In News:

The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP), part of the National Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) programme, aims to address water scarcity in 23 districts of Rajasthan, potentially benefiting 3.45 crore people. However, it has raised serious concerns over its ecological impact, particularly on the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

About the PKC-ERCP Project:

Aspect                     Details

Objective                To channel surplus water from the Chambal basin for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh

Estimated Cost       ?72,000 crore (90% funded by the Central Government)

Water Allocation      4,100 MCM to Rajasthan and 3,000 MCM to Madhya Pradesh

Rivers Involved          Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, Banas, and tributaries

Major Structure        39 m high, 1.6 km long dam across the Banas River, a Chambal tributary, near Doongri village, ~30 km from Sawai Madhopur

Submergence and Environmental Concerns:

• Total Submergence: ~408.86 sq km in Rajasthan.
• Reservoir Impact: 227 sq km to be submerged under the proposed dam across Banas River.
• Impact on Tiger Reserve:
  • 37.03 sq km of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (total area: 1,133 sq km) to be submerged.
  • This includes parts of Ranthambore National Park (392 sq km) and Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary (674 sq km).
  • May fragment the reserve, disrupting wildlife corridors and tiger movement.
• Ranthambore’s Significance:
  • Home to ~57 tigers, it is one of India’s most prominent conservation areas.
  • Situated at the Aravalli-Vindhya junction, with rich biodiversity, including leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, and iconic flora like Dhok trees.
  • Encompasses the UNESCO-listed Ranthambore Fort and the Great Boundary Fault.

Arguments For the Project:

• Addresses chronic water scarcity in eastern Rajasthan.
• Promotes agricultural productivity, drinking water security, and industrial development.
• Aims to optimize water use by diverting surplus flows.

Arguments Against the Project:

• Biodiversity loss due to habitat submergence and reserve fragmentation.
• Risks to tiger conservation efforts.
• Potential violation of environmental safeguards under the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation norms.

Long-term ecological costs may outweigh short-term developmental gains.

In News:

Five years after the COVID pandemic, China is experiencing a surge in HMPV cases, particularly in children under 14 years of age

Key Highlights:

• What is HMPV?
  • A respiratory virus from the Pneumoviridae family, discovered in 2001.
  • Causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, similar to the common cold or flu.
• Origin and Discovery:
  • Identified in the Netherlands in 2001 through genomic sequencing of respiratory samples.
• Risk Groups:
  • Children under 5 years, especially infants.
  • Elderly individuals (65+).
  • Immunocompromised persons and those with chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma).
• Symptoms:
  • Common: Cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat.
  • Severe: Wheezing, shortness of breath, potentially leading to bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Incubation Period: 3-6 days.
• Transmission:
  • Spread via droplets from coughing or sneezing.
  • Close contact (e.g., handshakes, hugs).
  • Contaminated surfaces, touching face after contact.
• Treatment:
  • No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available.
  • Symptom management: hydration, rest, OTC medications for fever and congestion.
  • Severe cases may require hospitalization (oxygen therapy, IV fluids).
• Diagnosis:
  • NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests): Detect viral genetic material.
  • Antigen-based immunoassays: For severe cases or outbreaks.
• Complications:
  • Can lead to bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, or COPD flare-ups.
  • Risk of ear infections (otitis media) in some cases.
• Prevention:
  • Hygiene: Regular handwashing, covering coughs/sneezes, maintaining personal hygiene.
  • Physical Distancing: Avoid close contact, wear masks in crowded settings.
  • Caution for Vulnerable Groups: Extra care for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.

Global Situation:

• China: Experiencing a rise in HMPV cases, particularly among children under 14 years.
• India: No reported cases yet, but monitoring the situation closely.

Key Facts:

• HMPV is a winter virus commonly seen in colder months (winter and early spring).
• Estimated 10%-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV.
• The virus is part of the Pneumoviridae family, alongside respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles, and mumps.

No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV; antibiotics are ineffective.

In News:

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has deployed the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform to enhance transparency in government spending and improve accountability in the delivery of government schemes.
• The toolkit is being used for designing, collecting, and managing data relevant to audits.

Key Highlights:

Objective:

• Enhance transparency in public spending.
• Improve accountability in government schemes and projects.
• Collect real-time beneficiary feedback to aid audit planning and identify areas needing additional review.

Key Features:

• End-to-end encryption: Ensures secure data management.
• Integration with CAG’s Operating System (OIOS): Facilitates seamless analysis and management of data.
• Multi-language support: Allows for surveys in multiple languages, making it more accessible to diverse beneficiaries.
• User-friendly interface: Simplifies the design and management of data collection processes for auditors.

Usage and Applications:

• Beneficiary surveys are a key tool for gathering data, helping CAG identify problem areas in government schemes.
• The ODK toolkit was recently deployed in audits of AIIMS institutions in Mangalagiri (Guntur) and Bibinagar (Hyderabad) to assess patient satisfaction and gather evidence for performance reviews.

Working Process:

• Surveys are designed on the ODK platform and deployed to beneficiaries.
• Data is collected in real-time and analyzed using the OIOS system to generate actionable insights for audits.
• Beneficiary feedback is used to evaluate scheme delivery and improve efficiency.

Significance:

• Facilitates data-driven decision-making in audits, ensuring that audits are more transparent and evidence-based.
• Improves the citizen-centric evaluation of government schemes by gathering direct feedback from beneficiaries.
• Enhances the performance review of key institutions like AIIMS, contributing to better service delivery.

• The introduction of the ODK toolkit is part of the CAG’s efforts to use digital tools for better governance and accountability in the public sector. This also aligns with the growing trend of using technology for governance and auditing.

In News:

In the weeks leading up to his return as US President, Donald Trump’s supporters are embroiled in a public dispute over skilled immigration and H-1B visas.

What is the H-1B Visa Program?

• Purpose and Overview:
  • The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and IT, which require at least a bachelor’s degree.
  • Introduced in 1990 to help U.S. employers fill positions when there’s a shortage of qualified domestic workers.
  • It allows workers to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of six years, with the option to apply for permanent residence (Green Card) or leave for 12 months before reapplying.
• Annual Cap and Exemptions:
  • 65,000 new visas are issued annually, with an additional 20,000 for those with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. university.
  • Certain petitions, such as for continuing employment or positions in higher education or nonprofit research, are exempt from the cap.
• Dominance of Indian Beneficiaries:
  • Indians are the largest beneficiaries, accounting for over 70% of H-1B visa approvals annually since 2015, with China coming second at around 12-13%.

The Current Controversy

• Trigger for Debate:
  • The controversy was sparked by Sriram Krishnan, a Chennai-born tech entrepreneur appointed as Donald Trump’s top AI adviser. His post on X (formerly Twitter) in November 2024, advocating for unlocking skilled immigration, led to backlash within Trump’s anti-immigration base.
• The Political Divide:
  • Trump’s supporters, particularly from the MAGA (Make America Great Again) faction, voiced opposition to the H-1B visa program, arguing it undermines American workers and wages.
  • This prompted pushback from pro-H-1B advocates like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who argue that the program is crucial for addressing the U.S.'s STEM talent shortages.
• Economic and Political Context:
  • Immigration is a polarizing issue in the U.S., with a focus on low-skilled labor migration and its alleged effects on wages and job opportunities for American workers.
  • Trump’s stance against low-skilled immigration echoes similar critiques about H-1B workers being employed at lower salaries in tech companies, which some claim depresses wages and reduces job opportunities for U.S. workers.

Criticisms of the H-1B Program

• Abuse of the System:
  • Critics argue that companies exploit the H-1B program by hiring foreign workers, especially from India, at lower wages than American employees, particularly in tech industries.
  • Elon Musk suggests that the program is “broken” and needs reform, proposing raising the minimum salary for H-1B workers to make it more expensive to hire overseas talent.
• Salary Disparities:
  • Data from USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) shows that 70% of H-1B petitions for Indian professionals in 2023 were for salaries below $100,000, while the median salary for U.S. IT professionals was $104,420.
• Impact on American Jobs:
  • Critics argue that companies prefer to hire foreign workers at lower wages to save costs, despite the availability of qualified U.S. talent, thus taking away opportunities for American workers.

Support for the H-1B Program

• Filling the STEM Gap:
  • Proponents, including Musk and Ramaswamy, argue that the H-1B visa is essential for filling the STEM skills gap in the U.S., given the global dominance of India and China in STEM fields.
    • India and China lead the world in STEM graduates, with 2.55 million and 3.57 million, respectively, compared to the U.S. with 820,000.
• Economic Benefits:
  • The H-1B program helps U.S. companies access top global talent, boosting innovation and economic growth, especially in high-tech industries.
  • Tech companies argue that without access to skilled foreign workers, they would struggle to fill critical positions in the technology sector.

In News:

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) completes two years of remarkable success, driving mutual growth and showcasing the complementarity of both economies.

Key Achievements:

• Bilateral Merchandise Trade Surge:
  • Trade increased from USD 12.2 billion (2020-21) to USD 26 billion (2022-23).
  • Trade moderated slightly in 2023-24 to USD 24 billion, but exports from India to Australia grew by 14%.
  • From April-November 2024, bilateral trade reached USD 16.3 billion.
• Preferential Import Utilization:
  • Export utilization: 79%
  • Import utilization: 84%
• Sectoral Growth:
  • Textiles, chemicals, and agriculture sectors have seen significant growth.
  • New export products: Gold studded with diamonds, turbojets.
  • India’s imports: Metalliferous ores, cotton, wood products that fuel Indian industries.
• Geopolitical Strengthening:
  • Enhanced relations in forums like Quad, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).

Key Features of the Agreement:

• Tariff Reductions:
  • Australian goods: 85% tariff-free access to India (rising to 90% by 2026).
  • Indian goods: 96% tariff-free access to Australia (rising to 100% by 2026).
• Access to Key Markets:
  • India: Access to Australia's fast-growing market.
  • Australia: Access to India's labor-intensive sectors like gems, jewelry, textiles, leather, furniture, food, agriculture.
• Services and IT:
  • 135 sub-sectors covered in services.
  • India gains market access in 103 sub-sectors with Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status in 31.
  • Fast-tracked approval of medicines and elimination of double taxation for India's IT sector.
• Job Creation & Skill Exchange:
  • Expected creation of 1 million jobs in India.
  • Opportunities for Indian yoga teachers, chefs, and 100,000 students with post-study work visas.

Future Prospects:

• Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): Builds on ECTA to advance bilateral trade, with 10 formal rounds and ongoing inter-sessional discussions.
• Trade Target: Aim to reach AUD 100 billion in trade by 2030.
• Global Economic Impact: Strengthening the partnership will contribute to a more resilient and dynamic global economy, with deeper economic integration between India and Australia.

In News:

The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) received Rs 912 crore in contributions during the financial year 2022-23 as donations continued to pour in even after the Covid pandemic.

Key Highlights:

Contributions Received:

• Total contributions in 2022-23: Rs 912 crore.
  • Voluntary contributions: Rs 909.64 crore.
  • Foreign contributions: Rs 2.57 crore.

Interest Income:

• Total interest income for 2022-23: Rs 170.38 crore.
  • From regular accounts: Rs 154 crore.
  • From foreign contributions account: Rs 16.07 crore.

Refunds and Additional Inflows:

• Rs 225 crore in refunds, including:
  • Rs 202 crore refund from procurement of 50,000 ventilators for government hospitals.

Disbursements:

• Total disbursed in 2022-23: Rs 439 crore:
  • Rs 346 crore for PM CARES for Children.
  • Rs 91.87 crore for procurement of 99,986 oxygen concentrators.
  • Rs 1.51 crore for refunds.
  • Rs 24,000 for legal charges, and Rs 278 for bank and SMS charges.

Cumulative Contributions (2019-23):

• Rs 13,605 crore received from 2019-20 to 2022-23.
  • Voluntary contributions: Rs 13,067 crore.
  • Foreign contributions: Rs 538 crore.
• Interest income over these years: Rs 565 crore.

About PM CARES Fund:

Formation and Purpose:

• Established: March 27, 2020, as a Public Charitable Trust under the Registration Act, 1908.
• Purpose: To address emergencies like COVID-19, natural disasters, and man-made calamities. It also supports healthcare infrastructure and essential facilities.

Governance and Structure:

• Chairperson: The Prime Minister (ex-officio).
• Trustees: Defence, Home, and Finance Ministers (ex-officio).
• Additional Trustees: Appointed by the PM, serving on a non-profit basis (e.g., Justice K T Thomas (retd.) and Kariya Munda).

Tax Exemptions:

• Donations are eligible for 100% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Donations qualify as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure under the Companies Act, 2013.
• The fund is exempt under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), allowing it to receive foreign donations.

In News:

• On January 19, 2024, the UN Security Council approved a new African Union (AU) force in Somalia to counter the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
• The resolution was supported by 14 of 15 members, with the US abstaining due to concerns about funding.
• The new force will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) after its mandate ends on December 31, 2024.

New Mission - AUSSOM:

• The new mission is named African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
• AUSSOM will continue supporting Somali forces in stabilizing the nation and combating terrorism.
• The mission's objective is to enhance security and stability in Somalia, addressing the challenges posed by Al-Shabaab and ISIL.

Mandate and Operations:

• AUSSOM allows for the deployment of up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, until June 2025.
• The force will focus on counterterrorism, maintaining security, and assisting the Somali government in stabilizing the country.

Financing:

• A hybrid funding approach will be used:
  • 75% of the mission’s costs will be covered by the UN, and 25% will come from African Union and partner countries.
• The US raised concerns about the UN's disproportionate funding of the mission, which led to its abstention from voting.

Contributing Countries:

• Egypt has announced its participation in the new force.
• Burundi and Ethiopia will not be contributing troops to AUSSOM.
• Ethiopia has its own ongoing disputes with Somalia, particularly regarding its maritime deal with the breakaway Somaliland region.

Background on Somalia's Challenges:

• Somalia has faced decades of civil war, an insurgency by Al-Shabaab, and recurring climate disasters.
• The country is one of the poorest in the world, and its internal conflicts are exacerbated by clannism, which has fragmented its political and social structure.

Historical Context of Peace Missions in Somalia:

• Previous UN peacekeeping missions in Somalia (1992-1995) faced significant failures, notably the Battle of Mogadishu and the failure to prevent the 1993 massacre.
• The rise of Al-Shabaab in the mid-2000s has further escalated the conflict, and the mission of AUSSOM aims to address these continuing threats.

The Role of Clannism:

• Clannism has hindered the establishment of a unified government in Somalia, with clan rivalries leading to a lack of national cohesion.
  • Clannism refers to the prevalence of clan-centric politics, where allegiance to clan and sub-clan interests often takes precedence over national cohesion. In Somalia, the major clans are Darod, Hawiye, Dir, and Rahanweyn.

Importance of AUSSOM:

• AUSSOM represents a strategic shift in the international approach to stabilizing Somalia, relying more on African-led initiatives for peace and security in the region.

Global Peacekeeping Operations:

• The UN peacekeeping mission has been active globally, with over 1 million personnel deployed across 70+ operations.
• Success stories like Sierra Leone (1999-2005) and Liberia (2003-2018) demonstrate the potential impact of well-executed peace missions, but past failures like in Somalia (1992-1995) and Rwanda (1994) underline the challenges faced.

India’s Contribution:

• India has contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping missions, deploying over 253,000 personnel in 49 operations since 1948.
• India’s contributions to missions in Somalia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Sudan reflect its active role in global peacekeeping efforts.

In News:

The ‘no-detention’ policy was a significant part of India’s education reforms under the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009. This policy aimed to prevent the detention or expulsion of students until the completion of elementary education (Classes 1-8), with a focus on reducing dropout rates and ensuring every child receives at least basic education. However, the policy has been contentious, with arguments both for and against its implementation.

What was the ‘No-Detention’ Policy and Why Was It Introduced?

The RTE Act (2009) made education free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 14, under Article 21A of the Constitution. Section 16 of the Act specifically prohibited the detention or expulsion of students in elementary education (Classes 1-8). The rationale was to prevent the demotivation and fear of failure that might cause children to drop out of school, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. By promoting automatic progression through grades, the policy aimed to ensure that no child was left behind due to academic struggles.

Key to this system was Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE), which assessed students on a holistic basis, beyond just formal exams, encouraging learning through regular feedback and assessments.

Amendments to the RTE Act (2017 and 2019)

In 2017, a Bill was introduced to amend the RTE Act, following concerns about the effectiveness of the ‘no-detention’ policy. The amended policy allowed for regular exams in Classes 5 and 8. If students failed, they would be given a re-examination within two months. If they still did not meet promotion criteria, detention could be enforced. This amendment empowered the Centre and states to decide whether to detain students in these grades.

The amendment came after criticism of the original policy for promoting students without sufficient learning progress. States like Madhya Pradesh and Punjab argued that no-detention was leading to poor academic performance, and called for a return to the traditional system of promoting students based on examination results.

Arguments for and Against the No-Detention Policy

Arguments for No-Detention:

• Reduced Dropout Rates: The policy helped ensure students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, continued in school without the fear of failure, leading to a drop in dropout rates.
• Holistic Development: It encouraged a child-centric learning approach where students were assessed on their overall development rather than just exam performance.
• Social Inclusivity: By promoting students regardless of performance, it was hoped that education would be more inclusive, preventing marginalization of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Arguments Against No-Detention:

• Decline in Learning Outcomes: The policy led to a lack of motivation for students to perform academically. Without the accountability of exams, many students became less serious about their studies.
• Low Teacher Accountability: With automatic promotion, teachers had less incentive to ensure quality learning, leading to an overall dip in teaching standards.
• Impact on Educational Standards: Data indicated a decline in learning levels in government schools, as students were passed through the system without mastering the required skills.

In 2015, the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) conducted a study suggesting that more flexibility was needed in the policy, allowing schools to retain students who were significantly behind. However, there were differing views within the committee. Some members argued that detention had no proven benefits, and that the real issue was the poor quality of the education system itself.

In 2016, the TSR Subramanian Committee on the New Education Policy suggested continuing the no-detention policy until Class 5, citing evidence of reduced dropout rates and increased enrollment. However, other states pushed for scrapping it due to concerns over declining educational standards.

The Shift Toward Scrapping the No-Detention Policy

By 2019, the RTE Act was amended to give states the discretion to hold back students in Classes 5 and 8, if they failed to meet the promotion criteria. This change came after state feedback that the no-detention policy was having adverse effects on learning outcomes and teacher accountability.

In 2024, the Ministry of Education took further steps to formalize this shift by introducing new rules under the RTE Act Amendment. Students failing to meet the promotion criteria in Classes 5 and 8 will be given additional instruction and an opportunity for a re-examination. If they still fail, they can be detained, with specialized guidance provided to help them catch up.

Which States Continue or Scrapped the No-Detention Policy?

The decision to maintain or scrap the policy varies across states and union territories:

• States Retaining No-Detention Policy: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, among others, continue to implement the no-detention policy, citing its role in minimizing dropouts and promoting inclusivity.
• States That Have Scrapped the Policy: Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Gujarat have already discarded the policy, opting for examinations and re-examinations in Classes 5 and 8 to ensure better academic accountability.

Why the Controversy?

The debate over the no-detention policy hinges on balancing academic accountability with social inclusivity. Supporters argue that it ensures children from marginalized communities receive their full elementary education, while opponents point to the decline in learning standards, especially in government schools, as a major issue.

In summary, while the no-detention policy was introduced with the noble aim of reducing school dropouts and ensuring every child completed at least elementary education, its effectiveness has been questioned due to concerns over declining learning outcomes. The recent changes represent a shift towards better accountability and quality in education, while still ensuring that children receive additional support before being detained.

Overview:

The 72nd Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC), concluded in Agartala, Tripura, marking the second time the city hosted this significant event since 2008. The plenary featured a series of high-level discussions focused on accelerating development and addressing the socio-economic challenges of the North Eastern Region (NER), which includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

Key Highlights:

• Pre-Plenary Technical Sessions: Central ministries presented their developmental agendas for the NER, charting a path forward for the region's growth and addressing key challenges.
• Main Plenary:
  • Presiding Officers: The session was chaired by the Union Home Minister and NEC Chairman, Shri Amit Shah, along with DoNER Minister, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and Minister of State, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar.
  • Participants: Governors, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries, Planning Secretaries, and high-ranking officials from all eight northeastern states will engage in strategic discussions to foster regional development.
• Agartala as Host:
  • Agartala's selection as the venue signifies the evolving role of the city in regional development, as plenary sessions are usually held in Shillong and Guwahati.
• Significance of the NEC:
  • The North Eastern Council (NEC), established in 1971, plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the region. It was initially an advisory body but has evolved into a regional planning agency with a larger mandate.
  • The NEC has contributed significantly to the development of critical infrastructure in the region, such as over 11,500 kilometers of roads, power generation through NEEPCO, and educational institutions like RIMS.
• Prime Minister's Vision for the NER:
  • The Prime Minister’s vision for the region revolves around recognizing it as 'Ashta Lakshmi'—symbolizing immense potential and cultural richness. The NEC is central to realizing this vision through initiatives like the PM-DevINE scheme.

Key Achievements of the NEC:

• Over 11,500 kilometers of road construction, improving regional connectivity.
• Increased power generation capacity via projects managed by NEEPCO.
• Established institutions like the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and others that cater to regional educational and technical needs.

Recent Focus and Shift in Governance:

• In the 72nd Plenary, the Union Home Minister highlighted a shift in the focus of police forces in northeastern states, urging them to focus not just on insurgency control but on ensuring the constitutional rights of citizens, reflecting a new governance phase in the region.

In News:

Recently, the European Union (EU) cleared Bulgaria and Romania for full membership in the Schengen Zone, effective January 1, 2025. This marks the end of a 13-year wait for these Eastern European nations, which joined the EU in 2007.

Key Highlights:

• Schengen Integration: Until now, Bulgaria and Romania were partially integrated into the Schengen Zone, with air and sea travel without border checks since March 2024. However, land border controls were still in place due to Austria's objections, mainly due to concerns over migration and border security.
• Austria's Shift: Austria had blocked full entry for years but finally lifted its veto on December 9, 2024, after a border protection package was agreed upon. This package includes joint border guard deployment at the Bulgarian-Turkish border and temporary land border controls for six months.

Schengen Zone Details:

• What is the Schengen Zone?
  • Created by the Schengen Agreement (1985) and the Schengen Convention (1990), it is the world’s largest area without internal border controls, allowing free movement across most EU countries and some non-EU countries. It currently includes 29 countries (25 EU states and 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
• Key Features:
  • Free Movement: Over 425 million people can travel freely within the zone without border checks.
  • Uniform Visa Policy: Short-term stays of up to 90 days are allowed for tourists and business travelers from outside the Schengen Area.
  • Cross-Border Cooperation: The Schengen Information System (SIS) facilitates security and border management by sharing critical data between countries.
  • Temporary Border Controls: Countries can temporarily reintroduce border controls for security reasons, after notifying other member states and the European Commission.

Bulgaria and Romania

• Bulgaria:
  • Capital: Sofia
  • Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by the Black Sea, Romania, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
  • Political System: Parliamentary Republic
• Romania:
  • Capital: Bucharest
  • Location: Bounded by Ukraine, Moldova, Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary.
  • Political System: Semi-Presidential Republic

Implications of Full Schengen Membership:

• Security and Unity: Romania and Bulgaria's full integration into the Schengen Zone is seen as a boost to both EU security and unity. It solidifies the EU's commitment to free movement while enhancing border security across Europe.
• Impact on Migration: With Bulgaria and Romania’s full membership, the EU’s border management system will be more integrated, helping to address ongoing migration challenges.

In News:

India, France and UAE recently kicked off a major air combat exercise called “Desert Knight” over the Arabian Sea, strengthening trilateral defence cooperation and enhancing military interoperability amid the ongoing geopolitical churn.

Key Highlights:

• What It Is: A trilateral air combat exercise aimed at improving military interoperability and enhancing combat readiness among the participating nations.
• Nations Involved: India, France, and the UAE.
• Location: Conducted over the Arabian Sea, approximately 350-400 km southwest of Karachi.
• Aim of the Exercise:
  • To strengthen trilateral defence cooperation among the three nations.
  • To enhance combat skills and military interoperability of the air forces involved.
• Details of the Exercise:
  • Duration: The exercise lasts for three days.
  • The exercise involves large force engagement and intensive combat maneuvers in a realistic operational environment.
• Aircraft Involved:
  • India: Deployed Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguars, IL-78 mid-air refuellers, and AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft from bases like Jamnagar.
  • France: Deployed Rafale jets and other aircraft from Al Dhafra airbase.
  • UAE: Deployed F-16 jets and other aircraft from Al Dhafra airbase.

Strategic Significance:

• The exercise is part of India’s efforts to build military interoperability with nations in the Persian Gulf region and strengthen defence ties with France and the UAE.
• Enhances combat readiness and strengthens cooperation against both traditional and non-traditional threats.
• Reflects the geopolitical shift and growing military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the context of China’s expansionist activities.
• Trilateral Framework: India, France, and the UAE launched a trilateral framework in 2022, focusing on areas like defence, technology, energy, and environment.
• Previous Exercises: In addition to Desert Knight, the countries also conducted their first trilateral maritime exercise in June 2023 to enhance cooperation in maritime security.

Broader Defence Relations:

• India-France: Long-standing strategic partnership with regular joint exercises like Shakti (army), Varuna (navy), and Garuda (air force).
• India-UAE: The defence relationship has grown significantly in recent years, with regular professional exchanges, combat exercises, and staff talks. India participates in the Desert Flag exercise at Al Dhafra airbase annually.