China military ready to fight after exercises near Taiwan (GS Paper 3, Defence)
Why in news?
- Recently, China’s military declared that it is “ready to fight” after completing three days of large-scale combat exercises around Taiwan that simulated sealing off the island in response to the Taiwanese President’s recent trip to the U.S.
Joint Sword:
- The “combat readiness patrols” named Joint Sword were meant as a warning to self-governing Taiwan, which China claims as its own.
- The exercises were similar to the ones conducted by China in 2022 August, when it launched missile strikes on targets in the seas around Taiwan in retaliation for then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, but have been smaller and less disruptive.
- The exercises serve both as intimidation and as an opportunity for Chinese troops to practice sealing off Taiwan by blocking sea and air traffic, an important strategic option the Chinese military might pursue in the event it uses military force to take Taiwan.
U.S. ship’s trespassing:
- The exercises this time have focused more on air strength, with Taiwan reporting 200 flights by Chinese warplanes in the past three days.
- Meanwhile, to the south in the South China Sea, the U.S. 7th Fleet said its missile destroyer USS Milius sailed by China’s Mischief Reef in a freedom of navigation operation.
- China said the U.S. “illegally trespassed” into waters near the reef without its permission.
Centre told to frame policy for menstrual hygiene in schools
(GS Paper 2, Education)
Why in news?
- Recently, the Supreme Court said a “uniform national policy” may be framed by the Centre in consultation with the States and Union Territories to ensure menstrual hygiene by providing sanitary pads, vending and disposal mechanisms and exclusive washrooms for girls in schools.
Key Highlights:
- The court said the issue was in public interest and highlighted the need for sanitation and menstrual hygiene for girl children in government-aided and residential schools.
- The court was hearing a petition to direct the government to ensure provision of sanitary pads to girl students in Classes 6 to 12 and separate toilets.
- The bench said that it is appropriate if the Union of India deals with the States and Union Territories to form a uniform national policy with sufficient leeway for States and Union Territories based on prevailing conditions.
Directions by the court:
- The court gave the States and Union Territories four weeks to submit to the Union Health Secretary their menstrual hygiene plans.
- The court asked them to provide the ratio of girls’ toilets in schools and the amount spent on low cost sanitary pads, and vending and disposal mechanisms in schools.
What’s next?
- The court listed the case after three months by the end of July.
