25 January 2024

Current Affairs
 Today’s Topics :
The issue of genocide and the world court

Jal Jeevan Mission

FMR
Coal Gasification

Gold Production
National Voters’ day
Indo-France Relations
The issue of genocide and the world court
News:
• On December 29, 2023, the Republic of South Africa instituted
proceedings against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

• In its application, South Africa argued that the manner in which Israel
was conducting its military operations in Gaza violated the international
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
(the Genocide Convention).

• The ICJ held a hearing on “provisional measures” on January 11-12,

2024, where South Africa and Israel were given three hours each to
present their cases.

A ruling from the World Court on the issue of provisional measures is

awaited.
A Geopolitical Turmoil :
• At the time of writing, Bangladesh and Jordan have issued statements
that they will intervene in the case, in support of South Africa’s
application.

• Germany has stated that it will intervene in support of Israel (intervening

states can, however, only advance submissions on the question of the
interpretation of the Genocide Convention).

• While a number of other countries, predominantly from Latin America

and the Middle-East, have issued official statements supporting South
Africa’s application, others — most notable being the United States, the
United Kingdom, and France — have signalled their opposition to it, with
France going so far as to threaten non-compliance if the ICJ ends up
issuing a finding of genocide against Israel.
International legal context of these proceedings
• The crime of genocide is characterised by actions intended to destroy in
whole, or in substantial part, a defined group of people.

• Genocide is treated as the most serious of international crimes. For this

reason, every state has an obligation (known as an “erga omnes
obligation”) to take steps to prevent the occurrence of genocide,
wherever it may occur.

• This is the basis on which South Africa, a party that is technically

unrelated to the conflict in Gaza, claims standing to bring this case to
the ICJ. This is not new.

• In recent times, The Gambia instituted proceedings against Myanmar

with respect to the genocide of the Rohingya, and successfully obtained
provisional measures.
International legal context of these proceedings
• Demonstrating genocide requires showing specific intent ("dolus
specialis"), a challenging task.
• South Africa sought provisional measures to prevent irreparable
harm.

• “Provisional measures” are equivalent to what we would understand

as “interim orders”: they are issued pending the final determination of
a case, in order to protect the rights of either party from being
irreparably harmed.

• For obvious reasons, at the stage of provisional measures, the

threshold of proof is much lower than in a final hearing — as The
Gambia versus Myanmar case showed, a party must only
demonstrate a plausible case that genocide is being carried out.
What Next ?
If the ICJ finds that South Africa has fulfilled the plausibility requirement,
what are the provisional measures that it might order?

• South Africa has asked for an immediate cessation of military hostilities.

International law experts are of the opinion that the court might not be
able to go that far (although it did do so recently, in the Ukraine versus
Russia case)

• Alternatives suggested include compelling Israel to allow entry of

resources into Gaza, a humanitarian ceasefire, and directing Israeli
leaders to refrain from genocidal statements.

• The ICJ can craft its own interim measures beyond what the parties
requested.
What Next ?
• ICJ is not the sole forum for Gaza-related matters.

• It has been asked why the ICJ proceedings are one-sided, in that it is
only Israel in the dock, and not Hamas.
NOTE: ICJ focuses on state actors; Hamas, a non-state actor, can't be
brought to ICJ.

• Hamas officials (and also, Israeli officials) can, however, be proceeded

against at the International Criminal Court (the ICC), which is a different
body from the ICJ.

• This would require the situation in Palestine/Israel to be referred for

investigation to the ICC, which has already been done. So far, however,
no further steps have been taken by the ICC.
PRELIMS: International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN).

• It is the only one of the six principal organs of the UN that is not located
in New York City.

• It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the UN and began work
in April 1946.

• The court is the successor to the Permanent Court of International

Justice (PCIJ), which was brought into being through, and by, the League
of Nations.

• PCIJ held its inaugural sitting at the Peace Palace in The Hague,
Netherlands, in February 1922.
PRELIMS: International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• After World War II, the League of Nations and PCIJ were replaced by
the UN and ICJ, respectively.

• The PCIJ was officially dissolved in April 1946.

• Judge José Gustavo Guerrero of El Salvador, the last president of

PCIJ, became the inaugural president of the ICJ.

• The ICJ's primary role is to settle legal disputes between states

according to international law.

• It also provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by

authorized UN organs and specialized agencies.
PRELIMS: International Court of Justice (ICJ)
ICJ Jurisdiction:
• All members of the UN are automatically parties to the
ICJ statute, but this does not automatically give the
ICJ jurisdiction over disputes involving them.

• The ICJ gets jurisdiction only if both parties consent

to it.

• The judgment of the ICJ is final and technically

binding on the parties to a case.

• However, the ICJ has no way to ensure compliance of

its orders, and its authority is derived from the
willingness of countries to abide by them.
PRELIMS: International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judges

• The ICJ comprises 15 judges.

The 15 judges are distributed regionally as follows:

• Three from Africa.
• Two from Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Three from Asia.
• Five from Western Europe and other states.
• Two from Eastern Europe.

• Judges are independent and not representatives of governments.

• Before assuming duties, judges make a solemn declaration in open court to

exercise their powers impartially and conscientiously.

• No member of the Court can be dismissed unless, in the unanimous opinion of

other members, they no longer fulfill the required conditions.
PRELIMS: International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judges

• The ICJ comprises 15 judges.

• Judges are elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and the
Security Council, with simultaneous but separate votes.
• Successful candidates must secure a majority of votes in both the General
Assembly and the Security Council.
• This often leads to multiple rounds of voting.

• Elections take place at the UN Headquarters in New York during the annual United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting.
• A third of the court is elected every three years.
• Judges serve a nine-year term.

• The president and vice-president of the court are elected for three-year terms
through a secret ballot.
• Judges are eligible for re-election, allowing them to serve multiple terms.
• Four Indian judges have been members of the ICJ.
PRELIMS: International Court of Justice (ICJ) Vs International Criminal Court
(ICC)
International Court of Justice (ICJ) International Criminal Court (ICC)

Estd 1946 2002

UN Official court of the U.N., commonly referred to as Independent. May receive case referrals from the UN
the "World Court." Security Council.
Relationship
Location The Hague, The Netherlands The Hague, The Netherlands

Types of Cases Contentious between parties & Advisory opinions Criminal prosecution of individuals
Subject Matter

Subject Matter Sovereignty, boundary, & maritime disputes, trade, Genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes of
natural resources, human rights, treaty violations, aggression
treaty interpretation, and more.

Funding Un-funded Assessed contribution from state parties to the Rome

Statute; voluntary contributions from the U.N.; voluntary
contributions from governments, international
organizations, individuals, corporations and other entities.
Jal Jeevan Mission
• Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, the Jal Jeevan
Mission has already provided tap water to 73% of rural households.

• This means that more than 14 crore rural households have tap
connections compared to only 3.23 crore in August 2019.

• Through the Mission, guided by the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka

Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’, India is rapidly advancing
towards the realisation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development
Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all).
PRELIMS: Jal Jeevan Mission
• Vision to provide safe drinking water through individual household
tap connections to all rural households by 2024.

• Emphasizes a community-driven approach to water.

• Involves extensive Information, Education, and Communication

(IEC) efforts.

• Nodal Ministry:Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under

Jal Shakti Mantralaya is the responsible ministry.

• Aims to align with Central and State Government Schemes for

sustainable water supply management nationwide.
PRELIMS: Jal Jeevan Mission
Strategy:
• Focuses on integrated demand and supply-side water
management at the local level.
• Involves creating local infrastructure for source sustainability
(e.g., rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge).
• Manages household wastewater for agricultural reuse.

Funding Pattern:
• Funding is shared between the Centre and States on a 50:50
basis.
• For Himalayan and North-Eastern States, the ratio is 90:10.
• Union Territories receive 100% funding from the Central
government.
MAINS: Benefits of the scheme
• Recognizes regional diversity and tailors solutions accordingly.
• Utilizes insulated pipes in hilly and cold regions.
• Implements multi-village schemes for areas with water quality
issues.
• Deploys community water purification plants for short-term
needs.

Visible Changes on the Ground:

• Tangible improvements observed beyond data, emphasizing real
impact.
• Extends impact beyond clean water provision to encompass
safety, health, and environmental aspects of rural communities.
MAINS: Benefits of the scheme
• Nobel Laureate Dr. Michael Kremer’s study states that
providing safe water can reduce infant deaths by almost
30%, with the potential to prevent 25% of under-five deaths
in India (1,36,000 child deaths annually).

• A study conducted in the financial year 2023-24 by the World

Health Organization states that 4 lakh diarrhoeal deaths can
be averted if tap water is provided in every household.

• The Jal Jeevan Mission can lead to economic savings of up

to $101 billion or ₹8.37 lakh crore.
Free Movement Regime (FMR)
• At a passing out parade of the Assam police commandos in Guwahati on
January 20, Home Minister Amit Shah said the 1,643 km India-Myanmar
border would soon be fenced.

• He also said the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar
would be reconsidered to stop border residents from moving into each
other’s country without any paperwork.
PRELIMS: What is Free Movement Regime (FMR)?
• Northeast India was briefly under Burmese occupation until the British
expulsion in the 1800s.
• Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, post-British victory, defined the India-
Burma (now Myanmar) boundary.

Impact on Ethnic Communities:

• The border divided people of the same ethnicity and culture —

specifically the Nagas of Nagaland and Manipur and the Kuki-Chin-
Mizo communities of Manipur and Mizoram — without their consent.

• In some stretches, the border split a village or a house between the

two countries.
• Wary of increasing Chinese influence in Myanmar, New Delhi began working on
improving diplomatic ties with the Myanmar government a decade ago.

• After almost a year’s delay, the FMR came about in 2018 as part of the Narendra
Modi government’s Act East policy.

• The Rohingya refugee crisis that began in August 2017 caused the delay.

• The FMR allows people living on either side of the border to travel up to 16 km
inside each other’s country without a visa.

• A border resident needs to have a border pass, valid for a year, to stay in the
other country for about two weeks per visit.

FMR also envisaged the promotion of localised border trade through customs
stations and designated markets apart from helping the people of Myanmar access
better education and healthcare facilities on the Indian side of the border.
Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB)

The India-Myanmar border spans

1,643 km across four states:

1. Mizoram
2. Manipur
3. Nagaland
4. Arunachal Pradesh
Why is the FMR being reconsidered?
• Apart from a 10 km stretch in Manipur, the India-Myanmar border through
hills and jungles is unfenced.

• The security forces have for decades grappled with members of extremist
groups carrying out hit-and-run operations from their clandestine bases in
the Chin and Sagaing regions of Myanmar.

• The ease of cross-border movement, even before the FMR was in place, was
often flagged for inward trafficking of drugs and outward trafficking of
wildlife body parts.

• The trigger for the rethink on the FMR was the conflict that broke out
between the majority Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur
on May 3, 2023.
What is the scale of migration?
The civil war in Myanmar saw a drastic jump in people seeking refuge in India.

• In September 2022, authorities in Manipur pushed back 4,300 of some 5,500

Myanmar nationals from the Moreh area along the border after recording their
biometrics.

• A committee set up by the State government put the number of such migrants in
2023 at 2,187.

• The civil war in the neighbouring country also forced some 40,000 people into
Mizoram, who, unlike Manipur, made them feel at home primarily due to their ethnic
affiliation.

• The Mizoram government has been seeking funds from the Centre to look after the
displaced people who it wants to be sent back only after the situation in their
country normalises.
Why are Mizoram and Nagaland opposed to ending the FMR?
• Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said his government does not have the
authority to stop the Centre from fencing the India-Myanmar border for
perceived security threat and scrapping the FMR.

• But said he was opposed to the move. According to him, the border was
imposed by the British to divide the people belonging to the Zo ethnic stock.

• Influential Naga Students’ Federation condemned the Centre’s move. It said

the decision to fence the border and end the FMR was “regressive”, which
would exacerbate conflicts in the region.

• “It is crucial for India to acknowledge the historical truth that these
territories (between the Chindwin River in Myanmar and the Saramati
mountain in Nagaland) belong to the Nagas,” the federation said in a
statement.
PRELIMS: Drawbacks of the Free Movement Regime (FMR)
• FMR unintentionally aided illegal
activities like immigration, drug
trafficking, and arms smuggling.

• One of the reason is that FMR lies in

the Golden Triangle
• Golden Crescent, is a major global
opium producer since the early 21st
century.

• Insurgent groups have set up camps in

Myanmar for illegal activities, including
drug and arms trade.
• The unfenced Indo-Myanmar border is porous, enabling difficult monitoring
and control of illegal cross-border activities.

• Misuse of FMR contributed to the challenges.

• India suspended the FMR in September 2022 due to the escalating crisis in
Myanmar due to coup.
Coal Gasification
• Govt has approved an outlay
of ₹8,500 crore as financial
aid for promotion of
coal/lignite gasification
projects.

• The decision was taken

during a Cabinet meeting
under the chairmanship of PM
Narendra Modi.
Coal Gasification
• Coal Gasification is a thermo-chemical process that converts
coal into simple molecules, primarily carbon monoxide and
hydrogen, called synthesis gas or syngas.

• The combustion of this gas is cleaner and more efficient than

combustion of coal since emissions are trapped at the stage of
gasification.

• The Indian government wants 100 MT of coal gasification by

2030, with investments worth over Rs 4 trillion.
The Coal Gasification Scheme
• The total outlay of Rs 8,500 crore for coal gasification projects will be
divided into three categories, read a statement from the Union Cabinet led
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• In the first category, Rs 4,050 crore has been provisioned only for
government PSUs, wherein up to three projects will be supported by
providing a lump-sum grant of Rs.1,350 crore each or 15% of the capex,
whichever is lower.

• The second category of Rs 3,850 crore has been provisioned for the private
sector as well as the government PSUs in which a lump-sum grant of Rs
1,000 crore each or 15% of the capex, whichever is lower, will be provided.

• At least one project will be bid out on tariff-based bidding process and its
criteria will be designed in consultation with NITI Aayog.
The Coal Gasification Scheme
• For the third category, Rs 600 crore has been provisioned for
demonstration projects (indigenous technology) or small-scale product-
based gasification plants, under which a lump-sum grant of Rs 100 crore
or 15% of capex, whichever is lower, will be given to the selected entity.

• In this, the bidder will need to have a minimum capex of Rs 100 crore
and a minimum production of 1500 Nm3/hr of synthetic gas or syngas.

• The grant will be paid to the selected entity in two equal instalments,
read the statement.

• The coal gasification initiative has been delayed by nearly two years
since it was first announced due to multiple industry feedback that was
received during this period.
Gold Production
More than 70 people have been killed after
a tunnel collapsed at a Malian gold mining
site last week, local sources said on
Wednesday.

- “There were over 200 gold miners in the

field. The search is over now. We’ve
found 73 bodies,” he said.

• Mali, which is among the world’s

poorest countries, is one of Africa’s
leading gold producers.
Gold Production
• Gold mining is a global business with operations on every
continent, except Antarctica, and gold is extracted from mines of
widely varying types and scale.

• Gold mining sites are regularly the scene of deadly landslides and
authorities struggle to control artisanal mining of the precious
metal.

• At a country level, China was the largest producer in the world in

2022 and accounted for around 10 per cent of total global
production.
According to the statistics, Karnataka,
Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala,
Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar are the
highest gold producing states in India.
National Voters’ day
• Election Commission of India is celebrating 14th National Voters’ Day
(NVD) on 25th January 2024.

• Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu will be the Chief

Guest at the national function being organized in New Delhi by the
Election Commission of India.

• The event will also be attended by Heads and representatives of

Election Management bodies viz. Maldives, Philippines, Russia, Sri
Lanka and Uzbekistan.

• Dedicated to the voters, NVD 2024 theme - ‘Nothing Like Voting, I

Vote For sure’ is a continuation from last year's theme.
National Voters’ day
• On January 25, 2024, the Election Commission of India celebrates its
75th year of service to the Nation. To mark this momentous occasion,
and in light of the 2024 Parliamentary Elections – a commemorative
postage stamp themed "Inclusive Elections" will be released.

• On the occasion, an innovative multi-media campaign for Voter

Education and Awareness for the forthcoming Parliamentary
Elections 2024 will also be launched.

• A multimedia exhibition showcasing the grandeur of Indian elections,

electoral reforms, technological advancements and election
management innovations will also be displayed.
National Voters’ day
• Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every
year, across the country to mark the foundation day of the Election
Commission of India, i.e. 25th January 1950.

• The main purpose of the NVD celebration is to create electoral awareness

amongst citizens and encourage them to participate in the electoral
process.

• Dedicated to the voters of the country, the National Voters' Day is also used
to facilitate enrolment of voters, especially the newly eligible young voters.
New voters are felicitated and handed over their Elector Photo Identity Card
(EPIC) in the NVD functions held across the country.

• NVD is celebrated at the national, state, district, constituency and polling

booth levels, which makes it one of the largest celebrations in the country.
Indo-France Relations
• On January 26, the French President
will officiate at the Republic Day
parade in Delhi, and then attend
functions organised by the French
Embassy, as well as the ‘At Home’
tea at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the
evening.

• Mr. Macron will arrive in Jaipur and

be received by Mr. Modi on January
25

• Officials said that at least a dozen

MoUs would be signed in Jaipur.
Indo-France Relations
• India and France are long-standing strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific.

• Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two

countries in 1947, and the upgrading of the partnership to the strategic
level in 1998, our two countries have consistently acted together,
building on a high level of mutual trust, shared commitment to the
principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and common values
rooted in international law.

• 2023 mark the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French partnership, both

countries agree to adopt a roadmap to set the course for the bilateral
relationship up to 2047, which will celebrate the centenary of India’s
independence, the centenary of the diplomatic relations between the two
countries and 50 years of the strategic partnership.
Historical Background:
Pre-Independence Era:
• Cultural exchanges trace back to ancient times through trade
and intellectual pursuits.
• French colonial presence in India, notably in Puducherry and
Chandannagar.

Post-Independence Era:
• Diplomatic ties formalized with the establishment of embassies
in the early 1950s.
• Shared commitment to democratic values and independence.
High-level Political Exchanges
• COP 28 Summit Meeting in Dubai (December 1, 2023):
○ PM Modi and President Macron discussed climate action, climate financing, sports, energy, defense, and
civil nuclear cooperation.
• G-20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi (September 10, 2023):
○ President Macron participated in the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit hosted by PM Modi on November 22,
2023.
• Official Visit to Paris (July 13-14, 2023):
○ PM visited Paris at President Macron's invitation for the French National Day.
○ Adopted "Horizon 2047" roadmap for India-France Strategic Partnership.
○ Agreed upon Indo-Pacific Roadmap and signed various MoUs/LoIs/Agreements.
• French National Day in Paris (July 14, 2023):
○ PM attended the French National Day with President Macron.
○ Indian Air Force performed a fly-past, and a tri-services contingent participated in the Bastille Day Parade.
○ President hosted a banquet dinner, and PM was conferred with France’s highest honor, the grand cross of
the Légion d'Honneur.
• G7 Summit in Hiroshima (May 20, 2023):
○ PM Modi and President Macron discussed cooperation in trade, economic spheres, defense sector co-
production, and civil nuclear cooperation.
• Virtual Launch Event (February 14, 2023):
○ PM and President Macron virtually attended the launch event of the partnership between Air India and
Airbus.
○ Air India signed an LoI to acquire 250 aircraft from Airbus.
Defence Cooperation
Defence Partnership:
• Strong India-France defence ties with a focus on 'Atmanirbharata' (self-reliance).
• Annual Defence Dialogue (Ministerial level) and High Committee on Defence Cooperation
(Secretary level) reviews.
• 5th Annual Defence Dialogue held in Paris on October 11, 2023.
• Ongoing projects: Rafale aircraft purchase, P-75 Scorpene Project.
• Exploration of collaboration on next-gen fighter plane engines.
• DRDO office in the Embassy (2023) strengthens technology cooperation.

Joint Defence Exercises:

• Growing in scope and complexity.
• VARUNA 2023 Phase 1 held off the Coast of Goa in January.
• Maiden FRINJEX-23 between Indian and French Armies in Kerala in March.
• Multilateral Exercise La Perouse in Indian Ocean in March with multiple global naval
participants.
• Indian Air Force's first participation in multilateral Exercise ORION in France (April-May).
• Space and Defence Engagement:
• Indian Defence Space Agency personnel attended ASTERX 2023 Space Exercise in France
(March).
Space Cooperation
• Over fifty years of collaboration in space between ISRO (Indian Space Research
Organisation) and CNES (French Space Agency).
• France plays a significant role as a major supplier of components and
equipment for India's space program.

• First India-France Strategic Space Dialogue (June 2023): Identified cooperation

areas in civil space and defense space tracks.

• ISRO and CNES concluded a joint declaration for cooperation in future launch
vehicle technologies.

• Agreement for cooperation in joint Earth Observation mission TRISHNA,

Maritime Domain Awareness (Short-Term plan), and Space Situational
Awareness.

• ISRO's PSLV has commercially launched French satellites.

Other Cooperation Areas
Cyber Cooperation

• India and France have Cyber Dialogue mechanism to discuss cyber

cooperation and related matters.
• 4th Cyber Dialogue led by MEA on Indian side and MoFA on French side was
held on 13 Oct 2021 and dates for the next are being worked out.
• A dialogue on cyber security matters was held in Paris on 9 Jan 2024.

Cooperation on Counter terrorism

• India and France have robust cooperation on topics relating to countering

terrorism in all its forms and manifestation, including under the UN forums.
• The 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter terrorism was held
in Paris on 16 Nov 2021 and the next meeting is scheduled to be held in
January 2024 in new Delhi.
Economic Cooperation
• France is one of the largest investors in India with FDI inflow of $659.77
million for FY 2022-23 (as of June 2023) and a cumulative FDI stock of $10.76
billion from April 2000 to September 2023.

• There are over 70 Indian companies employing over 8000 employees in

France. There are over 750 French companies invested in India employing
over 450,000 people.

Trade Statistics (FY 2023-24 till Aug 2023):

• Indian exports to France: $3.06 billion.
• Imports from France: $2.36 billion.
• Main exports include engineering goods, petroleum products,
pharmaceuticals, electronic equipment, and ready-made garments.
• Main imports comprise aviation products, machine equipment, electrical
equipment, and chemical products.