- POVERTY RATE IN PALESTINE TERRITORIES SET TO DOUBLE : UN
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Significant Increase:TheUN Development Programme (UNDP) projects that the poverty rate in the Palestinian territories will reach 74.3% in 2024, nearly double the 38.8% rate at the end of 2023.
- Cause:The primary driver is the recent conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure and loss of livelihoods. An additional 2.61 million Palestinians have fallen into poverty, bringing the total to 4.1 million.
- Economic Impact: Projected unemployment rate of 49.9%. ○ Estimated GDP reduction of 35.1% compared to pre-conflict projections.
- Long-Term Recovery:The UNDP estimates that even with consistent humanitarian aid, the Palestinian economy will require a decade or more to recover to pre-conflict levels. Recovery necessitates rebuilding infrastructure and addressing restrictive economic conditions.
- Environmental Concerns:The conflict has generated 42 million tonnes of rubble in Gaza, posing significant health risks, particularly due to the release of heavy metals from destroyed solar panels.
2. AIR QUALITY IN DELHI REMAINS VERY POOR GOVERNMENT INITIATES ACTION
SUBJECT: ENVIRONEMENT
- Stubble Burning and Air Quality in Delhi-NCR
- Stubble Burning Arrests:16 farmers have been arrested in Kaithal, Haryana, for stubble burning. 22 FIRs have been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
- Haryana’s Incentive Program:The Haryana government is offering ₹1,000 per acre to farmers who adopt ex-situ crop residue management methods like baling. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted.
- Delhi’s Air Quality:Delhi’s air quality remains in the “very poor” category, with an AQI of 327. This is expected to persist until Friday.
- GRAP Stage 2 Measures:Delhi has implemented Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Measures include:
- Increased water sprinkling on roads.
- Deployment of additional municipal workers for road cleaning.
- Use of dust suppressant powder.
- Increased parking charges to discourage private vehicle use.
- Increased frequency of metro and bus services.
- Request to neighboring states to restrict entry of diesel buses into Delhi.
3. INDIA’S FOURTH NUCLEAR SUBMARINE LAUNCHED WITH ADVANCED ARMS
SUBJECT :DEFENCE
- Launch:India’s fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), designatedS4*, was launched at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam on October 16th.
- Capabilities:S4* is larger and more advanced than the first SSBN, INS Arihant (S2), and boasts significant indigenous components, marking a step forward in India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
- Current SSBN Fleet: INS Arihant (S2): Operational since 2016, armed with 750km range K-15 SLBMs.
- INS Arighat (S3): Commissioned in August 2024.
- INS Aridhman (S4): Currently in sea trials, expected to be commissioned in 2025.
- S4Armament:*The new submarine will carry the more advanced K-4 SLBM with a range of 3,500 km, significantly enhancing India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
- The K-4 allows for strikes from Indian waters while submerged.
- A 5,000 km range SLBM is also under development.
- While not directly addressing the S4* launch, the Vice Chief of the Navy acknowledged the success of the SSBN program and hinted at future additions to the fleet.
4. THE WORLD NEEDS BLUE HELMETS WHO ACTS AS BLUE HELMETS
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- In 2022, over 100 million people were forcibly displaced due to conflict and violence, highlighting the critical role of the United Nations (UN) in enforcing peace and protecting civilians. The UN’s primary role is to maintain international peace and security, yet challenges persist, as seen in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
- Structural Changes for Effectiveness: Permanent Membership Review:Reforming the UN Security Council to include more diverse representation could enhance decision making and legitimacy.
- Improved Coordination with Regional Organizations:Strengthening partnerships with entities like the African Union or the European Union can lead to more localized and effective responses.
- Steps by Member States and UN Officials: Strong Public Advocacy:UN officials should consistently advocate for peace, using platforms to highlight civilian suffering and the need for conflict resolution.
- Decisive Action by Member States:Countries should work together to build international consensus and pressure conflicting parties towards peace.
- Enhanced Diplomatic Efforts:Member states can increase diplomatic engagements to mediate and resolve conflicts.
- Support for Sanctions and Resolutions:Member states should back UN sanctions and resolutions that aim to protect civilians and deter aggressors.
- Promotion of Human Rights:Emphasizing human rights in international forums can help create a culture of accountability.
- Measures by UN Peacekeeping Missions: Intelligence Gathering:Improved intelligence capabilities can help peacekeepers anticipate and respond to threats against civilians.
- Humanitarian Assistance Coordination:Ensuring effective delivery of aid by coordinating with NGOs and local agencies can alleviate civilian suffering.
- Community Engagement:Building trust with local communities can enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.
- Use of Technology:Employing advanced technology for surveillance and communication can improve operational efficiency.
5. MODI MEETS PUTIN, OFFERS ALL HELP TO END CONFLICT
SUBJECT : BILATERAL
- Offer of Assistance for Peace:Modi reiterated India’s stance on resolving the Ukraine conflict through peaceful meansand offered “all possible assistance” to end the crisis. This reinforces India’s consistent message of dialogue and diplomacy.
- Discussion on Indian Nationals:The issue of Indian nationals involved in the conflict was raised, with a focus on securing their early release. This demonstrates India’s concern for its citizens caught in the crossfire.
- Bilateral Cooperation:The upcoming Inter-Governmental Commission meeting and the opening of new Indian consulates in Russia signify ongoing cooperation despite geopolitical tensions.
- BRICS Summit in Kazan: Expanded BRICS:The summit marks the first gathering of the expanded BRICS group, including new members Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. This reflects the evolving dynamics of global power and alliances.
- Russia’s Role:Hosting the summit amidst the Ukraine conflict underscores Russia’s efforts to maintain its international standing and influence within BRICS.
- Geopolitical Context:The summit takes place against a backdrop of multiple global crises, including the conflict in Gaza, highlighting the complex challenges facing the international community.
- Modi’s Meeting with Iranian President: Regional Concerns:Modi expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia and emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy. This reflects India’s continued focus on regional stability.
- Bilateral Ties:Discussions on Chabahar port and the North-South Transport Corridor underscore the importance of these projects for India-Iran relations and regional connectivity
