NIA to probe Khalistani Attacks on Indian Missions

The probe into the assaults by supporters of Khalistan on Indian Missions in the US and Canada has been handed over to the National Investigating Agency (NIA).

National Investigating Agency (NIA) Background: (1) History and Purpose

In response to the terror attacks on December 26, 2008 in Mumbai, the NIA was created.

The National Investigation Agency Act governs its operations.

It is in charge of looking into crimes involving terrorism, the smuggling of weapons, drugs, fake money, and cross-border infiltration.

(2) Jurisdiction and Powers

The NIA has jurisdiction over the whole of India and extends to Indian citizens abroad, government personnel, and individuals on Indian-registered ships and aircraft.

It possesses extensive powers to search, seize, arrest, and prosecute those involved in scheduled offenses under various acts, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code.

(3) Scheduled Offenses:

The NIA investigates offenses listed under the schedule of the NIA Act, which includes acts related to explosives, hijacking, unlawful activities, terrorism, maritime navigation safety, and more.

In 2020, the NIA was empowered to probe offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act connected to terrorism cases.

Operational Procedures of the NIA

Referral and Direction: State governments can refer cases involving scheduled offences to the Union Home Ministry, which can then direct the NIA to take over the investigation. The Central government can also initiate investigations suo motu if it believes a scheduled offence has been committed.

Assistance and Cooperation: State governments are required to provide full assistance to the NIA during investigations. This includes sharing information, providing logistical support, and cooperating in the arrest and prosecution of suspects. The NIA relies on the collective efforts of state and central agencies to ensure a comprehensive and effective investigation.

Proactive Investigations: The NIA has the authority to proactively investigate cases involving scheduled offenses, taking the initiative to prevent and preempt acts of terrorism and other serious crimes. This proactive approach enables the agency to identify and neutralize threats in a timely manner, safeguarding national security.

BIMSTEC to adopt Bangkok Vision 2030

The Bangkok Vision 2030 will be adopted at the next Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) meeting, which is expected to take place at the end of this year.

This thorough paper will give the organisation direction and serve as a manual for the distinguished person group.

The summit is also anticipated to result in a cooperation agreement for marine transport.

Bangkok Vision 2030: What is it?

The Thailand-sponsored “Bangkok Vision 2030” seeks to move the BIMSTEC towards being a prosperous, resilient, and open area while promoting sustainable and balanced growth.

The goal of the vision is to make BIMSTEC a more thriving, resilient, and open area.

It places a strong emphasis on sustainable and balanced expansion while adjusting to quick changes in local and international architecture.

Key agenda of the vision document

(1) Synergizing economy and connectivity

Thailand, as the lead country in connectivity, aims to create a seamless network of interconnectedness.

The 10-year master plan covers various sectors, including roads, railways, civil aviation, maritime transport, and multi-modal infrastructure.

The recent agreement on maritime transport cooperation marks a significant milestone.

(2) Synergy with ASEAN

Thailand emphasizes the need for synergy between the master plans of BIMSTEC and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

This collaboration aims to promote the growth and development of the entire region.

Understanding BIMSTEC

BIMSTEC consists of seven member countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Its geographical scope covers the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal, creating a contiguous regional unity.

BIMSTEC acts as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, linking the ecologies of the Great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.

The organization focuses on creating an enabling environment for rapid economic development, accelerating social progress, and fostering collaboration on common interests.

Evolution and Expansion of BIMSTEC

BIMSTEC was established in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration with four member states: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand (BIST-EC).

The inclusion of Myanmar in 1997 led to the renaming of the organization as BIMST-EC.

Nepal and Bhutan became members in 2004, resulting in the current name, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

What is the iCET Initiative between India-US?

Under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), India and the US have unveiled a roadmap for enhancing their partnership in critical and emerging technology.

The second track 1.5 dialogue on iCET between American counterpart Jake Sullivan and NSA Ajit Doval recently assessed its progress.

Understanding iCET

The iCET provides a platform for India-US collaboration in important and developing technological fields.

It was introduced in January 2023 to advance defence and technological cooperation between the two nations and to deepen their strategic partnership.

The project places a strong emphasis on the respect for universal human rights and shared democratic ideals that should guide the creation, administration, and application of technology.

Focus Areas of the Initiative

The iCET initiative focuses on several key areas to foster collaboration and deepen the partnership between India and the US. These include:

Research Agency Partnership: Establishing a research agency partnership to drive collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence.

Defence Industrial Cooperation: Developing a new defence industrial cooperation roadmap to accelerate technological cooperation for joint development and production.

Common Standards in AI: Developing common standards in artificial intelligence to ensure compatibility and interoperability.

Semiconductor Ecosystem: Supporting the development of a semiconductor ecosystem to strengthen the supply chain and enhance production capabilities.

Human Spaceflight Cooperation: Strengthening cooperation on human spaceflight to advance space exploration efforts.

Advancing 5G and 6G: Collaborating on the development and deployment of 5G and 6G technologies.

OpenRAN Network Technology: Promoting the adoption of OpenRAN network technology in India for a more open and secure telecommunications infrastructure.

Progress Achieved so far

India and the United States have made significant progress in various areas of collaboration under the iCET initiative. Key developments include:

Quantum Coordination Mechanism: Implementation of the Quantum Coordination Mechanism to facilitate cooperation in quantum technologies.

Public-Private Dialogue (PDD) on Telecommunication: Launch of a PDD focused on collaboration in OpenRAN, 5G, and 6G technologies.

AI and Space Exchanges: Important exchanges between India and the US on artificial intelligence and space cooperation.

Semiconductor Supply Chain: Signing of an MoU on establishing a semiconductor supply chain, paving the way for further collaboration in this critical sector.

Defence Cooperation: Advancements in defence cooperation, including the near-conclusion of a mega jet engine deal and the launch of the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X).

Strategic Trade Dialogue: Establishment of a Strategic Trade Dialogue to address regulatory barriers and review export control norms for strategic technology and trade collaborations.

Miyawaki Technique of Urban Afforestation

Miyawaki method is a method of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests.

It includes planting trees as close as possible in the same area which not only saves space, but the planted saplings also support each other in growth and block sunlight from reaching the ground, thereby preventing the growth of weed.

Thus the saplings become maintenance-free (self-sustainable) after the first three years.

It helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30 years while through conventional methods it takes anywhere between 200 to 300 years.

The technique

The native trees of the region are identified and divided into four layers — shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy.

The quality of soil is analysed and biomass which would help enhance the perforation capacity, water retention capacity, and nutrients in it, is mixed with it.

A mound is built with the soil and the seeds are planted at a very high density — three to five sapling per square meter.

The ground is covered with a thick layer of mulch.

Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR): A Water-Saving Alternative for Paddy Cultivation

Rainfall during India’s current southwest monsoon season has been down by 37.2%.

Poor monsoons have an impact on the water-intensive crop of paddy.

In the setting of inadequate rainfall, this study investigates Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) as a water-saving substitute for conventional transplanting techniques.

Having an understanding of direct rice seeding (DSR)

The direct seeding method (DSR) does not involve nursery preparation, puddling, or flooding.

Flooded fields are used in conventional transplanting techniques to prevent weed development and give roots oxygen.

For weed control, DSR uses chemical herbicides in place of water.

DSR decreases the need for irrigation during the early stages of crop development and may result in water savings.

DSR Technique and Water Savings

Field Preparation: Ploughing, laser levelling, and soil compaction to retain moisture.

Sowing: Using DSR machines for direct sowing in the field.

Weed Control: Application of pre-emergent herbicides to suppress weed germination.

Reduced Irrigation: First irrigation required 18-20 days after sowing, reducing water usage.

Benefits and Cost Savings

Water Savings: DSR reduces the total number of irrigations compared to traditional methods.

Labor Savings: DSR machines cover larger areas in less time, reducing labor requirements and costs.

Herbicide Costs: Additional expenses for herbicides are offset by savings in labor costs.

Challenges and Adoption of DSR

Subsidized Electricity: Availability of subsidized or free electricity for irrigation reduces incentives for DSR adoption.

Machine Design: Limited access to well-designed and efficient DSR machines hampers widespread adoption.

Proper Plant Spacing: Achieving optimal plant-to-plant distance is crucial for successful DSR.

Policy Incentives: State governments offering financial incentives for DSR adoption, such as in Haryana and Punjab.

Environmental and Sustainability Benefits

Conservation of Water Resources: DSR reduces water consumption and contributes to water conservation efforts.

Reduced Carbon Footprint: DSR eliminates the need for flooding fields, reducing methane emissions.

Soil Health and Erosion Prevention: DSR promotes soil health by minimizing soil disturbance and erosion risks.