23rd March 2024 : Daily Current Affairs : Micro Notes (Revision Notes) (Arora IAS)
Mains Exam
Insurgency in Balochistan
Syllabus: GS-2 : International Relations
Context
- Pakistani security forces repelled a militant attack in Balochistan province.
About Balochistan
- Largest and least populated Pakistani province.
- Rich in natural resources, including oil, making it strategically important.
- History of bloody insurgencies and Baloch nationalist movements since 1948.
Background of the Insurgency
- Partition of British India in 1947:
- Balochistan region divided into four princely states.
- These states offered three options: join India, Pakistan, or remain independent.
- Khan of Kalat (largest state) initially chose independence.
- Treaty signed between Kalat and Muslim League in 1947:
- Recognized Kalat as an independent state.
- Pakistan later disregarded the treaty.
- Pakistan Army forced annexation of Kalat in 1948.
Insurgency and Discontent
- Forceful integration of Kalat into Pakistan led to:
- Discontent and resistance among Baloch people.
- View of annexation as a betrayal of autonomy and cultural identity.
- Multiple insurgencies for independence suppressed by Pakistan.
- Balochistan:
- Most neglected and poverty-stricken province despite its size and resources.
- Contributes only 4% to Pakistan’s economy.
India’s Stand on Balochistan
- Complex and influenced by various factors:
- Geopolitics
- Regional stability
- Relationship with Pakistan
- India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir prevents overt Indian involvement.
- Pakistan accuses India of supporting Baloch separatists (denied by India).
- India:
- Supports right to self-determination for Baloch people.
- Maintains non-interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
- India’s stance balances concern for human rights with maintaining diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Bhutan
Syllabus: GS-2 : International Relations
Context
- PM Modi visited Bhutan in a two-day visit as part of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.
Key Highlights
- India and Bhutan signed seven agreements on energy, food safety, sports, research, and space collaboration.
- PM Modi received the Order of Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest honor.
- India doubled its assistance to Bhutan from ₹5,000 crore (2019-2024) to ₹10,000 crore (till 2029).
India-Bhutan Relations
- Geographical Connection: Bhutan shares a 699 km border with four Indian states, acting as a buffer between India and China.
- Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1968, with the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (1949) as the cornerstone.
- Trade Relations: India is Bhutan’s top trading partner with trade in goods increasing from US$484 million to US$1.606 billion in the last decade.
- Financial Assistance: India contributes 73% of Bhutan’s total external grant component for the 12th Five Year Plan (₹5000 Cr).
Development Projects
- Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs):
- Completed: Chukha HEP, Kurichhu HEP, Tala HEP (exporting surplus power to India).
- Ongoing: 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project, 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-1 & 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-2.
- Supporting Bhutan’s “Gelephu Mindfulness City” project.
- Planned: 58-km rail link between Gelephu (Bhutan) and Kokrajhar (Assam, India).
The China Factor
- China’s growing presence in Bhutan is a concern for India.
- Bhutan’s border negotiations with China worry India.
- Potential Doklam swap: China might seek Doklam in exchange for disputed territories in northern Bhutan.
- Doklam’s strategic importance: The Doklam plateau borders the Siliguri Corridor, connecting India’s mainland to the Northeast.
- Chinese territorial claims:
- 2020 claim on Bhutan’s Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary bordering Arunachal Pradesh.
- Alleged construction of villages inside Bhutan.
- India views China’s claims as pressure tactics to gain control of Doklam.
Way Ahead
- India’s engagement strengthens its strategic position in the Himalayas amidst border tensions with China.
- Development assistance will boost Bhutan’s economy and economic ties between the two nations.
Prelims Exam
International Organisations
Digital Innovation Board of ITU
- Co-chaired by India.
- Part of ITU’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
- 23 members from Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America.
- Focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship for a more inclusive digital future.
- Provides guidance and advocacy for building critical local enablers and fostering innovation in digital development.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- Intergovernmental organization founded in 2001 with nine members (China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran) and three observer states (Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia).
- Aims to enhance regional cooperation to curb terrorism, separatism, and extremism in Central Asia.
- SCO Startup Forum:
- Focuses on broadening startup interactions among member states.
- Provides value to startups through mentoring and enabling access to investors and corporations.
AUKUS Agreement
- Trilateral security partnership between Australia, UK, and US for the Indo-Pacific.
- US and UK to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
- Cooperation on advanced technologies like AI, cyber, and hypersonic weapons.
- Australia to provide 4.6 billion Australian dollars to British industry for submarine construction.
Science and Technology
Project ANAGRANINF
- Sanctioned by Technology Development Board (TDB) for developing new antibiotics against gram-negative bacterial infections.
- Joint effort between Indian and Spanish companies.
Gram-Negative Bacteria
- Develop resistance to existing antibiotics.
- Cause severe hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
Pushpak
- ISRO’s achievement in Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology.
- Named after the mythological spaceship from Ramayana.
- Lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter and released from 4.5 km altitude.
- Shielded with heat-resistant materials for atmospheric re-entry.
- Part of RLV-TD project, a crucial step towards developing a fully reusable launch vehicle for low-cost space access.
Art and Culture
Mohiniyattam
- One of eight classical dance forms recognized by Sangeet Natak Academy.
- From Kerala, named after the mythical enchantress Mohini.
- Performed by women in honor of Lord Vishnu.
- Characterized by graceful, swaying body movements and emphasis on acting.