sustainable growth. 

The recently constituted Kerala Urban Commission is slated to reform the urban landscape in the state. 

Historic Developments: 

The announcement of the Kerala Urban Commission in 2024 marks a significant development after a hiatus of 38 years since the National Commission on Urbanization led by Charles Correa. 

The first commission, initiated by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, faced interruptions due to his assassination, but it laid the groundwork for subsequent urban policies. 

Formation of Kerala Urban Commission: 

The formation of the Kerala Urban Commission with a 12-month mandate aims to address the specific challenges of Kerala's urbanization. With an estimated 90% urbanized population, the commission seeks to create a roadmap for the state's urban development over the next 25 years. 

Role of Kerala Urban Commission: 

The Kerala Urban Commission, despite not being a national commission, serves as a potential lighthouse for other highly urbanized states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab. 

It offers a learning opportunity for states grappling with high urban populations, showcasing a comprehensive approach to urban challenges. 

Contemporary Relevance of Kerala Urban Commission: 

Given the complexity of urbanization patterns, an urban commission is deemed necessary at national and state levels. Piecemeal approaches like Swachh Bharat Mission or AMRUT have failed to address the multifaceted challenges. 

An urban commission understands migration, settlement patterns, and the role of information technology in the context of evolving urban realities. 

Urbanization Challenges Worldwide: 

The global urban population has surged to 56%, compared to just over 5% during the 1860s. Urbanization, with its far-reaching impacts on climate, land use, and inequality, has become a pivotal aspect of capital accumulation. 

Cities have witnessed spatial and temporal changes, posing challenges in various areas such as pollution, housing, and sanitation. 

Shifts in Urban Development Paradigms: 

Post-independence, India experienced two distinct phases of urban development: 

First Phase: 

The Nehruvian era, spanning nearly three decades, emphasized centralized planning and master plans, pushing rural-to-urban migration driven by manufacturing. 

However, this approach faltered, leading to the subsequent privatization of cities in the 1990s, with a focus on global city models and project-oriented development. 

Second Phase: 

The 1990s witnessed the privatization of cities with master plans entrusted to large parastatals and consultancy firms. Social housing, public health, and education gave way to real estate-centric models, promoting cities as 'engines of growth' rather than spaces of enlightenment. 

This era marked a departure from holistic city approaches to project-oriented developments. 

Governance Challenges in Cities: 

City governance faces challenges, with subjects under the 12th Schedule not yet transferred to cities. There's a debate about having managers rather than elected officials running city affairs. 

The Fifteenth Finance Commission's centralization in financial architecture ties grants to property tax collection performance, adding complexity to urban governance. 

Necessity for Holistic Understanding: 

The urban commission must move beyond piecemeal approaches and delve into a holistic understanding of urbanization, encompassing migration, settlement patterns, and the role of information technology. 

Approaches like SMART CITIES have fallen short of addressing objective realities, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive strategy. 

Private Transport and Urban Challenges: 

The preference for private transport based on social status has led to road overcrowding, increased pollution, and extended travel times in cities. 

This dependency on cars is a significant contributor to climate change due to the prevalent use of combustible fuel, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions. 

Growth of Slums and Urban Migration: 

The high cost of living in urban areas, coupled with the influx of rural migrants, has led to the growth of slums as makeshift shelters. 

The World Bank reports that 35.2% of India's total urban population resides in slums, with Dharavi in Mumbai being recognized as the largest slum in Asia. 

Environmental Impact of Urbanization: 

Urbanization is a major cause of environmental degradation, with increased population density affecting air and water quality. 

Deforestation and land degradation for construction, improper waste disposal, and inefficient sewage facilities contribute to pollution, impacting the overall environmental health of cities. 

Urban Heat Island Effect: 

Urban areas, characterized by dense structures, pavements, and limited green spaces, experience the Urban Heat Island effect. 

This phenomenon raises energy costs, worsens air pollution, and contributes to heat-related illnesses and mortality.  New developments encroaching on natural water bodies further disrupt the urban ecosystem. 

Flooding and Infrastructure Challenges: 

Rapid urbanization, coupled with limited land availability, results in developments encroaching on lakes, wetlands, and rivers. This disrupts natural drainage systems, leading to urban flooding. 

Inadequate solid waste management exacerbates flooding issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban planning and infrastructure development. 

Challenges Faced by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): 

Despite the broad functions outlined for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by the Constitution, the lack of a time-bound audit and an imbalance in powers, responsibilities, and funds from the Centre and State hinder their effective functioning.

Empowering Persons with Disabilities 

• Disability as an identity and entity exists at the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities — social, economic, and gender — with each facet requiring careful consideration when conceptualizing action for equity. 

• Globally, 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability. Of them, 80% live in developing countries; further, 70% of them live in rural areas. 

• Current systems are designed for persons without disabilities and end up being exclusionary to people with disabilities, resulting in them experiencing higher instances of poverty, lack of access to education and opportunities, informality, and other forms of social and economic discrimination. Definition of Disability in India 

• According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, a person with a disability is someone who has a long-term impairment that affects their physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory abilities. 

• This impairment prevents them from participating fully and effectively in society. 

The four main categories of disability are: 

• Behavioral or emotional 

• Sensory impaired disorders 

• Physical 

• Developmental 

Status of Disability in India 

• According to the World Bank, 5–8% of India's population have disabilities. The NSSO estimates that 2.2% of the population is disabled. The NFHS-5 survey (2019–21) found that 4.52% of the population has a disability. 

• Challenges Do People with Disabilities Face in India Limited Awareness: 

• The first hurdle is the lack of awareness about the government schemes and benefits available for people with disabilities. 

Infrastructure: 

• Many public places, such as schools, hospitals, transport systems, and government offices, are not designed to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. 

• This limits their mobility, education, health care, and participation in social and civic activities. 

• According to UNICEF, children with disabilities are often excluded from such spaces and therefore miss out on the critical initiatives that aim to improve their health and well-being. 

Limited Access to Education and Employment: 

• Persons with disabilities in rural areas often face restricted access to education and employment opportunities. 

• The lack of inclusive educational institutions and vocational training centers can hinder their ability to acquire the necessary skills and participate in the workforce. 

Perception and Stigma: 

• Persons with disabilities are sometimes viewed as objects of charity rather than as autonomous beings capable of making meaningful contributions to society. 

• This perception can lead to social stigma, discrimination, and exclusion from decision-making processes, further exacerbating their challenges. 

Lack of Legal and Policy Support: 

• India ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Person