• Event: 21st Edition of Khaan Quest
• Location: Mongolia
• Participants: Approximately 430 personnel from 23 countries, including an Indian contingent.

Objective of the Exercise:

• Primary Aim: To enhance interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Chapter VII of the UN Charter: This chapter authorizes the UN Security Council to take measures, including military action, to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Background:

• Inception: Khaan Quest began in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the United States and the Mongolian armed forces.
• Evolution: Since 2006, it has expanded into a multinational peacekeeping exercise, involving various countries to foster international cooperation and readiness for peacekeeping missions.

Significance:

• Interoperability: The exercise is designed to improve coordination and effectiveness among different national forces working together in peacekeeping missions.
• Military Readiness: It helps participating nations prepare for complex peace support operations, ensuring that they are capable of working seamlessly with international partners.
• Peacekeeping Operations: The focus on Chapter VII operations aligns with the UN's objectives of responding to threats to international peace and security through collective action.

Indian Contingent:

• Participation: The involvement of Indian forces underscores India's commitment to international peacekeeping efforts and its role in global security operations.
• Contribution: India's participation in such exercises helps enhance its peacekeeping capabilities and strengthens its international military partnerships.

Historical Context:

• Growth of the Exercise: From its origins as a bilateral event, Khaan Quest has grown into a significant multinational exercise, reflecting the increasing importance of international cooperation in peacekeeping and security operations.

Importance for Peace Support Operations:

• Training: Provides valuable training for troops in peacekeeping scenarios, including coordination, crisis management, and operational tactics.
• Collaboration: Facilitates the exchange of best practices and experiences among participating countries, improving overall effectiveness in peace support missions.

The 21st edition of Khaan Quest highlights ongoing international efforts to enhance peacekeeping capabilities and foster global cooperation in maintaining peace and security.

 The Supreme Court recently upheld the West Bengal government’s suit against the Union of India regarding the registration and investigation of cases by the CBI. The State challenged the CBI's operations in the State after revoking its general consent in 2018, alleging constitutional overreach and a violation of federalism. This case was filed under Article 131 of the Constitution, which deals with disputes between the Centre and States.

About CBI

• Establishment: Founded in 1963 following the Santhanam Committee's recommendations on preventing corruption.
• Ministry: Functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances.
• Status: A non-statutory and non-constitutional body governed by the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
• Role: The premier investigative agency in India, coordinating with Interpol and handling major investigations across various domains.
• Motto: Industry, Impartiality, and Integrity.
• Vision: To combat corruption, economic and violent crimes, and high technology crimes through rigorous investigations and prosecutions.

Organization and Structure

• Headed by: Director, assisted by special directors, joint directors, deputy inspector generals, and other senior ranks.
• Recent Developments: In 2021, ordinances extended the tenure of the CBI Director from two to five years.

Types of Cases Investigated

• Anti-Corruption
• Economic Offenses
• Special Crimes
• Suo-moto Cases

Consent for Investigation

• General Consent: States must provide general consent for the CBI to operate in their jurisdiction without seeking permission for each case.
• States like West Bengal, Punjab, and Telangana have withdrawn general consent, requiring the CBI to seek specific consent for each case.

Important Judicial Pronouncements

• Common Cause vs Union of India (2019): Established that the CBI Director is to be appointed by a committee including the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice of India or their nominee.
• CBI v. Dr. RR Kishore (2023): Declared Section 6A of the DSPE Act, 1946 as unconstitutional with retrospective effect.
• CPIO CBI vs Sanjiv Chaturvedi (2024): Ruled that Section 24 of the RTI Act permits disclosure of information on human rights violations and corruption, despite exemptions.
• Vineet Narain v Union of India (1997): Struck down the "Single Directive" limiting CBI’s independence.

Concerns with CBI

• Vacant Positions: Significant vacancies (e.g., 1709 out of 7295 posts) affect operational efficiency.
• Lack of Transparency: Limited public access to case details and investigation progress.
• State Consent Issues: Difficulty in investigating cases in states that have withdrawn general consent.
• Credibility Issues: Past criticisms for mishandling high-profile cases.
• Administrative Hurdles: Need for prior approval for investigating central government employees can impede corruption probes.
• Funding and Resources: Inadequate funding and underutilization of resources affect effectiveness.
• Lack of Autonomy: Administrative control by the Department of Personnel and Training raises concerns about independence.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Address Vacancies: Monitor and expedite the filling of vacant positions in the CBI.
• Case Management System: Implement a centralized database to track and publicize case details and progress.
• Legislative Changes: Enact a new law to define CBI’s status, functions, and powers, with safeguards for impartiality.
• Recruitment Policies: Limit deputation-based recruitment and increase direct recruitment to strengthen the workforce.
• Transparency: Publish case statistics and annual reports on CBI’s website.
• State Consent Clause: Remove the consent requirement for cases posing a national security threat, while addressing states' concerns.

Conclusion

The CBI plays a crucial role in investigating high-profile and sensitive cases across India. Addressing its current concerns and implementing the recommended improvements can enhance its effectiveness, transparency, and independence, ensuring it can better serve its mandate of combating corruption and other serious crimes.

Srinagar has recently earned the prestigious title of World Craft City from the World Craft Council (WCC), making it the fourth Indian city to receive this recognition. The other Indian cities honored with this title are Jaipur, Malappuram, and Mysore. This accolade follows Srinagar’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts in 2021.

Craftsmanship in Srinagar

Srinagar is renowned for its rich tradition of craftsmanship, with at least 10 distinct forms of craft practiced in the city. Some of the notable crafts include:

• Papier-mâché: Traditional decorative craft using paper pulp.
• Walnut Wood Carving: Intricate carvings on walnut wood, often used for furniture and decor.
• Carpets: Handwoven carpets known for their elaborate patterns and designs.
• Sozni Embroidery: A fine needlework technique used to create intricate patterns on fabric.
• Pashmina and Kani Shawls: Luxurious shawls made from high-quality pashmina wool, with Kani shawls featuring traditional woven patterns.

Historical and Economic Context

• Persian Influence: Kashmir’s shawl and carpet industries have been deeply influenced by Persian artisans. Designs named after Iranian cities, such as Kashan and Tabriz, highlight this historical connection.
• Economic Impact: The handicraft sector in Kashmir has experienced significant economic growth, with exports increasing from Rs. 1,000 crores to Rs. 2,000 crores in the last five years.

Significance of Recognition

• International Market: The World Craft City status will enhance Srinagar’s visibility and appeal in the global market, potentially boosting demand for its crafts.
• Investment and Funding: The recognition is likely to attract greater investment and funding, which will be crucial for developing infrastructure and integrating modern techniques with traditional methods.
• Training and Innovation: Increased visibility and funding will support advanced training programs, allowing artisans to acquire new skills and foster innovation in their crafts.
• Cultural and Economic Benefits: The recognition will help preserve cultural heritage, provide opportunities for collaboration, and create sustainable income through increased sales and tourism.

World Craft Council (WCC)

• Foundation: The WCC, founded in 1964 by Aileen Osborn Webb, Margaret M. Patch, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization affiliated with UNESCO.
• Structure: It is organized into five regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
• Mission: The WCC aims to strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life, dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of global and traditional craftsmanship.

Conclusion

Srinagar’s designation as a World Craft City underscores its rich heritage and vibrant craft traditions. This recognition will not only elevate the city’s craft industry on the global stage but also drive economic growth, cultural preservation, and international collaboration.