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GS Paper: GS2

  • NATO Vilnius Summit, 2023: Key Takeaways

    nato

    Central Idea

    • The Vilnius Summit held in July 2023 was significant in assessing the progress made by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the past year and preparing for future conflicts.
    • While expectations were high regarding Ukraine’s membership timeline, the summit fell short in this regard.

    About NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
    Formation Established on April 4, 1949
    Members Consists of 30 member countries
    Headquarters Located in Brussels, Belgium
    Mission Safeguard freedom and security through political and military cooperation
    Key feature: Article 5 Mutual defense provision, attack on one is an attack on all
    Operations Involved in peacekeeping and crisis management operations worldwide
    NATO-Russia Relations Complex relationship with Russia, involving cooperation and tensions
    Evolving Security Challenges Adapts to address evolving security challenges like terrorism, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare

     

    Also read:

    NATO+5 Status and India

    Key takeaways from Vilnius Summit

    (1) NATO’s Response to Threats:

    • Russian Threat: The summit communique acknowledged Russia as the most significant and direct threat to the security, peace, and stability of NATO allies in the Euro-Atlantic area.
    • Concerns over Belarus and Iran: NATO expressed concerns about Belarus providing territory and infrastructure for Russian aggression against Ukraine. It also highlighted Iran’s delivery of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

    (2) Recalibrations in the Baltic Sea:

    • Finland and Sweden’s Inclusion: The summit marked Finland’s first participation as a NATO member, while Turkey agreed to ratify Sweden’s bid to join the alliance.
    • Curbing Russian dominance: This paves the way for a strategic recalibration in the Baltic Sea region that was previously dominated by Russia.

    (3) Commitments to Ukraine:

    • Membership Timeline: Despite expectations, no concrete timeline for Ukraine’s NATO membership was provided.
    • Concrete Outcomes: Ukraine secured short-term and long-term security commitments from NATO members, including the creation of the NATO-Ukraine Council and a multi-year program to help upgrade Ukrainian forces.
    • Defense Support: Member states such as Germany, Norway, and France made commitments to support Ukraine’s defense, including financial assistance, military equipment, and bilateral security cooperation.

    (4) Concerns over China:

    • Beijing’s Threat: The summit reiterated NATO’s recognition of China as a threat to its security, interests, and values. It highlighted China’s opaque strategy, intentions, military build-up, and its support to Russia.
    • Indo-Pacific Engagement: NATO emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific region’s security, linking it to Euro-Atlantic security.

    (5) Defense Spending and Readiness:

    • Burden-Sharing: NATO acknowledged the need for increased defense spending beyond the 2 percent of GDP baseline due to the more contested security order.
    • Regional Defense Plans: Allies reached an agreement on regional defense plans to enhance the alliance’s readiness. The plans focus on upgrading forces, increasing interoperability, and addressing financial implications.

    Conclusion

    • Overall, the summit reaffirmed NATO’s relevance and strategic priorities in an evolving security landscape.

  • Marital Rape Case hearing soon: SC

    marital rape

    Central Idea

    • CJI DY Chandrachud has agreed to list a series of petitions seeking the criminalisation of marital rape for an early hearing.
    • The petitions, triggered by decisions from the Karnataka and Delhi High Courts, aim to challenge the exception in Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that currently decriminalises marital rape.

    What is Marital Rape?

    • Marital rape is the act of sexual intercourse with one’s spouse without her consent.
    • It is no different manifestation of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
    • Sex and sexual violence are different altogether irrespective of the person in intercourse.

    Why discuss this?

    • Historical Perspective: Marital rape was historically considered a right of spouses, but it is now recognized as a form of sexual abuse and domestic violence in many societies worldwide.
    • Indian Penal Code: Marital rape is not explicitly recognized as a criminal offense under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
    • Exception: Exception Two of Section 375 decriminalizes marital rape, stating that sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, who is not under 18 years of age, without her consent is not considered rape.
    • Non-Criminalization: India is one of the fifty countries that have not yet outlawed marital rape.

    Background and High Court Decisions

    • Karnataka HC: It had in April 2022 held that a husband could be charged with rape if he had forcible sexual intercourse with his wife.
    • Delhi HC: A Division Bench delivered a split verdict in May 2022 on the issue of marital rape. It struck down ‘exception two’ as unconstitutional, while another judge rejected the plea to criminalise marital rape, suggesting that any changes in the law should be addressed by the legislature.
    • Gujarat HC: Before this ruling, in 2018, the Gujarat High Court also called for a relook at the marital rape immunity but quashed the charge of rape against the married man.

    marital rape

    Justice J.S. Verma Committee Recommendations (2013)

    • It recommended the removal of the exception for marital rape.
    • It proposed that the law should specify that the “marital or other relationship between the perpetrator or victim is not a valid defence against the crimes of rape or sexual violation.”

    Key observations by Delhi High Court

    • Spousal Intimacy: The court highlighted that consent within a marriage is often given as a part of spousal intimacy, even when the will to engage may be absent.
    • Written Agreements: The court suggested that treating every such case as marital rape could result in partners having to draft detailed written agreements for survival in a marriage.
    • Burden of Evidence: The court expressed concerns about creating a detailed evidentiary record of every act of intimacy or involving a third party as a witness.
    • Marriage Obligations: The court emphasized that marriage entails obligations, including conjugal expectations, financial responsibilities, and duties towards progeny.
    • Sexual Liberty: The court noted that signs of injury on a partner may not necessarily indicate non-consensual sex but could be a result of passion in the age of sexual liberation.
    • Cruelty vs. Rape: The court stated that forced sexual intercourse between spouses cannot be treated as rape and, at most, could be considered sexual abuse under the Domestic Violence Act.

    Reasons against Criminalization

    • Traditional Views: The reluctance to criminalize non-consensual sex between married couples is attributed to traditional views of marriage.
    • Religious Doctrines: Interpretations of religious doctrines often influence the perceptions of marital relationships.
    • Gender Norms: Societal expectations of male and female sexuality and the subordination of wives to their husbands contribute to the resistance against criminalization.
    • Subjectivity: Determining consent in marital rape cases can be subjective and intricate.
    • Potential Misuse: Without adequate safeguards, criminalizing marital rape could be misused by dissatisfied wives to harass their husbands, similar to the misuse of dowry laws.
    • Judicial Burden: Criminalizing marital rape could increase the burden on the judiciary, diverting resources from other important cases.

    Arguments for Criminalization

    • Associated Violence: Marital rape is often accompanied by physical violence, making it a more dangerous form of sexual abuse.
    • Mental Harassment: Research indicates that marital rape can cause more emotional and physical harm than rape by a stranger.
    • Abusive Relationships: Marital rape is frequently part of an abusive relationship rather than a one-time event.
    • Violation of Rights: Criminalizing marital rape is seen as a violation of fundamental rights, including the right to privacy and bodily integrity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

    Challenges in Prosecuting Marital Rape

    • Lack of Awareness: Limited public awareness and reluctance of authorities to prosecute are common challenges globally.
    • Gender Norms: Societal norms that subordinate wives to their husbands make it difficult for women to recognize and report marital rape.
    • Acceptability: Prevailing social norms often prevent the acceptance of the concept of marital rape.

    Present Regulations in India

    • Indian Penal Code: The IPC criminalizes rape in most cases, but marital rape is not illegal when the woman is over 18 years of age.
    • Age of Consent: Until 2017, men married to women between 15 and 18 years old could not be convicted of rape.
    • Separated Wives: Marital rape of an adult wife who is separated, officially or unofficially, is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.
    • Domestic Violence Act: The Protection of Women From Domestic Violence Act (2005) provides married women subjected to marital rape with the right to demand financial compensation and seek shelter or aid homes.

    Way forward

    • Recognition of Rights: Sanctioning marital rape acknowledges a woman’s right to control her body and self-determination.
    • Need for Concrete Law: The absence of a clear law makes it challenging for the judiciary to decide domestic rape cases without solid evidence.
    • Balancing Rights and Duties: The judiciary should consider the rights and duties of both partners before providing a final interpretation.

  • Rajasthan minimum income Bill: provisions, what makes it unique

    income

    What’s the news?

    • Rajasthan government has introduced ‘The Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023’ in the Assembly, what is widely expected to be the last session before the State goes for polls in less than four months.

    Central Idea

    • Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023, aim at providing guaranteed wages or pensions to the entire adult population of the state. Social activists have reacted positively to the bill, highlighting its unique features and praising its focus on providing employment and pensions through legislation rather than cash transfer schemes.

    What is the Bill?

    • All families of the state get guaranteed employment of 125 days every year,
    • The aged, disabled, widows, and single women get a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month.
    • The pension will be increased each year at the rate of 15 per cent.
    • The Bill has three broad categories: right to minimum guaranteed income, right to guaranteed employment, and right to guaranteed social security pension.
    • The government anticipates an additional expenditure of Rs 2,500 crore per year for this scheme, which may increase with time

    Major provisions of the Bill

    1. Minimum guaranteed income:
    • Guaranteed minimum income for 125 days- each year – every adult citizen of Rajasthan.
    • Implemented through- Indira Gandhi Shahri Rozgar Guarantee Yojana for urban areas and MGNREGA for rural areas.
    • Supplement MGNREGA’s 100 days- additional 25 days of employment in rural regions.
    1. Guaranteed employment:
    • After completion of work- minimum wages should be paid on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
    • Implementation responsibility – through A program officer– ensures- job sites are located within a five-kilometer radius of the registered job card address in both urban and rural areas.
    • If the program officer fails to provide employment within 15 days of receiving an application- applicant will be entitled to a weekly unemployment allowance.
    1. Guaranteed social security pension:
    • Individuals falling into the categories- old age, specially-abled, widows, and single women with prescribed eligibility- entitled to a pension.
    • The pension amount will increase annually by 5% in July and 10% in January, beginning from the financial year 2024-2025.

    What is the Rationale behind the Bill?

    • The bill aligns with the principle of social justice and aims to provide support and security to the most vulnerable members of society.
    • Treating the most marginalized individuals with fairness and dignity.
    • “Mahatma Gandhi’s message that the true measure of a society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable members”
    • As part of a bouquet of schemes and measures undertaken by the government to provide relief from inflation
    • Provide a safety net and alleviate financial burdens on the most vulnerable sections of society.

    Criticism over the bill

    • The bill’s introduction close to the upcoming elections- politically motivated
    • Populist measure designed to appeal to voters
    • Financial feasibility of implementing the bill’s provisions- securing sustainable funding
    • Burden on the state’s finances in the long run.
    • Proper identification of beneficiaries, monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring efficient delivery of guaranteed income, employment, and pensions

    Conclusion

    • The Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023, is being seen as a pioneering step towards securing social security for all residents of the state. If implemented properly and efficiently the legislation will pave the way towards building a just and inclusive society, where the welfare of every citizen is a priority.

    Also read:

    A Social Security Board for Gig Workers: Rajasthan’s Pioneering Step

     

     

  • More than court action, revisit the Indus Waters Treaty

    Indus

    What’s the news?

    • India raised objection when Pakistan initiated arbitration at the Permanent Court of Arbitration to address the interpretation and application of the IWT.
    • On July 6, 2023, the court unanimously passed a decision (which is binding on both parties without appeal) rejecting each of India’s objections.

    Central Idea

    • The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), 1960 has long been hailed as a remarkable example of cooperation between India and Pakistan, despite their tumultuous relationship. The treaty has endured numerous conflicts and established detailed procedures for dispute resolution. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the utilization of judicial recourse to settle disputes arising from India’s construction of run-of-river hydroelectric projects.

    What is Indus Water Treaty (IWT)?

    • The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank signed in Karachi in 1960.
    • According to this agreement, control over the water flowing in three eastern rivers of India the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej was given to India.
    • The control over the water flowing in three western rivers of India the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum was given to Pakistan

    Basis of the treaty

    • Back in time, partitioning the Indus rivers system was inevitable after the Partition of India in 1947.
    • The sharing formula devised after prolonged negotiations sliced the Indus system into two halves.
    • Underlying the treaty is the principle that water does not recognise international boundaries and upper riparian’s have a responsibility to lower riparian’s.

    What are the Disputes and Challenges?

    • Construction and design of run-of-river hydroelectric projects by India- Kishanganga (a tributary of the Jhelum) and Ratle, a hydro-electric project on the Chenab- objections from Pakistan– potentially impact the flow and utilization of water downstream.
    • Pakistan initiated arbitration at Permanent Court of Arbitration- India objected to the jurisdiction of the court– advocating for the use of the neutral expert process instead.
    • Pervasive atmosphere of distrust and strained relations between India and Pakistan, which hampers effective cooperation under the treaty.
    • As precipitation patterns and runoff are altered, the assumption of fixed water availability under the IWT becomes increasingly uncertain.
    • The treaty’s allocation of water resources does not adequately consider the potential impact of climate change on future water availability, creating a need for flexible mechanisms.
    • The IWT does not sufficiently address the rapidly growing industrial and agricultural needs of both countries.

    Principles of water course

    • Equitable and Reasonable Utilization (ERU): This principle emphasizes the fair and reasonable use of water resources among riparian states.
    • No Harm or Do No Harm Rule (NHR): The no harm principle states that riparian states should not cause significant harm to other states sharing the same watercourse. It requires taking necessary measures to prevent or mitigate any adverse impacts that might arise from water-related activities.
    • Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): IWRM approach considers water resources as an interconnected system, taking into account social, economic, and environmental factors. Achieve optimal and sustainable use of water resources.
    • Basin-wide Management: Water resources should be managed at the basin or watershed level, as it is the most natural unit for water management.
    • Prior Informed Consent: Obtaining the consent of affected communities and stakeholders before implementing projects or activities that may have significant impacts on water resources.
    • Environmental Protection: Need to protect and conserve the ecological integrity of watercourses. Preservation of aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and water quality.
    • The Role of the World Bank: The World Bank, as a party to the treaty, could utilize its platform to foster a transnational alliance of epistemic communities.

    Conclusion

    • By incorporating principles of equitable water utilization and preventing significant harm, the IWT can better address the evolving needs and climate change impacts of India and Pakistan. The World Bank’s involvement in facilitating collaboration and policy convergence could play a pivotal role in shaping a revised treaty that fosters long-term cooperation and sustainability in the shared management of the Indus waters

    Also read:

    Indus Water Treaty: A Case of Hydropolitics

  • India achieves record DPT3 vaccination coverage in 2022: WHO

    dpt3

    Central Idea

    • The coverage rate for DPT3 vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) in India reached an all-time high of 93% in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 91% in 2019.
    • This significant increase from the 85% coverage in 2021 was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

    What is DPT3?

    • DPT3 vaccines refer to a combination vaccine that provides protection against three infectious diseases: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.
    • The “DPT” in DPT3 stands for the initials of these three diseases:
    1. Diphtheria: It is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It can cause severe throat and nose congestion, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, it can lead to heart and nerve damage.
    2. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): It is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a “whooping” sound when gasping for breath. Pertussis can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
    3. Tetanus: Also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It enters the body through wounds or cuts and produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms, particularly in the jaw and neck muscles.

    WHO records on immunization

    • DPT3 Coverage Recovery: The WHO South-East Asia Region saw the DPT3 coverage recover to pre-pandemic levels of 91% in 2022, a significant increase from 82% in 2021.
    • Measles Vaccine Coverage: The region also witnessed a six percent improvement in measles vaccine coverage, rising to 92% in 2022 from 86% in 2021.
    • Zero-Dose Children: The number of zero-dose children (those who have not received even the first dose of the DPT vaccine) halved from 4.6 million in 2021 to 2.3 million in 2022.
    • Partially Vaccinated Children: The number of partially vaccinated children (those who received at least one dose but not the complete three-dose series) decreased from 1.3 million in 2021 to 650,000 in 2022.

  • EC to issue Online Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning

    air

    Central Idea

    • The Election Commission of India has implemented a fully online process for allotting airtime to political parties for campaigning on Akashvani and Doordarshan.
    • The new system replaces the traditional method of collecting physical vouchers and instead issues digital time vouchers through an online platform.

    Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning

    • Objective: To provide equitable access to government-owned electronic media during elections for campaigning purposes.
    • Legal basis: The allotment of time on public broadcasters during campaigning is governed by a scheme notified in January 1998, based on Section 39A of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
    • Allotment Criteria: Each National party and recognized State party receive an equitable base time on Doordarshan (DD) and Akashvani.
    • Scope for additional time: Factors such as past electoral performance, representation in the legislature, and the number of candidates fielded by the party are considered to ensure equitable distribution of airtime.
    • Predefined Schedule: The date and time for telecasts and broadcasts by authorized party representatives are predetermined by Prasar Bharati, in consultation with EC and in the presence of party representatives.

    Regulation of these Vouchers

    • Scrutiny of Party Transcripts: Party transcripts undergo scrutiny to ensure compliance with relevant codes. These codes prohibit content that criticizes other countries, attacks religions or communities, incites violence, or engages in personal attacks.
    • Role of Apex Committee: Disagreements over vetted content are referred to an Apex Committee comprising members from Akashvani and DD. The committee’s decision is final.

    Significance of Digital Vouchers

    • Process Improvement: The decision reflects its commitment to leveraging technology for an improved electoral process and enhanced convenience for all stakeholders.
    • Eliminating Physical Collection: Political parties will no longer need to send representatives to the commission’s offices to collect time vouchers during elections.

    Operational Challenges

    • Limited Access: The scheme is exclusively available to national and recognized State parties, leading to concerns about its true equity.
    • Conflict of Interest in the Apex Committee: The Apex Committee consists of officials from Akashvani and DD, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
    • Row over transcript content: These officials are expected to review their own decisions when conflicts arise with political parties over the transcript content.

    Also read:

    How is a ‘National Party’ in India defined?

  • India to launch Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)

    biofuel

    Central Idea

    • The upcoming 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and Eighth Mission Innovation (CEM14/MI-8) conference, taking place in Goa from July 19-22, 2023, aims to establish the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).

    What are Biofuels?

     

    • Biofuels are a type of renewable energy derived from organic materials, such as plants, crops, and agricultural waste.
    • They are considered an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, because they areproduced from renewable biomass sources.

    There are several types of biofuels, including:

    1. Ethanol: It is a biofuel produced by fermenting and distilling sugars or starches found in crops like corn, sugarcane, and wheat. It is commonly used as a blending component in gasoline and can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, known as E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline).
    2. Biodiesel: It is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oils. It is typically used as a substitute for diesel fuel and can be blended with petroleum diesel or used in its pureform. Biodiesel has lower emissions of pollutants compared to petroleum diesel and can be used in conventional diesel engines without any modifications.
    3. Biogas: It is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, and animal manure. It primarily consists of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be used for heating, electricity generation, or as a vehicle fuel after purification.

    What is Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)?

    • G20 Priority: The GBA is a crucial priority under India’s G20 Presidency.
    • Learning from ISA: The GBA draws inspiration from the International Solar Alliance (ISA), jointly initiated by India and France in 2015 to combat climate change through solar energy adoption.
    • Objective: This alliance will focus on promoting international collaboration and cooperation to encourage the acceptance and utilization of biofuels.
    • Core Members: The GBA, comprising Brazil, the US, and India, aims to impact the global energy architecture and achieve net-zero emissions.
    • Membership and Endorsement: Other nations can join the GBA by endorsing the foundation document, and membership is open to non-G20 countries.

    Focus Areas of GBA

    • Focus areas of the GBA include:
    1. The GBA will focus on strengthening markets and facilitating global biofuel trade.
    2. Concrete policy lessons will be shared, and technical support will be provided for national biofuel programs worldwide.
    3. The alliance will highlight successful cases and best practices in the biofuel industry.

    Significance of GBA

    • Addressing OPEC+: The initiative signals India’s focus on reducing dependence on conventional hydrocarbons and calls for increased production by the OPEC+
    • Transformative Opportunities: GBA offer transformative opportunities for economic growth, rural development, energy self-sufficiency, reduced air pollution, and clean energy transition.
    • Adoption of Sustainable Biofuels: The alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable biofuels.

    India’s Biofuel Achievements

    • Milestone Achieved: In the fiscal year 2020-21, India produced 4.08 billion litres of ethanol, achieving a blending rate of 10.02% and resulting in a reduction of 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
    • Goals and Targets: India aims to achieve a blending rate of 12% by 2022-23 and a goal of 20% blending by 2025, requiring an expanded production capacity of ethanol to 17 billion litres.
    • Focus on Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG): India actively promotes compressed bio-gas (CBG) derived from waste through the Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) program.
    • Target Deadline: India aims to install 5,000 CBG plants across the country by 2024.

    Biofuel Advancements in Aviation

    • First Commercial Passenger Flight: India conducted its first commercial passenger flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend produced domestically.
    • Program Committee Established: The Bio-Aviation Turbine Fuel Programme Committee has been established to advance the use of SAF in the aviation sector.
    • Blending Targets: India aims to achieve a 1% SAF blend in jet fuel by 2025, requiring 140 million liters of SAF per year, and a more ambitious target of a 5% blend would need approximately 700 million liters per year.

    Global response

    • Brazil’s Support: Brazil expressed support for the GBA and its goals to expand and strengthen sustainable biofuels markets.
    • Saudi Arabia’s Focus: Saudi, a major oil producer, has a focus on conventional hydrocarbons and has not favored the GBA.
    • Russia’s Opec+ Involvement: Russia, as part of the Opec+ group, has been implementing production cuts despite fragile global economic recovery.
    • China’s Opposition: China, a major biofuel producer, opposed the India-led initiative and boycotted a G20 meeting on tourism held in Srinagar.

    Conclusion

    • The establishment of GBA represents a significant step towards promoting international collaboration and the adoption of sustainable biofuels.
    • India’s achievements in biofuel production and advancements in aviation fuel provide a strong foundation for the alliance’s objectives.

  • [pib] National Multidimensional Poverty Index, 2023

    Central Idea

    • NITI Aayog released the report ‘National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023’.
    • The report highlighted a record 13.5 crore people have moved out of multidimensional poverty in India between 2015-16 and 2019-21.

    What is National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI)?

    • NITI Aayog serves as the nodal ministry for the MPI.
    • It engages with publishing agencies such as Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
    • It uses the Alkire-Foster (AF) methodology.
    • The Baseline Report of MPI is based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 conducted during 2015-16.

    Indicators used

    • The MPI considers three dimensions: health, education, and standard of living.
    • It includes indicators such as nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal care, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, bank accounts, and assets.

    Key findings of the report

    • Decline in Poverty: India has witnessed a substantial decline in multidimensional poverty, with a decrease of 9.89 percentage points from 24.85% in 2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-21.
    • Progressiveness in rural areas: Rural areas experienced the fastest decline, from 32.59% to 19.28%, while urban areas saw a reduction from 8.65% to 5.27%.
    • Regional Progress: UP recorded the largest decline in the number of poor, with 3.43 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty. The states of UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan showed the fastest reduction in the proportion of multidimensional poor.
    • Path towards SDG Targets: The report indicates that India is on track to achieve SDG Target 1.2, which aims to reduce multidimensional poverty by at least half by 2030.

  • EAM attends BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Meet

    bimstec

    Central Idea

    • The first-ever Foreign Ministers’ meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) commenced in Bangkok, Thailand.

    Understanding BIMSTEC

    bimstec

    • Origins and Membership: BIMSTEC, initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
    • Newest members: Myanmar joined in 1997, followed by Bhutan and Nepal in 2004.
    • Population and GDP: The organization comprises seven member countries located around the Bay of Bengal, representing approximately 22% of the world’s population. The combined GDP of the member states is close to $2.7 trillion.
    • Sectoral Focus: BIMSTEC’s cooperation initially focused on six sectors: trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism, and fisheries.
    • India’s role: India’s sectoral responsibilities within BIMSTEC include security, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, disaster management, and energy.

    Significance of BIMSTEC as a Regional Forum

    (A) Revitalization and Engagement:

    • BIMSTEC received limited attention until India reinvigorated its engagement in October 2016, following the terrorist attack in Uri.
    • India hosted an outreach summit with BIMSTEC leaders alongside the BRICS summit in Goa.

    (B) Regional aspirations

    Each BIMSTEC member has strategic incentives for the organization’s growth.

    1. Bangladesh seeks regional significance
    2. Sri Lanka aims to connect with Southeast Asia and become a hub for the Indo-Pacific region
    3. Nepal and Bhutan aim to access the Bay of Bengal region
    4. Myanmar and Thailand aim to balance China’s influence in Southeast Asia by strengthening ties with India

    India and BIMSTEC

    • BIMSTEC offers India a platform to prioritize its foreign policy goals of “Neighborhood First” and “Act East”.
    • This is longer run seeks to connect South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.

    China’s Role and India’s Agenda

    • Chinese Influence and Concerns: China’s expanding presence in South and Southeast Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative has increased its interest in the Bay of Bengal region.
    • Act of counterbalancing: BIMSTEC becomes an arena for India to counterbalance Chinese investments.
    • Promoting Connectivity: India can utilize BIMSTEC to promote connectivity projects aligned with international norms, countering Chinese projects that are perceived to violate these norms.
    • Bay of Bengal as a Peaceful Region: India can showcase the Bay of Bengal as a region of openness and peace, highlighting the contrast with China’s behavior in the South China Sea.
    • Regional Stability: BIMSTEC could establish codes of conduct for regional freedom of navigation and advocate for a Bay of Bengal Zone of Peace to limit extra-regional powers’ military actions.

    Conclusion

    • BIMSTEC has the potential to contribute to peace, stability, and economic development in the Bay of Bengal region and beyond.
    • Continued efforts and collaboration among member states are necessary to harness the full potential of BIMSTEC and achieve common goals.

  • Kuki Groups seek Separation from Manipur

    kuki article 3

    Central Idea

    • Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki tribes, issued a statement calling for a separate state under Article 3 of the Constitution.

    Manipur violence: A quick recap

    • The ethnic conflict in Manipur originated on May 3 between the Meitei people (valley-based) and the Kuki-Zomi people (hills-based Scheduled Tribe groups).
    • The violence resulted in the forced migration of the two populations, prompting Kuki-Zomi MLAs and various groups to call for separation.

    What is Article 3 of the Indian Constitution?

    • Article 3 grants the Parliament the authority to create new states, modify boundaries, and rename existing states in India.
    • It establishes the legal framework for the reorganization of states within the country.
    • Here is the text of Article 3: Parliament may by law—
    1. Form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State
    2. Increase the area of any State
    3. Diminish the area of any State
    4. Alter the boundaries of any State
    5. Alter the name of any State

    Procedural Requirements

    Certain procedural requirements must be fulfilled before enacting changes under Article 3:

    • Presidential Recommendation: No Bill pertaining to these matters can be introduced in Parliament without the recommendation of the President.
    • State Legislature Consultation: If a proposed bill affects the area, boundaries, or name of any state, it must be referred by the President to the concerned state legislature.
    • Time frame: The state legislature is given a specific period to express its views on the proposed changes. Additional time may be granted by the President, if necessary.

    Significance of Article 3

    • Alteration for reasons: Article 3 provides a mechanism to adapt the political boundaries of states in India as per the evolving needs of the nation.
    • Power Sharing: While the Parliament holds the authority to initiate state reorganization, the consultation with the state legislature ensures a democratic process and considers the views of the affected state.
    • Regional Aspirations: Article 3 acknowledges the aspirations of various regions by allowing the formation of new states, thereby promoting regional development and administration.
    • Flexibility: The provision for altering state boundaries enables the government to address demographic changes, regional imbalances, and administrative efficiency.

    Why is the demand by Kukis not feasible?

    • Social and Political Cohesion: The consideration of endorsing separate administrative setups or a greater Mizoram based on ethnic lines raises concerns about social and political cohesion in Manipur.
    • Tensions with Naga Community: Tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur complicate the situation and have the potential to escalate conflicts.
    • Unique Cross-Border Presence: The demand for a separate homeland for the Chin-Kuki-Mizo community requires careful evaluation due to its unique cross-border presence and potential for Pan-Nationalism.
    • Implications on Regional Stability: Recognition of a separate homeland would strain relations with Myanmar and Bangladesh, impacting regional stability.

    Conclusion

    • Cautious Decision-Making: The Indian government must navigate the complexities by considering the broader implications on Manipur’s stability, cross-border relations, and the risk of future conflicts stemming from ethnic separatism.
    • Inclusive Dialogue and Peace: Inclusive dialogue, addressing grievances, and promoting peace and unity among all ethnic communities involved are crucial for long-term stability and harmonious coexistence.