Current Affairs – January 17, 2025

{GS2 – IR – Israel-Palestine} Ceasefire Agreement Between Hamas and Israel

Context (TH | TH): Ceasefire agreement between Israel & Hamas after 15 months of warfare.

Background of the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Hamas and Israel’s Historical Conflict: Rooted in the splitting of Palestine post-WWII, multiple wars followed the 1947 UN plan. Arabs rejected the plan, while Jews declared Israel’s independence in 1948.
Oslo Accords (1993): A peace agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which Hamas opposed.
Operation Al-Aqsa Storm: Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 deaths.
Israeli Military Response: Israel initiated military operations targeting Hamas, leading to over 64,000 casualties in Gaza.

Ceasefire Agreement: Phased Plan

Phase 1: Six-week ceasefire, hostages exchanged, humanitarian aid (600 trucks daily) sent to Gaza, Israeli military withdrawal.
Phase 2: Release of remaining captives, Israeli forces’ complete withdrawal from Gaza.
Phase 3: Gaza reconstruction plan starts, deceased hostages returned.

Global Responses

Mediators: Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. played a key role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement.
International Diplomacy: The ceasefire was heavily influenced by global powers, with the U.S. President voicing support for the resolution.
India’s Response: India welcomed the ceasefire and urged for sustained humanitarian aid to Gaza, reaffirming support for dialogue and diplomacy.

Camp David Accords (1978): Agreement where Egypt became the first Arab country to recognise Israel.

Challenges to Ceasefire Implementation

Hamas’ Conditions: Demands complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before releasing remaining hostages, a condition rejected by Israel.
Israel’s Conditions: Israel insists on the dismantling of Hamas, a stance that complicates peace efforts.
Internal Opposition in Israel: Far-right Israeli Ministers oppose the deal, viewing it as a surrender.

{GS2 – MoHA – Initiatives} Trusted Traveller Programme

Context (IE | PIB): The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) was inaugurated to streamline and secure international travel for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.

Objective and Vision

Primary Goal: Simplify and expedite immigration clearance, ensuring a secure and seamless process for international travellers.
Alignment with ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’: The FTI-TTP is part of India’s vision to enhance global travel infrastructure and become a developed nation by 2047.
Global Standards: Brings Indian airports closer to international standards of fast-track immigration.

Key Features and Process

Nodal Agency: Bureau of Immigration, Min. of Home Affairs.
Registration: Applicants must register via an online portal and upload necessary documents.
Biometric Verification: Biometrics are captured at foreign registration offices or during airport passage.
Automated Clearance: After verification, the e-gates automatically complete the immigration process.
Free of Charge: Initially, the program is free for eligible passengers.

Phases of Implementation

Phase 1: Available to Indian nationals and OCI cardholders at seven major airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Ahmedabad).
Phase 2: Expansion to foreign nationals at 21 major airports nationwide.

Global Fast-Track Immigration Programs

United States — Global Entry Programme (2008): Expedites clearance for low-risk travellers from select countries, including India.
United Kingdom — Registered Traveller Service (2015): This service allows frequent travellers from specific countries, including India, to use eGates at major airports.
European Union — Smart Borders Initiative (2016): Uses Entry/Exit System (EES) with biometric registration for enhanced border checks.
Australia—SmartGate System (2007): This system uses automated kiosks to verify identity via passport scans and photographs.
Saudi Arabia — Smart Travel System (2019): Expedited immigration with biometric verification for pre-approved travellers, especially during peak seasons like Hajj.

Context (IE): The new Obesity definition proposed by the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission goes beyond a simple Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoff mark.

Existing classification

Source: NLM

Issues with existing classification

False diagnosis: It could lead to both over- and under-diagnosis of obesity. People with excess body fat may not always have a BMI over 30. People with high muscle mass may have a BMI of over 30 but are extremely healthy and need no intervention.
India-specific issue: Studies show that Indians may get diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and other consequences of obesity even at lower BMI. They typically have higher body fat percentages and central obesity than their Western counterparts.

The 2009 definition of obesity for Indians adjusted the BMI cut-offs to 23 to 24.9 for overweight and more than 25 for obesity.
GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines like Ozempic are used for clinical obesity treatment.

Proposed definition of obesity

Preclinical Obesity: This category replaces the overweight category. It is a physical attribute in which a person has excess body fat but no associated ongoing illness needing further diagnosis, like DEXA.
Clinical obesity: Defined as a chronic illness that results in alteration in organ functions regardless of other conditions. It can lead to life-altering or life-threatening complications.

DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is a low-dose x-ray measuring bone calcium and other minerals. Bones containing more minerals are denser, stronger, and less likely to break.

New definition for Indians

The Indian guidelines use Stage 1 and Stage 2 Obesity instead of Preclinical and Clinical Obesity.
It distinguishes Stage 1 from Stage 2 Obesity based on symptoms that impede their day-to-day activities and other obesity-related chronic conditions.
BMI has been retained as the entry point for diagnosis in India due to its familiarity.
Both diagnoses apply if a person has a BMI over 23, but they would be diagnosed with Stage 2 if they display obesity-associated limitations and obesity-associated comorbid diseases.

Also, refer to BRI versus BMI.

{GS3 – IE – Institutions} 8^th Pay Commission

Context (TH): Union Cabinet has approved the constitution of the 8^th Pay Commission for revising salaries of central government employees and allowances of pensioners.

About Pay Commission

Appointment: The Central govt sets up the Pay Commission to review the salary structure, allowances, and retirement benefits of govt employees, considering inflation, economic conditions & market rates.
Legal Status: It is an advisory body with no mandatory authority for the government to accept its recommendations.
Frequency: Pay Commissions are generally formed every 10 years; first one was established in 1946.
Composition: The Pay Commission operates under the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, and comprises experts in various fields.
Seventh Pay Commission: Headed by Justice A.K. Mathur, it raised the minimum salary to ₹18,000 and pension to ₹9,000, adding ₹1 lakh crore to the fiscal 2016-17 expenditure.during fiscal 2016-17.

Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8^th Pay Commission

Revision of Pay: Recommend pay structure, salary, and allowances for central govt employees.
Addressing Pay Disparities: Resolve grievances related to pay disparities across cadres & departments.
Market Parity: Ensure pay and benefits parity with market standards for competitive compensation.
Pension and Retirement Benefits: Improve pension schemes and suggest measures for adjusting pensions against inflation.
Economic Impact Analysis: Propose salary and allowance revisions to boost consumption and support economic growth.
Stakeholder Consultations: Engage with central and state governments and stakeholders before finalising recommendations.

Benefits of 8^th Pay Commission

Employee Well-being: Revised pay will enhance quality of life.
Alignment with Economic Conditions: Revisions reflect current economic realities.
Boost Economy: Higher salaries are expected to stimulate consumption and boost economic growth.
Trickle-Down Effect: Often leads to similar pay revisions in PSUs & state govts.

Concerns

Implementation Delays: Pay Commissions typically take at least two years to submit reports, which could extend into 2027.
Living Wage & Pension Issues: There are concerns about the adequacy of current formulas for calculating minimum wage and pension, especially considering the changing cost of living.
Rising Expenses: Life essentials, including healthcare and education, have seen steep price increases, adding pressure on the wage revision to account for these changes.
Financial Impact: A significant rise in government expenditure, similar to the ₹1 lakh crore increase from the 7th Pay Commission, potentially affecting future capital expenditure.

Way Forward

Expedited Process: The decision to initiate the 8^th Pay Commission ahead of the 7^th Commission’s conclusion in 2026 ensures timely review and implementation.
Stakeholder Consultations: Extensive consultations will ensure that the recommendations cater to the needs of employees, pensioners, and the government’s financial health.

{GS3 – IE – RBI} Rupee Weakening Against the Dollar

Context (TH): INR recently saw sharp depreciation against US dollar, dropping to a new low of 85.81.

Source: TH

Factors Contributing to the Weakening Rupee

Capital Outflows: Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pulling funds out of Indian markets reduces the foreign currency supply.
Widening Trade Deficit: A high import bill, especially for crude oil and gold, is a significant factor causing pressure on the rupee.
Rising Inflation: A stronger real exchange rate, despite nominal depreciation, has increased domestic prices, counteracting potential export gains.

Exchange Rate Policy Framework

Nominal Exchange Rate: Price of foreign currency in terms of domestic currency. Influenced by demand-supply conditions and central bank policies.
Real Exchange Rate: Compares the relative prices of foreign goods with domestic goods. A lower real exchange rate can improve export competitiveness.

Types of Exchange Rate Regimes

Fixed Exchange Rate: Central bank uses reserves to maintain a fixed rate.
Floating Exchange Rate: Market-driven with no intervention.
Managed-Float: Combines market forces & central bank interventions, seen in India’s recent policies.

Also refer to the Types of Exchanges Rate Regimes.

RBI’s Exchange Rate Policy

Since the 2010s, RBI has followed a managed-floating exchange rate.
Post-COVID Shift: Between 2022 and 2024, the RBI took a fixed exchange rate approach, temporarily stabilizing the rupee with foreign exchange reserves.
Recent policy reflects managed float, allowing the rupee to depreciate to ease pressure on reserves.

Implications of the Weakening Rupee

Positive Impact

Increased Net Exports: Depreciation of the rupee makes domestic goods cheaper for foreign buyers, improving export competitiveness.
Real Exchange Rate Channel: Exports benefit if nominal depreciation is accompanied by depreciation in real exchange rates.

Negative Impact

Reduced Export Competitiveness: Rupee depreciation has increased domestic prices, reducing the competitiveness of exports and affecting the balance of payments by potentially widening trade deficit.
Higher Domestic Prices: Depreciation leads to costlier imports, increasing production costs and potentially causing inflation.
Increased Variable Costs: Firms face higher costs for imported raw materials, passing the burden onto consumers and causing price hikes.

Way Forward to Strengthen Rupee

Policy Shift: India may need to reconsider its exchange rate policy, given the recent challenges, to create a more transparent and systematic framework.
Inflation Control: Addressing domestic inflation through policy measures will help mitigate the adverse effects of rupee depreciation on domestic prices.
Monitoring Capital Flows: Maintaining a balance between foreign capital inflows and trade balance is essential for currency stability.

{Prelims – In News} Debate Over Women’s Chess Titles

Context (FP | TOI): Grandmaster R Vaishali proposed abolishing women-specific chess titles, which Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi, India’s first Woman Grandmaster, criticised as unfair.
The debate over women’s chess titles reflects broader gender equality issues in sports.

Key Chess Titles and Criteria

Open Category Titles (Gender-neutral)

Grandmaster (GM): Requires a minimum Elo rating of 2500 and additional performance norms.
International Master (IM): Similar to GM, with a minimum rating of 2400.
FIDE Master (FM): To qualify for the FIDE Master title, one must have a FIDE rating of 2300 or more.
Candidate Master (CM): Similar to FM, but with a FIDE rating of at least 2200.

Women’s Category Titles (Exclusive to female players)

Woman Grandmaster (WGM): Requires an Elo rating of 2300.
Other titles: Woman International Master (WIM), Woman FIDE Master (WFM), Woman CM.

Elo Rating is a system used to calculate the relative skill levels of players in competitive games like chess. It is based on the principle that the difference in ratings between two players determines the expected outcome of their game. A higher rating indicates a stronger player, and the system adjusts ratings after each game depending on the result.

Arguments for Removing Women-Specific Titles

Potential False Sense of Achievement: Gender-specific titles like WGM may demotivate players from striving for higher achievements like GM.
Open Competition: Competing in open categories raises standards and promotes excellence.
Promotes Gender Equality: Removing gender-specific titles encourages women to compete equally with men, fostering inclusivity.
Mindset Shift: Motivates women to aim for globally recognised open titles, driving ambition and growth.

Arguments Against Removing Women-Specific Titles

Acknowledging Historical Gender Barriers: Women-specific titles acknowledge the unique challenges female players have faced, and removing them would overlook decades of progress in chess.
Providing an Early Recognition Platform: Women-specific titles help female players gain recognition early in their careers, boosting confidence and opening doors to sponsorships.
Pathway to Higher Titles: Titles like WGM are stepping-stones for women to achieve GM status.
Encouraging Female Participation: Retaining women-specific titles could continue to motivate young girls to pursue chess seriously, increasing female representation in a male-dominated sport.
Motivational Milestones: Intermediate titles keep players motivated through measurable progress.
Increased Recognition: Helps female players gain early visibility in the competitive chess landscape.

Challenges Faced by Female Chess Players

Limited Support and Sponsorship: Historically, female players have had fewer opportunities for coaching, funding, and participation in international tournaments.
Societal Expectations: Many female players face societal pressure that hinders long-term commitment to the game.
Lack of Role Models: Vijayalakshmi’s generation had few prominent female chess players to look up to, making the journey harder.

Way Forward

Promote Participation Without Erasing Progress: Encourage women to compete in open categories while retaining women-specific titles as an optional pathway.
Enhance Support Systems: Increased funding, better training facilities, and mentorship for female players can bridge the gender gap.
Recognize Open Titles Equally: A balanced approach where achievements in both categories are respected and rewarded equally.

Governing bodies of Chess

Fédération Internationale des échecs (FIDE)

Organises World Chess Championship since 1948. Although Chess is not part of the Olympics, the International Olympic Committee recognises FIDE as a sports governing body.
Members: Over 180 countries and organisational members, including the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA), the International Committee of Chess for the Deaf (ICCD), and the International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA).

All India Chess Federation (AICF)

Founded in 1951. HQ: New Delhi.
Administrative body for chess in India.

{Prelims – In News} Kurukop echo

Context (TH): Study suggests a distinct echo “Kurukop echo” attracted ancient artists to one site.

Kurukop, is in Nama Karoo region of South Africa’s Northern Cape province.
The geological formation began to accumulate about 300 million years ago, before the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwanaland.

Source: Phys

This eroded sandstone hill, transformed by volcanic activity, is marked with 112 petroglyphs (rock engravings) depicting various figures like eland, elephants, zebras, ostriches, wildebeest, rhinoceros, and animal-human hybrids.
The depictions were made by hunter-gatherer San and Khoe herder people who may have visited Kurukop repeatedly astonnished by echo in the area.

The Impulse Response Technique is a method for measuring the response of a system to a sudden input, or impulse. It’s used in many fields, including acoustics, audio, and control systems.

{Prelims – In News} QS World Future Skills Index

Context (PIB): India ranks 2nd for Digital Skills in the QS World Future Skills Index, only behind the United States and ahead of Canada & Germany.

Key findings

Countries like the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada, among others in the top ten, have been categorised as “future skills pioneers”.

Source: IE

Overall, India ranked 25th (“future skills contender”) across all indicators, including the alignment between skills and employer needs, academic readiness, and economic transformation.

QS World Future Skills Index

A global ranking system evaluating countries’ readiness to meet future job market demands through skill development, education, and economic transformation.
Released by: Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a London-based organisation.
Aim: To assess how countries prepare their workforce for future skills like coding, cybersecurity, data analysis, digital competencies, AI, green technologies, and sustainability.

Government Initiatives

Skill Development Programs: Skill India & PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan) to promote digital literacy.
Technology Integration: Leveraging technology to enable entrepreneurship and innovation through initiatives like Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Entrepreneurship: Focus on digital entrepreneurship through platforms like Startup India and MSME Digital Platforms.

{Prelims – In News} Xiaohongshu (RedNote)

Context (IE | IE): With TikTok facing a potential ban in the US, young Americans are migrating to Xiaohongshu (RedNote), launched in 2013.

It is a Chinese social media & e-commerce platform combining content sharing with shopping options.
Meaning: Xiaohongshu translates to “Little Red Book,” a reference to Mao Zedong’s ideological book.
User Registration: Requires Chinese phone numbers.
Censorship: Adheres to Chinese govt censorship on political topics, with no international version.
Algorithm: Prioritizes content based on user interests rather than followers, distinguishing it from platforms like TikTok.
Monetization: Primarily through paid partnerships with brands rather than revenue from views or ads.