Today's Brief 2/07/2024

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1.China and it Expansion : 

China and India.

• China's Claim on Tibet: China views Tibet as an autonomous region under its control since the 1950s. They reject any claims of Tibetan independence.

• Indian Position: India officially recognizes Tibet as part of China, but also provides refuge to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, who fled Tibet in 1959.

• Historical Context: The lack of a clearly defined border between China and India, especially near Tibet, has been a source of tension for decades. This led to a brief war in 1962.

• Tibetan Self-Rule: Many Tibetans advocate for greater autonomy or even independence.  India treads a careful line, supporting the Dalai Lama but avoiding actions that could be seen as endorsing Tibetan independence.

• Impact on Relations: The unresolved situation in Tibet creates friction between China and India. It contributes to a general sense of distrust and makes it difficult to resolve other border disputes.

China and the Philippines

The main source of tension between China and the Philippines is the South China Sea. Here's a look at the core issues:

• Disputed Territories: China claims a large portion of the South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands, which the Philippines partly claims as part of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). An international tribunal ruled against China's claims in 2016, but China rejects the ruling.
  

• Chinese Activity: China has been actively building artificial islands and deploying military assets in the disputed areas. They also use what's called "gray zone operations" - using coast guard ships and maritime militia to harass Philippine fishing vessels and assert their dominance.

• Philippine Response: The Philippines has protested China's actions and sought support from allies like the United States and Japan. They've also tried to assert their rights through legal channels and continued fishing activities.

• Risk of Escalation:  These incidents and China's assertive behavior raise concerns about a potential military confrontation. Both sides have expressed a desire to avoid conflict, but tensions remain high.

  BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) a Remedy for Philippine:

The BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) is an LST-542-class tank landing ship that is an active duty commissioned vessel under the Philippine Navy.

Originally known as USS LST-821, it was built for the United States Navy during World War II.

The ship has had a long and interesting history, serving in three navies and multiple continents over five decades.

In 1999, the BRP Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded on a reef near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. This was a strategic move by the Philippines to strengthen its claim to the territory, which is also claimed by China.

The BRP Sierra Madre remains in commission today, but the harsh conditions and saltwater have taken a toll on the ship. Despite its battered state, a small contingent of Philippine Marines continues to live on board, serving as a symbol of the Philippines' claim to the area.

2.Project Nexus : The interlinking of fast payment systems in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand will involve these ASEAN nations as the founding members of the initiative.

This project aims to enhance cross-border payments globally through the use of instant payment systems.

 In over 70 countries today domestic payments reach their destination in seconds at near-zero cost to the Sender or Recipient.

 This is thanks to the growing availability of instant payment systems (IPS).  Connecting these IPS to each other can enable cross-border payments from Sender to Recipient within 60 seconds (in most cases).

Nexus is designed to standardise the way that IPS connect to each other. Rather than a payment system operator building custom connections for every new country that it connects to, the operator can make one connection to the Nexus platform.

This single connection allows a fast payments system to reach all other countries on the network.

Nexus could significantly accelerate the growth of instant cross-border payments.

 BIS(Bank of International settlements)

Established in 1930, the BIS is owned by 63 central banks, representing countries from around the world that together account for about 95% of world GDP.

Its head office is in Basel, Switzerland and

it has two representative offices: in Hong Kong SAR and in Mexico City, as well as Innovation Hub Centres around the world.

3.Drainage master plan: Project Initiated: Urban flooding during rains is a significant issue in many cities worldwide. It occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage systems, leading to waterlogging in streets, homes, and businesses.

Several factors contribute to urban flooding, 

•  including poor infrastructure,

•  inadequate drainage systems,

•  rapid urbanization, and

•  climate change.

 In 2009, there were calls to address Delhi's outdated drainage system, which could only handle limited rainfall. IIT Delhi was commissioned in 2012 to create a new drainage master plan for the city.

Urban flooding during rains is a significant issue in many cities worldwide. It occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage systems, leading to waterlogging in streets, homes, and businesses. Several factors contribute to urban flooding, including poor infrastructure, inadequate drainage systems, rapid urbanization, and climate change.

Mitigation Strategies

1. Improving Drainage Systems: Upgrading and maintaining stormwater drainage systems to handle heavy rainfall can prevent water from accumulating.

2. Green Infrastructure: Implementing green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens can help absorb rainwater and reduce runoff.

3. Urban Planning: Designing cities with sufficient open spaces, parks, and wetlands that can act as natural water absorption areas.

4. Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems: Using technology to predict heavy rainfall and flooding can give people time to prepare and evacuate if necessary.

5. Regulating Construction: Enforcing regulations that prevent construction in flood-prone areas and ensuring buildings are designed to withstand flooding.

6. Community Engagement: Educating the public about flood risks and involving them in creating and implementing flood management plans.

7. Emergency Response Planning: Developing and practicing emergency response plans to ensure a quick and effective response to flooding incidents.

• IIT Delhi Report: By 2018, IIT Delhi submitted a report with recommendations. It emphasized separating sewage and rainwater drainage systems, desilting existing drains, and preventing encroachment.

• Implementation Stalled: Unfortunately, the plan hasn't been fully implemented. The government cited a lack of crucial data and discrepancies in information provided to IIT Delhi.

• Current Status: As of July 2024, there's no finalized plan from IIT Delhi. The Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD) is now in the process of hiring consultants to develop a new drainage plan for the city.

4.TISS withdraws termination of over 100 staffers, says Tata Education Trust has agreed to release funds: https://indianexpress.com/article/education/tiss-withdraws-termination-letters-staff-members-tata-education-trust-funds-9424269/

5.The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body in India established for the promotion and protection of human rights. It was set up on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

Functions and Powers

1. Investigative Powers: The NHRC has the authority to investigate complaints regarding violations of human rights or negligence in preventing such violations by public servants.

2. Advisory Role: It advises the central and state governments on human rights issues, including policies and legislation.

3. Promotion of Human Rights: The NHRC undertakes and promotes research in the field of human rights, conducts seminars and workshops, and spreads human rights literacy among various sections of society.

4. Annual Reports: It submits annual reports to the government on the human rights situation in the country, highlighting areas of concern and making recommendations.

Structure

• Chairperson: The NHRC is headed by a chairperson who is a retired Chief Justice of India.

• Members: It includes members who are judges, human rights experts, and appointed officials.

Key Activities

• Complaint Handling: The NHRC handles thousands of complaints every year, ranging from police brutality to issues of bonded labor, child rights, and women’s rights.

• Visits and Inspections: The commission conducts visits to jails, detention centers, and other institutions to inspect the conditions and ensure the protection of human rights.

Challenges

• Implementation: One of the major challenges is the implementation of NHRC’s recommendations by the government.

• Limited Powers: The NHRC does not have the power to enforce its decisions. It can only make recommendations to the government and other authorities.

Importance

The NHRC plays a crucial role in safeguarding human rights in India, acting as a watchdog over government actions and raising awareness about human rights issues among the public.

Places in News

• Vienna: , the capital of Austria, is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and vibrant arts scene.

Historical and Cultural Significance

1. History: Vienna's history dates back to the Roman era. It became the capital of the Habsburg Empire and played a pivotal role in European politics, culture, and art for centuries.

2. Architecture: The city is known for its stunning architecture, ranging from Gothic structures like St. Stephen’s Cathedral to Baroque palaces like the Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere.

3. Music: Vienna is often referred to as the "City of Music" because of its musical legacy. It was home to famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna State Opera are world-renowned.

• Spratly Islands

The Spratly Islands are a group of more than 100 small islands and reefs in the South China Sea. These islands are strategically significant due to their location in major shipping lanes and their potential reserves of oil and natural gas.

 The islands are claimed in whole or in part by several countries, including:

1. China

2. Taiwan

3. Vietnam

4. Malaysia

5. Brunei

6. Philippines

• Albania is a country located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It is known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. Here are some key aspects about Albania:

Geography and Climate

1. Location: Albania is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south, and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to the west.

2. Landscape: The country features a varied landscape, including mountains, rivers, lakes, and a beautiful coastline. The Albanian Riviera along the Ionian Sea is particularly renowned for its stunning beaches.

3. Climate: Albania has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Inland areas experience a more continental climate, with colder winters.

History

Ancient History: Albania has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was inhabited by Illyrian tribes and later became part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires.

Ottoman Rule: From the 15th to the early 20th century, Albania was part of the Ottoman Empire. This period significantly influenced Albanian culture, language, and religion.

Independence: Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire on November 28, 1912. It underwent various political changes throughout the 20th century, including a period of communist rule under Enver Hoxha from 1944 to 1991.

Modern Era: Since the fall of communism, Albania has transitioned to a democratic system and has been working towards integration with Western institutions, including NATO and the European Union.

destinations include the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Gjirokastër and Berat, as well as the Albanian Riviera.

• The Philippines is an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant history. Here are some key aspects about the Philippines:

Geography and Climate

Location: The Philippines is composed of about 7,641 islands, with Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao being the three main geographical divisions. It is situated in the western Pacific Ocean.

Landscape: The country features a variety of landscapes, including mountains, beaches, coral reefs, and dense forests. It is known for natural wonders such as the Chocolate Hills, the Banaue Rice Terraces, and Palawan’s underground river.

Climate: The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate, characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. It has three seasons: tag-init or tag-araw (hot dry season), tag-ulan (rainy season), and tag-lamig (cool dry season).

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