15 January 2025 : The Hindu Analysis (Daily Current Affairs)

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1. India-Bangladesh Border Fencing Dispute: Balancing Security, Agreements, and Diplomacy

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 15)

Topic: International Relations

Context

• The India-Bangladesh border fencing dispute remains a contentious issue, as Bangladesh has raised objections regarding India's ongoing construction activities, referencing bilateral agreements and potential disruptions to local residents.

Analysis of the news:

The Recent Dispute in Malda and Cooch Behar

• Incidents in West Bengal's Malda and Cooch Behar have underscored tensions between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
• In Malda, the BGB intervened in BSF's fencing efforts, alleging a violation of the 1975 agreement that prohibits construction within 150 yards of the international boundary.
• Similarly, in Cooch Behar, the BGB challenged fencing actions supported by the BSF aimed at preventing cross-border cattle movement.

The 1975 Border Guidelines

• The 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines prohibit defensive structures within 150 yards of the zero line.
• India, however, views barbed-wire fences as non-defensive, while Bangladesh regards them as potential security threats. The area's complex terrain, including villages and rivers along the 4,096.
• 7 km border, often requires exceptions to these guidelines, necessitating bilateral negotiations.

Bangladesh’s Objections

Bangladesh objects to fencing for two primary reasons:

1. Violation of the 1975 Agreement: Fences positioned closer than 150 yards to the border are seen as breaches.
2. Inconvenience to Residents: Fencing disrupts the daily lives of border residents, particularly in areas where villages are situated near or across the boundary. 

Additionally, the introduction of smart fencing with surveillance capabilities has been criticized for granting India visibility into Bangladeshi territory.

India’s Perspective on Fencing

• India maintains that single-row fences (SRF) are vital for mitigating cross-border crimes, such as smuggling and illegal migration.
• Unlike defensive structures, SRF is perceived as a non-military means to manage border security.
• With over 81. 5% of the West Bengal-Bangladesh border already fenced, the ongoing process faces challenges related to land acquisition and local resistance.

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Challenges and Implications

1. Geopolitical Sensitivities: Disagreements over fencing complicate diplomatic relations, particularly during political transitions in Bangladesh.
2. Cross-Border Crime: Areas that remain unfenced are prone to higher crime rates, necessitating stricter border measures.
3. Local Disruptions: Residents along the border encounter restrictions on movement and livelihood, complicating existing bilateral agreements.

Conclusion: 

• Balancing security requirements with diplomatic agreements and the interests of local residents is essential. 
• Continuous dialogue between India and Bangladesh is necessary to resolve disputes and facilitate effective border management while honoring bilateral commitments.

What is the significance of Bangladesh to India?

• Bangladesh is significant to India for several reasons, including:
• Geopolitical: As a neighboring country with extensive land, riverine, and maritime boundaries, Bangladesh plays a crucial role in India's security and foreign policy. 
• India's collaboration with Bangladesh is essential for countering the Chinese 'String of Pearls. '
• Economic: India and Bangladesh share close economic relationships, with India being one of Bangladesh's largest trading partners; for instance, bilateral trade in 2021-2022 amounted to USD 18. 2 billion.
• Cultural: India and Bangladesh have a shared history, culture, and heritage. 
• The populations of both countries are interconnected through strong cultural and familial ties, with a notable presence of people of Indian origin residing in Bangladesh.
• Strategic: Bangladesh is strategically situated at the intersection of South Asia and Southeast Asia, playing a crucial role in India's Act East Policy, which seeks to strengthen connections with Southeast Asian nations.
• Environmental concerns: The shared trans-boundary rivers and ecological systems between Bangladesh and India necessitate collaboration on critical issues such as water management and flood control. For instance, concerted actions are essential for the protection of the Sunderbans.

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2. 2024: The Warmest Year on Record – India’s Climate Challenges and the Need for Stronger Meteorological Infrastructure

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 15)

Topic: Environment

Context

• In 2024, global temperatures reached their highest levels on record, surpassing pre-industrial averages by more than 1. 5°C. India recorded its hottest year as well, with temperatures increasing by 0. 65°C above the 1991-2020 baseline. However, differences in baseline measurements and the inclusion of ocean temperatures in global averages result in India’s warming (1. 2°C since 1901-1910) appearing less pronounced than the global trend.

Analysis of the news:

Disparity in Warming Patterns

• Land surfaces, including those in India, have experienced less warming compared to polar regions, influenced by geographic and climatic factors.
• Accelerated warming in polar regions, particularly the Arctic, is attributed to the albedo effect and atmospheric heat transfer.
• In contrast, India’s tropical positioning and elevated aerosol levels lead to reduced temperature increases due to solar radiation scattering.

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India’s Unique Challenges

• Despite a relatively lower rate of warming, India's susceptibility to climate change is significant due to its varied geography and dense population.
• The inconsistency in warming patterns across regions, such as the Himalayas and coastal zones, intensifies localized climate effects.

Strengthening India’s Climate Capabilities

• There is a pressing need to enhance India's climate observation and impact assessment systems.
• Expanding the capabilities and networks of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), particularly through programs like Mission Mausam, is essential.
• Improved observation and weather monitoring at the village level are critical for effectively tackling climate challenges.

Role of IMD and Related Agencies

• The IMD plays a crucial role in disaster management, agriculture, energy, and transportation. Enhancing its capacity and that of organizations such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Systems (INCOIS) is essential for building resilience and achieving long-term climate objectives under Vision 2047.

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Facts

1. Mahakumbh 2025 Begins with First Amrit Snan on Makar Sankranti

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 15)

Context

• The Mahakumbh 2025 commenced on January 13 in Prayagraj, with its first ritual bath, referred to as amrit snan or shahi snan, taking place on January 14. 

Analysis of the news:

Overview of Mahakumbh 2025 and First Shahi Snan

• This event is a pivotal moment in the Kumbh Mela, wherein sadhus (holy men) from various akhadaas participate in the initial dip at the Sangam (the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati) before the devotees join them. 
• The Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara were the first to take this sacred bath.

Amrit Snan: Ritual and Significance

• The Kumbh Mela, which occurs every 12 years across four sacred locations, is a significant event in Hinduism. 
• The initial bath, designated as amrit snan (formerly known as shahi snan or royal bath), is performed by sadhus as a symbol of respect and status. 
• The renaming to amrit snan highlights the belief that the event aligns with the spilling of amrit (nectar of immortality) during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). 
• Bathing in these holy rivers is believed to cleanse sins, with specific dates, determined by planetary alignments, considered especially auspicious.

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Makar Sankranti: The Auspicious Day

• January 14 also coincided with Makar Sankranti, a festival marking the Uttarayan phase of the Sun's movement, signifying the conclusion of winter and the onset of longer, sunnier days. 
• This shift from southern to northern direction is regarded as auspicious in Hindu mythology. 
• The Sun’s ingress into Makar Raashi (Capricorn) indicates the end of kharmas, a period when auspicious activities are avoided. 
• Consequently, Makar Sankranti holds particular significance, and its occurrence during the Kumbh is believed to confer immense spiritual benefits.

Other Important Bathing Dates at the Mahakumbh

• In addition to Makar Sankranti, other key dates for bathing during the Mahakumbh include Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Vasant Panchami (February 3), and Shiv Ratri (February 26), which marks the conclusion of the Kumbh Mela. 
• These dates are considered to possess heightened spiritual importance, drawing devotees to the riverbanks for ritual bathing.

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