Daily Current Affairs- 17th April 2025

Daily Current Affairs 17th April 2025

Justice Kurian Joseph Committee on State Autonomy in Tamil Nadu

In the News: On April 15, 2025, the Tamil Nadu government established a high-level committee chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph. This committee aims to examine and recommend measures to enhance state autonomy within the Indian federal structure, ensuring that such autonomy does not compromise the nation's unity and integrity.  

Committee Composition:

• Chairperson: Justice Kurian Joseph, former Supreme Court judge, who has accepted the role on an honorary basis without remuneration.
• Members:
  • Ashok Vardhan Shetty, retired IAS officer known for his administrative expertise.
  • Professor M. Naganathan, former Vice Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission and a noted economist.

Mandate and Objectives:

• Review constitutional and legal provisions affecting Centre-State relations.
• Recommend measures to achieve maximum state autonomy without undermining national unity.
• Suggest ways to restore subjects transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List.
• Address challenges faced by states in delivering effective governance.

Context and Background:

• The formation of this committee aligns with the golden jubilee of the State Autonomy Resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1974 under the leadership of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
• It follows recent tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over issues like the imposition of the three-language policy, delays in gubernatorial assent to state legislation, and concerns over fiscal federalism.
• The committee is expected to submit an interim report by January 2026, with a comprehensive final report to follow.
• Its recommendations may serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to assert their rights within the federal framework of India 

Supreme Court's Interim Order on Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

In the News: On April 17, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued an interim order concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Court addressed petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Act, particularly focusing on provisions related to the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and the denotification of waqf properties.

Factual Details:

• Interim Measures: The Supreme Court recorded the Centre's assurance that, until the next hearing scheduled for May 5, 2025, no appointments would be made to the Central Waqf Council or State Waqf Boards. Additionally, no waqf properties, including those recognized as 'waqf-by-user,' would be denotified or have their status altered.
• Judicial Bench: The three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar, and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, is overseeing the case.
• Contentious Provisions: The Court expressed concerns over certain provisions of the Act, such as the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and the potential for denotifying waqf properties without due process.
• Government's Position: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, opposed any immediate stay on the Act's provisions, requesting time to file a detailed response.
• Next Steps: The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 5, 2025, during which it will consider the Centre's affidavit and decide on the necessity of interim orders. 

WHO's Pandemic Agreement: A Historic Step Toward Global Health Security 

In the News: On April 16, 2025, after more than three years of negotiations, the World Health Organization (WHO) member states reached a consensus on a draft Pandemic Agreement. This legally binding accord aims to strengthen global collaboration in preventing, preparing for, and responding to future pandemics. The agreement is set to be presented for adoption at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May 2025.

Origins and Negotiation Process

• Initiation: In December 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO member states established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft an international instrument under the WHO Constitution to enhance pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
• Negotiations: Over 13 formal sessions and numerous informal consultations, member states deliberated on various aspects of the agreement, culminating in the finalized draft in April 2025.

Key Provisions

• Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System: Establishment of a system to ensure equitable sharing of pathogen samples and related benefits, including vaccines and treatments. Manufacturers participating in this system are expected to allocate 20% of their pandemic-related products to the WHO for distribution, with 10% as donations and 10% at affordable prices.
• Equitable Access to Medical Countermeasures: Commitment to fair distribution of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, especially to low- and middle-income countries, to address disparities observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: Promotion of technology transfer and development of manufacturing capacities in developing countries to enhance self-reliance in producing medical countermeasures.
• One Health Approach: Integration of a holistic approach recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health to prevent zoonotic diseases.
• Strengthening Health Systems: Measures to bolster health system resilience, including workforce development, infrastructure enhancement, and improved surveillance mechanisms.
• Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network: Creation of a coordinated network to ensure timely availability and distribution of essential medical supplies during health emergencies.

Sovereignty and Compliance

• Respect for National Sovereignty: The agreement explicitly states that it does not grant the WHO authority to dictate national laws or policies, nor does it mandate specific actions such as lockdowns or vaccination requirements.
• Compliance Mechanisms: While the treaty includes provisions for dispute resolution through diplomatic channels and arbitration, it largely relies on the goodwill and commitment of member states for implementation.

Participation and Global Response

• Adoption Prospects: The draft agreement is scheduled for consideration at the World Health Assembly in May 2025, where member states will decide on its adoption.
• Non-Participation of Certain Countries: Notably, the United States and Argentina have withdrawn from the WHO and the treaty negotiations, citing concerns over national sovereignty and the agreement's implications. 

India Signs Agreement to Host International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Headquarters

In the News: On April 17, 2025, India formalized its role as the host nation for the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) by signing a Headquarters Agreement with the alliance. This significant step underscores India's leadership in global wildlife conservation efforts, particularly concerning big cat species. 

Background and Establishment:

• The IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Project Tiger in Mysuru.
• The alliance aims to facilitate international collaboration for the conservation of seven major big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

Headquarters Agreement:

• The agreement was signed in New Delhi by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, and Dr. S.P. Yadav, Director General of IBCA.
• It designates India as the host country for the IBCA headquarters and secretariat, providing a legal framework for the alliance's operations.
• The agreement includes provisions related to visas, privileges, immunities for IBCA personnel, and responsibilities concerning premises and general operations.

Financial Commitment:

• The Government of India has committed ₹150 crore (approximately USD 18 million) over five years (2023–24 to 2028–29) to support the IBCA.
• This funding will be utilized for creating a corpus, building infrastructure, and covering recurring expenditures.

Membership and Global Participation:

• As of January 23, 2025, the IBCA became a legal entity after five countries—India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia—ratified the framework agreement.
• The alliance comprises 95 countries that either have big cat populations or are active in global conservation efforts. 

UNCTAD's "Trade and Development Foresights 2025" Report: Navigating a World Under Pressure

In the News: On April 16, 2025, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released its report titled Trade and Development Foresights 2025 – Under Pressure: Uncertainty Reshapes Global Economic Prospects. The report projects a slowdown in global economic growth to 2.3% in 2025, signaling a potential recessionary phase driven by escalating trade tensions and heightened policy uncertainty.

Key Highlights

Global Economic Outlook:

• Projected Growth: Global GDP growth is expected to decelerate to 2.3% in 2025, falling below the 2.5% threshold often associated with global recessions.
• Contributing Factors: The slowdown is attributed to subdued demand, trade policy shocks, financial turbulence, and systemic uncertainty.

Trade Tensions and Policy Uncertainty:

• Escalating Trade Tensions: Recent tariff measures, particularly by the United States, have disrupted supply chains and increased unpredictability in global trade.
• Investment Hesitancy: The surge in trade policy uncertainty has led to delayed investment decisions and reduced hiring across economies.

Impact on Developing Economies:

• Vulnerability: Developing countries face a "perfect storm" of worsening external financial conditions, unsustainable debt, and weakening domestic growth.
• Opportunities: Despite challenges, growing South-South trade and greater regional economic integration present opportunities for resilience and growth.