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759e0-December 2019 PDF
759e0-December 2019 PDF
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CURRENT AFFAIRS
DECEMBER 2019
Related News
‘Nagpur Resolution: A holistic approach for empowering citizens’ was adopted during a regional conference on
‘Improving Public Service Delivery – Role of Governments’, in Nagpur.
2.4. NATO
Why in news?
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit was recently held in London which also marked its 70th
anniversary.
About NATO
• NATO is an is an intergovernmental military alliance, between 29 North American and European countries.
• It was formed in 1949, during cold war to defend member nations from threats by communist countries.
Also, The United States wanted to maintain its presence in Europe.
• NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military
means.
• If the stability is threatened, NATO would also defend non-members. E.g. Though Ukraine is not a member,
it had worked with NATO over the years.
• NATO is based on principle of collective defence. i.e. NATO’s Article 5 states, "an armed attack upon one...
shall be considered an attack upon them all."
Current challenges facing NATO
• Finances to NATO: Traditionally US is the largest contributor to NATO (22% of NATO’s common budget) and
has biggest defence budget among members (3.6% of its GDP). Trump’s criticism is that other members are
not contributing to NATO. At present, among major countries, only the U.K. spends 2% of its GDP on
defence. France is at 1.8% and Germany at 1.2%.
• USA’s unilateralism: US’s unilateral decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, gave another NATO
member, Turkey, the license to undertake military operations in Syria. This, coupled with ‘America First’
policy, the U.S.’s commitment to NATO is undergoing a change.
• Relationship with Russia: There is divergence of interests over resetting ties with Russia. A possible
rapprochement with Russia in the light of changing geo-political realities makes Poland, Czech Republic and
the Baltic countries nervous.
• The democratic backsliding that’s occurring within NATO member states. E.g. Hungary openly claims to
represent an ‘illiberal democracy’. Also, with the Russia’s new closeness with Hungary and Turkey, the
security implications of democratic decline, and distrust between allies will have implications on joint
decisions, communications, and operations.
• China factor: China has now become a significant question mark for NATO on three levels: an expanding
military posture in the Indo-Pacific and a more assertive presence in Africa and the Middle East; an economic
and technological footprint that threatens Europe’s own industrial and technological base; and a growing
great power play between US and China, with Europe caught in the middle.
3.3. INDIA SKILLS REPORT 2020 Key Findings of India Skills Report
• Employability of India’s youth has remained stagnant
Why in news? for the past three years, lingering at 46.21% of
participants who are job-ready.
Recently, the 7th edition of India Skills Report 2020
• Female employability witnessed an upward trend at
was released. 47% while that of male workforce declined from 47.39%
About the India Skills Report in 2019 to 46% this year. This reflects the opportunity
for the industries to leverage female resource pool.
• It is a joint initiative of Wheebox (a global o However, Hiring Intent Survey for 2020 reflects a
talent-assessment company), People Strong and likely hiring ratio of 71:29 for Male to Female
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in candidates.
collaboration with UNDP, AICTE and Association • It also indicated the rising share of gig workers in the
of Indian Universities. economy at 13% share in the overall hiring intent by
• India Skills Report 2020 aims to provide an employment type.
overview of the supply of talent and the • Top 5 skills that Employers emphasize on are domain
knowledge, adaptability to the environment, learning
demand from industry.
agility and positive attitude and interpersonal skills.
• The report brings together the readiness of our • Only 60% of students were aware of the National
present talent pool for new-age jobs or job Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
types and the skills that employers are today • About 50% of employers acknowledge the role of
seeking in prospective employees. government initiated programmes in recruitments, of
Skilling in India: Status which almost 9 in 10 employers admit that candidates
meet their requirements.
• According to NSSO Report 2011-12, India’s
formally trained workforce stand at merely 2.3% in comparison to economies like South Korea which are at
a mammoth share of 96%.