Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Resolve Long-Standing Border Disputes with Landmark Pact
Assam-Arunachal Pradesh
Resolve Long-Standing Border Disputes with Landmark Pact
Why In News
·
Assam-Arunachal
Pradesh Resolve Long-Standing Border Disputes: An agreement was signed between
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to resolve a border dispute that had been ongoing
for over 50 years.
Key Points
·
In
the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, an agreement was signed between
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to resolve a border dispute that had been ongoing
for over 50 years. This agreement will lead to the settlement of 123 villages
located in areas shared by the two northeastern states.
Landmark Pact between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh: Key
Points
·
The
agreement was signed by the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and
his counterpart from Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu.
·
There
has been a border dispute between the two states since Arunachal Pradesh became
a union territory in 1972, which continued when it became a state in 1987.
·
The
length of the disputed border is 804.1 kilometers.
·
Shah
announced that the disagreement over 123 villages located on either side of the
state border has been conclusively resolved.
·
This
noteworthy occurrence took place during the country’s 75th Independence Day
celebrations.
·
Shah
expressed his satisfaction that Assam and Arunachal Pradesh were able to
peacefully settle their longstanding border dispute, which had been ongoing
since 1972.
·
He
also expressed confidence that this boundary settlement would lead to
comprehensive progress and tranquility in the Northeast region.
·
The
minister responsible for domestic affairs stated that Modi has been strongly
advocating for the development of the languages, literature, and culture of the
Northeast region.
·
The
outstanding achievement of the Bihu dance is an excellent illustration of this.
·
The
minister also mentioned that the report on the border dispute from the Local
Commission has been circulating for many years. However, it has now been
accepted by both states.
·
He
believes that this agreement will be a significant step forward in fulfilling
Modi’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and conflict-free Northeast region.
Home Minister on Landmark Pact between Assam and
Arunachal Pradesh
·
Amit
Shah mentioned that the central government has entered into multiple agreements
since 2018, including with the Bru tribe, insurgent groups such as NLFT, and
some from Karbi Anglong in Assam, resulting in peace and cessation of violence
in the Northeastern region.
·
He
noted that there has been a significant decrease in violent incidents, with a
67% reduction since 2014, a 60% decrease in security forces’ deaths, and an 83%
reduction in civilian deaths in the area, which is a commendable achievement.
·
The
minister of home affairs also highlighted that the Modi administration has
revoked the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from most places in Assam, 15
police stations in six Manipur districts, all but three districts in Arunachal
Pradesh, seven districts in Nagaland, as well as the entire Tripura and
Meghalaya regions.
CM of Assam and A.P. on the Landmark Pact
·
The
chief minister of Assam, Sarma, referred to the signing of the MoU as a
significant moment in history and believed that it would bring about peace and
prosperity.
·
He
stated that this resolution was only possible due to the prime minister’s
support, the guidance of the union home minister, and the unwavering support of
the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh. This agreement ends one of India’s
most prolonged inter-state disputes after 51 years.
·
Similarly,
the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu, described the resolution of
the boundary dispute as an important moment in history and was optimistic that
it would transform the peace and development of both states.
About the Landmark Pact between Assam and Arunachal
Pradesh
·
There
are a total of 71 villages along the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and
changes will be made to which state they belong to.
·
One
village will be transferred from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam, while 10 villages
will remain in Assam and 60 will be transferred to Arunachal Pradesh.
·
The
status of 49 villages will be finalized by regional committees within six
months, while three villages located in an IAF bombing range will require
rehabilitation.
·
The
agreement aims to resolve the dispute over the 123 villages along the border,
taking into account historical background, demographics, administrative
convenience, proximity to the border, and the residents’ aspirations.
·
The
agreement is considered final, and neither state can make new claims to any
area or village in the future.
·
After
the agreement, representatives from both state governments will conduct a
thorough survey with the Survey of India to determine the state boundaries. As
a goodwill gesture, the Arunachal Pradesh government will give a large piece of
land under its possession in Jorhat to the Assam government, according to
Sarma.
Tennis legend Jaidip Mukerjea launches his autobiography “Crosscourt”
Tennis legend Jaidip
Mukerjea launches his autobiography “Crosscourt”
Why In News
·
Jaidip
Mukerjea, a renowned tennis player, launched his autobiography titled
"Crosscourt" in the presence of prominent Indian tennis players such
as Ramesh Krishnan and Somdev Devvarman.
Key Points
·
Jaidip
Mukerjea, a renowned tennis player, launched his autobiography titled
“Crosscourt” in the presence of prominent Indian tennis players such as Ramesh
Krishnan and Somdev Devvarman.
·
The
book chronicles Mukerjea’s journey and provides insight into his life as a
successful tennis player. “Crosscourt” is not just about tennis but also covers
various aspects of his personal life, including his triumphs, disappointments,
relationships, and behind-the-scenes moments.
·
Mukerjea’s
wife, Sharmin, played a crucial role in encouraging and assisting him in
writing the book. According to her, the book is a collection of memories that
will captivate readers beyond just the sport of tennis.
Earth Day 2023 observed on 22nd April
Earth Day 2023 observed on
22nd April
Why In News
·
Earth
Day is observed on April 22 each year. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness
of the rapidly-rising levels of pollution, climate change, and other
circumstances that contribute to damaging
Key Points
·
Earth
Day is observed on April 22 each year. The purpose of the day is to raise
awareness of the rapidly-rising levels of pollution, climate change, and other
circumstances that contribute to damaging the environment and threaten the
survival of our planet.
·
The
day is marked by various activities such as tree planting, recycling drives,
clean-up campaigns, and environmental education programs.
·
The
objective of Earth Day is to remind individuals and communities of their
responsibility to protect the planet and its ecosystems from pollution, climate
change, and other environmental threats. By taking part in Earth Day
activities, people can make a positive impact on the environment and contribute
towards a more sustainable future.
Earth Day 2023: Theme
·
The
theme each year is announced by the earthday.org portal, which globally
organises environmental movements to commemorate the day.
·
The
theme this year is — ‘Invest in our Planet,’ with a clear motto of ‘everyone
accounted for, everyone accountable.’
·
The
emphasis of the theme is getting the more than one billion people who
participate in Earth Day activities each year to take action in their own
communities. It also wants governments, institutions, and enterprises to do
their part.
Earth Day 2023: History
·
Senator
Gaylord Nelson established Earth Day in the 1970s to promote ecology and
increase public awareness of issues pertaining to the environment. He was very
concerned after seeing the horror of a significant oil spill in Santa Barbara,
California, in early 1969.
·
Senator
Nelson made the decision to combine the student anti-war movement with a
growing public awareness of air and water pollution from his anxiety about the
planet’s deteriorating conditions.
·
He
had announced the idea of teaching about environmental protection in colleges.
·
Gradually,
through the efforts of Nelson and activist Denis Hayes, Earth Day came into
being in 1970 and it gathered a lot of attention from the national media.
Decades later, in 1990, the movement went global.
Russia now the biggest Oil Supplier to India
Russia now the biggest Oil
Supplier to India
Why In News
·
Russia
now the biggest Oil Supplier to India: Official data revealed that Russia
remained the biggest supplier of crude oil to India in terms of value in
February.
Key Points
·
Official
data revealed that Russia remained the biggest supplier of crude oil to India
in terms of value in February, even though there was a cap on western prices at
$60 per barrel. In February, India imported crude oil worth $3.35 billion from
Russia, with Saudi Arabia coming second at $2.30 billion and Iraq at $2.03
billion.
·
During
the period from April to February, India’s imports of Russian oil surged to $27
billion, placing Russia as the second-largest crude oil exporter to India in
FY23, following imports from Iraq which totaled $30 billion.
·
Other
significant exporters included Saudi Arabia at $26.8 billion, followed by the
UAE at $15.6 billion, the US at $10.05 billion, and Kuwait at $7.59 billion.
·
In
February, Russia continued to be the leading oil exporter, with India importing
crude oil worth $3.35 billion from Russia, $2.30 billion from Saudi Arabia, and
$2.03 billion from Iraq, indicating that there was little change in the import
trends despite the price cap imposed in December.
India’s Oil Needs fulfilled by Imports: Deepto Roy
·
Deepto
Roy, a Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, has stated that since
80% of India’s oil needs come from imports, and a large part of that is being
supplied by Russia, it is strategically important for India to continue
purchasing Russian crude even if it exceeds the price cap.
·
However,
whether Indian companies should buy above the price cap would depend on various
factors, such as the availability of alternative sources.
·
Additionally,
Indian entities purchasing Indian crude are not recognized or subject to
sanctions under Indian law.
·
According
to Roy, companies could face sanctions from international banks, shareholders,
or directors. The sanctions system is intricate and extensive, so Indian
companies should seek legal guidance on how sanctions could affect them and
what steps they should take.
G7’s attempt to limit Russia Oil Revenue
·
BP’s
top economist, Spencer Dale, recently commented that the price cap imposed by
the G7 countries aimed to limit Russia’s oil revenue while ensuring a
sufficient oil supply.
·
He
observed that the price cap has been more successful than expected in achieving
this goal.
·
During
the fiscal year 2023, Russia became a significant oil supplier to India for the
first time, providing oil at discounted rates amidst the conflict in Ukraine.
·
Despite
concerns expressed by the West regarding India’s imports from Russia during the
conflict, India has remained firm, stating that it will explore all options to
secure its energy needs.