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- Why in News?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit signalled a clear shift in India’s foreign policy.
- Key Provisions:-
- This was his first trip to China in seven years and his first bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping since the 2020 LAC standoff. The discussions revived momentum on troop disengagement, boundary talks, resumption of flights, visa facilitation, and economic cooperation. The cordial exchanges with Mr. Xi and President Vladimir Putin evoked memories of the dormant Russia-India-China trilateral. Notably, the Tianjin Declaration condemned cross-border terrorism and addressed issues such as Gaza, U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, and the humanitarian crisis, though India maintained opposition to the Belt and Road Initiative. Proposals for an SCO Development Bank and a “Civilisational Dialogue” were also noted. While the visit was termed “productive,” skipping the “SCO Plus” Summit meant missing chances for deeper engagement with neighbouring and Global South leaders.
- Why in News?
- A powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan on September 1, 2025, killing over 1,400 and injuring at least 3,100. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the primary 6.3 magnitude quake near Jalalabad, Nangarhar province, at a depth of eight kilometres, followed by a 4.7 magnitude aftershock. Rescue efforts in Kunar and Nangarhar are hindered by limited resources and sanctions on the Taliban regime. The UN and aid agencies have pledged support.
- Key Provisions:-
- Afghanistan, lying at the meeting point of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, remains highly quake-prone. Since 1900, the northeast has seen 12 quakes above magnitude 7. Comparisons with Chile, which suffers similar magnitudes but minimal casualties due to strict building codes, underline Afghanistan’s vulnerability. The October 2023 Herat quake, also 6.3 magnitude, killed over 1,500 and damaged 63,000 homes. Earthquakes need not be fatal; Afghanistan must urgently adopt and enforce robust building standards alongside public awareness measures.
- Why in News?
- The Act grants the Central Government authority to regulate immigration, entry, and stay of foreigners in India, replacing four earlier laws — the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; Foreigners Act, 1946; and Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
- Key Provisions:-
- It allows the government to notify specific immigration posts for entry and exit, and establishes a Bureau of Immigration to manage visa issuance, entry, transit, stay, and movement within India. Foreigners must register with a Registration Officer upon arrival, while carriers, educational institutions, and medical facilities must report details of foreign passengers, students, and patients.
- Offences such as entering without valid documents are punishable with imprisonment up to five years, fines up to ₹5 lakh, or both. The Act empowers police officers (Head Constable rank or above) to arrest without warrant and authorises civil authorities to close or restrict premises frequented by foreigners.