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  1. Global Positioning System Tracker Anklet –

 

  • Recently, a prisoner in Jammu and Kashmir was released on bail after he was tagged with a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker anklet on his foot to monitor his movements.This is the first time in the country that a GPS tracker has been put to such use.
  • GPS anklets are small, wearable devices that are attached to the ankles of individuals who are under some form of legal supervision, such as parole, probation, house arrest, or bail.
  • The tracker can be put on the ankle or arm of a person. Thus, there are GPS anklets and GPS bracelets.
  • GPS anklets are tamper-proof, and any attempt to remove or damage them triggers an alarm.They also have a battery life of several days and can be recharged by the wearer.
  • GPS anklets can also be used to enforce curfews, travel restrictions, or other conditions imposed by the court or the supervising agency.
  • GPS trackers are a precondition for bail in several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.
  • Rights activists argue that tracking individuals with GPS is a violation of their fundamental right to privacy and dignity of the offenders.
  • The Supreme Court of India in ‘Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India’ (1978) ruled that the right to life includes the right to human dignity.
  • GPS anklets raise some legal and ethical issues, such as the lack of clear and specific laws and regulations governing their usage in India.

 

  1. Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda –

 

  • The Prime Minister of India paid tributes to tribal leader Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary (15th November 1875) belonging to the Munda tribe in the Chotanagpur Plateau area .
  • In response to the British colonial presence and missionaries’ attempts to convert tribals to Christianity, Birsa Munda initiated the ‘Birsait’ faith, emerging as a tribal leader and leading resistance against British conversion efforts.
  • He led the Munda Rebellion aimed to establish Munda Raj, or self-rule, and restore the tribal rights over their land and forest .
  • Birsa Munda encouraged tribals to resist colonial laws and refuse to pay rent. He started the Ulgulan movement involving guerrilla warfare, challenging religious practices, and social changes.
  • The Ulgulan movement aimed at establishing Munda Raj by driving out the British.
  • Birth anniversary celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, acknowledging tribal contributions.
  • He is Remembered as ‘Bhagwan’ (God) and ‘Dharati Aba’ (Father of the earth) by followers.
  • Jharkhand, meaning “The Land of Forests,” was formed on November 15, 2000, marking the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

 

  1. India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue –

 

  • Recently, 5th Edition of the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue took place, where both countries highlighted progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation including defense, semiconductors, emerging technology, space, health etc.
  • The 2+2 meetings have been held annually with the US leaders since 2018.The 2+2 meetings signify the participation of two high-level representatives, Ministers holding Foreign and Defence portfolios, from each of the two countries who aim to enhance the scope of dialogue between them.
  • Having such a mechanism enables the partners to better understand and appreciate each other’s strategic concerns and sensitivities taking into account political factors on both sides, in order to build a stronger, more integrated strategic relationship in a rapidly changing global environment.
  • The US is India’s oldest and most important 2+2 talks partner.Additionally, India has held 2+2 meetings with ministers from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and Russia.

What are the Key Highlights of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue-

  1. Defense Deals
  2. Infantry Combat Vehicles and Future Plans Stryker
  3. Advancements in Defence Technology Cooperation
  4. Membership in Combined Maritime Forces
  5. Maritime Security
  6. Space and Semiconductor Collaboration
  7. Discussion on Chinese Aggression
  8. India-Canada Row
  9. Israel-Hamas War
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