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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Contribution Towards Women’s Rights

    | | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Ambedkar

    Central Idea

    • Babasaheb Ambedkar’s contribution towards women’s rights is often overlooked, and he needs to be recognized as a champion of social justice, a visionary, and a philosopher. He advocated for women’s equal participation in both personal and professional spheres, was instrumental in drafting legislation to protect women’s rights, and played a key role in reducing working hours and improving working conditions.

    Ambedkar’s Advocacy for Women’s Rights

    • Equal participation of women: Ambedkar advocated for equal participation of women in both personal and professional spheres. He was the first man to raise his voice against the unequal treatment of women in factories and other workplaces.
    • No of legislations: Ambedkar drafted legislation such as the Mines Maternity Benefit Act, which demanded equal pay and equal rights for coal mine workers, ensuring that the question of maternity leave for women was brought up and they were protected under labor laws.
    • Improving working conditions: He was instrumental in reducing working hours and improving working conditions.
    • Reproductive rights of women: Ambedkar was a strong believer in the reproductive rights of women and urged them to make their own choices about conception.

    Ambedkar’s Contribution to Women’s Rights

    • Hindu Code Bill: Ambedkar’s most important contribution to the cause of women’s rights was the Hindu Code Bill, which revolutionized property and marriage practices and established laws of maintenance for women.
    • Four acts, resulting from the Bill, were passed:
    1. The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, which gave women the right to divorce and maintenance;
    2. The Hindu Succession Act, 1956, which gave them the legal right to inherit property;
    3. The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, which allowed women to legally adopt a child; and
    4. The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, which allowed women to be the natural guardian of their children.
    • Pro-women Acts: The influence of these reforms led to other pro-women Acts such as the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976 and the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, which brightened the dark roads of women’s struggles.

    Ambedkar’s Vision for Women’s Rights

    • Women’s right to education: Ambedkar believed that education was crucial for the country’s progress and regularly spoke up for women’s right to education, defying the Manusmriti and the Dharmashastra.
    • Targeted hierarchical social order: He targeted the hierarchical social order and condemned it for degrading women, and believed that endogamy was the root cause of caste consolidation.
    • Caste system and atrocities on women: His 1917 paper, titled ‘Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development’ outlines how atrocities on women are rooted in the caste system.
    • For instance: He denounced sati, child marriage, and the condemnation of widow remarriage, which were all meant to control women.
    • Vision of equality: Ambedkar’s vision of equality despite caste, gender, race, and ethnicity differences is a pioneering thought of social justice.

    Conclusion

    • Ambedkar’s contribution towards women’s rights is often overlooked, and he needs to be recognized as a champion of social justice, a visionary, and a philosopher. His work to empower all sections of marginalized communities needs to be acknowledged, and his vision of equality despite caste, gender, race, and ethnicity differences is a pioneering thought of social justice. Women’s rights and their liberation are crucial for building a progressive society, and Ambedkar’s values and vision continue to guide feminist principles in India.

    Mains Question

    Q. Ambedkar’s contribution towards women’s rights is often overlooked. In this backdrop discuss his advocacy, contribution to Women’s Rights.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Iran

    China’s Mediation Brings Saudi Arabia and Iran to the Table: An Analysis

    op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

    China

    Central Idea

    • China’s mediation efforts have resulted in the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which is significant in terms of regional stability and the changing dynamics of international diplomacy.

    What is Mediation?

    • Mediation is a deliberate attempt to reconcile differences between two parties, and it plays a significant role in international relations. In this op-ed, we will discuss China’s recent mediation efforts that led to the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

    Background

    • Conflicts in GCC: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been facing several tensions and conflicts since 2016, mainly related to Yemen and Syria. However, bilateral efforts have been underway since early 2016 to ease these tensions.
    • Bilateral efforts: Talks were held in Baghdad and during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to China in February 2023. The Emir of Kuwait and the Sultan of Oman initiated steps that were responded to by Iran. All concerned were worried about the attacks on shipping and energy facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates.

    China’s Mediation Efforts

    • Resumption of diplomatic relations: In a joint statement on March 10, 2023, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China announced that an agreement has been reached between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran covering a resumption of diplomatic relations between them and a re-opening of their embassies and missions within a period not exceeding two months.
    • Terms of the agreement: The agreement affirmed their respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and said the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries shall meet to implement this, arrange for the return of their Ambassadors, and discuss means of enhancing bilateral relations.
    • For instance; One agreement and seven achievements: Iranian National Security Adviser Ali Shamkhani lent credibility to the accord. A commentary in an Iranian newspaper on March 11 depicted the event as ‘One agreement and seven achievements’; it listed the latter as
    1. Tehran’s willingness to engage in dialogue;
    2. Failure of the U.S.’s effort to isolate Iran;
    3. Strengthening of the alliance of Islamic Countries;
    4. Failure of Israeli efforts against this agreement;
    5. Failure of U.S. effort to show the Iranian public that it has no choice but to agree to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with America;
    6. Beijing’s successful entry in West Asian relations, and
    7. Failure of dreams of regime change.

    American and Israeli Reactions

    • US; Change in terms of reference in international diplomacy For US:S. reactions, apart from unconcealed surprise, reflected the change in terms of reference in international diplomacy.
    • Israel; a fatal blow to a regional coalition against Iran: Equally surprised was Israel, the other major player in the region, which saw it as a fatal blow to the effort to build a regional coalition against Iran.

    The Indian stand

    • India’s reaction to this development has been restrained: Apart from historical linkages, the region is in India’s proximate neighbourhood and within its security parameters.
    • Trade a priority: It is the principal source of hydrocarbon imports, and increasingly of investments. It is also an important destination for manpower exports apart from being a major trading partner including projects.
    • Policy of avoiding interference in bilateral and regional disputes: The official policy has focused on bilateral relations and avoidance of involvement in bilateral and regional disputes.
    • Refrained from speculative ventures: Given these priorities, India has consciously refrained from speculative ventures in alternate security architectures apart from supporting cooperative security and freedom of waterways and of navigation.

    Conclusion

    • China’s mediation efforts have played a significant role in bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran to the negotiating table. This development is significant in terms of regional stability and the changing dynamics of international diplomacy. India’s response to this development has been restrained, focusing on bilateral relations and avoiding involvement in regional disputes. The region should not be viewed in competition with China, and India should not consider itself a surrogate for those who have been outplayed in power games.

    Mains Question

    Q. Analyze the significance of China’s mediation efforts in bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran to the negotiating table and its impact on international diplomacy. Evaluate India’s response to this development.

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  • LGBT Rights – Transgender Bill, Sec. 377, etc.

    Constitution Bench formed in Same-Sex Marriage Case

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    bench

    The Supreme Court has announced the formation of a new Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to hear a series of petitions seeking legal recognition of same sex marriages.

    What is a Constitution Bench?

    • The constitution bench is the name given to the benches of the Supreme Court of India.
    • The Chief Justice of India has the power to constitute a Constitution Bench and refer cases to it.

    Constitution benches are set up when the following circumstances exist:

    1. Interpretation of the Constitution: Article 145(3) provides for the constitution of at least five judges of the court which sit to decide any case “involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation” of the Constitution of India.
    2. President of India seeking SC’s opinion: When the President has sought the Supreme Court’s opinion on a question of fact or law under Article 143 of the Constitution. Article 143 of the Constitution provides for Advisory jurisdiction to the SC. As per the provision, the President has the power to address questions to the apex Court, which he deems important for public welfare.
    3. Conflicting Judgments: When two or more three-judge benches of the Supreme Court have delivered conflicting judgments on the same point of law, necessitating a definite understanding and interpretation of the law by a larger bench.
    • The Constitution benches are set up on ad hoc basis as and when the above-mentioned conditions exist.
    • Constitution benches have decided many of India’s best-known and most important Supreme Court cases, such as:
    1. K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (Preventive detention)
    2. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (Basic structure doctrine) and
    3. Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India (OBC reservations) etc.

    Why in news now?

    • The Centre had expressed its concern about the “psychological impact” that same-sex unions could have on children, but refused to link its worries to stigma about same-sex relationships.
    • The government’s recent affidavit sought to explain how same-sex marriage was antithetical to the view held by many in India that marriage was a “holy union, a sacrament and a sanskar” between a biological man and a woman.

     

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  • Swachh Bharat Mission

    Top-notch Aspirational Toilets to usher in change

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    toilet

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued a directive to all state governments to ensure that 25% of public toilet seats added in any city or urban unit are “aspirational toilets.”

    What are Aspirational Toilets?

    • The aspirational toilets scheme was launched in September 2022 as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0, with an aim to help make cities open defecation free.
    • A quarter of all new public restrooms in Indian cities will soon have high-end features such as luxurious bath cubicles, touchless flushing, breast-feeding rooms, and automatic sanitary napkin incinerators.
    • These will be indicated as “aspirational toilets” on Google Maps.

    Focus areas for constructing aspirational toilets

    • The focus areas for constructing these luxury toilets will be tourist and religious destinations, as well as iconic cities.
    • High-footfall locations such as markets, railway stations, inter-state bus depots, and national highways will be given priority.
    • Guidelines have been issued to the states for constructing these toilets. It also includes low-height toilets and basins for children.
    • Hand-dryers, paper napkins, and vending machines for sanitary napkins are proposed to be made available.

    Maintenance and funding patterns

    • One of the business models being explored for the maintenance of these toilets is attaching them with other public services such as restaurants, shopping malls, libraries, cinema halls, or even medicine shops, to make them self-sustaining.
    • Experts have cautioned that a proper study must be done on the location and the way these toilets will be maintained before beginning any such project.

    Back2Basics: Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0

    Description
    Objective Make all cities in India “garbage-free”
    Period 5 years (1st Oct 2021 – 1st Oct 2026)
    Focus Sustainable solid waste management, sustainable sanitation and treatment of used water, and promoting behavior change through citizen outreach
    Segregation of waste All households and premises required to segregate their waste into “wet waste” and “dry waste”
    Collection of waste Aims to achieve 100% door-to-door collection of segregated waste from each household/premise
    Waste management Aims to achieve 100% scientific management of all fractions of waste, including safe disposal in scientific landfills, remediation of all legacy dumpsites, and the conversion of these sites into green zones
    Sanitation Aims to promote holistic sanitation, with end-to-end solutions, treatment of used water before discharge into water bodies, and maximum reuse of treated used water
    Citizen outreach Aims to create awareness and institutionalize “Swachh” behavior through large-scale citizen outreach
    Institutional capacity Aims to create institutional capacity to effectively implement programmatic interventions to achieve mission objectives

     

     

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    SpaceX Starship: World’s biggest rocket set for first test flight

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    starship

    SpaceX is preparing for the first test flight of Starship, which is the most powerful rocket ever built.

    About SpaceX Starship

    • Starship is a fully reusable spacecraft designed and built by SpaceX with the primary goal of sending humans to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

    Key objectives

    • SpaceX aims to use Starship to establish a self-sustaining human settlement on Mars.
    • The ultimate goal is to enable humans to become a multi-planetary species.
    • It also aims to make Starship reusable, reducing the cost of spaceflight and bringing down the price to a few million dollars per flight.
    • In the long run, the company aims to achieve full and rapid reusability of the spacecraft.

     

    Features

    Details
    Design and configuration
    • Made up of two parts: a 50-meter tall spacecraft and a 70-meter tall Super Heavy rocket booster.
    • Spacecraft has six Raptor engines; Super Heavy Booster has 28 Raptor engines.
    • Payload capacity of up to 100 metric tons and features a large heat shield.
    • Interior can be configured for up to 100 passengers or cargo.
    Manoeuvrability
    • Designed to be fully reusable, with vertical take-off and landing on Earth, Moon, and Mars.
    • Can be refuelled in orbit for deeper space travel and for establishing a human settlement on Mars.
    Construction and materials
    • Built using durable and cost-effective stainless steel material.
    • Stainless steel also provides heat protection during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
    Power and thrust
    • Powered by methane and liquid oxygen fueled Raptor engines.
    • Generates 17 million pounds of thrust more than twice that of the Saturn V rockets used for the Apollo missions.

     

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  • Zoonotic Diseases: Medical Sciences Involved & Preventive Measures

    Omicron evolved strategies to evade T Cell Immunity

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    t cell

    Central idea: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to evade CD8 T cells, which are important in reducing the viral load and clearing the infection by detecting and killing infected cells.

    What is the news?

    • A recent study has revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to modulate MHC I expression in host cells.
    • MHC I is crucial in alerting the immune system to virally infected cells.
    • The virus has evolved multiple strategies to inhibit MHC I expression, which is not seen in the case of the influenza virus.

    What is T Cell Immunity?

    • Like B cells, which produce antibodies, T cells are central players in the immune response to viral infection.
    • For your immune system to fight off any kind of invader, such as a virus, you need a kind of white blood cell called a B cell, which makes antibodies, and a similar-looking white blood cell called a T cell.
    • T cells can play different roles altogether.
    • They can act as “killer cells”, attacking cells which have been infected with a virus or another kind of pathogen, or they can act as “helper cells” by supporting B cells to produce antibodies.

    How do they function?

    • Alongside antibodies, the immune system produces a battalion of T cells that can target viruses.
    • Some of these, known as killer T cells (or CD8+T cells), seek out and destroy cells that are infected with the virus.
    • Others, called helper T cells (or CD4+T cells) are important for various immune functions, including stimulating the production of antibodies and killer T cells.
    • T cells do not prevent infection, because they kick into action only after a virus has infiltrated the body. But they are important for clearing an infection that has already started.
    • In the case of COVID-19, killer T cells could mean the difference between a mild infection and a severe one that requires hospital treatment.

     

     

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  • Indian Missile Program Updates

    In news: Pralay Ballistic Missile

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    pralay

    India is going to buy 250 more Pralay ballistic missiles for the services to strengthen them on the northern borders, further boosting the firepower of the defence forces.

    Pralay Ballistic Missile

    • Pralay is a tactical missile developed from India’s K-series of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
    • It has a range of 150-500 km and can carry warheads weighing between 350 to 700 kg.
    • The missile is a canisters road-mobile system, which enhances its mobility and allows for quick preparation and launch of the missile.
    • Pralay has the ability to perform manoeuvres in flight and follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory to maintain high speed, making it difficult for enemy missile defence systems to intercept.

    Classification

    • The Indian Defence Ministry has classified Pralay as a “conventional Surface-to-Surface missile”.
    • This distinguishes it from the Agni series of missiles, which have the capability to carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.

    Testing and launch

    • The missile was launched on a quasi-ballistic trajectory in one of the two tests, which enhances its effectiveness against enemy missile defence systems.
    • Satellite imagery of the test shows that Pralay is a canisterised road-mobile system, which adds to its mobility and flexibility in responding to evolving threats.

     

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    NCERT’s Changes On Mughal History and Sparked Heated Debate

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    NCERT

    Central Idea

    • The controversy over the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) reducing the content on Mughal history in the school curriculum has sparked a heated debate in the country. While some argue that this move is part of a larger agenda to erase the Mughal legacy, others believe that it is a necessary step towards reducing the burden on students and providing a more balanced approach to teaching Indian history.

    NCERT’s changes

    • The NCERT removed overlapping material from grades 6 to 12 to reduce the burden on students.
    • Grade 12 has been designed around themes in Indian history. It is divided into three parts spanning over 2,000 years. One theme out of 12 focuses on Kings and Chronicles. It revolves around the significant policies that redefined the landscape and mindset of the people. Akbar’s policies feature in this theme in the rationalized syllabus as well.
    • This is over and above the extensive coverage they get in the middle school curricula, at the cost of the exclusion of the rest. Mughals have been overrepresented in Indian history books and were an obvious area for right-sizing.

    What NCERT has said on omitting chapters?

    • Part of rationalisation process: According to NCERT director, Chapters on Mughals have not been dropped. There was a rationalisation process last year because due to COVID, there was pressure on students everywhere.
    • Reducing the burden without affecting the knowledge: The expert committees examined the books from standards 6-12. They recommended that if some sections or this chapter is dropped, it won’t affect the knowledge of the children and an unnecessary burden can be removed.
    • Transition towards National Education Policy (NEP): NCERT working as per NEP, 2020. This is a transition phase. NEP 2020 speaks of reducing the content load. NCF (National Curriculum Framework) for school education is being formed, it will be finalised soon. Textbooks will be printed in 2024 as per NEP.

    Need for a balanced approach

    • Purpose of studying Indian history: The purpose of studying Indian history should be to understand who we are and how we got here, by understanding the demography, culture, and practices of the various components of India over the last two-and-a-half millennia.
    • Dive deep into all polities: This requires us to dive deep into all polities that have resided in the subcontinental region for significant periods.
    • Mughal history is just one part: Mughal history is just one part of just one period (medieval) of Indian history, and there is a lot more to our history that needs attention.

    Need for a more comprehensive approach

    • Rich and long history: Indian history is too rich, long, and unwieldy for any curriculum to do justice.
    • Children needs to have broader understanding: In the age of Wikipedia, we need to expose our children to the broad themes and grand sweep of history, create an understanding of their origins, and equip them with the tools and curiosity to read and research further as they grow.
    • Step is in good direction: The current reorganization is a good step in that direction.

    Conclusion

    • The real debate should be how to teach 2,500 years of Indian history to children in an engaging and informative manner. Those quibbling over the current rearrangement lack both a perspective on the scale of Indian history and an understanding of the complexities of teaching it. They would be better served by picking up a few history books themselves.

    Mains Question

    Q. The national education policy speaks of reducing the content load and ensure the understanding in this light discuss the significance of teaching history of India in more rational and comprehensive manner.

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  • Corruption Challenges – Lokpal, POCA, etc

    Independence of Constitutional Authorities Is An Important Issue

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Constitutional Bodies

    Central Idea

    • The recent comments made by the Supreme Court regarding the independence of constitutional authorities in India is an important issue. The need for independent institutions and a system of checks and balances is essential to prevent the arbitrary use of power by the government. The appointment process of key constitutional positions needs to be safeguarded from the whims of the executive.

    Need for Independent Institutions

    • Executive interference: The Constituent Assembly of India had recognized the need for independent institutions to regulate sectors of national importance without any executive interference.
    • Constitutional bodies: Various constitutional authorities such as the Public Service Commission, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Finance Commission, and the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Backward Classes (BC) have been set up for this purpose.
    • Need complete independence: Such constitutional bodies must be provided complete independence to enable them to function without fear or favor and in the larger interests of the nation.

    Appointment Process for Constitutional Authorities

    • Appointments are critical for independence: The appointment of individuals heading these institutions is critical to ensuring their independence.
    • Safeguarded from the whims of the executive: While empowering the President of India to appoint all constitutional authorities, the Constitution-makers had kept in mind those institutions whose independence is of paramount importance to the country and the manner in which the independence of these authorities could be safeguarded from the whims of the executive

    Appointment of Judges and Other Constitutional Positions

    • The Constitution provides for certain conditions to be fulfilled by those who may be considered for such appointments.
    • Role of governors: The appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court, the CAG of India, and Governors are to be kept free from political or executive pressure.
    • For instance, appointment of the CAG:
    • In the draft Constitution, the article for the appointment of the CAG had provided that, there shall be an Auditor General who shall be appointed by the President. The Constituent Assembly further discussed that The Auditor-General should be always independent of either the legislature or the executive.
    • The process of selecting a person to be appointed as the CAG of India should begin by appointing a committee consisting of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India, and the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee to shortlist names to be considered for appointment as the CAG of India; and a panel of three names should be forwarded to the President for him to make the final selection as in Article 148 of the Constitution of India.

    Supreme court on appointment of CEC, EC’s and Governor

    • Appointment of CEC and EC’s: The Supreme Court has taken an important step in ensuring the independence of the Election Commission of India by divesting the executive of its sole discretion in appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) by forming a committee to suggest suitable names to man these constitutional posts.
    • Appointment of Governors: The Court expressed serious concern over the active role being played by Governors in State politics, observing that Governors becoming part of political processes is disconcerting. The appointment process for Governors needs to be unrestricted and unfettered to ensure that the President is free from the influence of the Legislature.

    Conclusion

    • It is necessary to ensure the independence of constitutional authorities to enable them to function without fear or favor and in the larger interests of the nation. The appointment process for key constitutional positions must be safeguarded from the whims of the executive. The recent comments of the Supreme Court regarding the independence of constitutional authorities in India are a reminder of the need to ensure that the appointment process for such positions is free from political or executive pressure.

    Mains Question

    Q. The issues over the independence of constitutional authorities in India is often in the headlines. In this light discuss why is it necessary to ensure the independence of constitutional authorities, and what are the implications of failing to do so?

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    India’s Forex Reserves rise $6.30 bn to $584.75 bn

    | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    forex

    India’s forex reserves increased by $6.306 billion to $584.755 billion last week, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

    Why discuss this?

    • In October 2021, India’s forex reserves reached an all-time high of $645 billion.
    • Since then, the reserves have been declining.

    What is Foreign Exchange (Forex) Reserve?

    • Foreign exchange reserves are important assets held by the central bank in foreign currencies as reserves.
    • They are commonly used to support the exchange rate and set monetary policy.
    • In India’s case, foreign reserves include Gold, Dollars, and the IMF’s quota for Special Drawing Rights.
    • Most of the reserves are usually held in US dollars, given the currency’s importance in the international financial and trading system.
    • Some central banks keep reserves in Euros, British pounds, Japanese yen, or Chinese yuan, in addition to their US dollar reserves.

    India’s forex reserves cover:

    1. Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs)
    2. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
    3. Gold Reserves
    4. Reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

    Countries with the highest foreign reserves

    • Currently, China has the largest reserves followed by Japan and Switzerland.
    • India earlier overtook Russia to become the fourth-largest country with foreign exchange reserves. (Data from August 2022)
    1. China – $3,349 Billion
    2. Japan – $1,376 Billion
    3. Switzerland – $1,074 Billion
    4. Russia – $597.40 Billion

    Why are these reserves so important?

    • All international transactions are settled in US dollars and, therefore, required to support India’s imports.
    • More importantly, they need to maintain support and confidence for central bank action, whether monetary policy action or any exchange rate intervention to support the domestic currency.
    • It also helps to limit any vulnerability due to sudden disturbances in foreign capital flows, which may arise during a crisis.
    • Holding liquid foreign currency provides a cushion against such effects and provides confidence that there will still be enough foreign exchange to help the country with crucial imports in case of external shocks.

    Initiatives taken by the government to increase forex

    • To increase the foreign exchange reserves, the Government of India has taken many initiatives like AatmaNirbhar Bharat, in which India has to be made a self-reliant nation so that India does not have to import things that India can produce.
    • Other than AatmaNirbhar Bharat, the government has started schemes like Duty Exemption Scheme, Remission of Duty or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP), Nirvik (Niryat Rin Vikas Yojana) scheme, etc.
    • Apart from these schemes, India is one of the top countries that attracted the highest amount of Foreign Direct Investment, thereby improving India’s foreign exchange reserves.

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