Eye on China, Cabinet clears 7 ITBP battalions
Summary:
The Indian government's Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the raising of seven new battalions of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to bolster social and security framework along the China border, along with an allocation of INR 4,800 crore for the Vibrant Villages Programme to stop migration and boost tourism in villages along the border. This would entail the recruitment of 9,400 personnel for deployment in Arunachal Pradesh, where 47 new border outposts and 12 staging camps are under construction. The Cabinet also approved the construction of Shinku La Tunnel to provide all-weather connectivity in Ladakh. The decision was taken keeping an eye on the need for effective monitoring in the border areas, and the battalions and sector headquarters would be raised by 2025-26.
Coimbatore and Mangaluru blasts: NIA searches 40 places
Summary:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India has conducted simultaneous searches at 40 locations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The searches are part of the NIA's investigation into last year's car explosion in Coimbatore on October 23 and the pressure cooker blast in an autorickshaw in Mangaluru on November 19, 2022. A large number of digital devices and cash worth ₹4 lakh were seized during the searches, but no arrests were made. The NIA has arrested 11 people in connection with the car blast case so far, with the suspected key conspirator, Jameesha Mubin, killed in the blast. The searches were carried out based on information extracted from the accused during custodial interrogations in the two cases.
BJP workers’ murders in Bastar heats up Chhattisgarh politics
Summary:
The recent killings of three BJP functionaries in the Bastar region of India by Maoists in the span of 10 days has led to a political row in Chhattisgarh. The BJP has described the incidents as "target killings" and accused the Congress government of failure to maintain law and order, even alleging a "proxy war by using Maoists as the front". The BJP plans to launch a demonstration across the state on Friday and has urged the Centre to intervene. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has denied any security lapse and dismissed the BJP's allegations as false.
EDITORIAL
A manifesto for tackling the silent pandemic of AMR
Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world the importance of quick and accurate government response. Unfortunately, the pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is here to stay and also requires a rapid, global response. In recent decades, microbes that cause disease have become resistant to drugs, making it more difficult to treat infections. AMR is also imposing a huge health cost on patients in the form of longer hospitalisation and delayed recovery. In 2019, AMR was associated with an estimated 4.95 million human deaths. The Third Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, held in Muscat, saw over 30 countries adopt the Muscat Ministerial Manifesto on AMR. The manifesto recognised the need to accelerate political commitments to implement One Health action for controlling the spread of AMR. The One Health approach requires all stakeholders to work together towards an integrated programme linking the challenges of humans, terrestrial and aquatic animal, plant health, food and feed production, and the environment. This approach will enable the world to effectively prevent, predict, and detect the health crisis induced by AMR.
India’s Sri Lankan refugees need fair consideration
Summary:
The article discusses the plight of Sri Lankan refugees in India, the challenges they face, and the current efforts made to resolve their status. The Indian government has provided relief to these refugees, including shelter, subsidised ration, educational assistance, medical care, and cash allowances. However, the objective of the Indian government remains the repatriation of refugees to Sri Lanka. Among these refugees are 30,000 Persons of Indian Origin who have a claim to Sri Lankan citizenship but may need special consideration as they are differentiated from other refugees. The article suggests that a solution providing relief from enduring refugee status is the need of the hour, and India possesses the capacity and legal framework to find durable solutions to the refugee situation.
Off-Budget borrowings — a State-wise look
Summary:
The Telangana Finance Minister accused the Indian government of hindering the development of the State by imposing borrowing limits on "off-budget" borrowings, which are loans obtained by government entities on behalf of the government. These borrowings are not included in the calculation of the State governments' debt and fiscal deficit, but the State government is responsible for repaying the loan and servicing the debt. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India noted that resorting to "off-budget" resources could lead the States to a debt trap. Five Southern States, including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, had the highest burden of such loans.
Uttarakhand firms up Joshimath relief plan
Summary:
The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved a proposed policy to provide compensation to individuals who have lost their land and buildings due to land subsidence in Joshimath town. The compensation policy is based on cost, options, and conditions. The rate of compensation for residential buildings will be calculated by applying the cost index to the plinth area rates of the Central Public Works Department. The compensation for commercial structures will be paid using five different slabs. The government is offering three options for the permanent rehabilitation of disaster-affected families. The affected family can either opt for compensation, seek land from the government, or demand a residential building constructed relative to their land and building. Additionally, the State government has planned to provide employment to families and individuals living on rent in Joshimath town.
Between BBC, Boeing and Airbus, Modi sets rules of the game with West
Summary:
On the same day that Air India announced orders for 470 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, Indian Income Tax authorities raided the offices of the BBC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about deepening strategic partnerships with the US and France, while the BBC was accused of running an anti-India agenda with the support of Opposition parties. This reflects the terms of engagement that Modi wants to set with the West - a “Hindutva strategic doctrine” for India’s engagement with the world. The doctrine seeks Western support and cooperation for its nationalist ambitions, with western technology and investment solicited. However, there is still resistance to western prescriptions on domestic political questions.