Chief of Defence Staff

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Indo-Pacific

Why in News?

Emphasising sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth while preserving the ecosystem's health, the Defence Minister of India during the 18^th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) in New Delhi said India stands for open and rule-based maritime borders in Indo-Pacific.

What is the Indo-Pacific Region?

• About:
  • Indo-Pacific is a recent concept. It was about a decade ago that the world started talking about the Indo-Pacific; its rise has been quite significant.
  • One of the reasons behind the popularity of this term is an understanding that the Indian Ocean and the Pacific are a linked strategic theater.
    • Also, the centre of gravity has shifted to Asia. The reason being maritime routes, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific provide the sea lanes. The majority of the world’s trade passes through these oceans.
• Significance:
  • The Indo-Pacific region is one of the most populous and economically active regions of the world which includes four continents: Asia, Africa, Australia and America.
  • The dynamism and vitality of the region is self-evident, 60% of the world's population and 2/3rd of the global economic output makes this region a global economic centre.
  • The region is also a great source and destination for Foreign Direct Investment. Many of the world’s critical and large supply chains have an Indo-Pacific connection.
  • There are vast reserves of marine resources in the Indian and Pacific Oceans combined, including offshore hydrocarbons, methane hydrates, seabed minerals and rare earth metals.
    • Sizable coastlines and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) provide littoral countries with competitive capabilities for exploiting these resources.
    • In turn, a number of the world's largest economies are located in the Indo-Pacific region, including India, U.S.A, China, Japan, Australia.

What is India’s Perspective of the Indo-Pacific?

• Cooperate with Others for Security Architecture: A lot of India’s special partners, the US, Australia, Japan and Indonesia want India’s presence in the South China Sea, East China Sea, basically to counter China.
  • India, however, seeks to cooperate for an architecture for peace and security in the region. The common prosperity and security require the countries to evolve, through dialogue, a common rules-based order for the region.
• Indo-Pacific Extends from Africa to America: For India, Indo-Pacific stands for a free, open, inclusive region. It includes all nations in the geography and also others who have a stake in it. In its geographical dimension, India considers the area from the shores of Africa to the shores of America.
• Equal Share in Trade and Investment: India supports rule-based, open, balanced and stable trade environment in the Indo-Pacific Region, which lifts up all nations on the tide of trade and investment. This is the same as what the country expects from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
• Unified ASEAN: Unlike China, India seeks a unified ASEAN, not a divided one. China tries to play off some ASEAN members against others, thereby in a way executing ‘divide and rule’ conquest strategy.
• Work in Collaboration with China: India does not comply with the US version of Indo-Pacific, that seeks to contain Chinese dominance. India is rather looking for the ways through which it can work together with China.
• Against Dominance of a Single Player: India is looking for democratising the region. Earlier, the region used to be almost like an American lake. However, there exists a fear that the region will become Chinese lake now. India doesn't want hegemony of any player in the region.

What are the Current Challenges in the Indo-Pacific?

• Theatre of Geo-Strategic Competition: Indo-Pacific is the principal theatre of geo-strategic competition between different multilateral institutions like QUAD and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
• China’s Militarization Move: China has been a challenge to India’s interests and stability in the Indian Ocean. India's neighbours are receiving military and infrastructural assistance from China, including submarines for Myanmar, frigates for Sri Lanka, and its overseas military base in Djibouti (Horn of Africa).
  • Also, China has a hold over Hambantota port (Sri Lanka), which is just a few hundred miles off the shores of India.
• Hotspot For Non-Traditional Issues: The region's vastness makes it difficult to assess and address multiple risks, including incidents of piracy, trafficking and terrorism.
  • The Indo-Pacific region is facing serious challenges related to geographical and ecological stability due to climate change and the three consecutive La Niña events that are causing cyclones and tsunamis.
    • Also, illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing and marine pollution is hampering the aquatic life of this region.
• India’s Limited Naval Capacity: Indian Navy has limited resources and capacity to strengthen its efforts because of limited allocation of Indian military budget. Also, lack of overseas military bases creates a fundamental logistical challenge for India to maintain its presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Way Forward

• The countries in the region should have equal access as a right under international law to the use of common spaces on sea and in the air that would require freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.
• It is important to establish connectivity in the region based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultation, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability.
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is necessary for Indo-Pacific security. MDA implies effective understanding of any activity associated with the maritime environment that could impact upon the security, safety, economy or environment
• Multipolarity: Security & peace and law-abiding nature of the countries around the region is crucial. This will also allow multipolarity in the region. The smaller states in the region expect India to step up to the plate and help them widen their options, both economically as well as militarily. India should try to fulfill their aspirations.

Source: TH

Uniform Civil Code

Why in News?

The Ministry of Law and Justice has told the Supreme Court that the court cannot direct Parliament to frame any law and it sought dismissal of PILs (Public Interest Litigation) seeking a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country.

What are the PILs about?

• Petitioners sought uniformity in the personal laws regulating marriage divorce, maintenance and alimony (money that has to be paid by law to former wife or husband).
• The petitions sought steps to remove anomalies regarding laws for divorce and make them uniform for all citizens and uniform guidelines for adoption and guardianship of children.

What is the Government’s Stand?

• This is a matter of policy for the elected representatives of the people to decide and no direction in this regard can be issued by the court. It is for the legislature to enact or not enact a piece of legislation.
• The Law Ministry had requested the Law Commission to examine various issues relating to the UCC and make recommendations considering the sensitivity and in-depth study involved of various personal laws governing different communities.
  • The 21^st Law Commission had uploaded a consultation paper titled 'Reform of Family Law subsequently in August 2018. But the term of the 21st Law Commission came to an end in August 2018.

What is a Uniform Civil Code?

• About:
  • UCC is envisaged to provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.
  • Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a UCC for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
    • Article 44 is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
    • The purpose behind Article 44 is to strengthen the object of "secular democratic republic" as enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
• Background:
  • The origin of the UCC dates back to colonial India when the British government submitted its report in 1835 stressing the need for uniformity in the codification of Indian law relating to crimes, evidence, and contracts, specifically recommending that personal laws of Hindus and Muslims be kept outside such codification.
  • Increase in legislation dealing with personal issues in the far end of British rule forced the government to form the B N Rau Committee to codify Hindu law in 1941.
  • Based on these recommendations, a bill was then adopted in 1956 as the Hindu Succession Act to amend and codify the law relating to intestate or unwilled succession, among Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
    • However, there were separate personal laws for Muslims, Christians and Parsis.
  • In order to bring uniformity, the courts have often said in their judgements that the government should move towards a UCC.
    • The judgement in the Shah Bano case (1985) is well known.
    • Another case was the Sarla Mudgal Case (1995), which dealt with the issue of bigamy and conflict between the personal laws existing on matters of marriage.
  • By arguing that practices such as triple talaq and polygamy impact adversely the right of a woman to a life of dignity, the Centre has raised the question whether constitutional protection given to religious practices should extend even to those that are not in compliance with fundamental rights.
• Status of Uniform Codes in India:
  • Indian laws do follow a uniform code in most civil matters such as Indian Contract Act 1872, Civil Procedure Code, Transfer of Property Act 1882, Partnership Act 1932, Evidence Act, 1872 etc.
  • States, however, have made hundreds of amendments and, therefore, in certain matters, there is diversity even under these secular civil laws.
    • Recently, several states refused to be governed by the uniform Motor Vehicles Act, 2019.
  • As of now, Goa is the only state in India with a UCC.

What are the Implications of Uniform Civil Code on Personal Laws?

• Protection of Vulnerable Section of Society:
  • The UCC aims to provide protection to vulnerable sections as envisaged by Ambedkar including women and religious minorities, while also promoting nationalistic fervour through unity.
• Simplification of Laws:
  • A Uniform Civil Code will simplify the complex laws around marriage ceremonies, inheritance, succession, adoptions, making them one for all. The same civil law will then be applicable to all citizens irrespective of their faith.
• Adhering to the Ideal of Secularism:
  • Secularism is the objective enshrined in the Preamble; a secular republic needs a common law for all citizens rather than differentiated rules based on religious practices.
• Gender Justice:
  • If a UCC is enacted, all personal laws will cease to exist. It will do away with gender biases in existing laws.

What are the Challenges?

• Diverse Personal Laws:
  • The customary practices among various communities vary a lot.
    • It is also a myth that Hindus are governed by one uniform law. Marriage among close relatives is prohibited in the north but considered auspicious in the south.
  • Lack of uniformity in personal laws is also true of Muslims and Christians.
  • The Constitution itself protects local customs of Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
  • The vast diversity of the personal laws, along with the devotion to which they are adhered to, makes uniformity of any sort very difficult to achieve. It is very tough to find a common ground between different communities.
• Communal Politics:
  • The demand for a uniform civil code has been framed in the context of communal politics.
  • A large section of society sees it as majoritarianism under the garb of social reform.
• Constitutional Hurdle:
  • Article 25 of Indian constitution, that seeks to preserve the freedom to practise and propagate any religion gets into conflict with the concepts of equality enshrined under Article 14 of Indian Constitution.

Way Forward

• The government and society will have to work hard to build trust, but more importantly, make common cause with social reformers rather than religious conservatives.
• Rather than an omnibus approach, the government could bring separate aspects such as marriage, adoption, succession and maintenance into a UCC in stages.
• The need of the hour is the codification of all personal laws so that prejudices and stereotypes in every one of them would come to light and can be tested on the anvil of fundamental rights of the Constitution.

Source: TH

Polio Eradication

Why in News?

Recently, global leaders confirmed USD 2.6 billion in funding toward the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s (GPEI) 2022-2026 Strategy to end polio at the World Health Summit in Berlin.

What is Polio?

• About:
  • Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly viral infectious disease that affects the nervous system.
  • There are three individual and immunologically distinct wild poliovirus strains:
    • Wild Poliovirus type 1 (WPV1)
    • Wild Poliovirus type 2 (WPV2)
    • Wild Poliovirus type 3 (WPV3)
  • Symptomatically, all three strains are identical, in that they cause irreversible paralysis or even death. However, there are genetic and virological differences, which make these three strains separate viruses which must each be eradicated individually.
• Spread:
  • The virus is transmitted person-to-person mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, through contaminated water or food).
  • It largely affects children under 5 years of age. The virus multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis.
• Symptoms:
  • Most people with polio do not feel sick. Some people have only minor symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, pain in the arms and legs, etc.
  • In rare cases, polio infection causes permanent loss of muscle function (paralysis).
  • Polio can be fatal if the muscles used for breathing are paralysed or if there is an infection of the brain.
• Prevention and Cure:
  • There is no cure, but it can be prevented through Immunisation.
• Vaccines:
  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): It is given orally as a birth dose for institutional deliveries, then primary three doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks and one booster dose at 16-24 months of age.
  • Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV): It is introduced as an additional dose along with the 3^rd dose of DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
• India & Polio:
  • India received polio-free certification by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2014, after three years of zero cases.
    • This achievement has been spurred by the successful Pulse Polio Campaign in which all children were administered polio drops.
    • The last case due to wild poliovirus in the country was detected on 13th January 2011.

What Initiatives have been taken to Eradicate Polio?

• Global:
  • Global Polio Eradication Initiative:
    • It was launched in 1988 by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), by national governments and WHO. Presently, 80% of the world’s population is now living in certified polio-free regions.
      • An estimated 1.5 million childhood deaths have been prevented, through the systemic administration of vitamin A during polio immunization activities.
  • World Polio Day:
    • It is observed every year on 24th October in order to call on countries to stay vigilant in their fight against the disease.
• Indian:
  • Pulse Polio Programme:
    • It was started with an objective of achieving 100% coverage under Oral Polio Vaccine.
  • Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0:
    • It was a nationwide immunisation drive to mark the 25 years of Pulse polio programme (2019-20).
  • Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):
    • It was launched in 1985 with the modification to ‘Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI). The objectives of the Programme include:
      • Rapidly increasing immunization coverage
      • Improving the quality of services
      • Establishing a reliable cold chain system to the health facility level
      • Introducing a district-wise system for monitoring of performance
      • Achieving self-sufficiency in vaccine production.

Source: DTE

Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0

Why in News?

Recently, as part of the first phase of the ‘Swadesh Darshan 2’ (beginning from January 2023), the government has identified 15 States across the country to be promoted as part of India’s new domestic tourism policy.

• This policy moves away from theme-based tourist circuits and focuses on reviving up destination tourism.
• Some of the prominent places identified are Jhansi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gwalior, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra.

What is Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0?

• About:
  • With the mantra of ‘vocal for local’, the revamped scheme namely Swadesh Darshan 2.0 seeks to attain “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by realizing India’s full potential as a tourism destination.
  • Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is not an incremental change but a generational shift to evolve the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as a holistic mission to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations.
    • It will help develop sustainable and responsible destinations with a tourist and destination centric approach.
  • It will encourage the development of benchmarks and standards for generic and theme-specific development of tourism destinations and the States will follow the benchmarks and standards while planning and developing the projects.
  • The following major themes have been identified for tourism under the Scheme:
    • Culture and Heritage
    • Adventure Tourism
    • Eco-Tourism
    • Wellness Tourism
    • MICE Tourism
    • Rural Tourism
    • Beach Tourism
    • Cruises – Ocean & Inland
• Significance:
  • The revamped scheme seeks to enhance the contribution of tourism to local economies.
  • It aims to create jobs including self-employment for local communities, to enhance the skills of local youth in tourism and hospitality, to increase private sector investment in tourism and hospitality and to preserve and enhance local cultural and natural resources.

What are the Other Initiatives taken to Promote Tourism?

• PRASHAD Scheme:
  • This scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience.
  • It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience.
• Iconic Tourist Sites:
  • Buddhist Sites at Bodhgaya, Ajanta & Ellora have been identified to be developed as Iconic Tourist Sites (aimed at enhancing India’s soft power).
• Buddhist Conclave:
  • Buddhist Conclave is organised every alternate year with the objective of promoting India as a Buddhist Destination and major markets around the globe.
• Dekho Apna Desh’ Initiative:
  • It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2020 to encourage the citizens to travel widely within the country thus enabling the development of Domestic Tourism tourist facilities and infrastructure.

Source: TH

DefExpo-2022

Why in News?

The 12^th Edition of DefExpo 2022 is being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• The 11^th edition of DefExpo was held at Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) in 2020.

What is DefExpo 2022?

• About:
  • DefExpo is a flagship biennial event of the Ministry of Defence, showcasing the land, naval, air as well as homeland security systems.
• DefExpo 2022:
  • It is being held in a first ever four-venue format which promises to engage the public and inspire them to join the Aerospace and Defence manufacturing sector; for ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence.
  • The aim is to showcase the might of the domestic defence industry which is now powering ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ resolve of the Government and the nation at large.
  • It is the first-ever edition exclusively for Indian companies.
• Theme: Path to Pride.
• Key Events:
  • It will host the 2^nd edition of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD), with invites extended to 53 African countries.
    
    • The IADD will explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including in areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism.
    • India’s approach towards Africa is guided by the Kampala Principles.
  • A separate Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave with participation of approximately 40 countries will see India pitching its military hardware to various countries.
  • It will also mark the celebration of one year of the formation of the seven new defence companies, carved out of the erstwhile Ordnance Factories.
    • All these companies will be participating for the first time at DefExpo.

What are the Defence Sector Reforms Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan?

• Revision of FDI Limit: The FDI limit in defence manufacturing under automatic route is raised from 49% to 74%.
• Project Management Unit (PMU): The government is expected to begin time-bound defence procurement and faster decision making by setting up a Project Management Unit (for contract management purposes).
• Reduction in Defence Imports: The government will notify a list of weapons/platforms banned for imports and thus such items can only be purchased from the domestic market.
  • Separate budget provision for domestic capital procurement.
• Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board: It will include a public listing of some units, ensuring a more efficient interface of the manufacturer with the designer and end-user.

Source: TH

Mission DefSpace

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister has launched ‘Mission DefSpace’ at the ongoing DefExpo.

• He also released the fourth Defence Indigenisation List which bars import of 101 items after certain timelines.
• He also unveiled the HTT-40 (Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40) indigenous trainer aircraft designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at the India Pavilion during the Expo.

What is Mission DefSpace?

• About:
  • It is an ambitious effort to develop innovative solutions for the three Services (Indian airforce, Navy and Army) in the space domain through the Indian industry and start-ups.
  • 75 challenges are being opened to get innovative solutions, based on the defence requirements in the space domain.
  • Startups, innovators and the private sector will be invited to find solutions for the problems that will include both offensive and defensive capabilities.
  • It aims to develop a range of military applications for space warfare and to enable the private industries to offer solutions to the armed forces for future offensive and defensive requirements.
  • Defence applications in space will not only help the Indian armed forces but can also be extended to friendly foreign nations.

What is the Indigenisation of Defence?

• About:
  • Indigenisation is the capability of developing and producing any defence equipment within the country for the dual purpose of achieving self-reliance and reducing the burden of imports.
  • Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is one of the key objectives of the Department of Defence Production.
    • Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private organisations are playing a critical role in indigenisation of defence industries.
  • India is among the world’s largest arms importers, and the armed forces are expected to spend about USD 130 billion on defence purchases over the next five years.
• 4^th Indigenisation List:
  • It lays special focus on equipments/ stems, which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders in the next five to 10 years.
  • The items listed in the fourth list will provide ample visibility and opportunity to the domestic defence industry for understanding the trend and futuristic needs of the armed forces and create requisite research and development and manufacturing capacity within the country.
• Significance:
  • Promote Domestic Industry:
    • These weapons & platforms will promote domestic industry and transform R&D and manufacturing in the country.
  • Reducing Fiscal Deficit and Instills Nationalism:
    • The other benefits of indigenisation will be reduction in the fiscal deficit, security against its porous borders and hostile neighbours, generation of employment and ignition of the fire of nationalism and patriotism with the strong sense of integrity and sovereignty amongst the Indian Forces.

What is HTT-40 Indigenous Trainer Aircraft?

• HTT-40 is a basic training aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• It will replace the ageing fleet of HAL HPT-32 Deepak trainers that are in service with the IAF.
• Its trainer offers the best-in-class fuel economy and power rating.
• It takes-off from a short distance and has a high climb rate.
• It has a maximum speed of 450km/h and can reach a maximum distance of 1,000 km. The stall speed with flaps down is 135 km/h.

Source: TH

Giraffe

Why in News?

About 150 years ago, British colonists brought batches of northern giraffes from their other colonial possessions in Africa.

What are the Key Points About Giraffes?

• General:
  • Physiological Characteristics:
    • Giraffe, (genus Giraffa) are any of the four species in the genus Giraffa of long-necked cud-chewing hoofed mammals of Africa, with long legs and a coat pattern of irregular brown patches on a light background.
    • Giraffes are the tallest of all land animals, males (bulls) may exceed 5.5 metres (18 feet) in height, and the tallest females (cows) are about 4.5 metres.
    • Using prehensile (grabby) tongues almost half a metre long, they are able to browse foliage almost six metres from the ground.
    • Giraffes grow to nearly their full height by four years of age but gain weight until they are seven or eight. Males weigh up to 1,930 kg, females up to 1,180 kg.
    • Both sexes have a pair of horns, though males possess other bony protuberances on the skull.
  • Eating Habits:
    • Giraffes prefer to eat new shoots and leaves, mainly from the thorny acacia tree.
    • Giraffes obtain most water from their food, though in the dry season they drink at least every three days.
  • Geographical Location:
    • Giraffes are a common sight in grasslands and open woodlands in East Africa.
• Indian Giraffe:
  • The largest captive herd of the northern Giraffe (29 individuals) in India is at the Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata.
    • A recent genealogical study has confirmed that the individuals in this facility, at least, are most likely the Nubian giraffes or the Rothschild giraffe.
  • The Nubian giraffe is the nominate subspecies of giraffe which used to be widespread everywhere in Northeast Africa. However, 95% of the population of Nubian Giraffe has declined in the past 3 decades.
    • Rothschild’s giraffe is one of the tallest subspecies, growing up to 6m tall. Its colouring is unique compared to other giraffes as their markings stop halfway down their legs.
  • IUCN Red List Status:
    • Nubian giraffes - Critically Endangered
    • Rothschild giraffe - Endangered

Source: TH

Booker Prize 2022

Why in News?

Recently, Sri Lankan writer Shehan Karunatilaka won the Booker Prize 2022 for his novel “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida”, about a dead war photographer on a mission in the afterlife.

What is Booker Prize?

• The Booker Prize is the world’s leading literary award for a single work of fiction.
• Founded in the UK in 1969, it was initially awarded to Commonwealth writers and now spans the globe, and it is open to anyone regardless of origin.
• Each year, the Booker Prize is awarded to what is, in the opinion of our judges, the best sustained work of fiction written in English and published in the UK and Ireland.
• The winning book is a work that not only speaks to our current times, but also one that will endure and join the pantheon of great literature.

Source: TH