Syrian Civil War and Future of Syria

Source: IE 

Why in News?

Recently, Syrian rebels, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have claimed control of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, in a significant blow to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.  

• This development, amidst the ongoing civil war, has raised concerns about the future of Syria, as it faces a growing challenge from rebel factions.

What are the Key Factors Shaping the Syrian Civil War? 

• Syria and the Civil War: 
  • Historical Context: Since 1971, Syria has been ruled by the Assad family, with Hafez al-Assad serving as the authoritarian leader until his death in 2000.  
    • His son, Bashar al-Assad, succeeded him, continuing the family’s grip on power. 
  • Arab Spring Uprising: In 2011, amidst the wave of the Arab Spring, protests erupted against Assad’s rule.  
    • Arab Spring, wave of pro-democracy protests and uprisings that took place in the Middle East and North Africa beginning in 2010 and 2011, challenging some of the region’s entrenched authoritarian regimes.  
    • The grievances were manifold, including rising unemployment, economic inequality, and corruption.  
    • The Assad regime, dominated by the Alawite minority(a minority Muslim sect in Syria), was accused of marginalizing the Sunni majority. 
  • Civil War Escalation: Arab Spring began as peaceful protests were met with violent repression, leading to armed conflict.  
    • Multiple rebel factions rose up, backed by foreign powers, all aiming to oust Assad. Ultimately led to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. 
• Rise of  Rebel Factions: 
  • Hayat Tahrir al-Sham:  The primary group responsible for capturing and controlling most parts of Syria, including Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama, is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), originally the al-Qaeda branch in Syria.  
    • This group aims to establish Sunni-Islamic rule and has been a major opponent of Assad. 
  • Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF): A Kurdish(Iranic ethnic group)-led militia, the SDF has been primarily focused on securing autonomy and rights for Syria’s Kurdish population.  
    • While not a direct enemy of Assad, they are part of the wider opposition forces. 
  • Free Syrian Army (FSA): This faction, supported by Turkey, opposes both the Assad regime and Kurdish forces, mainly due to concerns over Kurdish separatism. 
• Foreign Influence:  
  • Russia and Iran: These countries have been Assad’s primary allies, providing military support and strategic backing. 
  • US and Turkey: Both have supported anti-Assad factions, but Turkey’s main concern is the Kurdish influence within Syria. 
  • Israel: Given Syria's historic support for Palestine, Israel has conducted strikes against Assad’s forces, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics. 
• Fall of Assad's Regime: Bashar al-Assad's regime was heavily reliant on external support from key allies like Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Over time, however, these alliances weakened due to shifting geopolitical dynamics.  
  • During the Israel-Hamas War in 2023, Israel's airstrikes in Syria weakened Assad's military strength. Russia diverted its focus to the war in Ukraine, and Iran scaled back its involvement after losing key personnel in Syria.

What is India’s Approach Towards Syria? 

• Historical Ties: India has long maintained friendly relations with Bashar al-Assad’s Syria, based on shared historical and civilizational ties.  
  • Syria has historically been an important member of the Nehru- championed Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). 
  • India's stable relations with Syria and key Middle Eastern players are vital for countering Pakistan's narratives in Muslim-majority nations. 
• Recent Diplomatic Engagement:  Syria, a Muslim-majority country, has consistently supported India's position on the Kashmir issue, unlike many other Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries that often oppose it, particularly Pakistan. 
  • India has invested in projects like the Tishreen power plant and the Hama iron and steel plant. 
  • India sent humanitarian aid to Syria following an earthquake in February 2023 as part of Operation Dost (friend). 
  • In late 2024, India hosted the 6th Round of India-Syria Foreign Office Consultations, reinforcing the bilateral relationship. 
• Caution Amid Crisis: India has called for a peaceful, inclusive, Syrian-led political process while emphasizing the need to preserve Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.  
  • It has also expressed concerns over the safety and protection of minorities, including Alawites, Druze, Kurds, and Christians, amidst the ongoing conflict. 
  • The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a caution for Indians in Syria, advising them to leave if possible, as the situation in the capital escalated. 
• Future of India- Syria Relations: India’s ties with Syria may be shaped by Turkey, as its involvement with the Regional Militias. Additionally, Turkey's opposition to India on matters of Kashmir and its close relations with Pakistan add another layer of complexity to their interactions. 
  • US support for a post-Assad transition in Syria, along with its close strategic partnership with India, can positively influence Syria-India relations. 
  • Meanwhile, Iran, a key ally of Assad, maintains a strong relationship with India, particularly in areas of economic and strategic cooperation.  
  • India's neutral stance on Syria's internal matters can ensure diplomatic flexibility, enabling it to engage constructively with any future leadership and foster relationships based on mutual interests and regional stability. 

What are the Implications of Syrian Rebellion? 

• Impact on Syria and Middle East: 
  • HTS's Influence: Despite the HTS's claims of inclusivity toward minorities, its violent history and fundamentalist ideology raise concerns that Syria could face a future similar to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. 
    • Syria’s ethnic and sectarian diversity, including Sunni Arabs, Alawites, Kurds, Shias, and Christians, complicates efforts to unify the country under one governance model. 
    • If HTS adopts a radical path like Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), it could trigger a new wave of extremism. 
  • Regional Instability: The rebellion has destabilized the Middle East, affecting neighboring countries and contributing to regional tensions.  
    • The involvement of various international actors has turned Syria into a battleground for proxy wars. 
    • The rebellion in Syria continues to affect Kurds, especially along the Turkish-Syrian border.  
      • Turkey views Kurdish groups as a security threat, and the instability could lead to increased displacement and conflict, further destabilizing the region. 
• Global Impact:  
  • Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict has displaced millions of Syrians, creating one of the largest refugee crises in modern history.  
    • The United Nations reports approximately 5.5 million Syrian refugees live , primarily in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Europe. 
  • Terrorism and Extremism: The chaos in Syria has allowed extremist groups like ISIS to gain a foothold, posing a global security threat.  
  • Economic Impact: The conflict has disrupted trade routes and economic activities in the region. It has also affected global oil prices, as instability in the Middle East often leads to fluctuations in the energy market. 
    • Instability in Syria could impact the Gulf region, crucial for India's energy security and trade. 
  • Human Rights Violations: The war has seen widespread human rights abuses, including the use of chemical weapons, targeting of civilians, and destruction of infrastructure. These actions have drawn international condemnation and calls for accountability. 

Conclusion 

The fall of Assad's regime is a pivotal moment in the Syrian Civil War, but peace remains uncertain. With HTS rising to power, Syria's future is fraught with challenges, including foreign influence and internal divisions. India must carefully balance its historical ties with Syria while safeguarding its citizens and interests. 

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the implications of the Syrian conflict and its potential impact on India's strategic interests.

SC Guidelines on Death Penalty and Mercy Petitions

Source: HT 

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court of India (SC) has issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at streamlining the execution of death sentences and the processing of mercy petitions. 

• The SC upheld the Bombay High Court's decision in Purshottam Dashrath Borate vs Union Of India, 2019 to commute the death penalty of two convicts in the 2007 Pune BPO gang-rape and murder case to a 35-year life term due to inordinate execution delays. 

What are the SC Guidelines on Death Penalty and Mercy Petitions? 

• Establishment of Dedicated Cells: 
  • The SC directed all states and union territories to establish dedicated cells within their Home or Prison Departments to handle mercy petitions efficiently and within the prescribed time frame.  
  • These cells will be managed by a designated officer, with contact details shared with all prisons, and an official from the Law or Justice Department will ensure legal compliance. 
• Information Sharing: 
  • Prison authorities must promptly forward mercy petitions and relevant details, such as the convict’s background, incarceration history, and legal documents to the dedicated cell.  
  • They must also send police reports, FIRs, trial evidence, and court judgments to the cell officer and the Home Department Secretary. 
  • Mercy petitions must be promptly forwarded to the Secretariats of the Governor or President for further action without unnecessary delays. 
• Electronic Communication: 
  • To enhance efficiency, all communication should be conducted electronically (via email), except in cases requiring confidentiality. 
• Record Maintenance on Death Sentence Cases: 
  • The Sessions Courts must maintain a record of death sentence cases and ensure their prompt listing on the cause list upon receiving orders from the High Court or Supreme Court. 
  • Additionally, notices should be issued to State Public Prosecutors or investigation agencies to ascertain the status of any pending legal remedies, including appeals, review petitions, or mercy pleas. 
• Execution Warrant Protocol: 
  • There should be a mandatory 15-day gap between the issuance of an execution warrant and its implementation. 
  • Convicts must be informed of their right to legal representation, and copies of the warrant and the issuing order must be provided immediately.  
  • Legal assistance must be offered immediately if requested by the convict to challenge the warrant. 
• State Government Responsibility: 
  • The State Government must apply for an execution warrant as soon as the death penalty becomes final and enforceable. 

What is the Death Penalty and Mercy Petition? 

• About Death Penalty: It is also known as capital punishment, and the most severe form of punishment in the Indian judicial system.  
  • It involves the execution of an individual by the state as a penalty for certain grave offenses.  
• Legal Framework For Death Sentence: 
  • The death penalty in India is governed by various provisions in the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS, 2023), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS, 2023) and other special laws. 
  • The BNS (replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) mandates the death penalty for crimes including rape causing death (Section 66), gang rape of minors (Section 70(2)), serial rape (Section 71), etc.  
    • Section 53 of the IPC provided for the punishment of death, along with other forms such as life imprisonment and imprisonment. 
    • Specific offenses punishable by death include, but are not limited to, murder (Section 302), terrorism (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, UAPA), and certain offenses related to drug trafficking under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act(NDPS). 
  • The Constitution of India: 
    • The Constitution of India does not explicitly declare capital punishment as unconstitutional. 
    • However, the Supreme Court, as outlined in Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980) identified 5 categories for such cases, including brutal murder, depraved motives, and crimes of significant magnitude where capital punishment is awarded. 
• About Mercy Petition: It is a formal request made by someone who has been sentenced to death or imprisonment seeking mercy from the President or the Governor, as the case may be. 
• Constitutional Framework: 
  • As per the Constitutional framework in India, a mercy petition to the President is the last constitutional resort a convict can take when he is sentenced by a court of law. A convict can present a mercy petition to the President of India under Article 72 of the Constitution of India. 
  • Similarly, the power to grant pardon is conferred upon the Governors of States under Article 161 of the Constitution of India.

Article 72

Article 161

The President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence:   In all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial  In all cases where the punishment or sentence is for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends  In all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death.

It provides that the Governor of a State shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends.  The SC in 2021 held that the Governor of a State can pardon prisoners, including death row ones, even before they have served a minimum 14 years of prison sentence.

What are the Implications of SC Guidelines on Death Penalty and Mercy Petition? 

• Reduction in Delays: The establishment of dedicated cells and a structured approach for processing mercy petitions will minimize delays, ensuring timely resolution. Regular monitoring and prompt listing of cases by Sessions Courts will expedite the process. 
  • Example: In the Mukesh Singh vs. NCT of Delhi (2017) case (also known as Nirbhaya rape case) the execution of the Nirbhaya convicts was delayed due to multiple mercy petitions and legal challenges. 
• Enhanced Accountability: Designated officers and clear responsibilities for various departments will ensure transparency and accountability, making it easier to track the progress of cases and petitions. 
  • Example: In the case of Shatrughan Chauhan vs. Union of India (2014), the Supreme Court criticized the delay in the execution of death sentences.  
• Legal Support and Human Rights: 
  • The guidelines ensure convicts are informed of their rights and provided legal aid, upholding fairness and constitutional protections under Article 21. They align with evolving jurisprudence on capital punishment, focusing on "rarest of rare" cases and mitigating factors. 
• Strengthened Judicial Oversight: Sessions Courts must maintain records and ensure timely listing of death sentence cases. Regular judicial review and coordination with the Governor/President further safeguard against miscarriages of justice. 

Conclusion 

The Supreme Court's guidelines on death penalty and mercy petitions aim to streamline the process, ensure timely justice, and uphold constitutional safeguards. These measures focus on transparency, efficient communication, and fair execution, balancing the severity of capital punishment with the need for fairness and human rights. 

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the Supreme Court's guidelines on the execution of death penalties and the processing of mercy petitions. How do these guidelines aim to address delays in the judicial process and ensure fairness in capital punishment cases?

India's Strategy for Deregulation and Growth

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA), Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, has announced that deregulation will be a major theme in the Economic Survey for 2024-25.  

• This announcement underscores the government’s intention to ease restrictive regulations in various sectors to spur economic growth, and enhance the productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

What are the Key Focus Areas for Economic Growth of India? 

• Deregulation as a Catalyst for Growth: The upcoming Economic Survey for 2024-25 highlights deregulation, particularly at state and local levels, as a key growth catalyst. 
  • Citing outdated restrictions on 118 occupations deemed "risky" for women, and to reform female labour force participation and promote entrepreneurship, unlocking greater economic potential. 
• Wage Growth and Consumption: CEA highlighted the stagnation of wages, especially for contractual employees, which has failed to keep up with inflation, reducing purchasing power. Despite rising corporate profits, wage disparity persists.  
  • A correction in corporate wage structures is needed to align earnings with living costs, stimulating demand and economic growth. 
• Informalisation of the Workforce: The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift from regular to informal employment, weakening job security and benefits. While beneficial for companies, this trend hampers consumption and economic growth by limiting workers' ability to save and invest.  
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): India's Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector is crucial for economic growth, especially in manufacturing. However, it faces challenges due to the "micro" category, limiting access to resources and support.  
  • Learning from Germany and Switzerland, India must end concessions that keep SMEs small. A vibrant SME sector can help achieve India's goal of a 25% share of GDP from manufacturing. 
• Job Creation and Labour Force Participation: India needs to create around 8 million jobs annually to absorb its growing workforce. CEA emphasized balancing capital and labour-intensive growth, with the private sector playing a key role.  
  • Policies like cash incentives and provident fund contributions for first-time hires aim to boost job creation. 

What are the Implications of Deregulation for the Indian Economy? 

• Boost to Private Sector Growth: Deregulation allows businesses to operate with greater autonomy, reducing bureaucratic delays and enabling faster decision-making. This has led to the flourishing of industries such as telecommunications, aviation, and IT. 
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Deregulation has created a conducive environment for startups and innovation by reducing compliance burdens and fostering ease of doing business. 
  • With the growth of industries due to deregulation, there has been a corresponding increase in job opportunities across various sectors, contributing to economic empowerment. 
• Attraction of Foreign Investments: By removing restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) in various sectors, deregulation has helped India become a preferred destination for global investors, enhancing capital inflows and technology transfer. 
• Increased Efficiency and Competition: A deregulated market fosters healthy competition, ensuring better quality goods and services at competitive prices, benefiting consumers while driving industrial growth. 

What is the Importance of Deregulation for the Indian Economy? 

• Reviving Economic Growth:  
  • The Covid-19 pandemic triggered a significant contraction in India's economy in 2020. While the economy rebounded strongly in 2021 with a GDP 9% growth, which has now slowed down to 5.4% in July-September FY25, below RBI's 7% projection. 
  • By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and empowering market forces, deregulation fosters entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation, driving sustainable economic recovery and growth. 
• Addressing Unemployment and Underemployment: 
  • The pandemic worsened unemployment, with over 1.8 crore salaried jobs lost between April and July 2020.  
  • By promoting ease of doing business and fostering private sector growth, deregulation creates employment opportunities, particularly in sectors that were adversely impacted by the pandemic 
• Reinvigorating Agriculture and Allied Sectors: 
  • Despite some recent growth, the agricultural sector which employs over 50% of the workforce has not kept pace with overall economic growth. 
  • The sector's contribution to GDP has declined from 35% in 1990-91 to 15% in FY23 and its growth rate declined to 1.4% in 2023-24 from 4.7% in 2022-23. 
• Bridging Infrastructure Deficit: 
  • According to the World Bank, India faces an infrastructure gap estimated at USD 1.5 trillion, with significant deficiencies in transportation, energy, and healthcare.  
  • Private investment remains low, falling to 19.6% of GDP in 2020-21, and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) declined by 14.5% in FY 2020-21. 
• Enhancing Export Competitiveness and Geopolitical Tensions: 
  • Geopolitical issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have disrupted global trade, impacting sectors like textiles and footwear, where exports have contracted.  
  • Additionally, India's pharmaceutical sector, despite its global aspirations, has struggled to keep pace with growing demand, lagging behind global growth in the sector. 

What Strategies Can India Adopt to Make Deregulation Impactful? 

• Encourage PPP and Competition: 
  • For making deregulation successful and impactful there is a need to foster partnerships between the government and private sector to ensure effective implementation of reforms while encouraging fair competition to break monopolies and foster innovation. 
• Leverage Technology and Simplify Compliance: 
  • Use digital platforms to enhance governance transparency, reduce compliance burdens, and streamline approval processes. The Digital India initiative and single-window clearance systems under the Ease of Doing Business reforms. 
• Promote Financial Inclusion and Support SMEs: 
  • Ensure deregulation benefits marginalized populations by expanding access to banking and credit facilities, while supporting SMEs to adapt to market dynamics. Example: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and Startup India initiatives. 
• Learn from Global Examples: 
  • There is a need to adapt global best practices to local contexts and engage stakeholders in participatory decision-making to build trust and address resistance. 
  • Singapore's deregulation has fostered economic growth and improved living standards, benefiting the financial sector, telecommunications, transportation, and electricity market. 
• Sector-Specific Reforms: Sector-specific reforms should address unique challenges while ensuring strong regulatory oversight in critical areas like finance, environment, and defense. 
  • For example, allowing 100% FDI in defense promotes modernization but requires stringent regulations for security, while the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) streamlines financial resolution while maintaining accountability and preventing risks.

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the challenges and opportunities of India’s evolving economy and the role of key sectors in ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.

UNCCD's Drought Atlas

Source: DTE 

Why in News?

At the UNCCD  COP16 in Riyadh, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre launched the World Drought Atlas – a comprehensive global publication on drought risks and solutions.   

What are the Key Findings of the UNCCD's Drought Atlas? 

• Systemic Nature of Drought Risks: Drought is a systemic risk affecting multiple sectors globally. It projects that by 2050, 75% of the world's population (nearly 3 in 4 people) will be affected by drought conditions if current trends continue. 
  • In 2022 and 2023 alone, 1.84 billion people (nearly 1 in 4 globally) were affected by drought, with about 85% in low- and middle-income countries. 
• Economic Consequences: Droughts can severely impact agriculture, energy production, and trade. UNCCD asserts that the economic costs of the damages done due to droughts is underestimated by 2.4 times amounting to USD 307 billion per year. 
• Drought Vulnerability in India: India is particularly vulnerable to drought due to its diverse climatic conditions and reliance on monsoon rains for agriculture.  
  • The Atlas underscores that approximately 60% of India's agricultural land is rain-fed, making it susceptible to fluctuations in rainfall patterns. 
  • The 2016 drought in Southern India was due to exceptionally low rainfall during both summer and winter monsoons. 
  • Rapid urbanization has caused water mismanagement in cities like Chennai, leading to a severe crisis despite ample rainfall.  
    • The UNCCD report blames human activities and occasional lack of rain for drought and resource degradation. 

What are the Key Recommendations of the World Drought Atlas?  

• Governance: 
  • Countries should develop and implement comprehensive national drought plans to enhance preparedness and resilience against drought events. 
  • Strengthening international collaboration is essential for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices to effectively manage drought risks across borders. 
  • Developing financial mechanisms, such as microinsurance for smallholder farmers, can provide safety nets for vulnerable populations affected by drought. 
• Land Use Management: 
  • Sustainable agriculture practices, such as land restoration via reforestation, soil conservation, crop diversification and agroforestry, are essential for building resilience against drought. 
  • These measures reduce runoff and increase stormwater retention, improving soil quality, providing shade for livestock and reducing evapotranspiration, which strengthens vegetation's resilience to drought 
• Management of Water Supply and Use: 
  • Investment in Infrastructure: Increased investment in infrastructure for water supply and management, such as wastewater reuse and groundwater recharge systems, is necessary to enhance water security during droughts 

Drishti Mains Question Q. Discuss how socio-economic factors influence drought resilience in India and suggest actionable strategies for improving preparedness against future droughts.

 

India-Japan Forum 2024

Source: TH 

Why in News?

Recently, at the India-Japan Forum in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister(EAM) of India underscored the potential for a strategic semiconductor alliance between India and Japan. 

What are the Key Highlights of the India-Japan Forum 2024? 

• Semiconductor Collaboration: India and Japan are revitalizing their semiconductor industries to enhance global supply chain resilience.  
  • India and Japan are collaborating with Taiwan, a key semiconductor hub, to mitigate supply chain risks and reduce dependence on China. This partnership supports India's semiconductor mission and Japan's revitalization efforts, aiming to reduce strategic vulnerabilities and foster technological autonomy. 
  • Such cooperation aligns with broader Indo-Pacific strategies to counter Chinese dominance in critical supply chains and enhance strategic autonomy for both nations. 
• Quad's Growth: The EAM of India credited the Trump administration (2017 to 2021) for reviving and expanding the Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) 
  • The Quad's inclusive "fair share" approach to burden-sharing enhances its resilience to alliance and commitment concerns. It has evolved into a platform for extensive intergovernmental cooperation, with regular high-level meetings and annual summits. 

What are the Key Facts About Quadrilateral Security Dialogue(Quad)?

• About: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a strategic forum focused on promoting regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.  
  • The Quad aims to strengthen regional security, counter China’s assertiveness, promote economic growth, and improve maritime security.  
• Origins: The Quad originated after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, where the US, Japan, India, and Australia provided humanitarian aid.  
  • It was formally established in 2007 by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe but went dormant in 2008. The group was revived in 2017 amid changing regional attitudes toward China's influence, culminating in its first formal summit in 2021. 
• Functions: It functions through summits, joint military drills, and economic initiatives but lacks a formal structure like North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 
• Quad and India: For India, it offers strategic and economic benefits, particularly in countering China and enhancing security.  
  • However, challenges include imbalanced cooperation, lack of a decision-making body, and geopolitical tensions with China. 

Read more: India Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting

Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Recently, a joint rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) successfully saved 12 crew members from the sunken Indian vessel MSV Al Piranpir in the North Arabian Sea.  

• This joint effort highlighted the critical role of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) of both nations, which maintained seamless communication throughout the humanitarian search and rescue operation. 

What are the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres? 

• About MRCC: MRCC is a unit responsible for promoting efficient organisation of Search and Rescue (SAR) services at sea and coordinating the conduct of M-SAR operations within a Search and Rescue Region (SRR). 
  • The MRCCs in India are specialized units within the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). 
• Search and Rescue Region (SRR): SRR is an area of defined dimensions associated with an MRCC within which SAR services are provided. The Indian Coast Guard coordinates SAR missions in the Indian Maritime Search and Rescue Region (ISRR). 
  • The Indian SRR is divided into three areas, each with an MRCC in Mumbai, Chennai, and Port Blair.  
• SAR Cooperation:  
  • Related Conventions (ratified by India):  
    • International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) 1979  
    • United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982  
    • International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 
  • Other Initiatives: 
    • India’s SAGAR Vision 
    • Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC): It is a framework aimed at enhancing capacity to combat piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. 
      • India, Japan, Norway, the UK and the USA hold the observer status. 

 

Human Rights Day

Source: IE 

Human Rights Day, observed every year on 10th December highlights the importance of human rights as a foundation for justice, peace, and equality. 

• 2024 Theme: "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now" emphasizes the relevance of human rights in shaping a peaceful and sustainable future. 
• Historical Significance: Human Rights Day was established in 1950 to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations on 10th December, 1948, which outlined fundamental human rights for all. 
  • The UN Human Rights Council, established in 2006, promotes global human rights protection through its 47 member States(including India) and works on addressing violations and emergencies. 
    • The Council's secretariat is the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), based in Geneva, Switzerland. 
• Advocacy and Action: The day calls for collective action to counter hate speech, misinformation, and human rights abuses, while promoting equality and non-discrimination. 
• Human Rights and India: The Indian Constitution enshrines human rights through Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV).  
  • The Preamble's commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity reflects the spirit of the UDHR. 
  • The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), oversees human rights adherence in India.

Read more: Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Indian Star Tortoise

Source: TH 

The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) faces severe threats from habitat loss, illegal trade, and genetic disruption, making its conservation a critical priority. 

• Appearance: It has an obsidian shell with striking Sun-yellow star patterns. 
• Habitat: It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found in northwestern India, South India, and Sri Lanka in arid grasslands and savannahs. 
• Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable under IUCN Red List, Appendix I of CITES. 
• Threat: According to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, 90% of the trade of Star Tortoise occurs as part of the international pet market. 
• Genetic Study Insights: Researchers identified two distinct groups of Indian star tortoises: Northwestern (genetically stable) and Southern (genetically diverse). 
  • Microsatellite markers were used to track genetic relationships and population changes.  
  • Microsatellite markers are short DNA sequences that repeat in a particular location in the genome.  

Read More: Indian Star Tortoise 

Bima Sakhi Yojana

Source: PIB 

The Prime Minister recently launched the 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' of Life Insurance Corporation, with an aim to provide jobs to 2 lakh women, reinforcing the commitment towards women empowerment and financial inclusion. 

• LIC’s Bima Sakhi is a stipend-based program exclusively for women, offering specialised training and financial support for a period of three years. 
• Eligibility: Women aged between 18 and 70 years who have completed their 10th-grade education. 
• Each Bima Sakhi will earn a monthly stipend of Rs 7,000 in the first year, Rs 6,000 in the second year, and Rs 5,000 in the third year.  
  • Additionally, women agents can earn commissions based on the insurance policies they secure. 
• After training, they can serve as LIC agents and the graduate Bima Sakhis would have the opportunity to qualify for being considered for Development Officer roles in LIC. 

Read More: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme 

Armed Forces Flag Day

Source: BS 

Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) has been held every year on 7th December since 1949 to honor the bravery and sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces personnel, especially veterans. 

• The day recognizes not only the sacrifices of fallen soldiers but also the contributions of their families, especially the war-disabled soldiers and War Widows (Veer Naris). 
• Support Initiatives:  
  • AFFD Fund: It was created by the Ministry of Defence in 1949. In 1993, it was unified with other welfare funds, including those for war victims and ex-servicemen, into a single fund. 
    • The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) administers the AFFD Fund (AFFDF). 
      • KSB formulates and implements welfare and rehabilitation schemes for ex-servicemen and their families across India. 
  • Digital Solutions: SAMBANDH, a WhatsApp-based chatbot, allows veterans to easily report and resolve grievances. The platform has helped address over 1,700 cases in less than a year. 
  • Skill Development for Women: The Nari Sashaktikaran initiative focuses on empowering women, including widows of fallen soldiers, by providing job training and opportunities for economic independence.  
  • Project NAMAN: It aims to simplify pension services for veterans, ensuring easier access to services such as life certificate submissions and pension disbursements. 

Read more: Advancing Defense Integration in India