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GS Paper: GS2

  • Ram Madhav writes: New India’s diplomacy – nimble and forthright

    Ram Madhav writes: New India's diplomacy – nimble and forthright | The Indian Express

    Central idea

    India’s foreign policy has evolved, becoming more assertive and nimble. Smart oneliners and proactive diplomacy define its approach, gaining global recognition. Challenges include countering forces threatening India’s integrity, and the focus is on strategic autonomy and assertive engagement on the world stage.

    Key Highlights:

    • Diplomatic Nimbleness: Diplomacy requires swift actions and nimbleness, moving away from decades of numbness and indecision in India’s foreign policy.
    • Policy Shift in the Last Decade: India’s foreign policy underwent a significant shift in the last decade, marked by assertiveness, smart oneliners, and firm actions.
    • Global Recognition: India’s articulation on the world stage, including smart oneliners, gained global recognition and forced the world to take notice of its diplomatic stance.
    • Strategic Autonomy: India’s foreign policy is now characterized by strategic autonomy, resolute responses, and a willingness to take risks.
    • Jaishankar’s Diplomacy Principles: Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s straightforward oneliners have become essential principles in bilateral and international diplomacy.
    • India-China Relations: Jaishankar’s emphasis on “mutual sensitivity, mutual respect, and mutual interest” forms the basis for the new bilateralism between India and China.
    • Doklam and Eastern Ladakh Standoffs: India’s proactive diplomacy combined with strong ground posturing in Doklam and Eastern Ladakh showcased a policy shift in dealing with such situations.
    • Response to Canadian Accusations: India’s determined response to Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s accusations demonstrated the country’s resolve in the face of baseless allegations.
    • Expectations from Allies: India, as the world’s largest democracy, expects friendly countries not to allow their territory to be misused by forces threatening its integrity.

    Key Challenges:

    • Misuse of Territory: India faces challenges from forces openly threatening its dismemberment and seeking shelter in other countries, leading to expectations that allies act against such forces.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Smart Oneliners: Brief and impactful statements by leaders shaping important diplomatic principles.
    • Proactive Diplomacy: Taking initiative in diplomatic efforts to address challenges.
    • Strategic Autonomy: Ability to make independent decisions in alignment with national interests.
    • Bilateralism: Development of relationships and cooperation between two countries.
    • Policy Shift: Significant change in the approach and principles of foreign policy.

    Key Quotes:

    • “Smart oneliners” by leaders, far from being abstruse, turned out to be important policy mantras.
    • “Today’s era is not of war,” resonated well with world leaders, finding its way into the G-20 declaration in 2022.

    Key Statements:

    • India’s leadership stands shoulder-to-shoulder with leading global powers, making PM Modi and FM Jaishankar influential figures in world diplomacy.

    Key Examples and References:

    • India’s response to Canadian accusations demonstrated its determination and refusal to accept baseless allegations.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • India’s foreign policy marked by strategic autonomy, resolute responses, and a willingness to take risks.
    • India’s proactive diplomacy in Doklam and Eastern Ladakh showcased a policy shift in dealing with international challenges.

    Critical Analysis:

    • India’s nimble and forthright diplomacy brings a new assertiveness on the world stage.
    • The shift towards proactive diplomacy and smart oneliners has garnered global recognition and respect.
    • India’s expectations from allies to act against forces threatening its integrity underline its diplomatic priorities.

    Way Forward:

    • Continue proactive diplomacy and assertive foreign policy to protect national interests.
    • Collaborate with allies to address challenges posed by forces threatening India’s integrity.
    • Maintain strategic autonomy while actively engaging with global powers in diplomatic initiatives.
    • Leverage the influence gained on the world stage to further India’s interests and contribute to global stability.

  • Is the emerging global order bipolar?

     

    The Emerging Global Order Bipolar

    Central idea

    The world order is shifting, with the U.S. leading but China rising fast. India needs to navigate complex relations, address internal challenges, and focus on economic and military growth for a strong role globally. Amid global conflicts, balancing alliances is crucial for India’s position in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

    Key Highlights:

    • Global Order Dynamics: Shifting landscape with China’s rise, Russian challenges, and the emergence of middle powers like India.
    • Asymmetric Bipolarity: Viewing the world order as asymmetric bipolarity, where the U.S. remains pre-eminent but China rapidly advances.
    • China’s Impact: Unprecedented economic and military growth redefines international power dynamics.

    Key Challenges:

    • Russia-China Nexus: The war in Ukraine strengthens Russia-China ties, posing strategic challenges for India.
    • Global Security Complexities: Conflicts in Eastern Europe and West Asia contribute to a multifaceted global security landscape.
    • Diplomatic Maneuvering: Navigating complex relations with the U.S., China, and Russia amid evolving global power dynamics.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Asymmetric Bipolarity: Understanding the dynamics of uneven power distribution in the current world order.
    • People’s Power: The 21st century characterized by unprecedented connectivity, interactions, and global integration.
    • Military-Industrial Complex: The influence of industries producing destructive weapons on global violence.
    • Two-Front Dilemma: China’s strategic challenge, facing pressures in the Western Pacific and the Line of Actual Control.
    Key Quotes and Anecdotes for extra marks:

     

    “The present world order is in a state of flux, with asymmetric bipolarity as a defining feature.”

    “China’s GDP growth from $300 billion in 1990 to $19.3 trillion today is a historic shift in global power dynamics.”

    “India must acknowledge China as a long-term competitor, addressing power asymmetry through comprehensive national growth.”

    “Global violence is fueled by the military-industrial complex spreading instruments of death and destruction.”

    Key Statements and Examples:

    • Russia’s Pivot: Economic sanctions and the Ukraine conflict drive Russia towards closer ties with China.
    • India’s Diplomatic Complexities: Balancing trade ties with China and managing strategic challenges with the U.S. and Russia.
    • China’s Economic Surge: Unprecedented GDP growth influencing global power dynamics and necessitating India’s strategic response.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • China’s GDP Growth: A remarkable shift from $300 billion to $19.3 trillion in the last four decades.
    • India-China Trade: Standing at $138 billion, showcasing the intricate nature of bilateral relations.
    • War in Ukraine: Ongoing for the past 20 months, contributing to evolving geopolitical dynamics.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Recognition of Asymmetric Bipolarity: Acknowledging and adapting to the current world order’s uneven power distribution.
    • Comprehensive National Growth: Emphasizing India’s need to strengthen its comprehensive national power amid power asymmetry with China.
    • Global Relations Management: Recognizing and addressing challenges in India’s diplomatic strategy amidst evolving global dynamics.

    Way Forward:

    • Internal Strengthening: Addressing internal fault lines, fostering societal cohesiveness, and focusing on comprehensive national growth.
    • Strategic External Balancing: Balancing relations with the U.S. to maintain China’s two-front dilemma and preserving India’s strategic autonomy.
    • Advocacy for Global Disarmament: Addressing the root issue of the military-industrial complex, promoting global disarmament for a more peaceful world.

  • Gujral Doctrine of Foreign Policy and its Significance

    Gujral Doctrine

    Central Idea: Remembering IK Gujral

    • Date: November 30 marks the 11th death anniversary of IK Gujral, India’s 12th Prime Minister.
    • Tenure: Gujral’s tenure as Prime Minister was less than a year, often overshadowed in discussions about India’s heads of government.
    • Unique Contribution: He is notably recognized for the ‘Gujral Doctrine’, a distinctive foreign policy approach named after him.

    Understanding the Gujral Doctrine

    • Background: Before becoming Prime Minister, Gujral served as the External Affairs Minister twice, during which he formulated his foreign policy approach.
    • Five Principles: Outlined in a speech at Chatham House, London, the doctrine emphasized-
    1. Non-reciprocity in relations with neighbors like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka,
    2. Non-use of territory against each other,
    3. Non-interference in internal affairs,
    4. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and
    5. Peaceful bilateral negotiations for dispute resolution.
    • Exclusion of Pakistan: Notably, Pakistan was not included in the list of countries for non-reciprocal relations.
    • Philosophy: The doctrine was based on leveraging India’s size and influence in South East Asia through a non-domineering attitude and continuous dialogue, even with Pakistan.

    Successes of the Gujral Doctrine

    • Strengthening Regional Trust: The doctrine enhanced trust and cooperation with India’s neighbors.
    • Key Achievements: Notable successes include the signing of a 30-year water treaty with Bangladesh and positive developments in relations with Bhutan and Nepal.
    • Legacy: Successive Prime Ministers, despite differing political ideologies, continued to follow aspects of this doctrine.

    Criticism and Limitations

    • Perceived Leniency: Gujral faced criticism for being too lenient, particularly towards Pakistan, potentially leaving India vulnerable to future threats.
    • Perception in Pakistan: Some in Pakistan viewed the doctrine as an Indian strategy to isolate Islamabad.

    Gujral’s Personal Influence on the Doctrine

    • Background: Born in undivided Punjab and a participant in the freedom struggle, Gujral was known for his politeness and firmness in politics.
    • Stance during the Emergency: As Information Minister, he reportedly resisted Sanjay Gandhi’s orders to stifle the press.
    • International Relations Stance: Gujral was outspoken in his views, notably critiquing Britain’s suggestion to mediate over Kashmir.

    Legacy in India’s Foreign Policy

    • Impact on India’s Foreign Policy: Gujral’s approach left a lasting influence on India’s foreign policy, particularly in its relations with neighboring countries.
    • Recognition and Remembrance: His doctrine is remembered as a significant contribution to India’s diplomatic strategy, reflecting his understanding of regional dynamics and India’s role in South East Asia.

    Conclusion

    • The Gujral Doctrine stands as a testament to IK Gujral’s diplomatic acumen and his vision for India’s role in its immediate neighborhood.
    • His approach, emphasizing cooperation, non-reciprocity, and dialogue, continues to influence India’s foreign policy decisions and its relationships with neighboring countries.

  • US Allegations on India in Terrorist Execution Plot

    terror

    Central Idea

    • US Allegations: The US has implicated an Indian official in a plot to assassinate a Khalistani terrorist, raising serious concerns for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
    • Indian Government’s Stance: While the MEA acknowledges the gravity of the situation, it refutes the claims of the Indian diplomat’s involvement.

    Backdrop and Timing of the Allegations

    • Concurrent Events: The indictment period coincided with PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the G7 and Quad leaders’ summit and the India-US Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap’s conclusion.
    • Profile of the Accused Official: Described as a “Senior Field Officer” with a background in security management, intelligence, and military training, the official is also noted to have served in the Central Reserve Police Force.

    terror

    Pre-Indictment Measures by India

    • Proactive Steps: Anticipating the indictment, India formed a high-level inquiry committee on November 18.
    • Committee Composition: Likely includes officials from intelligence, investigative, law enforcement agencies, and the MEA.
    • Prior Diplomatic Engagements: The indictment followed months of diplomatic and intelligence discussions between the US and India, including meetings between US NSA Jake Sullivan and NSA Ajit Doval, and CIA Director William Burns’ visit to India.

    India’s Diplomatic Response

    • Contrast with Canada’s Allegations: India’s response contrasts with its reaction to Canada’s allegations regarding the killing of another Khalistani separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, where it accused Canada of being a “safe haven” for extremists.
    • Previous Incident with the US: Recalls the 2013 incident involving Devyani Khobragade (IFS), which led to diplomatic tensions but was later resolved.
    • Current Approach: India is showing restraint, prioritizing its relationship with the US, and aiming to prevent the situation from escalating into a diplomatic crisis.

    US-India Relations: A Complex Dynamic

    • Strategic and Values-Based Partnership: The relationship has evolved over decades, marked by significant trade and strategic interests, and a debate over shared values versus strategic interests.
    • Historical Perspective: The relationship has weathered various challenges, including the Nixon-Kissinger era, nuclear tests sanctions, and the Indo-US nuclear deal.

    Way Forward

    • Commitment to Investigation: India’s thorough investigation is crucial for maintaining its credibility and managing its relationship with the US.
    • Extradition Considerations: India must question why the US is not keen on extraditing a man facing terror charges to India.
    • Global Diplomatic Impact: The outcome will affect India’s relations with the “Five Eyes” intelligence partner countries.
    • India’s reputation: India’s reputation as a consistent and credible power is at stake, necessitating a wise and principled approach.

    Conclusion: Navigating a Diplomatic Tightrope

    • The Indian government faces a delicate diplomatic challenge in addressing the US allegations.
    • Balancing national integrity with maintaining robust international relations, especially with a key partner like the United States, is crucial for India’s diplomatic posture and global standing.

  • Narendra Modi writes: India’s G20 presidency, for the world

    Narendra Modi writes: India's G20 presidency, for the world | The Indian Express

    Note for students: The writer is Prime Minister of India hence there is high possibility UPSC may use this for prelims, mains, interview and essay be aware and alert for these kind of highly valuable articles.

    Central idea

    India’s G20 presidency prioritized inclusivity, sustainable development, and climate action, offering an alternative to GDP-centric progress. The emphasis on the Global South’s concerns and achievements in digital infrastructure collaboration marked a departure from the status quo.

    Key Highlights:

    • India’s G20 presidency focused on inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive strategies.
    • Inclusivity was a central theme, integrating the African Union and emphasizing the Global South’s concerns.
    • India introduced the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and a Green Development Pact for sustainable progress.
    • The G20 2023 Action Plan targeted SDGs, with a special emphasis on health, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
    • Commitment to climate justice, equity, and significant financial support for developing countries were key features.

    Key Challenges:

    • Addressing conflicts, competition, and declining multilateralism.
    • Balancing development cooperation amid geopolitical tensions.
    • Navigating the transition from GDP-centric to human-centric progress.
    • Mobilizing substantial resources for climate and development financing.

    Key Terms:

    • Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
    • New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD)
    • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
    • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
    • Green Development Pact
    • Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE)
    • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
    • Multilateral Development Banks

    Key Phrases:

    • “One Earth, One Family, One Future”
    • “Voice of the Global South Summit”
    • “People’s Presidency”
    • “Jan Bhagidari” (People’s participation)
    • “Digital Public Infrastructure Repository”
    • “Tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030”
    • “Climate justice and equity”
    • “Women’s Reservation Bill 2023”
    Key Quotes

     

    For value addition of mains answer they may come as essay topics as they are written by pm of our country. UPSC is very keen on selecting such type of content be focused and revise this article multiple times.

     

    “The interests of the few had to give way to the aspirations of the many.”

    “For the first time, there was a recognition of the quantum jump needed in the magnitude of development financing.”

    “It revitalised multilateralism, amplified the voice of the Global South, championed development, and fought for the empowerment of women everywhere.”

     

     

     

    Key Statements:

    • “Inclusivity has been at the heart of our presidency.”
    • “India sought to offer the world an alternative to the status quo, a shift from a GDP-centric to human-centric progress.”
    • “India’s Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 epitomizes our commitment to women-led development.”
    • “India’s G20 achieved 87 outcomes and 118 adopted documents, a marked rise from the past.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • The inclusion of the African Union in the G20.
    • ‘Voice of the Global South Summit.’
    • Digital innovations like Aadhaar, UPI, and Digilocker.
    • G20’s emphasis on climate-conscious consumption and planet-friendly production.
    • India’s leading role in UN reforms.

    Key Facts:

    • G20 achieved 87 outcomes and 118 adopted documents during India’s presidency.
    • The G20 Declaration calls for tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
    • India’s Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 reserves one-third of parliamentary and state legislative assembly seats for women.
    • Developing countries require $5.9 trillion to fulfill their NDCs by 2030.

    Key Data:

    • The G20 reached 1.4 billion citizens through “Jan Bhagidari” events.

    Critical Analysis:

    India’s G20 presidency successfully navigated challenges, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainable development, and climate action. The presidency revitalized multilateralism and amplified the voice of the Global South, marking a significant shift in the global narrative.

    Way Forward:

    • Sustaining the momentum of inclusivity and global collaboration.
    • Implementing the G20 2023 Action Plan for accelerated progress on SDGs.
    • Continued advocacy for climate justice, equity, and financial support for developing nations.
    • Strengthening the role of Multilateral Development Banks for effective development financing.
    • Advancing UN reforms for a more equitable global order.

  • Broadcast regulation 3.0, commissions and omissions

     

    PIB India on X: "Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Proposes Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 The draft Bill provides for a consolidated framework to regulate the broadcasting services in the country and

    Central idea

    India’s Broadcasting Services Bill aims at regulating broadcasting comprehensively, introducing positive steps like audience data transparency and competition in terrestrial broadcasting. However, concerns arise over privacy, jurisdictional conflicts with OTT regulation, and lack of measures on ownership and an independent regulator.

    Key Highlights:

    • The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill aims to regulate broadcasting comprehensively, marking the third attempt since 1997.
    • Positive propositions include obligations for record-keeping, audience measurement transparency, and allowing private actors in terrestrial broadcasting.

    Key Concerns:

    • Lack of privacy safeguards for subscriber and audience data in data collection practices.
    • Inclusion of Over-the-Top (OTT) content suppliers in the definition of broadcasting creates jurisdictional conflicts and poses threats to smaller news outlets.

    Positive Provisions Requiring Refinement:

    • Obligation for maintaining records of subscriber data.
    • Stipulation of a methodology for audience measurement.
    • Provision to permit private actors in terrestrial broadcasting.

    Apprehensions:

    • Expanded definition of broadcasting may limit conditions for journalists and news outlets not part of large television networks.
    • The mandate for a ‘Content Evaluation Committee’ to self-certify news programming raises feasibility and desirability concerns.

    Crucial Silences in the Bill:

    • Lack of measures to assess cross-media and vertical ownership impacts diversity in the news marketplace.
    • Absence of provisions for creating an independent broadcast regulator.

    Government Empowerment and Intrusive Mechanisms:

    • The Bill grants the government leeway to inspect broadcasters without prior intimation, impound equipment, and curtail broadcasting in “public interest.”
    • Violations of the Programme Code and Advertisement Code could result in deleting or modifying content.

    Concerns Regarding Broadcast Advisory Council:

    • Doubts about the Council’s capacity to address grievances raised by over 800 million TV viewers.
    • Lack of autonomy for the Council, as the Central government has the ultimate decision-making authority.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Over-the-Top (OTT) content suppliers
    • National Broadcasting Policy
    • Content Evaluation Committee
    • Vertical integration
    • Broadcast Advisory Council.

    Key Statements:

    • Privacy concerns arise due to the Bill’s lack of guardrails for subscriber and audience data collection practices.
    • The absence of measures to assess cross-media and vertical ownership impacts the diversity of news suppliers.
    • The Bill’s silence on creating an independent broadcast regulator is a significant omission.

    Key Examples and References:

    • The Bill is part of a series of attempts to regulate broadcasting, following initiatives in 1997 and 2007.
    • TRAI’s ‘National Broadcasting Policy’ proposes including OTT content suppliers in the definition of broadcasting services.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Lack of specifics on cross-media and vertical ownership in the Bill impedes diversity in the news marketplace.
    • No provisions for an independent broadcast regulator, with the proposal for a ‘Broadcast Advisory Council.’

    Critical Analysis:

    • The potential positive provisions of the Bill require refinement, particularly concerning privacy protection and oversight bodies for news outlets.
    • Intrusive mechanisms grant significant power to the government, posing concerns about press freedom and external pressure on news suppliers.

    Way Forward:

    • The Bill must address jurisdictional conflicts, incorporate privacy safeguards, and reconsider intrusive provisions for effective and balanced regulation.
    • Protection of press freedom and diversity should be prioritized through fine-tuning potentially positive provisions and addressing omissions.

  • Invisible Indians – sex workers, bar dancers, trans men and women – and lessons for AIDS epidemic

    Overview: Living Conditions of Sex-Workers in India — Ylcube

    Central idea

    The article on World AIDS Day sheds light on the neglected lives of Mumbai’s marginalized communities, emphasizing lessons from the HIV epidemic. It calls for grassroots engagement, holistic healthcare solutions, and dignity-centered public health strategies.

    Key Highlights:

    • Forgotten Narratives: Reflecting on the lives of marginalized communities in Mumbai on World AIDS Day.
    • Overlooked Wisdom: Emphasizing the resilience of sex workers, bar dancers, and trans individuals.
    • Lessons from the Epidemic: Drawing insights from the HIV epidemic and its impact on these communities.

    Key Challenges:

    • Information Gap: Sub-standard public awareness efforts leading to misinformation.
    • Access Barriers: Discrimination preventing vulnerable communities from accessing healthcare.
    • Top-Down Struggles: Ineffectiveness of top-down approaches in understanding diverse high-risk communities.

    Key Terms:

    • Grassroots Engagement: Involving local communities in decision-making and solutions.
    • Holistic Solutions: Addressing issues comprehensively, considering social, economic, and cultural contexts.
    • Stigma and Discrimination: Negative attitudes and actions directed towards marginalized groups.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Forgotten Narratives“: Bringing attention to the overlooked stories of marginalized communities.
    • “Grassroots Wisdom”: Advocating for effective health interventions through community involvement.
    • “Holistic Approach”: Moving beyond traditional health services for comprehensive solutions.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Walks in Mumbai’s Shadows: Personal anecdotes from journeys with marginalized groups.
    • Voices of Resilience: Quotes sharing insights on life, disease, and discrimination.
    • Epidemic Lessons: Reference to valuable knowledge gained during the HIV epidemic.

    Experts Warn of a Return of the AIDS Epidemic

    Key Facts:

    • Call for Collective Action: Emphasizing the need for public trust and stakeholder involvement.
    • Investment in Health: Recognizing the commitment of poor and vulnerable populations to their well-being.
    • Activism’s Role: Highlighting activism as essential for equitable and accessible healthcare.
    Key Quotes, Anecdotes, Key Statements for good marks
     
    “Even the best strategies falter without grassroots engagement.”
    “The key to ending an epidemic lay in uniting diverse high-risk groups, combating stigma and discrimination.”
    “Conversations with these communities illuminated the multidimensional aspects of human sexuality, desire, and behavior change.”
    “Every issue had human, economic, and social dimensions.”
    “Activism is the kernel around which change can grow. In India, even today, marginalized groups face mistreatment, and it is activism that can make care equitable and accessible.”
    “Health must come with dignity and empowerment.”
    “They certainly gave me life lessons in self-respect, desire, and love.”

    Critical Analysis:

    • Emotional Impact: Personal anecdotes and quotes enhance the emotional connection to the narrative.
    • Advocacy for Change: Effectively advocates for a shift towards inclusive, grassroots-centered health strategies.
    • Learnings from Marginalized: Stresses the importance of learning from marginalized communities for effective healthcare solutions.

    Way Forward:

    • Dignity-Centered Strategies: Calls for strategies prioritizing dignity, equity, and grassroots engagement.
    • Community Learning: Emphasizes the value of understanding and incorporating lessons from marginalized communities in public health interventions.

     

  • Women’s political empowerment — more talk, less action

     

    Women's Reservation Bill: A Long Road Ahead - Civilsdaily

    Central Idea

    Political empowerment of women in India faces challenges despite the 2023 women reservation Act, with recent Assembly elections showing inadequate efforts by political parties to field more women candidates.

    Key Highlights:

    • Two routes for women’s political empowerment: legislative reservation and quotas within political parties.
    • Examples from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan using legislative reservation.
    • Countries like Australia, Canada, South Africa, and Sweden achieve women’s representation without legislatively-backed quotas.
    • In India, the 2023 Act reserves 33% seats for women in State Assemblies and Parliament.
    • Despite the Act, recent Assembly elections show insufficient commitment from political parties.

    Key Challenges:

    • In Madhya Pradesh, BJP and Congress fielded 28 and 30 women candidates, respectively, out of 230 seats after the Act.
    • Telangana sees minimal increase, with BJP and Congress fielding 12 women candidates each out of 119 seats.
    • No party in any state reaches the mandated 33% mark for women candidates.
    • Despite innovative moves like Congress reserving 40% seats in UP in 2022, overall progress is lacking.
    • TMC’s success in Odisha and West Bengal suggests regional parties are more proactive in women’s political representation.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Act passed in Lok Sabha with significant majority, only two opposing members.
    • In Uttar Pradesh 2022 elections, Congress reserved 40% seats for women, a bold move.
    • BJD and TMC’s success in Odisha and West Bengal elections with more women candidates.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The Act, though commendable, looks good on paper due to its linkage with delimitation after 2026.
    • Regional parties like TMC have shown commitment and won with more women candidates, questioning the reluctance of national parties.

    Way Forward:

    • National and regional parties need to demonstrate genuine commitment to women’s political empowerment by increasing the number of women candidates.
    • Learning from the success of regional parties like TMC, other political entities should actively promote and support women in politics.
    • Continuous monitoring and public discourse can encourage political parties to fulfill their commitment to women’s representation.

    While the enactment of the 2023 women reservation Act is a positive step, recent Assembly elections reveal a gap between legislation and action, with political parties showing reluctance to genuinely empower women in politics. Continuous efforts and monitoring are crucial for bridging this gap and ensuring meaningful representation.

  • The challenge of maritime security in the Global South

    The challenge of maritime security in the Global South - The Hindu

    Central idea 

    The article underscores the evolving challenges in the maritime domain, emphasizing the shift from traditional military approaches to a developmental model for maritime security. It highlights the need for collaboration among developing nations to address unconventional threats, such as illegal fishing and climate change, while acknowledging the reluctance to prioritize collective action over political and strategic autonomy.

    Key Highlights:

    • Evolution of Maritime Challenges: New dimensions in hard security challenges, including asymmetrical tactics and grey-zone warfare. Use of land attack missiles and combat drones reshaping the security landscape.
    • Shift in Demand for Maritime Security: Growing demand from states facing unconventional threats such as illegal fishing, natural disasters, and climate change. Need for a broader approach beyond military means to address diverse maritime challenges.
    • India’s Developmental Approach: Maritime Vision 2030 focuses on economic growth and livelihood generation through port, shipping, and inland waterway development. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative with seven pillars, including maritime ecology, marine resources, and disaster risk reduction.

    New Threats in Maritime Domain:

    • Recent developments include Ukraine’s asymmetrical tactics and China’s maritime militias, indicating a shift to improvised strategies.
    • Emerging threats involve grey-zone warfare, land attack missiles, and combat drones.

    Demand for Maritime Security:

    • Majority of recent demand stems from unconventional threats like illegal fishing, natural disasters, and climate change.
    • Addressing these challenges requires commitment of capital, resources, and specialized personnel.

    Global South’s Perspective:

    • Developing nations perceive Indo-Pacific competition among powerful nations as detrimental to their interests.
    • Challenges involve interconnected objectives in national, environmental, economic, and human security.

    Challenges in Global South:

    • Rising sea levels, marine pollution, climate change disproportionately impact less developed states, leading to vulnerability.
    • Unequal law-enforcement capabilities and lack of security coordination hinder joint efforts against maritime threats.

    Creative Models for Maritime Security:

    • Maritime security transcends military actions, focusing on generating prosperity and meeting societal aspirations.
    • India’s Maritime Vision 2030 emphasizes port, shipping, and inland waterway development for economic growth.
    • Dhaka’s Indo-Pacific document and Africa’s Blue Economy concept align with a developmental approach.

    Fight Against Illegal Fishing:

    • Significant challenge in Asia and Africa marked by a surge in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
    • Faulty policies encouraging destructive methods like bottom trawling and seine fishing contribute to the problem.

    India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative:

    • Encompasses seven pillars, including maritime ecology, marine resources, capacity building, and disaster risk reduction.
    • Advocates collective solutions for shared problems, garnering support from major Indo-Pacific states.

    Challenges in Achieving Consensus:

    • Implementation of collaborative strategy faces hurdles in improving interoperability, intelligence sharing, and establishing a regional rules-based order.
    • Balancing sovereignty and strategic independence remains a priority for many nations, hindering consensus.

    Key Challenges:

    • Complexity of Unconventional Threats: Conventional military approaches insufficient; requires capital, resources, and specialist personnel. Challenges include illegal fishing, marine pollution, human trafficking, and climate change.
    • Global South’s Coordination Challenges: Unequal law-enforcement capabilities and lack of security coordination among littoral states. Reluctance to prioritize collective action due to varying security priorities and autonomy concerns.
    • Vulnerability of Less Developed States: Disproportionate impact of rising sea levels, marine pollution, and climate change on less developed states. Vulnerability stemming from inadequate resources to combat environmental and security challenges.
    • Lack of Consensus and Reluctance: Reluctance among littoral states to pursue concrete solutions and collaborate. Paradox of non-traditional maritime security, where collective issues clash with political and strategic autonomy.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Grey-Zone Warfare: Tactics that fall between peace and war, creating ambiguity in conflict situations.
    • Asymmetrical Tactics: Strategies that exploit an opponent’s weaknesses rather than confronting strengths directly.
    • Maritime Vision 2030: India’s 10-year blueprint for economic growth in the maritime sector.
    • Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic development.
    • Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative: India’s initiative with pillars like maritime ecology, marine resources, and disaster risk reduction.
    • IUU Fishing: Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
    • Bottom Trawling and Seine Fishing: Destructive fishing methods contributing to illegal fishing.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Ukraine’s Asymmetrical Tactics: Utilization of unconventional strategies in the Black Sea.
    • China’s Maritime Militias: Deployment in the South China Sea as an example of evolving threats.
    • India’s Maritime Vision 2030: Illustrates a developmental approach to maritime security.
    • Illegal Fishing in Asia and Africa: Rising challenge with negative environmental and economic impacts.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Maritime Vision 2030: India’s 10-year plan for the maritime sector.
    • Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative: Seven-pillar initiative for collective solutions in the maritime domain.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Shift to Developmental Model: Emphasis on generating prosperity and meeting human aspirations in addition to traditional security measures.
    • Comprehensive Maritime Challenges: Recognition of diverse challenges beyond military threats, including environmental and economic goals.
    • Littoral State Reluctance: Paradox in the Global South, where collective issues clash with autonomy, hindering collaborative solutions.

    Way Forward:

    • Collaborative Strategies:Improved interoperability, intelligence sharing, and agreement on regional rules-based order.
    • Prioritizing Collective Action: Developing nations must prioritize collective action over sovereignty for effective maritime solutions.
    • Sustainable Development Goals: Prioritize sustainable development goals in littoral states, addressing challenges such as illegal fishing and climate change.

  • Rythu Bandhu Scheme suspended ahead of Elections

    Central Idea

    Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Key Facts

    • The Rythu Bandhu scheme is also known as Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS).
    • It is a welfare programme for farmers started in 2018 by the Telangana government.
    • Under the scheme, the state government provided the 58 lakh farmers in Telangana with ₹5,000 per acre of their land as a farm investment for two crops.
    • There is no ceiling on the number of acres held by a farmer.
    • So, a farmer who owns two acres of land would receive Rs 20,000 a year, whereas a farmer who owns 10 acres would receive Rs 1 lakh a year from the government.
    • This investment is made twice a year, once for kharif harvest and once for Rabi harvest.
    • It is the country’s first direct farmer investment support scheme where cash is paid directly to the beneficiary.

    Reasons for suspension

    • The election commission had allowed the disbursement of funds for the rabi harvest this season, provided they are not publicised, in accordance with the model code of conduct.
    • However, the model code was violated after the state finance minister made a public announcement of the same.