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GS Paper: GS2

  • The Need For Humane Policing In India

    Central Idea

    • The recent case of human rights violation against an IPS officer in Ambasamudram highlights the need for humane policing in India. The history of police brutality across the globe, including in the US, reveals the need for change in the policing system. The pressure to produce results, coupled with corruption and lack of ethics training, contributes to police excesses, which must be curbed.

    History of Policing Excesses

    • Policing Excesses in U.S: The history of policing in many countries is pockmarked by episodes of excesses, and the U.S. is one such country which has had far too many instances of police torture.
    • For example: The Rodney King incident of 1991 in Los Angeles and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020 are some examples of police brutality.

    Factors Contributing to Police Excesses in India

    • Corruption among public servants: Corruption is rampant in India and is a major factor contributing to police excesses. Bribery and corruption make it easy for criminals to escape the law and for police officers to use violence and coercion to extract money and other benefits.
    • The pressure to produce results: Police officers are often under tremendous pressure to produce results and show that they are making progress in solving cases. This pressure can lead to an overzealous approach to policing, with officers resorting to torture and other illegal methods to extract information and solve cases quickly.
    • Lack of ethics training: Police officers in India are not given sufficient training in ethics and human rights. This lack of training makes it easier for officers to resort to violence and abuse of power, as they do not understand the consequences of their actions.
    • Political interference: In some cases, politicians and other powerful people may interfere in police investigations or use their influence to protect criminals. This interference can undermine the rule of law and make it more difficult for police officers to do their job effectively and without fear or favor.
    • Poor working conditions: Police officers in India often work long hours in difficult and dangerous conditions. This can lead to stress and fatigue, which can in turn lead to a higher incidence of police excesses.
    • Lack of accountability: There is often little accountability for police officers who commit excesses. In many cases, officers who are found guilty of human rights violations are simply transferred to another location, rather than being punished or dismissed from the force. This lack of accountability sends a message to other officers that they can get away with abuse of power and violence.

    Role of Technology and Ethics in Policing

    • Both technology and ethics are necessary for effective policing: While technology can help solve crimes and improve policing efficiency, ethics and a commitment to human rights are necessary to ensure that police officers act within the law and respect the rights of all citizens.
    • Technology alone is not enough: The technology has played a significant role in improving policing in India, with many officers now trained in the use of modern tools and techniques to solve crimes. However, technology alone is not enough, and that ethics must also be prioritized in policing.
    • Training in ethics must be prioritized at all levels of the police force: Many police officers in India lack sufficient training in ethics and human rights, which makes it easier for them to resort to violence and abuse of power. Training in ethics must be prioritized at all levels of the police force, from the highest-ranking officers to those on the front lines.
    • Police leaders are crucial players: The police leaders, such as DGPs and IGPs, have a crucial role to play in indoctrinating young recruits on the value of sticking to the law and civilised behaviour.

    What is mean by humane policing?

    • Humane policing refers to a style of law enforcement that places a greater emphasis on preserving the human rights and dignity of individuals.
    • Humane policing recognizes that police officers are entrusted with great power and authority and that they have a duty to exercise this power with respect, compassion, and professionalism.
    • It prioritizes building trust and positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
    • Humane policing It seeks to avoid the use of excessive force, unnecessary aggression, or intimidation in policing activities.
    • It recognizes the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
    • It also recognizes the importance of training and education for police officers in areas such as cultural competence, mental health awareness, and conflict resolution.

    Conclusion

    • It is sad and equally true that many in the political firmament subscribe to the philosophy that without physical force on misbehaving citizens, the quality of policing cannot improve and law and order cannot be maintained. This perception has to be changed. India needs a human policing. Moreover, the authorities must take swift action against offending officials to send a strong message that no illegal physical treatment of crime suspects will be tolerated.

    Mains Question

    Q. Rising cases of police excesses reveals the need for change in the policing system. In this backdrop highlight the factors behind Policing Excesses in India and what steps can be taken to promote humane policing?

  • International Water Action Conference and Voluntary Commitments

    Conference

    Central Idea

    • The International Water Action Conference held by the United Nations in March 2023, which resulted in over 670 commitments from various governments, multilateral institutions, businesses, and non-governmental organizations to address water security issues. There are implications of these commitments which needs to be examined the challenges associated with achieving universal, safe, affordable, and equitable access to water in line with SDG 6.

    The Water Action Conference and its objective

    • First UN conference on freshwater: The Water Action Conference held in March 2023 was the first UN conference on freshwater in almost 50 years.
    • Aims to advance water agenda and achieve SDG 6: The conference aimed to review the Water Action Decade 2018-2028, which aims to advance the water agenda and achieve SDG 6, sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

    Themes of the conference

    The Conference has five themes that support the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework:

    1. Water for Health: Access to ‘WASH’ (Global Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene) including the Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation
    2. Water for Sustainable Development: Valuing water, the water-energy-food nexus and sustainable economic and urban development.
    3. Water for Climate, Resilience and Environment: Source to sea, biodiversity, climate, resilience and disaster risk reduction.
    4. Water for Cooperation: Transboundary and international water cooperation, cross sectoral cooperation and water across the 2030 Agenda.
    5. Water Action Decade: Accelerating the implementation of the objectives of the Decade for Action, including through the UN Secretary-General’s Action Plan.

    Conference

    What is Water Action Decade (2018–2028)?

    • In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution International Decade (2018–2028) for Action Water for Sustainable Development to help put a greater focus on water during ten years.
    • It aims to advance the water agenda by energizing existing programs and projects and inspiring water action to achieve the 2030 Agenda, in particular, Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which envisions the sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
    • The initiative focuses on promoting action-oriented partnerships to improve water resources management, water-use efficiency, and access to safe drinking water and sanitation services. The Decade aims to create a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, promoting innovation, and building capacity for sustainable water management.

    The International Water Action Agenda and commitments made

    • International Water Action Agenda: The conference resulted in the international Water Action Agenda, to which over 670 commitments were made by governments, multilateral institutions, businesses, and non-governmental organizations to address water security issues.
    • Commitments are voluntary: Nearly 164 governments and 75 multilateral organizations made commitments, but these commitments are voluntary and legally non-binding.

    Implications of commitments made

    • The commitments embodied in the Water Action Agenda must be scrutinized to see whether they will yield universal, safe, affordable, and equitable access to water that is consistent with SDG 6.
    • Meeting this target by 2030 will require capital expenditures of $114 billion per year.
    • The recurring operations and maintenance for basic water and sanitation service (WASH) costs are estimated to rise from about $4 billion to over $30 billion per year by 2030.

    Conference

    Challenges associated with achieving SDG 6

    • Funding: Funding from regional, national, and international sources prioritizes new water infrastructure rather than water maintenance services, resulting in decreased service for water customers.
    • Investment: The investment required would require valuing water, which in turn requires robust water measurement and accounting.
    • Limitations: There are serious limitations in our knowledge about the volume, flux and quality of water in lakes, rivers, soils and aquifers. There are huge gaps in water usage data.

    India’s commitments and challenges

    • India made two significant commitments at the conference:
    1. An investment of $240 billion in the water sector and
    2. Efforts to restore groundwater levels.
    • However, groundwater extraction in India increased from 58% to 63% between 2004-17, further exacerbated by climate change resulting in intermittent rainfall, which further undermines the recharge potential.
    • The revised Groundwater Bill 2017 vests State groundwater boards with creating laws, managing water allocation and other relevant issues.
    • The State boards are understaffed, and lack in expertise and prioritizing socio-political conflicts over groundwater resources.

    Facts for prelims

    Initiative Objective
    Jal Shakti Abhiyan, 2019 Ensure water conservation and management in 255 water-stressed districts across India
    Atal Bhujal Yojana, 2019 Improve groundwater management and promote community-based groundwater management
    Namami Gange Project, 2014 Clean and rejuvenate the Ganges river and address pollution through treatment of sewage and industrial effluents
    Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, 2014 Improve sanitation and cleanliness across the country and promote hygiene practices
    Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. 2015 Improve irrigation efficiency and increase water use efficiency in agriculture
    National Water Mission, 2011 Ensure sustainable water management and water security in the country and improve water use efficiency
    National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM), 2012 Map the aquifers across the country and develop a groundwater management plan
    Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), 2009 Enhance soil and water conservation practices in rainfed areas and promote the development of rainwater harvesting structures to enhance groundwater recharge

    Conference

    Conclusion

    • The international Water Action Conference resulted in over 670 commitments to address water security issues. These commitments are voluntary and legally non-binding, but they are expected to inspire collective political will to address the many water challenges.

    Mains Question

    Q. What is Water action decade? Discuss the challenges associated with achieving universal, safe, affordable, and equitable access to water in line with SDG 6.

  • Reversal To Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Potential Impact

    OPS

    Central Idea

    • The New Pension Scheme (NPS) implemented by the NDA government in 2003-04 was a far-sighted reform that moved towards a sustainable contributory pension system. However, some state governments have reversed the pension reform and returned to the financially burdensome and fiscally non-viable Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

    What is pension?

    • A pension is a retirement plan that provides a stream of income to individuals after they retire from their job or profession. It can be funded by employers, government agencies, or unions and is designed to ensure a steady income during retirement.

    What is OPS?

    • The OPS, also known as the Defined Benefit Pension System, is a pension plan provided by the government for its employees in India.
    • Under the OPS, retired government employees receive a fixed monthly pension based on their last drawn salary and years of service.
    • This pension is funded by the government and paid out of its current revenues, leading to increased pension liabilities.

    What is NPS?

    • NPS is a market-linked, defined contribution pension system introduced in India in 2004 as a replacement for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
    • NPS is designed to provide retirement income to all Indian citizens, including government employees, private sector workers, and self-employed individuals.

    Negative impacts of the reversal to OPS

    • The reversal to OPS would have negative impacts, especially on the poor and vulnerable population, including women and children. Here are some potential impacts:
    • Reallocation of resources: The reversal to OPS would lead to a reallocation of resources away from the state’s development expenditure, which benefits the poor, and towards a much smaller group of people who have benefited from a secured and privileged job throughout their working life. It could worsen inequality and lower economic growth in the states.
    • Reduction in productivity: Going back to OPS would reduce the productivity of the poor, further diminishing their future economic prospects. Economic services such as infrastructure and rural and urban development would be affected more severely than social services.
    • Fiscal burden: The old pension scheme (OPS) was financially burdensome and fiscally non-viable. As public employees’ life expectancy increased, the state’s fiscal burden under the OPS began to rise exponentially, necessitating pension reforms. Reversing to OPS would put the fiscal burden back on the government, which could have negative impacts on the state’s finances.
    • Tradeoff between pensions and development expenditure: Pension reforms were a watershed moment for the states, and reversing to OPS would result in a tradeoff between pension and development expenditure of the states. The pension reforms aimed to finance the increased non-development expenditure related to pensions through taxes or borrowing. However, our analysis revealed that from 1990 to 2004, the states’ revenues did not match the state’s increased expenditure, resulting in a higher fiscal deficit.

    Facts for prelims: NPS vs OPS

    Parameter National Pension System (NPS) Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
    Type of System Defined Contribution System Defined Benefit System
    Funding Contributions from employee and employer Government-funded
    Investment Market-linked investments in various asset classes No direct investment involved
    Returns Subject to market risks Predetermined and not market-linked
    Pension Amount Depends on accumulated corpus and investment returns Based on last drawn salary and years of service
    Annuity & Lump-sum Withdrawal Minimum 40% corpus used to purchase annuity, remaining can be withdrawn as lump-sum Fixed monthly pension, no annuity or lump-sum withdrawal
    Portability Portable across jobs and sectors Limited to government employees
    Flexibility Choice of investment options, fund managers, and asset allocation No flexibility, pension determined by predefined formula

    Conclusion

    • The state governments should not ignore the impact of the OPS on the poor and vulnerable, particularly women and children. The reversal will deprive them of essential services such as health and education and prevent them from participating in growth opportunities. Therefore, state governments should not reverse the far-sighted pension reform and should continue to focus on development expenditure that benefits the poor.

    Mains Question

    Q. What is the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and how does it differ from Old Pension Scheme (OPS) Now states are reversing to OPS as a populist measure, discuss its the negative impacts.

  • India Justice Report, 2022: Key Highlights

    justice

    Central idea: The third India Justice Report, 2022 analyses the changes – both positive and negative – in India’s justice delivery system across four parameters: police, judiciary, prisons and legal aid.

    India Justice Report

    • The IJR is an initiative of Tata Trusts in collaboration with Centre for Social Justice, Common Cause and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative among others.
    • It was first published in 2019.

    Below are some of the salient findings of the report – overcrowded prisons, not enough training centres for police personnel, a rising number of pending cases per judge, and more.

    Finding

    Highlights

    Recommendations
    1. Policing concentrated in urban areas
    • 60% of India’s population lives in rural areas, yet police forces are concentrated largely in urban areas.
    • Only six states meet the recommended area coverage of 150 sq. km for a rural police station.
    • Increase recruitment and training of police personnel in rural areas to ensure adequate coverage.
    • Increase police-community engagement and build trust in rural communities.
    2. Police training academies are overloaded
    • India has only 211 training schools and academies for 26.88 lakh police personnel.
    • Training across fields cannot be a one-off event for police personnel.
    • Increase the number of training institutes and the number of personnel trained each year.
    • Allocate a larger portion of the police budget to training.
    3. Prison overcrowding is getting worse
    • Prison populations have risen steadily with the number of people admitted to 1,319 prisons during 2021 increasing by 10.8%.
    • The average prison in the country has an occupancy rate of 130%. In some states, this number is far worse.
    • Invest in building new prisons and expanding existing ones.
    • Explore alternative forms of punishment and rehabilitation for non-violent offenders.
    4. Number of undertrial prisoners increasing
    • 77% of the incarcerated population comprises undertrials.
    • This number has nearly doubled since 2010.
    • Streamline legal processes to reduce the number of undertrials.
    • Increase the use of bail and release on personal recognizance.
    5. Cases pending per judge rising
    • 4.9 Crore cases remain pending across high courts and district courts in the country.
    • Many cases have been pending for over 10 years.
    • Increase the number of judges to reduce the backlog of cases.
    • Modernize court processes with technology to streamline proceedings.
    6. Share of women high court judges remains low
    • Between 2020 and 2022, there was a little less than a two percentage point increase in women’s representation in high courts.
    • Women account for 35% of the total number of judges at the district court level.
    • Implement policies to encourage more women to become judges.
    • Provide training and support for women judges to advance in their careers.
    7. No state/UT fulfilled all quotas for SC/ST/OBC judges at district court level
    • No state/UT could fully meet all its quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
    • Increase recruitment of judges from marginalized communities.
    • Implement policies to encourage and support their advancement in the judiciary.
    8. Allocation to legal aid increasing, but no state/UT used its entire budget allocation
    • Over the last two years, the overall allocation for legal services has increased substantially.
    • No state/UT used its entire budget allocation for legal aid.
    • Ensure efficient utilization of resources for legal aid.
    • Implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact of legal aid on access to justice.
    9. Implementation of victim compensation schemes remains subpar
    • Implementation of victim compensation schemes “remains subpar.”
    • State Legal Aid Service Authorities disposed of only 66% of the 97,037 applications seeking compensation received.
    • Increase awareness of victim compensation schemes. Improve efficiency in processing and disposing of compensation applications.
    • Provide support services for victims, including legal and mental health services.

     

    Conclusion

    • The report highlights that India’s criminal justice system continues to face a wide range of challenges and shortcomings that need to be addressed to ensure the rule of law and equal access to justice.
    • Some of the key areas that require immediate attention include the need for better police training and infrastructure, reducing overcrowding in prisons, and improving the speed and efficiency of the judicial system.
    • Additionally, the report calls for greater attention to be paid to the needs of victims of crime, including improving access to legal aid and victim compensation schemes.
    • By addressing these challenges, India can move closer to achieving a more equitable and effective criminal justice system.

     

  • China issues ‘official’ names for some places in Arunachal Pradesh

    china

    Central idea: The Chinese government has announced it would “standardize” the names of 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh.

    MEA clarification

    • The Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed the Chinese “invention”.
    • Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be, an integral part of India, said MEA.

    Why is China giving names to places that are in India?

    • China claims some 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory.
    • It calls the area “Zangnan” in the Chinese language and makes repeated references to “South Tibet”.
    • Chinese maps show Arunachal Pradesh as part of China, and sometimes parenthetically refer to it as “so-called Arunachal Pradesh”.
    • China makes periodic efforts to underline this unilateral claim to Indian territory.
    • Giving Chinese names to places in Arunachal Pradesh is part of that effort.

    Earlier unilateral renaming

    • This is the third lot of “standardized” names of places in Arunachal Pradesh that China has announced.
    • Earlier in 2017, it had issued “official” Chinese names for six places spanning the breadth of Arunachal Pradesh

    What is China’s argument for claiming these areas?

    • The PRC disputes the legal status of the McMahon Line, the official boundary under the ‘Convention between Great Britain, China, and Tibet’ — of 1914 (Simla Convention).
    • China was represented at the Simla Convention by a plenipotentiary of the Republic of China, which had been declared in 1912 after the Qing dynasty was overthrown.
    • The present communist government came to power only in 1949, when the People’s Republic was proclaimed.
    • The Chinese representative did not consent to the Simla Convention, saying Tibet had no independent authority to enter into international agreements.

    What is the McMohan Line?

    • The McMohan Line, named after Henry McMahon, the chief British negotiator at Shimla, was drawn from the eastern border of Bhutan to the Isu Razi pass on the China-Myanmar border.
    • China claims territory to the south of the McMahon Line, lying in Arunachal Pradesh.
    • China also bases its claims on the historical ties that have existed between the monasteries in Tawang and Lhasa.

    Intention behind these renamings

    • This renaming is a part of the Chinese strategy to assert its territorial claims over Indian territory.
    • As part of this strategy, China routinely issues statements of outrage whenever an Indian dignitary visits Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Beijing keeps harping on its “consistent” and “clear” position that the Indian possession of Arunachal Pradesh.
    • These claims have been firmly established and recognized by the world, as “illegal”.

    Arunachal not all-alone

    • Laying aggressive claims to territories on the basis of alleged historical injustices done to China is a part of Beijing’s foreign policy playbook.
    • The claim on Taiwan is one such example, as are the consistent efforts to change the “facts on the ground” in several disputed islands in the South China Sea.
    • The aggression is at all times backed in overt and covert ways by the use of China’s economic and military muscle.

     

  • Sodium Intake Target: Challenge of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension

    Sodium

    Central Idea

    • The WHO recently published the ‘Global Report on Sodium Intake Reduction’ which sheds light on the progress of its 194 member states towards reducing population sodium intake by 30% by 2025. Regrettably, progress has been lethargic, with only a few countries making considerable headway towards the objective. Consequently, there is a proposal to extend the deadline to 2030.

    The target of reducing population sodium intake

    • The target of reducing population sodium intake by 30% by 2025 was set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in 2013.
    • The plan aims to reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, by 25% by 2025, and to achieve a 30% reduction in the mean population intake of salt/sodium.
    • The target of reducing population sodium intake is aimed at reducing the burden of hypertension, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

    Why reducing sodium intake is essential for India?

    • Reduced sodium intake and decreased blood pressure: There is a strong correlation between reduced sodium intake and decreased blood pressure, leading to a decrease in stroke and myocardial infarction incidence. Lowering sodium intake by 1 gram per day leads to a 5 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure, as per a study in The BMJ.
    • Cardiovascular disease: Elevated BP is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. It contributed to 54% of strokes and 47% of coronary heart diseases globally in 2001.
    • Economic impact of cardiovascular disease on LMICs: Cardiovascular disease has a staggering economic impact on LMICs, estimated at $3.7 trillion between 2011 and 2025 due to premature mortality and disability. This represents 2% of the GDP of LMICs. The Indian economy alone faces losses surpassing $2 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for effective interventions to mitigate the economic and health consequences of the disease in LMICs.

    Sodium

    How cardiovascular disease and hypertension pose significant challenges in India?

    1. Cardiovascular diseases as primary cause of mortality and morbidity:
    • As per data from the Registrar General of India, WHO, and the Global Burden of Disease Study, cardiovascular diseases have emerged as the primary cause of mortality and morbidity. Data from the Registrar General of India, WHO, and the Global Burden of Disease Study
    • Age-adjusted cardiovascular disease mortality rate increased by 31% in the last 25 years
    • Hypertension as leading risk factor for such diseases in India
    1. Prevalence of hypertension in India:
    • More prevalent among men aged 15 and above compared to women
    • More common in southern states, particularly Kerala, while Punjab and Uttarakhand in the north also report high incidence rates
    1. Pre-hypertensive population in India
    • Defined by systolic blood pressure levels of 120-139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure levels of 80-89 mmHg
    • 5% of women and 49.2% of men at the national level
    • Significant risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature mortality for Indians with BP readings between 130 and 139/80-89 mmHg
    • Many Indians classified as pre-hypertensive are now included in the newly defined stage-I hypertension by the American guidelines.
    1. Circulatory system diseases: The 2020 Report on Medical Certification of the Cause of Death shows that circulatory system diseases account for 32.1% of all documented deaths, with hypertension being a major risk factor.

    Global Efforts to Reduce Sodium Intake

    • The WHO aims to reduce population sodium intake by 30% by 2025
    • Only a few countries have made considerable progress towards the objective
    • India’s score of 2 on the WHO sodium score signifies the need for more rigorous efforts to address the health concern

    Sodium

    Government Initiatives

    • Voluntary programmes: The Union government has initiated several voluntary programmes aimed at encouraging Indians to decrease their sodium consumption
    • Eat Right India: The FSSAI has implemented the Eat Right India movement, which strives to transform the nation’s food system to ensure secure, healthy, and sustainable nutrition for all citizens
    • Aaj Se Thoda Kam: FSSAI launched a social media campaign called Aaj Se Thoda Kam.

    Urgent Need for a Comprehensive National Strategy

    • Despite of awareness efforts, the average Indian’s sodium intake remains alarmingly high. Evidence shows an average daily consumption of approximately 11 grams.
    • India needs a comprehensive national strategy to curb salt consumption
    • Collaboration between State and Union governments is essential to combat hypertension, often caused by excessive sodium intake

    Conclusion

    • The excessive consumption of salt can lead to severe health consequences, and India has a pressing need to reduce its sodium intake. While the government has initiated several voluntary programs, these have fallen short of the goal. India needs a comprehensive national strategy, engaging consumers, industry, and the government, to curb salt consumption. Collaboration between State and Union governments is essential to combat hypertension, often caused by excessive sodium intake.

    Mains Question

    Q. Reducing population sodium intake is a critical step towards preventing and controlling non- cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Comment.

  • Finland to join NATO Military Alliance

    NATO Secretary-General said that Finland will become the 31st member of the military alliance.

    What is the North Atlantic Treaty?  

    • North Atlantic Treaty, often referred to as the Washington Treaty, states the parties to the treaty seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area.
    • The signatories affirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and express their desire to live in peace with all people and governments, the treaty states.
    Establishment April 4, 1949
    Headquarters Brussels, Belgium
    Membership 30 member countries, including the United States, Canada, and most of Europe
    Objective Collective defense against external aggression and the preservation of peace and security
    Article 5 Collective defense clause which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all members
    Military Commanders Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT)
    Main Decision-Making Body North Atlantic Council (NAC)
    Funding Contributions from member countries, based on a cost-sharing formula
    Partnerships NATO has partnerships with several countries and international organizations, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United Nations
    Criticisms Criticized for its role in the Cold War and for its intervention in conflicts outside of Europe, such as the war in Afghanistan

    What is the process for securing NATO membership?  

    Process for Securing NATO Membership Description
    Establishment of consensus Member countries establish consensus about a country’s potential membership.
    Invitation to join Membership Action Plan (MAP) Applicant countries may be invited to join MAP. This provides preparatory advice, assistance, and practical support tailored to their specific needs. It concludes with the formal timetable for the completion of prerequisite reforms.
    Annual feedback report NATO draws an annual report providing feedback to the aspirant country about its progress in their annual national programmes, and identifying areas for further action.
    Confirmation of intent NATO experts and representatives of the invited countries meet in Brussels to obtain formal confirmation of the invitee’s willingness and ability to meet the political, legal, and military obligations and commitments of NATO membership.
    Issue of letter of intent The applicant country issues a formal letter of intent to NATO, confirming the obligations and commitments of the organization.
    Necessary amendments and ratification The necessary amendments are made to make the invitee a party to the Washington Treaty, followed by ratification of the applicant country’s constitutional protocols for facilitating membership.
    Acceding to the Treaty Secretary-General calls the potential new members to accede to the North Atlantic Treaty. This is after all NATO members notify their acceptance to the government of the United States, the depository of the Washington Treaty, about the applicant.
    Membership confirmed Following the invitee depositing their instruments of accession with the US State Department, the applicant becomes a member of NATO.

     

    The MAP obligations

    Chapter Issues identified
    Political and Economic Settle disputes peacefully, promote human rights and democracy, refrain from force, contribute to collective defence, establish civilian control of armed forces
    Defence Improve military capabilities, participate in Partnership for Peace Programme, contribute to collective defence planning, ensure interoperability
    Resources Allocate sufficient budget resources, contribute to NATO’s common-funded activities
    Security Ensure security of sensitive information in adherence to NATO security policy
    Legal Scrutinize domestic law for compatibility with NATO rules and regulations

     

    Current applicants and members  

    Year New Members
    Formation: 1949 Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, UK, US
    1952 Greece, Turkey
    1955 West Germany
    1982 Spain
    1999 Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland
    2004 Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia
    2009 Croatia, Albania
    2020 North Macedonia

     

    Why does Russia fume over NATO?

    • NATO’s expansion: Russia views NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe as a threat to its security and influence in the region. The alliance’s decision to accept former Soviet republics and Warsaw Pact members as members is seen by Russia as a direct challenge to its strategic interests.
    • Military exercises: Russia has also expressed concern over NATO military exercises in the region, which it sees as a provocation and a show of force. NATO’s decision to station troops and equipment in Eastern Europe has also been criticized by Russia.
    • Missile defense system: Russia has been particularly critical of NATO’s missile defense system, which it sees as a threat to its own nuclear deterrence capabilities. Russia argues that the system is designed to neutralize its strategic weapons and that it undermines global strategic stability.
    • Ukraine and Georgia: Russia has accused NATO of interfering in the affairs of Ukraine and Georgia, two former Soviet republics that are seeking closer ties with the West. Russia sees NATO’s support for these countries as an attempt to encircle and contain Russia.

     

     

  • Citizen-Centric Governance: Important Aspects of Development In Any Democracy

    Central idea

    • Citizen-centric governance is an evolving concept, and to put it into action requires clarity in the actions that civil servants perform and how citizens engage with the state. Citizen engagement is about collaborative partnerships and dialogue and must involve all stakeholders to ensure the overall development of a community or a nation.

    Citizen-Centric Governance

    • Paradigm shift in traditional governance: Citizen-centric governance refers to a paradigm shift in the traditional governance structures where the focus is shifted from the power holders to the citizens.
    • Access to information and services to citizens: Traditionally, governance structures hold the power to make decisions that affect the lives of citizens. But citizen-centric governance focuses on providing citizens with access to information, services, and resources and on engaging them in the policy-making process.
    • Increased citizen participation: The objective of citizen-centric governance is to increase citizen participation in decision-making processes

    Mission Karmayogi

    • Capacity building of civil servants: Mission Karmayogi, the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building has been strategically working to build the capacities of civil servants through various innovative interventions to sensitise and reframe the fabric of citizen participation.
    • karmachari to karmayogi: Today, thousands of railway employees, Gramin Dak Sevaks, police personnel in the UTs and employees of BSNL are all going through an outcome-based capacity-building programme that is shifting them from thinking like a karmachari to acting like a karmayogi.

    Citizen Engagement

    • Citizen engagement refers to how citizens participate in the political, social and economic aspects of their community or society.
    • Citizen engagement is highly embedded in the nature of the political and governance context and existing power relations.
    • It needs to be understood as a core component of any governance system, and in democracies, citizen engagement is a basic principle because it is understood that governments derive their authority and power from the people.

    What the multi-stakeholder engagement requires?

    • Constructive dialogue: Development by the people and for the people is indeed possible. Citizen engagement towards democratising the process of development necessarily involves a constructive dialogue between and amongst all stakeholders.
    • Mutual trust and respect: Meaningful dialogue among the stakeholders the state, citizenry, private sector, media, civil society and academia can sustain only when there is mutual trust. The relationship between these multiple stakeholders needs to be driven by mutual respect and an appreciation of interdependence and reciprocity.
    • Redrawing boundaries of engagement: However, this may involve redrawing boundaries of engagement and roles that stakeholders have traditionally assumed for themselves.
    • Partnership approach: The multi-stakeholder engagement would require the adoption of the partnership approach by all parties involved.

    Conclusion

    • Citizen-centric governance and citizen engagement are important aspects of development in any democracy. By adopting a partnership approach and mutual respect for each other’s roles, stakeholders can work together to ensure the overall development of a community and nation at large. The Indian government’s program, Mission Karmayogi, is a right step towards building the capacities of civil servants and sensitizing them to citizen participation.
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  • Autism Spectrum Disorders: Prevalence in India and Way Ahead

    Central Idea

    • In India, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a widely debated issue due to a lack of systematic estimates. Most estimates have been derived from studies based on school children, revealing that over one crore Indians may be on the autism spectrum. However, there are notable cultural differences in diagnosing autism between countries, which highlights the need to assess the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders specifically in the Indian context.

    What is Autism?

    • Spectrum disorder: Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. It is called a spectrum disorder because the symptoms and severity can vary widely between individuals.
    • Common symptoms: Some common symptoms of autism include difficulty with social interactions, such as maintaining eye contact or understanding nonverbal cues, delayed speech and language development, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.
    • Cause: Autism is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause is not yet fully understood.
    • Cure: There is currently no cure for autism, but early interventions and therapies can help individuals with autism lead fulfilling and independent lives.

    Prevalence of Autism in India

    • Lack of systematic estimates: Autism is a global issue and affects individuals of all cultures, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, there is a lack of systematic estimates of autism prevalence in India.
    • Methos failed: Researchers have attempted to estimate prevalence through government hospitals, but this method failed due to the absence of central medical registries.
    • Conservative estimates: As a result, prevalence was estimated through school-based assessments. According to conservative estimates, well over one crore Indians are on the autism spectrum. This highlights the need for further research and attention to address the prevalence of ASD in India.
    • Cultural Differences and Diagnosis of Autism:
    • Notable cultural differences exist in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. In the US and UK, the majority of children with autism spectrum diagnosis are verbal, with average or higher IQ, and attending mainstream schools.
    • However, in India, a significant majority of children with a clinical diagnosis of autism also have intellectual disability and limited verbal ability. This difference is driven by sociological factors, such as access to appropriate clinical expertise, provisions for inclusion in mainstream schools, and availability of medical insurance coverage.

    Challenges in Assessing Autism

    • Assessment tools: Assessment of autism spectrum disorder is primarily behavioral, and most widely used autism assessment tools are not available in Indian languages.
    • Indigenous autism assessment tools challenges: There has been a rise in the development of indigenous autism assessment tools. Despite the development of these tools, it can be challenging to compare across different assessment measures.

    Demand and Supply in India

    • Shortage of mental health professionals: Most autism assessment tools need to be administered by specialist mental health professionals. However, there is a significant shortage of mental health professionals in India, with less than 10,000 psychiatrists, a majority of whom are concentrated in big cities.
    • Delay is costly: Delay in interventions can be costly for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.
    • Demand and supply gap need to be met: This gap between demand and supply cannot be met directly by specialists alone, and parallel efforts to widen the reach of diagnostic and intervention services through involving non-specialists is required. Emerging evidence suggests the feasibility of involving non-specialists in autism identification and intervention through digital technology and training programs.

    Way ahead: Need for an All-India Program

    • National program on autism: The need of the hour is to develop a national program on autism in India that links researchers, clinicians, service providers to the end-users in the autism community.
    • Essential components: This program needs to have three essential components that are joined up: assessment, intervention, and awareness.
    • Assessment: Research is needed to develop appropriate assessments and design efficient implementation pathways.
    • Intervention: Clinical and support service workforce needs to be expanded by training non-specialists such that a stepped-care model can be rolled out effectively across the nation.
    • Awareness: Large-scale initiatives need to be launched to build public awareness that can reduce the stigma associated with autism and related conditions.

    Conclusion

    • There are challenges in diagnosing and assessing autism in India which highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated effort to address them. By expanding the clinical and support service workforce, training non-specialists, and developing appropriate assessments and interventions, India can improve outcomes for those on the autism spectrum and reduce the stigma associated with the condition. This national program needs to be informed by consultation with different stakeholders, with a primary focus on end-users within the Indian autism community.

  • Taiwan- China: India in the Event of a Cross-Strait Conflict

    Conflict

    Central Idea

     

    • India needs to proactively consider its military, diplomatic, and economic responses to a potential cross-strait conflict between China and Taiwan.

     

    Background

     

    • PLA’s frequent military exercises near Taiwan: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is conducting frequent military exercises near Taiwan, increasing the risk of escalation in the Taiwan Strait.
    • Forceful reunification: Some analysts believe that China, under President Xi Jinping, is preparing for a forceful reunification campaign by 2027.

     

    Conflict

    The impact of a cross-strait conflict between China and Taiwan on India

     

    • Disruption of trade: India’s trade through the South China Sea (SCS) accounts for nearly 55% of its total trade with the Indo-Pacific region. A conflict in the Taiwan Strait could severely disrupt this trade, affecting India’s economy. Additionally, trade with Taiwan, China (India’s second-largest trading partner), East Asia, and some Southeast Asian countries would also be severely impacted.
    • Strategic implications: As a member of the Quad, India would face serious strategic consequences in the event of a cross-strait conflict. New Delhi would be expected to respond in support of its partners, particularly the United States, which may lead to a significant shift in the regional balance of power and India’s international commitments.
    • Escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC): India’s involvement in a conflict over Taiwan may prompt China to escalate tensions along the LAC, leading to an increased risk of military confrontation between India and China. This would put additional pressure on India’s military and resources, as it would have to prepare for a potential two-front conflict.
    • Diplomatic challenges: India’s involvement in a conflict over Taiwan would strain its diplomatic relations with China and complicate its foreign policy priorities in the region. New Delhi would have to balance its commitments to its allies and partners with the need to maintain a stable relationship with Beijing.
    • Economic costs: The economic fallout from a cross-strait conflict could be considerable for India, with potential disruptions to supply chains, investment flows, and regional economic integration efforts. This could hinder India’s economic growth and development objectives in the short to medium term.
    • Security concerns: A cross-strait conflict could lead to increased military deployments, escalations, and proxy conflicts in the region, raising security concerns for India. This would necessitate greater vigilance and preparedness from the Indian military and intelligence agencies to address potential threats.
    • Humanitarian consequences: In the event of a large-scale conflict, India may face the challenge of responding to humanitarian crises resulting from displaced populations, refugees, and the disruption of essential services in the region. This could put additional strain on India’s resources and infrastructure.

     

    India’s likely responses

     

    • Military response: India could assist partner countries, including the US, by sharing experience and intelligence on dealing with the PLA. It could also offer its mainland for refuelling aircraft and access to its Andaman and Nicobar Island bases.
    • Diplomatic response: India could participate in a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Chinese aggression.
    • Economic response: India is unlikely to impose targeted sanctions on China due to the negative trade balance between the two countries.

     

    Conflict

    India’s proactive measures

     

    • Information sharing: India can establish a secure communication channel with Taiwan to exchange vital intelligence and real-time information on Chinese military movements and strategies. This would help Taiwan to better anticipate potential threats and improve its defensive capabilities.
    • Training Taiwanese armed forces personnel: India can secretly collaborate with Taiwan to train its armed forces personnel in specific operations and tactics. This may include joint exercises and training programs in areas like counterinsurgency, mountain warfare, and special operations, which could enhance Taiwan’s military preparedness.
    • Consultative mechanisms: India can set up consultative mechanisms with Taipei, Tokyo, and Washington to discuss and coordinate their strategic approaches towards deterring a Chinese attack on Taiwan. This collaboration can lead to the development of joint strategies, contingency plans, and a coordinated response in case of a conflict.
    • Strengthening defense ties: India can explore options to strengthen defense ties with Taiwan by providing it with military equipment, technology, and logistical support. This could help Taiwan build a more robust defense system and deter potential Chinese aggression.
    • Economic diversification for Taiwan: India can play a significant role in helping Taiwan diversify its trade and economic dependencies away from China. By increasing bilateral trade, investment, and technological cooperation, India can provide Taiwan with the scale it needs to reduce its overdependence on Beijing.
    • Soft power diplomacy: India can leverage its soft power and cultural ties to build stronger relationships with Taiwan, promoting people-to-people exchanges, educational collaborations, and cultural events. This would not only strengthen the bond between the two countries but also raise awareness and support for Taiwan’s cause on the international stage.
    • Encouraging international support: India can work with its allies and partners in the Quad, as well as other regional and global forums, to build a broader coalition supporting Taiwan’s sovereignty and security. By advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations and platforms, India can help raise its global profile and encourage other countries to support Taiwan in the event of a conflict.

     

    Conclusion

     

    • While India would face challenges in the event of a cross-strait conflict, it is crucial for New Delhi to plan for the inevitable and proactively consider its military, diplomatic, and economic responses to such a crisis.

    Mains Question

    Q. There are signs of potential cross-strait conflict between China and Taiwan. In this backdrop discuss its impact on India