Daily Current Affairs 29th June and 1st July

India Bangladesh Relations

Why in news?

In a significant diplomatic event, India welcomed Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India during her state visit.

India-Bangladesh Relations at Glance

• The diplomatic relations between the two countries formally began in 1971 with India's recognition of an independent Bangladesh.
• India and Bangladesh share bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities.

Convergences between India & Bangladesh 

• Geostrategic Cooperation:  
• Bangladesh is situated at the convergence of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy, Act East Policy, Vision SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific Vision.
• Both countries reiterated their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

• Shared foreign policy goals: 
• The foreign policy alignment between the two nations promises increased collaboration in traditional and new areas, and provides an opportunity for the two countries to address unresolved conflicts.
• India considers Bangladesh a critical ally in line with India’s ‘Act East’ policy to counter China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific and build a friendly and stable neighbourhood.

• Bilateral Trade:
• Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has grown steadily over the last decade. Bangladesh has emerged as India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade reaching $18 billion in 2021-2022 from $10.8 billion in 2020-21.
• India is also the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh.

• Defence relations: 
• The militaries of the two countries have played quite an extensive role in taking up common issues to enhance and conduct training programmes to deal with counter terrorism issues, natural disasters, and ensure Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Reliefs (HADR).
• The two countries also conduct Joint Exercises namely: Exercise Sampriti and Exercise Bongo Sagar

• Connectivity: 
• Both countries aim to expand bilateral and sub-regional connectivity, aligning perfectly with India’s vision to develop the Northeast and foster integration across South and Southeast Asia.
• Bangladesh, as India’s immediate neighbour in the East, plays a crucial role in its strategic plans. As a “major development partner” of Bangladesh, India is funding several infrastructure and connectivity projects.

• Multilateral Cooperation:
• The two countries are members of various regional trade agreements such as the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), BIMSTEC, UN, WTO, World Bank, ADB, the SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA) and the Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). 

• Water cooperation: 
• Over 54 rivers connect India and Bangladesh. The two nations continuously cooperate on flood management, early warning systems, and drinking water projects. 
• Technical discussions for renewing the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty and the conservation of the Teesta River will soon begin.

Divergence between India & Bangladesh

• Bangladesh’s Relations with China: 
• India is concerned about the deepening relationship between Bangladesh and China, which is marked by substantial Chinese investments in infrastructure in recent years. China’s geopolitical adventures in India’s strategic backyard are disliked by India. 

• Bangladesh’s Relations with US: 
• India is cautious to engage with Bangladesh amid rising concerns over an ‘unfair’ election and Dhaka’s tense relations with Washington. 
• The U.S. has been vocal in its criticism of the Awami League government, exerting pressure on Sheikh Hasina over “democratic backsliding”.

• Teesta Dispute: 
• The looming Teesta dispute takes centre-stage between India & Bangladesh relations. The issue revolves around the sharing of Teesta’s waters, with Bangladesh seeking an equitable distribution

• Rohingya issue: 
• New Delhi and Dhaka hold differing stances on this humanitarian crisis. Bangladesh aims for peaceful repatriation to Myanmar, but its talks with the Myanmar’s military junta have been unsuccessful so far.  
• India maintains close ties with Myanmar’s military junta, And India asserts that it will deport Rohingyas from its mainland.

• Domestic Politics of Bangladesh: 
• Political stability in Bangladesh holds immense significance for India. 
• Concerns loom over the possibility of political unrest in the country, fuelled by allegations of an unfair election, mounting international pressure, with potential ripple-effects across the border could derail the relationship. 

• Threats to India Security: 
• Stemming cross-border terrorism, infiltration, and human trafficking from Bangladesh are threats to India’s internal security. Illegal Bangladeshi immigration into India has also affected the relationship. 

Conclusion 

• India-Bangladesh relations are anchored in historical, cultural, and economic ties, reflecting deep mutual trust and cooperation. 
• By prioritising dialogue and collaboration in areas such as trade, water sharing, and regional security, both nations have made significant strides in resolving disputes and fostering prosperity. 
• As neighbours with shared challenges and opportunities, India and Bangladesh exemplify how a commitment to partnership and mutual respect can lead to enduring peace and development in the region.

Telecommunications Act 2023

Why in news?

Recently, the Ministry of Communications issued a Gazette notification for enforcing certain sections of the Telecommunications Act 2023.

About the Telecommunications Act 2023

• The Telecommunications Act, 2023 aims to amend and consolidate the law relating to development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of spectrum and for matters connected therewith. 
• The Telecommunications Act, 2023 also seeks to repeal existing legislative frameworks like Indian Telegraph Act,1885 and Indian Wireless Telegraph Act, 1933 owing to huge technical advancements in the telecom sector and technologies.
• The provisions dealing with administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, the mandatory biometric verification of users by telcos, and a smoother telecom dispute resolution mechanism, will be implemented at a later date.

Salient Features Brought into Force

• • Definitions: The Telecommunications Act clearly defines various terminologies related to the implementation of the Act thereby reducing uncertainties and improving investor confidence and is a step towards ease of doing business.

• RoW framework: 
• Right of Way pertains to the legal right to pass through or use land or infrastructure owned by others.
• Right of Way provides for an effective RoW framework, both on public and private property. 
• The Act has broadened the definition of public entities to include government agencies, local bodies and public-private partnership projects like airports, seaports, and highways.
• In a key move, the government can now grant permission to telcos to install mobile towers or lay telecom cables on private properties, if absolutely necessary, even if the landowner objects.

• Common ducts:  In line with PM Gati Shakti vision, the law provides for the Central Government to establish common ducts and cable corridors. Common duct refers to a common structure installed underground for public utilities ranging from electric and communication cables to water, sewage and gas pipelines
• Telecommunication standards: To ensure national security and promote India’s technology developers, the Act lays down powers to set standards and conformity assessment measures for telecommunication services, telecommunication networks, telecommunication security, etc.
• National Security and Public safety: The Act provides strong provisions to take necessary measures for national security and public safety. It allows the Centre and state governments to intercept messages, and take temporary possession of telecom networks in the interest of public safety or during emergencies.

• Inclusive service delivery, Innovation and technology development: 
• The Act expands the scope of Universal Service Obligation Fund to include supporting universal services in underserved rural, remote, and urban areas; supporting research and development of telecommunication services, technologies, products and pilot projects. 
• The Act also provides a legal framework for Regulatory Sandbox to facilitate innovation, and deployment of new technology.

• Protection of users: 
• Section 28 of the Act also cracks down on spam. Getting prior consent from subscribers to receive advertising messages, and establishing Do Not Disturb registers have been made mandatory for operators.
• Commercial messages sent without the user's consent may lead to the relevant operator facing a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh and being banned from providing services.

• No of Sim Cards: The Act also allows individuals to have a maximum of nine SIM cards in their name. The limit is being reduced to six for residents of Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.
• Dispute Resolution: The District Judge has been designated as the final authority in disputes pertaining to compensation.
• Digital Bharat Nidhi:  
• The Universal Service Obligation Fund has been established under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 to provide for telecom services in underserved areas.  
• The Act retains this provision, renames the fund as Digital Bharat Nidhi, and also allows its use for research and development in telecom.

Key Concerns 

• Definition of telecommunication services: The definition of ‘telecommunication services’ remains ambiguous under the Act; it remains unclear whether the Act seeks to regulate both traditional telecommunication operators as well as OTT telecommunication service providers.

• Interception of messages: 
• Crucially, Section 20 (2) of the Act allows the government to stop the transmission of any message in the interest of public safety and during a public emergency. This majorly expands the number of government entities that may be able to intercept messages.
• The same section allows the Centre or states to take temporary possession of any telecom service or network during a public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety.

• Violation of fundamental rights: 
• The act gives the power of surveillance, which may violate the fundamental right on the account of proportionality. 
• The requirement of biometric verification for users may not be proportionate and hence, may infringe upon the fundamental right to privacy.

• Regulator Powers: 
• The act vests several regulatory functions with the central government.  This is distinct from sectors such as power and finance, where these functions have been delegated to the regulators.
• The government may add, modify or remove offences in the Third Schedule to the Bill by a notification.  The question is whether such changes should only be through an Act of Parliament.

• Environmental Impact: The installation of telecom infrastructure in wildlife-rich areas has been given scant attention under the Act.

Conclusion 

The Telecommunications Act, 2023 is a much-awaited legislation to modernise the telecommunications industry in India. In order to achieve its objectives in letter and spirit, it is essential for concerns on government surveillance and interception to be given due attention.

Presidential Address to the Parliament

Why in news?

Recently, the President of India addressed both Houses of Parliament in the first session after the recent Lok Sabha polls. 

About 

• Article 87 of the constitution provides two instances when the President specially addresses both Houses of Parliament, namely;
• The President of India addresses both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha at the beginning of the first Session after each general election when the reconstituted lower house meets for the first time.
• The President also addresses both the houses at the beginning of the first session of each year.

• The President’s speech essentially highlights the government’s policy priorities and plans for the upcoming year. The address provides a broad framework of the government’s agenda and direction.

Other Legislative Powers of the President 

• The President of India  summons and prorogues the Houses of the Parliament. He also calls a joint session for both the houses of the Parliament.
• He has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha. 
• The President nominates twelve members to Rajya Sabha from amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.
• He can send messages to the Houses of Parliament, whether with respect to a bill pending in the Parliament or otherwise.
• He decides on questions as to disqualifications of members of the Parliament in consultation with the Election Commission of India.
• The prior recommendation of the President is required to introduce certain types of bills in the Parliament.  

China’s ‘Five Principles’ of Foreign Policy

Why in news?

China will hold commemorative events to mark the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

About

• It is a foreign policy concept that was first articulated in an agreement with India in 1954.
• China’s Five Principles is known as Panchsheel in India, which was a key aspect of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of the world and the relations between nations and neighbours.
• The word Panchsheel traces its origin to the Buddhist concept of Pañcaśīla, which describes the five moral vows of Buddhism: abstinence from murder, theft, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants.
• The Panchsheel Agreement, formally known as The Agreement on Trade and Intercourse with Tibet Region, was signed in April 1954.
• The preamble of the Panchsheel Treaty lay down five guiding principles: 1) Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty; 2) Mutual non-aggression; 3) Mutual non-interference; 4) Equality and mutual benefit; and 5) Peaceful co-existence.

• The agreement aimed to enhance trade and cooperation between the two countries, establishing each country’s trade centres in major cities of the other, and laid out a framework for trade. 
• The agreement also listed important religious pilgrimages, provisions for pilgrims, and acceptable routes and passes available to them.

International North-South Transport Corridor

Why in news?

Recently, Russia has sent two trains carrying coal to India through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) for the first time.

About INSTC

• The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200-km long multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road routes for moving freight between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.
• It was first mooted in 2000. The idea was to build a transport corridor linking Russia’s Baltic Sea coast to India’s western ports in the Arabian Sea via Iran.
• Russia, India and Iran signed preliminary agreements to develop the 7,200-km-long International North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC) in 2002.
• Three years later, Azerbaijan signed up for the project. This agreement was eventually ratified by 13 countries — India, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Tajikistan, Turkey and Ukraine.
• The primary objective of the NSTC project is to reduce costs in terms of time and money over the traditional route currently being used.
• It has the potential to enhance India’s connectivity with Central Asia and Eurasian Region and vice versa, taking into account the geo-strategic and economic importance of all the involved countries.

India & INSTC

• The INSTC is strategically crucial for India because the corridor route circumvents Pakistan and provides Delhi access to Central Asia.
• INSTC allows India to bypass chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea (Suez Canal route), making its trade more secure.
• The North-South Corridor is still under development and has not yet been fully operationalized.

Financial Action Task force

Why in news?

Recently, the Financial Action Task force(FATF) adopted a mutual evaluation report that examines India’s effectiveness in anti-money laundering, and countering terrorist financing.

More about the news

• The evaluation report of India, which was adopted in the FATF plenary held in Singapore between, places India in the 'regular follow-up' category, a distinction shared by only four other G20 countries.
• India has achieved “high level of technical compliance” with the requirement of global anti-money laundering watchdog FATF.
• India’s mutual evaluation of FATF guidelines, which checks a country’s efficacy in framing laws and policy and its implementation to keep financial crimes in check, was last done in 2010.
• India’s performance on the FATF Mutual Evaluation means significant advantages to the country's growing economy. It indicates a healthy overall stability and integrity of the financial system.
• Good ratings will lead to better access to global financial markets and institutions and increase investor confidence. It will also help in the global expansion of the UPI.
• However, FATF said, India needs to address delays relating to concluding money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF) prosecutions

About FATF

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1989 as the international watchdog to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
• The FATF researches how money is laundered and terrorism is funded, promotes global standards to mitigate the risks, and assesses whether countries are taking effective action.
• It has a 40-member body including the European Commission, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. India joined with ‘observer’ status in 2006 and became a full member of FATF in 2010.

Animal Checklist

Why in news?

Recently, India became the world's first country to prepare a list of its entire animal species.

More about the news

• The list was released by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate during the 109th foundation day of Zoological Survey of India in Kolkata.
• In a major milestone, India has managed to prepare a comprehensive list of animal species that exist in India. 
• With this, India has become the only country to make a checklist of entire national fauna. The list covers 1,04,561 species.
• The document comprises 121 checklists of all known taxa, covering 36 phyla. The list also includes endemic, threatened and scheduled species.
• Globally, there are 11,888 species of birds that are grouped into 36 orders and 247 families.
• The Union Environment ministry also released a Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) publication, ‘Animal Discoveries– 2023’ comprising 641 new animal species and new records from India and ‘Plant Discoveries- 2023’ of Botanical Survey of India (BSI) comprising 339 new plant species and new records published by scientists and researchers.

Santhal Rebellion Anniversary

Why in news?

June 30 marks the 169th anniversary of the Santhal Hul, one of the earliest peasant uprisings against the British.

About

• Santhal Hul of 1855 was a revolt against imperialism led by four brothers, Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu, along with sisters Phulo and Jhano.
• The Santhals also fought against the upper castes, zamindars, darogas, and moneylenders, described by the umbrella term ‘diku’, in an attempt to safeguard the economic, cultural, and religious aspects of their lives.
• In 1832, certain areas were delimited as ‘Santhal Pargana’ or ‘Damin-i-Koh’, which lies in present-day Jharkhand.
• While the Santhals were promised settlement and agriculture in Damin-i-Koh, what followed was the repressive practice of land-grabbing and begari (bonded labour) of two types: kamioti and harwahi.
• The Murmu brothers, who saw themselves as acting on the Santhal God Thakur Bonga’s divination, led around 60,000 Santhals against the East India Company and engaged in guerrilla warfare that continued for almost six months before being finally crushed on January 3, 1856. More than 15,000 Santhals were killed, and 10,000 villages were laid to waste.
• The British hanged Sidhu to death on August 9, 1855, followed by Kanhu in February 1856. The insurrection ended, but the impact it left was everlasting.
• The Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act of 1876 (SPT Act) enacted by the British, which prohibits the transfer of Adivasi lands (urban or rural land) to non-Adivasis, was the result of the Hul. 
• The land can only be inherited as per the Act, thus retaining the rights of Santhals to self-govern their land.