Today's brief 17/02/2025

IE Analysis:https://youtu.be/qk1u_l8dAOc?si=KdtOZzAUyTD8A98i

JN Analysis:https://youtu.be/H6rcoWv2AYE?si=qlpGv2-o3JHlhyQ9

1.India, Japan:(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) The Indian Army will conduct the sixth edition of the joint military exercise Dharma Guardian with Japan at Mount Fuji in Japan from February 25 to March 9, 2025.

Mount Fuji, an iconic symbol of Japan, is a majestic stratovolcano and the country's highest peak, reaching 3,776 meters (12,389 feet). Its perfectly conical shape, a result of repeated volcanic eruptions, and often snow-capped summit make it a visually striking landmark.

Revered as a sacred mountain for centuries, Mount Fuji embodies deep spiritual significance in Japanese culture and has inspired countless artists and writers. .

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, Mount Fuji, located on the island of Honshu about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo, continues to be a powerful symbol of Japan's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

2 .8th Indian Ocean Conference .Muscat, Oman:(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

started by India Foundation in 2016 at Singapore, with participation from 30 countries. In the last 8 years, the Conference has emerged as the flagship consultative forum for countries in the region over regional affairs.

The Conference endeavours to bring critical states and principal maritime partners of the region together on a common platform to deliberate upon the prospects of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is India's vision for the Indian Ocean region. It was launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

SAGAR is a comprehensive framework that seeks to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region through cooperation and collaboration with other countries.   

3 .The Munich Security Conference (MSC) is an annual conference on international security policy held in Munich, Germany. It is the world's largest gathering of its kind, bringing together heads of state, government officials, military leaders, and experts from around the globe to discuss pressing security challenges.

Key features of the Munich Security Conference:High-level participation: 

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

The MSC attracts a diverse range of high-profile attendees, including presidents, prime ministers, defense ministers, foreign ministers, and leaders of international organizations.

• Informal dialogue: The conference provides a platform for open and informal discussions on a wide range of security issues, fostering dialogue and exchange of ideas among participants

• Focus on current challenges: The MSC addresses the most pressing security concerns facing the world, including conflicts, terrorism, cyber threats, climate change, and global health crises.

  
  

  "Munich Rule": The conference operates under the "Munich Rule," which emphasizes engagement and interaction among participants, encouraging them to listen to each other and avoid lecturing or ignoring opposing viewpoints.

• Marketplace of ideas: The MSC serves as a "marketplace of ideas," where participants can propose solutions, initiatives, and strategies to address global security challenges.

  
  

• Independent platform: The conference is organized privately and is not an official government event, allowing for more candid and open discussions.

History and significance:

• Founded in 1963, the MSC has evolved into the most important independent forum for security policy decision-makers worldwide.

  
  

• It has played a crucial role in fostering dialogue and cooperation on international security issues for over six decades.

  
  

• The conference has witnessed numerous significant moments in international relations, including discussions on arms control, the Cold War, and the post-Cold War security landscape.

The MSC in 2025:

The 61st Munich Security Conference will take place from February 14 to 16, 2025.

 It will likely focus on critical issues such as:

• The ongoing war in Ukraine and its global implications

• Rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region

• The future of the international order

• Climate change and its impact on security

• Technological advancements and their security implications

The MSC 2025 will provide a crucial opportunity for leaders and experts to engage in discussions and seek solutions to the complex security challenges facing the world today.

4 .Elon Musk's DOGE Flags $21 Million For "Voter Turnout In India", BJP Responds

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

The United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has cancelled a $21 million US taxpayer-funded grant - under former President Joe Biden's administration - meant to influence "voter turnout in India."

In its announcement, DOGE highlighted that the $21 million was part of a larger $486 million budget allocated to the "Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening." 

5 .Fish production doubles in last 10 years:(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

Ministry of FisheriesIndia has emerged as the second-largest fish-producing country globally, contributing approximately 8% to global fish production.

Over the past two decades, the fisheries sector has undergone significant growth and transformation, driven by technological advancements, policy reforms, and strategic government initiatives

Highlights of India’s Fisheries Sector

1. Production Growth:

   • Fish production in India increased from 63.99 lakh tonnes in 2003-04 to 184.02 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, marking a growth of 88.23 lakh tonnes over the last decade (2014-24)

     
     

   • Inland and aquaculture fish production saw a remarkable rise of 77.71 lakh tonnes from 2014-24, compared to 26.78 lakh tonnes in the previous decade (2004-14)

     
     

2. Export Performance:

   
   

3. India exported 17,81,602 metric tonnes (MT) of seafood worth Rs 60,523.89 crore in 2023-24, a significant jump from Rs 609.95 crore in 2003-04

   
   

   • The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) reported that India’s seafood exports have become a key contributor to the economy, with a focus on value-added products like frozen fish paste (surimi) and fish hydrolysate

     
     

4. Government Initiatives:

   • Blue Revolution Scheme: Launched in 2015-16 with a central outlay of Rs 3,000 crore, this scheme aimed to increase fisheries production and productivity, both inland and marine

     
     

   • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Introduced in 2020 with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore, PMMSY focuses on sustainable development, infrastructure creation, and socio-economic welfare of fishers and fish farmers

     
     

   • Union Budget 2025-26: The government proposed the highest-ever budgetary support of Rs 2,703.67 crore for the fisheries sector, emphasizing sustainable marine resource utilization, deep-sea fishing, and modern aquaculture techniques

5. Focus on Marine Fisheries:

   • The budget introduced a framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas, with special attention to the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands

     
     

   • Measures include promoting tuna clusters, seaweed cultivation, and ornamental fish farming, alongside streamlining licensing processes for deep-sea fishing vessels

     
     

6. Financial Inclusion and Support:

   • The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) lending limit was increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, ensuring better access to credit for fishers, processors, and other stakeholders

     
     

   • Customs duties on key inputs like frozen fish paste and fish hydrolysate were reduced to 5%, enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global seafood market

     
     

7. Inland Fisheries Development:

   
   

   • Inland fisheries, contributing over 75% of total fish production, have seen significant growth, with production rising from 61 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 139 lakh tonnes in 2023-24

     
     

   • Initiatives like reservoir cage farming, biofloc technology, and the conversion of saline-alkaline areas into productive aquaculture zones have boosted productivity

Thanks For Visiting.