Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th March 2024) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

France Law to Legalize “Aid in Dying” in France

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to introduce new legislation that will legalize “aid in dying” for adults facing end-of-life illnesses. This landmark decision follows a report from last year indicating strong public support for end-of-life options in France. The proposed bill, set to be presented to the National Assembly in May, marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to assisted dying.

Key Details of the Proposed Legislation

Eligibility Criteria:

• The legislation will be restricted to adults suffering from incurable illnesses with a short or medium-term prognosis.
• Eligible individuals must be experiencing “intractable” physical or psychological pain.
• Only those aged 18 or above who are capable of forming their own views will be allowed to initiate the process.
• Patients with severe psychiatric conditions or neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease will not be eligible.

Request and Approval Process:

• Patients seeking to enter the process must reconfirm their choice after 48 hours.
• A medical team will provide a response within a maximum of two weeks.
• Upon approval, a doctor will prescribe the lethal medication, valid for three months.

Administration of Lethal Medication:

• Patients can take the medication at home, in a nursing home, or at a healthcare facility. If their physical condition prevents them from self-administering, patients can receive assistance from a person of their choice, a doctor, or a nurse.

Terminology and Distinction from Euthanasia

• Macron emphasized that the new bill will refer to “aid in dying” rather than terms like euthanasia or medically assisted suicide. The distinction lies in the fact that medically assisted suicide involves patients voluntarily taking a lethal drink or medication prescribed by a doctor, while euthanasia involves doctors or other health practitioners administering a lethal injection at the patient’s request.

Legislative Process and Timeline

• The proposed legislation is set to follow a monthslong legislative process, starting in May. Macron did not provide a specific date for the law’s implementation, acknowledging the need for thorough discussions and debates before its enactment.

Current Legal Framework in France

• France’s current law, the 2016 Claeys-Leonetti law, allows doctors to sedate terminally ill patients before death but stops short of permitting assisted suicide or euthanasia. As a result, some French patients have sought end-of-life options in neighboring countries like Switzerland, where assisted suicide is legal, and Belgium, which allows euthanasia under certain conditions.

International Context

• Several European countries have already legalized various forms of assisted dying:

Switzerland and Portugal allow assisted suicide.

• The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Spain permit euthanasia under specific circumstances.

Public Opinion and Consultation Process

• Macron’s decision to propose the legislation follows a lengthy consultation process initiated in the autumn of 2022. The majority of participants in this process expressed support for legalizing aid in dying. Additionally, polls suggest that there is significant public backing for end-of-life options in France.

Reaction from Religious Associations

• The proposed legislation has faced opposition from some religious associations, particularly the Catholic Church. Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, head of the French Bishops’ Conference, expressed concern that the law would shift the country’s healthcare system towards viewing death as a solution.

Comparison to Recent Constitutional Amendment

• The announcement of the “aid in dying” legislation comes shortly after the French Parliament enshrined the right to abortion in the constitution, a move championed by President Macron and considered a world first. Both developments reflect significant shifts in France’s approach to sensitive issues surrounding life and death.

China’s Communist Party Gains More Control

In a significant move, China’s parliament revised the State Council Organic Law on March 13, 2023, effectively granting the Communist Party more executive control over the State Council, China’s cabinet. This amendment, which passed with an overwhelming majority during the closing day of the National People’s Congress in Beijing, marks the first revision of the law since 1982.

Erosion of State Council’s Executive Authority

The amended law is the latest in a series of measures that have gradually eroded the executive authority of the State Council, led by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The State Council nominally oversees China’s 21 government ministries and local governments. However, legal experts suggest that this amendment continues a trend of transferring more power from the state into the Party’s hands, leaving the government to faithfully implement Party directives.

Emphasis on Party Central Committee’s Authority

• The newly added articles in the amended law stress that the State Council must “resolutely uphold the Party Central Committee’s authority and its centralised and unified leadership” and follow Xi Jinping Thought, the party’s name for the president’s signature ideology, which covers subjects ranging from diplomacy to culture. This emphasis on the Party’s authority and ideology further consolidates the Communist Party’s control over the State Council.
• As per legal experts, the amendment is a “significant shift in the reorganization of executive authority in China.” as the revision is intended to “deepen reform of party and state institutions” and “fully implement the Constitution,” which was changed in 2018 to reassert the Party’s leadership over everything. This move further solidifies the Party’s control over state organs and emphasizes its role in decision-making.
• Another expert described the amendment as “yet another sign that the Party is both increasing its overt control over state organs and wants to be seen as fully in charge.”

Cancellation of Premier’s Post-Parliament News Conference

• In a notable departure from tradition, the premier’s post-parliament news conference, one of the most widely followed events on Beijing’s economic and policy calendar, was cancelled for the first time in three decades. This move further underscores the diminishing role of the State Council and the premier in China’s governance structure.

Xi Jinping’s Consolidation of Power

• Since taking power in 2012, President Xi Jinping has established several new central party committees overseeing multiple ministries that report directly to him. Some of these committees even encroach on economic and financial policy, traditionally viewed as falling under the premier’s remit. This consolidation of power has further weakened the State Council’s authority and increased the Party’s control over various aspects of governance.

Government Reorganization and Amended Working Rules

• In 2022, China unveiled a sweeping government reorganization that created a new Party entity to oversee some ministries. Shortly afterward, the State Council amended its working rules to clarify that executive decision-making power lies within the Party. Since the new working rules passed, the State Council no longer holds weekly meetings, instead gathering two or three times a month. Ruling Communist party (CCP) of China passed a ‘historical resolution’ to praise president’s decisive significance in rejuvenation of China.

Centre Notifies Rules for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Implementation

Eligibility and Requirements for CAA Beneficiaries

• The CAA Rules outline the information and documentation required for the intended beneficiaries to apply for Indian citizenship. Migrants from the specified countries need to prove their country of origin, religion, date of entry into India, and knowledge of an Indian language.
• The law presumes that members of these communities faced religious persecution in their countries of origin and has reduced the period of citizenship by naturalisation from 11 years to five.

Proof of Country of Origin

• The CAA Rules have significantly relaxed the requirements for establishing the country of origin. Instead of a valid passport issued by Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan, along with a copy of a valid Residential Permit of India, applicants can now provide various documents such as birth or educational institution certificates, identity documents, licenses, land or tenancy records, or any other document issued by these countries to prove their citizenship. 
• Documents showing that the applicant’s parents, grandparents, or great grandparents were citizens of one of the three countries are also acceptable, even beyond their validity period.

Date of Entry into India

• To establish the date of entry into India, the Rules list 20 admissible documents, including valid visas or residential permits issued by the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO), census enumerator slips, driving licenses, Aadhaar, ration cards, government or court-issued letters, Indian birth certificates, land or tenancy records, registered rent agreements, PAN card issuance documents, and various other official documents.

Processing of Citizenship Applications

• The Centre has tweaked the process of granting citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from the three countries, minimizing the role of states in the matter. Applications will be submitted electronically to a District Level Committee (DLC) and processed by an Empowered Committee, both instituted by the Centre. 
• The Empowered Committee, headed by a Director (Census Operations), will include representatives from the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, FRRO, National Informatics Centre, and Postmaster General of the state. The DLC will consist of the District Informatics Officer or Assistant and a nominee of the central government.

Previous Efforts to Address Refugee Concerns

• The CAA is not the first attempt by the government to address the plight of refugees from neighboring countries. Steps in this direction were taken as early as 2002 when the Vajpayee government amended The Citizenship Rules to grant LTVs and citizenship to migrants in certain border districts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. 
• Subsequent governments under Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi have also issued notifications and amendments to facilitate the grant of LTVs and citizenship to specific categories of migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. In 2019, the Union Cabinet cleared the Citizenship (Amendment) bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha later.

Benefits for LTV Holders

• In 2018, a year before the passage of the CAA, the government issued a notification making Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian migrants from the three countries eligible for LTVs if they sought Indian citizenship. 
• This notification extended a range of benefits to LTV holders, including the ability to get a private job, start a business, admit their children to school, move freely within the state, open a bank account, buy a house, and obtain a driving licence, PAN, and Aadhaar.

Opposition to CAA Implementation

• Despite the Centre’s efforts to streamline the citizenship process for non-Muslim migrants from the specified countries, some opposition-ruled states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, have stated their intention not to implement the CAA. However, the new Rules have been designed to minimize the role of states in the citizenship application process, with the Empowered Committee and DLC being instituted by the Centre.
• The European Parliament’s move to vote on the resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was opposed by India in 2020. The United Nation Human Rights Commission moved to Supreme Court on the matter of Citizenship Amendment Act.

Sela Tunnel Inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Sela tunnel to the nation, a strategic infrastructure project located in Arunachal Pradesh. The tunnel, built at an altitude of 13,000 feet, is expected to provide all-weather connectivity to the strategically located Tawang district and improve the movement of troops along the frontier region.
• Prime Minister attended the virtual inauguration of the tunnel project at the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Northeast’ programme in Itanagar.

Key Features of the Sela Tunnel

• The Sela tunnel, constructed at a cost of Rs 825 crore, is being hailed as the longest bi-lane road tunnel in the world at such an altitude. The tunnel, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), connects Assam’s Tezpur to the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The project was completed in just five years, despite challenges posed by the difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
• The tunnel has been constructed using the new Austrian tunnelling method and incorporates safety features of the highest standards. It is expected to provide a faster and more efficient transport route in the region and prove to be of strategic importance to the country.

Strategic Significance of the Sela Tunnel

• The Sela tunnel will provide better movement of troops and weaponry to various forward locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, according to military officials. The tunnel is expected to boost the preparedness of the armed forces and augment the socioeconomic development of the border region.

BRO’s Role in Border Area Development

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been at the forefront of developing border areas. In the last three years, the BRO has completed a record 330 infrastructure projects, constructed at a cost of Rs 8,737 crore.

China’s Protest

• China has lodged a diplomatic protest with India over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he inaugurated the strategically important Sela tunnel. China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, said India’s move would “only complicate” the boundary issue.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that China never recognized the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India and firmly opposes it. He further stated that India had no right to arbitrarily develop the area of Zangnan in China, the name China has given to Arunachal Pradesh.

India’s Response

• India has asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and that assigning “invented” names won’t alter reality. This is not the first time China has objected to visits by Indian politicians to Arunachal Pradesh.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub (MATH)

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Department of Science & Technology has joined forces with the Telangana government-led T-Hub to establish a unique Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub (MATH). This collaboration aims to foster AI innovation, create job opportunities, and provide a conducive ecosystem for AI startups in India.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

T-Hub has dedicated an entire floor to MATH, which will be equipped with cutting-edge facilities to support AI and ML development. These include:

• A mini data center with GPU capabilities
• A world-class learning management system (LMS) tailored for AI education
• Robust data infrastructure to support diverse AI applications

These facilities will provide startups, researchers, and students with the necessary tools and resources to drive AI and ML innovation.

Nurturing AI Startups and Creating Jobs

• MATH is positioning itself as the go-to destination for AI-driven initiatives across the country. The center of excellence (CoE) has set ambitious targets to nurture over 150 startups per annum and generate more than 500 AI-related jobs by 2025. By providing access to state-of-the-art compute infrastructure, AI skilling programs, data lakes, virtual connectivity to global AI ecosystems, and opportunities for patent conversion, MATH aims to become the ultimate destination for all things AI and ML.

India’s Growing AI Market

• The launch of MATH comes at a crucial time, as India’s AI market is experiencing significant growth. Estimates suggest that the market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25-35% and is expected to reach $17 billion by 2027. The establishment of MATH will further fuel this growth by providing a platform for startups and researchers to innovate and develop cutting-edge AI and ML solutions.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Driving Change

• T-Hub CEO Mahankali Srinivas Rao emphasized the importance of the collaboration between T-Hub and MATH in empowering entrepreneurs to harness the power of AI and ML. By providing the necessary support and resources, the initiative aims to drive meaningful change and propel India onto the global stage of technological leadership.
• MATH CEO Rahul Paith highlighted the significance of the inauguration of MATH, stating that it marks a milestone in the journey towards harnessing the potential of AI and ML to drive innovation and create impact. With its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive support ecosystem, MATH is poised to become the epicenter of AI and ML innovation in India.
• The establishment of the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub (MATH) through the collaboration between the Department of Science & Technology and the Telangana government-led T-Hub is a significant step towards fostering AI innovation and creating job opportunities in India.

Dwarka Expressway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development. The 19-km segment, constructed at a cost of ₹4,100 crore, is part of the country’s first 8-lane expressway project, aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion between Delhi and Gurugram on National Highway (NH)-48.

Haryana Section Details

The inaugurated section of the Dwarka Expressway comprises two stretches:

• A 10.2-km stretch from the Delhi-Haryana Border to Basai Rail-over-Bridge (ROB)
• An 8.7-km section from Basai ROB to Kherki Daula

This section will provide a direct connection between the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi and the Gurugram Bypass, facilitating smoother traffic movement.

Dwarka Expressway: An Overview

The Dwarka Expressway, with a total construction cost of ₹9,000 crore, is divided into four segments:

• The first two segments, totaling 10 kilometers, are located in Delhi
• The third and fourth sections, spanning approximately 19 kilometers, are in Gurugram

The expressway starts from Shiv Murti near Mahipalpur on the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway and passes through Dwarka Sector 21, the Gurugram border, Basai, before ending near Kherki Daula on the National Highway. It will be a fully access-controlled, grade-separated 14-lane expressway, the first of its kind in India.

Unique Features and Challenges

• The Dwarka Expressway will feature four multi-level interchanges, including tunnels or underpasses, a ground-level road section, an elevated flyover, and a flyover above the initial flyover. One of the most notable features is India’s first 4-km-long 8-lane tunnel near Indira Gandhi International Airport. Described as a ‘shallow tunnel’, it was constructed due to the impossibility of erecting an elevated structure close to the airport.
• The expressway’s starting point will be an interchange consisting of two underpasses beneath the existing NH 48, integrated with an elevated corridor.

Addressing Traffic Congestion and Pollution

• According to government data, NH 48 witnesses the passage of over 3 lakh vehicles daily. The Dwarka Expressway project aims to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce productivity losses caused by traffic jams, and curb vehicular pollution in the Delhi NCR region.

Construction Timeline and Delays

• The construction of the Dwarka Expressway began in 2018, with an initial completion target of 2021. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, project deadlines were extended. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced that work on the entire project will be concluded by August this year.
• The inauguration of the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and easing traffic congestion in the Delhi-Gurugram region. As India continues to invest in next-generation infrastructure, projects like the Dwarka Expressway will play a crucial role in boosting economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.

India Receives Prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award

India has been honored with the esteemed Measles and Rubella Champion Award for its exceptional efforts in combating these infectious diseases. The award was presented by The Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA, on March 6th, 2024. Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington D.C., accepted the award on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The Measles and Rubella Partnership

• The Measles and Rubella Partnership is a multi-agency planning committee comprising the American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO. The partnership is dedicated to reducing global measles deaths and preventing rubella illness.

India’s Unwavering Commitment to Public Health

• The accolade celebrates India’s steadfast commitment to public health and its remarkable leadership in curbing the spread of measles and rubella among children. The award also recognizes India’s regional leadership in the measles and rubella elimination program, utilizing ‘measles as a tracer’ to strengthen routine immunization under the country’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Progress Despite Challenges

India has made significant strides in reducing measles and rubella cases and preventing outbreaks, despite facing numerous challenges. The country’s progress can be attributed to a series of comprehensive interventions, including:

• Proactive MR vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas
• Innovative strategies to reach underserved populations
• Robust surveillance systems
• Effective public-awareness initiatives
• These measures have played a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of India’s population

Dedication of Frontline Workers and Policymakers

• The award is a testament to the tireless efforts and dedication of India’s frontline health workers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities across the nation. Their hard work has resulted in impressive achievements, with 50 districts consistently reporting no measles cases and 226 districts reporting no rubella cases over the past 12 months.

Measles and Rubella Elimination

• Measles and Rubella are vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), and the MR vaccine has been part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme since 2017. The Government of India is working diligently towards eliminating measles and rubella from the country.
• The Measles and Rubella Champion Award is a well-deserved recognition of India’s exemplary efforts in combating these infectious diseases. The award highlights the country’s unwavering commitment to public health, the dedication of its frontline workers and policymakers, and the effectiveness of its comprehensive interventions. As India continues to make significant strides in eliminating measles and rubella, this award serves as a reminder of the importance of sustained efforts in protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.

Election Commissioner Arun Goel Resigns Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

• In a surprising turn of events, Election Commissioner Arun Goel tendered his resignation on March 9, 2024, just days before the anticipated announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule. The sudden departure has raised questions about the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the reasons behind Goel’s decision.
• His tenure was till December 5, 2027, and he would have become Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retired in February next year.

Resignation Accepted by President

• President Droupadi Murmu officially accepted Arun Goel’s resignation with immediate effect, as per a notification issued by the Law Ministry. Goel, a retired 1985-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre, had joined the Election Commission in November 2022.

Reasons Behind the Resignation

• While Goel cited “personal reasons” for his resignation, some sources have pointed out apparent differences that emerged between Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar and Goel during their recent visit to West Bengal to oversee preparations for the parliamentary elections. Reportedly, Goel refused to attend a press conference in Kolkata alongside Kumar on March 5, after differing with the CEC on certain matters.

Impact on Election Commission

• With Goel’s departure and with the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey in February, the three-member Election Commission is now reduced to only one member, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. This development has cast doubts on the previously anticipated timeline for announcing the Lok Sabha election dates, which were expected to be revealed in the coming week.
• Under the new law governing the appointment of Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners, a search committee led by the law minister and comprising two union secretaries will compile a list of five candidates.

Appointment Process for New Election Commissioners

The appointment of new Election Commissioners involves a two-step process:

• A search committee, headed by the Law Minister and including two Union Secretaries, shortlists five names for the position.
• A selection committee, chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM, along with the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha or the leader of the single-largest opposition party, selects the final candidate.
• The chosen candidate is then formally appointed by the President.

About Arun Goel

Born on December 7, 1962, in Patiala, Goel is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1985 batch, Punjab cadre. He superannuated as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Government of India, after more than 37 years of service. Goel is a post-graduate in Development Economics from Churchill College, University of Cambridge, England. He has also been trained at the John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA.

Maldives-China Agreement for Acquiring Non-Lethal Equipment

The Maldives has recently signed a military assistance agreement with China, marking a significant development in the diplomatic and military relations between the two countries. Under this newly inked agreement, the Maldives will receive free “non-lethal” military equipment and training from China’s military. President Mohamed Muizzu, who is widely seen as a pro-China leader, has emphasized that this agreement will further strengthen the Indian Ocean island nation’s independence and autonomy.

Details of the Agreement

• The military assistance agreement was signed by Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of China.
• President Muizzu, shared some insights about the agreement. He stated that China and Maldives have always maintained military cooperation, and the only new development with this agreement is the assistance Maldives will receive to strengthen its military capacity. The agreement will provide the Maldives’ military with various forms of training and non-lethal military equipment free of charge, which will increase the technical capacity of the defense forces.

Non-Lethal Weaponry

• According to President Muizzu, the non-lethal weaponry provided under this agreement would include tear gas, pepper spray, and similar articles of weapons. These tools are often used for crowd control and law enforcement purposes, and their inclusion in the agreement suggests that the Maldives is looking to enhance its internal security capabilities.

Strengthening Independence and Autonomy

• President Muizzu emphasized that the agreement with China is aimed at enabling the Maldives to stand on its own two feet and maintain its autonomy and independence. By receiving training and equipment from China, the Maldives hopes to bolster its defense forces and reduce its reliance on other nations for military support.

Implications for India-Maldives Relations

• The stepping up of military relations between the Maldives and China comes at a time when President Muizzu has affirmed that no Indian military personnel, not even those in civilian clothing, would be present inside his country after May 10. This development follows Muizzu’s formal request to India, made soon after taking oath as the President of Maldives on November 17, to withdraw 88 military personnel from his country by March 15.
• Muizzu’s stance on Indian military presence in the Maldives and his efforts to strengthen ties with China have raised concerns about the future of India-Maldives relations. Traditionally, newly-elected Maldivian presidents used to make their first foreign visit to New Delhi, but Muizzu chose to visit Beijing in January, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders.

Integrated Command and Control Center for Agriculture

• Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda, inaugurated the Agriculture Integrated Command and Control Center at Krishi Bhawan, Delhi, on March 8, 2024.
• The center aims to empower farmers across the country by providing them with information, services, and facilities using digital technology, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making farmers self-reliant.
• Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) are being set up in 100 cities in the country that are being developed under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). But this newly launched Center is associated with agriculture.

Objectives of the Command and Control Center

• The new initiative aims to provide farmers with real-time information about the situation on their farms and to identify the challenges faced by the agriculture sector. By analyzing real-time data, the center can help resolve farmers’ problems, expand their capacity, and improve crop yields, ultimately benefiting the country’s agriculture sector.

Benefits to Farmers

• The center will enable farmers to avail the benefits of government schemes more easily. Minister Munda described this digital innovation as an important opportunity to reflect India in the 21st century and to establish trust and a safe environment among farmers.

Multifunctional Center

• The Command Centre will display all the digital innovations being made in the agriculture sector by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on a large screen simultaneously. This will include plot-level data from soil surveys, information from crop surveys using remote sensing technology, meteorological data, digital crop survey data, and information from the agricultural map and the Upag portal for agricultural statistics. By analyzing this data in one place, accurate decisions can be made to benefit farmers.
• The inauguration of the Agriculture Integrated Command and Control Center marks a significant step towards empowering farmers through digital technology. By providing real-time information, services, and facilities, the center aims to make farmers self-reliant, resolve their problems, and enhance crop production.

Minimum Government-Maximum Governance

• Minister Munda emphasized that the inauguration of  Integrated Command and Control Center aligns with “Minimum Government-Maximum Governance,” which ensures that the life of a common man is not unnecessarily affected and that they can work independently and impartially to empower themselves and the nation.

Agri Stack and Digital Crop Survey

• The minister mentioned that Digital Agri Stack is an important initiative in digital agriculture, under which a digital crop survey has been started to ascertain the exact details of farmers’ crops.

Indian Navy Commissions INS Jatayu

The Indian Navy has taken a significant step towards enhancing its operational capabilities and maritime domain awareness in the strategically important Lakshadweep islands with the commissioning of INS Jatayu at Minicoy Island on March 6, 2024. The new naval base, named after the mythical creature in the Ramayana, will serve as a vital asset for the Navy in the region.

Commissioning Ceremony

• The commissioning ceremony was attended by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Shri Praful K Patel, Hon’ble Administrator of Lakshadweep, Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC), Southern Naval Command (SNC), and other senior naval officers and distinguished guests. The ceremony included a 50-man Guard of Honour for the CNS, the reading of the commissioning warrant, and the hoisting of the Naval Ensign.

Strategic Importance

• INS Jatayu, located on Minicoy, the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, straddles vital sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and will act as the eyes and ears for India in the region. The base will enable the Navy to have complete maritime operations capability, similar to INS Baaz located on the east coast of India in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The commissioning of INS Jatayu is part of a larger plan to establish full-fledged military capability in Lakshadweep.

Expansion and Upgrades

• The Naval Detachment Minicoy, set up in the early 1980s, will be converted into a full-fledged naval base in due course of time. More officers will be deployed to the new base, and radar stations will be set up to enable seamless oversight of the waters around the island. The government is also in the final stages of approving a new airport on Minicoy for both military and civilian use, which will cater to fighter jets and transport aircraft. Additionally, a 24-hour operational chopper hangar has been cleared at Kavaratti to boost connectivity.

Addressing Maritime Challenges

• The commissioning of INS Jatayu comes at a time when India faces various maritime challenges, such as piracy and increasing Chinese forays into the Indian Ocean. Chinese submarines and research vessels have been operating in the region, and China has been cooperating closely with Maldives. The new base, located just 130 km from Thuraakunu, the northernmost island of Maldives, will help India monitor and respond to these challenges more effectively.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

• India has been focusing on improving its capabilities in the Indian Ocean and has also been assisting friendly countries in capacity building. In February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth inaugurated a new airstrip, the St. James Jetty, and six community development projects at Mauritius’ Agalega Island, all funded by India. Such initiatives demonstrate India’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and security.

NDRF Collaborates with ITBP to Deploy Rescue Teams along China Border

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is partnering with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to deploy rescue teams in high-altitude regions along the India-China border. The initiative aims to prepare NDRF personnel for disaster response operations in the Himalayan ranges, such as avalanches, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The collaboration is driven by concerns raised by experts regarding the anticipated increase in disasters in the Himalayas due to climate change and human interventions.

Deployment Plan and Discussions

• NDRF Director General Atul Karwal stated that discussions are underway with the ITBP to enable NDRF personnel to be stationed in forward areas alongside the border guarding force. The plan involves establishing small teams of rescuers that can be co-located at ITBP outposts in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. 
• The NDRF is also consulting with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which guard borders with Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan, respectively.

Long-Range Patrols with ITBP Troops

• As part of the preparation process, NDRF personnel are undertaking long-range patrols with ITBP troops along the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC). These patrols help the rescuers familiarize themselves with the terrain and conditions before getting stationed at high-altitude locations in the Himalayas.

Collaboration with Other Border Guarding Forces

• Apart from the ITBP, the NDRF is also in discussion with other border guarding forces, such as the BSF and SSB, to explore the possibility of co-locating small teams of rescuers at their outposts in the four states mentioned earlier. This collaboration aims to enhance the disaster response capabilities in the region and ensure prompt action during emergencies.

Action Plan and Permanent Placement

• In 2023, an action plan was formulated to deploy NDRF rescuers for managing natural and man-made disasters in the fragile mountain ranges of India’s north and northeast regions. 
• The NDRF has decided to permanently station small teams at higher altitudes in four areas: Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Once established, these teams can be promptly mobilized in case of emergencies.

Importance of Pre-Acclimatization

• NDRF DG Atul Karwal emphasized the importance of pre-acclimatization for the rescuers. Even if the rescuers are stationed in a place like Srinagar (in Jammu and Kashmir), they cannot be immediately airlifted in the event of a disaster in higher regions as they are not acclimatized. Pre-acclimatization throughout the year is essential for the rescuers to be effective in their operations.