Supreme Court Inquiry on Mining Practices

The Supreme Court of India, in 2019, raised concerns regarding the possibility of illegal mining operations continuing without the involvement of officials. This inquiry was a part of their examination following the incident of 15 miners trapped in a rat-hole mine in East Jaintia Hills in December 2018.

Report by NGT Monitoring Committee

• The committee highlighted that despite an official ban, the demand for coal in the northeast for cement and thermal power plants supported the illegal rat-hole mining activities.

State Authorities' Involvement

• State authorities have occasionally recognized and celebrated rat-hole miners, as observed in 2023, where miners from Assam were brought in to assist with a rescue operation in Uttarkashi.
• This highlights a contradiction where traditional miners were relied upon after modern technology and professional expertise failed in rescue efforts.

Recurring Pattern of Mining Accidents

• There is a cyclical pattern of accidents, such as the Dima Hasao operation, where attempts to save those trapped often end in either success or failure.
• This pattern leads to temporary awareness that fades until the next mining disaster occurs.

Chinese Aggression on the India-China Border

Recent incidents along the China-India border have highlighted significant vulnerabilities that threaten India's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Key Developments

• The Chinese government announced the construction of a dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river (Brahmaputra).
• Creation of two new counties in north-eastern Ladakh by China.Implications
• Potential reduction in water and silt for downstream countries, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity in India and Bangladesh.
• Risk of devastating floods during the monsoon season or geopolitical tensions.

India's Response

• India is investing $1 billion in 12 hydropower stations in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Monitoring the situation and preparing to safeguard national interests.

China's Strategic Moves

• Ongoing strategy of cartographic aggression to assert control over disputed territories.
• Standardization of 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh in recent years.

International law does not recognize territorial claims based solely on cartographic assertions. Effective administrative control and sovereignty are essential for ownership of contested territories.

Broader Regional Impact

• South Asian countries like Nepal and Bhutan also face Chinese territorial encroachments.
• China's unilateral actions on transboundary rivers threaten water security in the region.

Recommended Approaches

• India should take the lead in fostering a collective response to China's actions.
• A unified strategy involving regional forums and enhanced diplomatic coordination is crucial.

A comprehensive strategy involving diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation is essential for safeguarding India's sovereignty and regional security.

Rahul M. Lad, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, JSPM University, Pune

U.S. Lifts Restrictions on Indian Nuclear Entities

The United States recently removed restrictions on three significant Indian nuclear entities as part of enhancing civil nuclear cooperation between the two nations. The entities involved are:

• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
• Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR)
• Indian Rare Earths (IRE)

Objectives and Impact

• The removal of these restrictions aims to facilitate closer cooperation in securing critical minerals and clean energy supply chains.
• This aligns with the strategic direction of the U.S.-India partnership, as stated by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, Matthew Borman.
• The move supports U.S. foreign policy by reducing barriers to advanced energy cooperation, including research and development in science and technology.