The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), aiming to address their unique challenges.
Key Targets of the 10-Year Action Plan for LLDCs (2024–2034):
The Programme of Action for LLDCs aims to address their unique challenges through targeted actions across 5 priority areas:
Structural Transformation and Innovation:
Promote economic diversification and industrialization.
Advance science, technology, and innovation to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration:
Simplify and enhance trade processes to improve access to global markets.
Strengthen participation in regional and global trade agreements.
Reduce trade costs through better policies and infrastructure.
Transit, Transport, and Connectivity:
Develop and modernize transit infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports.
Improve connectivity to reduce dependence on neighboring countries.
Enhance customs procedures to ensure smoother transit of goods.
Resilience to Climate Change and Disasters:
Build adaptive capacities to address vulnerabilities caused by climate change.
Develop strategies to reduce disaster risks and mitigate environmental challenges.
Means of Implementation:
Mobilize financial resources, technical assistance, and international support.
Foster partnerships among governments, international organizations, and private sectors.
What Are Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)?
LLDCs are nations that lack access to a coastline and are surrounded by neighboring countries.
Currently, there are 32 LLDCs, primarily in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
Europe: Armenia, Azerbaijan, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia.
South America: Bolivia, Paraguay.
Challenges Faced by LLDCs:
High Trade Costs: LLDCs face 1.4 times higher trade costs than coastal nations due to dependence on neighboring countries for transit and lengthy customs procedures.
Limited Market Access: Lack of direct access to global markets restricts their ability to compete internationally and increases transportation costs.
Infrastructure Deficits: Poor road, rail, and communication networks hinder connectivity and efficient trade operations.
Climate Vulnerability: LLDCs are highly susceptible to climate change impacts like droughts and floods, with limited resources to mitigate risks.
Economic and Political Dependence: Over-reliance on transit countries for trade routes leads to geopolitical challenges and limits economic diversification.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a legally binding treaty on cybercrime, marking the culmination of a five-year effort by Member States. This is the firstinternational criminal justice treaty negotiated in over 20 years.
About UN Convention against Cybercrime: Important Facts
The UN Convention against Cybercrime is a legally binding treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024.
Its primary aim is to prevent and combat cybercrime, enhance international cooperation, and protect human rights in cyberspace.
The convention was finalized after five years of negotiations and unanimously adopted by all 193 UN member states.
A signing ceremony is scheduled for 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Key Provisions:
Addressing Cybercrime:
Targets crimes like terrorism, human trafficking, financial fraud, drug smuggling, and data theft facilitated by ICT platforms.
Victim-Centric Approach:
Focuses on protecting victims, particularly vulnerable groups, and ensuring they receive justice.
International Cooperation:
Promotes evidence-sharing, joint investigations, and capacity-building among Member States.
Safeguarding Human Rights:
Balances the need for cybersecurity with the protection of freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information.
Adaptability:
Allows for additional protocols to address emerging cyber threats, ensuring the convention remains relevant.
Capacity-Building:
Provides support to develop cybercrime legislation, build infrastructure, and enhance law enforcement capabilities in Member States.
Public Awareness:
Encourages global education campaigns and proactive measures to prevent cyber offenses.
Significance:
Landmark in International Law: Marks the first international criminal justice treaty in over 20 years, representing a global commitment to cybersecurity.
Strengthening Cybersecurity: Offers tools and mechanisms to mitigate ICT-enabled threats that undermine global security and economies.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Emphasizes justice and protection for marginalized communities affected by online crimes.
Economic and Social Benefits: Preserves global economies, promotes investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, and safeguards individuals.
Flexibility for Future Threats: Incorporates provisions for additional protocols to handle new challenges, such as AI-driven cyber threats.
PYQ:
[2022] What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.
Q) A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, in 2018. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on ‘Central Asia’ (2018) and ‘distribution of minerals’ (2021).
As the world shifts to cleaner energy using advanced technology, the demand for rare earths is rising. India, the third-largest carbon emitter, is focusing on renewable energy and needs more rare earths. Despite being the fifth-largest holder of rare earth elements, India depends heavily on imports from China due to a lack of advanced extraction technologies. To reduce this dependency amid supply chain issues and security concerns, India is diversifying its sources by partnering with the U.S., Latin American, and African countries. Kazakhstan is also emerging as a promising and closer alternative.
Today’s editorial critically examines the diversification of critical minerals (Rare Earth Elements). This content can be used to present the importance of central Asian countries ( like Kazakhstan) for rare earth elements.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India’s reliance on China and the possible global changes with a new U.S. government show the need to diversify. In this situation, Kazakhstan is emerging as a promising and closer alternative.
What are the current reserves and potential of Kazakhstan’s rare earth elements?
• Number of Deposits: Kazakhstan has 15 registered rare earth deposits located primarily in three regions: Turkistan, Kostanai, and Mangystau. These deposits are crucial for electronics and clean energy technologies. • Types of Elements in Kazakhstan: The country holds a diverse range of rare metals, including: Tungsten: Approximately 2.2 million tons of reserves; Molybdenum: Around 1 million tons; Lithium: Estimated at 75,600 tons; Tantalum: About 4,600 tons; Niobium: Approximately 28,100 tons; Beryllium: Roughly 58,000 tons. • Exploration Goals: Kazakhstan aims to explore over two million square kilometres of its territory by 2026, with significant investments planned to develop these resources further.
Potential for Growth • Strategic Importance: The Kazakh government views rare earths as the “new oil” for its economy, emphasizing their role in technological advancement and energy transition. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has identified the development of these metals as a priority. • Global Demand Trends: The demand for REEs is projected to increase significantly in the coming years, driven by their essential role in renewable energy technologies and high-tech industries. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that demand for rare earth elements could increase three to seven times by 2040. • International Partnerships: Kazakhstan is actively seeking partnerships with countries like the U.S., Germany, and Japan to enhance its mining capabilities and attract foreign investment. This collaboration could position Kazakhstan as a key supplier in the global REE market.
What is the monopoly of China?
Dominance in Global Production and Supply: China controls over one-third of the world’s rare earth reserves and produces about 70% of global rare earths, making it the leading supplier. India relies on China for 60% of its rare earth imports due to insufficient domestic production.
Strategic Leverage Over Supply Chains: China’s ability to disrupt mineral and technology supplies during bilateral disputes enables it to control global rare earth supply chains.
How can Kazakhstan position itself as a competitive alternative to China in the global rare earth market?
Diversification of Partners: Kazakhstan has already entered into extraction agreements with countries like Japan, Germany, the U.S., South Korea, and the EU, signalling its growing importance as a reliable supplier of rare earth.
Advanced Extraction Technologies: Kazakhstan is investing in advanced technologies and partnerships to improve extraction processes and increase production efficiency.
Strategic Positioning: Kazakhstan’s location in Central Asia, combined with its cooperation in regional connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor, makes it an attractive alternative to China for countries like India seeking to diversify their sources.
Government Prioritization: The Kazakh government is focusing on strengthening its role in the global rare earth market by investing in technologies for lithium, battery materials, and heat-resistant alloys, which could bolster its competitive position.
What are the challenges in developing its rare earth sector?
Technological Limitations: While Kazakhstan has significant reserves, the country currently lacks some advanced extraction technologies that are crucial for optimizing its rare earth production and processing.
Infrastructure Gaps: There may be logistical challenges in scaling up mining operations and transportation networks to meet global demand, especially with Kazakhstan being landlocked.
Global Competition: Despite Kazakhstan’s rich reserves, it faces stiff competition from established players like China, and it must enhance its production capabilities to be a viable alternative.
Environmental and Sustainability Concerns: Developing rare earth extraction technologies in an environmentally sustainable way is a key challenge that Kazakhstan must address to avoid the pitfalls of over-exploitation seen in other parts of the world.
How can India play a significant role in this situation? (Way forward)
Bilateral Partnerships: India can deepen its strategic partnership with Kazakhstan, particularly through the proposed “India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum” which can help facilitate joint ventures in mining, technology transfer, and shared geological data.
Technology Transfer and Expertise: India, with its growing interest in rare earths for clean energy and defence sectors, can collaborate with Kazakhstan to share expertise in sustainable extraction technologies and mining practices.
Supply Chain Diversification: India can help Kazakhstan expand its rare earth production and distribution, reducing India’s dependence on China for critical minerals.
Private Sector Investment: India’s private sector can invest in Kazakhstan’s rare earth extraction sector, helping to scale up operations and build necessary infrastructure to meet global demand.
Regional Integration: By connecting Kazakhstan’s mining capabilities to broader regional markets, India can enhance its own resource security while also supporting Kazakhstan’s economic growth, thus strengthening the geopolitical influence of both nations in Central Asia.
People around the world paid tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh, known for opening up India’s economy and making it a global player, who passed away at the age of 92.
How did Manmohan Singh’s reforms transform India’s economic landscape?
1991 Economic Liberalization (LPG): He abolished the “License Raj,” which required businesses to seek government approvals for setting up industries.
Example: The IT sector flourished, with companies like Infosys and Wipro gaining international prominence.
Tax Reforms and Currency Devaluation: Singh’s government implemented substantial tax cuts and devalued the Indian rupee to enhance competitiveness.
Example: Corporate tax was reduced from 50% (pre-1991) to around 35% by the mid-1990s, boosting business sentiment.
Welfare Schemes: Alongside economic liberalisation, Singh’s administration introduced welfare initiatives aimed at sharing the benefits of growth with the rural poor, thereby addressing socio-economic disparities.
Introduced schemes like MGNREGA (2005) and expanded rural credit, improving employment and poverty alleviation.
Poverty rates dropped from 37.2% (2004-05) to 21.9% (2011-12), and India’s middle class expanded significantly due to higher income levels.
Economy growth: As Finance Minister, in 1991 economic reforms addressed the balance-of-payments crisis by reducing the fiscal deficit from 8.4% of GDP (1991) to 5.7% (1993) and reviving GDP growth from 1.1% (1991-92) to 5.3% (1992-93) through measures such as dismantling industrial licensing, devaluing the rupee, and encouraging foreign investment.
How did he left a lasting imprint on external relations?
US-India Civil Nuclear Deal (2008): He played a pivotal role in finalising the Civil Nuclear Agreement, which ended India’s nuclear isolation and strengthened strategic ties with the United States.
It also marked a shift in global recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power.
Strengthening India’s Strategic Partnerships: Deepened ties with major global powers, including the US, EU, Japan, and Russia, enhancing India’s diplomatic and economic engagement globally.
Championing India’s Role in Global Governance: Advocated for reforms in international institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank to reflect the rising stature of emerging economies, particularly India.
His leadership elevated India’s voice in global forums like G20 and BRICS.
Focus on Regional and Economic Integration: Fostered closer economic and diplomatic ties with ASEAN, SAARC nations, and other Asian neighbours, reinforcing India’s position in regional trade and security frameworks.
His outreach contributed to India’s Act East Policy and improved relations with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion: The Indian government should embrace Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy by prioritizing bold economic reforms, fostering global partnerships, and championing inclusive growth. Emphasizing strategic investments in infrastructure, skilling, and technology while deepening ties with regional and global partners can sustain long-term growth, reduce disparities, and solidify India’s leadership in global governance.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change? (UPSC IAS/2016)
December 26, 2024, marks the 100th foundation day of the Communist Party of India (CPI). The CPI has played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, social reforms, and political evolution.
About the Communist Party of India (CPI)
Reasons for Formation:
Founded on December 26, 1925, at the Kanpur Conference, inspired by the 1917 Russian Revolution.
Earlier efforts included the Tashkent group (1920) led by M.N. Roy and Abani Mukherji, supported by the Comintern (Communist International).
Faced early repression through cases like:
Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy Case (1924).
Meerut Conspiracy Case (1929–1933).
Dissatisfaction with Gandhian methods and moderate nationalism.
Inspiration from the Soviet Revolution (1917) and global socialist movements.
Split (1964):
Ideological rift during the Cold War over alignment with the Soviet Union or China.
Led to the creation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M).
Prominent Leaders and Key Contributions
Prominent Leaders:
M.N. Roy (1920s): Founder of the Tashkent group; advocated socialism and anti-colonialism.
Abani Mukherji (1920s): Drafted the Indian Communist Manifesto.
S.A. Dange (1924): Founding CPI member; labour leader implicated in the Kanpur Conspiracy Case.
Muzaffar Ahmed (1920s): Mobilized workers and peasants; key figure in AITUC (1920).
Shaukat Usmani (1920s–1930s) and M. Singaravelu (1925): Early CPI activists.
Key Contributions:
Demand for Poorna Swaraj (1927):
Advocated for complete independence, influencing the Indian National Congress (INC).
Workers and Peasants Movements (1920s–1950s):
Mobilized workers through AITUC (1920) and peasants through All India Kisan Sabha (1936).
Led uprisings like the Telangana Rebellion (1946–1951).
Opposition to British Rule (1920s–1947):
Organized strikes and protests during the Quit India Movement (1942).
Achievements of CPI
In the First Lok Sabha (1952–57), CPI was the single largest opposition party.
In 1957, CPI won the state elections in Kerala, becoming the first democratically elected communist government in independent India.
Note: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), India’s oldest trade union federation, was founded in 1920 by Lala Lajpat Rai and others in Bombay to represent India at the ILO (International Labour Organisation).
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following events:
The first democratically elected communist party government was formed in a State in India.
India’s then largest bank, ‘Imperial Bank of India’, was renamed ‘State Bank of India’.
Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.
Goa became a part of independent India.
Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
UN Secretary-General paid tribute to Brigadier General Amitabh Jha of India, who died serving with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.
About United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)
The UNDOF is a peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to oversee the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria following the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
The Yom Kippur War (October 6-24, 1973) was fought between Egypt and Israel (in the Sinai) and Israel and Syria (in the Golan Heights).
It operates in the Golan Heights, a region of strategic importance and long-standing contention.
The UNSC formally established UNDOF under Resolution 350 to:
Maintain the ceasefire.
Supervise the disengagement of forces.
Monitor the separation zones established by the agreement.
UNDOF became operational on June 6, 1974, with an initial deployment of approximately 1,200 personnel.
Its mandate is renewed every 6 months by the UNSC, emphasizing its ongoing role in maintaining stability.
Structural Mandate and Functions
UNDOF’s core responsibilities include:
Ceasefire Maintenance:
Monitor and ensure adherence to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria.
Supervision of Disengagement:
Oversee the withdrawal of forces to their respective areas as per the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
Monitoring Areas of Separation and Limitation:
Area of Separation (AOS):
A demilitarized zone controlled by UNDOF, where no military activity is permitted.
Approx. 80 km long, ranging from 200 m to 8 km wide.
Marked by barrel lines for identification on the ground.
Areas of Limitation:
Zones on both Israeli and Syrian sides where the number of troops and types of weapons are restricted.
Functions:
Observation and Reporting:
Monitor troop movements and ensure no violations of the agreement occur.
Regularly report to the UN Secretary-General and the UNSC on ground conditions.
Civilian Assistance: Facilitate the return of Syrian civilians to their homes in the AOS under the agreement.
Verification of Compliance: Conduct inspections to ensure adherence to restrictions in Areas of Limitation.
Confidence-Building Measures: Act as a neutral party to reduce tensions between Israel and Syria.
Liaison Services: Maintain open communication channels between Israeli and Syrian forces to prevent misunderstandings or escalation.
PYQ:
[2015] The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events is related to:
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raises serious concerns. Instead of addressing the shortcomings of the Disaster Management Act (DMA), 2005, the Bill reduces opportunities for participation, accountability, and efficient governance.
What are the lapses in the recent bill?
Top-Down Terminology: The Bill employs terms like “monitor” and “guidelines,” which suggest a top-down approach, rather than fostering community engagement through terms like “supervision” and “direction.”
This undermines trust between authorities and local communities, which are crucial in disaster response.
Neglect of Local Roles: While the Bill defines critical concepts such as ‘hazard’, ‘resilience’, and ‘vulnerability’, it fails to recognise the essential roles of local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
Lack of Intersectional Consideration: The Bill does not address intersectional discrimination affecting vulnerable groups like women, disabled individuals, lower castes, and LGBTQIA communities. Ignoring these factors limits the Bill’s inclusivity and effectiveness.
Absence of Accountability Mechanisms: The omission of performance evaluations for district authorities raises concerns about accountability. Without mechanisms to assess preparedness and response effectiveness, there is a risk of shifting blame onto individual philanthropic efforts during disasters.
Exclusion of Law and Order Issues: By stating that ‘man-made causes’ do not include law and order matters, the Bill complicates the role of police in disaster management while still involving them in executive committees.
Removal of Relief Standards: Key provisions regarding minimum standards of relief for disaster victims have been omitted from the Bill. This includes special provisions for vulnerable populations such as widows and orphans, which diminishes the support system for those affected by disasters.
Centralisation of Power: The Bill centralises decision-making by transferring responsibilities from local executive committees to national authorities, potentially leading to inefficiencies and delays in disaster response.
Neglect of Animal Welfare: The Bill does not address the impact of disasters on animals or include provisions for their welfare, which is a significant oversight given the scale of animal casualties during disasters.
Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA): The rationale behind establishing a separate UDMA is unclear, raising questions about its effectiveness given existing municipal structures that may not adequately address urban flooding issues caused by poor planning.
What are the lessons learnt from a spectrum of areas?
Community Engagement: Successful disaster responses have historically relied on local knowledge and community action.
For example,inCyclone Aila (2009, Sundarbans): Local villagers and fisherfolk initiated rescue operations well before official disaster response teams could arrive, saving countless lives.
Intersectionality Matters: Acknowledging diverse vulnerabilities ensures that disaster management strategies are comprehensive and equitable.
For example, Kerala Floods (2018): Specific interventions for women and children in relief camps improved health and hygiene outcomes, showcasing the value of targeted measures.
Accountability is Crucial: Clear accountability mechanisms are necessary to ensure that authorities fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
For example, in Uttarakhand Flash Floods (2013): Lack of timely action by district authorities and poor preparedness exacerbated the disaster’s impact, underscoring the need for performance evaluations.
Can Regional collaboration work out?
Regional collaboration could significantly enhance disaster management efforts, particularly in South Asia where cross-border challenges are prevalent:
Shared Resources and Knowledge: Collaborative frameworks among countries like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BRICS could facilitate resource sharing and knowledge exchange during disasters.
Joint Preparedness Plans: Developing regional action plans based on shared vulnerabilities can strengthen collective responses to disasters.
Addressing Zoonotic Diseases: Given the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases, a coordinated regional approach could improve public health responses during disasters.
What is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction?
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is a comprehensive international agreement aimed at reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience globally.
It was adopted by UN member states during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan, from March 14 to 18, 2015.
India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).
Way forward:
Strengthen Community Participation and Inclusivity: Amend the Bill to explicitly involve local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
Promote Accountability and Regional Cooperation: Introduce performance evaluations for district authorities to ensure preparedness and effective disaster responses.
Mains PYQ:
Q Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (UPSC IAS/2018)
Recently, China and the United States agreed to renew the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement for an additional five years.
What new measures were added to the Agreement in 2024?
Limited to basic research: The amended agreement explicitly limits cooperation to basic research and excludes any collaboration in critical and emerging technologies.
This change aims to mitigate fears that sensitive technologies could be exploited by China for military or competitive advantages.
Enhanced Provisions for Researcher Safety: The agreement introduces measures to enhance the safety and security of researchers, ensuring that both parties adhere to standards that protect their respective research environments.
Data Reciprocity and Transparency: New provisions have been established to ensure reciprocity and transparency in data sharing between the two countries, addressing previous concerns about intellectual property rights and data misuse.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A mechanism has been included to resolve disputes should either party fail to adhere to the agreed terms, providing a structured approach to handle potential conflicts arising from collaborative projects.
Termination Clause: The agreement includes a clause that allows for the cancellation of proposed projects in cases of “bad faith action,” further safeguarding against potential abuses of the cooperative framework.
What does this indicate about the evolving relationship between the U.S. and China?
The renewal and amendment of the STA reflect a complex relationship between the U.S. and China, characterized by both cooperation and competition:
Affirmation of Cooperation: The extension signals a commitment from both nations to maintain dialogue and collaboration in scientific fields, despite rising tensions in other areas such as trade and technology.
Strategic Guardrails: By implementing new restrictions and guardrails, the U.S. aims to protect its technological edge while still engaging with China in mutually beneficial research areas. This indicates a cautious approach to bilateral relations, balancing cooperation with national security concerns.
Political Dynamics: The incoming administration under Donald Trump is expected to endorse this continuation but may impose additional conditions, reflecting ongoing political scrutiny regarding China’s technological advancements.
How has the U.S. benefited from its collaboration with China under this Agreement?
Access to Chinese Research Ecosystem: The agreement has facilitated access for U.S. researchers to China’s burgeoning research environment, allowing for collaborative projects that leverage both countries’ strengths in various scientific fields.
Increased R&D Investment: The collaboration has contributed to significant increases in research and development investment from both sides, with China’s R&D spending rising dramatically since the agreement’s inception in 1979.
Joint Research Opportunities: The STA has enabled joint research initiatives that have led to advancements in areas such as agriculture, health, environmental science, and more, benefiting both nations through shared knowledge and innovation.
Educational Exchanges: The agreement has promoted mobility for students and scientists between the two countries, fostering educational exchanges that enhance understanding and cooperation at multiple levels.
How will it impact India?
Increased Competition in R&D: The strengthened U.S.-China collaboration, even with restrictions, reinforces China’s position as a global leader in science and technology which intensifies competition for India to keep pace in R&D and innovation.
Geopolitical Leverage: India’s strategic partnerships with both the U.S. and other global powers may be recalibrated, as the U.S. balances its rivalry and cooperation with China, potentially affecting India’s diplomatic and technological engagements.
Opportunity for Strategic Collaboration: India’s robust bilateral S&T agreements and growing research ecosystem could make it an alternative partner for the U.S. and other nations looking to diversify collaborations away from China, boosting India’s global scientific standing.
Way forward:
Enhance R&D Capabilities: India should increase investments in research and development, particularly in emerging and critical technologies, to remain competitive globally and bridge the innovation gap with leading nations.
Strengthen Strategic Partnerships: India should leverage its scientific and technological collaborations with the U.S. and other like-minded countries to position itself as a reliable partner and alternative to China in the global research ecosystem.
Mains PYQ:
Q The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Over 58 lakh property cards will be issued to owners in approximately 50,000 villages across 12 States/UTs through a virtual event addressed by PM Modi under the SVAMITVA Scheme.
AboutSVAMITVA Scheme:
Details
About
Full Form: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.
Launched on 24th April 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day) by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Objective: Provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India, issuing Record of Rights to households in inhabited rural areas (village abadi areas).
Central Sector Scheme: Fully funded by the Central Government, implemented in collaboration with States/UTs and the Survey of India.
Primary Goals:
1. Demarcation of inhabited areas using drone technology.
2. Creation of property cards (Record of Rights).
3. Formalizing ownership to reduce disputes and enable financial asset use.
Structural Mandate
Implementing Agencies:
Ministry of Panchayati Raj at the national level.
State Revenue Department/Land Records Department at the state level.
Survey of India (as the technology partner).
Coverage:
The scheme is being implemented in phases from 2020-2024.
Initially covered 6.62 lakh villages in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka, including a few border villages of Punjab and Rajasthan.
West Bengal, Bihar, Nagaland, and Meghalaya have not joined the scheme yet.
Nomenclature:Title Deed in Haryana, Rural Property Ownership Records (RPOR) in Karnataka, Adhikar Abhilekh in Madhya Pradesh, Sannad in Maharashtra, Svamitva Abhilekh in Uttarakhand, and Gharauni in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Features and Significance
Use of Drone Survey Technology: Drones capture high-resolution images for accurate mapping of village abadi lands.
Issuance of Property Cards: Known by various names (e.g., ‘Gharauni’ in UP). Serves as legal proof of ownership.
Phased Implementation (2020–2024): Began in select states (UP, Haryana, Maharashtra, MP, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, plus border villages in Punjab/Rajasthan), expanding nationwide.
Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS): Network stations for precise drone-based surveys in pilot-phase states.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Revenue/Land Records Depts, Survey of India, etc.
Progress Made So Far
Drone Surveys & Mapping: 92% of targeted drone mapping completed across 3.17 lakh villages; full targets likely by 2026.
Issuance of Property Cards: Over 2.19 crore property cards finalized; latest distribution covered 58 lakh cards in 50,000 villages across 12 States/UTs.
Phased Rollout: Successful pilots led to larger-scale implementation.
Collaborative Efforts: Coordination among Panchayati Raj Ministry, Survey of India, and state-level agencies; financial support from the Centre.
Recognition of Success: Regarded as a landmark initiative for minimizing litigation, enhancing rural governance, and clarifying property rights.
PYQ:
[2019] With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
(c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
(d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.
