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  • [12th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: With elections done and dusted, J&K now must return to statehood

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has heen a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (UPSC CSE 2022)
    Q) To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (UPSC CSE 2016)

    Mentor’s Comment: The first assembly election of Jammu and Kashmir (2024), after the revocation of Article 370, represents a pivotal moment in the region’s political landscape. Today’s editorial emphasizes the necessity for the central government to acknowledge and respect the present electoral mandate. With the INDIA bloc gaining control, it is a must for the Centre to facilitate the newly elected government in fulfilling its promises, particularly regarding statehood restoration and local governance.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections marked a significant political event, being the first assembly elections in over a decade and the first since the revocation of the region’s special status under Article 370.

    Major observations during the 2024 Assembly Election:

    The Election was conducted in three phases and was crucial for restoring democratic processes in a region historically troubled by conflict and political instability.

    • Restoration of Self-Rule: The elections represent a crucial step towards restoring some degree of self-rule in Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
      • It signaled a shift in voter sentiment towards mainstream political parties that advocate for local governance and autonomy. 
      • This outcome could potentially lead to a more representative government that addresses local issues effectively.
    • Voter Participation and Sentiment: The elections witnessed a robust voter turnout of 63.9%, surpassing previous electoral participation, indicating a renewed faith in democratic processes among the electorate.
      • This increased engagement suggests that many citizens are seeking to voice their concerns through legitimate political channels rather than through separatist movements or violence
    Overview of Article 370:

    • Autonomous Status: Article 370 allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution, a separate flag, and significant autonomy in internal matters. It limited the Indian Parliament’s power to legislate for the state, requiring state government concurrence for laws beyond defense, foreign affairs, and communications.
    • Temporary Provision: Drafted in Part XXI of the Constitution, it was intended as a temporary measure until J&K formulated its constitution. The article was meant to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had a say in their governance.
    • Instrument of Accession: The article was rooted in the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947, which allowed J&K to join India while retaining certain powers.

    What are the challenges expected for the newly formed government?

    • Political Landscape Dynamics: The JKNC’s victory is seen as a rejection of the BJP’s policies and a call for greater local representation. This shift may also influence future electoral strategies and alliances within the region.
    • Central Control: The newly elected assembly will still operate under the oversight of a federally appointed lieutenant governor, limiting its autonomy. Major decisions will require central approval, which could stifle local governance initiatives.
    • Restoration of Article 370: While the regional party JKNC has promised to work towards restoring Article 370, the likelihood of this occurring is uncertain given the central government’s stance.
      • The central government maintains that this constitutional change is irreversible, complicating any efforts to regain previous autonomy.

    Key Recommendations for Governance:

    • Accelerate Statehood Restoration: The central government should prioritize restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood to foster political stability.
    • Support Local Governance Initiatives: Empowering local leaders and institutions will enhance democratic engagement and address citizens’ concerns more effectively.
    • Foster Inclusive Dialogue: Engaging with diverse political factions, including those previously marginalized, can help build a more cohesive political framework.

    Conclusion: Respecting the electoral mandate is essential not only for upholding democratic values but also for ensuring that citizens feel represented and heard. As new leadership emerges, both local and central governments must work collaboratively towards restoring peace, stability, and governance that reflects the aspirations of all people in Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Literature Nobel, 2024

    nobel

    Why in the News?

    The 2024 Nobel Prize has been awarded to South Korean writer Han Kang for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.”

    Who is Han Kang?

    • Han Kang is a South Korean writer born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea.
    • She is known for her poetic and experimental writing style that confronts themes of historical trauma, violence, grief, and the fragility of human life.
    • After starting her literary career with poetry, she became widely recognized for her novels that address complex human emotions and the consequences of social and political structures.

    Her Literary Works:

    • The Vegetarian (2007): This novel, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, revolves around a woman who decides to stop eating meat and faces extreme reactions from her family. The story explores themes of control, independence, and violence. It was her breakthrough novel, translated into English in 2015.
    • Human Acts (2016): Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, this novel tells the story of the massacre of protesting students by the South Korean military. Han Kang gives voice to the victims of history with a style that is both experimental and visionary.
    • The White Book (2017): An elegy dedicated to a sibling who passed away shortly after birth. The novel is a meditation on grief, narrated through white objects, symbolizing loss and memory.
    • Greek Lessons (2023): This novel, first published in Korean in 2011, tells the story of a woman who loses her ability to speak and her teacher, who is losing his sight. The novel explores loss, intimacy, and the connection between language and identity.
    • We Do Not Part (2025, forthcoming): This upcoming novel focuses on two women confronting a hidden massacre in Korean history from the 1940s. It explores how trauma can be transformed into art.

    Citation for Nobel Prize 2024

    • The Swedish Academy’s official bio-bibliography highlights her ability to create universal narratives using a poetic and radical imagination. 
    • Han Kang is praised for addressing patriarchy, violence, and historical injustices, while also examining the connections between body and soul and the living and the dead.
    • The academy notes that she has become an innovator in contemporary prose, showing how literature can speak the truth through her powerful and experimental style.

    Recent Nobel Prizes in Literature:

    • 2023: Jon Fosse (Norway) for his innovative minimalistic plays and prose, focusing on the human condition.
    • 2022: Annie Ernaux (France) for her courageous exploration of personal and collective memory.
    • 2021: Abdulrazak Gurnah (Tanzania) for his compassionate depictions of colonialism and migration.
    • 2020: Louise Gluck (USA) for her deeply personal poetry that resonates universally.
    Rabindranath Tagore: Won the Nobel Prize in 1913 for “Gitanjali,” becoming the first non-European laureate in Literature, recognized for his sensitive and spiritual poetry.

  • Baku and South Caucasus Region

    South Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia)

    Why in the News?

    • The 29th COP to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will begin on November 11, 2024, in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
      • As global leaders gather near the Caspian Sea, the surrounding region of the South Caucasus faces significant climate challenges.

    Key Areas at Risk:

    (1) Regional/transboundary areas:

    • Northern Armenia and southern Georgia
    • North-west Azerbaijan and north-east Georgia (Alazani/Ganykh river basin)

    (2) Within countries:

    • Yerevan and Ararat Valley (Armenia)
    • Lake Sevan (Armenia)
    • Kura-Ara(k)s lowlands (Azerbaijan)
    • Baku and Absheron peninsula (Azerbaijan)
    • Adjara and the Black Sea coast (Georgia)
    • Tbilisi, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti regions (Georgia)

     

    About South Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia):

    Details
    Location South of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, bordered by Russia (north), Turkey and Iran (south), between the Black Sea (west) and Caspian Sea (east).
    Countries Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia; includes disputed territories like Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.
    Mountains Lesser Caucasus Mountains (up to 3,000m); includes the Zangezur Range, Meskheti Range, and Armenian Highlands.
    Seas Between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea; Absheron Peninsula (Azerbaijan) extends into Caspian Sea, rich in oil.
    Rivers and Lakes Major rivers: Kura River (Georgia & Azerbaijan) and Aras River (Armenia & Azerbaijan). Key lake: Lake Sevan (Armenia).
    Climate
    • Continental climate: hot summers and cold winters;
    • Subtropical climate along Georgia’s Black Sea coast;
    • Semi-arid to desert climate near Caspian Sea, especially Azerbaijan.
    Natural Resources Rich in oil and natural gas, particularly in Azerbaijan; critical hub for energy pipelines like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
    Geopolitical Importance Strategic transit route for energy resources to Europe; region of geopolitical tensions due to conflicts (Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Abkhazia).

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Turkey is located between:

    (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea

    (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea

    (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea

    (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

  • Hurricane Milton

    Why in the News?

    Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, USA which caused heavy rain, flooding and strong winds resulting in significant damage and loss of lives.

    Hurricane Milton: Origin and Causes

    • Hurricane Milton was a powerful storm that made landfall in Florida near Siesta Key, causing widespread damage.
    • It was a Category 5 hurricane with wind speeds of 285 km/h, making it one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
    • It originated in the Gulf of Mexico, an area connected to the Atlantic Ocean.

    Why it was an unusual storm?

    • Milton went from a Category 1 storm to a Category 5 storm in just 12 hours.
      • Usually, hurricanes intensify at a slower pace, but Milton’s wind speeds increased by 145 km/h in one day, which is very rare.
    • Sea-surface temperatures of 31°C were much higher than the 26°C needed for hurricane formation.
      • This excess heat allowed Milton to intensify quickly.
    • Most hurricanes follow a westward path, but Milton moved eastward and made landfall on the western coast of Florida.
      • According to scientists, very few hurricanes have taken this path before.
    • Wind shear is a change in wind speed and direction that can weaken hurricanes.
      • In Milton’s case, there was almost no wind shear, allowing the storm to grow stronger without interference.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

    2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.

    3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

  • [11th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The U.K. and ‘leaving lessons’ from the Indian Ocean

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (UPSC CSE 2013)
    Q) Explain the formation of thousands of islands in the Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. (UPSC CSE 2014)
    Q) Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss (UPSC CSE 2015)
    Q) Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer. (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Mentor’s Comment: The Chagos Archipelago consists of 58 islands and is located approximately 500 km south of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.  The French were the first to colonize Mauritius along with the Chagos Islands in 1715.  In the late 18th century, the French brought in slave labor from Africa and India to work in newly established coconut plantations. However, the UK took control of the region in 1814 after the fall of France’s Napoleon Bonaparte.  

    Today’s editorial by Mohamed Nasheed emphasizes the importance of the United Kingdom’s approach to its colonial legacy in the Indian Ocean, particularly concerning the Chagos Archipelago. It highlights the need for sustainable marine conservation and collaborative governance as Britain prepares to relinquish control over these islands.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    On October 9, 2024, the UK agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, while retaining sovereign rights over Diego Garcia for military purposes. The deal is historic as it recognizes Mauritius’s claims over the archipelago, which has been contested since the 1980s.

    Historical background of Chagos Archipelago:

    • Historically, these islands were part of the Maldives until their detachment by the UK in 1965 to establish the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
    • This move was made to facilitate a military base for the United States on Diego Garcia, leading to the expulsion of the indigenous Chagossians.
    • The ICJ had previously ruled in 2019 that the UK’s detachment of Chagos from Mauritius was illegal and called for an end to British colonial administration in the area.
    • This ruling added pressure on the UK to negotiate a resolution with Mauritius

    Key highlights of the agreement:

    • Resettlement of Chagossians: Mauritius can now resettle people on the Chagos Archipelago, except Diego Garcia, where Britain evicted 2,000 islanders for a US naval base. The deal grants Mauritius full sovereignty over the archipelago except Diego Garcia island. 
    • Establishment of the Trust Fund: The UK has also promised to create a new trust fund for the benefit of the people of Chagos. 

    Other major Initiatives taken and Collaborations needed:

    • Sovereignty and Decolonization: The sovereignty of the Chagos Islands has been a contentious issue, with historical ties to both Mauritius and the Maldives.
      • The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing military rights over Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years.
    • Marine Conservation Efforts: Britain’s decision to place the entire Chagos Archipelago under protected status, emphasizing its significance for marine conservation is commendable.
      • The Maldives employs sustainable fishing techniques that minimize bycatch, contrasting with industrial fishing practices that threaten fish stocks.
    • Collaborative Future: As part of the decolonization process, it is crucial for island nations in the Indian Ocean—Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka—to collaborate on maintaining the protected status of Chagos.
      • Britain needs to learn from its past mistakes in decolonization, particularly regarding India’s Partition in 1947, which had severe human costs.

    How did the historical conflicts between the UK and France influence the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands?

    • The Chagos Islands were initially part of French colonial territory, known as Isle de France, where they established coconut plantations using enslaved African labor in the 18th century.
    • Following the defeat of Napoleon in 1814, the Treaty of Paris ceded Mauritius and its dependencies, including the Chagos Islands, to Britain. This marked the beginning of British administration over these territories.
    • In 1965, during preparations for Mauritian independence, the UK separated the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). This move was motivated by strategic interests, particularly to establish a military base on Diego Garcia.
    • The UK forcibly removed the indigenous Chagossians to facilitate military operations, which has been condemned as a violation of human rights.
    • Despite the ICJ decision, pressure, and legal challenges, the UK maintained its claims over the islands due to their strategic military importance, particularly Diego Garcia.

    Conclusion: A respectful and collaborative exit strategy is needed for the UK from its Indian Ocean territories. It advocates for joint efforts among regional nations to ensure that marine conservation is prioritized while addressing historical grievances related to colonialism.

  • Rise in life expectancy has slowed dramatically: New study

    Why in the News?

    After decades of steady increases in human life expectancy due to advancements in medicine and technology, recent trends suggest that these gains are starting to slow down, according to a new study.

    The Key Findings of the Study:

    • Slowing of Life Expectancy Gains: After decades of rising life expectancy due to medical and technological advancements, the pace of these increases has slowed significantly. The study suggests that human life expectancy has nearly plateaued, with dramatic extensions unlikely without breakthroughs in anti-aging medicine.
    • Regional Analysis: The study analyzed life expectancy data between 1990 and 2019 from regions with the longest life spans, such as Australia, Japan, and Sweden.
      • Even in these regions, life expectancy increased by only 6.5 years on average over the 29-year period.
    • Challenges of Radical Life Extension: Researchers found that while people live longer due to improvements in healthcare, the human body’s aging process—marked by the declining function of internal organs—limits life span. Even if diseases like cancer and heart disease are eliminated, aging itself remains a barrier.
    • Low Probability of Reaching 100: The study estimates that girls born in the longest-living regions have only a 5.3% chance of reaching 100 years, while boys have a 1.8% chance. Thus, despite medical advancements, reaching 100 years remains rare without interventions to slow aging.
    • Aging as the Primary Barrier: Researchers argue that extending average life expectancy dramatically will require breakthroughs that slow the aging process rather than just better treatments for common diseases.
      • Some experimental drugs, like metformin, have shown potential in animal studies, but human trials are needed.

    India’s Present Status:

    • Lower Life Expectancy: As of 2024, India’s average life expectancy is around 70 years, In contrast, countries like Japan and Switzerland boast life expectancies exceeding 83 years.
    • Healthcare Advancements: While India has made significant progress in combating infectious diseases and improving maternal and child health, chronic illnesses and lifestyle diseases (such as heart disease and diabetes) are emerging as leading causes of death.

    What Needs to Be Done: (Way forward) 

    • Focus on Anti-Aging Research: India must invest in research on aging and regenerative medicine, exploring ways to slow down the aging process rather than just treating diseases.
    • Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Expanding access to quality healthcare and preventive medicine to manage age-related diseases can enhance the quality of life in later years, even if life expectancy does not rise dramatically.
    • Policy Support for Longevity Research: There is a need for policies supporting medical research into life-extension technologies, including drug trials and clinical studies focused on aging.
    • Public Health Interventions: Improved public health measures targeting lifestyle diseases (obesity, diabetes) and better management of age-related conditions can enhance life span and overall well-being.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC IAS/2022)

  • Can India escape middle-income trap?

    Why in the News?

    The World Development Report 2024 highlights the “middle-income trap,” where economies stagnate as growth slows. Only 34 middle-income nations advanced to high-income status in 34 years.

    How does the World Bank define the threshold for middle-income economies?

    • The World Bank defines middle-income economies as those with incomes between $1,136 and $13,845 per capita.
    • The middle-income trap refers to a slowdown in growth when an economy reaches a certain income threshold, about 11% of U.S. per capita income.
    • Only 34 middle-income countries have transitioned to higher-income status over the last 34 years, indicating the difficulty of escaping the middle-income trap.

    Why is state intervention crucial for breaking the middle-income trap?

    • State intervention is vital for coordinating development goals, as seen in South Korea and Chile, where governments played an active role in shaping industries and ensuring the private sector’s alignment with national development objectives.
    • The state ensures investment, infusion of global technologies, and domestic innovation, which are critical for modern economies. This is known as the 3i approach (Investment, Infusion, Innovation).
    • State intervention disciplines local elites, ensuring firms succeed based on performance, not political connections. Underperforming firms are allowed to fail, promoting efficiency and innovation.

    What lessons can be drawn from South Korea and Chile?

    • South Korea adopted a state-led industrialization strategy with a focus on export-driven manufacturing:
      • The state actively directed private sector activities, ensuring businesses were competitive on the global stage.
      • Chaebols (large business conglomerates) were supported based on their performance, promoting technological advancement and innovation.
    • Chile achieved success by focusing on natural resource exports, like its salmon industry:
      • The state’s role was crucial in developing and supporting industries with growth potential, showing how targeted interventions can help small but strategically important sectors thrive.

    What challenges does India face in balancing state intervention with democratic values?

    • Economic Power Concentration: India faces a growing concentration of wealth among powerful business houses, which are perceived to be closely linked to the state. This risks cronyism rather than performance-based growth, which could hinder innovation and investment.
    • Manufacturing Stagnation: Unlike South Korea, India’s manufacturing sector has not experienced significant growth. With global export demand slowing and increased protectionism, manufacturing is less likely to drive India’s growth.
    • Wage Stagnation: Real wage growth has been stagnant, as inflation erodes the benefits of nominal wage increases. This limits domestic demand, a critical factor in economic dynamism.
    • Premature Deindustrialization: India, like many developing economies, faces premature deindustrialization, meaning that manufacturing’s contribution to GDP is declining at a lower level of income than historically seen in developed economies.
    • Balancing State Intervention with Democracy: South Korea and Chile implemented aggressive state interventions under authoritarian regimes. However, India, as the world’s largest democracy, must ensure that growth strategies do not come at the cost of democratic values and labor rights.

    World Bank recommendation to escape the middle-income trap: 

    World Development Report 2024: This report outlines a three-pronged approach for middle-income countries to escape the trap:

    • Investment: Initially focusing on increasing investment.
    • Technology Infusion: Incorporating modern technologies into domestic industries.
    • Innovation: Ultimately fostering innovation to enhance competitiveness and productivity

    Way forward: 

    • Economic Growth Strategy: Niti Aayog CEO  emphasized the need for a comprehensive economic strategy to avoid the middle-income trap, which he described as the “biggest threat” to India’s growth.
    • Free Trade and Global Integration:  Niti Aayog CEO advocated for increased openness to free trade and alignment with global value chains.
    • Urban Development and Infrastructure: The government should focus on transforming urban areas into economic hubs, which is seen as crucial for driving growth.

  • The grueling course of litigation in India

    Why in the News?

    At the National Conference of the District Judiciary, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the problem of court delays. She pointed out that these delays are causing people to hesitate in approaching the courts.

    What are the primary causes of delays in the Indian judicial system?

    • Ineffective Case Management: The lack of proper scheduling and timelines for filing documents, examining witnesses, and scheduling hearings leads to inefficiencies and prolonged delays.
      • Lawyers often seek adjournments due to unpredictable scheduling or strategic reasons, leading to repeated postponements of hearings.
    • Overburdened Judges: District court judges are often under pressure to prioritize cases based on higher court directives, skewing case management in favor of meeting deadlines rather than ensuring timely justice.
    • Incentive Structure for Judges: The “units system” rewards judges for disposing of simpler cases, often causing more complex cases to be delayed or neglected.
    • Extended Stays and Interim Orders: Litigants may use stays as a strategic delay tactic, reducing the urgency to resolve cases quickly.
    • Unpredictable Witness Testimonies: Disruptions in the court schedule and procedural delays make it difficult for witnesses to attend court, further contributing to trial delays.

    Status of the case pending in India: 

    • Total Pending Cases: As of 2024, there are over 58.59 lakh cases pending in high courts alone, with a staggering total of more than 51 million (5.1 crore) cases across all court levels, including district and Supreme Court.
    • Long-standing Cases: Nearly 62,000 cases have been pending for over 30 years, with some dating back to 1952. In high courts, about 23% of cases have been pending for over ten years2.
    • High Court Breakdown: The Allahabad High Court has the highest backlog, with over seven lakh cases pending as of 2018. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court currently has around 83,000 cases pending, marking a significant increase over the past decade despite an increase in the number of judges

    What impact do these delays have on public perception and access to justice?

    • Erosion of Trust: Delays make the judicial process appear slow and ineffective, leading to public hesitation in approaching courts, fearing that litigation will complicate their lives.
    • Increased Legal Costs: Prolonged cases escalate legal costs for litigants, making justice unaffordable for many.
    • Reluctance to Seek Justice: The “black coat syndrome” highlights how people avoid courts due to the fear of endless adjournments and delays, diminishing access to timely justice.
    • Backlog of Cases: The increasing backlog due to delays creates further congestion in the judicial system, perpetuating a cycle of inefficiency.

    How can reforms improve the efficiency of the judiciary? (Way forward)

    • Improved Case Management Systems: Implementation of Case Flow Management Rules with a focus on enforcing timelines for hearings and case disposal can streamline the process.
    • Reformed Incentive Structures: Reform the “units system” to incentivize judges to handle complex cases more efficiently rather than prioritizing simpler ones.
    • Predictable Scheduling for Lawyers: Providing clear scheduling information to lawyers can reduce unnecessary adjournments and improve case flow.
    • Review of Stay Orders: Limiting the duration of stay orders and making them subject to regular review can discourage their misuse as delay tactics.
      • Introducing real-time case management systems to track case progress and monitor delays could enhance judicial efficiency.
    • Support for Witnesses: Offering financial compensation and providing predictability in court appearances can encourage witnesses to testify without unnecessary delays.

  • [pib] India’s Statement at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit 

    Why in the News?

    In alignment with the theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit—“Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”—PM Modi laid out the following ten key suggestions for strengthening cooperation.

    Back2Basics: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

    • ASEAN, founded in 1967 with the Bangkok Declaration, aims for economic growth, regional peace, and an integrated ASEAN community.
    • The ASEAN Charter, launched in 2008, formalized ASEAN’s legal status and sought to establish a single free-trade area.
    • The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) was established in 2009, adopting the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration in 2012.
    • ASEAN members comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. East Timor (Timor-Leste) applied for membership in 2011 but is not yet a member.
    • ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, South Korea) aims to deepen regional integration among Southeast Asia and East Asian countries.
    • East Asia Summit (EAS), including ASEAN Plus Three + India, Australia, and New Zealand, enhances strategic dialogue and cooperation in the region.

    Ten suggestions by PM Modi for ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience:

    No. Suggestion Details
    1 ASEAN-India Year of Tourism (2025) Declare 2025 as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, with India committing USD 5 million to promote tourism between India and ASEAN.
    2 Celebrating a Decade of India’s Act East Policy Organize events connecting artists, youth, entrepreneurs, and think tanks, including a Music Festival, Youth Summit, Hackathon, etc.
    3 Women Scientists’ Conclave Hold an annual Women Scientists’ Conclave under the India-ASEAN Science and Technology Fund to promote collaboration and innovation.
    4 Scholarships for ASEAN Students Double the Masters scholarships for ASEAN students at Nalanda University and launch a new scholarship program for ASEAN students in agriculture.
    5 Review of ASEAN-India Trade Agreement Complete the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025 to enhance economic ties and build a secure, resilient supply chain.
    6 Disaster Resilience Allocate USD 5 million from the ASEAN-India Fund for disaster resilience, with collaboration between India’s NDMA and ASEAN’s Humanitarian Assistance Centre.
    7 Health Resilience Institutionalize the ASEAN-India Health Ministers Meeting and invite two experts from each ASEAN country to India’s National Cancer Grid Vishwam Conference.
    8 Digital and Cyber Resilience Establish a cyber-policy dialogue between India and ASEAN to strengthen digital and cyber resilience.
    9 Promoting a Green Future Organize workshops on green hydrogen involving experts from India and ASEAN to promote sustainable energy solutions.
    10 Climate Resilience Promote the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant for Mother) campaign to encourage tree planting and strengthen climate resilience.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.

    [2015] India is a member of which among the following? (2015)

    1. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
    2. Association of South-East Asian Nations
    3. East Asia Summit

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) India is a member of none of them

     

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063975

  • [pib] Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for public comments and suggestions.

    Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024: Key Features

    Details
    Sports Regulatory Board of India • Central regulatory authority overseeing National Sports Federations (NSFs).
    • Responsible for granting recognition to NSFs, ensuring governance, financial, and ethical standards are followed.
    • Flexible and autonomous in regulating sports governance without a fixed formula for NSF recognition.
    Governance Structure for Sports Bodies • Applies to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and NSFs.
    • Limits Executive Committees (ECs) to 15 members.
    • Leadership positions open to citizens with usual terms and conditions.
    • Encourages NSFs to hire full-time salaried management, led by a CEO.
    Ethical and Governance Standards • Mandatory Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions at the NOC, NPC, and NSF levels.
    • Aligns with international standards to help India host global events like the Olympics.
    Athletes Commissions • Required in NOC, NPC, and all NSFs.
    • Provides athletes a platform to raise concerns and participate in decision-making.
    • Government to provide additional funding.
    Athlete Representation in Governance • At least 10% of voting members in the General Body of NOC, NPC, and NSFs must be sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs).
    • At least 2 SOM representatives (one male, one female) must serve on the Executive Committee.
    Safe Sports Policy • Introduces a Safe Sports Policy to protect athletes, especially minors and women, from harassment and abuse.
    • Strict adherence to the POSH Act.
    National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs) • Guidelines for recognizing and regulating NSPOs to support sports governance, athlete development, and sports promotion.
    Appellate Sports Tribunal • Handles sports-related disputes, reducing the burden on civil courts.
    • Provides faster, cheaper, and efficient dispute resolution.
    Ad-hoc Normalisation Committees • The Sports Regulatory Board can form these committees in cases of non-compliance or suspension of sports federations.
    Global Anti-Doping and Ethical Standards • Emphasizes anti-doping measures and compliance with international standards, positioning India as a clean host for global events.
    Public Accountability and Transparency • NOC, NPC, and NSFs subject to the RTI Act with exclusions for performance and medical data, ensuring transparency in sports governance.
    Inclusivity and Gender Representation • At least 30% of the members of Executive Committees and other governing bodies must be female, promoting gender equality in sports.
    Sports Election Panel • IOA, PCI, and NSFs must engage electoral officers from the Sports Election Panel to ensure free and fair elections.
    Use of National Name and Insignia • Only recognized sports bodies will be allowed to use the Indian Flag or national names.
    • Violations can result in fines up to Rs 10 lakhs or imprisonment for up to one year.

    Significance of the Bill:

    • The National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 is significant as it aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in sports governance while ensuring the welfare of athletes.
    • It establishes regulatory frameworks and ethical standards that align India’s sports ecosystem with global practices, fostering a more efficient, fair, and athlete-centric sports environment.

    PYQ:

    [2014] An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.