Context: Ethiopia has signed a deal granting it naval and commercial access to ports along Somaliland’s coast, in exchange for recognition for the breakaway republic’s independence.

About Somaliland

• Background: 
  • Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in the early 1990s, when Somalia had descended into a protracted civil war.
  • Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, has sought international recognition for over three decades.
  • Somaliland has not gained widespread international recognition, despite declaring autonomy from Somalia in 1991. 
  • Somalia says Somaliland is part of its territory.

• Geographical Location: 

• • Region: Situated in the Horn of Africa.
    • The Horn of Africa is a region that is recognized internationally as comprising Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. 
  • Borders: Borders Ethiopia to the south and west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, and the autonomous Puntland region of Somalia to the east.
  • Coastline: Has a long coastline along the Gulf of Aden.
  • Terrain: Features a mix of mountainous regions, plateaus, and coastal plains.

Relevance For Ethiopia

• Ethiopia is heavily reliant on Djibouti for international trade, 
  • With more than 95% passing through the Addis-Djibouti corridor, a vulnerability it has sought to mitigate by diversifying its options.
• Ethiopia lost access to its Red Sea ports in the early 1990s when Eritrean insurgents in the country’s north gained control of Ethiopia’s northern coastal region – which was a former Italian colony – and then declared independence.

News Source: TH

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Context: Muhammad Yunus was convicted of violating Bangladesh’s labour laws and sentenced to 6 months in jail.

• The Third Court of Dhaka  found Yunus’ company, Grameen Telecom, which he founded as a non-profit, guilty of violating labour laws.

Who Is Muhammad Yunus?

Muhammad Yunus, also known as ‘Banker to the Poor’ is a prominent figure known for his contributions to ‘Social Entrepreneurship and Microfinancing.’

• Nobel Laureate and Social Entrepreneur: He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for founding Grameen Bank and pioneering microcredit and microfinance​​.
• Founder of Grameen Bank: In 1983, Yunus established Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, focusing on providing small loans to the impoverished without requiring collateral. 
  • Grameen Bank is credited with lifting millions from poverty — it has disbursed collateral-free loans of $34.01 billion among 9.55 million people since its inception. 
    • The recovery rate is 97.22%, as per a report by Daily Sun, a Bangladesh-based national daily.
• Microfinance Revolution: His concept of microcredit has been influential globally, inspiring similar microfinance efforts in around 100 countries, including developed nations. 
  • The Grameen Bank model primarily focuses on lending to women, recognizing their crucial role in family and community welfare​​.
• Global Initiatives and Recognition: In 2011, he co-founded Yunus Social Business – Global Initiatives (YSB), which supports and creates social businesses worldwide. 
  • Yunus also served as the Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University from 2012 to 2018 and has been a member of various international foundations and organizations​​.
• A Leader in Social Causes: Recognized by Fortune Magazine in 2012 as one of the greatest entrepreneurs, Yunus’s work has inspired many young people globally to engage in social causes and seek innovative solutions to social problems.

News Source: IE

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Context: Sadyr Zhaparov, the president of Kyrgyzstan signed a decree to declare the snow leopard as the national symbol of Kyrgyzstan.

About Snow Leopard

• Scientific Name: Panthera uncia
• Indicator Species: Due to their position as the top predator in the food web, they act as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem in which they live.
• Habitat: The snow leopard inhabits the mountains of central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, ranging from an elevation of about 1,800 metres (about 6,000 feet) in the winter to about 5,500 metres (18,000 feet) in the summer.
  • The snow leopard’s habitat extends through twelve countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
  • Geographical range in India:
    • Western Himalayas: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh.
    • Eastern Himalayas: Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Hemis National Park (Ladakh) has a good presence of Snow Leopard and is also known as the Snow Leopard Capital of the world.

• Protection Status:

  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable.Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
  • Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I.
  • It is also listed in the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Global Conservation Measures: 

• Project Snow Leopard (PSL): It was launched in 2009 to promote an inclusive and participatory approach to conserving snow leopards and their habitat. 
• Snow Leopard is on the list of 21 critically endangered species for the recovery program of the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change.
• SECURE Himalaya: Global Environment Facility (GEF)-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded the project on the conservation of high-altitude biodiversity and reducing the dependency of local communities on the natural ecosystem.
• Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Programme: India has also been part of the (GSLEP) Programme since 2013.
• The Government of India has identified the snow leopard as a flagship species for the high-altitude Himalayas.

Must Read: Snow Leopard Population Assessment

News Source: DTE

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Context: The Prime Minister inaugurated the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI – SOFC) project  to resolve the slow internet speed problem in Lakshadweep.

About Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection Project

• Aim: The Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI – SOFC) project aims to increase the internet speed by over 100 times, from 1.7Gbps to 200Gbps. 
• Funding: Total financial implication is about Rs 1072 crore funded by Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund. 
  • USO Fund was established with fundamental objective of providing access to “Basic” telecommunication services to people in remote and rural areas at affordable and reasonable prices.
• Project Execution Agency: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was nominated as the Project Execution Agency

Other Major Development Initiative:

• Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kadmat: It has been designed to produce 1.5 lakh litres of clean drinking water every day and is operational now. 
• Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) in all households: The saturation of tapped water connections to all houses in Agatti and Minicoy islands. 
• Solar power plant at Kavaratti: It is the first-ever battery-backed solar power project of Lakshadweep to address energy challenges.
• Primary Health Care facility: It has been started in Kalpeni.
  • Construction of five model Anganwadi Centres (Nand Ghars) in the five islands of Androth, Chetlat, Kadmat, Agatti and Minicoy are in progress. 
• Ice Plant in Agatti: It will create new opportunities related to seafood processing and Tuna Fish export. 

About Lakshadweep

• It is an archipelago of 36 coral islands with an area of 32 sq km in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Kerala, India 
  • Only 10 islands are inhabited
  • The easternmost island lies about 185 miles (300 km) from the coast of the state of Kerala.
• It is a Union Territory established in 1956. 
• Capital: Kavaratti Island.
• Geography: The islands are made of coral reefs and green coconut groves.
• Culture: The population is predominantly Muslim, with fishing as the main occupation. 
• Environment: The islands are a haven for endangered marine turtles, with nesting sites for green turtles and hawksbill turtles. 

Must Read: What Are Optical Fibre Cables And How Do They Works?

Source: The Economic Times

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Context: The spread between yields on the 10-year state development loans (SDL) and the Centre’s G-sec (government securities) widened to a two-year high. 

G-sec Market in India: Statistics

• According to data compiled by rating agency ICRA, The yield spread widened to 53 basis points (bps)  due to the large supply of state bonds during the last quarter of the current financial year.
  • The last time the yield spread widened above 50 bps was in January 2022.
  • The widening of yield spread indicates a growing disparity in borrowing costs between states and the central government.
  • The higher borrowing is expected to increase borrowing costs for states compared with the Centre.
• Projection: A record borrowing of Rs 4.13 lakh crore has been proposed by states and UTs in the last quarter of FY23 
  • This will be over 37.4 percent higher year-on-year.
  • The yield spread between the 10-year state governments’ loans and the benchmark 10-year G-sec is expected to widen further to about 60 bps. 

About G-Sec (Government Securities)

• Definition: G-Sec is a tradable instrument issued by the Central Government to raise money from the public to finance the fiscal deficit. 
• Manager: The RBI manages these G-Sec loans. 
• Eligible Security: G-Sec are eligible securities for the RBI under LAF Repo operations. 
• Limit: The Centre can borrow up to a set limit under the FRBM Act. 
  • This limit has been fixed at 5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 
• Retail Direct Scheme: It permits investment by retail investors in the Government Securities market through an online portal. 

What is the Yield of the Bond?

• Definition: Bond yield is the return an investor realizes on a bond. When an investor buys a bond from the secondary market, the expected returns depend on the price paid to purchase the bond from the secondary market, at a discount or at a premium over the face value. 
• Formula:  Bond Yield = Coupon Amount/Price 
• Relation: Bond Yield and Price are inversely related. 
• Spread: Bond Spread or Yield Spread, refers to the difference in the yield on two different bonds or two classes of bonds.

What are State Development Loans?

• Definition: State Development Loans (SDL) is a bond issued by state governments to fund their fiscal deficit.
• Manager: The RBI manages these SDL loans. 
• Rate: The coupon rates on SDLs are marginally higher than those of GOI-Secs.  
• Eligible Security: State Development Loans are eligible securities for the RBI under LAF Repo operations. 
• Limit: Each state can borrow up to a set limit under Article 293(3) of the Constitution. 
  • This limit has been fixed under the FRBM Act to 3% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). 
  • Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 establishes targets for the Fiscal Deficit of the Centre and States with a view to establishing fiscal discipline. 

Source: Indian Express

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Context: The Appellate Tribunal on Disputes in Benami Matters has ruled that “Held” used in the Benami Act 2016 also covers the proceeds of crime committed before 2016, and is currently being held or possessed by the beneficiary. 

Tribunal Ruling On Benami Property

• The tribunal ordered that if somebody is ‘holding’ a Benami property subsequent to the 2016 amendment to Benami Act 1988, it would come in the sweep of benami transaction(s). 
• If higher courts support this interpretation, it could have significant implications by bringing old deals back under legislation previously invalidated by the Supreme Court.
  • The appeal to the judgment lies with High Court and Supreme Court 

What is Benami? (As per the Act of 2016)

• Definition: A benami deal is a transaction or an arrangement where a property or assets like stocks is “transferred” to or is “held” by a person but the consideration of such property has been provided or paid by another person.
  • Therefore, the holder of the asset is not its true beneficial owner.

What is the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act 2016?

• Expanded Definition Of Benami Transactions: Introduced the concept of “held” alongside “transferred”. 
• Increased Penalties: Enhanced imprisonment term from 3 years to 7 years, with fine up to 25% of the benami property’s value.
• Confiscation Of Property: Introduced confiscation of property acquired through benami transactions.
• Strengthened Administrative And Legal Procedures: Established designated officers for investigation and adjudication:
  • Initiating Officer
  • Approving Authority
  • Administrator
  • Adjudicating Authority
• Streamlined Procedures and created an Appellate Tribunal For Appeals.
• Impact of the Legislation: The income tax department sent hundreds of notices to companies and individuals and initiated criminal prosecution against them, confiscating properties with the retrospective clause of the new law. 
  • SC Judgement in August 2022: Declared the retrospective use of the benami law as unconstitutional.
  • Present Tribunal Ruling: Existence of a transaction, reflected in holding of an asset post November 2016, would be construed as continuance of the offense under the law.

Source: The Economic Times

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Context: The recent visit of  Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande  to the Republic of Korea, marked a crucial moment in the course of India-South Korea defence relations.

50 Years of India-South Korea Relations

• In 2023, India and South Korea celebrated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
• The visit is historically significant as it commemorates the Indian Army’s crucial role 73 years ago in the Korean War, where they provided medical aid and contributed a brigade called ‘Custodian Force’ under the United Nations

About India-South Korea Defence Relations

• Cooperation in Defense & Logistics: In 2005, India and South Korea signed an agreement to cooperate in defense and logistics.
• Cooperation between Coast Guards: In 2022, the Korea Coast Guard and Indian Coast Guard conducted joint exercises, further improving interoperability. 
• Biggest Overseas Outreach Initiative of Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO): In 2013, an 18-member team led by the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister & Chief of DRDO participated in the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition, which was DRDO’s biggest ever overseas outreach initiative.
• On National Security: In 2014, an agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information.
• India-Korea Friendship Park: In 2021, the India-Korea Friendship Park was inaugrated at the Delhi Cantonment to commemorate the contribution of the Indian peacekeeping force during the Korean war of 1950-53.
• On Defence Industries Cooperation: In 2019, India and South Korea signed a Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation.
• 2+2 dialogue at Defence Secretariat Level: They have established annual Defence Ministerial Dialogues since 2015, elevating them to a 2+2 dialogue in 2019 at Defence Secretariat Level. 
• Weapons Procured:
  • K-9 Vajra Guns: India had procured 100 K-9 Vajra guns from South Korea under Make in India project in the year 2018. 
  • Navy’s P75 (I) Project: South Korea has shown interest in Indian Navy’s P75 (I) project under which 06 stealth submarines to be built indigenously again under Make in India. 

Continue Reading: India-Korea Defence Cooperation

News Source: The Hindu

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Context: The SKAO or Square Kilometer Array Observatory is an international mega-science project that will serve as the largest radio telescope in the world, will now include scientists from India. 

India Takes First Step: Approves SKAO Convention and Sanctions Rs 1,250 Crore

• To formally become members, countries are required to sign and ratify the SKAO Convention. 
• India’s approval for joining the project, accompanied by a financial sanction of Rs 1,250 crore, represents the first step toward ratification.

About SKAO (Square Kilometre Array Observatory)

• Genesis: SKAO was established as an intergovernmental organization in 2021 after years of negotiations that saw participation from various countries, including India.
• About: The SKAO is an array of thousands of antennas that will be placed in isolated, radio-quiet areas of Australia and South Africa. 
• Headquarters: The United Kingdom.
• SKA-India Consortium: It comprises engineers and scientists from over 20 national-level research institutions which include: the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA); Aryabhatta Institute of Observational Sciences, etc.
  • NCRA earned the responsibility within the SKA for successfully constructing and operating GMRT.

What is the Significance of the SKA telescope?

• Some of the questions that scientists hope to address using this telescope include:
  • The beginning of the universe, 
  • Origin of first stars 
  • The life-cycle of a galaxy, 
  • Exploring the possibility of detecting technologically-active civilisations elsewhere in our galaxy 
  • Understanding the origin of gravitational waves.
• India’s Role: Its main contribution to the SKA is the creation and management of the Telescope Manager component, also known as the “neural network” or software that powers the telescope.
  • NCRA is a unit of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, which operates India’s largest network of radio telescopes called the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune.
• International Collaborators: UK, Australia, South Africa, Canada, China, France, India, Italy and Germany.

News Source: Indian Express

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Context: Every year on 3rd January, India celebrates Rani Velu Nachiyar Jayanti.

About Rani Velu Nachiyar (3 January 1730 – 25 December 1796)

• Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first queen to fight against the British colonial power in India. 
  • She was the princess of Ramanathapuram from Sethupathi dynasty and is known by Tamils as Veeramangai.
    Martial Skills: She was trained in war match weapons usage, martial arts like Valari, Silambam (fighting using stick), horse riding and archery. 
• Linguist: She had proficiency with languages like French, English and Urdu.
• Battle: When her husband Muthuvaduganathaperiya Udaiyathevar, the king of Sivagangai, was killed by British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot, she was drawn into battle. 
  • She escaped with her daughter and lived under the protection of Palayakaarar Kopaala Naayakkar at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years.
• Agreement: An agreement was reached whereby Rani Velu Nachiar was permitted to govern the Sivaganga Country. Thus the widow Queen Velu Nachiar succeeded her husband in 1780. 
• Death: Rani Velu Nachiyar died on 25 December 1796.

News Source: PIB

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Context: Every year on 3rd January, India celebrates Savitribai Phule Jayanti.

About Savitribai Phule

• Savitribai Phule: She was a social reformer, poet, and powerful voice who played a crucial role in India’s social reform movement during the 19th century.  
• Birth: She was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon village of Maharashtra. At the age of 9 years, she was married to Jyotirao Phule, who was 13 years old at the time. 
• Death: She passed away on 10th March 1897  while fighting the plague.

Savitribai Phule: Her Contribution

• Promotion of Education: 
  • Savitribai Phule is formally recognised as India’s first woman teacher.
  • In 1848, she founded the first school for girls in Pune.
  • Along with the support of her husband, She established two educational trusts viz. the Native Female School, Pune, and the Society for Promoting the Education of Mahars, Mangs, and others from downtrodden castes. 
• Promoter of Widow Remarriage: She was a vocal advocate for the rights of widows and campaigned against the prevailing customs that forced widows into a life of deprivation and for the right of widows to remarry. 
  • She organized a barbers’ strike in both Mumbai and Pune to demonstrate their opposition to the practice of shaving the heads of widows.
• Social Reformer: 
  • She, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule,  founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, a social reform organization, to challenge the oppressive caste system.
  • Savitribai established a shelter (1864) for destitute women. Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule fought against untouchability.
  • In 1863, they began Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, India’s first home prohibiting infanticide, helping pregnant Brahmin widows and rape victims. 
  • She started Mahila Seva Mandal to educate women about their rights and other oppressive social customs such as  dowry.
    • Her student Mukta Salve became an icon of Dalit feminism and literature
• Literary Contributions: Go, Get Education, Kavya Phule(1854) and Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (1892).
• Role in Bubonic Plague of 1897: 

News Source: PIB

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Context: The government is set to issue orders for smart fencing for an additional 300 kilometres out of the 1,643 km of India-Myanmar border, running along Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

Why is India Building Smart Fencing Along India-Myanmar Border?

• Background: After the conflicts in May 2023 in Manipur, the Centre started a project for fencing the border. 
• The development follows the completion of a 10-kilometer pilot project last year and smart fencing order for an additional 80 kilometres, bringing the total length of smart fencing to 390 km.
• Ethnic Conflicts: The decision has been made in the background of ongoing ethnic conflicts and the illegal migration of Chin-Kuki nationals from Myanmar. 
  • According to government officials, the remaining border will likely be completed in the next four and half years.
• Illicit Activities: Large-scale smuggling of products, narcotics, weapons, and ammunition has occurred along the porous border between India and Myanmar. 
• End of  FMR: Following the installation of the smart fencing, the free movement regime (FMR) along the border between India and Myanmar will be stopped..
  • The FMR is increasingly being looked at as a threat to national security on the grounds that it facilitates undeterred border crossing by both insurgents and illegal migrants.

What is Border Management?

• The primary goals of border management include securing the nation’s borders against hostile interests and implementing systems capable of intercepting such elements, all while facilitating legitimate trade and commerce.

About India-Myanmar Border

• Boundary with Indian States: India and Myanmar share a border close to 1600 kms constituting international boundaries for four northeastern states of India- Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Vulnerable India Myanmar Terrain: The border is characterized by high mountains, deep river channels, and dense forests, posing difficulties for the construction of transportation and communication infrastructure. 
  • Consequently, the border region remains sparsely populated with limited economic development. 

India-Myanmar Border: Issues & Challenges

• Illegal Immigrants Along Porous Border: FMR has facilitated inward passage for illegal migrants who have sought refuge across the border.There is an increase in the entry of illegal migrants after the recent military coup in Myanmar. 
  • According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), an estimated 22,000 refugees have entered India from Myanmar since February 2021.
  • Apart from creating a demographic imbalance, the migrants are viewed as a key cause of disturbances in the law and order situation.
• Drug Abuse from Golden triangle: Myanmar is the part of Golden Triangle region employing heavily-militarised and largely-lawless territory the producers and traffickers operate located at the meeting point of the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
  • The porous nature of the border has facilitated the flow of drugs from Myanmar to India.
  • Myanmar is the second-largest producer of opium with the Kachin state of Myanmar being the largest producers of drugs in Myanmar with which India shares the border.
• Interlinkage Between Drug Traffickers and Insurgent Groups: Drugs from India’s Northeastern states acts as a financial source for the insurgent groups of the Northeast.
  • Most of the insurgent groups receive financial assistance from drug cartels that mainly operate outside of the Indian territory.
  • Data from the Manipur Chief Minister’s Office show that 500 cases were registered and 625 individuals were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Manipur in 2022. 
• Smuggling of narcotics and illegal arms: The trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) has linkages with the functioning of the illicit drug economy. 
  • Drugs are used as currencies for the purchase of Small Arms and Light weapons by insurgents or terror groups.
  • According to the report, Rakhine militants as well as Indian insurgents with training camps in Myanmar’s Sagaing region are the main buyers of illegal arms.
• Human Trafficking: The instability, turmoil, and internal power struggles within Myanmar gave rise to criminal syndicates exploiting vulnerable individuals for illicit gains.
  • According to the Minister of State for External Affairs, more than 400 Indian men are stuck in fraudulent IT jobs in Myanmar due to the promise of fake IT occupations.
  • Children across the border are used as couriers for transporting heroin and methamphetamine substances, along with monitoring the Mizoram-Myanmar border.
• Ethnic Conflicts: The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur is due to illegal migration of tribal Kuki-Chin peoples from Myanmar into India. 
  • The Meiteis accuse the illegal migrants and the alleged “narco-terror network” along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) of instigating trouble in the state. 
  • In contrast, the Kukis blame the Meiteis alleging the use of this situation as a pretext for “ethnic cleansing.”
• Exploitation of Cross Border Ethnic linkages: Through the 1967 boundary agreement,  India-Myanmar boundary is superimposed on the socio-cultural landscape of the borderland, dividing several tribes and forcing them to reside as citizens of different countries. 
  • These tribes, having strong cross-border ethnic linkages are often exploited by the insurgents to find shelter across the border.

Government Interventions for India-Myanmar Border Management

• Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme:  A Central Sector Scheme comprising projects aimed at infrastructure development of India’s international borders.
• Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System: It aims to improve situational awareness to facilitate prompt and quick response to emerging situations along the India-Pakistan Border (IPB) and India-Bangladesh Border (IBB).
• Border Area Development Programme (BADP): It aims to meet the special developmental needs and well-being of the people living in remote and inaccessible areas situated near the International Boundary (IB).
  • It provides the border areas with essential infrastructure by convergence of BADP/other Central/States/UT/Local Schemes.
• Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP):  It focuses on comprehensive development of the select villages in 46 blocks in 19 districts of northern border in the States of  Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and UT of Ladakh.

Way Forward for India-Myanmar Border Management

• Round the Clock Border Guarding: There is a need to deploy a regular Border Guarding force for continuous vigilance of India – Myanmar border.
  • Border guarding entails round the clock and continuous physical domination of the border to plug gaps, prevent infiltration, drugs and arms smuggling, illegal migration, etc. to strengthen the security of the border.
• Creating Border Infrastructure: Creation of adequate infrastructure along the border is needed. It includes the creation of composite Border Observation Posts (BOPs), Border Road, and Obstacle System.
• Separation of Patrolling and security functions:  The Assam Rifles(AR) is in charge of border patrol as well as ensuring border security.
  • Thus, a sizable portion of its battalions are engaged in counterinsurgency activities, which makes border security more difficult. Thus, the two functions need to be completely separated.
  • Moreover, the battalions guarding the border need to be stationed right at the border itself, unlike at present where they operate from well inside Indian territory.
  • A force other than AR may be deployed exclusively for border guarding.  AR with deep historical connections, knowledge of the terrain, culture and ethos of NE and vast experience of operating against insurgents and separatists in that area will be more effective in this role. 
• Strengthening of Legal frameworks:  Improved coordination between India and Myanmar’s law enforcement agencies is essential to combat trafficking effectively. 
  • Joint operations and intelligence sharing can help intercept traffickers and rescue victims.
  • Although the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Myanmar in 2019 to enhance bilateral cooperation on the prevention, rescue, recovery, and repatriation of persons who have been trafficked, the terms have not been upheld.
  • Although both countries have passed legislation making human trafficking illegal and protecting victims, as well as ratifying international agreements against the practice, the present political unrest impedes appropriate and timely action to guarantee the security and safety of trafficked individuals. 
• Rehabilitation: Alongside rescue efforts, rehabilitation and support to the victims with proper psychological evaluation and treatment are needed to help them reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
  • Addressing the complex issue requires concerted efforts from both India and Myanmar, along with international cooperation, to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims.
• Increased Collaboration: Enhancing collaboration between border control agencies and establishing direct communication channels can serve as a potent strategy to combat trafficking in persons and foster cross-border and regional cooperation.
• Awareness Creation: Border guarding forces need to promote a sense of security amongst the border population by carrying out tactical operations as well as identifying and projecting problems of the border population to concerned authorities. 
• Strengthening of Bilateral  Institutional Mechanisms: India has constituted institutional mechanisms with Myanmar which need to be revised with changing dynamics and increasing challenges at the India-Myanmar border.

Also Read: Centre Signs Peace Pact With ULFA Faction

Conclusion:

The implementation of smart fencing technology along the India-Myanmar border reflects a strategic response to address security challenges, ethnic conflicts, and illicit activities.

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Context: This article is based on the news “Truckers strike: Home Ministry seeks to pacify truckers protesting new hit and run law” which was published in the Hindu. Transporters are protesting against the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as per which, a driver may face up to 10 years’ imprisonment related to road accidents in India.

Transporters Are Opposing New Hit and Run Law 

• Nationwide Strike: Transporters, including truck, bus and taxi unions, have called a nationwide strike from January 1 to January 30 to protest Section 106 of the BNS, which prescribes a maximum punishment of 10 years.
• The Supreme Court has stated in multiple cases that strict action should be taken against those drivers who recklessly drive vehicles, cause accidents resulting in someone’s death, and then flee the scene.

State of Road Accidents in India: Report by MoRTH

• Road Accidents in India: According to ‘Road accidents in India 2022′ report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, a total number of 4,61,312 road accidents have been reported by Police Departments in the country, claiming 1,68,491 lives and causing injuries to 4,43,366 persons. 
• Fatalities: Out of the total of 1,68,491 fatalities reported in 2022, 61,038 (36.2%) were on National Highways, 41,012 (24.3%) were on State Highways and 66,441 (39.4%) were on Other Roads. 

• • Out of the total, 1,55,781 fatal accidents reported in 2022, 55,571 (35.7%) were on National Highways, 37,861 (24.3%) were on State Highways and 62,349 (40%) were on Other Roads. 
• State Estimates: Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of road accidents on National Highways in 2022, whereas, the number of persons killed in road accident was the highest in Uttar Pradesh. 

Causes of Road Accidents in India

• Human Error on Road: Traffic Rule Violations, Wrong Side Driving

  • Accidents caused by human error include traffic rule violations like over-speeding, drunken driving, driving on wrong lane, jumping red light etc., driving without a valid driver license, non-use of safety devices like helmets and seatbelts, etc. 
    • For instance, during 2022, over speeding accounted for 72.3 percent of the total road accidents, 71.2 percent of total deaths and 72.8 percent of total injuries. 
  • Further, driving on the wrong side was the second highest cause of the total road accidents in India during 2022 accounting for 4.9 percent.

• Road Environment: Weather Conditions, Traffic Control Measures, and Geographical Areas

  • The category of road environment includes accidents happening in a particular geographical area (residential, institutional, commercial area etc.), those related to the type of road features including straight, curved, steep, etc., type of junction & type of traffic control, weather condition, etc. 
    • For instance, the data for 2022 reveals that 67.0 percent of accidents occurred on straight roads, whereas accidents on curved roads, pothole roads and steep grade together accounted for 13.8 percent of the total road accidents in India.

• Vehicular Condition

  • Old vehicles tend to have breakdowns, more frequent malfunction and lack of safety. 
  • However, for 2022, vehicles with an age of below 10 years accounted for more than 58.8 percent of accident and 57.5 percent of death during 2022. The vehicles with 10- 15 years of age, accounted for 12.6 percent of accidents, vehicles over 15 years accounted for 10.8 per cent of total accidents.

• Distracted Driving

  • Reading messages, replying to texts, taking calls, reading, grooming, etc. behind the wheel can be fatal.

• • • For instance, a total of 19,478 road accidents occurred in 2021 due to loss of control by the driver due to inappropriate speed, distraction or misjudging a curve, which claimed 9,150 lives while 19,077 people were injured, according to a report released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH). 

• Poor Maintenance of Road Infrastructure

• • Potholes and absence and broken crash girders inadequate lighting and  improper signage, are other major reasons for accidents.

• Faulty Road Engineering

  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified ‘black spots’ on roads, stretches that have become trouble spots for accidents or where accidents have historically been concentrated.
  • According to NHAI report, there are 506 such stretches across the country, with around 15.4 percent in Tamil Nadu alone, the highest for any state.
  • Black spots are created on the road network due to various reasons like commissions & omissions in the development projects, changes in developmental scenario in the region, unplanned developments or unauthorized constructions near the roads etc.

Challenges Associated with Road Accidents in India

• Victims of Road Accidents in India

  • The fatal road accident victims largely constitute poor and young people in the productive age groups. 
    • For instance, young adults aged 18 – 45 years accounted for 66.5 percent of victims during 2022. People in the working age group of 18 – 60 years share 83.4 percent of total road accident fatalities. 
  • According to World Bank study in collaboration with SaveLIFE Foundation, low-income households reported twice the numbers of deaths post-crash vis-à-vis high-income households. 

• Delayed Reporting

• • Amongst the various challenges are the non-receipt of information in a timely manner from the States which highlights the need for capacity building in the police stations. 
  • Further, there is a possibility of under reporting of fatalities in police reported data, as the deaths that take place in hospitals after 30 days may not get reported if the police and hospital data are not linked. 

• Increased Motorization

• • The high number of vehicles on the roads increases the likelihood of accidents. This not only causes harm to people and property, but it also puts a strain on the healthcare system and can cause significant financial losses. 
    • The exponential crowding of vehicles on Indian roads has decreased the accident deaths per 10,000 vehicles, but in reality, an average accident is much deadlier now, with fatalities at an all-time high in 2022.

• Other Challenges

• • The Sundar Committee pointed out that India lacked a technically competent investigation arm that could determine the cause of accidents. 
  • The persistently high annual death toll questions India’s ability to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.6, which aims to halve the fatalities and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030. 

Initiatives to Curb Road Accidents in India

• Impart Driving Training: For this, Institute of Driving Training & Research (IDTRs), Regional Driving Training Centres (RDTCs) and Driving Training Centres (DTCs) at state/district level across the Country are being set up. 
• Engineering Measures: Road safety has been made an integral part of road design at the planning stage. 
  • Road Safety Audit (RSA) of all highway projects has been made mandatory, through third party auditors at all stages i.e., design, construction, operation and maintenance etc. 
• Identification and Rectification of Black Spots on National Highways: Road Safety Officer (RSO) has been designated to look after RSA, blackspot rectification and other road safety related works. 
  • Stretches of NH having higher number of blackspots are being developed as Model Safe Roads.
• Kooch Kavach: The Centre had proposed replacing steel barriers with bamboo crash barriers in an innovative way to bring down fatalities in road accidents in India.
• Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) Project: It has been initiated to establish a central repository for reporting, management and analysis of road accidents data across the Country.  
• Vehicle Engineering: MoRTH has notified: 
  • Mandatory provision of an airbag for the passenger seated on the front seat of a vehicle. 
  • Children safety measures for children below four years of age, riding or being carried on a motorcycle. 
  • Mandatory Fitments of safety technologies like seat belt reminder (sbr), manual override for central locking system, over speed warning system, anti-lock braking system (abs) etc. 

• Enforcement Measures to Curb Road Accidents in India

  • The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for strict penalties for ensuring compliance and enhancing deterrence for violation of traffic rules and strict enforcement through use of technology. 
  • Electronic Monitoring: Provisions for placement of electronic enforcement devices like speed camera, speed gun, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), etc.
  • Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) Project: e-DAR project involves capture of road accidents and geotagging of the same through app by first responder which is the police. This will give real time syncing and updating of data base as well as development of a mobile application for road accidents in India.

• Emergency Care for Road Accidents in India

• • Good Samaritan: MoRTH has published rules for the protection of Good Samaritan, who in good faith renders emergency assistance at the scene of an accident to victims. 
  • Compensation: Enhanced compensation of victims of hit-and-run motor accidents (from Rs. 12,500 to Rs. 50,000 for grievous hurt and from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 for death). 
  • Ambulance: The National Highways Authority of India has made provisions for ambulances with paramedical staff at toll plazas on the completed corridor of National Highways. 

Conclusion:

Addressing road accidents in India necessitates a comprehensive strategy involving better enforcement, improved infrastructure, and increased public awareness for safer roads and reduced fatalities.

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