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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 02 NOVEMBER 2023

GROUNDWATER

1. Context

A report published, last week, by United Nations University has warned that 27 of the 31 aquifers in the country are depleting faster than they can be replenished. The alarm bells have been ringing for at least a decade.

2. Groundwater Extraction in India

  • Groundwater extraction in India is a significant issue due to the high dependence on groundwater for agriculture, industry, and domestic purposes.
  • India is the largest user of groundwater globally, accounting for about 25% of the total global groundwater extraction.
  • Excessive groundwater pumping has led to a decline in water tables in many parts of the country, causing issues like water scarcity and depletion of aquifers.
  • Agriculture accounts for the majority of groundwater usage in India, with farmers relying on tube wells and bore wells for irrigation.
  • Rapid urbanization and industrialization have also contributed to increased groundwater extraction.
  • Unregulated and unsustainable groundwater extraction practices have resulted in the depletion of groundwater resources and the intrusion of saline water in coastal areas.
  • The government has implemented measures to regulate groundwater usage, such as promoting rainwater harvesting, encouraging efficient irrigation practices, and implementing groundwater management plans.
  • The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) monitors and regulates groundwater extraction in over-exploited areas.
  • Sustainable management of groundwater resources is crucial for ensuring long-term water security in India.

3. Polar Motion and Shifting Axis

  • Earth's axis and poles naturally shift due to changes in mass distribution, known as "polar motion."
  • Rocks circulating in Earth's mantle and other factors cause the planet's mass to shift, leading to a change in the position of the rotational axis.
  • The shift of the axis can vary by several meters in a year, according to recent research.
  • Human activities, including climate change, also impact polar motion.
  • Climate-driven changes in water mass distribution, such as melting glaciers and ice in Greenland, can cause the axis to drift.
  • Studies have shown that climate change has been causing the rotational axis to shift more than usual since the 1990s.

4. Factors Affecting Earth's Axis

  • Researchers, led by Ki-Weon Seo, used 17 years of observational data and a computer model to investigate the factors influencing Earth's rotation of the axis.
  • Initially, their predictions did not match the observed level of shift in previous years.
  • The team considered various data, including atmospheric pressure, ocean bottom pressure, reservoirs, polar ice, glaciers, wind, currents, and groundwater.
  • When groundwater effects were included, the estimated spin axis variations aligned well with observations.
  • The study found that the redistribution of groundwater had the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.
  • Groundwater extraction in North America and northwestern India, located at Earth's mid-latitudes, significantly influenced polar motion compared to extraction at the poles or equator.

5. Impact of Groundwater Extraction

  • Ki-Weon Seo explained that mass changes at the equator or poles do not affect the rotational pole; instead, the rotational pole change is linked to the moment of inertia of the Earth, which is sensitive to midlatitude mass change.
  • Groundwater extraction for irrigation and freshwater demands plays a significant role.
  • Seo and his team confirmed that groundwater extraction contributes to global sea level rise.
  • Their calculations aligned with previous research, which estimated that groundwater extraction raised global sea levels by 6.24mm between 1993 and 2010.
  • The water extracted from the ground eventually finds its way into the oceans, impacting sea levels.
6. Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023
  • The report ‘Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023’, which looks at six environmental tipping points — accelerating extinctions, groundwater depletion, mountain glacier melting, space debris, unbearable heat and an uninsurable future — has also found that 27 of the world’s 31 major aquifers are depleting faster than they can be replenished
  • According to the report, 78% of wells in Punjab are considered overexploited, and the north-western region as a whole is predicted to experience critically low groundwater availability by 2025.
  • Environmental tipping points are critical thresholds in the Earth’s systems beyond which abrupt and often irreversible changes occur, leading to profound and sometimes catastrophic shifts in ecosystems, climate patterns and the overall environment, the report states.
For Prelims: Groundwater extraction, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), Rapid urbanization, Polar motion, Earth's axis, Global sea level.
For Mains: 1. Discuss the challenges and consequences of groundwater extraction in India. What are the key factors contributing to excessive groundwater pumping, and how does it impact water security and sustainability? (250 words).

 

Previous Year Questions

1. With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements : (UPSC 2021)
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
 
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. 36% of India's districts are classified as "overexploited" or "critical" by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 2 only
D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: B
 
3. Consider the following statements:
1. On the planet Earth, the freshwater available for use amounts to less than 1% of the total water found.
2. Of the total freshwater found on the planet Earth 95% is bound up in polar ice caps and glaciers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
 
Source: The Indian Express

SOUTHERN PENINSULA OF INDIA

 
 
1. Context
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday that southern peninsular India this year experienced the sixth driest October in 123 years.
 
2. Where is the southern peninsula of India?
The southern peninsula of India refers to the geographic region located in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on three sides: the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south
The southern peninsula encompasses the states of:
Tamil Nadu
Kerala
Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Puducherry
Lakshadweep
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Map of southern peninsular India, showing the type localities of new... |  Download Scientific Diagram
 
3.Why is southern part of India called a peninsular?
  • The southern part of India is called a "peninsula" because of its geographic shape and position. A peninsula is a landmass that is almost entirely surrounded by water but connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.
  • In the case of the southern part of India, it is a peninsula because it is bordered by water on three sides, with the Indian Ocean to the south and the Arabian Sea to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east. The only land connection to the Indian mainland is to the north.
  • This geographic configuration creates a distinctive peninsula that juts out into the Indian Ocean, and it gives the region its unique geographic characteristics, including an extensive coastline, diverse landscapes, and access to multiple bodies of water. The southern peninsula of India is known for its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and rich history, making it a significant and prominent part of the Indian subcontinent.

4. Rainfall in the Southern Peninsula

  • According to the IMD, the October rainfall as on October 31 was as follows: coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam (18mm, -90 per cent), Rayalaseema (12.7mm, -90 per cent), Tamil Nadu, Karaikal and Puducherry (98.5mm, -43 per cent), south interior Karnataka (64.5mm, -53 per cent) and Kerala (311mm, 1 per cent).
  • With 2023 being an El Nino year, when combined with the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), such rainfall deficits are commonly observed during October and have been previously recorded, added Mohapatra. Notably, 2023, 2016 and 1988, among the six driest October months over the southern peninsula, were El Nino years
  • One of the major contributors to this poor rainfall was the timing of the northeast monsoon coinciding with other oceanic factors. While the northeast monsoon onset date was realised on October 21, the active Bay of Bengal and cyclogenesis around the same time influenced the monsoon onset.
  • “This year, the commencement of the northeast monsoon coincided with the genesis of the cyclone Hamoon which crossed the Bangladesh coast..
5.India Meteorological Department (IMD)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the national meteorological organization in India. It operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and is responsible for providing weather and climate-related services, monitoring and forecasting weather patterns, and issuing warnings for various natural disasters, including cyclones, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves
 
Functions and responsibilities:
  • IMD provides daily weather forecasts, including information on temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and other meteorological parameters. It issues forecasts for different time scales, from short-term to long-term, to help the public, agriculture, and various sectors plan their activities.
  • IMD is responsible for tracking and issuing warnings for tropical cyclones that affect the coastal regions of India. It plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response during cyclonic events
  •  IMD is known for its role in predicting the onset and progression of the monsoon in India, which is vital for agriculture, water resource management, and disaster preparedness
  •  IMD monitors and reports seismic activity in India and the surrounding region. It issues information on earthquakes and seismic hazards
 
Source: indianexpress

ROAD SAFETY IN INDIA

 
 
1. Context
The number of road accidents in India went up by an alarming 12 per cent to over 4.6 lakh in 2022, resulting in death of 19 persons every hour, according to a report by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
 
2. Road Accidents in India
  • A total number of 4,61,312 road accidents have been reported by States and Union Territories (UTs) during the calendar year 2022, claiming 1,68,491 lives and causing injuries to 4,43,366 persons. The number of road accidents in 2022 increased by 11.9 percent compared to previous year 2021.
  • Similarly, the number of deaths and injuries on account of road accidents were also increased by 9.4 percent and 15.3 percent respectively (Table 1.1). These figures translate, on an average, into 1,264 accidents and 462 deaths every day or 53 accidents and 19 deaths every hour in the country
3.What are the Initiatives Related to Road Safety?

The Indian government has taken several initiatives related to road safety in an effort to reduce road accidents and improve the safety of road users. Some of the key initiatives and programs include:

National Road Safety Policy: The Indian government introduced a National Road Safety Policy with the aim of reducing road accidents and their consequences. The policy outlines various strategies to improve road safety.

Road Safety Awareness Campaigns: The government, in collaboration with various organizations, conducts road safety awareness campaigns to educate the public about safe driving practices, the importance of wearing helmets and seat belts, and the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

National Road Safety Council (NRSC): The NRSC is responsible for coordinating road safety activities in India. It focuses on promoting road safety education, awareness, and enforcement.

Road Safety Education: The government has incorporated road safety education into the school curriculum to instill safe road behaviors from a young age.

Traffic Police Initiatives: Various state and city traffic police departments have initiated campaigns to enforce traffic rules and regulations, such as penalizing those not wearing helmets or seat belts and cracking down on drunk driving.

Strict Implementation of Motor Vehicles Act: In 2019, India amended the Motor Vehicles Act to increase fines for traffic violations significantly. The stricter enforcement of the act aims to deter people from breaking traffic rules.

Safety Measures for Two-Wheelers: The government has pushed for the adoption of safety measures for two-wheeler riders, such as mandatory helmet use and encouraging the use of helmets meeting safety standards.

4.International Initiatives regarding road Safety

At the international level, several initiatives and organizations are dedicated to promoting road safety and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Some of the key initiatives and organizations related to road safety at the international level include:

United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety: The United Nations launched the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) to raise awareness and take measures to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities. The initiative involved various countries working together to improve road safety.

Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP): GRSP is a nonprofit organization that partners with governments, businesses, and civil society to promote road safety initiatives globally. It supports a wide range of road safety programs and advocacy efforts.

World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is actively involved in promoting road safety through its "Save Lives" campaign. It provides data, research, and technical guidance to countries to develop and implement effective road safety policies and programs.

UN Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC): UNRSC is a global platform that brings together governments, NGOs, and the private sector to collaborate on road safety initiatives and share best practices.

Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety: This plan, endorsed by the United Nations, provides a framework for countries to develop and implement road safety strategies and measures to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

Safer Vehicles: International organizations like the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) work to improve vehicle safety standards globally. They conduct crash tests and promote the adoption of safer vehicle designs.

Road Safety Conventions: International agreements and conventions, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and the 1958 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, set common standards and rules for road safety that participating countries agree to adhere to.

Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety: This alliance comprises various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working collaboratively to advocate for road safety and influence policy at the global level.

International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP): iRAP conducts road safety assessments to identify and prioritize infrastructure improvements that can enhance road safety worldwide.

5. The Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety

The "Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety" is a significant international commitment and declaration made at the Second Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety, held in Brasilia, Brazil, from November 18 to 19, 2015. The conference was organized by the Government of Brazil, the World Health Organization (WHO), and various international partners. The Brasilia Declaration builds on the first Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety, held in Moscow in 2009.

The Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety is a commitment by participating countries to address the global road safety crisis and work together to reduce the high number of road traffic-related deaths and injuries

 

6. Way forward

These international initiatives and organizations work collaboratively to raise awareness, share knowledge, and develop strategies and policies that can improve road safety on a global scale. Road safety is recognized as a significant public health issue worldwide, and these efforts aim to save lives and reduce the social and economic impact of road traffic injuries

 

For Prelims: Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc

For Mains: General Studies III: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc

Source: indianexpress

DOCTRINE OF PLEASURE

 
 
1. Context
President Draupadi Murmu has terminated the services of an Indian Army Major posted with a Strategic Forces Command (SFC) unit. An Army inquiry had earlier found that the Major was involved in several lapses which comprised national security.
 
2. What is Article 310 of the Constitution?
  • Article 310 of the Indian Constitution encompasses the "doctrine of pleasure," which stipulates that all civil servants in India serve at the discretion of the President or the Governor, as applicable.
  • This implies that the President or Governor possesses the authority to dismiss any civil servant from their position without the obligation to provide a specific reason.
  • The doctrine of pleasure has its origins in the colonial era of British rule and was integrated into the Indian Constitution to enable the government to remove civil servants who demonstrate incompetence, corruption, or disloyalty. Nevertheless, it has faced criticism for granting the government excessive influence over civil servants and rendering them susceptible to political interference.
  • Article 310 also includes exceptions to the doctrine of pleasure. For instance, civil servants cannot be terminated without being granted a reasonable opportunity to defend themselves. Furthermore, civil servants who are removed from their posts are entitled to certain benefits, such as pensions and gratuities.
  • The doctrine of pleasure holds a significant role in the Indian governance system as it empowers the government to manage its bureaucracy. Nevertheless, it is imperative to ensure that this doctrine is not abused and that civil servants are safeguarded against arbitrary dismissals.
3. What is Article 311 of the Constitution?

Article 311 of the Indian Constitution provides certain protections to government employees or civil servants. It ensures that they cannot be dismissed, removed, or reduced in rank by an authority subordinate to the one that appointed them. This article primarily safeguards civil servants from arbitrary or politically motivated actions that could adversely affect their employment.

Article 311 outlines the following key provisions:

  1. No dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank: A civil servant cannot be dismissed, removed, or reduced in rank by an authority lower in rank than the one that appointed them.

  2. Opportunity for a hearing: Before any such action is taken against a civil servant, they must be given a reasonable opportunity to defend themselves. This includes being informed of the charges against them and being provided with a chance to respond.

  3. Right to representation: The civil servant has the right to be represented by a legal practitioner or any other person of their choice during the inquiry or disciplinary proceedings.

While Article 311 provides important protections for civil servants, it's also subject to certain exceptions and conditions. For example, if a civil servant is appointed to a temporary position, holds a probationary position, or has been convicted of a criminal offense, the protections of Article 311 may not apply in the same manner.

Overall, Article 311 is designed to ensure that civil servants are treated fairly and in accordance with established procedures when facing disciplinary actions, thereby upholding the principles of natural justice and due process in public employment.

 

4. Article 310 vs Article 311

 

Here's a comparison table between Article 310 and Article 311 of the Indian Constitution:

Aspect Article 310 Article 311
Application Pertains to the doctrine of pleasure and the Provides protections to government employees or
  terms and conditions of service for government civil servants against arbitrary dismissal,
  employees, including civil servants. removal, or reduction in rank.
Protection Against Article 310 does not provide specific Article 311 safeguards government employees
Dismissal or Removal protections against dismissal or removal. from arbitrary dismissal, removal, or reduction
    in rank by superior authority.
Opportunity for a Article 310 does not explicitly mention the Article 311 mandates that a civil servant must
Hearing requirement for a hearing. be given a reasonable opportunity to defend
    themselves before any adverse action is taken.
Right to Representation Article 310 does not address the right to Article 311 allows the civil servant the right
  representation during inquiry or disciplinary to be represented by a legal practitioner or
  proceedings. any person of their choice during the process.
Exceptions and Article 310 focuses on the general terms and Article 311 is subject to exceptions and
Conditions conditions of service for government employees. conditions, such as not applying in cases of
    certain types of appointments or criminal
    convictions.

 

5.What is Strategic Forces Command (SFC) unit?

 

The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) is a specialized unit of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for the management and employment of the country's strategic nuclear forces. The primary mission of the SFC is to safeguard and control India's land-based and sea-based nuclear ballistic missiles. It plays a crucial role in India's nuclear deterrence strategy.

Key functions and responsibilities of the Strategic Forces Command include:

  1. Nuclear Deterrence: The SFC is tasked with maintaining a credible and effective nuclear deterrence posture. It ensures that India's nuclear weapons remain secure and ready for use in the event of a nuclear threat.

  2. Custodianship: The SFC is responsible for the safe custody and control of India's nuclear weapons, as well as the associated delivery systems, such as ballistic missiles.

  3. Command and Control: The SFC manages the command and control infrastructure required to coordinate and execute nuclear operations. This involves communication, early warning systems, and secure command centers.

  4. Operational Planning: The SFC is involved in the development of operational plans for the use of nuclear weapons in various scenarios.

  5. Training and Drills: It conducts training and drills to ensure that personnel are prepared to execute their duties in a nuclear warfare scenario.

The SFC is an important component of India's nuclear strategy, which is based on a no-first-use (NFU) policy, meaning that India commits to not using nuclear weapons first in any conflict but reserves the right to respond with nuclear force if subjected to a nuclear attack.

The SFC operates under the authority of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), which is the apex body responsible for the command and control of India's nuclear assets. The NCA is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, who is the ultimate authority in making decisions regarding the use of nuclear weapons.

6. What is the Doctrine of Pleasure?

  • The "doctrine of pleasure" is a legal principle that grants a government or a higher authority the discretionary power to hire, fire, or take actions related to civil servants or public officials at its own discretion.
  • In essence, it means that civil servants or government employees serve at the pleasure of the authority that appointed them, and that authority can remove or dismiss them from their positions at any time without the need to provide a specific reason or cause for their action.
  • This doctrine is often associated with the employment of civil servants in some countries, where government officials, such as heads of state, have the authority to hire and fire public servants as they see fit. The doctrine of pleasure is rooted in historical and legal traditions and is prevalent in various administrative and constitutional systems.

7. Way forward

“There shall be a President of India”, says Article 52 of the Constitution, and explains, in the next Article, his role and position: “The executive power of the Union shall be vested in the President and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution.”

 

 

For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

For Mains: General Studies II: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

 

Source: Indianexpress

HOUTHIS

 
 
1. Context

Two Indians and a Pakistani were killed and six other people including two Indians were injured in an attack by suspected drones on three petroleum tankers at an oil facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday.

The attack was claimed by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels of Yemen. Indians were not the target of the attack. Brig Gen Yahya Sare’e, the Houthi military spokesman, tweeted that the “UAE is an unsafe state as long as its aggressive escalation against Yemen continues”.

 Yemen's Houthi army emerges as a major threat to Israel and US | Semafor

2. Who are Houthis?

  • "The Houthis, a prominent clan affiliated with the Zaidi Shia sect, have their origins in Yemen's northwestern Saada province. The Zaidis constitute approximately 35 percent of Yemen's population.
  • For over a thousand years, the Zaidis held dominion over Yemen until their overthrow in 1962, leading to a protracted civil war that extended until 1970.
  • During the 1980s, the Houthi clan began a resurgence of the Zaidi tradition in response to the rising influence of the Salafists, who received support from the state.
  • In 2004, the Houthis initiated an insurgent movement against the Yemeni government, adopting the name of Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, a prominent political, military, and religious leader who was assassinated by Yemeni security forces in September of that year. Subsequent years witnessed ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Yemen's Sunni-majority government.
  • In 2012, Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had served as Yemen's president since 1990 and earlier as the president of pre-unified North Yemen from 1978, was compelled to resign in the wake of the Arab Spring protests. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
  • In 2015, Saleh allied himself with the Houthis against Hadi, resulting in the insurgency capturing Sana'a. President Hadi fled to Aden and later sought refuge in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to reside for the most part.
  • However, in 2017, Saleh severed his ties with the Houthis and joined forces with their adversaries, including the Saudis, the UAE, and President Hadi. In December of that year, Saleh was assassinated."
3. How did the UAE and Saudi Arabia get involved in the war?
  • "In March of 2015, shortly after Hadi's removal from power, a coalition consisting of nine nations and led by Saudi Arabia, with logistical and intelligence support provided by the United States, initiated an aerial campaign against the Houthi forces.
  • These airstrikes aimed to bolster Hadi's troops, who were attempting to retake control of Sana'a from the Houthi faction. Nonetheless, at the core of this intervention was the underlying power struggle in the region, pitting Saudi Arabia against Iran.
  • Both Riyadh and Western nations believed that the Houthi group received military and financial backing from the Iranian regime.
  • Saudi Arabia, due to its extensive 1,300-kilometer border with Yemen, initially asserted that the conflict would conclude within a few months.
  • However, progress by the coalition has been limited, resulting in a prolonged stalemate, with the Houthi faction retaining control over Sana'a and a dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Yemen.
  • Since 2015, the nature of the conflict has constantly evolved, with various factions switching allegiances among the Saudi-supported Popular Resistance Committees, Iran-backed groups, and an array of Islamist militants, including those associated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State."
4.Way forward
More than the UAE, it is Saudi Arabia that has been in the crosshairs of the Houthis. Since 2015, they have repeatedly fired missiles and mortar at Saudi military and civilian facilities including airports and oil facilities, and killed many Saudi soldiers. Over the last year, the two sides have been engaged in a tense battle to capture the Marib province, which is the government’s only remaining stronghold in northern Yemen, and houses vast oil and gas infrastructure.
 
Source: Indianexpress


US-ISRAEL

 
1. Context
Within days of the October 7 attack by Hamas inside Israel, killing at least 1,400 people, President Joe Biden travelled to Israel to declare solidarity with the Jewish state. Mr. Biden described Hamas as “unadulterated evil” and stated that America “stands with Israel”.
US, Israel To Hold First Strategy Consultations Under Biden: White House
 
2.Origins of US-Israel relationships
The relationship between the United States and Israel has deep historical roots, and several factors have contributed to its development
 
Key Aspects about Origin of US-Israel relationships:
  • The United States and Israel share common values, such as democracy and a commitment to religious freedom. Many Americans have long supported the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the historical land of Israel, in part due to biblical ties and historical sympathies
  • The horrors of the Holocaust during World War II had a profound impact on public opinion in the United States and around the world. The idea of a Jewish homeland gained significant support in the aftermath of the war, leading to the recognition of the State of Israel in 1948
  • On May 14, 1948, President Harry S. Truman officially recognized the State of Israel just moments after its declaration of independence. Truman's decision was influenced by both personal convictions and domestic political considerations
  • The United States saw strategic interests in supporting a stable and democratic Israel in the Middle East. This included countering Soviet influence in the region and maintaining a reliable ally in a volatile part of the world
  • The United States has provided substantial military and economic aid to Israel over the years, further cementing the relationship. This support has continued to the present day, making Israel one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid.
  • The two countries established full diplomatic relations in 1949, and the United States has consistently supported Israel in international forums, including the United Nations.
  • The U.S. relationship with Israel has been influenced by various domestic factors, including the role of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in lobbying for pro-Israel policies, and the strong support for Israel among certain segments of the American population
  • The United States has also played a significant role in mediating peace efforts in the Middle East, including the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization
3. Current Status of US-Israel ties
  • The United States and Israel share strong historical and economic connections, with the U.S. consistently backing Israel since the 1960s in economic terms.
  • In terms of economic ties, the U.S. stands as Israel's primary trade partner, engaging in annual bilateral trade valued at nearly $50 billion, covering a wide range of goods and services.
  • This trade relationship encompasses important sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, and raw minerals. Various treaties and agreements, such as the 1985 U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), serve to cement and enhance these economic ties.
  • Moreover, the United States has established cooperation agreements with Israel across areas like energy, space, and transportation, further strengthening their economic collaboration.
  • In terms of foreign aid, Israel stands as the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, having received substantial assistance.
  • Up until February 2022, the U.S. had provided Israel with a non-inflation-adjusted total of $150 billion in bilateral assistance. As part of this support, the U.S. is also sending two U.S. Iron Dome systems to Israel to reinforce air defense capabilities, safeguarding citizens from rocket attacks.
  • Beyond these economic and security ties, the U.S. has shown support for the establishment of a Jewish state since World War II. Israelis have looked to the United States for various forms of support, including political inspiration, financial assistance, military aid, and diplomatic backing.
4.Were there any tensions between US and ISrael at any point of time?
Tensions have arisen at various points in the relationship between the United States and Israel, primarily due to differences in policy, strategic interests, and regional dynamics. It's important to note that the relationship between the two countries is generally strong and characterized by extensive cooperation in areas such as security, intelligence sharing, and economic ties. Israel is considered one of the United States' closest allies in the Middle East
 
The following are considerable Instances:
  • One of the most enduring sources of tension has been the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
  • The U.S. government, at times, has criticized Israel for its settlement construction, which it sees as an obstacle to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Differences in approach and rhetoric regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have occasionally strained the relationship.
  • Disagreements over the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have also created tensions.
  • The Obama administration negotiated the JCPOA in 2015, and it aimed to curb Iran's nuclear program.
  • Israel was strongly opposed to the deal, and this created friction with the U.S. government at the time. Subsequent administrations, including the Trump administration, took different approaches to the JCPOA, which continued to affect the U.S.-Israel relationship.
  • While the United States provides substantial military and financial aid to Israel, there have been occasional disputes over specific arms sales or security assistance packages. These disputes often revolve around concerns about the potential impact on regional stability or U.S. strategic interests
  • The U.S. and Israel do not always see eye to eye on various regional and international issues. These differences in policy and priorities can lead to tensions. For example, differences in approach to the Syrian civil war or the Israeli government's stance on the peace process with the Palestinians have caused tensions at times.
5. Way forward
The overall relationship between the United States and Israel remains strong, with extensive cooperation in many areas, including military, intelligence, and economic matters. The two countries share common democratic values and have a long history of working together. The level of support for Israel in the United States, both within the government and among the American public, remains high.
 
Source: The Hindu

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