Today's Brief 1-6/04/2024

1.Critical minerals are pivotal for both economic development and national security. The limited availability of these minerals or their extraction and processing being concentrated in a few regions can pose significant risks to supply chains, potentially leading to disruptions.

To address this issue, the government of India has compiled a list of 30 essential minerals, including Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium, and Cadmium. Furthermore, the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957 (MMDR Act, 1957) underwent an amendment in 2023, adding 24 critical and strategic minerals to Part D of Schedule-I.

Minerals are essential components of our planet. Here’s what you need to know:

 A mineral is a homogeneous solid that can be made of a single native element or, more commonly, a compound.

These compounds have a fairly well-defined chemical composition and a specific crystal structure.

They occur naturally in pure form and are distinct from rocks. Minerals can be found in various environments, including rocks, sands, and soils1.

Formation: Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. They form through geological processes such as:

• Crystallization from a melt (igneous): When molten material cools and solidifies, it forms crystals.

• Precipitation from a solution (sedimentary): Minerals can precipitate out of water solutions.

• Metamorphism (metamorphic): Existing minerals can change due to heat and pressure2.

Classification: Minerals are classified based on their chemical constituents. Silicate minerals, which contain silicon and oxygen, make up approximately 90% of Earth’s crust. Other important mineral groups include native elements, sulfides, oxides, halides, carbonates, sulfates, and phosphates1.

Examples: Here are a few common minerals:

• Quartz: A silicon dioxide mineral found in many rocks.

• Calcite: A calcium carbonate mineral often found in limestone.

• Feldspar: A group of silicate minerals abundant in igneous rocks.

• Magnetite: An iron oxide mineral with magnetic properties.

• Halite: Common table salt, composed of sodium chloride

These minerals have been identified as crucial for the nation's strategic interests.

2.The Kankesanthurai Port, situated in the northern part of Sri Lanka, spans an area of around 16 acres and lies approximately 104 kilometers (56 nautical miles) away from Karaikal Port in Pondicherry.

A direct passenger ship service links Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai port near Jaffna, covering a distance of 111 kilometers (60 nautical miles) in roughly three and a half hours. The project encountered delays due to higher estimated costs, prompting discussions with India about its completion through the Public Private Partnership method. Recognizing the project's significance, the Indian government has agreed to cover the entire estimated cost.

Regarding India's assistance during Sri Lanka's economic crisis, the country's closer ties with India for immediate relief were evident. Under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India extended support to Sri Lanka, providing aid amounting to nearly $3.5 billion to address food, health, and energy security concerns. India also facilitated the delivery of diesel to ease Sri Lanka's acute fuel shortage during its severe economic crisis.

Additionally, India offered a $500 million credit line to assist Sri Lanka in importing fuel, addressing its struggles with payment after a sharp decline in foreign exchange reserves led to currency devaluation and escalating inflation.

Trade relations between India and Sri Lanka have been robust, particularly since the inception of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement in 2000. Both countries enjoy substantial trade volumes, with India being among Sri Lanka's largest trade partners within SAARC. India also significantly contributes to Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka.

Culturally, periodic Cultural Exchange Programmes between the two nations are facilitated by the Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed in 1977. Moreover, India remains a prominent inbound tourism market for Sri Lanka.

In terms of maritime security and defense cooperation, joint military exercises and collaborations aim to enhance regional security. Both nations have also committed to enhancing connectivity through various projects, including the development of ports and logistics infrastructure.

Despite these positive developments, challenges persist, such as the fishermen issue and concerns regarding Indian Ocean geopolitics, including China's increasing strategic investments in the region. However, both countries are keen on enhancing bilateral relations, as evidenced by policy documents and mutual assistance during crises. Moving forward, maintaining a balance between respective interests remains crucial for both India and Sri Lanka in their bilateral relations.

3. Bima Vistaar:

Bima Vistaar is a proposed, all-in-one insurance product designed by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) with the goal of increasing insurance penetration in the country. Here's a breakdown of its key points:

What is Bima Vistaar?

• First-of-its-kind affordable insurance product: It aims to provide a comprehensive insurance solution at a reasonable cost.

• Multi-coverage: Bima Vistaar offers protection against life, health, personal accident, and property risks.

• Targeted audience: Primarily designed for individuals and families residing in rural areas.

• Social safety net: Aims to provide a basic level of financial security against various uncertainties.

Key Features:

• Affordability: The proposed premium for Bima Vistaar is around Rs. 1,500, making it accessible to a wider population.

• Convenience: Offers a single policy covering multiple risks, simplifying insurance management.

• Increased coverage: Compared to micro-insurance products, Bima Vistaar is expected to offer a larger sum insured.

Significance:

• Financial inclusion: Bima Vistaar has the potential to significantly increase insurance penetration, particularly among the underinsured rural population.

• Enhanced protection: Provides a broader safety net against various financial risks.

• Part of a larger initiative: Bima Vistaar is part of IRDAI's "Insurance Trinity" initiative, which also includes Bima Sugam (online insurance marketplace) and Bima Vahak (women-led distribution force). This comprehensive approach aims to achieve "Insurance for All" by 2047.

Current Status:

• Under development: While the product design and pricing are finalized, a launch date hasn't been officially announced.

• Technological platform: The development of a suitable technology platform for product delivery is ongoing.

4. PM PRANAM scheme:

Prime Minister's Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nurturing and Amelioration of Mother Earth

Launch and Purpose:

• Approved in December 2023, the PM PRANAM scheme aims to promote sustainable and balanced use of fertilizers for soil health.

• It focuses on:

• Reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.

• Encouraging the use of alternative fertilizers like organic and bio-fertilizers.

• Promoting organic farming practices.

• Implementing resource conservation technologies.

Key Components:

• Balanced Fertilizer Use: The scheme emphasizes using chemical fertilizers judiciously based on soil test recommendations, alongside organic and bio-fertilizers.

• Organic Farming Promotion: It builds upon existing organic farming schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and others, providing support to farmers adopting organic practices.

• Market Development Assistance: The scheme allocates Rs. 1451.84 crore for Market Development Assistance (MDA) to promote organic fertilizers produced from Gobardhan plants (biogas plants).

Overall Goal:

• PM PRANAM aims to restore and improve the fertility of Indian soil by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing over-reliance on chemical fertilizers.

5. World Press Freedom Index 2024 : India (159th)

 Overall Trend:

• Global press freedom is declining significantly.

• The political indicator saw the sharpest drop, with an average fall of 7.6 points across all countries.

• The percentage of countries classified as "satisfactory" (yellow) has drastically dropped from 36% in 2023 to 21% in 2024.

Top Performers:

• Norway remains at the top of the ranking, followed by Denmark.

• All countries with "good" press freedom ratings are located in Europe, particularly within the European Union, which recently adopted its first media freedom law (EMFA).

Key Findings:

• Political pressure: Governments are increasingly using their power to suppress independent media, leading to a decline in press freedom.

• Violence against journalists: Mexico remains the most dangerous country for journalists, with 37 killed since 2019.

• South America: Almost all countries in South America now have a "problematic" press freedom situation, partly due to the election of leaders who actively target journalists.

India's Performance:

• India's score dropped significantly, falling from 36.62 in 2023 to 31.28 in 2024.

• This decline reflects the increasing challenges faced by journalists in the country, including harassment, intimidation, and legal pressure.

• Categories: 

• Good: 85-100 points (indicates the highest level of press freedom)

• Satisfactory: 70-85 points

• Problematic: 55-70 points

• Difficult: 40-55 points

• Very Serious: Below 40 points (indicates the worst press freedom situations)

• Not Classified: Countries with insufficient data

In the Asia-Pacific region – the world’s second most difficult region for practising journalism – five countries are among the world’s ten most dangerous countries for media personnel:

Myanmar (171st),

China (172nd),

North Korea (177th),

Vietnam (174th) and

Afghanistan (178th).

But, unlike last year, none of the region’s countries is in the Index’s top

15.

UN Security Council Resolution 2222--UN Security Council Resolution 2222, adopted on May 27, 2015, focuses on the crucial issue of protecting journalists and associated media personnel in situations of armed conflict. Here's a breakdown of its key points:

Main Focus:

• Combating impunity for attacks against journalists in armed conflict zones.

• Enhancing reporting on violence against journalists.

• Improving international coordination to strengthen the protection of journalists.

Key Provisions:

• Condemns all attacks and intimidation against journalists and media personnel in armed conflict.

• Urges all parties involved in armed conflict to respect the rights and professional independence of journalists.

• Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of journalists kidnapped or held hostage.

• Emphasizes the protection of media equipment and installations as civilian objects.

• Encourages UN peacekeeping and special political missions to report on specific acts of violence against journalists.

• Urges all parties to armed conflict to prevent violations of international humanitarian law against civilians, including journalists.

Significance:

• Resolution 2222 serves as a vital tool in advocating for the safety and rights of journalists working in dangerous environments.

• It emphasizes the critical role journalists play in reporting on conflicts and holding authorities accountable.

• By condemning attacks and urging action to prevent them, the resolution aims to create a safer environment for journalists to operate.

6.7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting held in New

Delhi:Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Indonesia, Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto, M.D.S. co-chaired the 7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in New Delhi on May 03, 2024. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction at the expanding scope of defence cooperation between the two countries.

The progress made on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives deliberated in meetings of Working Groups on Defence Cooperation and Defence Industries Cooperation was also reviewed by the co-chairs.

Refrence:

htps://pib.gov.in/indexd.aspx

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