11 March 2025 Current Affairs

Tahawwur Hussain Rana Extradition Case

US Supreme Court Rejects Tahawwur Rana’s Plea Against Extradition to India Over 2008 Mumbai Attacks.

Background

• Rana, a Pakistani – origin Canadian National, is accused of Aiding and Abetting Reconnaissance Activities for 2008 Mumbai Attacks, alongside David Coleman Headley.
• US refused to extradite David Headley due to his Plea Bargain and Warren Anderson (Former CEO of Union Carbide) was Not Extradited due to "Insufficient Evidence."

• Rana was Arrested in Chicago in 2009 for his involvement in Mumbai Attacks and a foiled attack on Danish newspaper Jyllands – Posten.

• Convicted in US for providing Material Support to Terrorism in Denmark and to Terrorist Group Lashkar – e a– Taiba.

• Sentenced to 168 Months (14 Years) in prison in 2013. Released on Compassionate Grounds in 2020.

• However, he immediately faced an Extradition Request from India.

Legal Battle Over Extradition

• In 2019, India formally requested Extradition of Rana under India – US Extradition Treaty of 1997.
• Rana contested Extradition, invoking "Double Jeopardy" principle, arguing that he had already been acquitted of the charges in India.
• In May 2023, a US Magistrate Judge dismissed his defense, ruling that the charges in India involved distinct legal elements.

• His subsequent appeals to the US District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and eventually the US Supreme Court were all denied.

• US Government established "Probable Cause," believing that Rana had committed offenses that were extraditable under Treaty’s Dual – Criminality Provision.

Status of Spices in India

India Holds Just 0.7% Share in $14 Billion Global Seasoning Market, Compared to China’s 12% and USA’s 11%.

World Spice Organisation Established in 2011 in Kochi, Kerala, to Address Food Safety and Sustainability in Spice Industry.

Spices Sector in India

• World’s Leading Spice Producer, Consumer and Exporter of Spices.
• In 2023 – 24, Spice Production reached at 11.80 million tonnes.
• In 2023 – 24, Spice Exports totalled $4.25 billion, accounting for 12% share of Global Spice Exports.
• Spices ranks 4th in terms of Exports among Agricultural Commodities, following Marine Products, Non – Basmati Rice and Basmati Rice.
• Largest Spice – Producing States: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
• Key Export Destinations: China, USA, Bangladesh, UAE, Thailand.

Government’s Initiatives

• Export Development and Promotion of Spices: To assist Exporters in adopting Advanced Processing Technologies and Upgrading Current Technological Standards, ensuring Industry's Growth and Compliance with evolving Food Safety Regulations of Importing Nations.
• Spices Parks: Spices Board has established 8 Crop – specific Spices Parks in Key Production and Market Centres. These parks are designed to help farmers achieve better price realization and expand their market reach.
• Spice Complex Sikkim: Provides Financial Assistance to Farmers and Other Stakeholders in Sikkim, supporting them in adopting common processing methods and adding value to their spice products.
• Brand India and Flavourit – Indian Spices: Branding initiatives such as “Brand India” and “Flavourit – Indian Spices” aim to position Indian spices as premium products, known for their unique flavors and health benefits.

India – Belgium Defence Cooperation

Belgium Seeks to Strengthen Defense Ties with India Amid Changing Global Security Dynamics.

Key Developments

• Appointment of Defence Attaché: Belgium plans to appoint a Defence Attaché to India, a military representative stationed at the embassy, with the goal of strengthening bilateral defense relations.
• Light Tank Development (Zorawar Project): A collaboration is underway on the development of gun turrets for high-altitude light tanks under the Zorawar project.
• Diamond Trade Cooperation: Belgium has proposed designating India as a certification "node" to address concerns regarding the impact of G-7 sanctions on the Antwerp-Surat diamond trade.
• India – EU Defence Partnership: India is actively engaging with the European Union’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework. Discussions are also ongoing regarding a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA) to facilitate the exchange of classified data.

Non – Proliferation Treaty

Treaty on Non – Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Marks 55th Year, Crucial in Disarmament and Peaceful Nuclear Energy.

Non – Proliferation Treaty

• Adopted in 1968 and Enforced in 1970.
• A Binding Commitment by Nuclear – Armed States for Disarmament and Promotion of Peaceful Nuclear Energy Use.
• Key Principles: Non – Proliferation; Disarmament; Access to Peaceful Nuclear Technology.
• Members: 191 States (India is Not a Member State)

Fair Allocation of Krishna Water

Telangana CM Urges Union Jal Shakti Minister to Allocate Fair Share of Krishna River Water to the State.

Krishna River

• Origin: Mahabaleshwar Hills (Western Ghats, Maharashtra)
• 3rd Longest River in India, after Ganga and Godavari.
• 4th Largest in terms of Water Inflows and River Basin Area in India
• Lies in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• Principal Tributaries: Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Bhima, Panchganga, Tungabhadra, Musi.

Golden Passport Program of Vanuatu

Former IPL Chief Lalit Modi Surrenders Indian Passport and Acquires Citizenship in Vanuatu Through Golden Passport Program.

Golden Passport Program

• Also known as Citizenship by Investment.
• Allows Individuals to acquire Citizenship by making Significant Financial Contributions to a Country’s Economy.
• Cost: $135,500 - $155,500

POSHAN Abhiyan

• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Objective: To enhance Nutritional Status of Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women, Lactating Mothers and Children aged 0-6 years.
• Nodal Ministry: Union Ministry of Women and Child Development

Organization of Islamic Cooperation

OIC Supports Arab League's Proposal Against U.S. President Trump's Plan to Control Gaza and Relocate Residents.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation

• Founded: 25 Sep 1969
• 2nd Largest Organization after United Nations.
• Represents Collective Voice of Muslim World.
• Objectives: Promote Islamic Solidarity among Member States.

• Defend Muslim interests in Political, Social, Economic and Cultural Spheres.

• Members: 57 States
• HQ: Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

US Withdrawn from Loss and Damage Fund

U.S. President Donald Trump Announces Withdrawal from United Nations Climate Damage Fund.

Loss and Damage Fund

• Established at 2022 UNFCCC Conference (COP27, Egypt).
• Operationalised at COP 28 (2023) in Dubai, UAE.
• Functions as an Entity under Financial Mechanism of UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
• Objectives: To provide Financial Support to Regions suffering Both Economic and Non-Economic Losses due to Climate Change.
• World Bank serving as Interim Trustee for the fund.

Ladki Bahin Yojana

Maharashtra Government Disburses ₹17,500 Crore to 2.38 Crore Women Under Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana by December 2024.

Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

• Commonly known as Ladki Bahin Yojana.
• Welfare Program introduced by Maharashtra Government in 2024.
• Objective: To provide Financial Support to Economically Disadvantaged Women aged 21 to 65, fostering their Rehabilitation, Economic Development and Empowerment.
• Under this scheme, Eligible Women will receive monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500.