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India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States began a new quadrilateral economic forum this week focused on trade, climate change, energy, and maritime security.

In September last year Israel, UAE and Bahrain had signed Abraham Accords brokered by the US which has subsequently led to normalising of relations between Israel and a number of Arab Gulf countries.

Abraham Accord: A backgrounder

• The Israel–UAE normalization agreement is officially called the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement.
• It was initially agreed to in a joint statement by the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on August 13, 2020.
• The UAE thus became the third Arab country, after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994, to agree to formally normalize its relationship with Israel as well as the first Persian Gulf country to do so.
• Concurrently, Israel agreed to suspend plans for annexing parts of the West Bank.
• The agreement normalized what had long been informal but robust foreign relations between the two countries.

The idea of the Indo-Abrahamic Accord

• The idea of an accord between India, the UAE and Israel was first suggested by Mohammed Soliman, an Egyptian scholar based in Washington.
• The focus, then, was on India taking full advantage of the normalisation of relations between Israel and the Arabs.

Prospects of India joining the accord

• Adding “Indo” to the Abrahamic Accords — from think tank level to the policy domain underlines the extraordinary churn in the geopolitics of the Middle East.
• It also points to new openings for India in the region and ever-widening possibilities for Delhi’s strategic cooperation with Washington.

Significance for India

The new minilateral consultation with the US, Israel and the UAE have started breaking that political taboo by:

(1) Creating a minilateral in the Middle-East:

• Such events mark an important turning point in Delhi’s engagement with the Middle East.
• It suggests India is now ready to move from bilateral relations conducted in separate silos towards an integrated regional policy.
• As in the Indo-Pacific, so in the Middle East, regional coalitions are bound to widen Delhi’s reach and deepen its impact.

(2) India bridging the Arab-Israeli rift:

• Often the Arab nations and Israel are divided over Palestine.
• The simultaneous expansion of Delhi’s cooperation with Israel and the Arab world was considered impossible.
• However, India’s new foreign policy broke from that assessment and demonstrated the feasibility of a non-ideological engagement with the Middle East.
• This diplomatic pragmatism allows Delhi to reimagine its policies towards the Middle East.

(3) Extension of cooperation with the US:

• Thinking of the US as a partner in the Middle East is part of the reimagination.
• For long, India defined the US, and more broadly the West, as part of the problem in the Middle East.
• With this QUAD, U.S.-India relations have continued to deepen.

(4) Miscellaneous:

• India’s scale with Israeli innovation and Emirati capital could produce immense benefits to all three countries.
• Add American strategic support and you would see a powerful dynamic unfolding in the region.

India’s interest in the new QUAD

New Delhi sees the Middle East as strategically significant.  India has ramped up diplomacy with many regional players, including Saudi Arabia, but Israel and the UAE have long been key targets.

• Energy basket: It depends heavily on its energy imports, and nearly 9 million Indian workers live in the Persian Gulf.
• Armoury for India: Israel is a major arms supplier to India.
• Agri-tech: Israel also has cutting-edge agricultural technologies that could help enhance water management.
• Infrastructure financing: The UAE can provide India with much-needed infrastructure financing. This has very much implicated in the recent proposal by Dubai to invest in Jammu and Kashmir.

What is the kind of agenda that this group can develop?

Economic Cooperation: Like the eastern Quad, it would make sense for the new Middle Eastern minilateral to focus on non-military issues like trade, energy, and environment and focus on promoting public goods.

Technology cooperation: Beyond trade, there is potential for India, UAE and Israel to collaborate on many areas — from semiconductor design and fabrication to space technology.

A new geopolitical entity: The new “Quad” in the Middle East is likely to be India’s only new coalition in the region. It provides a thrust to new regionalism to the west involving India.

‘Extended’ neighbourhood: This engagement will open the door for extending the collaboration with other common regional partners like Egypt (better call it Suez Canal), who will lend great strategic depth to the Indo-Abrahamic accords.

How are the two QUADs different?

The two groups are distinct entities with different geographical remits, although their areas of cooperation may overlap. The two Quads are quite different in other ways.

• No China factor: The so-called new Quad is not as focused on countering China’s rise as the original one.
• Formal consensus in lacking: It lacks a strong, shared purpose, its future trajectory is more uncertain.
• Not an Alliance: As with the other Quad, this arrangement is a loose grouping, not an alliance. It is framed as an economic forum and not as an strategic alliance.
• Iran at the focus: The new quad does not appear to be aimed at any particular country, ideology or group. There is no one to gang up against, but Iran.

Way forward

• This Quad will push India to transform itself.
• While the US might be more lenient towards Indian stretchable time, Israel and the UAE are impatient countries.
• This engagement has thus opened up a new opportunity for India to go for deeper engagement with Israel without risking its relations with the other Arab states of the Persian Gulf.

Caution for India

• India must not get drawn into the region’s conflicts.
• Importantly, India must ensure that the new Quad’s decisions do not adversely impact its relationship with Iran.  It should not restrict India’s outreach to Iran
• India should help the new Quad build bridges with Iran, just as Israel should use its good offices with Beijing to rein in China.
• India is increasingly shedding its inhibitions over joining groupings and this is good, so long as it is not bound into exclusive relationships.
• China manages strong parallel ties with both Iran and Israel. India should be able to do so, too.

Conclusion

• The new and mini-Quad is innovative, non-confrontationist and hence will be enduring.
• In the evolving scenario, there seems much scope for a profitable trilateral synergy.
• Though its trajectory is uncertain, it has considerable potential because of the warm relations among the parties.

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1    Distribution of key natural resources

GS-2  International relations

GS-3   Agriculture sector- farmer income suport

GS-4    Probity in Governance: Concept of public service;
Philosophical basis of governance and probity.

 

Questions:

Question 1)

 

Q1. Coal as a fuel is often termed as a necessary evil in a country’s economic development. Comment while giving the distribution of coal reserves around the world. (10 marks)

 

Question 2)

Q.2 For Delhi, it is always about narrow political arguments with Rawalpindi and Islamabad; it is as if the people of Pakistan do not exist. The depth of the current crises in Pakistan, however, should nudge India into overcoming this entrenched indifference. Comment. (15 marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 The data of the latest Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of agricultural households when normalised by their holding sizes, shows that Punjab’s ranked 11th and Haryana 15th place. In the context of this, suggest the way for the farmers in Punjab and Haryana to augment their incomes with more sustainable agriculture. (15 marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Probity is an integral part of good governance, justify. How do you find it relevant in the present circumstances? (10 marks)

 

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  October is uploaded on 11th October then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th October is uploaded on 13th October, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

Do you know only 42% of toppers clear UPSC CSE examinations in their first attempt? The rest clear it because they didn’t give up. In our student Jayant Nahata’s (AIR 56, UPSC 2020) words, “Do you want the pain of hard work or do you want the regret of failure?”

Sajal Sir has helped over 400 aspirants secure ranks in the last 6 years. This year, he has guided over 30 students to secure ranks in the top 100 in UPSC 2020. He was the topper of GS 2017 Mains.

Our next mentor, Sudhanshu Sir has cleared mains 3 times, attended interviews twice and has served the Ministry of Defence for 10 years.

And this is what both of our mentors have to say to you —

“It doesn’t matter how much you believe you scored based on the answer key, start preparing for mains right now! Study daily, every day and CONSISTENTLY. Do not give up on studying or spend more than 2 days without preparation until your name shows up on the list.”

We understand that this year’s paper was tricky. We know you have burnt the midnight oil for months. You might be doubting yourself right now. But this is not the time to lose hope. This is not the time to give up. The Prelims results are not out yet. Do not stop preparing for Mains!

Watch this video by our Civilsdaily student Anil Kumar Rathore who failed 4 times before he cleared UPSC’19 with AIR 81.

You have already tried one way of preparation and it has not helped you get a really high score. Why waste another attempt trying to do the same things and expecting new results? Speak with us and learn a new way to prepare – the preparation technique that is specially designed to fetch high scores.

Why Samanvaya 2022?

With a dedicated 1-1 mentorship program, we use the tried and tested ‘SMART’ method of preparation that has helped more than 400 students become officers!

1. Syllabus Completion
2. Managing time consistently
3. Awareness of your weak areas
4. Revision of completed modules
5. Test series every week

At Civilsdaily, your assigned mentors interact with you on a daily basis. They are not just teachers, but coaches, philosophers, and guides. And this is how they will help you succeed:

• Motivating you for one whole year and pushing you to complete the modules on time.
• Helping you restart preparation despite low scores in test series.

• Helping you study for 6 hours everyday if you are working.
• Guiding you on how to revise the whole syllabus 3 months before prelims and mains.

• Providing you topic-wise notes.
• Teaching you elimination techniques, tikdams and helpful strategies like 4-2-4 model of preparation.

• Keeping you updated on what to study and from where to study.

Is it too early to start preparing for Mains 2022?

Aspirants who become toppers devote the first 6-7 months of preparation for mains and the next 5-6 months for prelims revision and test series. This gives them an edge; they know how to write and present facts plus they can remember the same facts for prelims. So there is no better time than NOW to start mains.

AIR 148 UPSC 2020 topper and our Civilsdaily student Ponmani explains why answer writing with mentorship for Mains is necessary.

How have UPSC Toppers benefited from our Mentorship so far?

After filling the form, rest assured, you will hear from a dedicated mentor in the next 24 hours.

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1    Salient features of world’s physical geography

GS-2   Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.

GS-3   Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

GS-4    Probity in Governance: Concept of public service;
Philosophical basis of governance and probity.

Questions:

Question 1)

 

Q.1 Identifying the factors which affect the salinity of ocean bodies, discuss the reasons behind relatively higher salinity of the North Sea, Arabian Sea and Red Sea. (10 Marks)

 

Question 2)

Q.2 How internal democracy in political parties can influence political outcomes in a representative democracy? What are the challenges in achieving it through internal elections for leadership within the party in India. (15 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 India’s power landscape is dominated by thermal power plants. However, the rapid growth of variable renewable energy sources has necessitated the transition plan. In context of this, suggest the broad contours of the transition from thermal to variable renewable energy sources. (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Examine the role of media in promoting probity in governance.(10 Marks)

 

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  October is uploaded on 11th October then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th October is uploaded on 13th October, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

Do you know only 42% of toppers clear UPSC CSE examinations in their first attempt? The rest clear it because they didn’t give up. In our student Jayant Nahata’s (AIR 56, UPSC 2020) words, “Do you want the pain of hard work or do you want the regret of failure?”

Sajal Sir has helped over 400 aspirants secure ranks in the last 6 years. This year, he has guided over 30 students to secure ranks in the top 100 in UPSC 2020. He was the topper of GS 2017 Mains.

Our next mentor, Sudhanshu Sir has cleared mains 3 times, attended interviews twice and has served the Ministry of Defence for 10 years.

And this is what both of our mentors have to say to you —

“It doesn’t matter how much you believe you scored based on the answer key, start preparing for mains right now! Study daily, every day and CONSISTENTLY. Do not give up on studying or spend more than 2 days without preparation until your name shows up on the list.”

We understand that this year’s paper was tricky. We know you have burnt the midnight oil for months. You might be doubting yourself right now. But this is not the time to lose hope. This is not the time to give up. The Prelims results are not out yet. Do not stop preparing for Mains!

Watch this video by our Civilsdaily student Anil Kumar Rathore who failed 4 times before he cleared UPSC’19 with AIR 81.

You have already tried one way of preparation and it has not helped you get a really high score. Why waste another attempt trying to do the same things and expecting new results? Speak with us and learn a new way to prepare – the preparation technique that is specially designed to fetch high scores.

Why Samanvaya 2022?

With a dedicated 1-1 mentorship program, we use the tried and tested ‘SMART’ method of preparation that has helped more than 400 students become officers!

1. Syllabus Completion
2. Managing time consistently
3. Awareness of your weak areas
4. Revision of completed modules
5. Test series every week

At Civilsdaily, your assigned mentors interact with you on a daily basis. They are not just teachers, but coaches, philosophers, and guides. And this is how they will help you succeed:

• Motivating you for one whole year and pushing you to complete the modules on time.
• Helping you restart preparation despite low scores in test series.

• Helping you study for 6 hours everyday if you are working.
• Guiding you on how to revise the whole syllabus 3 months before prelims and mains.

• Providing you topic-wise notes.
• Teaching you elimination techniques, tikdams and helpful strategies like 4-2-4 model of preparation.

• Keeping you updated on what to study and from where to study.

Is it too early to start preparing for Mains 2022?

Aspirants who become toppers devote the first 6-7 months of preparation for mains and the next 5-6 months for prelims revision and test series. This gives them an edge; they know how to write and present facts plus they can remember the same facts for prelims. So there is no better time than NOW to start mains.

AIR 148 UPSC 2020 topper and our Civilsdaily student Ponmani explains why answer writing with mentorship for Mains is necessary.

How have UPSC Toppers benefited from our Mentorship so far?

After filling the form, rest assured, you will hear from a dedicated mentor in the next 24 hours.