What’s in Today’s article?

• India and China Bilateral Relations Latest News
• Historical Context and Recent Developments
• Key Agreements and Initiatives
• Focus on Economic and Trade Relations
• Enhancing People-to-People Ties
• Challenges in Bilateral Relations
• Path Forward: Building Sustainable Partnerships
• Conclusion
• India China Bilateral Relations FAQs

India and China Bilateral Relations Latest News

• After three months of negotiations, India and China have agreed to concrete measures to resume direct flights, visas, a number of exchanges, and the Mansarovar Yatra for pilgrims this summer.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

• India and China, two of Asia's largest economies, share a complex relationship shaped by cultural, historical, and geopolitical dynamics. 
• After a prolonged military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, both nations are taking steps to restore bilateral ties.
• The disengagement process completed in November 2024 marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough. 
• Following this, meetings between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Beijing, as well as discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, paved the way for renewed cooperation.

Key Agreements and Initiatives

• During the high-level meetings, both nations agreed on several initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust and enhancing collaboration:
  • Resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Scheduled for the summer of 2025, this pilgrimage holds significant cultural and religious importance for Indian devotees.
  • Direct Flights and Visa Services: Both sides committed to restoring air connectivity between major cities and facilitating visas for media, think tanks, and business representatives.
  • Hydrological Data Sharing: Dialogues will resume under the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to discuss data sharing on trans-border rivers, a critical issue for downstream water management.

Focus on Economic and Trade Relations

• Despite record trade volumes exceeding $125 billion in 2023, tensions persist due to restrictions imposed by both countries. 
• India expressed concerns over China's curbs on pharmaceutical and high-tech exports, while China raised issues regarding India's investment policies and regulatory hurdles for Chinese businesses.
• A joint statement emphasized the need for long-term policy transparency and predictability in economic and trade relations. 
• By addressing these concerns, both countries aim to foster a more balanced trade partnership.

Enhancing People-to-People Ties

• As part of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, India and China plan to organize cultural events, media exchanges, and academic collaborations. 
• These initiatives aim to restore mutual trust and foster deeper understanding among citizens.

Challenges in Bilateral Relations

• While the agreements mark a positive step, several challenges remain:
  • Border Issues: The LAC dispute and unresolved de-escalation measures continue to strain relations.
  • Strategic Distrust: Historical tensions and competing geopolitical interests in the Indo-Pacific region contribute to mutual suspicion.
  • Economic Barriers: Trade imbalances and protectionist policies hinder seamless economic collaboration.

Path Forward: Building Sustainable Partnerships

• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of reducing “mutual suspicion and estrangement” to strengthen bilateral ties. 
• Similarly, Indian officials highlighted the need for mutual respect, sensitivity, and shared interests to sustain long-term cooperation.
• Key areas of focus include:
  • Maritime Cooperation: Enhancing collaboration in the Indo-Pacific to ensure regional stability.
  • Technology and Innovation: Promoting joint research and innovation in fields like renewable energy and healthcare.
  • Cultural Diplomacy: Leveraging shared heritage to foster goodwill.

Conclusion

• The renewed dialogues between India and China represent a significant step toward stabilizing a complex relationship. 
• While challenges persist, the agreements on cultural exchanges, trade transparency, and environmental cooperation underscore both nations’ commitment to fostering mutual growth and regional stability. 
• By addressing underlying issues and prioritizing constructive engagement, India and China can pave the way for a more harmonious and prosperous future.

India China Bilateral Relations FAQs

Q1. What recent agreements have India and China signed?
Ans. They agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights, and data sharing on trans-border rivers.

Q2. Why is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra significant?
Ans. It is a culturally and religiously important pilgrimage for Indian devotees.

Q3. What economic issues were discussed in recent India-China meetings?
Ans. Trade imbalances, investment restrictions, and regulatory hurdles were key topics.

Q4. How are people-to-people ties being enhanced?
Ans. Through cultural events, academic exchanges, and media collaborations as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations.

Q5. What challenges persist in India-China relations?
Ans. Unresolved border disputes, strategic distrust, and economic barriers remain key challenges.

Source: TH | IE

What’s in Today’s article?

• Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Uttarakhand Latest News
• Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
• Key highlights of Uttarakhand’s UCC
• Conclusion
• Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Uttarakhand FAQs

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Uttarakhand Latest News

• Uttarakhand government officially implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2025, making it the first Indian state to adopt the UCC post-Independence.
• The UCC, which excludes Scheduled Tribes and natives who have migrated out of the state, was passed by the State Assembly in February 2024.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• The Uniform Civil Code is a law that seeks to establish a common set of legal provisions for all citizens, regardless of religion or community.
• It will standardise marriage, divorce, inheritance, property rights, and adoption laws.

Key highlights of Uttarakhand’s UCC

Vision

• UCC as a constitutional measure aims to eliminate discrimination and ensure women's empowerment.
• It promotes equality and does not discriminate based on gender, caste, or religion.
• Scheduled Tribes, as defined under Article 342 of the Constitution, have been exempted from the UCC to protect their rights.

Key Features of the UCC

• Banned Practices: Prohibits halala, iddat, and talaq from Muslim Personal Law.
• Equal Rights for Women: Ensures equal property and inheritance rights.
• Mandatory Online Registrations: Marriage, divorce, and live-in relationships must be registered on the government portal ucc.uk.gov.in.

Marriage Laws

• Legal marriage age: 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
• Mandatory marriage registration.
• Prohibits polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq.

Inheritance and Property Rights

• Equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters.
• Recognizes children of live-in couples as "legitimate," granting them equal inheritance rights.

UCC Online Portal

• Aadhaar-Based Verification: Ensures user authenticity.
• Multilingual Translation: AI-based service translates content into 22 languages.
• Integrated Database: Linked with 13 government departments, including police and courts.
• Tatkal Facility: Emergency processing available for a nominal fee.

Registration Deadlines

• Marriages Since 2010: Must be registered within six months.
• New Marriages: Register within 60 days of marriage.
• Live-In Relationships: Register within one month of UCC implementation.

Live-In Relationship Rules

• Mandatory registration for couples aged 21 and above.
• Parental consent required for couples under 21 years.
• Applicable to Uttarakhand residents, including those in live-in relationships outside the state.
• Termination: Can be applied for online or offline, requiring mutual consent.
• Pregnancy Notification: Mandatory to report pregnancy within 30 days of childbirth.
• Housing Rights: Landlords cannot deny housing to registered live-in couples.

Registration of Wills

• The UCC portal offers three methods for will registration:
  • Online form submission.
  • Uploading handwritten/typed wills.
  • Recording a three-minute video.

Registration Process

• Applications are reviewed within 15 days or 3 days in emergencies.
• Sub-registrars and registrars will handle documentation and appeals.
• Appeals against rejections must be filed within 30 days, with decisions taken within 60 days.

Penalties for Violations

• Initial warnings for non-compliance.
• Fines for repeated violations.

Conclusion

The UCC aims to abolish practices like halala, polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq, fostering equality among citizens. By removing gender biases in inheritance laws and legitimizing live-in children, it seeks to promote gender equality.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Uttarakhand FAQs

Q1. What are the rules of UCC?

Ans. The UCC aims to replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of civil laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc. for all citizens.

Q2. What are the disadvantages of Uniform Civil Code?

Ans. Potential disadvantages include threats to religious freedom, cultural diversity, and minority rights. An implementation may also face resistance.

Q3. Which country has a Uniform Civil Code?

Ans. Countries such as the United States and Ireland have uniform civil codes but differ in many aspects.

Q4. Is UCC possible in India?

Ans. UCC implementation faces challenges in India due to religious diversity but remains a constitutional goal under Article 44.

Q5. What are the benefits of Uniform Civil Code?

Ans. Benefits include gender equality, national integration, simplified laws, and upholding secularism.

Source: TH | HT | TOI