Today’s Important Prelims Bits
China’s Regional security pact
In News: Ten Pacific island nations rebuffed China’s push for a wide-ranging regional security pact amid worries the proposal was designed to pull them into Beijing’s orbit.
Background: The shelving of the multilateral agreement, which also covered security and fisheries, came after Federated States of Micronesia’s President David Panuelo warned nations against signing it, fearing it could spark a new Cold War.
What was the proposal?
- Chinese foreign minister came to Fiji with a proposal for deeper security and trade ties between China and Pacific island nations.
- China proposed that it would expand law enforcement and cybersecurity cooperation, while exploring the possibility of creating a free-trade zone between China and Pacific island countries.
- But many pacific island nations opposed the proposal as it could give Beijing too much influence in the region.
Chinese Special Administrative Region (SAR)
In News: Xi Jinping Welcomes New Hong Kong Leader John Lee, Assures Full Support.
About SAR
- Territories that fall within the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China, but do not form part of mainland China.
- The concepts of “special administrative regions” and “one country, two systems” were established by the Chinese government to re-integrate Hong Kong and Macao into China.
- As SARs, Hong Kong and Macao retain their capital systems and have a high degree of autonomy.
- However, the mainland government remains responsible for the defence and foreign affairs of both SARs, but each SAR is authorised to engage in external affairs and participate in international organisations, if so permitted by its terms.
- The mini-constitution for each SAR is found within their respective basic laws.
Anti-China Maritime Surveillance Plan
In News: Pledging to provide “tangible benefits” for nations in the Indo-Pacific region, the leaders of the Quad have launched a maritime surveillance plan to counter China.
What is the Plan?
- The QUAD countries have planned to launch a satellite-based maritime security system at the recently concluded Quad summit, to check China’s illegal fishing in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Quad’s maritime initiative will use satellite technology to create a tracking system for illegal fishing from the Indian Ocean to the South Pacific by connecting surveillance centres in Singapore and India.
- This will enable the Quad group of nations to monitor illegal fishing even when boats have turned off the transponders which are typically used to track vessels.
- Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) may play a crucial role in the initiative against illegal fishing.
Yoga for Humanity
In News: The 8th edition of International Day of Yoga will be celebrated with the theme “Yoga for Humanity”.
Why ”Yoga for Humanity”?
- Ministry of Ayush has chosen this theme for 8th International Day of Yoga 2022 to be organised in India and across the globe on 21st June 2022.
- The theme of last year’s IDY, organised during COVID-19 pandemic was “Yoga for wellness”.
- The theme for this year’s IDY has been selected after much deliberation/consultation and it appropriately portrays, how during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic, yoga served the humanity in alleviating the sufferings and in the emerging post-covid geo-political scenario too, it will bring people together through compassion, kindness, foster a sense of unity and build resilience among people world over.
What is the ”Guardian Ring”?
The 8th edition of International Day of Yoga will see many firsts, one of them is an innovative programme named “Guardian Ring”, which will showcase the movement of the sun, participation of people performing Yoga will take place along with the movement of the sun from different countries, beginning from east and marching towards west.