What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• India – Bangladesh Border (IBB)
• Status of Fencing Along the India-Bangladesh Border
• Fencing Incident along India – Bangladesh Border
• India-Bangladesh border guidelines
• Reasons for the Dispute

Why in News?

India summoned Bangladesh's Acting High Commissioner over border security and fencing issues after Bangladesh expressed concerns about alleged violations by the Border Security Force (BSF). 

Bangladesh had earlier summoned India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pranay Verma, over BSF's activities, claiming they breached a bilateral agreement. 

The tension escalated when Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) attempted to obstruct fencing construction along the West Bengal-Malda border. 

The 4,096.7 km India-Bangladesh border remains a longstanding source of disputes over barbed wire fencing and border management.

India – Bangladesh Border (IBB)

• The India-Bangladesh border is India's longest border measuring 4096.7 km.
• It passes through West Bengal (2216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km) and Mizoram (318 km).
• The entire border consists of varied geographical features like plains, hills, riverine stretches, and forests with hardly any natural obstacles.
• The India-Bangladesh border is highly porous and a hotspot of illegal immigration, cattle smuggling, human trafficking and other illegal cross border activities.

Status of Fencing Along the India-Bangladesh Border

• Overall Fencing Coverage
  • Out of 4096.7 km of the India-Bangladesh border, 3,141 km have been fenced, covering all eastern states, including West Bengal.
• Fencing in West Bengal
  • West Bengal shares a 2,216.7 km border with Bangladesh.
  • As of 2023, 81.5% of this border had been fenced, with small patches remaining unfenced due to:
    • Objections from villagers.
    • Challenging terrain.
    • Ongoing negotiations with Bangladesh.
• Challenges in Fencing Completion
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted delays caused by:
    • Non-cooperation from the West Bengal government.
    • Pending land acquisition in the state.
• Riverine Borders - Over 900 km of the border is riverine, making fencing impossible.
  • These areas are secured by the BSF’s water wing.

Recent Fencing Incident India – Bangladesh Border

• Fencing Incident in Malda's Kaliachak Block
  • The Central Road Works Department and BSF were constructing a single-row fence in Malda’s Kaliachak No. 3 block, near Bangladesh’s Shibganj in Rajshahi district.
  • Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) objected to the construction.
  • These objections were addressed, and construction continued without further disruption.
• Fencing Dispute in Mekhliganj, Cooch Behar
  • On January 10, villagers in Mekhliganj began fencing the boundary of the Bangladeshi enclave Dahagram-Angarpota, supported by the BSF.
  • The four-foot-high barbed-wire fence was intended to prevent cattle from Bangladesh from grazing on Indian crops.
  • BGB intervened to halt the fencing, raising tensions once again.

India-Bangladesh Border Guidelines

• 1975 Border Guidelines Between India and Bangladesh
  • The 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines prohibit constructing defence structures within 150 yards of the international boundary (zero line).
  • India does not classify wire fencing as defence structures, but Bangladesh and Pakistan do.
• Challenges Due to Border Complexity
  • The approximately 2,217 km-long border in West Bengal is marked by villages, rivers, and enclaves, complicating fencing construction.
  • Villages and houses often lie within the fencing line or directly on the international border.
  • For example, the Dahagram–Angarpota enclave in Jalpaiguri, a Bangladeshi territory within India, has fencing on the zero line.
• Exceptions to the 150-Yard Rule
  • In cases where terrain, population, or water bodies make fencing at 150 yards impractical, construction near the border is negotiated with Bangladesh.
  • Villages located within 20 yards of the boundary are not relocated; instead, fencing is built close to the zero line.
• Facilitation for Residents
  • Gates are installed along the fencing to ensure residents’ movement, with timings determined in consultation with villagers and local administration.
  • In emergencies, BSF soldiers have standing instructions to open gates immediately.
• Negotiation and Approval for Fencing
  • The BSF informs the BGB when exceptions to the guidelines are necessary.
  • After mutual agreement, fencing construction begins in sensitive or challenging areas.

Reasons for the Dispute

• Violation of the 1975 Agreement
  • Bangladesh opposes fencing within 150 yards of the international border, citing the 1975 India-Bangladesh guidelines.
  • They argue that even single-row fencing (SRF) breaches this agreement.
• Impact on Border Residents
  • Fencing causes inconvenience to residents living along the border, restricting their movement and activities.
• Indian Perspective on SRF
  • SRF is intended to control animal movement and curb trans-border crimes, not as a defence structure.
  • Unlike concrete walls, bunkers, or ditch cum bandh (DCB), SRF has no defence potential.
• Objection to Smart Fencing
  • Bangladesh objects to smart fencing, which includes CCTV and electronic surveillance, claiming it enables India to monitor their territory.
  • Smart fencing is primarily installed in areas where villages are within 150 yards of the border or on the boundary itself.
• Issue of Trans-Border Crimes
  • Around 60% of trans-border crimes occur in areas without fencing, especially where villages are located on the international boundary.
  • India argues that fencing would help reduce such crimes, but Bangladesh remains unyielding.
• Ongoing Discussions
  • The fencing issue has been under discussion for over five years, with frequent objections raised by the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) during flag meetings.

Q.1. Why does Bangladesh oppose India’s border fencing efforts?

Bangladesh cites the 1975 agreement that restricts constructions within 150 yards of the border and highlights inconvenience to border residents. Additionally, it objects to smart fencing, which it claims allows India to monitor its territory.

Q.2. What challenges hinder fencing along the India-Bangladesh border?

Challenges include objections from villagers, difficult terrain, riverine stretches, and pending land acquisition. Over 900 km of the border remains unfenced, with BSF using water wings to secure these areas.

Source: IE | MEA | TOI

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Background: Israel-Hamas Conflict
• Three-Phase Ceasefire Plan Overview
• Challenges to Ceasefire Implementation

Why in News?

Hamas has agreed to a draft ceasefire agreement in the Gaza conflict, with final approval pending from the Israeli Cabinet. 

The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas launched attacks on Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths, followed by an Israeli military offensive in Gaza that has reportedly killed over 64,000 people, according to The Lancet. 

Background: Israel-Hamas Conflict

• Hamas suddenly attacked Israel
  • On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory. 
  • The assault resulted in over 1,200 deaths, including civilians, and the abduction of numerous hostages.
    • Some 100 Israelis are still captive inside Gaza, and the military believes at least a third them are dead.
• Offensive by Israel
  • In response, Israel initiated a massive military offensive in Gaza, targeting Hamas and its infrastructure. 
  • The offensive caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties, with over 64,000 deaths reported in Gaza as per The Lancet.
• Ceasefire attempts
  • The conflict drew global condemnation, highlighting humanitarian concerns.
    • The offensive has reduced large areas of the territory to rubble and displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million.
    • Hundreds of thousands are packed into tent camps along the coast where hunger is widespread. 
  • Multiple ceasefire attempts followed, with negotiations involving the US, Egypt, and Qatar, but a long-term resolution remained elusive due to deep-rooted political tensions.

Three-Phase Ceasefire Plan Overview

• Basis
  • The plan is based on a framework proposed by President Joe Biden in June 2024, though unresolved details and lack of guarantees for a sustained ceasefire present challenge.
• Three-Phase Ceasefire Plan Overview
  • Phase 1: Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange
    • A six-week ceasefire will commence, requiring a full Israeli military withdrawal from all populated areas in Gaza.
    • Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
    • All civilian captives — living or dead — will be released by the end of this phase.
    • Humanitarian aid will be sent into Gaza, with 600 trucks entering daily.
    • Palestinians will return to their homes, although widespread destruction poses challenges.
  • Phase 2: Further Hostage Release and Israeli Withdrawal
    • Hamas will release remaining captives, mainly male soldiers, in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners.
    • Israel will execute a “complete withdrawal” of its forces from Gaza.
    • The ceasefire's continuation during this phase is not guaranteed, leaving room for potential resumption of military action.
  • Phase 3: Gaza Reconstruction
    • A large-scale reconstruction plan for Gaza will begin.
    • Any remains of deceased hostages will be returned to their families.

Challenges to Ceasefire Implementation

• Hamas' Conditions
  • Hamas insists on a complete Israeli military withdrawal and an end to the war before releasing remaining hostages.
• Recurring Obstacles in Past Ceasefires
  • Temporary ceasefire agreements were often made to allow humanitarian aid but failed due to:
    • Hamas' demand for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, which Israel has consistently rejected.
    • Israel’s insistence on the destruction of Hamas as a condition for peace.
• Internal Political Opposition in Israel
  • Far-right Israeli Ministers have threatened to quit the government over the deal, calling it a surrender to Hamas.
  • Maintaining a cohesive coalition in the war cabinet is difficult for Prime Minister Netanyahu, as it includes the Likud Party, far-right Jewish National Front, and ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders.
• Netanyahu's Political Position
  • The war and its aftermath have temporarily strengthened Netanyahu’s political career, despite prior dissatisfaction among Israelis.
  • A deal with Hamas could further strain his already fragile coalition.

Q.1. What is the three-phase ceasefire plan for the Israel-Hamas conflict?

The plan includes a six-week ceasefire, hostage exchanges, Israeli military withdrawal, and Gaza reconstruction. However, unresolved details and political challenges pose risks to its success.

Q.2. Why have previous Israel-Hamas ceasefire attempts failed?

Ceasefire attempts failed due to Hamas’ demand for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, Israel’s insistence on Hamas’ destruction, and internal political opposition within Israel's government.

Source: IE | LM | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Background
• Key Events in 2023
• India’s Unique Vulnerabilities
• Earthquake Risks
• Challenges in Resilience and Insurance
• Building Resilience: A Three-Step Approach
• Conclusion

Background

• India has witnessed a sharp rise in economic losses due to natural catastrophes, reflecting both the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the country's vulnerabilities.
• In 2023, natural disasters caused an estimated $12 billion in economic losses, significantly exceeding the annual average of $8 billion over the past decade, according to a report by global insurance giant Swiss Re.

Key Events in 2023

• Floods in Northern India and Sikkim (July 2023):
  • Affected Areas: Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, and Delhi.
  • Impact: Caused extensive damage due to heavy rains between July 10-15, disrupting daily life and infrastructure.
• Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy (June 2023):
  • Landfall: Category 3 cyclone struck Kutch, Gujarat, impacting Maharashtra and Rajasthan as well.
  • Damage: Shut down major ports like Kandla and Mundra, causing extensive damage due to strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.
• Tropical Cyclone Michaung (December 2023):
  • Landfall: Hit Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
  • Impact: Brought extreme rainfall, resulting in significant economic losses and urban disruption.

India’s Unique Vulnerabilities

• Monsoon-Driven Floods:
  • Contribution to Losses: Over the past two decades, floods have accounted for an average of 63% of annual economic losses.
• Monsoon Influence: India's geography and climate expose it to heavy rainfall during:
  • Summer Monsoon (June-September): Causes severe flooding, as seen in Kerala (2018) and Uttarakhand (2013).
  • Northeast Monsoon (October-December): Responsible for floods like Chennai (2015).
• Economic and Industrial Exposure:
  • States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are highly industrialized, contributing 36.8% of India’s total industrial output. These states also face heightened risks:
  • Gujarat: Prone to floods, tropical cyclones, and earthquakes.
  • Maharashtra: Susceptible to floods and cyclones, especially in Mumbai.
  • Tamil Nadu: Regularly impacted by monsoon floods and cyclones, particularly in Chennai.

Earthquake Risks

• Urban centres like Delhi and Ahmedabad face significant earthquake hazards.
• A major earthquake in the Himalayas or near urban centres like Mumbai could result in catastrophic losses, potentially surpassing the devastation caused by the 2001 Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat.

Challenges in Resilience and Insurance

• Despite the scale of economic losses, underinsurance remains a critical issue:
  • Protection Gaps: Over 90% of households and businesses are under- or uninsured, leaving them financially vulnerable.
  • Costliest Flood Events:
    • Mumbai floods (2005): Losses of $5.3 billion (2024 prices)
    • Chennai floods (2015): Losses of $6.6 billion (2024 prices)

Building Resilience: A Three-Step Approach

• Swiss Re outlines a strategic framework to address underinsurance and reduce the impact of natural catastrophes:
  • Hotspot Identification:
    • Identify regions most prone to disasters using granular data.
    • Prioritize mitigation measures in high-risk areas like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Chennai.
  • Risk Assessment:
    • Employ advanced models to assess potential exposure and risk accumulation.
    • Incorporate recent and detailed data for accurate evaluations.
  • Reinsurance Solutions:
    • Design targeted reinsurance programs to close protection gaps.
    • Promote affordable insurance coverage for households and businesses.

Conclusion

• India's rapid economic growth has outpaced its ability to mitigate the vulnerabilities posed by natural catastrophes.
• The increasing frequency of extreme weather events highlights the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness, improved insurance penetration, and strategic resilience-building measures.
• By addressing these challenges, India can better safeguard its economy and citizens from the mounting risks of natural disasters.

Q1. What is the difference between Floods and Flash Floods?

Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks. Flash flood: A flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours.

Q2. When was NDMA constituted?

In December 2005, the Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act, which envisaged the creation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers.

Source : IE