Daily Current Affairs : 9-January-2024

India and Pakistan, in adherence to the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, recently exchanged lists of their nuclear installations. This exchange, occurring in New Delhi and Islamabad, signifies the 33rd consecutive sharing of such lists, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to confidence-building measures.

Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities:
  • Origins: Signed on December 31, 1988, by Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan) and Rajiv Gandhi (India).
  • Enforcement: Came into force on January 27, 1991.
  • Historical Context: The agreement originated in response to tensions arising from the 1986-87 Brasstacks military exercise by the Indian Army near the Pakistan border.
Key Disputes Between India and Pakistan:
  • Kashmir Conflict: Frequent breaches along the Line of Control, outstanding demilitarization demands, and challenges to a peaceful resolution.
  • Terrorism Challenges: Cross-border militant infiltration, divergent designations of terror groups, and civilian toll exacerbating animosity.
  • Water Sharing Disputes: Dams construction dispute and implementation issues of the Indus Water Treaty impacting water flow and usage rights.
  • Trade and Economic Strains: Trade barriers, tariffs, and limited cross-border investment affecting economic relations.
  • Regional Geopolitical Concerns: China’s influence in Pakistan and its implications for regional balance of power.
Pathways to India-Pakistan Dispute Resolution:
  • Building Confidence Measures: Enhanced communication channels, LoC de-escalation strategies, and people-to-people initiatives.
  • Addressing Core Issues: Resolution of the Kashmir dispute, combating terrorism together, and water cooperation measures.
  • Regional and International Cooperation: Promoting mediation through regional forums and balancing external influences.
  • Fostering Public Understanding and Support: Media responsibility, responsible coverage, and highlighting positive stories for public support.
Important Points:

Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities:

  • Signed on December 31, 1988, by Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan) and Rajiv Gandhi (India).
  • Came into force on January 27, 1991.
  • Originated in response to tensions from the 1986-87 Brasstacks military exercise near the Pakistan border.

Key Disputes Between India and Pakistan:

  • Kashmir Conflict:
    • Frequent breaches along the Line of Control.
    • Outstanding demilitarization demands.
    • Challenges to a peaceful resolution.
  • Terrorism Challenges:
    • Cross-border militant infiltration.
    • Divergent designations of terror groups.
    • Civilian toll exacerbating animosity.
  • Water Sharing Disputes:
    • Dams construction dispute.
    • Implementation issues of the Indus Water Treaty.

Pathways to India-Pakistan Dispute Resolution:

  • Building Confidence Measures:
    • Enhanced communication channels.
    • LoC de-escalation strategies.
    • People-to-people initiatives.
  • Addressing Core Issues:
    • Resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
    • Combating terrorism together.
    • Water cooperation measures.
  • Regional and International Cooperation:
    • Promoting mediation through regional forums.
    • Balancing external influences.

Fostering Public Understanding and Support:

  • Media responsibility.
  • Responsible coverage.
  • Highlighting positive stories for public support.
Why In News

India and Pakistan recently exchanged lists of their nuclear installations and facilities through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, adhering to the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between the two countries. This annual exchange aims to enhance transparency and confidence-building measures, promoting regional stability and reducing the risk of accidental conflicts.

MCQs about Insights into India-Pakistan Relations

  1. What is the main purpose of the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan?
    A. To promote cultural exchanges
    B. To prevent terrorist activities
    C. To build trust and confidence
    D. To facilitate economic cooperation
    Correct Answer: C. To build trust and confidence
    Explanation: The agreement mandates the exchange of lists of nuclear installations, fostering a confidence-building security environment between the two nations.
  2. What triggered the negotiation and signing of the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities?
    A. India’s nuclear weapons testing
    B. Operation Brasstacks military exercise
    C. Water-sharing disputes
    D. Economic trade imbalances
    Correct Answer: B. Operation Brasstacks military exercise
    Explanation: Tensions arising from the 1986-87 Brasstacks military exercise conducted by the Indian Army near the Pakistan border prompted the negotiation and signing of the agreement.
  3. Which dispute is characterized by frequent breaches along the Line of Control and outstanding demilitarization demands?
    A. Water-sharing disputes
    B. Terrorism challenges
    C. Trade and economic strains
    D. Kashmir conflict
    Correct Answer: D. Kashmir conflict
    Explanation: The Kashmir conflict involves frequent breaches along the Line of Control and unresolved demilitarization demands, hindering progress towards a peaceful resolution.
  4. What is suggested as a pathway to India-Pakistan dispute resolution in terms of regional and international cooperation?
    A. Implementation of water cooperation measures
    B. Enhanced communication channels
    C. Balancing external influences
    D. Combating terrorism together
    Correct Answer: C. Balancing external influences
    Explanation: Relationships with external powers like China and the US to ensure they contribute positively without jeopardizing bilateral progress in dispute resolution.

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