Global Terrorism Index – India ranked 13th, topped by Afghanistan
Afghanistan remains the country most impacted by terrorism for the fourth consecutive year, the tenth Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report showed. India ranked 13th on the index.
Afghanistan remains the country most impacted by terrorism for the fourth consecutive year, despite attacks and deaths falling by 75 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively, the tenth Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report showed. India ranked 13th on the index, marking only a marginal decrease from the previous year. In spite of being among the 25 worst-hit nations on the index, Indian respondents desisted from selecting war and terrorism as the biggest threat to their daily safety.
What Is Global terrorism index(GTI):
The Global Terrorism Index is an annual ranking produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace. As even the definition of terrorism is hotly debated, it is essential to highlight that the methodologies used to measure terrorism are also contested.
The Global Terrorism Index ranks 163 countries on four indicators weighted over five years. These four factors are: the number of terrorist incidents per year, the number of fatalities caused by terrorists per year, the number of injuries caused by terrorists per year, and total property damage caused by terrorism per year.
The index provides a comprehensive summary of the key global trends and patterns in terrorism since 2000. It produces a composite score in order to provide an ordinal ranking of countries on the impact of terrorism.
The GTI is based on data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) which is collected and collated by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland.
India: Key findings of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI):
India was listed among countries with a “high” impact of terrorism and ranked 13th.
India was among the 25 worst terror-hit countries and among 56 of the 120 nations surveyed with no respondents selecting war and terror as the biggest threat to their daily safety.
The report lists the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the 12th deadliest terror group in 2022.
Pakistan: Global Terrorism Index (GTI):
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is the rebel group with the largest growth rate in Pakistan, where terror-related deaths have increased by 120%. The number of people killed as a result of terrorism in Pakistan increased dramatically to 643, which is the second-largest rise in the past year, as the number was 292 in the previous year. The number of deaths due to terrorism in Afghanistan in the same year was 633. As a result of the rapid increase in deaths, Pakistan has climbed four spots to rank sixth on the index.
Eric Garcetti appointed as US Ambassador to India
The US Senate Committee has announced the appointment of Eric Garcetti as the new US Ambassador to India.
US ambassador to India
The US Senate Committee has announced the appointment of Eric Garcetti as the new US Ambassador to India. Despite being nominated by President Joe Biden almost two years ago, Garcetti’s appointment had been pending until now. Eric Garcetti served as the President of the City Council of Los Angeles for four consecutive terms and is known to be a close acquaintance of President Biden. He has also emerged as a leader within the Democratic Party. However, Garcetti’s tenure as mayor of Los Angeles lasted for nine years and was not without controversy. In 2020, there was a controversial incident that occurred during his time in office.
Eric Garcetti’s nomination for the prestigious diplomatic posting as the US Ambassador to India had been pending before the US Congress since July 2021, when President Biden nominated him for the position. Prior to his confirmation, the position had remained vacant for more than two years. However, during President Biden’s first two years in office, some lawmakers had expressed concerns about Garcetti’s handling of sexual assault and harassment allegations against a former senior adviser, which led to his confirmation being delayed.
Eric’s Career
Before entering politics, Eric Garcetti was a guest lecturer of International Affairs at the University of Southern California, where he taught courses in diplomacy, public policy, and world affairs. He also served as an officer in the US Navy Reserve for nearly 12 years, starting in 2005. In addition to his political career, Garcetti is known for his passion for jazz piano and photography.
From 2013 to 2022, Garcetti held the position of Mayor of Los Angeles, making him the youngest mayor the city has had in 100 years and the first Jewish person to hold the office. Prior to his time as mayor, he served as the President of the Los Angeles City Council from 2006 to 2012 and as a Councilmember for the 13th District before that.
PM Modi inaugurated the Global Millets Conference
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference in New Delhi on 18th March, 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference in New Delhi on 18th March, 2023. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. The conference will be attended by Agriculture Ministers of various countries, international scientists, nutritionists, health experts, start-up leaders and other stakeholders.
More About The Global Millets Conference:
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM). The declaration was based on India’s proposal.
All central government ministries/departments, states/UTs, farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail businesses and other stakeholders are being engaged to promote and spread awareness about the benefits of millets (Shree Anna) for the cultivator, consumer and climate.
This is being done in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to make the celebrations of IYM 2023 a ‘people’s movement’ and position India as the ‘global hub for millets’
Global Millets Conference: Key Issues:
The two-day global conference will have sessions on all important issues related to millets (Shree Anna).
The important issues are:
Promotion and awareness of millets among producers, consumers and other stakeholders
Millets’ value chain development
Health and nutritional aspects of millets
Market linkages, research and development
Millets: Key Points
2023 is the International Year of Millets (IYoM).
Recently Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) have collaborated with international retail hypermarket chain Lulu Group to facilitate millets export from India to the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCCs).
India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline to be jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, will inaugurate the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline via video conference.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, will inaugurate the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline via video conference. It is first such pipeline through which refined diesel will be supplied to Bangladesh from India. The project is built under grant assistance from the government of India.
What is India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline Project:
The project involves construction of 130-kilometre long pipeline that will connect Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh.
Of the total stretch, six-kilometre will be in Indian side and remaining 124 kilometres will in Bangladesh. Indian leg of the pipeline project will be implemented by Assam-based Numaligarh Refinery Limited and Bangladeshi leg will be implemented by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation.
The pipeline has capacity of 1 million metric tons per annum. It will supply refined diesel will be supplied to Parbatipur depot from Numaligarh of Assam in India.
Initially, it will supply Bangladesh 2.5 lakh tonnes of diesel every year and gradually it will be increased to 4 lakh tonnes.
Significance of The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline Project:
The project will replace existing practice of sending diesel by rail covering distance of 510 kilometers. The estimated this pipeline project is Rs. 346 crore and it will be completed in 30 months’ timeframe.
International Day of Happiness 2023 celebrates on 20 March
The International Day of Happiness is an annual celebration that occurs on March 20. International Day of purpose is to emphasize the importance of happiness and the overall well-being of individuals.
International Day of Happiness 2023 celebrates on 20 March
The International Day of Happiness is an annual celebration that occurs on March 20. International Day of Happiness’s purpose is to emphasize the importance of happiness and the overall well-being of individuals. The United Nations initiated this event in 2013, following Bhutan’s advocacy for national happiness. Observing the International Day of Happiness prompts us to realize that happiness has a significant impact on our longevity and productivity. One way to mark the occasion is by sharing warm greetings and quotes with loved ones, inspiring them to embrace happiness.
International Day of Happiness 2023: Theme
The theme of International Day of Happiness for this year has been kept as “Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind.”
International Day of Happiness: Significance
International Day of Happiness Recognizes the importance of happiness: The day emphasizes the significance of happiness as a universal goal and a fundamental human right.
Promotes well-being: It highlights the importance of mental and physical well-being and encourages individuals to take steps to improve their happiness.
Raises awareness: The International Day of Happiness raises awareness about the benefits of happiness and the impact it has on individuals, communities, and nations.
Advocates for public policy: International Day of Happiness recognizes the importance of happiness and well-being in public policy objectives and encourages governments to prioritize policies that promote happiness.
Inspires positive action: The International Day of Happiness inspires individuals and organizations to take positive action towards promoting happiness, whether it is through acts of kindness, community service, or personal well-being practices.
Encourages reflection: The International Day of Happiness prompts individuals to reflect on their own happiness and well-being and identify areas where they can make positive changes to improve their quality of life.
International Day of Happiness: History
On July 12, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly announced March 20 as the International Day of Happiness through its resolution 66/281. The resolution acknowledged the universality of happiness and well-being as crucial goals and recognized their importance in public policy objectives. The first celebration of the International Day of Happiness event took place in 2013 and has since served as a means of acknowledging the significance of happiness in the lives of people worldwide.
US recognized McMahon Line as international border
A bipartisan resolution was passed by the US, formally recognizing the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and India's Arunachal Pradesh.
A bipartisan resolution was passed by the US, formally recognizing the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and India’s Arunachal Pradesh. The resolution rejected China’s claim that the state belongs to its territory and instead acknowledged Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. Furthermore, the resolution expressed support for India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
What is the US Resolution:
The resolution, titled ‘Reaffirmation of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and condemnation of China’s provocative activities in South Asia’, came after a major clash between the Indian and Chinese forces in Arunachal’s Tawang in December last year.
More About the US Resolution:
Apart from recognising the McMahon Line, the resolution also condemned Chinese provocations in the region, including China’s use of military force to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, construction of villages in contested areas, publication of maps with Mandarin-language names for cities featuring Arunachal Pradesh, and expansion of Beijing’s territorial claims over Bhutan.
What is the McMahon Line?
The McMahon Line serves as the de facto boundary between China and India in the Eastern Sector. It specifically represents the boundary between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, from Bhutan in the west to Myanmar in the east.
China has historically disputed the boundary and claims the state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).
Current status on the McMahon Line:
India recognizes the McMahon Line and considers it to be the ‘Actual Line of Control (LAC)’ between India and China, while China does not recognize the McMahon Line. China says that the area of the disputed area is 2,000 kilometers while India claims it is 4,000 kilometers.
This land dispute between India and China is in Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), which China considers as the Southern part of Tibet. According to the Shimla Agreement it is a part of the Indian state Arunachal Pradesh.
ICC issues arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin over Ukraine war crimes
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the forced transfer of children to Russia after the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the forced transfer of children to Russia after the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainians accuse Russia of attempting genocide against them and seeking to destroy their identity — partly through deporting children to Russia.
Why the ICC issued arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin:
The ICC issued the warrant for Putin’s arrest on suspicion of unlawful deportation of children and unlawful transfer of people from the territory of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
This is the first time the ICC has issued warrants in relation to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began last February. It comes ahead of a visit to Russia by Chinese President Xi Jinping and will severely limit Putin’s own potential range of diplomatic visits.
Moscow has previously said it did not recognize the court’s authority.
More About The ICC’s arrest warrant:
Separately the court issued warrants for Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, on the same charges.
U.N’s investigation of Russia’s war crimes:
In spite of numerous reports that Russian forces had committed war crimes in Ukraine — including a recent U.N. investigation which said that Russia’s forced deportation of Ukrainian children amounted to a war crime — the Kremlin has denied it committed any crimes.
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