Today in History (August 17^th, 1987)

Rudolf Hess, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler’s former deputy, is found strangled to death in Spandau Prison in Berlin at the age of 93, apparently the victim of suicide. Hess was the last surviving member of Hitler’s inner circle and the sole prisoner at Spandau since 1966.

TEST YOURSELF

A) What is Nankai Trough recently seen in news?

1. Asteroid hit Japan
2. An event occurred in blackhole
3. A hurricane in North America
4. A place where mega earthquake may occur

Ans. (4)

Rationale: Recently, Japan issued its first-ever ‘megaquake advisory’ of strong shaking and large tsunamis on the Nankai Trough, a subduction zone.

B) What is the primary geological feature of the Nankai Trough?

1. Volcanic hotspot
2. Subduction zone
3. Rift valley
4. Mid-ocean ridge

Ans. (2)
Rationale: The Nankai Trough is characterized as an underwater subduction zone where the Philippine Sea Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate.

C) How many earthquakes does Japan experience annually?

1. About 500
2. About 1,000
3. About 1,500
4. About 2,000

Ans. (3)
Rationale: Japan experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes per year due to its position on the Ring of Fire.

D) Which Indian official recently visited the Maldives for a three-day official visit?

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
2. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
3. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh
4. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Ans. (2)
Rationale: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India recently visited the Maldives for a three-day official visit.

E) What does UPI stand for in the context of the MoU signed between India and the Maldives?

1. Universal Payment Interface
2. Unified Payments Interface
3. United Payment Initiative
4. Universal Payment Instrument

Ans. (2)

Rationale: The MoU included the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Maldives.

F) What role does the Maldives play in India’s external trade?

1. It is a major supplier of oil.
2. It acts as a toll gate for nearly half of India’s external trade.
3. It is a major exporter of technology.
4. It is a significant market for India’s manufactured goods.

Ans. (2) It acts as a toll gate for nearly half of India’s external trade.
Rationale: The Maldives’ strategic location makes it a crucial toll gate for nearly half of India’s external trade.

G) Which country’s growing influence in the Maldives is a challenge for India?

1. United States
2. Japan
3. China
4. Russia

Ans. (3)
Rationale: China’s growing economic presence and potential military ambitions in the Maldives pose challenges to India’s strategic interests.

H) How has India assisted the Maldives during disasters?

1. By sending peacekeeping troops
2. By providing financial aid
3. By sending essential supplies and relief during crises
4. By offering diplomatic support

Ans. (3)

Rationale: India has provided disaster relief assistance, including sending essential supplies and aid during crises such as the 2004 tsunami and the 2014 drinking water crisis.

I) What is one of the objectives of India’s Vision SAGAR?

1. To strengthen economic ties with Europe
2. To promote security and growth for all in the Indian Ocean region
3. To develop a regional trade bloc in Asia
4. To establish military alliances with neighbouring countries

Ans. (2)
Rationale: Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is an initiative aimed at promoting security and growth throughout the Indian Ocean region.

Summary of Today’s News

Secular Civil Code (Uniform Civil Code – UCC)

Context

• PM Modi, in his 11th Independence Day speech, advocated for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), calling it a “Secular Civil Code” as opposed to the current “communal civil code”.

What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

• A UCC means one law for everyone in India regarding personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
• Currently, different major religions have their own personal laws.
• Goa is highlighted by the Supreme Court (2019) as an example where a UCC is in place, using the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 44 (Part IV of the Constitution) states that the state should aim to provide a uniform civil code for all citizens.
• Part IV contains Directive Principles of State Policy, which guide governance but are not legally enforceable.

UCC in India

• Goa: Uses the Portuguese Civil Code, applying the same laws to all religions for marriage, divorce, and succession.
• 1962 Act: Allowed Goa to implement the Civil Code after joining India in 1961.
• Other States: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam have shown interest, but none have officially adopted a UCC.

Arguments in Favor of UCC

• Uniformity in Governance: Simplifies laws and administrative processes, making justice more efficient.
• Women’s Rights: Addresses discriminatory provisions in personal laws, promoting equality.
• Secularism: Reinforces secularism by treating all citizens equally regardless of religion.
• International Image: Demonstrates commitment to equality, secularism, and human rights, improving India’s global standing.
• National Integration: Promotes unity by creating a common legal platform for diverse communities.

Arguments Against UCC

• Plurality of Laws: Concerns about applying one law to diverse personal laws of various communities.
• Implementation Issues: Challenges in enforcing a UCC due to India’s religious diversity and differing practices.
• Tribal and Religious Practices: Potential prohibition of distinct practices observed by tribal and religious groups.
• Law and Order: Risk of unrest and perceived as oppressive to minority communities.
• Constitutional Concerns: Seen as potentially infringing on rights to practice one’s religion under Articles 25 and 26, and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Minority Fears: Worries that the UCC might reflect predominantly Hindu practices.
• Law Commission’s View: The Law Commission of India believes a UCC is not necessary or desirable at present and suggests focusing on reforming discriminatory practices within existing laws.

Way Ahead

• Authorities should consult various societal groups to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and respect for diverse perspectives during the implementation of the UCC.
• The Law Commission supports achieving equality within communities rather than imposing uniformity across all communities.

Reform in UN Security Council

Context

• Recently, the G4 Countries have said that without reforms the UN Security Council is ill equipped to address global challenges.

Need For Reform

• Representation Matters: The G4 nations stressed that the lack of adequate geographic representation in the Security Council is responsible for its failures.
• Specifically, they highlighted the non-representation of Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as the under-representation of the Asia-Pacific region in the permanent category of the UNSC.
• Addressing this historical imbalance is crucial for the Council to effectively tackle current global challenges.
• Imbalances and Urgency: India’s Charge d’Affaires and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN pointed out that recent geopolitical events have revealed the UNSC’s limitations in safeguarding international peace and security.
• The realities of 1945, when the Council was established, no longer align with today’s geopolitical landscape.
• The G4 nations firmly believe that any reform of the Council must address the lack of representation, especially in the permanent category. Failing to do so would exacerbate existing imbalances.

India’s Stance

• India has consistently advocated for UNSC reform. It believes that as a major global player, it deserves a permanent seat on the Council.
• It emphasises the need for equitable representation, especially for developing countries.
• India rightly emphasises that UNSC reform is a collective effort, stating it’s not solely the responsibility of a single powerful nation; all UN members must actively participate.

Proposed Reforms

• The G4 proposed expanding the Council’s membership to include more permanent and non-permanent members.
• Africa’s role is particularly crucial in shaping a more representative and effective UNSC.
• Without meaningful reforms, the Council risks being ill-equipped to address the pressing challenges faced by the international community.

Challenges and Reluctance

• Reforming the UNSC is not an easy process. Various countries have differing views on how to proceed. Some nations use procedural tactics to delay progress, hindering meaningful reform.
• Coffee Club: It is an informal group comprising 40-odd member states, mostly middle-sized states who oppose bigger regional powers grabbing permanent seats, has been instrumental in holding back reforms to the United Nations Security Council over the past six years.
• India, however, remains committed to pushing for change.
• Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN)
• It serves as a platform for discussing UNSC reform. Unfortunately, progress has been slow.
• India has called out the use of IGN as a “smoke-screen” by a few countries, preventing substantial movement toward reform.

India’s Preparedness

• As a current non-permanent member of the UNSC, India will complete its two-year tenure in December.
• India is ready to take on greater responsibilities but also seeks to address historical injustices faced by the Global South.