Author: CD Staff

Context: Aero India 2023

• Being held under the theme – The runway to a billion opportunities – Aero India 2023 is seeing the participation of over a 100 countries.
• More than 700 exhibitors from India and abroad are taking part in the event.

The PM described Aero India as an example of India’s growing potential, saying it’s not only a show, but a reflection of India’s self-confidence and capabilities.

What is Aero India?

• Aero India is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held in Bengaluru, India at the Yelahanka Air Force Station.
• It is organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Ministry of Defence.
• The Aero India is the largest air show in Asia.
• It showcases India’s defence prowess and its capabilities in the aerospace sector.

Key highlights of Aero India:    Showcasing of domestic defence technologies

(1) India’s next-gen indigenous aircraft

India’s futuristic indigenous aircraft models which are in different stages of development showcased at Aero India 2023 included-

• 5th Generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
• Naval Twin Engine Deck-based Fighter jet etc.
• LCA Mark2

(2) Light Combat Helicopter Prachand

• It is an Indian multi-role, light attack helicopter designed and manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under project LCH. It has been ordered by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. Its flight ceiling is the highest among all attack helicopters in the world.

(3) Jetpack Suits

• A model of a soldier wearing a jetpack being developed by an Indian start-up was inaugurated.
• The Indian Army has issued a tender to buy 48 jetpacks for troops deployed along the northern borders.

(4) Hindustan Lead in Fighter Trainer (HLFT)-42

• HLFT-42, is a project conceived by defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• It is the ‘Next Gen Supersonic Trainer’ will play a critical role in modern combat aircraft training.
• It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics like Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite, Infrared Search and Track (IRST) with Fly By Wire control (FBW) system.

Significance of the event

• Biggest event in Asia: It is the biggest-ever event till date likely to witness the participation of 98 countries, the defence ministers of 32 countries, air chiefs of 29 countries and 73 chief executive officers of global and Indian original equipment manufacturers.
• Make in India push: The focus of Aero India-2023 this time will be on putting on display indigenous equipment/technologies and forging partnerships with foreign companies, in line with ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision.
• Showcased India’s manufacturing ability: The 2023 edition of Aero India showcases the country as a rising hub for manufacturing military equipment, military aircraft, helicopters and new-age avionics.
• Exchange of information: Aero India 2023 provided a unique opportunity for exchange of information, ideas and new technological developments in the aviation industry.
• Facilitation of CEOs meet: The big draw at Aero India is the ‘CEO’s Round Table’ which would allow the Ministry of Defence to showcase opportunities for global and domestic industry to invest in ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
• Defence collaboration: A Defence Ministers’ Conclave is hosted on February 14. Defence Ministers of friendly foreign countries participated in the meeting, which has been organised on the theme ‘Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence (SPEED).’
• Huge investments received: The event witnessed the forging of 266 partnerships, including 201 memorandums of understanding, 53 major announcements, nine product launches and three transfers of technology (ToTs), worth around Rs 80,000 crore.
• Defence exports: Aero India is an example of the expanding capabilities of India. Many nations have extended their interests in- Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas, HTT-40, Dornier Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH),

How is India enhancing its defence prowess?

• Power projection: India has made significant strides in building its defence capabilities over the years. It has the world’s fourth-largest military, comprising of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force, with over 1.4 million active personnel and approximately 2.4 million reserve personnel.
• Modernization of India’s defence equipment and technology: India has also been investing heavily in modernizing its defence equipment and technology to ensure the country’s national security.  Some of the major achievements of the DRDO include the development of the Agni series of ballistic missiles, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
• Achievements in space technology: India has also made significant progress in the field of space technology, with the ISRO being a prominent player in the global space race. ISRO has successfully launched several satellites and is also involved in developing a manned spacecraft for future space missions.
• Multilateral defence collaborations: In recent years, India has also been actively pursuing collaborations with other countries to further enhance its defence capabilities. It has signed various defence deals with countries such as the United States, Russia, Israel, and France, among others, to procure advanced defence equipment, technology and to undertake joint military exercises.
• Realizing significance of maritime domain: India’s defence prowess also extends to its strong maritime capabilities, with the Indian Navy having a fleet of advanced warships, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft. The Navy is also responsible for the safety and security of the Indian Ocean region, which is strategically important for the country.

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Why is defence a “strategic imperative” for India?

• Protecting the ‘Emerging Economy’:  A country known as the fifth largest economy of the world cannot afford to be largely dependent on big arms producing countries, especially in critical defence systems. India is able to withstand global uncertainty only because of its resilient economy.
• Global arms race: The Ukraine war has upended the global arms industry and the fast emerging Indian defence industry cannot afford to lag behind. In fact, as far as India is concerned, the Ukraine war is a stark reminder of the urgent need to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for arms.
• Making sovereign decisions: As the Ukraine war created a dilemma before Indian policy planners to show their loyalty either to the US or Russia, the Indian government maintained neutrality and continued its cordial relationship with Russia.  This is by no means possible if India were at the helms of these nations.
• Geopolitical dynamics and its uncertainty: The example of the US withdrawing its technical support to Tarapur nuclear power plant in the 1970s had haunted the Indian leadership for long. The US also imposed sanctions on the transfer of dual use technologies to Indian entities. There is no guarantee that the US side will not stop technical or maintenance support to US-supplied weapon systems.
• Obsolesces of defence alliances: If India puts all its eggs in the Russian basket, it also cannot engage in the same manner with the US. Hence, Indian policy planners are working towards making India a defence production hub for major arms companies of the world.  
• Rising threats: In the current international scenario, security challenges to India are also mounting. From the Sino-Indian borders to high seas in the Indian Ocean and up to the South China Sea, India needs to be well equipped to defend its national economic and strategic interests. This can only be best served by self-reliance in defence, which will make India free from any strategic compulsions.
• Strategic autonomy: Defence prowess empowers the country with strategic autonomy, which becomes relevant in the times of any big international crisis. If India is self-reliant in defence systems, it would not be subject to domination/subjugation/manipulation by any country.

Way forward

By implementing these measures, India can move forward towards achieving self-reliance in defence, building a robust domestic defence industry and becoming a major player in the global defence industry.

• Encourage and support domestic defence production: The Indian government should continue to implement policies such as the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) and launch initiatives like the Defence Investor Cell and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) to encourage and support domestic defence production. This will help reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and build a robust domestic defence industry.
• Foster innovation and research in emerging technologies: India should focus on fostering innovation and research in emerging technologies in defence, such as artificial intelligence and unmanned systems. This will enable the country to develop cutting-edge technologies and maintain a competitive edge in the global defence industry.
• Collaborate with other countries and build strategic partnerships: India should continue to build strategic partnerships with other countries in the defence industry, both in terms of exports and collaborations. This will help the country access new technologies, markets and build its reputation as a reliable partner.
• Invest in the education and skill development of the workforce: India should invest in the education and skill development of the workforce to build a strong talent pool in the defence industry. This will ensure that the country has the necessary skills and knowledge to develop and produce critical defence systems indigenously.

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In this article, we will discuss Operation Dost and India’s increasing profile as a first responder and net security provider.

Context

• On 6th of February, a massive earthquake struck southern Turkiye and Syria affecting millions of people in the region.
• Immediately on receiving news of this tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed that all possible assistance be extended to the affected people.

What is Operation Dost?

• Operation Dost is an ongoing search and rescue operation initiated by India to aid Syria and Turkey, after the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake devastated both countries on 6 February 2023.
• The Indian Army prepared its rescue teams with relief materials within 12 hours after disaster struck (much before the Turkish Army was mobilised).

How swiftly did India respond?

• Rescue ops: The NDRF has already flown close to 100 rescue workers along with dog squads to help with efforts, using specialised CSSR (Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue) equipment and techniques.
• Doctors’ dispatch: A military medical contingent has set up a field hospital in Turkiye for a 30-bed facility and specials, x-ray machines, ventilators, generators and ambulances
• Relief material: About 25 Tonnes of relief material, protective gear, clothes, emergency medicines, medical items have already reached, more to follow
• Tech support: India provided Garuda Aerospace’s drones to the most affected areas to identify those trapped under rubble, along with modified Kisan drones carrying medications, food, and supplies.

Central Idea: HADR Diplomacy

• Disaster relief diplomacy, also known as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) diplomacy, refers to a country’s efforts to provide aid and support to other countries affected by natural disasters or conflicts.
• This approach to diplomacy involves a country’s deployment of personnel, resources, and aid to provide assistance to those in need.
• It involves the sharing of expertise, resources, and knowledge to provide relief and support during times of crisis.

Features of HADR Diplomacy

• Multipronged approach: HADR diplomacy is typically a multilateral effort, involving partnerships between multiple countries, international organizations, and local authorities. This approach allows for a coordinated response to a disaster and promotes international cooperation.
• Capacity-building: HADR diplomacy involves building up a country’s capacity to provide assistance during times of crisis. This includes training personnel, acquiring equipment and supplies, and developing disaster response plans.
• Focus on vulnerable populations: HADR diplomacy is often focused on supporting vulnerable populations affected by disasters, such as women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
• Long-term support: HADR diplomacy goes beyond immediate disaster relief efforts and often involves long-term support for affected communities. This can include rebuilding infrastructure, providing healthcare and education, and promoting economic recovery.
• Emphasis on communication and information sharing: HADR diplomacy involves effective communication and information sharing between different agencies, governments, and organizations. This is essential for coordinating a response to a disaster and ensuring that resources are used effectively.
• Respect for local culture and customs: HADR diplomacy involves an understanding and respect for local culture and customs. This helps ensure that relief efforts are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of the affected population.

Why is it used?

• Soft power tool: It is mixed with solidarity and empathy at a time when suffering populations require as much help as possible.
• Building ties: Disaster relief diplomacy can be used to build strong ties between countries and promote international cooperation.
• Responsible global actor: Disaster relief diplomacy can also serve as a means to demonstrate a country’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts and help build its reputation as a responsible global actor.

India and HADR Diplomacy

• India’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capacities tying into its diplomacy have grown significantly. It began after the 2011 Tsunami.
• The Quad was also conceived out of an initial blueprint to build disaster response systems in the region.

Instances of India sending aid to natural disaster-hit countries

• Maldives: After the 2004 Tsunami, the Indian government announced a composite package worth five crore rupees. Under “Operation Castor”, 50 sorties were undertaken and four aircraft and two Naval ships were engaged in relief operations. Repairing and restoring generators and communication, providing drinking water, and setting up medical camps on ships was also done.
• Sri Lanka: India sent its forces to carry out rescue operations, called “Operation Rainbow”, in Sri Lanka hours after the Tsunami struck the country on December 26, 2004. Not only this, India provided medical assistance to thousands of victims by setting up medical camps in coordination with the local civil and military health authorities. Preventative medication and vaccines were also supplied.
• Myanmar: When cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar in 2008 killing at least 20,000 people, India was among the first countries to send aid to them. It gave 125.5 tonnes of relief material, including medicines, clothing, utensils, water tanks, tents and tarpaulin.
• Japan: The 2011 Tsunami wreaked havoc in Japan. Apart from providing relief materials, India also sent 46 members of the NDRF to search and rescue in the town of Onagawa. It was their first overseas operation. The team included a doctor, three officers, six inspectors, two paramedics and constables and carried 9,000 kg of equipment and food.
• Nepal: In the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquakes, the NDRF deployed 16 of its urban search and rescue (USAR) teams, which comprised more than 700 rescuers in the country. They rescued 11 injured persons and retrieved 133 dead bodies from the rubble. The teams also organised six medical camps and attended to 1,219 persons. Indian authorities sent more than 1,176 tonnes of relief materials to Nepal.

India’s traditional rivalry with Turkiye

Ankara’s long-standing stance on Kashmir and backing Pakistan, especially at the United Nations (UN), pushed some to ask why India was offering aid if Turkiye did not back India’s sovereignty.

Setting differences aside, why is India helping Turkey?

• In the case of India providing earthquake relief to Turkey, there are several factors that likely influenced India’s decision:
• Humanitarian considerations: The primary reason for providing assistance in times of disaster is to help those in need, regardless of political or strategic considerations. The earthquake in Turkey was a humanitarian crisis, and India likely felt compelled to provide assistance to help alleviate the suffering of those affected.
• Diplomatic reset: Disaster relief efforts can also serve as a means of promoting diplomatic relations between countries. By providing aid to Turkey, India may have been seeking to build goodwill and improve its relationship with the country.
• Shared interests: Despite past disagreements and conflicts, India and Turkey share some common history, culture and interests such as economic and strategic ties. Providing aid to Turkey may have been a way for India to demonstrate its commitment to these shared interests.
• International reputation: As a rising global power, India likely sees disaster relief efforts as a means of demonstrating its commitment to global humanitarian efforts and building its international reputation. By providing HADR, India has established itself as a responsible global actor.
• Cultural and people-to-people ties: India and Turkey share cultural and historical ties, with both countries having a rich cultural heritage. Ex. Ankara granting e-visa facilities to Indian tourists and Bollywood films being popular among Turkish masses.

While past conflicts and disagreements may influence international relations, countries often engage in aid and diplomatic efforts with countries they may have had past grievances with for a variety of reasons.

Diplomatically, what did India gain?

• Bilateral ties reset: In this case, India’s assistance to Turkiye comes at a time when ties are still tense- particularly over unwarranted Turkish statements and aids to radicalists in Kashmir.
• Global responder image: Especially in the year of India’s G20 presidency, India’s assistance burnishes its image as a leader of the developing world.
• Military capability on display: This disaster portrayed India’s swift response to rescue operations by mobilizing transporters, field hospitals, and technical teams within hours. It somehow portrays India’s preparedness for War.
• Improves response time: Op dost would help India with future calamities in India or anywhere in the world.
• Economic benefits: India’s HADR diplomacy has also brought economic benefits to the country. By providing aid and support to other countries, India has developed trade and economic relationships, and gained access to new markets and resources.

How can Turkiye benefit from this?

• Preferring India over appeasing Pakistan: It is becoming increasingly obvious that Turkey is getting disenchanted with Pakistan by and by, the most important factor behind its animosity towards India. The number of illegal Pakistanis.
• Battling domestic economic crisis: Turkey, which is undergoing a big economic crisis with historically high inflation of 80 percent, has to be pragmatic, not ideological, so as to win more friends than foes.
• Attracting more Indian tourists: Indians are now the third-largest Asian tourists in Turkey after China and Indonesia. Indian businesses, from food to technology, have been gradually expanding their presence in Turkey.
• Rebuking its ideals of Khilafat: Turkey perhaps realizes now its failure to emerge as the leader a grouping consisting of Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran, and Qatar, in an attempt to break Saudi and UAE’s ideological supremacy within the Islamic world.
• Rebuilding ties with Israel: Turkey re-established diplomatic relations with Israel after more than a decade of tensions that erupted in 2010 when Israeli commandos killed 10 Turkish activists in Gaza. India can help them come closer.

Conclusion

• Providing relief and aid to not just neighboring, but in the extended neighborhood of West Asia bodes well for the kind of diplomacy India is aiming to conduct in the future.
• Public diplomacy, such as HADR capacities, remains one of the most effective tools to build capacities on a people-to-people level, conduct of which needs to be done in a humble way.

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Context

• Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly was on a two-day visit to New Delhi, and both sides hope to cast a reset in their bilateral relations.
• These have been rather lukewarm despite many enduring linkages of their past histories, politics and people.

India-Canada Relations: A quick recap

• India established diplomatic relations with Canada in 1947.
• In recent years, both countries have been working to enhance bilateral cooperation in a number of areas of mutual importance.

History of migration

The history of Indian migration to Canada has a long, complex history, beginning in the mid-19th century and continuing to the present day.

• Indentured labour: The first recorded Indian migrants to Canada were indentured labourers brought to British Columbia in the late 1860s to work in the rapidly expanding lumber industry.
• Population measures: These workers were largely from Punjab, India, and they were part of a larger wave of Indian migration spurred by the British government’s encouragement of emigration in the hope of relieving population pressures in India.
• Less restrictive immigration: In the mid-20th century, the number of Indians migrating to Canada increased dramatically due to the Canadian government’s introduction of less restrictive immigration laws.

Today, the community includes people from all regions of India, as well as second and third-generation Canadians of Indian descent.

Indo-Canadian’s contribution in Freedom Struggle

[A] Ghadr Party

• The Ghadr party, also known as the Hindustan Ghadr Revolutionary Party nationalist revolutionary organization founded in May 1913 in San Francisco, California, with the aim of securing India’s freedom from British rule.  
• The party drew its membership mainly from Punjabi Sikh immigrants in the United States and Canada, but also included Hindu and Muslim immigrants from other parts of India.

[B] Support to INC

• Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the Indian National Congress and its aims.
• Canadian political leaders and public figures publicly expressed their support for the Indian struggle and advocated for India’s independence.
• In the 1940s, Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King publicly voiced his support for India’s independence and called for a peaceful transition to self-government.

[C] Open support for freedom

• Canada also provided moral support to the Indian struggle. In 1947, the Canadian Parliament unanimously passed a motion expressing support for India’s independence.
• This motion was a strong statement of solidarity with the Indian people and their struggle for freedom.
• Canada was an important supplier of resources to India during World War II, providing critical material such as food, clothing, and ammunition.
• Canada also provided financial aid to India’s independence movement, and Canadian citizens raised funds to support the cause.

Komagatamaru Incident: The Komagata Maru incident was an incident in 1914 involving the Japanese steamship Komagata Maru, carrying 376 Indian passengers who were denied entry to Canada. They had sailed from Hong Kong, intending to immigrate to Canada, but were refused entry at the port of Vancouver due to the Canadian government’s continuous journey regulation. The passengers, mostly Sikhs from Punjab, were forced to return to India, where they were met with violence and harassment by British colonial authorities. The incident has become a symbol of Canada’s history of racist immigration policies aimed at excluding Asians.

Significant collaborations

• Trade: Canada is India’s second largest export destination and is the third largest source of imports for India. It is a major source of FDI for India, with total investments of nearly USD 5.5 billion.
• Investment: India and Canada have strong bilateral relations which have been further strengthened by the India–Canada Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), signed in 2009.
• Collaboration on STEM: India and Canada are also engaged in several joint development projects in the areas of science and technology, health, education, and climate change.
• Energy: India and Canada have recently signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the Field of Renewable Energy.
• Security: India and Canada are also cooperating in the field of defence, with joint military exercises and training programs.
• Global institutional reforms: India and Canada are members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the G20, and cooperate on several international issues.

Recent souring of ties

[A] Racist Policies

• Canada’s perceived shift away from its traditional stance of neutrality has put at odds with India’s traditional non-alignment policy.
• Additionally, Canada’s criticism of India’s human rights record has been seen as offensive by many in India, leading to strained diplomatic relations.
• Additionally, Canada’s failure to exempt India from visa requirements has also been seen as a sign of disrespect.

[B] Open support of Khalistan movement

• Over 100,000 Canadians recently took part in voting for the Khalistan Referendum in Brampton, Ontario on 19 September which was organised by pro-Khalistani.
• Visuals on social media showed a huge number of men, women queueing up to vote in for Khalistan Referendum. 
• Indian government had warned Canadian govt against the anti-India forces growing in the country.
• However, the Canadian government refused to stop them from expressing their views by holding the Khalistan Referendum and linking it with a “peaceful and democratic” process.

[C] Other Impediments

• Trade decline: India-Canada bilateral trade has been declining since 2013 and currently stands at around $7 billion. There is room to increase this trade and investments in both directions.
• Illegal immigration: Canada has been increasingly concerned about illegal immigration from India, as well as the backlog in processing applications for legal immigration, both of which have caused tension between the two countries.
• No security consensus: India and Canada have been working to enhance their defense and security ties, but the two countries have yet to sign a formal security agreement.
• Under-utilized agriculture: Canada and India have been in negotiations to open up the agricultural sector to more trade, but disagreements over import restrictions and subsidies continue to be a major obstacle.
• Human rights allegations on India: India and Canada have also clashed over human rights issues, with Canada criticizing India’s policies on religious minorities, freedom of speech, and other human rights issues.

Why is Canada suddenly recognizing India’s importance?

[A] Indo-Pacific Strategy

• First is Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy that was issued last November. While it calls China “an increasingly disruptive global power,” it describes India as Canada’s “critical partner” for its regional and global objectives. This is music to Indian ears.
• Indeed, this 23-page report mentions India 27 times, underlining their “shared tradition of democracy and pluralism, a common commitment to a rules-based international system.”

[B] Merchandise trade

• Canada and India have strong economic ties, with two-way merchandise trade between the two countries reaching $9.5 billion in 2019.
• Canada is also India’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment, and Indian investments in Canada have grown significantly in recent years.

[C] Cultural ties

• Canada and India also have strong people-to-people ties, with the Indian diaspora in Canada estimated to be more than one million strong.
• Sikhs constitute a significant proportion of the Indian diaspora, they make up less than one percent (a little over 500,000) of Canada’s total population.
• Cultural tourism is boosting between the two countries.

[D] Newfound enthusiasm

• This newfound enthusiasm was visible in the press release issued in Canberra on the eve of the Canadian foreign minister’s visit to India.
• India’s growing strategic, economic and demographic importance makes it a critical partner for Canada in the Indo-Pacific.
• In turn, Canada can be a reliable supplier of critical minerals, a stronger partner in the green transition, as well as a major investor.

Why is Canada important for India?

• Destination for Indian students: Canada is one of the top sources for foreign students for Indian universities. India is the second largest source of immigrants to Canada.
• 2^nd largest trade partner: Canada is India’s second-largest trading partner, and trade between the two countries has been growing steadily.
• Vibrant diaspora: Canada is home to a large and vibrant Indian diaspora, and the two countries enjoy strong people-to-people ties.
• Source of FDI: Canada is also an important source of foreign direct investment for India, and provides an important source of capital to Indian businesses.
• Liberal visas and citizenship: Canada is also an important source of skilled immigrants for India and is a popular destination for students and professionals from India.
• Trade partnership: Both nations look forward to their proposed Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) before they finalize their CEPA.

Way forward

• Strengthening diplomatic ties: India and Canada should work towards strengthening their diplomatic ties, by engaging in more frequent diplomatic exchanges and dialogue. This could include increasing the number of high-level visits between both countries, and exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, and education.
• Enhancing trade relations: India and Canada should focus on enhancing their bilateral trade relations, by exploring the potential for increased exports and investment. This could involve investing in joint initiatives that promote economic growth, as well as taking steps to reduce barriers to trade and investment.
• Nurturing people-to-people ties: India and Canada should aim to encourage more people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. This could include increasing the number of students and scholars studying and teaching in each other’s countries, as well as promoting cultural exchanges and tourism.
• Enhancing security cooperation: India and Canada should work together to enhance their security cooperation, by increasing information sharing and collaboration on countering terrorism, cyber-security, and other common security threats.
• Technology collaboration: India and Canada should explore new areas of collaboration, such as in the fields of renewable energy, space exploration, and artificial intelligence. This could involve engaging in joint research and development initiatives, as well as exploring opportunities for joint ventures.

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Context

• Academic cheating has become a major problem in many countries, including India.
• To address this issue, the State of Uttarakhand in northern India has recently enacted new anti-copying laws to curb cheating in exams.
• We will take a closer look at India’s strictest Anti-Copying Law which has come into force in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Ordinance

• The new anti-cheating law in Uttarakhand is legislation that aims to reduce cheating during exams and promote fairness in the educational system.
• This comes after the UKPSC paper leak which led to cancellation of exams for around 1.4 lakh government job aspirants and to understand the implications of this law.

Key provisions

• 10 year ban: Under `Anti-copying law’, candidates involved in cheating will be punished and a `ban of 10 years` will be imposed on them.
• Fine and imprisonment: There is a provision to impose a fine of 10 crore along with life imprisonment or 10 years in jail for the copycat mafia. 
• Property confiscation: Apart from this, there is also a provision to attach the property of the copying mafia.

Need for the law

• Integrity of the educational system: It undermines the integrity of the education system and the value of educational qualifications, and it also detracts from students’ learning experiences.
• Prevent opportunism: The laws aim to ensure that students can obtain their qualifications through honest and fair means and to promote a culture of academic integrity.
• Create level playing field: The objective of the law is to create a level playing field for all students and ensure that educational achievements are based on merit and hard work rather than cheating.

Issues with academic cheating/copying

• Induces culture of Dishonesty: Cheating encourages a culture of dishonesty and opportunism, leading to a lack of respect for the academic process and for the institution as a whole.
• Compromises merit: The new laws were introduced in response to concerns about the high levels of academic dishonesty in the State and the negative impact it has on the education system and society as a whole.
• Promotes imposters: Cheating and copying can lead to a lack of understanding of the subject, which can lead to poor performance at work.
• Curse for the talent: Cheating undermines the educational system. It devalues the hard work of those who have studied and learned the material legitimately.
• Unfair advantage: Exam cheating gives students an unfair advantage over those who choose to work hard and study for their exams. This puts those who don’t cheat at a disadvantage and can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration.
• False sense of accomplishment: Cheating and copying can lead to a false sense of accomplishment, as students may not learn the material fully and may perform poorly on exams or assignments.
• Discourages hardwork: Cheating can lead to a lack of motivation, as students may not feel the need to work hard and learn when they know they can simply copy or cheat.
• Lack of personal growth: Cheating on an exam does not help students learn or grow, as it does not provide any real understanding of the material. It also does not help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their academic and professional careers.
• May lead to dropouts: Cheating erodes the trust between faculty and students, as faculty may become suspicious and less willing to invest in their students.

Benefits provided by the Law

The new anti-cheating law in Uttarakhand is a step in the right direction, for it provides several benefits:

• Fairness and integrity: The law aims to reduce instances of cheating and promote fairness in the educational system. By imposing severe punishments on those who cheat, it creates a level playing field for all students and ensures that educational achievements are based on merit and hard work.
• Credibility of the educational system: The new law helps to maintain the credibility of the educational system and ensures that educational degrees and certificates are recognised as legitimate and reflective of actual knowledge and skills.
• Discouragement of cheating: By imposing severe punishments on those who cheat, the law is intended to discourage cheating and promote a culture of honesty and hard work. This can lead to an overall improvement in the quality of education in the state.
• Increased value of educational achievements: With fewer instances of cheating, the value of educational achievements are expected to increase. This can improve the job prospects of students and increase the overall competitiveness of the state’s workforce.
• Improving academics quality: Many schools and colleges are now taking steps to improve the quality of education and reduce students’ stress levels in best possible manner.
• Broader message: In addition to addressing the issue of academic cheating, the new anti-copying laws in Uttarakhand are also having a wider impact on the education system in the entire nation. The new laws are also helping to promote a more ethical and responsible attitude among students, both in Uttarakhand and in other parts of India

Criticisms of the legislation

• Coercive punishments: Some students and parents have criticised the laws, arguing that they are too harsh and that they unfairly penalise students. We as a nation pardon death penalty but attenuate such petty mistakes.
• Doesn’t address root cause of cheating: They also argue that the laws do not address the root causes of cheating, such as the lack of quality education and the high level of stress and competition faced by students.
• Performance pressure on marginalized students: The new law could lead to some unintended consequences, such as increased pressure on students to perform well and avoid cheating, which could negatively impact their mental health and well-being.

Way forward

• Taking all stakeholders to table: In the long term, the success of the laws will depend on the ability of educators, students, and parents to work together to create a supportive and ethical learning environment that values knowledge, hard work, and integrity.
• Provide quality education: This requires a commitment to providing quality education, reducing the stress level faced by students, and promoting a positive and ethical attitude among students and other members of the education community.
• Address mental health of students: It is important to ensure that the law is implemented in a way that strikes a balance between promoting fairness and protecting the well-being of students. Ex. Pariksha pe Charcha by PM.

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Context

• The Indian banking sector remains resilient and stable.
• Various parameters relating to capital adequacy, asset quality, liquidity, provision coverage and profitability are healthy.
• That’s the statement from the RBI amid heightened concerns about the exposures of banks to a business conglomerate.

Why in news?

• The Budget 2023-24 has no provisions for capital infusion.
• This reflects the confidence of the government in the robust position of the Indian banking system.

Key indicators from Financial Stability Report (December 2022)

• High aggregate deposits: The Indian banking sector recorded a healthy growth in deposits and advances during FY 2022, with the aggregate deposits of the scheduled commercial banks rising by 11.7% and the aggregate advances increasing by 10.2%.
• Decline in NPAs: The gross non-performing assets (NPA) ratio of all scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) declined from 9.1% in March 2021 to 8.2% in September 2022, driven by a reduction in NPAs of public sector banks (PSBs).
• Adequate capital: The Indian banking sector is well capitalized, with the capital-to-risk-weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of SCBs at 13.3% as of September 2022, higher than the regulatory requirement of 11.5%.
• Credit growth increased: Credit growth of banks remained strong during FY 2022, with the credit growth of SCBs increasing from 8.4% in March 2021 to 10.1% in September 2022.
• Moderate liquidity: RBI liquidity management operations during FY 2022 provided significant liquidity support to the banking system and helped to maintain overall financial stability.

What led to improvements of banking prospects?

• Non-impacted by global recession: The financial system remained resilient to external shocks as the overall capitalization of the banking sector improved and credit growth remained strong.
• Stable Rupee: The Indian rupee (INR) remained largely stable during FY 2022, with the rupee depreciating by 0.8% against the US dollar (USD) during the year.
• Stable equity markets: The Indian equity markets performed well during FY 2022, with the BSE Sensex recording a gain of 24.2% during the year.
• High forex reserves: The foreign exchange reserves of India stood at US$ 574.2 billion as of December 2022, a rise of 13.5% over the level at end-March 2021.
• Healthy credit ratings: International rating agencies like Moody’s Investor Service and Standard & Poor’s global rating have upgraded their outlook for the Indian banking system based on its performance in the last couple of years.

What contributes to resilient and stability in Indian banking system?

• RBI’s prudency: The RBI as a regulator is excellent and it is well-recognized in the world. It handles the regulation and supervision of such a heterogeneous system involving cooperative banks, foreign banks, and even NBFCs with great efficiency.
• RBI’s global stature: The respect the RBI commands in the world is extremely high. For instance, the Federal Reserve, Washington invited officers of RBI in 2009 after the collapse of the Lehman Brothers.
• Timely assessment: RBI is extremely watchful at the macro, institutional, and individual levels and releases periodical reports like the Financial Stability Report.
• Checks and balances: The Asset Quality Review which RBI initiated in 2018 is crucial in identifying and plugging the loopholes. The banks have deployed a risk assessment department and risk assessment officers. RBI has made various provisions and starts flagging the risks ex. Special Mention Account.

Achievements of the Indian Banking Sector

• NPA crisis under control: The issues of NPA and Twin Balance Sheet problems were addressed through proactive measures of government and RBI like Recognition, Resolution, Recapitalization, and Reforms.
• Credit Growth: The credit growth in the banking sector has been very impressive in the past few years. The credit to GDP ratio has increased from 48.3% in 2008 to 74.3% in 2018. This has led to increased availability of credit to businesses and individuals.
• Expansion of banking services: The banking sector in India has seen tremendous growth in the past decade. The number of bank branches has grown from around 80,000 in 2000 to more than 1,50,000 in 2018. This has led to an increase in the access of banking services to the masses.
• Financial Inclusion: The banking sector has also played an important role in making financial services accessible to the unbanked population of India. The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) launched in 2014 has been a major success, with more than 32 crore accounts opened so far.
• Digitization: The banking sector has seen a rapid digitization, with banks providing various digital services such as mobile banking, internet banking, and cardless cash withdrawals. This has enabled customers to access banking services from anywhere, anytime.
• Financial Innovation: The banking sector has also seen a great deal of financial innovation. Banks have introduced various new products and services such as credit cards, debit cards, and mutual funds. These products have helped customers to access a wide range of financial services.

Systemic risks to Indian Banks

• Non-Performing Assets (NPAs): With the rise in NPAs, banks are exposed to the risk of defaults, write-offs and losses.
• Credit Risk: Banks are exposed to credit risk when borrowers are unable or unwilling to repay their loans.
• Interest Rate Risk: Banks are exposed to interest rate risk when their assets and liabilities have different maturities and/or interest rates.
• Regulatory Risk: Banks are subject to stringent regulations and changes in regulations can significantly impact their profitability.
• Operational Risk: Banks are exposed to operational risk from a variety of sources, including technical failures, fraud, and human error.
• Cybersecurity Risks: As banks become increasingly reliant on digital systems and processes, there is an increased risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches.

Way ahead

• Privatization in near future: After addressing key concerns like the NPAs and recapitalization, the government is moving towards the substantive reform of privatization. It was also announced in the Budget speech of 2022-23 that the idea is to have a few big banks.
• Increased monitoring and compliance: RBI is also constantly improving its ways and mechanism of monitoring and regulation to be risk-proof in the future. Banks are also in compliance with the Large Exposure Framework (LEF) guidelines issued by the RBI.
• Leveraging technology: In the mechanisms deployed by the RBI, there is a red alert in case of any discrepancy in the system. Technology can help to a great extent in increasing the frequency and time efficiency of addressing such red alerts. Thus, RBI should leverage technology.

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