Current Affairs Exam

Qatar has suspended its mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel after growing frustration with the lack of progress on a cease-fire deal for Gaza. The decision came after the U.S. urged Qatar to expel the Hamas delegation in Doha, citing the group’s rejection of a hostage deal. While Qatar has stated that it will resume mediation efforts if both sides show a genuine willingness to negotiate, the suspension highlights the growing impasse in the conflict. Hamas remains insistent on an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as a condition for any ceasefire, while Israel demands the return of all hostages and a continued presence in Gaza. Meanwhile, the war continues with heavy casualties on both sides, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, with a looming threat of famine in the north.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has announced its intention to seek Interpol’s assistance in repatriating deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, along with other “fugitives,” to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity. These charges stem from the brutal suppression of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement during July-August protests, which escalated into a large-scale uprising forcing Hasina’s flight to India. The interim government claims over 753 deaths and thousands of injuries during the protests, labeling them crimes against humanity and genocide. Over 60 complaints have been filed against Hasina and her party leaders, leading to arrest warrants issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). While a Red Notice from Interpol is not an international arrest warrant, it serves as a global request for law enforcement agencies to locate and provisionally arrest individuals pending extradition. The ICT, originally established to try perpetrators of crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War, has been reactivated by the interim government to handle these new charges. Despite initial statements suggesting immediate extradition efforts, the interim government has since indicated a more cautious approach to avoid diplomatic tensions with India.

India has further strengthened its maritime security partnership with Mozambique by gifting two Fast Interceptor Craft (FICs) to the country. These FICs, equipped with water-jet propulsion and capable of high speeds, will significantly aid Mozambique in combating maritime terrorism and the ongoing insurgency in the Cabo Delgado province. This latest gift follows previous donations of interceptor vessels and a weapons training simulator, demonstrating India’s commitment to capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Navy has also been a consistent provider of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Mozambique, including during Cyclone Idai and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through joint exercises, training programs, and regular port calls, India continues to solidify its position as a trusted partner for maritime security in the region, working collaboratively with Mozambique and other nations to address shared challenges like piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing.

India is facing a demographic shift, with southern states experiencing a sharp decline in fertility rates, leading to an increasingly ageing population. This trend, while a sign of development, poses challenges for these states, including a rising old-age dependency ratio, increased healthcare costs, and potential political disadvantages. While southern states have successfully contributed to the national economy, their shrinking populations threaten their representation in Parliament due to the upcoming delimitation exercise. While some politicians advocate for pro-natalist policies to increase fertility rates, experts argue that these are unlikely to be effective and instead recommend focusing on improving work-family policies, gender equity, and extending the working lifespan. The article highlights the complex interplay between demographic changes, economic development, and political representation, posing significant challenges for India’s future.

As world leaders gather in Baku for COP29, India is poised to champion the urgent need for climate finance, accountability, and protection for vulnerable communities. While India’s delegation will be led by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the country’s key priorities include holding developed nations accountable for their climate finance commitments, strengthening resilience for vulnerable communities, and achieving an equitable energy transition. India’s approach, while moderate in terms of attendance and scale, emphasizes pragmatic climate action, focusing on transparent and reliable climate finance. The conference is expected to tackle the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, a critical benchmark that could reach trillions of dollars annually. With the re-election of Donald Trump in the U.S., COP29 is anticipated to be a test of multilateralism, with China and the EU potentially taking on leadership roles in the absence of strong U.S. climate action. India’s COP29 strategy aims to challenge developed nations on their climate pledges and drive conversations toward more transparent and reliable climate finance.

Following the Bombay High Court’s decision to strike down the government’s “fake news” provision in the IT Rules, 2021, the Parliamentary Panel on Communications and Information Technology has called for a review of mechanisms to curb misinformation. The panel, headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, will meet with representatives from the News Broadcasters and Digital Association, Editors Guild of India, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to discuss the issue. The panel’s move comes despite the High Court ruling that the government’s attempt to empower its Fact Check Unit (FCU) to identify and flag “fake news” on social media was unconstitutional. While the government still maintains a fact-checking unit, it lacks the authority to remove content deemed “fake.” Opposition members fear that the panel’s deliberations will reignite the debate on government control over online content, with concerns raised about the potential for censorship and suppression of dissenting voices.