Your Daily 5 Current Affairs Compass

1. Election of a New Vice-President of India

• Event: C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the 17th Vice-President of India, defeating the Opposition candidate, Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy, by a margin of 152 votes.

• Significance: This election marks a significant political development, solidifying the position of the ruling coalition. As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the new Vice-President's role is crucial in managing parliamentary proceedings and maintaining legislative balance.

• Context: The election procedure for the Vice-President is governed by constitutional provisions, including Articles 63, 64, and 66, which detail the electoral college, the ex-officio role in the Rajya Sabha, and the election process via a single transferable vote.

• High-Value Points:

• The NDA nominee received 452 votes, while the Opposition received 300.

• The voter turnout was nearly 98.2% in the electoral college, comprising members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

• The Vice-President's duties include presiding over the Rajya Sabha and acting as President in case of a vacancy.

2. State Visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius

• Event: The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, was on an eight-day official visit to India, meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Varanasi. This was his first bilateral visit to any country since assuming office in November 2024.

• Significance: The visit elevated the India-Mauritius relationship to an "Enhanced Strategic Partnership," the first of its kind with a country in India's neighborhood. It reinforces India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and its diplomatic influence in the Indian Ocean region.

• Context: The visit included extensive bilateral discussions and the signing of an agreement to provide a Special Economic Package to Mauritius. Key areas of cooperation included infrastructure development, energy, and science and technology.

• High-Value Points:

• India offered a Special Economic Package to Mauritius, covering areas such as the development of the Port Louis port, a floating solar power plant, and assistance in oceanography and science.

• The visit also included cultural engagements, with the Mauritian delegation visiting Varanasi's Ganga Aarti and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

3. Indian Nationals Duped and Stranded in the Ukraine-Russia War Zone

• Event: A report by The Hindu revealed that at least 15 Indian nationals, who were recruited as construction workers, were duped and forced to serve on the Russian side in the Ukraine-Russia war zone.

• Significance: This incident highlights the vulnerability of Indian citizens seeking work abroad and the dangers they face in conflict zones. It puts pressure on the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and repatriation of its citizens.

• Context: The Indian nationals went to Moscow on student or visitor visas and were deceived by an agent. They are now reportedly lodged in a building in Selydove, Ukraine, which Russia had claimed in November 2024. The Ministry of External Affairs is working with Russia to bring them back.

• High-Value Points:

• The individuals were hired as construction workers but ended up in a war zone.

• The government is actively working to rescue and repatriate the stranded citizens.

4. Special Intensive Revision of Voter Lists

• Event: The Election Commission of India (ECI) held a conference with Chief Electoral Officers to prepare for a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

• Significance: This initiative is aimed at creating a single, updated electoral roll for the entire country, which could significantly streamline the election process and address allegations of voter fraud.

• Context: The ECI's decision follows a successful pilot program in Bihar, where over three-fourths of the state's electors were traced, directly or indirectly, to the 2003 electoral roll. This systematic approach is being replicated to enhance the accuracy and integrity of voter data.

• High-Value Points:

• The ECI plans to roll out the SIR across the country with a single schedule.

• The goal is to prevent voter list fraud and ensure the accuracy of electoral rolls.

5. India's Strategic Shift in Foreign Exchange Management

• Event: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to reduce its holdings of US Treasury Bills, signaling a strategic shift in foreign exchange management.

• Significance: This move is a response to geopolitical risks and a part of India's broader diversification strategy. It aims to reduce the country's vulnerability to potential asset freezes or economic sanctions.

• Context: India is moving part of its foreign reserves into gold and other sovereign bonds from countries like Japan, Germany, and the UK. This strategy is also influenced by the fear that rising political tensions could make Indian assets vulnerable, a precedent set by the US freezing Russian reserves in 2022.

• High-Value Points:

• The shift is driven by a diversification strategy and geopolitical risks.

• India is increasing its reserves in gold and other sovereign bonds.

• The decision is aimed at reducing reliance on the US dollar and mitigating financial risks.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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