The 9th edition of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is scheduled to be held in Beijing from 4th to 6th September, 2024.
About the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established in 2000 to enhance the strategic partnership between China and African nations. It serves as a platform for collective dialogue and cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and development.
Challenges of China-Africa Debt:
Chinese loans to African countries amounted to approximately $170 billion from 2000 to 2022. However, Chinese lenders represent only about 12% of Africa’s total public and private debt, indicating that China is not the primary creditor.
A significant portion of Chinese loans is not disclosed in sovereign debt records, complicating the understanding of Africa’s overall debt levels. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the sustainability of these debts.
Despite concerns over “debt trap diplomacy,” China is unlikely to forgive or cancel debts but may consider writing off smaller, interest-free loans.
African Priorities at FOCAC 2024
Economic Goals: African nations are focusing on enhancing trade relations with China, with a modest goal of $300 billion in imports from Africa between 2022-2024. As of mid-2024, trade has reached $167 billion, primarily dominated by raw materials.
Agricultural Development: There is a pressing need to develop a sustainable agricultural industry in Africa. This includes improving the processing of agricultural commodities and leveraging the expertise of countries like China and India to enhance crop resilience and productivity.
Green Energy and Industrialization: African countries are advocating for the establishment of refining and processing hubs to increase the value added from their raw materials.
What are the learnings that India can have?
Continuity in Engagement: India should emphasize consistent engagement with Africa, particularly by organizing the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) to capitalize on recent momentum, especially after the African Union’s inclusion in the G-20.
Support for Industrialization: Indian companies are encouraged to invest in higher value-added sectors in Africa, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, to foster local employment and market development.
Private Sector Participation: Greater involvement of the Indian private sector is essential, along with innovative financing solutions like public-private partnerships to support projects in Africa.
Digital and Financial Connectivity: Utilizing India’s digital stack and establishing rupee-based financial transactions can enhance connectivity and reduce forex risks for African nations.
Conclusion: India should deepen its strategic partnerships with African nations by expanding bilateral and multilateral engagements, focusing on key sectors like healthcare, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. Leveraging India’s experience in these areas can help address African development needs while enhancing India’s influence on the continent.
Mains PYQ:
Q Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine. (UPSC IAS/2015)
On July 30, Germany’s constitutional court approved downsizing the Bundestag, citing concerns over financial strain and efficiency due to its unprecedented 736 deputies.
(Note: The Bundestag is the Lower house of Germany)
Why has the German Constitutional Court upheld the move to downsize the lower house of parliament?
Constitutional Rationale: The court approved the plan to reduce the size of the Bundestag to improve its efficiency and reduce costs, as it had become the world’s largest elected assembly.
The court backed the government’s decision to limit the Bundestag to 630 members by removing “overhang” and “balance” seats, which had caused the number of legislators to grow significantly.
Legal Compliance: The court’s decision aligns with previous rulings that emphasized the need for electoral equality and the fair representation of political parties in the Bundestag, ensuring that the election system remains constitutionally valid.
How does a mixed-member Proportional Representation system work?
Dual Voting System: In Germany, each voter casts two votes in federal elections:
First Vote: Directly elects a candidate from a local constituency via the first-past-the-post method (299 seats).
Second Vote:Chooses a political party, which determines the distribution of another 299 seats proportionally across Germany’s 16 regions.
Seat Allocation: The second vote is crucial as it determines the overall proportion of seats each party holds in the Bundestag. The final seat count for each party is based on a combination of directly elected candidates and the proportion of the second vote.
Overhang Seats: If a party wins more direct seats than the proportion of the second vote would allow, these extra seats are known as “overhang seats.” These were traditionally retained, leading to an increase in the total number of seats.
How does a mixed-member Proportional Representation system work in India?
No MMP System in India: India does not use a mixed-member proportional representation system at the national level. The Indian electoral system primarily follows the first-past-the-post method, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins a seat in the parliament.
Proportional Representation: In India, proportional representation (Single transferable) is used only in certain cases, such as elections to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) and the President.
Types of Proportional Representation:
Single Transferable Vote (STV): This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. It is used to elect members of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the President of India.
Party-List PR: In this system, voters cast their votes for a party rather than individual candidates. Seats are allocated to each party based on the proportion of votes they receive. A minimum threshold (usually between 3-5%) is often required for a party to gain representation, preventing excessive fragmentation in the legislature.
Mixed-Member Proportional Representation (MMP): This combines elements of FPTP and PR, allowing voters to cast two votes—one for a candidate and another for a party. This system aims to balance the benefits of direct representation with proportionality.
What are balance or overhang seats and why were they deemed Unconstitutional?
Overhang Seats: These are additional seats that a party wins when it secures more direct constituency seats than it would be entitled to based on its second vote share. This situation arises due to the mixed-member proportional system.
Balance Seats: Introduced to maintain proportionality and fairness, balance seats are given to other parties to offset the overhang seats, ensuring that the overall seat distribution reflects the second vote shares accurately.
Unconstitutionality: In 2008, the German Constitutional Court ruled that the increasing number of overhang seats violated the principle of electoral equality. The recent judgment further upheld the move to eliminate these seats to simplify the electoral system and maintain fairness.
Conclusion: Germany should swiftly implement the downsizing plan, ensuring that the transition to a 630-member Bundestag is smooth and transparent, with clear communication to the public and political parties.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (UPSC IAS/2022)
A growing movement in India is advocating for use of regional languages in High Court proceedings to make justice more accessible to the common citizen.
Current Scenario: Regional Languages in High Courts
Out of India’s 25 High Courts, only 4 — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar — are authorized to use Hindi in their proceedings and legal documents.
BiharHC was the last High Court to receive authorization to use Hindi in 1972.
A litigant possesses the fundamental right to comprehend and engage in courtroom proceedings, under Article 19 and Article 21.
She/ He is entitled to present their case in a language they understand before the magistrate.
Additionally, the “Right to Justice” is explicitly recognized under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Despite these provisions, the use of regional languages in High Courts remains limited.
Constitutional Provisions for Regional Languages in Judiciary:
Provision
Details
Article 348(1) (a)
Language of Proceedings
English is the official language for proceedings in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and specified tribunals.
All records and ordersmust be in English.
Purpose
Ensures uniformity and consistency in legal proceedings and documentation at the highest judicial levels.
Scope
Applies to the Supreme Court, High Courts, and all authorities mentioned in Article 323A or Article 323B.
Article 348(2)
Use of Other Languages
The President may authorize the use of Hindi or any other regional language in addition to English.
Authorization is subject to conditions specified by the President.
Purpose
Allows for regional languages to be used in judicial proceedings, making the system more accessible to non-English speakers.
Scope
Can be applied in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and other authorities as mentioned in Article 323A or Article 323B.
PYQ:
[2021] Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character?
(a) The Independence of the judiciary is safeguarded.
(b) The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units.
(c) The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties.
(d) The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of Law.
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has presented the Vision J&K @2047 describing it as an integral part of Vision India @2047.
What is J&K @2047?
Vision J&K @2047 is a long-term strategic plan for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
It seeks to develop the region into a model of sustainable development, economic growth, and social harmony by the year 2047, coinciding with India’s 100th year of independence.
Key features of Vision J&K @2047:
Vision J&K @2047 focuses on restoring democratic governance through Assembly elections and establishing Zilla Parishads.
It aims to enhance infrastructure, create job opportunities, and drive economic development in the region.
Significant improvements in education and healthcare are planned, along with empowerment initiatives for women and minorities.
Governance reforms aim to enhance administrative efficiency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
Promotion of local industries and entrepreneurship is a key component to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the AYUSH ministry’s notification, which advised state licensing authorities not to take action under Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act in the context of the ongoing case against Patanjali Ayurved.
Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2018:
Details
What is it?
Rule 170 was introduced in 2018 to regulate the manufacture, storage, and sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines, focusing on controlling misleading advertisements in the AYUSH sector.
Requirements
• AYUSH drug manufacturers must obtain approval and a unique identification number from state licensing authorities before advertising their products.
• Required documentation includes textual references, rationale, indications for use, and evidence of safety, effectiveness, and quality.
Key Provisions
Prohibits advertisement of AYUSH products without prior state authority approval.
Advertisements may be rejected if they:
– Lack of contact details of the manufacturer.
– Contain obscene or vulgar content.
– Promote products for enhancing sexual organs.
– Feature endorsements from celebrities or government officials.
– Refer to government organizations.
– Convey false impressions or make misleading or exaggerated claims.
Rationale Behind
• Introduced following a parliamentary standing committee’s concerns about misleading claims in the AYUSH sector.
• Aims to ensure proactive measures by the AYUSH ministry against such advertisements.
Challenges
• AYUSH drug manufacturers are required to obtain licenses from drug controllers similar to allopathic medicines. • Unlike allopathic drugs, AYUSH drugs do not need to undergo Phase I, II, or III trials for approval.
PYQ:
[2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?
The Centre has published the first set of rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), titled ‘Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024.’
AboutTelecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024:
Responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of DBN
Key Focus Areas
• Enhancing telecommunication services in underserved and remote areas
• Promoting access to mobile and broadband services
• Improving telecom security
• Supporting next-generation telecom technologies
Target Beneficiaries
• Marginalized groups (e.g., women, persons with disabilities, economically weaker sections)
• Remote and underserved regions
Project Criteria
• Provision of telecom services and equipment
• Enhancing telecom security
• Improving access and affordability
• Promoting innovation, R&D, and indigenous technology
• Supporting start-ups
• Encouraging sustainable and green technologies
Funding Conditions
Entities receiving DBN funding must provide telecom services on an open and non-discriminatory basis
Vision Alignment
Aligned with Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047
Sustainability Focus
Emphasizes the promotion of green technologies in telecommunications
PYQ:
[2019] In India, which of the following review the Independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?
Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
Finance Commission
Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
NITI Aayog
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC IAS/2022)
Q Critically examine the compulsions that prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh. (UPSC IAS/2013)
Q The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? (UPSC IAS/2013)
Q Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan borders including the Line of Control (LoC). Also, discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Mentor comment: India’s engagement with its neighbors is crucial for navigating the complex political landscape in South Asia. India’s timely financial bailout to Sri Lanka demonstrates its commitment to regional stability, yet it also reflects the challenges of managing relationships in a volatile environment. India must respect the democratic choices of its neighbours, avoiding interference that could harm relationships, as seen in past interactions with Maldivian leaders.
The article emphasises that India must adopt a more sustained and nuanced approach to engagement with its neighbours to support democratic processes and counter external influences effectively. India’s developmental support is a vital tool for fostering goodwill and stability in the region, as seen in its projects that have benefited local populations.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India requires “more sustained engagement” with neighbours to navigate the complex political landscape, implying its current level of engagement is insufficient to fully shape outcomes.
India sometimes overestimates its influence in its neighbourhood for a few key reasons:
Political Crises in Bangladesh and Maldives: In cases like Bangladesh and Maldives, India failed to anticipate political changes and did not engage sufficiently with new governments. This shows India misjudged the situation and its influence.
Financial Crises in Sri Lanka: While India has had some successes, like bailing out Sri Lanka financially, events have often spiraled out of its control in places like Myanmar and Bangladesh. This indicates limitations to India’s regional influence.
Afghanistan’s Taliban: India anticipated the Taliban’s return but was sidelined by the U.S. in engagement efforts, now facing fallout.
Myanmar’s Military Rule: The military regained control in February 2021, complicating India’s position as conflict spills into its northeastern states.
When things go wrong in the neighborhood, India engages in “unwarranted self-flagellation“, believing it could have prevented negative outcomes if it had acted differently. This suggests India credits itself too much in its ability to shape events.
What is India’s Response to Neighborhood Challenges?
India’s missteps and misjudgments have cost it in some cases, while events have spiraled out of control in others due to external factors.
India has provided a financial bailout to Sri Lanka, has engaged patiently with the new Maldivian government, expressed willingness to work with the Taliban in Afghanistan, and re-extended friendship with Nepal.
Myanmar and Bangladesh pose serious challenges given their centrality to India’s interests.
In Myanmar, India needs to engage with ethnic groups in addition to the military and NLD to prevent civil war.
With Bangladesh, India requires a new understanding with parties, including those unfavorable to India, to keep external anti-India forces at bay.
Strategies for India to Strengthen Ties with the New Maldivian Government:
•Engage proactively: India should have engaged with President Mohamed Muizzu earlier, instead of being caught off guard by his huge election win in 2024. •Respect democratic processes: India should respect the democratic choices of the Maldivian people, and interfering in internal affairs or pressuring leaders can backfire, as seen with President Nasheed in 2008-12. •Expand cooperation areas: India should explore new avenues like trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people ties can strengthen the relationship. •Maintain bipartisan outreach: India has built bridges across the political spectrum in Sri Lanka, while a similar approach in the Maldives can help India navigate political transitions smoothly. •Leverage developmental support: India can continue to provide aid and implement projects that benefit the Maldivian people can deepen goodwill. •Coordinate with allies: India should coordinate its Maldives policy with allies like the United States, Japan, and European nations. This collective influence can make India’s outreach more effective.
Conclusion:
India’s developmental support has been underestimated as a bedrock for fostering closer ties with neighbours and their people. India needs more sustained engagement with its neighbours to navigate the complex political landscape and support democratic processes.
The Union Cabinet approved a new Unified Pension Scheme for Central government employees, set to launch on April 1, 2025, benefiting 23 lakh employees.
What are the main features of the Unified Pension Scheme?
Assured Pension: Employees will receive half of their average basic pay from the last 12 months of service as a monthly pension, provided they have served at least 25 years. A minimum pension of ₹10,000 is guaranteed for those with at least 10 years of service.
Family Pension: Dependents will receive 60% of the government worker’s pension upon their demise (death of a person).
Inflation Adjustment: Pension incomes will be adjusted for inflation, similar to the dearness relief provided to current employees.
Lump Sum Superannuation Payout: A lump sum equivalent to 1/10th of an employee’s salary and dearness allowance for every six months of service, in addition to gratuity benefits.
Contributory Mechanism: Employees will contribute 10% of their salary to the pension pool, while the government will contribute 18.5%.
How is it different from the current pension system?
Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Provided an assured pension at 50% of the last drawn salary with no contributions required from employees.
It also offered an additional pension for pensioners above 80 years and adjustments based on Pay Commission recommendations.
National Pension System (NPS): Introduced in 2004, it was a defined contribution scheme with 10% contributions from both employees and the government, but without guaranteed pension amounts.
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Combines the assured pension model of OPS with the contributory mechanism of NPS, but with a higher government contribution (18.5%) and a guarantee of certain pension benefits.
Why did the government feel the need to bring about this change?
Employee Dissatisfaction with NPS: Government employees, especially those who joined post-2004 under the NPS, were dissatisfied with the uncertainty in pension incomes compared to their predecessors under the OPS.
Political and Electoral Considerations: The issue became politically sensitive, with opposition parties promising to revert to OPS in some states, prompting the central government to address these concerns.
Balancing Aspirations with Fiscal Prudence: The government aimed to find a middle ground that would satisfy employees while maintaining fiscal discipline.
How have government employees responded?
Positive Reception: Government employees have largely welcomed the UPS as it addresses concerns with the NPS by reintroducing assured pension benefits and increasing the government’s contribution, offering greater financial security in retirement.
Reservations: Despite the positive aspects, there are concerns about the continued contributory nature of the scheme and the absence of a commutation option, with employees seeking more clarity on these issues.
What will be the cost to the exchequer?
Immediate Costs: The UPS is expected to cost an additional ₹7,050 crore this year due to the higher government contribution and arrears for some employees.
Future Financial Impact: While the initial impact will be the additional 4.5% contribution from the government, the assured pensions will increase future government liabilities. However, economists believe this can be managed through higher revenue growth and can be compared to the impact of Pay Commission revisions.
Way forward:
Ensure Clear Communication and Transparency: The government should provide detailed guidelines and clarify any remaining ambiguities about the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
Plan for Long-Term Fiscal Sustainability: To manage the increased financial burden from the UPS, the government should incorporate these commitments into its fiscal planning, potentially exploring new revenue sources to maintain fiscal prudence while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension scheme.
The fight between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemayti (“My Protector”), has caused severe destruction in Sudan.
Historical Background of Sudan
Civil Strife and Governance: Sudan has a history of civil strife, marked by 15 military coups and two civil wars since its independence in 1956, resulting in 1.5 million deaths and the secession of South Sudan in 2011. The conflict in Darfur has been particularly notable, involving the Janjaweed militia and leading to over 200,000 deaths and millions displaced.
Current Crisis Genesis: The ongoing conflict is rooted in the 30 years of autocratic rule by Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who was overthrown in 2019. The subsequent attempts to establish a civilian government failed, culminating in a military coup in October 2021, which led to the current armed conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) starting on April 15, 2023.
Global Power Competition and Regional Powers Influence
Foreign Involvement: Sudan’s conflict has drawn significant foreign interest due to its strategic location and natural resources. Egypt supports the SAF, while Iran backs the SAF despite its rivalry with Egypt. The UAE has emerged as the primary supporter of the RSF, providing weapons and resources. Russia’s Wagner Group has also supported the RSF, while the Kremlin seeks a naval base in Port Sudan.
Geopolitical Dynamics: The conflict has created complex alliances, with countries like Chad and Libya also involved. Mercenaries from various regions, including South Sudan and Ukraine, have joined the fray, complicating the conflict further.
Sudan and Syria Issue:
Humanitarian Crisis: Sudan’s crisis is particularly acute due to its strategic location and resource wealth, leading to a massive displacement crisis, with over 10 million people displaced since April 2023
Parallel Conflicts: Both Sudan and Syria have experienced severe internal conflicts driven by authoritarian regimes, regional power plays, and foreign interventions, leading to widespread human suffering and instability.
India’s Strategic Considerations:
Economic Interests: India’s trade with Sudan reached $2,034 million in 2022-23, with a significant trade surplus. India has also invested heavily in Sudan’s oil sector, with cumulative investments worth $2.3 billion.
Historical Ties: India has maintained strong people-to-people ties with Sudan, including educational exchanges and medical tourism. President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s visit in 2003 reinforced these relations.
Humanitarian and Diplomatic Engagement: India evacuated its nationals early in the conflict, but the ongoing crisis may require continued diplomatic and humanitarian engagement to protect its broader interests in the region.
Way forward:
Strengthen Multilateral Diplomacy: India should collaborate with international bodies like the UN and the African Union to promote peace initiatives in Sudan, leveraging its neutral position to mediate and support conflict resolution efforts that safeguard regional stability and its strategic interests.
Expand Humanitarian and Development Aid: India can bolster its humanitarian assistance, focusing on essential services like healthcare and education, while also exploring opportunities for post-conflict reconstruction projects, ensuring long-term economic engagement and goodwill in Sudan.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has invited inputs to ensure that policies and initiatives regarding the LGBTQI+ community are inclusive and effective.
Who are the LGBTQ+?
It is an umbrella term used to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex.
LGBTQI+ people represent a subset of individuals among the broader category of sexual and gender diverse individuals.
Sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) is diverse and spans cultures across the world.
Various policy initiatives for LGBTQI+ Community:
Policy/Scheme
Details
Supreme Court Judgment on Section 377 (2018)
• Decriminalized consensual same-sex relations by ruling that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized such acts, was unconstitutional.
• Affirmed the right to privacy and equality, marking a historic victory for LGBTQI+ rights in India.
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act (2019)
• Grants legal recognition to transgender individuals, prohibits discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare, and mandates the establishment of a national and state-level transgender welfare board.
• Ensures protection of transgender rights, and access to welfare benefits, and facilitates legal recognition and equality.
National Portal for Transgender Persons (2020)
• An online platform launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for applying for a transgender certificate and identity card.
• Streamlines the legal recognition process, enabling transgender individuals to obtain official documentation more easily.
SMILE Scheme (2021)
• “Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises” Central Sector scheme.
• Provides financial assistance and support for the livelihood and enterprise development of marginalized individuals and beggars, including members of the LGBTQI+ community.
PYQ:
[2023] Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.
![[2nd September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A silent democratic backlash in South Asia](https://www.civilsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2-Sep-1568x882.jpg)