Today in History (December 30th,1943)
Subhas Chandra Bose, the leader of the Azad Hind Government, raised the Indian flag in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, declaring India’s independence from British rule .
Let’s Revise
Q.1) Where does the Brahmaputra River originate?
a) Tibet
b) Nepal
c) India
d) Bangladesh
Answer: a)
Explanation: The Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo. It flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh.
Q.2) Which of the following countries does the Brahmaputra River NOT flow through?
a) India
b) Bangladesh
c) Nepal
d) China
Answer: c)
Explanation: The Brahmaputra flows through China (Tibet), India, and Bangladesh, but it does not pass through Nepal.
Q.3) What is the other name of the Brahmaputra River in Tibet?
a) Ganga
b) Indus
c) Yarlung Tsangpo
d) Mekong
Answer: c)
Explanation: In Tibet, the Brahmaputra River is called the Yarlung Tsangpo before it enters India.
Q.4) Which of the following is the primary tributary of the Brahmaputra River?
a) Ganges
b) Subansiri
c) Yamuna
d) Godavari
Answer: b)
Explanation: The Subansiri is one of the major tributaries of the Brahmaputra River, originating in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Q.5) In which region does the Brahmaputra River create one of the world’s largest deltas?
a) Kolar Delta
b) Ganges Delta
c) Brahmaputra Delta
d) Mekong Delta
Answer: c)
Explanation: The Brahmaputra River, along with the Ganges River, creates the Sundarbans Delta, one of the largest deltas in the world, located in Bangladesh and India.
Q.6) Which of the following cities is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River?
a) Kolkata
b) Guwahati
c) Varanasi
d) Mumbai
Answer: b)
Explanation: Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, India, is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River.
Q.7) What is the length of the Brahmaputra River?
a) 2,500 km
b) 3,000 km
c) 2,900 km
d) 4,000 km
Answer: c)
Explanation: The Brahmaputra River stretches approximately 2,900 kilometers, making it one of the longest rivers in the world.
Q.8) The Brahmaputra River plays a significant role in the economy of which of the following?
a) Transportation
b) Fishing and agriculture
c) Hydropower generation
d) All of the above
Answer: d)
Explanation: The Brahmaputra River is crucial for transportation, fishing, agriculture, and hydropower generation in the regions it flows through, supporting the local economy.
Q.9) Which river makes Meghna River after meeting with the Ganga?
a) Cauvery
b) Yamuna
c) Brahmaputra
d) Narmada
Answer: c)
Rationale: The Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers meet in Bangladesh, near the town of Chandpur, and form the Meghna River. The Meghna River then drains into the Bay of Bengal.
Q.10) Which bird recently declared the state bird of USA?
a) Black Hawk
b) Bald Eagle
c) Peacock
d) Black Vulture
Answer: b)
Rationale: The bald eagle is now officially the national bird of the United States. President Joe Biden signed the law on Christmas Eve, making it official. Since 1782, the bald eagle has been part of the country’s national emblem, featured on the Great Seal of the United States.
Summary of Today’s News
India’s Foreign Policy Challenges
2024 Overview:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term saw numerous visits and global insecurity, especially with Bangladesh.
• The biggest challenge for Indian foreign policy is to stay adaptable amidst uncertainties.
High Points:
• Disengagement at the Line of Actual Control with China, marked by the first Modi-Xi Jinping meeting in five years.
• Strengthened ties with France, highlighted by President Emmanuel Macron’s visit.
• Conclusion of the India-European Free Trade Association agreement.
• Positive engagements with neighboring countries, including Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Challenges:
• Bangladesh’s shift from a friendly neighbor to estrangement after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
• Strained relations with Canada over allegations involving Indian officials.
• Complex relations with the U.S., including indictments against the Adani group and an Indian official.
• China’s influence in Nepal and other neighbors remains a challenge.
Global Conflict Navigation:
• Modi’s visits to Russia and Ukraine sparked speculation of a mediator role.
• No high-level visits to Israel; Modi met Palestinian PM Mahmoud Abbas at the UN.
• India maintained a cautious stance on UN resolutions regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.
• Bilateral engagements with West Asian countries amid troubled multilateral initiatives.
2025 Diplomatic Calendar:
• Prioritizing ties with the U.S., with expected visits from President Trump and U.S. NSA Jake Sullivan.
• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to be the Republic Day guest.
• Anticipated visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin, his first since the war began.
India-USA relations under President Trump: the Second term
A second term under President Trump, starting January 20, 2025, is expected to deepen policies from his first term, with a focus on tariffs, immigration, and foreign policy.
Key points include:
1) Tariffs and Trade Policy: Trump plans to impose tariffs on a broad range of U.S. imports, possibly between 10%-20%, with a specific 60% tariff on Chinese goods.
• This could significantly impact trade, especially targeting intermediate goods.
• Retaliation from trading partners like China, India, and the EU is expected.
2) Tax Policy: The administration might renew tax cuts from Trump’s 2017 tax overhaul, which primarily benefited the wealthy. Critics argue it was expensive and failed to produce the promised economic benefits. Other economic measures may include a carbon-border tax and restrictions on Chinese investments in U.S. infrastructure and essential industries.
3) Immigration: Trump’s second term could see large-scale deportations of undocumented workers, though this may face logistical and legal challenges, particularly in “sanctuary cities.” The cost of deportation efforts could exceed $300 billion.
4) Foreign Policy: Trump aims to end the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• He advocates halting military spending in Ukraine and demands European NATO allies reimburse the U.S. for related costs.
• Trump also criticized Israeli actions in Gaza, though he previously supported Israel by moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
5) Political Strength: Trump’s second term is likely to be more effective due to his strong mandate from the 2024 election and a supportive federal government trifecta, which would help pass policies and influence judicial rulings.
In summary, a Trump 2.0 administration is likely to focus on aggressive trade policies, restrictive immigration actions, and a more isolationist foreign policy. The cost of implementing these policies, especially immigration measures, will be significant.
China and Iran on West Asia
• Stance on West Asia: China and Iran’s top diplomats agreed that West Asia should not be a battleground for big powers or an arena of geopolitical competition.
• Mutual Agreement: They emphasized the international community should respect the sovereignty, security, stability, unity, and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern countries.
• Diplomatic Visit: Abbas Araghchi visited China for the first time since being appointed Iran’s Foreign Minister.
Key Issues Addressed:
• Calls for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.
• Promotion of counter-terrorism, reconciliation, and humanitarian efforts in Syria.
• Geopolitical Context: Both countries were supporters of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Current Syrian leader Muhammad al-Jolani opposes Tehran.
• Nuclear Program: Discussions included Iran’s nuclear programme, with concerns from Britain and the U.S. about potential weapon development.
• Call for Truce: Foreign Ministers of China and Iran urged for truce in Gaza and Lebanon and a solution to the Syrian crisis.
