Context: Presidential elections are scheduled in Taiwan on 13th January in which Kinmen residents are preparing to vote.

About:

Governance: Kinmen, also known as Quemoy, comprises a cluster of islands under the jurisdiction of Taiwan.

Location in Relation to China:

• Geographical Position: Positioned on the southeastern coast of the People’s Republic of China.
• Separation: Separated from China by Xiamen Bay.
• Relative Location: Situated to the east of Xiamen.

Location in Relation to Taiwan:

• Geographical Position: Found to the west from the nearest shoreline of the island of Taiwan.
• Geographic Feature: Positioned across the Taiwan Strait from Taiwan.

Context: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has set up a task force to identify and resolve trade barriers being faced by foreign exporters.

News:

• Indian exports encounter significant barriers in certain products such as chillies, tea, basmati rice, milk, and poultry in the European Union, sesame seeds and apparel in Japan, and food, meat, fish, dairy, and industrial products in China.
• To tackle these challenges, the Commerce Ministry has established a task force.

Objectives:

Identify Trade Barriers:

• Scrutinize barriers and technical obstacles hindering exports.

Enhance Systems and Standards:

• Work towards improving existing systems and standards.

Negotiate Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs):

• Strengthen MRAs with various countries to ensure alignment with importing nations' requirements.
• The task force aims to align product standards with the importing countries' specifications to facilitate smoother trade. It addresses issues like delays in registration and various non-tariff barriers.

About Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs): NTMs constitute domestic regulations implemented to safeguard human, animal, or plant health and the environment. They can be categorized as technical or non-technical:

• Technical NTMs: Include regulations, standards, testing, certification, and pre-shipment inspection.
• Non-Technical NTMs: Encompass measures like quotas, import licensing, subsidies, and government procurement restrictions.
• While NTMs are essential for protection, they may become non-tariff barriers (NTBs) when arbitrary and lacking scientific justification, posing obstacles to trade.

Context: Prime Minister of India has inaugurated Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.

About:

• Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, conceptualised in 2003 under the visionary leadership of the then Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has today evolved as one of the most reputed global forums for business collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
• The Tenth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being held from 10 to 12 January 2024 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Its theme is 'Gateway to the Future'. This Tenth Edition of the Summit will celebrate “20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success”.

Recent summit:

• There are 34 Partner countries and 16 Partner organisations for this year’s Summit.
• Further, the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region will utilise the Vibrant Gujarat platform to showcase investment opportunities in the North-Eastern regions.
• The Summit will host various events including seminars and conferences on globally relevant topics such as Industry 4.0, Technology and Innovation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen, Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy and Transition towards Sustainability.
• In the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, companies will display products made from world class state of the art technology. E-mobility, Start-ups, MSMEs, Blue Economy, Green Energy & Smart Infrastructure are some of the focus sectors of the Trade Show.

Context: Recently, after a record 1,111 NGOs got Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) nod in 2023, 30 get clearance in January. Situated in Delhi, a Buddhist monastic order originating from Taiwan has secured approval under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) of 2010, enabling them to access foreign funds.

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)

• The FCRA, established during the Emergency in 1976, was enacted to address concerns about foreign interference in India's internal affairs.
• Its primary objective is to oversee foreign donations to individuals and groups, ensuring their operations align with the principles of a sovereign democratic republic.
• Amendments in 2010 and 2020 tightened government control and scrutiny over foreign funds received by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

FCRA registration

• NGOs seeking foreign contributions must undergo an online application process with the required documentation.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducts inquiries through the Intelligence Bureau to assess the applicant's background.
• FCRA requirements mandate registration under the Act, the establishment of a designated bank account in the State Bank of India, Delhi, and the utilization of funds solely for their intended purpose, as outlined in the Act.
• NGOs must submit annual returns and refrain from transferring funds to other organizations.

FCRA requirements:

• Recent changes to FCRA rules in 2022 expanded the number of compoundable offenses from 7 to 12.
• Additionally, exemptions were granted for contributions below Rs 10 lakh from relatives abroad, with an extended time limit for intimation of bank account openings.
• FCRA approvals, once granted, are valid for five years. NGOs must initiate the renewal process within six months of the registration's expiry to maintain eligibility for foreign funds.
•  Failure to renew results in the expiration of registration, barring the NGO from receiving or utilizing foreign funds without ministry permission.

Despite the regulatory framework, challenges persist, including administrative delays, stringent compliance requirements, potential political interference, ambiguity in the law, and a lack of clarity.

Context: Manipur Chief Minister has said that the state government may consider setting up a committee to discuss the Scheduled Tribe status of Kukis in the state.

Background:

• The Manipur conflict, initiated in early May, originated from a High Court directive suggesting the examination of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community.
• This proposal faced opposition from the Kuki-Zo tribe, who view it as a potential erosion of their privileges due to the Meiteis' political and numerical dominance in the state.
• The Chief Minister's proposal to reassess ST status has triggered strong reactions from Kuki-Zomi organizations, escalating the ongoing ethnic strife in the region.

Need for Review:

• The dispute arose when Maheshwar Thounaojam, a Meitei leader from the Republican Party of India (Athawale), submitted a representation to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, advocating for the exclusion of Kukis from Manipur's ST list.
• The Ministry forwarded the representation to the state government, emphasizing the necessity for the state's recommendation before any further action.

Government's Response:

• There is a possibility of forming a committee to deliberate on the ST status of Kukis in Manipur. However, this initiative has faced staunch opposition from Kuki-Zomi organizations, who accuse the state government of favoring Meiteis and exacerbating the existing ethnic conflict.

Kuki-Zo Tribe's Perspective:

• The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) and Kuki Inpi, the apex body of Kuki tribes in Manipur, strongly condemned any effort to alter the ST status of the Kuki-Zo community.
•  The ITLF accused the government of colluding with Meitei groups, asserting that removing the community from the ST list violates constitutional safeguards and perpetuates injustice and discrimination.

Zomi Council Steering Committee's Opposition:

• The Zomi Council Steering Committee (ZCSC) also expressed opposition, considering the move a clear attempt to rewrite history and widen existing divides.
• The ZCSC objected to the Chief Minister's request to remove the Free Movement Regime along the Myanmar border, viewing it as a diversion from addressing the root cause of ethnic violence – the Meitei community's desire for ancestral tribal lands and privileges.

Kuki-Zo Tribe:

• The Kuki Tribe is an ethnic community composed of various tribes originally residing in the North-Eastern states of India, such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam, as well as parts of Burma (now Myanmar) and the Sylhet district and Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh.
• The generic term "Kuki" was applied to these tribes during colonial rule.
• In Manipur, where the majority of Kuki tribes live in the hills, they currently constitute 30% of the state's total population.
• Although absent in Arunachal Pradesh, Kuki tribes are present in all other Northeast Indian states. Approximately fifty Kuki tribes in India are officially recognized as scheduled tribes.
• Marriage alliances typically occur within their own community, and historically, they followed animist beliefs, worshiping various deities and spirits. However, over the past 90 years, a majority of Kuki individuals have adopted Christianity as their religion.
• The Kuki community adheres to its own customary laws and village councils. The term "LAL" is used to refer to the village chief, who plays a crucial role in resolving social, religious, and marital disputes.
• These village chiefs, over time, have become integral figures in addressing various issues within the Kuki community.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) stressed on the need for the implementation of the Idate Commission report.

The Commission

• Headed by - Bhiku Ramji Idate.
• Setup by - The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Constituted in - 2015, for a three-year temporary term.
• Purpose - For the empowerment of the Denotified Tribes (DNT), Semi Nomadic (SNT), and Nomadic Tribes (NT).

Nomadic and semi-nomadic communities are defined as those who move from one place to another rather than living at one place all the time.

The committee had to submit its report identifying the above communities state wise, assessing their development status, and recommending ways to uplift them.

• In May 2018, the National Commission for Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, chaired by Bhiku Ramji Idate has submitted its report.

The commission has studied the earlier report of Renke Commission.

Recommendations

• The Idate Commission has made a total of 20 recommendations which concern the various ministries and departments.
• The government must act to repeal the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952, if not, the appointment of a representative of De-notified Tribe community with the nodal officers as stipulated in the Act.
• Non-inclusion - It also suggested the non-inclusion of DNTs/NTs/SNTs under the SC/ST/OBC and formulation of specific policies for the former, among many others.
• Protection - The commission has recommended giving protection to Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, the communities under the Atrocities Act.
• Poorest of the Poor - The report has called Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes poorest of the poor, most marginalised and most downtrodden communities.
• These communities are subject to social stigma, atrocity and exclusion.
• Constitutional amendment - It recommended a Constitutional amendment so that Scheduled NT/ DNT/ SNT can be added as a third category after Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Act.
• It stated that the government should provide strong legal protections and constitutional safeguards, including the extension of the Protection of Atrocities Act to the NT/ DNT/ SNT communities.
• Third schedule - This can be done by creating a separate Third schedule as Scheduled De-notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.
• Criminal Tribes Act - In its report, the commission has noted that entire communities were branded as criminals under the colonial rule through enforcement of the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871.
• Despite repeal of the Act after Independence, subsequent legislations have forcibly alienated them from their traditional occupations and habitations.
• 2011 caste census - Advocated for release of 2011 caste census, which is yet to be made public, at least on the DT/ NT/ SNT community, so that policies can be made specifically for these communities.
• The report of the commission is under the consideration of the government.

A National Commission for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT) was first set up in 2003 and later reconstituted in 2005.

Over 24.8 crore people moved out of poverty in India in nine years: NITI report.

The Index

• Released by - Niti Aayog, which is the nodal agency to release Multidimensional Poverty (MDP) report for States and Union Territories.
• Purpose - Plays a role in assessing advancements towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.2.

SDG 1.2. - By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to regional definitions.

Multidimensional Poverty - Poverty – According to the World Bank, those who are unable to earn 2.15 dollar per day are living in extreme poverty.

• As per UNDP, it is the measure of poverty that considers various deprivations experienced by people in their daily lives including poor health, insufficient education and low standard of living.
• It is a means to capture the complexity of poverty that considers dimensions of well-being beyond just monetary poverty.

Indicators of National MPI - India’s national MPI has 3 equally weighted dimensions, which are then represented by 12 other indicators.

• 1. Health
  2. Education
  3. Standard of living
• These 12 include nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets, and bank accounts.

• Sub-indices of National MPI:
  1. Headcount ratio (H): How many are poor?
  2. Intensity of poor (I): How poor are the poor?
• Formula - MPI= H*I
• If the deprivation score (sum of the weighted status of all the indicators) for an individual is more than 0.33, then an individual is considered multidimensionaly poor.

Global MPI Report - It is jointly published by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

• It is based on the Alkire-Foster (AF) methodology that captures overlapping deprivations in health, education, and living standards.

Findings

• Report based on - The report said the recent National MPI was based on National Family Health Surveys 4 (2015-16) and 5 (2019-21).
• As many as 24.82 crore people moved out of multidimensional poverty in nine years to 2022-23, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh registering the largest decline.
• At the State level, Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty followed by Bihar at 3.77 crore and Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 crore.
• The rate of decline of multidimensional poverty has accelerated during the period 2013-14 to 2022-23.
• All 12 indicators of MPS have shown remarkable improvement during this period.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the Ram temple in Ayodhya, 73 years ago; the President of India inaugurated another temple in a grand ceremony.

• Located in - Prabhas Patan, Veraval, in Gujarat.

• Significance - It is the holy place of the first Aadi Jyotirling Shree Somnath Mahadev, among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.
• It is also the place where Lord Shri Krishna took his last journey.
• Built by - In 1782, Maratha queen Ahalyabai Holkar built a small temple at the site.
• Other names - The Somnath temple, also called Soman?tha temple or Deo Patan.

The temple faced several attacks from raiders, with the most damaging by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE.

• Under Mughals - In the sixteenth century, Akbar permitted the worship of the linga in the Somanatha temple and appointed desais /officers to administer it.
• Three generations after Akbar, Aurangzeb gave orders for its destruction.
• He subsequently issued an order for its destruction and its conversion into a mosque in 1706 just before he died.
• After Independence - Those ruins were demolished and the present Somnath temple was reconstructed in the Maru-Gurjara style of Hindu temple architecture.

The contemporary Somnath temple's reconstruction was started under the orders of the first Home Minister of India Vallabhbhai Patel and completed in May 1951 after his death.

Maru-Gurjara Style

• It is also known as Sola?ki style is the style of West Indian temple architecture.
• The style originated in Gujarat and Rajasthan from the 11th to 13th centuries, under the Chaulukya dynasty.
• The Chaulukya dynasty is also called the Sola?ki dynasty.
• Although originating as a regional style in Hindu temple architecture, it became especially popular in Jain temples, and mainly under Jain patronage later spread across India.

A 9-member panel headed by the former principal scientific advisor to the government Prof. Vijay Raghavan have submitted its report.

Aim of the committee - To review the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Reasons - Several projects of DRDO suffer from huge delays and cost overruns.

• According to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, 23 of DRDO’s 55 mission mode projects could not be completed in time.
• According to CAG report, 67% of the 178 projects scrutinised by it had failed to adhere to their initially proposed timelines.

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has set an ambitious defence exports target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025.

Recommendations of the committee

• Focus on research - The DRDO should focus on its original goal of research and development for defence.
• It should refrain from involving itself in productization, production cycles, and product management, tasks that are more suitable for the private sector.
• Defence Technology Council - The committee has also suggested a Defence Technology Council (DTC) chaired by the Prime Minister, with the defence minister and the National Security Advisor as its Vice Presidents.
• It will also have an executive committee chaired by the Chief of Defence Staff (CoDS).
• It will include representation from academia and industry, with two members from each sector.
• The Council will determine the country’s defence technology roadmap and decide on major projects and their execution.

The Defence Acquisition Coucil (DAC) is an apex body for clearing major capital acquisitions for defence and it has been headed by the Union Defence Minister.

• Separate Department - The panel has also suggested the creation of the Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation under the Defence Ministry.
• This department will be headed by a technocrat and it will serve as the secretariat for the Defence Tech Council (DTC).
• Centralized Laboratory - The committee has recommended the setting up of close to 10 national-level laboratory facilities instead of the existing 40 or more DRDO labs across the nation.

Earlier in 2008, Dr P Rama Rao Committee was constituted to review the functioning of the DRDO and all the recommendations by the Committee were accepted by the DRDO except the creation of a Board of Research for Advanced Defence Sciences (BRADS).

• The Kerala Drug Control Department launched Operation Amrith (AMRITH - Anti Microbial Resistance Intervention for Total Health) recently.
• It is a strategy launched to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The initiative aims to reduce the use of antibiotics by conducting surprise raids on retail medical shops to detect the sale of antibiotics without a prescription.

• PM to participate in programme marking Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor) at Red Fort.
• The programme will commemorate the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj.

January 23, 2024 was commemorated as the 126^th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

• Exercise Cyclone is a joint military exercise between India and Egypt.
• The exercise aims to strengthen the bond between the two armies and develop bilateral military cooperation.

The exercise focuses on desert operations and includes 3 phases.