India Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting

Source: TH

Why in News?

India and Japan recently held their third 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in New Delhi.

• The discussions, which took place against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, focused on deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

What are the Key Highlights of the India and Japan 2+2 Meet?

• Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Both countries emphasised their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
• The strategic alignment is driven by China’s growing military presence in the region.
• The ministers supported Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s unity and centrality, endorsing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
• The AOIP emphasises ASEAN's central role in fostering cooperation, stability, and peace across the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
• It also reflects ASEAN's commitment to promoting a rules-based regional order founded on the principles of the United Nations Charter.
• They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), following the discussions at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2024.
• Japan and India expressed intentions to collaborate in security assistance to third countries for regional peace and stability.
• Defence and Security Cooperation: The ministers recognized defence cooperation as a pillar of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
• Japan's National Security Strategy, issued in 2022, further bolstered the bilateral defence relationship.
• Progress made in multilateral exercises such as Veer Guardian (2023), Dharma Guardian (Military), JIMEX (naval), SHINYUU Maitri (air force) and Malabar (along with Australia and the US) were emphasised.
• They appreciated advancements in unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and robotics cooperation.
• Both countries agreed to revise and update the 2008 Joint Declaration to address contemporary security challenges. This update will reflect current priorities and align with the evolving global security landscape.
• Terrorism and Extremism: Both sides condemned terrorism and violent extremism, with particular emphasis on cross-border terrorism.
• They called for bringing perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and other incidents to justice.
• Efforts to eliminate terrorist safe havens, cut off financing channels, and halt the movement of terrorists were supported, with specific mention of groups such as Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
• Technology: Discussions highlighted the transfer of Japan’s Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) and related technologies.
• The Unicorn system is a unified complex radio antenna that integrates multiple antennas into a single horn-shaped structure. It aims to minimise radar signatures, making warships less detectable by enemy forces.
• The system can also detect missiles and drones, enhancing situational awareness through its ability to sense radio waves over a wide area.
• Both sides agreed to explore Japanese naval ship maintenance in India and discussed future defence technology cooperation.
• Women, Peace, and Security (WPS): Japan and India emphasised the role of women in peacekeeping operations and supported the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
• The WPS Agenda is a global framework aimed at addressing the gendered impacts of conflict and enhancing women's participation in peace processes. This agenda was formalised with the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in 2000, which highlights the critical roles women play in preventing and resolving conflicts, peacebuilding, and post-conflict recovery.

What are 2+2 Meetings?

• About: 2+2 meetings are high-level diplomatic dialogues involving the foreign and defence ministers of two countries.
• This format facilitates in-depth discussions on strategic, security, and defence issues, aiming to enhance bilateral relations and address mutual concerns, which can help in resolving conflicts and building stronger partnerships.
• India’s 2+2 Partners:
• United States: The US is India’s oldest and most prominent 2+2 partner. The first 2+2 dialogue between India and the US occurred in 2018.
• This dialogue replaced the previous Strategic and Commercial Dialogue and was intended to deepen strategic cooperation and address shared concerns.
• Russia: The inaugural 2+2 meeting with Russia took place in 2021. Both countries share similar views on a multipolar world order and use this platform to discuss a broad range of regional and international issues.
• In addition to the US and Russia, India has engaged in 2+2 meetings with Australia, Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom to bolster defence and security cooperation, enhance strategic depth, and align on a multipolar world order.

How has the India-Japan Relationship Evolved?

• Early Exchanges: The historical connection between Japan and India began in the 6th century with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, which carried significant Indian cultural and philosophical influences.
• Post- World War II Relations: In 1949, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s donation of an elephant to Ueno Zoo (Tokyo) symbolised the beginning of a renewed relationship after World War II.
  • The signing of the peace treaty and the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1952, marked one of Japan’s first post-war treaties.
  • Post-World War II, Japan’s recovery was supported by Indian iron ore, and Japan began providing yen loans to India starting in 1958.
• Strategic Partnerships: The relationship was further solidified in the 2000s with establishment of a "Global Partnership." Subsequent meetings between leaders, including the elevation to a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership" in 2014, highlighted the growing importance of their bilateral ties.
  • In 2015, the “Japan and India Vision 2025” was announced, outlining a framework for cooperation.
• Key Areas of Cooperation:
  • Defence and Security Cooperation: The "Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation" issued in 2008 set the foundation for ongoing security dialogues, including the "2+2" meetings and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) signed in 2020.
    • ACSA was signed to facilitate reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the defence forces of both nations.
  • Economic Relations: Japan and India’s economic ties have strengthened, with Japan being a significant investor in India. As of 2021, Japan was India’s 13th largest trading partner and 5th largest investor.
    • Key initiatives include the "India-Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership" and the "Clean Energy Partnership" aimed at promoting mutual investment and energy cooperation.
    • During the 2019 G20 Osaka summit, Japan and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize a sister-city relationship between Ahmedabad and Kobe.
      • This agreement builds on the 2016 MoU, which established a sister-state relationship between Gujarat and Hyogo Prefecture.
      • The sister-city concept developed post-World War II, is designed to promote peaceful relations, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between cities across different countries.
    • Japan has significantly increased its investments in India, pledging 5 trillion yen (approximately USD 42 billion) in 2023 to be invested over the next five years.
    • India has been the largest recipient of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA), with notable projects including the Delhi Metro and the High-Speed Railway initiative using Japan’s Shinkansen system.
    • In FY 2022, Japanese assistance included 567.5 billion yen in loans, alongside grants and technical cooperation.
  • Cultural Exchanges: The year 2017, was designated as the Year of Japan-India Friendly Exchanges.
    • The "Japan-Southwest Asia Exchange Year" in 2022 further underscores Japan’s commitment to strengthening ties with India and other Southwest Asian countries.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss the evolution of India-Japan relations and analyze the key factors that have shaped their bilateral ties. How do these relations impact the broader Indo-Pacific region?

Hema Committee Report on Malayalam Film Industry

Source: TH

Why in News?

• Recently, the Hema committee report on the Malayalam film industry was released. It has revealed alarming instances of sexual abuse, gender discrimination, and inhuman treatment of women in the Malayalam film industry.
• It was led by retired Kerala High Court judge Justice K Hema, with members including veteran actor Sharada and retired IAS officer K B Valsala Kumari.

What are the Key Issues Highlighted in the Report?

• Sexual Abuse: It include unwanted physical advances even before commencing work, rape threats, code names for women who would agree to compromise among other shameful acts.
• Casting Couch: The report highlights the prevalence of the casting couch, where women are often forced to exchange sexual favours for job opportunities.
  • Directors and producers often coerce female actors into making compromises, with those who comply being termed "cooperating artists."
  • Women were forced to work with abusers, resulting in significant emotional trauma.
  • The casting couch is a euphemism for the practice of soliciting sexual favours from a job applicant in exchange for employment in the entertainment industry, primarily acting roles.
• Safety on Film Set: Many female film workers frequently bring their parents or close relatives to the set due to fears of sexual demands and harassment.
• Criminal Influence: The report indicates that the Malayalam film industry is plagued by criminal influence.
  • Many industry men, sometimes under the influence of liquor or drugs, insistently knock the hotel doors of female artists, causing significant distress.
• Fear of Consequences: Although such crimes are covered by the Indian Penal Code and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act 2013, women in the film industry are apprehensive about the consequences of lodging an official complaint.
  • The stigma surrounding sexual harassment, particularly for public figures, frequently deters actors from reporting such incidents.
• Cyberthreats: Online harassment poses a significant challenge for women in cinema, with both female and male artists facing cyberbullying, public threats, and defamation.
  • Social media platforms become avenues for vulgar comments, images, and videos, where female artists are especially targeted with explicit and threatening messages.
• Inadequate Facilities: Female artists often refrain from drinking water on set due to inadequate toilet facilities, especially in outdoor locations.
  • The situation worsens during menstruation when female artists struggle significantly with changing or disposing of their sanitary products.
• Inhumane Working Conditions: The junior artists lack a minimum remuneration. Junior artists are in some cases “treated worse than slaves” with work extending up to 19 hours. Intermediaries misappropriate a good part of their payments, which are not given on time.

What is the Legal Framework to Address Sexual Exploitation in the Film Industry?

• Indian Penal Code, 1860 (now replaced as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita): Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment) and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) deal with sexual offences.
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: This law mandates the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) in workplaces to address complaints of sexual harassment.
• Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: IT Act addresses the publication and transmission of obscene material in electronic form, which can include digital content in films.
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012: This act specifically protects children from sexual exploitation and abuse, including in the context of films.
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA): This act aims to prevent trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.

What are Key Recommendations of the Report?

• Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): It proposed the mandatory establishment of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
  • It should include members from Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
• Independent Tribunal Proposal: Some members advocated for an independent tribunal to handle cases of harassment and discrimination in the cinema industry.
  • The report also advocated in-camera proceedings at the tribunal to ensure complete privacy, with names being withheld from media reports.
• Written Contracts: Signing written contracts to protect the interest of all those who work in cinema should be made mandatory for all categories of employees including coordinators of junior artists.
• Gender Awareness Training Program: It should be made mandatory that all cast and crew attend a basic gender awareness training program before starting the production work.
  • Training materials could be made in both Malayalam and English and can be made available online.
• Women in Producer Role: There should be adequate and timely budgetary support to incentivize movies that are predicated on gender justice both thematically and in the production process.
  • A single-window system should be established to provide loans at nominal interest rates for movies produced by women (not by proxies of men) and to streamline permissions for shooting. This will simplify production and encourage more women to enter the film industry.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss the issue of sexual exploitation of women in India with particular reference to the entertainment industry. How can they be redressed given the rising cases of sexual exploitation at the workplace?

Mental Health in India

Source: TH

Why in News?

• The recent report by the National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students-2024, released by the National Medical Commission (NMC), highlights troubling statistics about the mental health of medical students in India.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report on Mental Health of Medical Students?

• High Levels of Stress: 84% of postgraduate (PG) students experience moderate to very high levels of stress. 64% report that the workload significantly affects their mental health.
  • 27.8% of undergraduate medical students and 15.3% of postgraduate students have a diagnosed mental health disorder, indicating a widespread mental health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
  • 16.2% of undergraduate (UG) students and 31.2% of PG students have had suicidal thoughts, indicating severe mental health challenges.
• Major Stressors:
  • Medical students, particularly postgraduates, face extended working hours daily, often exceeding 60 hours a week. This leads to inadequate rest and exhaustion.
  • The need for constant availability on duty, often with insufficient breaks, significantly contributes to stress and burnout among medical students.
  • The lack of adequate mental health support systems and infrastructure within medical institutions leaves students without proper resources to manage their stress and mental well-being.
    • Around 19% of PG students expressed that they turn to substances such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs to alleviate stress. This is indicative of the lack of adequate mental health support systems and the need for education on healthier coping mechanisms.
  • High expenses of medical education and insufficient stipends exacerbate financial stress for students, especially those with financially dependent families or student loans.
    • 33.9% of UG students face extreme financial stress, with 27.2% holding educational loans and struggling with repayment pressures.
    • 72.2% of PG students find their stipend insufficient, highlighting the need for a critical review of stipend policies.
  • The intense competition, fear of failure, and high academic expectations in medical training place students under immense pressure, leading to procrastination, perfectionism, and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
  • Experiences of discrimination based on gender, caste, ethnicity and geography, along with instances of ragging and harassment by seniors and faculty, contribute to the psychological distress of students.

What does India's Broader Mental Health Landscape Look Like?

• High prevalence Rates: According to the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental health issues.
  • The treatment gap for mental disorders varies between 70% and 92%, depending on the disorder.
  • Urban areas exhibit higher prevalence of mental health issues (13.5%) compared to rural areas (6.9%) and urban non-metro regions (4.3%).
  • The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Mental Health and Well-being of School Students Survey found that during the pandemic, 11% of students reported feeling anxious, 14% experienced extreme emotions, and 43% experienced mood swings.
• Economic Impact: Mental health disorders contribute to significant productivity losses due to absenteeism, reduced productivity, disability, and increased healthcare costs.
  • Poverty is shown to exacerbate mental health risks, leading to heightened psychological distress due to stressful living conditions and financial instability.

What are the Policy Challenges in Addressing Mental Health?

• Policy Neglect: Mental health remains a low priority for policymakers, partly due to a lack of political will and knowledge gaps in interventions.
• Lack of Core Indicators: Mental health issues are often marginalized due to the absence or minimal inclusion of visible core indicators in international/national health metrics.
  • This absence prevents the effective allocation of resources and investment in mental health infrastructure, research, and services.
• Budget Constraints: Against an estimated need of over Rs 93,000 crore, the mental health budget was only Rs 1,000 crore in 2023, with most funds directed to tertiary institutions, leaving little for community-based initiatives.
• Legislation Shortcomings: Despite the National Mental Health Policy of 2014 and the Mental Health Act of 2017, there are significant challenges in implementation and resource allocation.
• Human Resource Planning: In India, there is a critical shortage of mental health professionals. The reliance on a few specialists, such as psychiatrists, reinforces the notion of mental health services as a luxury rather than an integral part of primary health care.
• Strategic Intervention Needed: Policymaking requires a nuanced understanding of mental health challenges, similar to the approach taken during India's fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)- Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

What are the Initiatives Related to Mental Health in India?

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
• Mental Healthcare Act 2017
• National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
• National Tele Mental Health Programme
• NIMHANS and iGOT-Diksha Collaboration
• Ayushman Bharat – HWC Scheme
• Kiran Helpline
• Manodarpan
• MANAS Mobile App

Way Forward

• Community-Based models: Evidence-based strategies like peer-led interventions and emergency care centres should be scaled up.
  • Emulate successful models like Banyan’s Home Again program in Tamil Nadu, which combines treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration for mentally ill, homeless women.
• Support Systems: Establish dedicated counselling centres in colleges, implement mental health awareness programs, and facilitate peer support groups to support students, who are significantly affected by mental health issues.
• Increasing Mental Health Professionals: Expanding training programs and incentives to address the shortage of mental health professionals.
  • Provide professional development and culturally sensitive training for mental health professionals.
• Establish an Autonomous Agency: Like National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) for HIV-AIDS, an independent body for mental health could help coordinate resources, involve community stakeholders, and bridge the gaps in care and support for mental health patients.
• Decentralizing Services: Establish mental health facilities in rural and remote areas to improve accessibility. Leverage collaborations and technology to enhance resource allocation and service delivery

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Despite various initiatives to improve mental health in India, significant challenges persist. Identify the key policy challenges in addressing mental health issues and propose strategies to overcome these challenges.

Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI)

Source: TH

Why in News?

• The UN General Assembly launched the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to assist small island developing states (SIDS) in securing low-interest financing.
• Since the 1990s, SIDS that don't qualify for low-interest development loans due to their relatively higher GDP per capita have been advocating for a measure that accounts for their vulnerability to external shocks like climate change.

What is Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI)?

• About: The MVI is a new international quantitative benchmark to measure structural vulnerability and the lack of structural resilience across multiple dimensions of sustainable development at the national level.
  • It can be used to complement Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
• Need of MVI:
  • Current Limitations: National income, typically measured by Gross National Income per capita, is an inadequate indicator of development and well-being, especially for countries facing high risks of external shocks.
  • Access to Concessional Financing: Countries often struggle to access affordable development support, such as concessional assistance, because eligibility is based on income thresholds rather than vulnerability.
  • Inclusive Aid Allocation: A widely accepted MVI could better guide development policies, aid allocation, and provide early identification of nations requiring international assistance.
• Structure of the MVI: It incorporates two main components.
  • Universal Level Quantitative Assessment: A summary index ranks countries based on their structural vulnerability and resilience using a common methodology. This is presented as an overall MVI score.
  • Vulnerability-Resilience Country Profiles (VRCP): It is a more detailed, tailored, and individualised characterisation of a country’s vulnerability and resilience factors.

• Key Principles Guiding MVI Index Construction: It follows several guiding principles in construction of MVI.
  • Multidimensionality: Indicators used should cover all three dimensions of sustainable development, i.e. economic, environmental, and social.
  • Universality: The design of the index should capture the vulnerabilities of all developing countries to ensure credibility and comparability.
  • Exogeneity: The index must clearly differentiate between policy-induced and exogenous (or inherited) factors to reflect the structural and inherent challenges faced by countries, independent of the political will of their governments.
  • Availability: The index should use available, recognized, comparable, and reliable data.
  • Readability: The design of the index should be clear and easily comprehensible.
• Conceptual Framework for the MVI: The MVI is built on two main pillars.
  • Structural Vulnerability: It is linked to a country’s exposure to adverse external shocks and stressors.
  • Structural Resilience: The capacity of a country to withstand and recover from such shocks.
  • The conceptual framework elaborates the three dimensions of sustainable development i.e., economic, environmental, and social as they apply to each pillar:
    • Economic Vulnerability: Risk from adverse external economic shocks.
    • Environmental Vulnerability: Risk from natural hazards, climate change, and anthropogenic shocks.
    • Social Vulnerability: Risk from social shocks.
    • Structural Economic Resilience: The inherent economic capabilities and capital that strengthen a country’s ability to recover.
    • Structural Environmental Resilience: The inherent environmental capital, including ecological resources and infrastructure, that reduces vulnerability.
    • Structural Social Resilience: The inherent social capabilities, including social cohesion and human capital, that enhance adaptive capacity.

• Indicator Selection and Index Construction: The MVI Panel chose highest-quality indicators, using available United Nations data. They combined these indicators into a single vulnerability metric through rescaling, aggregation, and weighting.
  • Key Observations by MVI Panel:
    • Correlation: Countries with high structural vulnerability tend to have low structural resilience.
    • Income Independence: MVI scores are not correlated with income, making it a valuable complement to GNI.
    • Small Island Developing States (SIDS): The MVI does not discriminate against small countries, 70% of SIDS score above the median.
    • Ranking and Thresholds: The majority of countries are moderately vulnerable. As a result, it is difficult to establish a vulnerability threshold or cutoff similar to the income cutoffs commonly used to allocate development aid.
• Recommended Use of MVI:
  • Incorporation by Donors: Donors, including international financial institutions (IFIs), should be encouraged to explore how the MVI could be incorporated into existing policies and practices, pursuing a common approach to the extent possible.
  • Debt Assessment: Assessment of country external debt sustainability and the need for concessional debt restructuring could use the MVI, in addition to current, mostly income-based, assessments.

Conclusion

The Multidimensional Vulnerability Index represents a critical step forward in addressing the complex challenges faced by vulnerable countries. By providing a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of vulnerability and resilience, the MVI has the potential to reshape global development policies and ensure that assistance is directed to where it is most needed.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Financing climate change induced disasters has become imperative for low income countries (LICs) and small island developing states (SIDS). In this context discuss how the recently launched Multidimensional Vulnerability Index can help LICs and SIDS.

Blue Moon

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the phenomenon of the "blue moon" occurred in August 2024. This has prompted discussions regarding its origins, significance, and the diverse interpretations associated with it.

What is the Blue Moon?

• About: A blue moon is the second full moon that occurs within a single calendar month.
  • The next Blue Moon will occur on 31st May 2026.
• Types: There are 2 types of Blue Moons, neither of which involve the moon's colour.
  • Seasonal Blue Moon: A Seasonal Blue Moon happens when there are 4 full moons in a single astronomical season- spring, summer, autumn (fall), or winter, rather than the usual 3. The third full moon in this series is referred to as a "Blue Moon."
    • Typically, each season spans about 3 months, allowing for 3 full moons. However, due to the lunar cycle's duration (about 29.5 days), occasionally, 4 full moons can occur within one season.
      • When this happens, the third of these four full moons is called a "Seasonal Blue Moon."

• Monthly Blue Moon: It is the second full moon in a single calendar month.
  • Since full moons typically happen once a month, having two in the same month is rare, making the second one a "Blue Moon”.
• The upcoming Blue Moon on 31^st May 2026, will be a monthly Blue Moon.

• Formation:
  • The moon phases complete a cycle in 29.5 days, resulting in 12 lunar cycles over 354 days.
    • Consequently, approximately every 2.5 to 3 years, a 13th full moon occurs within a calendar year, known as a Blue Moon, which does not follow the standard naming conventions.
  • Since February has only 28 days in a regular year and 29 days in a leap year, it can never have a Blue Moon.

130th Anniversary of Natal Indian Congress

Source: DL

Why in News?

Recently, 22^nd August 2024 marked the 130^th foundation year of Natal Indian Congress (NIC) which was established in August 1894, based on a proposal by Mahatma Gandhi on 22^nd May 1894.

• It was was formed to fight discrimination faced by Indians in South Africa.

What was the Natal Indian Congress?

• The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) was the first Indian Congress established, founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1894 to fight against discrimination faced by Indian in Natal (province of South Africa).
• From the 1920s, the NIC operated under the South African Indian Congress (SAIC).
• The organisation underwent a shift towards more radical leadership in the 1930s-1940s with the emergence of Dr. G.M. Naicker, who became its leader in 1945.
• The NIC's increased militancy led to the imprisonment of several leaders by the 1950s and 1960s.
• Despite not being officially banned, repression and harassment led the NIC to halt activities until its revival in 1971 with a focus on civic work.
• In the mid-1980s, the NIC was key in forming the United Democratic Front (UDF).
  • The UDF's goal was to establish a "non-racial, united South Africa.

What was the Role of Mahatma Gandhi in Satyagraha in South Africa?

• Mobilisation of Indian Community and Satyagraha:
  • Natal Satyagraha: On 7^th June 1893, Mahatma Gandhi faced racial discrimination when he was forced off a first-class train compartment at Pietermaritzburg railway station in South Africa. This incident ignited his spirit of civil disobedience through his first non-violent protest in the Natal Satyagraha.
    • Gandhi established the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) to unite the Indian community and address issues like voting rights and discriminatory laws.
  • Transvaal British Indian Association: In 1903, Gandhi founded this association to continue advocating for rights of Indian, particularly against increasing restrictions in the Transvaal region.
  • Launching Satyagraha: In 1906, Gandhiji initiated his first satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) campaign in Johannesburg against the Asiatic Registration Act, leading to mass protests and civil disobedience.
    • The Asiatic Registration Act of 1906 in Transaval required male Asians, particularly Indians and Chinese, to register, provide fingerprints, carry a registration certificate, and submit to physical examinations. It aimed to control and restrict the entry and movement of Asians in the region.
    • Indians in South Africa resisted a discriminatory law by forming the Passive Resistance Association. They publicly burned their registration certificates, which brought negative attention to the South African government. Ultimately, the conflict ended with a compromise settlement.
• Organising the Ambulance Corps:
  • During the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), Gandhi formed an Ambulance Corps of Indian volunteers to support the British, hoping for improved treatment of Indians, though this hope was not realised.
• Establishment of Communal Living:
  • Gandhi founded the Phoenix Settlement in Durban in 1904 as a community living experiment.
    • He had set up this farm after being inspired by a reading of John Ruskin’s Unto This Last, a critique of capitalism.
  • He established the Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg in 1910 to prepare Satyagrahis (followers of nonviolence).
  • These initiatives aimed to foster self-reliance, promote communal harmony, and provide training in practical skills.
• 1913 Satyagraha Campaign:
  • Gandhi led a major satyagraha against the poll tax, Registration of Marriages Act, and passed laws, with significant participation from Indian women, including his wife, Kasturba.
    • Also, the Supreme Court had invalidated all marriages not conducted according to Christian rites, drawing the anger of the Indians and others who were not Christians.
• Legal Reforms and Recognition of Indian Rights:
  • The sustained pressure from Gandhi’s protests forced the South African government to pass the Indian Relief Act, 1914 addressing several of the Indian community's grievances.
• Impact of Gandhian Movements:
  • Development of Satyagraha: Gandhi's experiences in South Africa were crucial in developing his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he later applied in India’s struggle for independence.
  • Global Impact: Gandhi’s methods in South Africa laid the foundation for future civil rights movements worldwide and significantly influenced global efforts against racial and colonial oppression.
    • Both Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King were greatly influenced by Gandhiji and his satyagraha.

National Geoscience Awards 2023

Source: PIB

Recently, the President of India conferred the National Geoscience Awards (NGA) 2023 to 21 geoscientists.

• Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in phosphorites and Precambrian geology.
• Dr Ashutosh Pandey was honoured as the National Young Geoscientist for his research on the Eastern Dharwar Craton.

National Geoscience Awards:

• About: It is one of the oldest and most prestigious honours in the field, established by the Ministry of Mines in 1966.
  • Prior to 2009, these awards were known as the National Mineral Awards.
• Objective: The purpose of these awards is to recognise individuals and teams for exceptional achievements and significant contributions in various geoscience fields, including mineral discovery and exploration, mining technology and mineral beneficiation, and both fundamental and applied geosciences.
• Eligibility: Any Indian citizen who has made notable contributions to these areas is eligible for the award.
• Categories: It is given under 3 categories:
  • Lifetime Achievement
  • National Geoscience Awards
  • National Young Geoscientist Award.
• Geoscience, also known as Earth science, is the study of the Earth, including its processes, surface, natural resources, and water and ecosystems. It includes disciplines like Geology (examines the Earth's composition, structure, and history) and Geophysics (applied mathematics and physics to study the Earth's internal structure).

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Decline in Outward Remittances Under LRS

Source: IE

The recent data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) highlights a significant drop in outward remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), reflecting the impact of global economic uncertainties and domestic policy changes.

• Outward remittances decreased by 43.93% to USD 2.181 billion in June 2024 from USD 3.890 billion in June 2023.
• The introduction of Tax Collection at Source (TCS) at 20% on overseas tour packages has disincentivized remittances, except for education and medical treatment.
  • Travel accounted for over 50% of total outflows, with amounts falling from USD 1.482 billion in June 2023 to USD 1.275 billion in June 2024.
• Global and domestic economic fluctuations and inflation have led individuals to reduce non-essential transfers, causing a decline in outward remittances.
• Outward remittance means the transfer of money from India to another country or region. LRS is governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 and regulated by RBI.
  • LRS allows resident individuals, including minors, to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permissible current or capital account transactions such as travel, medical treatment, education, gifts, donations, maintenance of relatives, and investment in shares, debt instruments, and immovable properties overseas.
• TCS is an tax collected by sellers on specific transactions, including foreign remittances under the LRS. When individuals send money abroad, travel, TCS is collected by the authorised dealer, typically a bank, and deposited with the government. This ensures tax compliance on overseas financial activities.
  • TCS is not applicable on international credit card spending.

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Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur

Source: PIB

Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) paid homage to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his birth anniversary.

• PM highlighted his significant contributions to Tripura's development and his dedication to empowering the poor and tribal communities.

Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur:

• He was born on 19^th August 1908 in Tripura, also known as the "Modern Architect of Tripura”.
• He established the first higher educational institution, advocated for land reforms, and reserved land for the indigenous people, leading to the formation of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
• He was the first ruler of Tripura to visit Europe and America (1931-1939).
• He passed away at the young age of 39 in 1947 untimely death impacted the development of Tripura.
• Agartala airport, earlier known as Singerbhil Airport, was renamed after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur in July 2018.
  • The land for this was donated by him and was used as a technical base for the Royal Air Force during World War II.

Tripura:

• Tripura is the 2^nd most populous in the northeast region (after Assam), sharing borders with Bangladesh, Mizoram and Assam.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary, Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary and Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary
• National Parks: Bison (Rajbari) NP and Clouded Leopard NP.

Read More: Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport: Tripura. Greater Tipraland, Demand of Tripura.

Shiveluch Volcano of Russia

Source: TH

Recently, the Shiveluch volcano in Russia erupted after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern coast of the country.

• Additionally, the Ebeko volcano on the Kuril Islands also released ash in the atmosphere.
• Shiveluch volcano is a large and active volcano in Kamchatka peninsula, Russia.
  • The summit has a broad caldera (a large crater) that was formed during a past eruption.
• In November 1952, a devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Kamchatka caused significant damage and triggered a tsunami in Hawaii.
• Kamchatka Peninsula:
• It is located in the Russian Far East and extends into the Pacific Ocean, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the Bering Sea portion of the ocean.
• It is a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and contains both active and dormant volcanoes.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Tata Power won a contract in 2017 to mine coal from Krutogorovskoye Coal Deposit in Kamchatka peninsula.

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