Daily News Analysis Report: 31 December 2024

Examining India’s Stance on the Rohingya Crisis

India’s approach to the Rohingya refugee crisis has been a subject of intense debate, balancing national security concerns with humanitarian obligations. The Rohingyas, an ethnic Muslim minority from Myanmar’s Rakhine state, face systemic persecution and are denied citizenship in their homeland. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including India.

Challenges in India

• Lack of Refugee Policy: India lacks a standardized refugee law, leading to inconsistent treatment of refugees. Rohingyas are often labeled as “illegal migrants” under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
• Detention and Deportation: Reports highlight arbitrary detention of Rohingyas, overcrowded facilities, and forced deportations despite international criticism.
• Security Concerns: Authorities cite potential links between Rohingya groups and regional insurgencies as a justification for strict measures.

International Obligations

While India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, it is bound by customary international law principles like non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they face persecution. India’s ratification of treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) further underscores its responsibility to protect vulnerable populations.

Way Forward

Experts recommend:

• Developing a comprehensive refugee policy.
• Improving detention conditions.
• Strengthening legal aid for refugees.
  India must balance its security concerns with its commitment to human rights, fostering regional cooperation for a sustainable solution.

Green Steel Mission: Reducing Carbon Emissions

The Indian government has launched the ₹15,000 crore Green Steel Mission to decarbonize the steel industry, which contributes 10-12% of India’s total emissions. This initiative aligns with India’s net-zero targets by 2070.

Key Features

1. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Encourages domestic production of green steel to reduce reliance on imports.
2. Renewable Energy Integration: Promotes green hydrogen use in steel manufacturing under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
3. Government Procurement Mandates: Ensures demand for green steel by requiring its use in public projects.

Benefits

• Reduces industrial emissions and aligns with global climate goals.
• Enhances air and water quality through cleaner production methods.
• Creates jobs in renewable energy and advanced technologies.

Challenges

India faces hurdles like dependence on imported coking coal and high costs associated with transitioning to green technologies. However, policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy and Vehicle Scrapping Policy aim to address these issues by promoting circular economies.

The Green Steel Mission represents a significant step toward sustainable industrial practices. Collaboration between industries, academia, and policymakers will be crucial for its success.

Disaster of Severe Nature: Wayanad Landslide

The Union Government recently declared the Wayanad landslide a disaster of “severe nature,” five months after it claimed 254 lives. Such declarations enable states to access additional resources from national funds like the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF).

Impacts

1. Social: Loss of lives and displacement exacerbate vulnerabilities among marginalized groups.
2. Economic: Infrastructure damage disrupts livelihoods and economic activities.
3. Environmental: Landslides lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

Government Measures

• The Disaster Management Act (2005) established frameworks like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• Early warning systems such as Doppler radars enhance preparedness.
• Funds like SDRF and NDRF provide immediate relief.

Suggestions

Building resilient infrastructure, integrating climate change mitigation strategies, and fostering international collaboration are essential for minimizing future disaster impacts.

Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti Initiative

Launched under Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2024, this initiative empowers women as leaders in water conservation efforts.

Significance

1. Aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 6 (Clean Water).
2. Women-led actions promote sustainable water management practices at community levels.
3. Case studies from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh showcase successful outcomes like check dam construction and micro-irrigation adoption.

Challenges

India faces a severe water crisis, with projections indicating that 40% of the population may lack access to clean drinking water by 2030.

This initiative highlights how empowering women can drive social transformation while addressing critical environmental challenges.

India’s Defense Exports

India’s defense exports reached ₹21,083 crore in FY24—a growth of 32.5%. This surge reflects India’s commitment to becoming self-reliant under initiatives like Make in India.

Highlights

1. Exported military hardware to over 85 countries.
2. Private sector contributed 60% of defense exports.
3. Key products include aircraft, naval systems, and missile technology.

Advantages

• Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.
• Strengthens India’s geopolitical influence as a net security provider.
• Boosts technological innovation across industries.

Challenges include limited private sector participation and lack of critical technologies for indigenous manufacturing.

India Emerges as Global Manufacturing Hub

Under Make in India, India’s manufacturing sector has grown remarkably:

1. Manufacturing exports hit $447 billion in FY23.
2. Mobile phone production surged by 600% since 2014.
3. Initiatives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes attract foreign investments in electronics, textiles, defense, etc.

Challenges

Technological gaps, skill shortages, and supply chain dependencies hinder further growth.

Way Forward

Investments in semiconductor plants and Industry 4.0 technologies will ensure sustained growth while creating advanced job opportunities.

Additional Highlights

Sea Otters

Sea otters are controlling invasive green crab populations in California’s Elkhorn Slough Reserve—an example of ecological balance restoration by keystone species.

Balkan Blues

Sevdalinka music from the Balkans was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list for preserving oral traditions through melancholic love songs.

Vasilopita

This Greek New Year tradition involves baking a cake with a hidden coin symbolizing good fortune for the finder—a tribute to Saint Basil’s generosity.

Tamu Lhosar Festival

Celebrated by Nepal’s Gurung community, this festival marks their New Year with feasts and cultural programs reflecting rich traditions.

RBI’s Financial Stability Report

The report highlights India’s robust financial system with low gross non-performing assets (2.6%) but warns of rising household debt (42.9% of GDP).

Pangong Tso

A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was inaugurated near this high-altitude lake known for its breathtaking hues and geopolitical significance.

Good Governance Index

The GGI 2023 was postponed; fresh data will be used for its next edition in December 2025 to ensure relevance in assessing governance improvements across states. This comprehensive analysis encapsulates key developments.