GS 2
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- U.S. to sell defence systems to Taiwan
The issue in news
The U.S. has said that it has approved a $2.4 billion sale of 100 Harpoon coastal defence systems to Taiwan.
- The announcement came following Beijing’s threat saying that it would sanction U.S. firms involved in earlier arms sales to Taiwan.
Main points
- The deal involves 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS), which includes 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II surface-launched missiles.
- They have a range of around 125 km.
- They are manufactured by Boeing and can be positioned on fixed platforms or mounted on trucks.
- Chinese fighter jets and bombers have entered Taiwan’s air defence zone with unprecedented frequency.
- The Harpoon systems will help improve the security of Taiwan and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance.
One China Policy:
- The One China policy recognizes the long-held position in Beijing that there is only one China, and that Taiwan is a part of that.
- According to the One-China policy: Any country wishing to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing must acknowledge there is only “One China” and sever all formal ties with Taiwan.
- U.S. to support India’s defence of territory
The issue in news
The third India-U.S. ‘2+2’ dialogue was held in New Delhi.
Main points
- The U.S. Secretary of State asserted that the United States will support India to defend its territorial sovereignty and liberty.
- The comment hints at the ongoing tensions between China and India in eastern Ladakh.
- He also referred to the greater threats posed by China in the Asia-Pacific region. The joint statement emphasised that the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of any nation in accordance with international law.
- The two sides have decided to expand joint capacity building activities with partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
- India has announced the signing of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement on geospatial cooperation (BECA) with the U.S.
GS 3 Related
Category: SECURITY
- India designates 18 persons based in Pak. as terrorists
The issue in news
The Union Home Ministry has designated 18 individuals based in Pakistan as terrorists.
Main points
- The individuals have been designated as “terrorists” under the amended Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
- UAPA is an anti-terror law that was passed by Parliament in 2019.
- The amended act empowers the Home Ministry to designate individuals as terrorists.
- Earlier, 13 individuals were designated as terrorists.
Salient Features of the UAPA Act
- The Act gives special procedures to handle terrorist activities, among other things.
- Who may commit terrorism: According to the Act, the union government may proclaim or designate an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it:
(i) commits or participates in acts of terrorism, (ii) prepares for terrorism, (iii) promotes terrorism, or (iv) is otherwise involved in terrorism. The Bill also empowers the government to designate individuals as terrorists on the same grounds.
- Approval for property seizure by National Investigation Agency (NIA): As per the Act, an investigating officer is required to obtain the prior approval of the Director-General of Police to seize properties that may be connected with terrorism.
- The Bill adds that if the investigation is conducted by an officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the approval of the Director-General of NIA would be required for seizure of such property.
- The investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA): Under the provisions of the Act, investigation of cases can be conducted by officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police or above.
- The Bill additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases.
- Insertion to the schedule of treaties: The Act defines terrorist acts to include acts committed within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule to the Act.
- The Schedule lists nine treaties, comprising of the Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979). The Bill adds another treaty to this list namely, the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005).
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