26-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

JAISHANKAR ARRIVES IN RUSSIA ON 5-DAY VISIT

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – THE HINDU

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar embarked on a crucial five-day visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg, signifying India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia. This visit holds significance amid skipped annual summits, attributed partly to the Ukraine conflict, and entails discussions on bilateral, multilateral, and international issues.

Bilateral Issues and Trade Ties:

• Ruble-Rupee Payment Mechanism: Persistent challenges in the rupee-rouble payment mechanism, designed to bypass U.S. and EU sanctions against Russia, remain a key agenda item.
• Trade and Defence Equipment: Delays in the supply of defence equipment and a surge in Russian oil imports, contributing to a substantial trade deficit, necessitate attention.

Annual Summit Omission:

• Tradition Disrupted: The absence of the annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, an unbroken tradition since 2000, raises questions, seemingly due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
• Leaders’ Foreign Engagements: Despite the missed summit, both leaders engaged in various international trips throughout the year.

Agenda and Meetings:

• Comprehensive Discussions: Jaishankar’s visit aims to cover bilateral, multilateral, and international matters, fostering cultural and people-to-people ties.
• High-Level Talks: Scheduled discussions between Mr. Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on December 27 underscore the depth of the engagements.

Payment Issues and Trade Deficit:

• Unresolved Challenges: Despite acknowledging payment mechanism issues during Mr. Lavrov’s visit to Delhi, resolution remains elusive, leading to delayed payments and the use of third-country currencies for imports.
• Trade Imbalance: The massive 368% YoY growth in Indian imports from Russia, primarily oil, exacerbates the trade deficit and necessitates strategic solutions.

Geopolitical Discussions:

• Conflicts in Ukraine: Geopolitical challenges, including discussions on the conflicts in Ukraine, feature prominently.
• Israel-Gaza Situation: The ministers are likely to discuss Israel’s actions in Gaza, with Russia openly critical and India adopting a nuanced stance.

Conclusion:

Mr. Jaishankar’s visit to Russia marks a crucial juncture in India-Russia relations, addressing economic challenges, geopolitical issues, and fostering strategic cooperation. The depth of discussions and high-level engagements underscores the commitment to sustaining the historically robust partnership despite diplomatic intricacies.

GOVT. TARGETS DOCUMENTS’ SATURATION IN PVTG VILLAGES IN ONE WEEK

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Indian government has launched an ambitious campaign, PM-JANMAN, focusing on the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Initiating the drive, the Centre aims to achieve swift saturation of essential documents, including Aadhaar, caste certificates, and Jan Dhan accounts, within one week. This comprehensive effort targets 15,000 PVTG habitations across 100 districts in 18 States and the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Campaign Details:

• Inclusive Coverage: The campaign is a vital step towards realizing the PM-JANMAN package, catering to over 22,000 habitations housing approximately 28 lakh people.
• Multi-Phase Approach: Following the current phase, the initiative will extend its coverage to habitations in other parts of the country.
• Data Challenges: In the absence of updated PVTG population data, the government is committed to ensuring inclusivity under the announced package.

PREPARE TIME-BOUND PLAN TO RELOCATE SLUM DWELLERS: L-G

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has issued a directive for the formulation of a time-bound action plan to regularize illegal buildings and relocate slum dwellers in Delhi. This comes on the heels of Parliament’s recent extension of an Act, providing protection to unauthorized structures and allowing the relocation of slum dwellers for three more years.

Key Points:

• Legislative Support: The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2023, extended the safeguarding of owners against punitive actions until December 31, 2026.
• COVID-19 Hindrance: The Bill highlighted the need for an extension due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of additional time for comprehensive execution.
• Master Plan for Delhi-2041: The regularization aligns with the ongoing Master Plan for Delhi-2041, aiming at the systematic development of the capital.
• L-G’s Concerns: Expressing concerns over delays in slum rehabilitation, L-G Saxena emphasized the need for specific timelines, especially focusing on projects under the Pradhan Mantri – Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U).
• Dignified Rehabilitation: Ensuring dignified rehabilitation, Saxena urged officials to devise a concrete plan for registration, verification, and regularization of illegal colonies, contemplating relocation within a five-kilometer radius or in flats constructed under welfare schemes.

Conclusion:

The L-G’s proactive directive underscores the commitment to expedite the regularization process and provide dignified living conditions for slum dwellers in alignment with urban development goals and legislative support.

REVANTH GOVT. PLANS AN ON-SITE ‘EXPOSE’ INTO TELANGANA’S KALESHWARAM PROJECT

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Congress-led government in Telangana, led by A. Revanth Reddy, is set to expose alleged shortcomings and corruption in the Kaleshwaram project, previously undertaken by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi government. The government plans a comprehensive on-site presentation at the Medigadda barrage, involving Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu.

 Key Points:

• Presentation Venue: Scheduled for December 29 at the Medigadda barrage, the presentation aims to shed light on perceived deficiencies and corruption in the Kaleshwaram project.
• Quality Concerns: Earlier, pillars at the Medigadda barrage collapsed, raising quality concerns, and irrigation experts questioned the project’s utility despite substantial funds invested.
• Objectives: The presentation intends to disclose project details, including cost, increased cultivation acreage, new ayacut development, stability, construction quality, and the extensive power required for water pumping.
• Stakeholder Participation: The Irrigation department has been instructed to ensure participation from project officials, construction agencies, contractors, and sub-contractors for clarifications.
• Transparency Initiative: The government emphasizes transparency, inviting media for the on-site presentation, a departure from alleged previous instances of restricting access to the project site.
• Review of Components: Ministers will also review issues concerning Sundilla and Annaram barrages, integral components of the Kaleshwaram project.

Conclusion:

The government’s initiative to openly address concerns and share project details reflects an emphasis on transparency and accountability, marking a shift in approach from previous allegations of restricted access and political interference.

RAILWAY OFFICERS TO BE TRAINED IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT; ACADEMY, INSTITUTE TO GIVE TRAINING

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

In response to the Odisha train tragedy that claimed lives and exposed delayed disaster response, the Ministry of Railways has mandated disaster management training for railway officers. Recognizing the need for swift and effective disaster response, this initiative aims to integrate disaster management into the training modules for railway officers.

Key Points:

• Training Integration: Disaster management is now an integral component of induction/foundation courses and refresher/mid-career training programs for railway officers. The move seeks to address shortcomings highlighted by the Odisha train incident.
• Training Partners: The National Academy of Indian Railways (NAIR), Vadodara, and the Indian Railway Institute of Disaster Management (IRIDM), Bengaluru, collaborate to deliver a comprehensive training program.
• Asset Handover Confusion: Amid confusion regarding the transfer of assets, including infrastructure, from NAIR to Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), clarity is sought on the venue and schedule of disaster management training.
• Safety Organization Review: Following the Odisha incident, the Commissioner of Railway Safety emphasized the need for a faster initial response. The Railway Board is urged to review the disaster response system in Zonal Railways.
• Coordination with Disaster Agencies: The report also calls for a review of railway coordination with disaster management agencies like the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force.
• Focus on Rail Traffic Restoration: While the Railways maintain accident relief trains, the emphasis is now on not only responding to accidents but also swiftly restoring rail traffic, recognizing its critical importance.

Conclusion:

The Ministry’s proactive approach to incorporate disaster management into railway officers’ training underscores a commitment to enhance disaster preparedness and response, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and railway infrastructure. The collaboration between NAIR and IRIDM signifies a concerted effort to equip officers with the necessary skills and knowledge in disaster management.

INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) – 2023

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Royal Thai Navy successfully hosted the 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs in Bangkok, Thailand. This significant gathering witnessed the Republic of Korea Navy joining as the latest ‘Observer,’ elevating IONS’ collective strength to 34 (25 Members and 9 Observers).

Key Points:

• IONS Background: Conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008, IONS represents a voluntary initiative fostering increased maritime cooperation among the navies of littoral states in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Observer Status: The Republic of Korea Navy’s inclusion as an Observer signifies a commitment to expanding collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing in maritime security.
• Collective Strength: With 34 participating entities (25 Members and 9 Observers), IONS continues to evolve as a platform for naval cooperation and dialogue.
• IMEX-22: In the previous year, IONS marked a milestone by conducting its inaugural maritime exercise, IMEX-22, further emphasizing the organization’s commitment to enhancing regional maritime security.

SALWA JUDUM

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued directives to the Ministry of Home Affairs and six states, urging them to provide information concerning the victims of Salwa Judum.

• Salwa Judum, translating to “Purification Hunt” in the local Gondi language, operated as a militia during anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh from 2005 to 2011.
• Banned by the Supreme Court in the Nandini Sundar vs State of Chhattisgarh case, Salwa Judum faced allegations of human rights abuses, including forced displacement and arbitrary arrests.
• NHRC’s move reflects an ongoing commitment to ensure accountability for past actions and protect human rights.