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✅Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, has been waging a war against the Somali government for the past 17 years.
✅Al-Shabaab has a history of high-casualty attacks, including the double car bombing in Mogadishu in October 2017 which killed 358 people.
✅Somalia's history includes authoritarianism, clan war, famine, piracy, and corruption, all contributing to the nation's instability.
✅Al-Shabaab emerged from AIAI, a militant group funded by al-Qaeda, with roots in the 1990s. It capitalized on Somalia's famine and seized Mogadishu in 2006.
✅The Ethiopian intervention in 2006 to drive al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu is perceived as a foreign invasion, bolstering al-Shabaab's support.
✅Al-Shabaab remains active in rural areas and generates revenue through illicit charcoal trade. It has been responsible for the deaths of 4,000 people between 2010 and 2020.
✅Despite efforts to contain al-Shabaab, it remains Africa’s biggest terror threat and continues to inflict psychological damage on Somalia's population.
✅Al-Shabaab has a history of high-casualty attacks, including the double car bombing in Mogadishu in October 2017 which killed 358 people.
✅Somalia's history includes authoritarianism, clan war, famine, piracy, and corruption, all contributing to the nation's instability.
✅Al-Shabaab emerged from AIAI, a militant group funded by al-Qaeda, with roots in the 1990s. It capitalized on Somalia's famine and seized Mogadishu in 2006.
✅The Ethiopian intervention in 2006 to drive al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu is perceived as a foreign invasion, bolstering al-Shabaab's support.
✅Al-Shabaab remains active in rural areas and generates revenue through illicit charcoal trade. It has been responsible for the deaths of 4,000 people between 2010 and 2020.
✅Despite efforts to contain al-Shabaab, it remains Africa’s biggest terror threat and continues to inflict psychological damage on Somalia's population.
✅India remains a beacon of democratic hope in the Global South despite global pessimism towards liberal democracies and anti-democratic forces in South Asia. The Indian democratic experiment that began 78 years ago continues to sustain.
✅India's neighbours such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are facing political and economic crises. India's constitutional setup has stood strong amidst these challenges, showcasing a diverse society with significant social and cultural asymmetry.
✅India has succeeded in establishing substantive democracy compared to its neighbours, imbibing the democratic spirit of its constitutional order beyond mere procedural democracy.
✅The nation should move towards the goals of modern aspirational India, renewing the social contract, promoting transparency, peace, and inclusion. Issue-based politics should replace the hyper focus on electoral politics.
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✅India's neighbours such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are facing political and economic crises. India's constitutional setup has stood strong amidst these challenges, showcasing a diverse society with significant social and cultural asymmetry.
✅India has succeeded in establishing substantive democracy compared to its neighbours, imbibing the democratic spirit of its constitutional order beyond mere procedural democracy.
✅The nation should move towards the goals of modern aspirational India, renewing the social contract, promoting transparency, peace, and inclusion. Issue-based politics should replace the hyper focus on electoral politics.
#gs2
#prelims
@upsc_prep_squad
🔆Australia, U.S., U.K. sign nuclear transfer deal for AUKUS submarines
📍Why in news?
✅Australia has signed a deal with the United States and Britain to exchange nuclear secrets and materials, advancing its plan to equip its navy with nuclear-powered submarines as part of the 2021 AUKUS security accord.
✅This agreement binds the three countries to secure arrangements for transferring sensitive nuclear material and know-how.
📍Key highlights of the deal
✅The United States intends to sell Australia three US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, in the early 2030s, with an option for Australia to buy two more if needed.
✅The multi-stage project would culminate with British and Australian production and operation of a new submarine class – SSN-AUKUS.
✅SSN-AUKUS will be a trilaterally developed vessel based on Britain’s next-generation design.
✅It would be built in Britain and Australia and include cutting edge U.S. technologies.
✅US has only shared nuclear submarine technology once before in 1958 with Great Britain.
📍Significance
✅Australia has never had nuclear-powered submarines.
✅Hence, this step will give Australia naval heft in the Pacific, where China has been particularly aggressive.
✅Critics, on the other hand, claim that this deal would antagonise Beijing which will not be good for Australia.
✅Australia is now set to join an elite group of only six countries – India, US, UK, France, Russia and China – that operate nuclear-powered submarines.
✅It will also be the only country to have such submarines without having a civilian nuclear power industry.
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📍Why in news?
✅Australia has signed a deal with the United States and Britain to exchange nuclear secrets and materials, advancing its plan to equip its navy with nuclear-powered submarines as part of the 2021 AUKUS security accord.
✅This agreement binds the three countries to secure arrangements for transferring sensitive nuclear material and know-how.
📍Key highlights of the deal
✅The United States intends to sell Australia three US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, in the early 2030s, with an option for Australia to buy two more if needed.
✅The multi-stage project would culminate with British and Australian production and operation of a new submarine class – SSN-AUKUS.
✅SSN-AUKUS will be a trilaterally developed vessel based on Britain’s next-generation design.
✅It would be built in Britain and Australia and include cutting edge U.S. technologies.
✅US has only shared nuclear submarine technology once before in 1958 with Great Britain.
📍Significance
✅Australia has never had nuclear-powered submarines.
✅Hence, this step will give Australia naval heft in the Pacific, where China has been particularly aggressive.
✅Critics, on the other hand, claim that this deal would antagonise Beijing which will not be good for Australia.
✅Australia is now set to join an elite group of only six countries – India, US, UK, France, Russia and China – that operate nuclear-powered submarines.
✅It will also be the only country to have such submarines without having a civilian nuclear power industry.
#gs2
#ir
#prelims
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_prep_squad
🔆RISE Accelerator:
✅The Atal Innovation Mission - in partnership with CSIRO, Australia - is inviting applications from start-ups and MSMEs from India and Australia for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of India Australia.
📍RISE Accelerator:
✅The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator is a bilateral program led by CSIRO and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog.
✅It addresses India and Australia’s shared challenges with a focus on environment and climate issues by supporting the expansion of innovative agritech solutions across borders.
✅It was launched in 2023 - has been instrumental in supporting start-ups and MSMEs in validating, adapting, and piloting their technologies for new markets.
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Join @PIB_UPSC
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✅The Atal Innovation Mission - in partnership with CSIRO, Australia - is inviting applications from start-ups and MSMEs from India and Australia for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of India Australia.
📍RISE Accelerator:
✅The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator is a bilateral program led by CSIRO and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog.
✅It addresses India and Australia’s shared challenges with a focus on environment and climate issues by supporting the expansion of innovative agritech solutions across borders.
✅It was launched in 2023 - has been instrumental in supporting start-ups and MSMEs in validating, adapting, and piloting their technologies for new markets.
#gs2
#ir
Join @PIB_UPSC
@upsc_4_ir
🔆Protecting Indian capital in Bangladesh
✅The political crisis in Bangladesh, resulting from the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has created uncertainty for Indian companies operating there in sectors like edible oil, power, infrastructure, FMCG, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals
✅With Ms. Hasina's regime no longer in power, the new Bangladeshi government might adopt a hostile attitude towards Indian companies, potentially changing laws or introducing new regulations that could adversely impact Indian investments.
✅The India-Bangladesh BIT, signed in 2009, provides broad investment protections, but the Joint Interpretative Notes (JIN) adopted in 2017 have diluted some of these protections, especially regarding taxation measures and fair and equitable treatment (FET)
✅India, being one of the top 20 capital-exporting countries, needs to evolve its investment treaty practices to protect outbound investments better, considering both its role as a host and home state.
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✅The political crisis in Bangladesh, resulting from the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has created uncertainty for Indian companies operating there in sectors like edible oil, power, infrastructure, FMCG, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals
✅With Ms. Hasina's regime no longer in power, the new Bangladeshi government might adopt a hostile attitude towards Indian companies, potentially changing laws or introducing new regulations that could adversely impact Indian investments.
✅The India-Bangladesh BIT, signed in 2009, provides broad investment protections, but the Joint Interpretative Notes (JIN) adopted in 2017 have diluted some of these protections, especially regarding taxation measures and fair and equitable treatment (FET)
✅India, being one of the top 20 capital-exporting countries, needs to evolve its investment treaty practices to protect outbound investments better, considering both its role as a host and home state.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆Delhi to kyiv via Warsaw
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine this week marks the continuation of an under-appreciated effort in Delhi to raise Europe’s profile in India’s foreign policy over the last decade.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine this week marks the continuation of an under-appreciated effort in Delhi to raise Europe’s profile in India’s foreign policy over the last decade.
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@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Delhi for trade, people to people links on agenda
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🔆How will the upcoming US Presidential election impact climate change?
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✅Recent far-right riots in Britain continue the phenomenon of urban rioting, often seen during summer months.
✅This year, violence involved white working-class men attacking mosques and hotels housing immigrants
✅Social media exacerbated the situation by spreading misinformation, particularly rumors about a Muslim immigrant being responsible for a knife attack.
✅The riots reflect decades-long dehumanization of immigrants, reinforced by political leaders' rhetoric.
✅Former PM Theresa May and current leaders like Suella Braverman and Rishi Sunak contributed to a hostile environment for immigrants.
✅Unemployment and underinvestment in public services, like the NHS, are often falsely attributed to immigration instead of structural issues.
✅Right-wing media has shown concern for the working class but fails to address the impact of austerity measures.
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@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅This year, violence involved white working-class men attacking mosques and hotels housing immigrants
✅Social media exacerbated the situation by spreading misinformation, particularly rumors about a Muslim immigrant being responsible for a knife attack.
✅The riots reflect decades-long dehumanization of immigrants, reinforced by political leaders' rhetoric.
✅Former PM Theresa May and current leaders like Suella Braverman and Rishi Sunak contributed to a hostile environment for immigrants.
✅Unemployment and underinvestment in public services, like the NHS, are often falsely attributed to immigration instead of structural issues.
✅Right-wing media has shown concern for the working class but fails to address the impact of austerity measures.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Bangladesh will ‘forcefully’ advocate for its ‘just demands’ on Teesta waters: says interim water, environment adviser
Source
Source
The Hindu
Bangladesh will ‘forcefully’ advocate for its ‘just demands’ on Teesta waters: says interim water, environment adviser
Bangladesh seeks international help to resolve Teesta waters dispute with India, emphasizing rights of its people.
🔆India japan conduct 2+2 dialogue with focus on indo pacific
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🔆Action plan for the implementation of the India Poland Strategic partnership
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Join @PIB_UPSC
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The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the chief of Hamas's Politburo, in Tehran has intensified tensions between Israel and Iran, pushing them toward a potential full-scale war. This event occurs against a backdrop of a broader geopolitical struggle involving the U.S., China, Russia, and Iran. Both China and Russia, while influential, have adopted distinct and sometimes divergent approaches in this volatile situation.
China has taken a diplomatic approach, mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran and hosting Palestinian factions. Beijing supports the Palestinian cause and aims to project itself as a fair mediator while maintaining strategic interests in the region.
Russia, deeply involved in Syria since 2015, has established a significant military presence. Moscow's focus has been on maintaining strategic positions in the Mediterranean and supporting allies like the Assad regime, contributing to regional
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China has taken a diplomatic approach, mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran and hosting Palestinian factions. Beijing supports the Palestinian cause and aims to project itself as a fair mediator while maintaining strategic interests in the region.
Russia, deeply involved in Syria since 2015, has established a significant military presence. Moscow's focus has been on maintaining strategic positions in the Mediterranean and supporting allies like the Assad regime, contributing to regional
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan diplomacy’?
✅Malaysia’s Plantation and Commodities Minister proposed sending critically endangered orangutans as gifts to countries that import Malaysian palm oil.
✅ This idea was inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”
Objective: The proposal aimed to counteract negative perceptions of palm oil by showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
✅Revised plan : Instead of sending orangutans abroad, Malaysia will offer importing countries the opportunity to “sponsor” orangutans. Funds from these sponsorships will be used for orangutan conservation within Malaysia.
📍Criticism of Initial Proposal:
✅The initial proposal faced significant backlash from wildlife conservationists. Critics argued that it was hypocritical to destroy orangutan habitats through deforestation for palm oil production while using orangutans as diplomatic tools.
✅Animal Welfare Groups: Organizations like Justice for Wildlife Malaysia criticized the proposal, emphasizing that protecting the natural habitat of orangutans is crucial.
✅Comparison with Panda Diplomacy: Stuart Pimm from Duke University highlighted that Malaysia’s plan was not comparable to China’s panda diplomacy. China has established protected areas and state-of-the-art facilities for pandas, unlike Malaysia’s proposed scheme.
📌Orangutan click here
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✅Malaysia’s Plantation and Commodities Minister proposed sending critically endangered orangutans as gifts to countries that import Malaysian palm oil.
✅ This idea was inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”
Objective: The proposal aimed to counteract negative perceptions of palm oil by showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
✅Revised plan : Instead of sending orangutans abroad, Malaysia will offer importing countries the opportunity to “sponsor” orangutans. Funds from these sponsorships will be used for orangutan conservation within Malaysia.
📍Criticism of Initial Proposal:
✅The initial proposal faced significant backlash from wildlife conservationists. Critics argued that it was hypocritical to destroy orangutan habitats through deforestation for palm oil production while using orangutans as diplomatic tools.
✅Animal Welfare Groups: Organizations like Justice for Wildlife Malaysia criticized the proposal, emphasizing that protecting the natural habitat of orangutans is crucial.
✅Comparison with Panda Diplomacy: Stuart Pimm from Duke University highlighted that Malaysia’s plan was not comparable to China’s panda diplomacy. China has established protected areas and state-of-the-art facilities for pandas, unlike Malaysia’s proposed scheme.
📌Orangutan click here
#gs2
#ir
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#environment
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@upsc_4_environment