[Newsbits] 9-24.10.2024: Pink Cocaine, Chanakya Defence Dialogue & more

United Nations Day, celebrated annually on October 24, marks the founding of the UN in 1945. The day highlights the organization’s role in promoting international peace, security, and human rights. The UN, now with 193 member states, plays a vital role in global issues such as poverty, conflict, and climate change through specialized agencies like the World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, and UNESCO. Various events, including seminars and flag-raising ceremonies, take place worldwide to raise awareness of the UN’s mission. Despite facing challenges, the UN remains committed to fostering global cooperation and peace.

In October 2024, Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park reported a suspected lion poaching incident, with three lion carcasses found mutilated. Zimparks suspects poaching for illegal trade, driven by high demand for lion bones in Asia, where they are used in traditional medicine. The park, home to 500 lions and other wildlife, faces ongoing poaching challenges despite strict measures, including drone surveillance and shoot-to-kill policies. Conservation efforts must adapt to prevent future incidents and combat the demand for wildlife parts, while continuing to monitor vast protected areas.

Summary: The Amaravati Drone Summit 2024, held on October 24-25, brings together over 1000 participants, including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, to discuss the future of drone technology. Inaugurated by CM Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, the summit aims to position Andhra Pradesh as the drone capital of India by attracting investments and fostering innovation. The event features India’s largest drone show and focuses on creating innovation hubs and discussing applications across sectors like agriculture and logistics. The summit is crucial for shaping India’s drone ecosystem and technological advancements.

Summary: The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, held on October 24-25 in New Delhi, brought together military leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the role of comprehensive security in national development. Inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the dialogue covered six key areas, including geopolitical dynamics, economic growth, and the role of emerging technologies in security. The event aimed to integrate security into broader policymaking, with a focus on sustainable growth and inclusive development. Special addresses highlighted India’s growing role in space and global security, positioning the dialogue as a significant forum for shaping India’s strategic future.

Summary: India launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), S4, at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant step in its naval capabilities. Part of India’s SSBN program, S4 is larger and more advanced than its predecessors, capable of carrying K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles with a range of 3,500 km. This launch enhances India’s nuclear triad, allowing it to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. India’s SSBN program supports its Credible Minimum Deterrence strategy, with future plans for nuclear attack submarines to monitor the Indo-Pacific region.

Summary: The Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, introduced through the Assam Accord of 1985, in a 4:1 majority ruling. Section 6A provides a framework for granting citizenship to migrants from Bangladesh who entered Assam before March 25, 1971. The ruling reinforces Assam’s unique citizenship framework, balancing humanitarian concerns with the state’s cultural and demographic pressures. Justice Pardiwala dissented, arguing for a sunset clause to address ongoing illegal migration. The decision impacts Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) and may influence future debates on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).