Articles on 3 May 2025

What’s in Today’s Article?

• LoC & Strategic Dynamics in India-Pakistan Relations Latest News
• Evolution of the India-Pakistan Ceasefire
• Nature of Ceasefire Violations
• Ceasefire Understanding of 2021 and Its Significance
• Current Developments and Strategic Outlook
• Conclusion
• LoC & Strategic Dynamics in India-Pakistan Relations FAQs

LoC & Strategic Dynamics in India-Pakistan Relations Latest News

• Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along several sectors at the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border for the 8th consecutive night following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 civilians.
• The Indian army has retaliated to each of these violations in a calibrated and proportionate manner.
• Though no casualties yet, the situation marks the most intense ceasefire breakdown since the 2021 Directorates General of Military Operations (DGMOs) ceasefire agreement.

Evolution of the India-Pakistan Ceasefire

• Origin and legal ambiguity:
  • Ceasefire Line first established via Karachi Agreement (1949) post 1948-49 war.
  • Simla Agreement (1972) renamed it as the LoC, not an international boundary (IB) but a military control line.
  • Ceasefire agreements between the two nations is not a formal treaty; but based on military-level "understandings".
• LoC and IB - Distinct legal interpretations:
  • LoC (de facto border between India and Pakistan): Approx. 740 km, from Sangam in Kashmir to Point NJ-9842 near the Siachen Glacier.
  • IB: 
    • In Jammu, the LoC changes into the IB for India, since it has no territorial claims on Pakistani Punjab on the other side. 
    • But for Pakistan, the IB is a “Working Boundary”, since it claims Jammu on the Indian side - and hence deems the border unsettled.
• Operational dynamics:
  • Heavy troop presence with fortified structures on both sides.
  • Seasonal terrain shifts affect actual positions.
  • Mandate is to prevent infiltration and unilateral changes.
  • However, there has been a rise in infiltration and Pakistan Border Action Teams (BAT) raids since 1989.
  • Ceasefire often violated and restored informally - e.g., 2003, 2021.

Nature of Ceasefire Violations

• Motivations behind violations:
  • Typically increase during every bilateral crisis since 1972 to impose military costs on the other side.
  • Such violations have ranged from limited small-arms fire to full-fledged cross-border operations such as the Indian surgical strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan occupied Kashmir in 2016.
  • "Autonomous military factors": Local commanders act independently for boosting troop morale, revenge, testing enemy resolve.
• Absence of formal rules of engagement:
  • No strict protocols prevent firing; governed by unwritten SOPs.
  • Conflict resolution mechanisms:
    • Flag meetings between local commanders.
    • Hotlines between DGMOs in New Delhi and Rawalpindi.
• These reduce escalation but do not prevent future violations.

Ceasefire Understanding of 2021 and Its Significance

• Strategic rationale behind 2021 understanding:
  • Pakistan: Internal instability and Afghanistan border tensions.
  • India: Focus on China and the Line of Actual Control (LAC, Ladakh).
  • Result: Drop in violations, increased civilian safety, agriculture revival, and economic stability in border villages.
• Diplomatic and military communication:
  • Since the 2019 India-Pakistan diplomatic freeze, only military-level communication remains active.
  • Weekly DGMO calls continue; April 29 call saw India objecting to ongoing violations.

Current Developments and Strategic Outlook

• Cross-border dynamics post-Pahalgam attack:
  • Firing possibly used by Pakistan to maintain military pressure and leverage.
  • India needs to:
    • Retaliate (militarily) to the Pakistani violations.
    • Resolve BSF jawan detention issue (crossed IB accidentally on April 23).
    • During times of crisis, such accidental crossings act as leverage for one side over the other.
• Risks of escalation:
  • Ceasefire violations are low-intensity yet high-risk events.
  • Often the first and most controlled military response in crisis.
  • However, risk of rapid escalation remains, especially under public or political pressure.

Conclusion

• Ceasefire at the LoC remains an evolving military understanding, prone to crises and local dynamics.
• Despite communication mechanisms, long-term peace requires political will and strategic foresight.

LoC & Strategic Dynamics in India-Pakistan Relations FAQs

Q1. Explain the significance of the 2021 India-Pakistan DGMO understanding in the context of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).

Ans. The 2021 DGMO understanding marked a significant de-escalation along the LoC, reducing ceasefire violations and allowing both countries to focus on internal and external strategic challenges, notably India’s LAC standoff with China.

Q2. Differentiate between the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in the context of India-Pakistan boundary disputes.

Ans. The LoC is a military control line demarcated post-1972 Simla Agreement without legal international status, while the IB is a settled international boundary recognized by India but termed a "Working Boundary" by Pakistan.

Q3. Discuss the role of ‘Autonomous Military Factors’ in ceasefire violations along the India-Pakistan border.

Ans. Autonomous Military Factors refer to localized military decisions, such as testing enemy positions or boosting troop morale, which often trigger ceasefire violations independent of political directives.

Q4. What mechanisms exist to manage ceasefire violations between India and Pakistan, and how effective are they?

Ans. Mechanisms like flag meetings and the DGMO hotline provide immediate conflict management tools, but they are not effective in preventing recurring violations.

Q5. Assess the impact of ceasefire violations on civilian life in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ans. Ceasefire violations disrupt civilian livelihoods through shelling-induced displacement, crop damage, and fatalities.

Source: IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Delhi Rainfall May 2024 Latest News
• What Happened Over Delhi on Friday
• 5 Key Reasons Behind Delhi’s Intense Rainfall
• Delhi Rainfall May 2024 FAQs

Delhi Rainfall May 2024 Latest News

• Delhi experienced an intense pre-monsoon weather event due to a rare combination of high atmospheric moisture, clashing wind patterns, and strong vertical air movement (dynamic lift). 
• What began as mild drizzle soon turned into a severe downpour. It became the second-highest single-day rainfall for May since 1901, with the heaviest being 119.3 mm in 2021. 
• The heavy rain overwhelmed the city's infrastructure, causing waterlogging, power cuts, flight delays, and resulting in five deaths. 

What Happened Over Delhi on Friday

• Dual Moisture Plumes Over Delhi:
  • On May 2 morning, Delhi was positioned beneath two major moisture-laden wind systems — easterlies from the Bay of Bengal and southerlies from the Arabian Sea.
    • Easterlies are winds that blow from the east toward the west. 
    • In India, they often originate from the Bay of Bengal, carrying moisture inland. 
    • These winds can significantly influence weather patterns, especially during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.
• Formation of a Convergence Zone
  • These wind systems collided over Delhi-NCR, creating a strong low-level convergence zone where moist air was forced to rise.
• Atmospheric Lifting
  • As the converging moist air was squeezed upwards, it triggered intense cloud formation and precipitation.
• Transitional Weather Phase
  • May is a transition period for northern India, making such weather phenomena more likely, though their intensity depends on additional factors.
• Role of Troughs
  • The presence of troughs — elongated low-pressure zones — further intensified the convergence and rainfall in the region.
    • A trough is an elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure, often associated with unsettled weather. 
    • It helps channel moisture and lift air, contributing to cloud formation, rainfall, and thunderstorms.

5 Key Reasons Behind Delhi’s Intense Rainfall

• Western Disturbance and Cyclonic Circulations
  • A Western Disturbance, seen as a cyclonic circulation over south Punjab, north Rajasthan, and west Haryana, interacted with multiple upper-air cyclonic circulations across southwest and northeast Rajasthan.
  • This intensified regional instability.
• Shifting Upper-Air Systems
  • A cyclonic system moved from southeast Rajasthan to northeast Rajasthan and northwest Madhya Pradesh, altering wind patterns and contributing to strong vertical air movement.
• Active Monsoon Trough
  • The presence of a monsoon trough from west Madhya Pradesh to north Kerala helped channel moist air from the southern peninsula into the northern plains, feeding the storm system.
• Strong Surface Winds Over Delhi
  • Delhi experienced strong westerly surface winds (20–25 kmph, gusting up to 54 kmph) that enhanced the vertical lift by interacting with incoming moist air, promoting convection.
• Powerful Convective Activity and Himalayan Influence
  • Intense upward motion of heat and moisture (convection) led to the formation of towering cumulonimbus clouds (up to 13 km high), indicated by satellite visuals of overshooting tops. 
    • Cumulonimbus clouds are large, towering clouds associated with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. 
    • They form due to intense upward motion of warm, moist air and can reach heights over 13 km, often producing lightning, strong winds, and hail.
  • Cool winds descending from the Himalayas since midnight also contributed to thunderstorm formation.
     

Delhi Rainfall May 2024 FAQs

Q1. Why did Delhi receive heavy rain in May 2024?

Ans. Due to a rare clash of easterlies and southerlies, convergence zones, and strong vertical air movement.

Q2. What is a convergence zone?

Ans. It's a region where opposing wind systems meet, forcing air upward and causing cloud formation and heavy rain.

Q3. What role did the trough play in Delhi’s rain?

Ans. The trough intensified moist air uplift, increasing rainfall and storm severity across Delhi.

Q4. Which clouds caused Delhi’s storm?

Ans. Towering cumulonimbus clouds formed due to convective activity, reaching 13 km and triggering heavy downpour.

Q5. What were the effects of the rain in Delhi?

Ans. The rain caused waterlogging, flight delays, power outages, and resulted in five reported fatalities.

Source: IE | IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Punjab Haryana Water Dispute Latest News
• The Current Water Crisis Between Punjab and Haryana
• BBMP and Water Sharing
• Punjab's Claim: Not Enough Water
• Punjab Haryana Water Dispute FAQs

Punjab Haryana Water Dispute Latest News

• Amid rising tensions with Haryana over water sharing, all political parties in Punjab united to oppose the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s decision to release an additional 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. 

The Current Water Crisis Between Punjab and Haryana

• Trigger for the Standoff
  • The crisis began on April 23 when Haryana demanded 8,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra-Nangal project—an increase of 4,500 cusecs over its current allocation. 
  • Punjab refused the request and referred the matter to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMP).
• BBMP Meeting and Voting Outcome
  • In a BBMP meeting, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi voted in favour of releasing the extra water to Haryana. 
  • Himachal Pradesh abstained. Punjab opposed the move and refused to open additional sluice gates at the Nangal dam.
• Legal Action by Haryana
  • In response to Punjab's resistance, the Haryana government announced it would move the Supreme Court to secure its “fair” share of water.
• Punjab’s Firm Stand and Legal Recourse
  • Punjab is also considering legal action, calling the BBMP's decision "unprecedented" and vowing not to release even a drop of extra water. 

BBMP and Water Sharing

• Historical Background of the Bhakra-Nangal Project
  • Conceived in the 1910s, the Bhakra-Nangal project is one of India’s earliest post-Independence river valley development initiatives. 
  • It includes the Bhakra Dam in Himachal Pradesh and the Nangal Dam in Punjab, built on the River Satluj. 
  • The then Prime Minister Nehru took personal interest in the project.
• Formation of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMP)
  • After the 1966 reorganisation of Punjab, which created Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, the Bhakra Management Board was formed under Section 79 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act to manage water distribution among the new states. 
  • In 1976, the board was renamed BBMP and assigned the additional responsibility of managing Beas River projects like the Pandoh Dam (Beas-Sutlej Link) and Pong Dam.
• BBMP’s Current Role and Responsibilities
  • BBMP oversees the distribution of water from the Satluj and Beas rivers to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi. 
  • At the beginning of each water year (September–August), BBMP allocates water based on monsoon predictions and availability.
• Current Year’s Water Allocation
  • For the ongoing year, BBMP has allocated:
    • Punjab: 5.512 million acre-feet (MAF)
    • Haryana: 2.987 MAF
    • Rajasthan: 3.318 MAF

Punjab's Claim: Not Enough Water

• Punjab's Claim: Haryana Exceeded Its Quota
  • Punjab asserts that Haryana has already drawn 3.110 million acre-feet (MAF) of water—104% of its annual share—even before the end of the water year.
  • Punjab, which is grappling with the fast depleting groundwater, is stressing the use of canal water.
• Falling Water Levels in Key Dams
  • Water reserves are under stress due to reduced Himalayan snowfall:
    • Ranjit Sagar Dam: 16.9 feet below last year’s level
    • Pong Dam: 31.87 feet lower
    • Bhakra Dam: 12 feet lower
• Haryana's Accusation and Demand
  • Haryana CM accused Punjab of “dirty politics” and claimed Haryana has not received its rightful share. 
  • He emphasized the need for urgent water supply in drought-hit districts such as Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad, especially for drinking water.
• Expert View: Need for Temporary Sharing, with Conditions
  • Water experts recommended short-term sharing to meet drinking water needs, but insisted the state-wise quota must remain unchanged. 
  • If Haryana gets extra water now, it must be compensated later to Punjab to preserve fairness and legal allocation.

Punjab Haryana Water Dispute FAQs

Q1. What triggered the Punjab-Haryana water dispute in April 2024?

Ans. Haryana demanded 4,500 cusecs more water; Punjab opposed and escalated the issue to BBMP.

Q2. What is BBMP’s role in the dispute?

Ans. BBMP manages Beas-Sutlej waters and allocates state-wise shares yearly based on monsoon and availability.

Q3. What’s Punjab’s argument?

Ans. Punjab claims Haryana already used 104% of its share and that its own groundwater levels are critical.

Q4. Why is Haryana demanding more water?

Ans. Due to severe drought conditions in Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad districts, especially for drinking purposes.

Q5. What is the expert recommendation?

Ans. Allow short-term extra water to Haryana for drinking but adjust quotas later to maintain fairness.

Source: IE | News18

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Vizhinjam Port Latest News
• Introduction
• About Vizhinjam Deepwater Port
• Key Features and Strategic Importance
• Economic Impact and Cost Savings
• Vision for a Port-led Economy
• Wider Maritime and Industrial Push
• Conclusion
• Vizhinjam Port FAQs

Vizhinjam Port Latest News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the ₹8,800 crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala’s capital.

Introduction

• India has officially entered the global container transhipment league with the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala. 
• Commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, the ₹8,800 crore project marks the culmination of decades-long efforts to establish India's first deepwater transhipment port, positioned strategically to serve as a vital logistics hub in the Indian Ocean region.

About Vizhinjam Deepwater Port

• The Vizhinjam Port, located near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, has been developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between the Adani Group and the Kerala government. 
• With a natural draft of nearly 20 metres, it can accommodate ultra-large container vessels, a key requirement for global cargo movement.
• The port had been conceptualized as far back as 1991, but saw several delays due to environmental, legal, and logistical challenges. Its eventual operationalization in 2025 marks a major milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure ambitions.

Key Features and Strategic Importance

• Natural Depth & Strategic Location: The port’s depth and proximity to international shipping lanes make it ideal for large cargo vessels with over 20,000 container capacity.
• Low Maintenance Advantage: Minimal coastal sand movement around the port ensures reduced dredging and maintenance costs.
• Reduced Dependency on Foreign Ports: Vizhinjam aims to significantly reduce India’s reliance on transhipment hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and Jebel Ali, which currently handle 75% of India’s transhipped cargo.

Economic Impact and Cost Savings

• According to government estimates, India will save approximately $220 million annually by managing its own transhipment cargo. Presently, the country pays an additional $80–$100 per container due to reliance on foreign ports. Bringing these operations in-house will:
  • Improve logistics efficiency
  • Reduce delivery delays
  • Strengthen India’s economic resilience during geopolitical disruptions
• This move is expected to transform the shipping landscape in the country by retaining foreign exchange and increasing internal job opportunities within the port and logistics sectors.

Vision for a Port-led Economy

• In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that port cities and coastal states will play a critical role in realizing the vision of a developed India. 
• He noted that the government’s maritime policy over the last decade has focused on integrating modern infrastructure with ease of doing business. Over the last ten years, billions have been invested through PPP models to modernize Indian ports and bring them on par with global standards.
• The Vizhinjam port also serves as a model of cooperative federalism, with a Left-led state government partnering with a major private enterprise, Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, to realize a shared economic vision.

Wider Maritime and Industrial Push

• The inauguration of the Vizhinjam Port aligns with broader national strategies:
  • Shipbuilding Promotion: The Union Budget has introduced policies to promote indigenous ship construction.
  • Kochi Shipbuilding Cluster: A shipbuilding and repair hub is being developed in Kochi to enhance employment and manufacturing in the sector.
  • Improved Global Rankings: India now has two ports in the world’s top 30 and ranks among the top 20 in the Logistics Performance Index.

Conclusion

• The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Port is not just a logistical upgrade; it is a strategic economic pivot. 
• By reducing external dependencies, optimizing maritime routes, and creating local employment, the port symbolizes India’s growing stature in global trade. 
• As its capacity expands in the coming years, it is expected to become a cornerstone of India’s maritime policy and a major economic engine in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vizhinjam Port FAQs

Q1. What is the Vizhinjam Port?

Ans. It is India’s first dedicated deepwater container transshipment port located in Kerala.

Q2. How much has been invested in the Vizhinjam Port project?

Ans. The port has been built at an estimated cost of ₹8,800 crore under a public-private partnership.

Q3. What are the economic benefits of the Vizhinjam Port?

Ans. It is expected to save India $220 million annually by reducing reliance on foreign transshipment hubs.

Q4. Which companies and governments are involved in the project?

Ans. The port is operated by Adani Ports in partnership with the Kerala government.

Q5. How will Vizhinjam Port impact global trade for India?

Ans. It will allow India to directly handle large cargo ships, improve logistics, and boost trade efficiency.

Source: TH | HT