- 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.
- 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.
- 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-
- Defense Deals
- Infantry Combat Vehicles and Future Plans Stryker
- Advancements in Defence Technology Cooperation
- Membership in Combined Maritime Forces
- Maritime Security
- Space and Semiconductor Collaboration
- Discussion on Chinese Aggression
- India-Canada Row
- Israel-Hamas War