UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 January 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 January (2025)
• Nine Years of Start Up India
Nine Years of Start Up India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Governance the Digital Way
Governance the Digital Way
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Entity List
Entity List
• Nautor Land
Nautor Land
• US AI Export Rule
US AI Export Rule
• Lobia Seeds Germination in Space
Lobia Seeds Germination in Space
• Three Commissioned Ships
Three Commissioned Ships
• Blood Money
Blood Money
• One Rocket Two Missions
One Rocket Two Missions
Mapping:
• India-Bangladesh Border Dispute
India-Bangladesh Border Dispute
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 January 2025
#### GS Paper 3 :
Nine Years of Start Up India
Syllabus: Economics
Source: PIB
Context: On January 16, 2025, India marks nine years of Startup India, a transformative journey that began in 2016. Designated as National Startup Day, this occasion celebrates the nation’s strides in fostering a robust and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What is Startup India?
Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, launched on January 16, 2016, to promote a robust entrepreneurial culture. Its aim is to simplify processes, provide funding support, and foster innovation to help startups grow and create employment opportunities.
Features of Startup India:
• Ease of Doing Business: Simplified compliance processes and single-window clearances streamline startup registration and operations. Self-certification is allowed under various labor and environment laws.
• Tax Benefits: Eligible startups enjoy tax exemptions for three consecutive financial years to ease financial burdens.
• Funding Support: The ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) provides crucial early-stage funding.
• Sector-Specific Policies: Special focus on biotechnology, renewable energy, and agriculture to foster growth in key industries.
• Capacity Building: Programs like iGOT Karmayogi and workshops support skill enhancement, especially in non-metro regions.
Milestones of Startup India:
• Over 1.59 lakh startups recognized by DPIIT as of January 2025, marking rapid growth in the ecosystem.
• Startups have created 16.6 lakh jobs across sectors, significantly boosting employment.
• 73,151 startups with at least one-woman director reflect growing gender diversity in entrepreneurship.
• Flagship programs like BHASKAR platform centralize resources to connect and support ecosystem stakeholders.
Other Government Schemes Supporting Startups:
§ Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS): Financial assistance for proof of concept, prototype development, and market entry.
§ Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS): Offers collateral-free loans to ensure financial stability for startups.
§ NIDHI: Promotes student-led entrepreneurship with funding and incubation support.
§ Make in India: Eases compliance for manufacturing startups and promotes innovation.
§ Digital India: Creates digital infrastructure for startups to thrive and scale operations.
Challenges to the Startup Ecosystem:
• Access to Capital: Heavy reliance on foreign funding with limited domestic investment sources.
• Regulatory Bottlenecks: Bureaucratic delays and unclear compliance frameworks hinder smooth operations.
• Skill Gaps: Shortage of professionals in AI, data science, and product development impacts growth.
• Unequal Regional Growth: Tier II and III cities lack strong startup ecosystems and infrastructure.
• Corporate Mismanagement: Governance issues and financial mismanagement in startups raise sustainability concerns.
Way Forward:
• Encourage Domestic Investment: Leverage funds from insurance companies, pension funds, and family offices.
• Foster Innovation: Strengthen incentives for R&D and improve intellectual property protection frameworks.
• Capacity Building: Promote industry-academia collaboration to address skill shortages in critical sectors.
• Regional Inclusion: Develop infrastructure and ensure digital access in smaller cities and rural areas.
• Regulatory Oversight: Streamline compliance processes and establish ethical business practices frameworks.
Conclusion:
Startup India has been a transformative force, driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth across India. With favorable policies, increased domestic funding, skill enhancement, and a focus on inclusivity, India is well-positioned to become a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Insta Links:
• Indian Express
• Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Governance the Digital Way
Context: India has embarked on an ambitious journey toward digital governance a transformation designed not only to improve citizen services but also to bolster the capabilities of government employees.
About Governance the Digital Way:
• Definition: Digital governance involves leveraging technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in government processes.
• Key Initiatives:
• iGOT Karmayogi Platform: Online training for government employees in public administration, data analytics, and digital technologies.
• e-Office Initiative: Digitizes workflows, reducing paperwork and enhancing real-time communication.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM): Streamlines procurement processes, ensuring transparency.
• Cybersecurity Training: Educates employees on safeguarding sensitive information in digital platforms.
• Challenges:
• Resistance to technological change among employees.
• Digital divide in rural areas with limited access to high-speed Internet.
• Cybersecurity risks due to increased online operations.
• Lack of clear incentives for training outcomes.
• Solutions:
• Promote innovation-friendly environments.
• Invest in robust digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
• Ensure dynamic and continuous capacity-building programs.
• Develop stringent cybersecurity protocols and employee awareness.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• General Studies Paper II:
• Governance: Role of digital governance in enhancing transparency and accountability.
• e-Governance: Case studies and best practices like iGOT Karmayogi and e-Office.
• Challenges to Public Service Delivery: Addressing resistance to change and bridging the digital divide.
• General Studies Paper III:
• Cybersecurity: Risks in digital governance and strategies for data protection.
• Technology and Development: Role of IT in public administration and service delivery.
• Essay:
• Topics on governance transformation, technology for inclusive growth, and the future of digital governance.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Entity List
Source: TOI
Context: The United States recently removed three Indian nuclear entities Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR), and Indian Rare Earths (IRE) from its restrictive Entity List.
About Entity List:
• What is the Entity List? The Entity List is published by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and includes foreign entities—businesses, institutions, or organizations—subject to stringent licensing requirements for the export, re-export, or transfer of specified items. Entities are listed if they are suspected of engaging in activities against U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.
• The Entity List is published by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and includes foreign entities—businesses, institutions, or organizations—subject to stringent licensing requirements for the export, re-export, or transfer of specified items.
• Entities are listed if they are suspected of engaging in activities against U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.
• Impact of Listing:
• Stringent Licensing Requirements: Entities must secure individual licenses for any export or transaction involving U.S. goods and technologies.
• Hindered International Cooperation: Being on the list complicates access to advanced technologies and partnerships.
• Economic and Strategic Limitations: Limits participation in global supply chains, especially in high-tech sectors.
Insta links:
• Uranium
Nautor Land
Source: TH
Context: The Union Home Ministry is deliberating on a proposal to regularize nautor land in Ladakh, allowing locals to claim ownership over government-owned wastelands they have cultivated or tended to for years.
About Nautor Land:
• Definition: Nautor refers to barren or wasteland owned by the government that can be allotted to individuals for cultivation or other productive use, subject to approval by competent authorities.
• Purpose: Regularizing nautor land grants legal ownership to locals who have utilized such land over the years.
• History:
• Jammu and Kashmir: Originated under a rule established by Hari Singh, the former king of Jammu and Kashmir, in 1932. Himachal Pradesh: The nautor policy was adopted in 1968 but later halted due to administrative concerns.
• Jammu and Kashmir: Originated under a rule established by Hari Singh, the former king of Jammu and Kashmir, in 1932.
• Himachal Pradesh: The nautor policy was adopted in 1968 but later halted due to administrative concerns.
• Found in: Predominantly implemented in hilly and remote areas, such as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh and parts of Himachal Pradesh.
• Features:
• Ownership Transfer: Aimed at granting ownership to locals using government wastelands. Preservation of Local Interests: Prevents the exploitation of resources by outsiders. Cultural and Economic Value: Recognizes traditional practices of land use, contributing to local livelihoods.
• Ownership Transfer: Aimed at granting ownership to locals using government wastelands.
• Preservation of Local Interests: Prevents the exploitation of resources by outsiders.
• Cultural and Economic Value: Recognizes traditional practices of land use, contributing to local livelihoods.
Insta links:
• Ladak-and-sixth-schedule
US AI Export Rule
Source: IE
Context: In the final days of the Biden administration, a new regulatory framework titled “Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion” has been introduced to regulate the export of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like GPUs.
About US AI Export Rule:
What is it?
• A regulatory framework introduced by the US government to control the export of AI hardware, particularly GPUs, based on national security concerns.
• Aims to ensure advanced AI capabilities remain under the purview of the US and its closest allies.
Categories and India’s Placement:
• Tier 1: Includes 18 closest US allies such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the UK. Minimal export restrictions; US companies can freely deploy AI technology here.
• Includes 18 closest US allies such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the UK.
• Minimal export restrictions; US companies can freely deploy AI technology here.
• Tier 2: Encompasses the majority of countries, including India. Restrictions include a cap on computing power imports unless hosted in trusted environments. Capped at 50,000 advanced AI chips through 2027, extendable upon bilateral agreements.
• Encompasses the majority of countries, including India.
• Restrictions include a cap on computing power imports unless hosted in trusted environments.
• Capped at 50,000 advanced AI chips through 2027, extendable upon bilateral agreements.
• Tier 3: Countries like Russia, China, and North Korea face near-total prohibition on importing US AI technology.
• Countries like Russia, China, and North Korea face near-total prohibition on importing US AI technology.
• Special Provision for India and China: India: Authorized firms can use exported technology for civilian and military purposes (excluding nuclear use). China: Exported technology is restricted to civilian applications only.
• India: Authorized firms can use exported technology for civilian and military purposes (excluding nuclear use).
• China: Exported technology is restricted to civilian applications only.
Implications for India:
• IndiaAI Mission: Potential delays in achieving computing power targets. Restrictions could hamper large-scale AI data center development while sparing smaller firms.
• Potential delays in achieving computing power targets.
• Restrictions could hamper large-scale AI data center development while sparing smaller firms.
• Strategic Alliances: Highlights India’s growing importance in US foreign policy, but underscores its non-inclusion in Tier 1. Requires bilateral negotiations for relaxed restrictions.
• Highlights India’s growing importance in US foreign policy, but underscores its non-inclusion in Tier 1.
• Requires bilateral negotiations for relaxed restrictions.
• Domestic AI Ecosystem: Limited access to cutting-edge GPUs may slow AI research and innovation. Pushes India towards self-reliance in AI hardware manufacturing.
• Limited access to cutting-edge GPUs may slow AI research and innovation.
• Pushes India towards self-reliance in AI hardware manufacturing.
• Global Competitiveness: Could impede India’s ability to compete with nations in Tier 1, especially in AI-driven industries.
• Could impede India’s ability to compete with nations in Tier 1, especially in AI-driven industries.
Insta links:
• Artificial-intelligence-and-robotics
Lobia Seeds Germination in Space
Source: IE
Context: Recently, ISRO achieved a significant milestone by successfully germinating lobia (black-eyed pea) seeds in microgravity aboard its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS).
About Lobia Seeds Germination in Space:
• What it is:
• ISRO’s experiment involved germinating lobia seeds aboard the CROPS module to study plant growth under microgravity conditions. The seeds sprouted successfully on the fourth day, with visible leaves by the fifth day, marking a milestone in India’s space research.
• ISRO’s experiment involved germinating lobia seeds aboard the CROPS module to study plant growth under microgravity conditions.
• The seeds sprouted successfully on the fourth day, with visible leaves by the fifth day, marking a milestone in India’s space research.
• Mission name: Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS).
• Seed/Plant Used: Lobia (black-eyed pea), a nutrient-dense plant ideal for space farming experiments.
• To develop sustainable food sources for long-term space missions. To test plant growth in conditions mimicking extraterrestrial environments, including microgravity and controlled atmospheric conditions.
• To develop sustainable food sources for long-term space missions.
• To test plant growth in conditions mimicking extraterrestrial environments, including microgravity and controlled atmospheric conditions.
• Significance of Success:
• Support for Space Missions: Enables astronauts to grow food, reducing dependency on pre-packaged supplies. Contributes to oxygen generation and CO₂ recycling aboard spacecraft. Technological Advancements: Demonstrates India’s capability to manage complex life-support systems in space. Provides insights into designing space habitats with integrated agriculture. Psychological Benefits: Tending to plants offers stress relief and improves mental health for astronauts. Global Contribution: Paves the way for India’s collaboration in global space farming initiatives, such as those on the International Space Station (ISS).
• Support for Space Missions: Enables astronauts to grow food, reducing dependency on pre-packaged supplies. Contributes to oxygen generation and CO₂ recycling aboard spacecraft.
• Enables astronauts to grow food, reducing dependency on pre-packaged supplies.
• Contributes to oxygen generation and CO₂ recycling aboard spacecraft.
• Technological Advancements: Demonstrates India’s capability to manage complex life-support systems in space. Provides insights into designing space habitats with integrated agriculture.
• Demonstrates India’s capability to manage complex life-support systems in space.
• Provides insights into designing space habitats with integrated agriculture.
• Psychological Benefits: Tending to plants offers stress relief and improves mental health for astronauts.
• Global Contribution: Paves the way for India’s collaboration in global space farming initiatives, such as those on the International Space Station (ISS).
Insta links:
• Cowpea-seeds
Three Commissioned Ships
Source: ET
Context: India celebrated a historic milestone as three frontline naval platforms INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer — were commissioned into the Indian Navy.
About Commissioned Ships:
Ship Name | Built By | Project Name | Features | Significance
INS Nilgiri | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata | Project 17A (Nilgiri-class stealth frigates) | – Multi-mission stealth frigate for “blue water” operations | First of seven frigates under Project 17A, ensuring versatile capability in anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare
– Equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAMs), and advanced close-in weapon systems
INS Surat | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai | Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyers) | – India’s first AI-enabled warship | Fourth and final destroyer of Project 15B, enhancing India’s offensive and defensive naval capabilities
– Equipped with surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes
– Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system, achieving speeds exceeding 30 knots
– Designed for “network-centric” warfare
INS Vaghsheer | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai | Project 75 (Kalvari-class submarines) | – Diesel-electric attack submarine based on the French Scorpene-class design | Sixth and final submarine under Project 75, reinforcing India’s underwater combat and intelligence-gathering capabilities
– Equipped with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems
– Features modular construction with future upgrade potential for Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology
Commissioning together:
• Historic First: For the first time, a destroyer (INS Surat), a frigate (INS Nilgiri), and a submarine (INS Vaghsheer) were commissioned on the same day.
• “Made in India” Milestone: All three platforms were indigenously built, showcasing India’s shipbuilding prowess and commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
• Strategic Impact: The additions bolster India’s maritime defense, increase deterrence capabilities, and support its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Insta links:
• Indian-ocean-region
Blood Money
Source: TH
Context: The concept of “blood money,” or diya, has gained attention following the case of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder.
About Blood Money:
• What is Blood Money? Blood money, or diya, is a provision under Islamic Sharia law that allows a perpetrator to compensate the victim or their family in cases of unintentional murder, culpable homicide, or even intentional murder if the victim’s family chooses to forgo retribution (qisas). The aim is not to place a price on life but to alleviate the family’s loss and suffering.
• Blood money, or diya, is a provision under Islamic Sharia law that allows a perpetrator to compensate the victim or their family in cases of unintentional murder, culpable homicide, or even intentional murder if the victim’s family chooses to forgo retribution (qisas).
• The aim is not to place a price on life but to alleviate the family’s loss and suffering.
• How does it work?
• Reconciliation: Blood money is often negotiated between the perpetrator and the victim’s family, with judicial oversight ensuring fairness. Amount Determination: Factors like gender, religion, and nationality of the victim influence the compensation in many Islamic countries. Legal Duality: Even when blood money is accepted, the state may impose separate punitive measures, such as imprisonment or fines, to maintain public order.
• Reconciliation: Blood money is often negotiated between the perpetrator and the victim’s family, with judicial oversight ensuring fairness.
• Amount Determination: Factors like gender, religion, and nationality of the victim influence the compensation in many Islamic countries.
• Legal Duality: Even when blood money is accepted, the state may impose separate punitive measures, such as imprisonment or fines, to maintain public order.
• Consequences and Criticisms:
• Positive Aspects: Provides a path to reconciliation and avoids prolonged trials. Financially aids the victim’s family. Promotes restorative justice. Concerns: Amount disparities based on gender, religion, or nationality may perpetuate inequality. Risk of coercion or abuse in negotiations. Undermines the deterrent effect of punitive justice.
• Positive Aspects: Provides a path to reconciliation and avoids prolonged trials. Financially aids the victim’s family. Promotes restorative justice.
• Provides a path to reconciliation and avoids prolonged trials.
• Financially aids the victim’s family.
• Promotes restorative justice.
• Concerns: Amount disparities based on gender, religion, or nationality may perpetuate inequality. Risk of coercion or abuse in negotiations. Undermines the deterrent effect of punitive justice.
• Amount disparities based on gender, religion, or nationality may perpetuate inequality.
• Risk of coercion or abuse in negotiations.
• Undermines the deterrent effect of punitive justice.
Insta links:
• Sharia-courts
One Rocket Two Missions
Source: CNN
Context: Lunar landers built by U.S. and Japanese companies launched their “rideshare” to the moon, showcasing the private sector’s growing role in space exploration.
About One Rocket, Two Missions:
• What it is: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket recently launched two lunar spacecraft, Blue Ghost and Resilience, under NASA’s CLPS program and Japan’s private-sector initiatives, respectively. These missions aim to deliver scientific payloads and demonstrate advanced technologies for future lunar operations.
• Nations involved:
• United States: Through NASA’s CLPS program, promoting cost-effective lunar exploration via commercial partners. Japan: Represented by ispace, a Tokyo-based private company, contributing with innovative technology like the Tenacious micro rover.
• United States: Through NASA’s CLPS program, promoting cost-effective lunar exploration via commercial partners.
• Japan: Represented by ispace, a Tokyo-based private company, contributing with innovative technology like the Tenacious micro rover.
• Satellites and Payloads Launched:
• Blue Ghost: Developed by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.). Carries 10 NASA scientific instruments for studying Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and the Moon’s thermal and structural properties. Focused on navigation and computing technology demonstrations in harsh lunar environments. Resilience: Developed by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg subsidiary of Japan’s ispace). Features Tenacious, a micro rover equipped with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology. Aims to investigate the Moon’s far north, Mare Frigoris.
• Blue Ghost: Developed by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.). Carries 10 NASA scientific instruments for studying Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and the Moon’s thermal and structural properties. Focused on navigation and computing technology demonstrations in harsh lunar environments.
• Developed by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.).
• Carries 10 NASA scientific instruments for studying Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and the Moon’s thermal and structural properties.
• Focused on navigation and computing technology demonstrations in harsh lunar environments.
• Resilience: Developed by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg subsidiary of Japan’s ispace). Features Tenacious, a micro rover equipped with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology. Aims to investigate the Moon’s far north, Mare Frigoris.
• Developed by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg subsidiary of Japan’s ispace).
• Features Tenacious, a micro rover equipped with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology.
• Aims to investigate the Moon’s far north, Mare Frigoris.
• Significance:
• Technological Advancements: Both missions are testing advanced navigation, computing, and robotic systems essential for future lunar sustainability. Global Collaboration: Highlights international partnerships between private companies and government agencies to achieve lunar exploration goals. Sustained Lunar Economy: A stepping stone for establishing long-term human presence on the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program. Innovation in Exploration: Demonstrates cost-effective approaches to achieving complex space missions.
• Technological Advancements: Both missions are testing advanced navigation, computing, and robotic systems essential for future lunar sustainability.
• Global Collaboration: Highlights international partnerships between private companies and government agencies to achieve lunar exploration goals.
• Sustained Lunar Economy: A stepping stone for establishing long-term human presence on the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program.
• Innovation in Exploration: Demonstrates cost-effective approaches to achieving complex space missions.
Insta links:
• Artemis-program
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 January 2025 Mapping:
India-Bangladesh Border Dispute
Source: IE
Context: Recently, the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) held a coordination meeting at the Petrapole-Benapole border, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining border sanctity and resolving contentious issues like fencing.
Disputed places between India and Bangladesh border:
• Sukdebpur, West Bengal (Malda District): Location: Sukdebpur is situated along the international border in West Bengal’s Malda district. Issue: Disagreement between India and Bangladesh over the construction of border fences within the 150-yard limit stipulated by the 1975 border guidelines.
• Location: Sukdebpur is situated along the international border in West Bengal’s Malda district.
• Issue: Disagreement between India and Bangladesh over the construction of border fences within the 150-yard limit stipulated by the 1975 border guidelines.
• Dahagram-Angarpota Enclave (West Bengal): Location: Close to Cooch Behar in West Bengal, this Bangladeshi enclave is surrounded by Indian territory. Issue: Tensions over connectivity and movement rights between the enclave and mainland Bangladesh.
• Location: Close to Cooch Behar in West Bengal, this Bangladeshi enclave is surrounded by Indian territory.
• Issue: Tensions over connectivity and movement rights between the enclave and mainland Bangladesh.
• Comilla-Tripura Stretch: Location: Along the Tripura border. Issue: The 6.5 km stretch remains undemarcated, creating ambiguity in border enforcement and occasional disputes.
• Location: Along the Tripura border.
• Issue: The 6.5 km stretch remains undemarcated, creating ambiguity in border enforcement and occasional disputes.
About 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement:
• What it is: A bilateral guideline for border management to maintain peace and avoid disputes.
• Key Features: Prohibits constructing defense structures within 150 yards of the international border. Encourages bilateral discussions for border issues, ensuring mutual respect and cooperation.
• Prohibits constructing defense structures within 150 yards of the international border.
• Encourages bilateral discussions for border issues, ensuring mutual respect and cooperation.
• Why Disputed:
• Fencing Definition: India does not consider wire fencing a defense structure, while Bangladesh does.
• Security Concerns: High incidents of cattle smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration necessitate fencing, which Bangladesh views as a disruption to local livelihoods.
• Smart Fencing Opposition: Bangladesh opposes smart fences with CCTV and electronic surveillance near the border, citing privacy concerns.
• Status of Fencing:
• Total Fenced: 3,141 km of the 4,156 km border (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2023).
• Pending Issues: Non-cooperation from local authorities in West Bengal and land acquisition delays. Difficult terrain, including 900 km of riverine border, complicates fencing efforts.
• Non-cooperation from local authorities in West Bengal and land acquisition delays.
• Difficult terrain, including 900 km of riverine border, complicates fencing efforts.
Insta links:
• India-Bangladesh-relations
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