Table of Contents

GS-3

• Salvaging the idea and reality of Manipur

Facts for Prelims

• Arab League
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale
• Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)

Salvaging the idea and reality of Manipur

Context

Communal riots have caused extensive damage in Manipur, resulting in human displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of property. This article suggests that law and order have collapsed, and there is a need for immediate action. The article provides some suggestions to bring the situation under control.

The Situation

• Communal riots in Manipur have led to human displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
• The situation has transformed from ethnic cleansing to genocidal attacks.
• Law and order has collapsed, and the deployment of paramilitary forces is not sufficient to control the situation.
• The riots have resulted in the erosion of the ideational and geopolitical foundations of Manipur.

The Shoot-at-sight Order

• Delay in imposing the shoot-at-sight order has resulted in the loss of lives and properties.
• Ethnic cleansing of tribals and de facto erasure of their land titles has occurred.
• The evacuation of thousands of tribals and Meiteis from Imphal and Lamka to safer places is necessary.
• There is a need for accountability for the institutionalised riots system.

Ethnic Cleansing

• Ethnic cleansing in disparate Meitei settlements across Churachandpur district and peripheral areas across the state.
• Counter ethnic-cleansing drives suggest that considerable Meitei settlements are likely to be erased.
• The state’s aggressive integrationist and majoritarian project has to contend with the asymmetrical regime on land rights.
• The geopolitical body of Manipur has been bruised, and state-society relations will be difficult to transform.

Post-Conflict State Building

• A commission under the Supreme Court of India should fix accountability immediately.
• The government must recognise and accommodate territorial rights and identities.
• The lack of democracy and the rickety functioning of federal institutions lead to state collapse.
• The idea and geopolitical reality of Manipur may require a radical shifting of constitutional gear.

Conclusion

Communal riots have caused extensive damage in Manipur, leading to human displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of property. The collapse of law and order requires immediate action. The suggestions provided in this article may help to bring the situation under control. The government must recognise and accommodate territorial rights and identities. There is a need for a commission to fix accountability for the institutionalised riots system. In the post-conflict scenario, the idea and geopolitical reality of Manipur may require a radical shifting of constitutional gear.

 

Arab League

Recently, the Arab League voted to reinstate Syria’s membership after its suspension more than 10 years ago.

What is the Arab League?

• A group of Arab countries in the Middle East and Africa that work together.
• Started in 1945 with 7 member states, now has 22.
• They cooperate on economic and military issues, among others.

Who are the members of the Arab League?

• Founding member states: Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Transjordan (Jordan), Saudi Arabia, Yemen.
• Other members joined later: Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Kuwait, Algeria, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Mauritania, Somalia, PLO, Djibouti, Comoros.
• Each member state has one vote on the League Council.

What do the Arab League members do together?

• They work on economic and military issues, as well as other topics.
• They signed an agreement on joint defense and economic cooperation in 1950.
• Decisions made by the League Council are only binding on the states that voted for them.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

 

Context

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has recently paid homage to Gopal Krishna Gokhale on his birth anniversary.

Who was Gopal Krishna Gokhale?

• Gokhale was a leader in the Indian National Congress.
• He was part of the moderate faction of the Congress party.
• He played a significant role in bringing about constitutional reforms in India.
• He was a member of the British India Legislature and the Imperial Council.
• He founded the Ranade Institute of Economics.

What were the organizations founded by Gokhale?

• Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society to promote education in India.
• The Society organized mobile libraries, founded schools, and provided night classes for factory workers.
• He also launched the English weekly newspaper named The Hitavad.
• The Ranade Institute of Economics was founded by Gokhale in 1908.
• These organizations played a crucial role in promoting education and advocating for the welfare of common Indians.

What was Gokhale\’s influence on Gandhi?

• Gokhale was a mentor and guide to Gandhi.
• Gandhi invited Gokhale to South Africa in 1912, where he received personal guidance from him.
• Gokhale helped Gandhi understand the issues confronting common Indians.
• Gokhale\’s influence helped shape Gandhi\’s views on non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.
• Gokhale\’s teachings had a lasting impact on Gandhi\’s life and work.

Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)

 

Context

Finance Minister recently chaired the 27th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC).

What is the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)?

• FSDC is an apex-level forum established by the Government of India in 2010.
• It aims to maintain financial stability, promote financial sector development, and improve inter-regulatory coordination.
• The Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister of India and comprises heads of financial regulators, finance secretaries, and economic advisers.

What are the functions of FSDC?

• FSDC monitors macroprudential supervision of the economy and large financial conglomerates.
• It addresses inter-regulatory coordination and financial sector development issues.
• The Council also focuses on financial literacy and financial inclusion.
• A sub-committee of FSDC has been set up to discuss and decide on issues related to financial sector stability and development.
• The sub-committee is chaired by the Governor of RBI.

How is FSDC constituted?

• FSDC is not a statutory body, and no separate funds are allocated for its activities.
• The Council comprises the heads of financial regulators, finance secretaries, and economic advisers.
• Experts can be invited to the meetings if required.
• A sub-committee of FSDC has also been established, which deals with various issues related to financial sector development and stability.
• FSDC\’s composition and functions make it an important platform for financial sector stakeholders to coordinate and address key issues related to financial stability and development in India.