1) Fukushima Water Issue: Japan’s plan to release over 1 million tons of water, which is claimed to be treated but potentially radioactive, from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, has sparked strong opposition and anxiety among neighboring countries, particularly South Korea.
- The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant suffered a meltdown in 2011 after a massive earthquake and tsunami, releasing large amounts of radioactive materials into the environment. Since then, Japan has been storing the cooling water for nuclear fuel and rain and groundwater seeping through the damaged reactor buildings in large tanks on site.
- The water is treated using a filtering system called Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), which removes most of the radioactive elements except for tritium, a hydrogen isotope that is difficult to separate. Japan says it has no space to keep storing the water, and that releasing it into the sea.
- South Korea fears that the water release will contaminate its waters, salt and seafood, affecting its fishing industry and public health.
2) India- Philippines Ties: Recently, 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation was convened, between Indian External Affairs Minister and his Philippines counterpart.
- India and the Philippines are two democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific region that share common approach towards the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of a free, open, and stable region.
- India and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations on 26 November 1949,shortly after both countries gained independence. (Philippines in 1946 and India in 1947).
- India is currently the Philippines’ fifteenth largest trading partner, with trade worth approximately USD 3 billion in the 2022.
- India and the Philippines have a growing defense and security partnership. One of the most significant developments in defence cooperation between India and the Philippines is the BrahMos missile deal, which is expected to be finalized soon.
3) Open Market Sale Scheme for Wheat and Rice: Recently, in response to the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) imposition of quantity restrictions and denial of states’ participation in the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), states have been exploring alternative methods to procure wheat and rice
- The OMSS is a program implemented by the FCI to facilitate thesale of surplus food grains, primarily wheat, and rice, from the central pool in the open market
- Purpose and Objectives:
- Enhance food grain supply during lean seasons.
- Moderate open market prices and control inflation.
- Ensure food security and availability of grains in deficit regions.
- Facilitate the sale of surplus food grains from the central pool.
- Implementation and Process: Conduct e-auctions by the FCI for traders, bulk consumers, and retail chains to purchase specified quantities of food grains at pre-determined prices.
