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  • IAS full form

    IAS= Indian Administrative Service

    ‘I’ stands for ‘Indian‘, ‘A’ stands for ‘Administrative‘, ‘S’ stands for ‘Service‘

    click:- attend (free) online workshop on ias preparation strategy | register and become an ias

    Table of Content

    What is IAS?

    Many of us hear about the term ‘IAS officers’. But we seldom know the full form of the IAS officer. So let’s first learn the full form of IAS. IAS stands for Indian Administrative Service. It is one of the most prestigious government jobs in India.

    Read here ‘What is IPS?’

    Role and responsibilities of an IAS officer

    • To formulate important policies and advise the ministers on important issues
    • maintain law and order among the citizens
    • implement important policies
    • collect revenue 
    • the caretaker of various expenditures 
    • takes important decisions were necessary 
    • oversees the proper implementation of them by formulating policies accordingly. 
    • Policy maker

    Eligibility Criteria – Age limit

    The minimum age criterion for the UPSC CSE exam is age at least 21 years. The maximum age limit where a candidate can be an IAS officer for the general section is 32 years, the maximum limit for the OBC section is 35 years, and 37 years for SC / ST section.

    Educational qualification

    To be an IAS officer and to pass the UPSC CSE exam, a candidate must have a bachelor’s degree from any recognized university. 

    Even a candidate in the final year of graduation can take part in this exam. 

    Candidates who have taken correspondence education are also eligible for this examination. 

    Digits with a technical degree are also eligible. 

    Even professionals can apply for this special test. 

    A medical student is also eligible to apply for this test. But only if he completes the degree and goes through an internship program. 

    A candidate who has passed CA, ICWA, and ICSI is also eligible to apply for this position.

    Number of attempts

    For the general category, the candidate is limited to 6 attempts. And for OBC closure, the candidate has 9 effort limits. There is no age limit of 37 years for an SC / ST candidate.

    How to Become An IAS officer!

     To become an IAS officer, Indian youths have to fulfill only 3 conditions:

    • Get a graduate degree
    • Clear the UPSC-CSE exam
    • Complete training successfully

    Passing the UPSC exam is not simple, many obstacles may be suffered during the process of the assessment. Even a serious aspirant without a hand-holding strategy, uncompromising attitude, and proper guidance may fail. Read More….

    Online Workshop

    Have you set career goals for yourself and are ready to do anything to achieve your goals? Then, yes you are in the right place. Here, we, the Civilsdaily team conduct a weekly live workshop to tell you how to become an IAS officer after the 12th in easy steps. 

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  • Persistent | After facing multiple failures in a row, A taste of success, | Amit Anand, AIR 411, UPSC 2021 | Civilsdaily Mentorship Student | Get in touch with his mentor

    “A good mentor is always a big +”-Amit Anand mentioned in an interview with CD. 

    Amit Anand, AIR 411, UPSC 2021. a Student under under Smash Mains (Sajal Sir)
    click:- book your slot with air 411, amit’s mentors and get his notes | register for free

    Amit Anand was one of the mentorship students under Sajal sir, and other CD mentors under the Smash Mains program. 

    Before getting in touch with Sajal Sir in 2021, He had been facing failure consistently. His UPSC journey started in 2016. Although he reached interviews 2 times, he couldn’t get on the final merit list. He said that he couldn’t figure out the necessary things which are highly required to work on.

    He came to know about Sajal Sir and his Smash Mains Program from one of his friends. As soon as he heard, he connect with Sajal Sir and join his Mains Program.

    In 2021, he got in touch with Sajal Sir, and received the remedial advice, he was looking for. He attributed his success to the remedial advice of Sajal Sir under Smash Mains.

    • Sajal Sir’s tireless mentorship helped him to find those core areas in GS papers on which he had to improve tremendously. 
    • Sajal Sir’s guidance got him 10 times likely to prepare in a very short time. 
    • Next level evaluation of answers helped him a lot to fetch more scores in GS papers.
    •  Resource consolidation on Mains’ Preparation.
    click:- book your slot with air 411, amit’s mentors and get his notes | register for free

    He improved his marks drastically in this 2021 Mains. In a candid conversation with Siddhart sir, Amit shared his journey, motivations, up and downs, lessons learned, and his secret of what kept him going. Listen to his story.

    Amit’s optional was Geography. He hails from Deoghar and has been exceptional in his studies all through school and college. He is an engineering graduate by education. 

    Amit has made us proud by securing AIR 411 in UPSC 2021 exam. It is yet another validation of CivilsDaily’s vision and approach to personalized mentorship.

    Amit has inspired us and we wish him all the best. He’s going to be an administrator of great integrity!

    Register for Amit’s mains answers copies and notes.

    Schedule your FREE mentorship session with Amit’s mentors.
    click:- book your slot with air 411, amit’s mentors and get his notes | register for free

    Amit is one of 200 rankers from CivilsDaily’s mentorship programs.

  • 15th July 2022 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    15th July 2022 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 1061]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1061]

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  • Fundamental Duties

    The Supreme Court has allowed the Centre’s request for two months’ time to file a reply to a petition seeking the enforcement of fundamental duties of citizens, including patriotism and unity of nation, through “comprehensive, and well-defined laws”.

    Why in news?

    • The need to enforce fundamental duties arises due to new illegal trend of protest by protesters in the garb of freedom of speech and expression.
    • Vandalism, blocking of road and rail routes in order to compel the government to meet their demands is a sheer violation of the FDs which are generally not enforceable.

    What are Fundamental Duties?

    • The fundamental duties of citizens were added to the constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
    • It basically imply the moral obligations of all citizens of a country and today, there are 11 fundamental duties in India, which are written in Part IV-A of the Constitution, to promote patriotism and strengthen the unity of India.
    • The FDs obligate all citizens to respect the national symbols of India, including the constitution, to cherish its heritage, preserve its composite culture and assist in its defence.
    • They also obligate all Indians to promote the spirit of common brotherhood, protect the environment and public property, develop scientific temper, abjure violence, and strive towards excellence in all spheres of life.

    Judicial interpretation of FDs

    • The Supreme Court has held that FDs are not enforceable in any Court of Law.
    • It ruled that these fundamental duties can also help the court to decide the constitutionality of a law passed by the legislature.
    • There is a reference to such duties in international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 51A brings the Indian constitution into conformity with these treaties.

    Total FDs

    • Originally ten in number, the fundamental duties were increased to eleven by the 86th Amendment in 2002.

    The 10 fundamental duties are as follows:

    1. To oblige with the Indian Constitution and respect the National Anthem and Flag
    2. To cherish and follow the noble ideas that inspired the national struggle for freedom
    3. To protect the integrity, sovereignty, and unity of India
    4. To defend the country and perform national services if and when the country requires
    5. To promote the spirit of harmony and brotherhood amongst all the people of India and renounce any practices that are derogatory to women
    6. To cherish and preserve the rich national heritage of our composite culture
    7. To protect and improve the natural environment including lakes, wildlife, rivers, forests, etc.
    8. To develop scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of inquiry
    9. To safeguard all public property
    10. To strive towards excellence in all genres of individual and collective activities

    The 11th fundamental duty which was added to this list is:

    1. To provide opportunities for education to children between 6-14 years of age, and duty as parents to ensure that such opportunities are being awarded to their child. (86th Amendment, 2002)

     

    Try this PYQ:

    Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution?

    1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
    2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice
    3. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry
    4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) Only 2

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    Post your answers here.

     

     

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  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

    Andhra Pradesh has decided to rejoin the crop insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) from the ongoing kharif season.

    Why in news?

    • Andhra Pradesh was one of six states that have stopped the implementation of the scheme over the last four years.
    • The other five, which remain out, are Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Telangana.

    What is PMFBY?

    • The PMFBY was launched in February 2016. It is being administered by Ministry of Agriculture.
    • It provides a comprehensive insurance cover against failure of the crop thus helping in stabilising the income of the farmers.
    • It is implemented by general insurance companies.

    Its functioning

    • PMFBY insures farmers against all non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest.
    • Farmers have to pay a maximum of 2 per cent of the total premium of the insured amount for kharif crops, 1.5 per cent for rabi food crops and oilseeds as well as 5 per cent for commercial / horticultural crops.
    • The balance premium is shared by the Union and state governments on a 50:50 basis and on a 90:10 basis in the case of northeastern states.

    Farmers covered

    • All farmers growing notified crops in a notified area during the season who have insurable interest in the crop are eligible.
    • Earlier to Kharif 2020, the enrolment under the scheme was compulsory for following categories of farmers:
    1. Farmers in the notified area who possess a Crop Loan account/KCC account (called as Loanee Farmers) to whom credit limit is sanctioned/renewed for the notified crop during the crop season. and
    2. Such other farmers whom the Government may decide to include from time to time.

    Risks covered under the scheme

    • Comprehensive risk insurance is provided to cover yield losses due to non-preventable risks, such as Natural Fire and Lightning, Storm, Hailstorm, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane, Tornado.
    • Risks due to Flood, Inundation and Landslide, Drought, Dry spells, Pests/ Diseases also will be covered.
    • Post-harvest losses coverage will be available up to a maximum period of 14 days from harvesting for those crops which are kept in “cut & spread” condition to dry in the field.
    • For certain localized problems such as loss/damage resulting from the occurrence of identified localized risks like hailstorm, landslide, and Inundation affecting isolated farms in the notified area would also be covered.

    Why many states has opted out?

    The opting-out states had mentioned several reasons:

    • The scheme should be voluntary.
    • States should be given options to choose the risks covered and the scheme should be universal.
    • State should be given option to use their own database of E-crop, an application used by the state government to collect information about crops.
    • Many state government wanted zero premium for farmers (meaning the entire premium should be paid by the government.
    • The non-payment of the State Share of premium subsidy within the prescribed timelines as defined in the seasonality discipline lea to the disqualification of the State Government.
    • The reason for West Bengal not implementing the PMFBY is purely “political” as it wants to implement the scheme without mentioning Pradhan Mantri in the name.

    How was the scheme structured, and what has changed since?

    • Initially, the scheme was compulsory for loanee farmers; in February 2020, the Centre revised it to make it optional for all farmers.
    • Now states and UTs are free to extend additional subsidy over and above the normal subsidy from their budgets.
    • In February 2020, the Centre decided to restrict its premium subsidy to 30% for unirrigated areas and 25% for irrigated areas (from the existing unlimited). Earlier, there was no upper limit.
    • Food crops (cereals, millets and pulses); oilseeds; and annual commercial / annual horticultural crops are broadly covered under the scheme.

     

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  • Increase in Current Account Deficit (CAD)

    The Finance Ministry has asserted that the current account deficit (CAD) could, however, deteriorate this year mainly due to rising trade deficits.

    What is Current Account Deficit (CAD)?

    • A current account is a key component of balance of payments, which is the account of transactions or exchanges made between entities in a country and the rest of the world.
    • This includes a nation’s net trade in products and services, its net earnings on cross border investments including interest and dividends, and its net transfer payments such as remittances and foreign aid.
    • A CAD arises when the value of goods and services imported exceeds the value of exports, while the trade balance refers to the net balance of export and import of goods or merchandise trade.

    Components of Current Account

    Current Account Deficit (CAD) = Trade Deficit + Net Income + Net Transfers

    (1) Trade Deficit

    • Trade Deficit = Imports – Exports
    • A Country is said to have a trade deficit when it imports more goods and services than it exports.
    • Trade deficit is an economic measure of a negative balance of trade in which a country’s imports exceeds its exports.
    • A trade deficit represents an outflow of domestic currency to foreign markets.

    (2) Net Income

    • Net Income = Income Earned by MNCs from their investments in India.
    • When foreign investment income exceeds the savings of the country’s residents, then the country has net income deficit.
    • This foreign investment can help a country’s economy grow. But if foreign investors worry they won’t get a return in a reasonable amount of time, they will cut off funding.
    • Net income is measured by the following things:
    1. Payments made to foreigners in the form of dividends of domestic stocks.
    2. Interest payments on bonds.
    3. Wages paid to foreigners working in the country.

    (3) Net Transfers

    • In Net Transfers, foreign residents send back money to their home countries. It also includes government grants to foreigners.
    • It Includes Remittances, Gifts, Donation etc

    How Current Account Transaction does takes place?

    • While understanding the Current Account Deficit in detail, it is important to understand what the current account transactions are.
    • Current account transactions are transactions that require foreign currency.
    • Following transactions with from which component these transactions belong to :
    1. Component 1 : Payments connection with Foreign trade – Import & Export
    2. Component 2 : Interest on loans to other countries and Net income from investments in other countries
    3. Component 3 : Remittances for living expenses of parents, spouse and children residing abroad, and Expenses in connection with Foreign travel, Education and Medical care of parents, spouse and children

    What has been the recent trend?

    • In Q4 FY 2021-22, CAD improved to 1.5% of GDP or $13.4 billion from 2.6% of GDP in Q3 FY 2021-22 ($22.2 billion).
    • The difference between the value of goods imported and exported fell to $54.48 million in Q4FY 2021-22 from $59.75 million in Q3 FY2021-22.
    • However, based on robust performance by computer and business services, net service receipts rose both sequentially and on a year-on-year basis.
    • Remittances by Indians abroad also rose.

    What are the reasons for the current account deficit?

    • Intensifying geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions leading to crude oil and commodity prices soaring globally have been exerting upward pressure on the import bill.
    • A rise in prices of coal, natural gas, fertilizers, and edible oils have added to the pressure on trade deficit.
    • However, with global demand picking up, merchandise exports have also been rising.

    How will a large CAD affect the economy?

    • A large CAD will result in demand for foreign currency rising, thus leading to depreciation of the home currency.
    • Nations balance CAD by attracting capital inflows and running a surplus in capital accounts through increased foreign direct investments (FDI).
    • However, worsening CAD will put pressure on inflow under the capital account.
    • Nevertheless, if an increase in the import bill is because of imports for technological upgradation it would help in long-term development.

     

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  • Govt. extends RoSCTL Scheme for Garment Exports

    The RoSCTL scheme will continue for export of garments/apparels, and made-ups till March 31, 2024, according to a press release from the Union Ministry of Textiles.

    What is RoSCTL Scheme?

    • RoSCTL stands for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL).
    • It is an export incentive in the form of transferable and sellable duty credit scrips (certificate) offered on the basis of the value of the export.
    • It replaces the Rebate of State Levies (RoSL) scheme, a monetary incentive scheme under which Customs would deposit the rebate directly into the exporter’s bank account.
    • This scheme was seen as India’s reaction to the increasing international pressure on export incentives provided by the Indian government.

    Why was this scheme introduced?

    • The US, in particular, has been very vocal, urging the discontinuation of export incentive schemes like the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS).
    • It held that they flouted the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.

    Why was this scheme extended to textile sector?

    • With a view to boost exports and job creation in the textile sector, the government has approved the continuation of the scheme.
    • The scheme aims to help them cut high logistics and other costs and enable them to compete globally.

     

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  • Kerala reports India’s first Monkeypox Case

    The first known lab-confirmed case of monkeypox in India has been reported in a 35-year-old man in Kerala.

    What is Monkeypox?

    • The monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus, which is a genus of viruses that also includes the variola virus, which causes smallpox, and vaccinia virus, which was used in the smallpox vaccine.
    • It causes symptoms similar to smallpox, although they are less severe.
    • While vaccination eradicated smallpox worldwide in 1980, monkeypox continues to occur in a swathe of countries in Central and West Africa, and has on occasion showed up elsewhere.
    • According to the WHO, two distinct clade are identified: the West African clade and the Congo Basin clade, also known as the Central African clade.

    Its origin

    • Monkeypox is a zoonosis, that is, a disease that is transmitted from infected animals to humans.
    • Monkeypox virus infection has been detected in squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, and some species of monkeys.
    • According to the WHO, cases occur close to tropical rainforests inhabited by animals that carry the virus.

    Symptoms and treatment

    • Monkeypox begins with a fever, headache, muscle aches, back ache, and exhaustion.
    • It also causes the lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy), which smallpox does not.
    • The WHO underlines that it is important to not confuse monkeypox with chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, syphilis and medication-associated allergies.
    • The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days.
    • There is no safe, proven treatment for monkeypox yet.

     

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  • Cross the UPSC Prelims 2023 hurdle with Smash Prelims | From failing thrice, to scoring 130+ in UPSC Prelims – read success stories | Intake only 100 students – Register now!

    Cross the UPSC Prelims 2023 hurdle with Smash Prelims | From failing thrice, to scoring 130+ in UPSC Prelims – read success stories | Intake only 100 students – Register now!

    Smash Prelims 2023 under Santosh Gupta sir’s mentorship can increase your chances to clear Prelims by 85%

    CLICK:- Download Smash Prelims 2023 Timetable

    Read about Arsalanali and Tavishi’s success

    (click) Failing to clear prelims? | find the root cause with senior ias mentor | schedule a call for free

    Click here for Smash Prelims 2023 details: Test series, 1-1 Mentorship, lectures and notes

    There is no doubt that UPSC Prelims could be the toughest stage. It is the great filter that weeds out the not so serious candidates but at times many serious ones too.

    While there could be many reasons for failing in Prelims like insufficient syllabus coverage, mocks or test series not attempted, no proper planning, lack of conceptual understanding, etc but the major one is lack of guidance, preparation analysis and course correction at regular intervals.

    Tavishi failed thrice in the Prelims before but after joining Santosh sir’s mentorship cleared Prelim 2022 in her 4th attempt. Schedule a call with Tavishi’s mentor

    Moreover, aspirants must be prepared for the googlies thrown at them by UPSC in the Prelims (new things being tried out by UPSC- like options, topics, etc).

    To bridge this gap we had introduced Smash Prelims program under Santosh Gupta sir last year and the results were amazing.

    You are 8 times more likely to clear Prelims 2023 with Santosh sir’s mentorship
    schedule a free mentorship call for prelims 2023 | click and fill up the form

    SMASH PRELIMS 2023: PERSONALIZED MENTORSHIP, TEST SERIES, LECTURES, NOTES

    Our Smash Prelims Program started as a pilot project last year with an aim to introduce step-wise improvement in our chosen 40 aspirants. Over a period of 2 months, Santhosh sir inculcated confidence in aspirants who were either newbies or gave too many attempts. This year, we achieved a remarkable 80% success ratio. This year, we have set our eyes on 100%. Yes, we are as ambitious and aspirational just like any other UPSC aspirant.

    About 6 pillared approach of Smash Prelims 2023

    Pillar-1: 44 Prelims test

    Prelims Tests: 44 (14 Basic + 8 Advanced + 6 CA tests + 10 Full tests + 6 CSAT tests)

    Pillar-2: Special Value Additions Notes and Classes by Santosh Gupta

    50 Special classes on topics including Polity, History, Economics, Geography, Sessions to cover Environment innovatively, Science & Technology and more.

    Pillar-3: Mentorship calls

    One-to-one mentorship by core faculty and toppers

    • One to one Mentor calls after tests
    • Habitat/WhatsApp support from mentors
    • Frequent sessions with toppers for support and guidance.
    You are 8 times more likely to clear Prelims 2023 with Santosh sir’s mentorship
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    Pillar-4: Weekly zoom session by Santosh Gupta 

    Doubt clearance and continuous improvement

    Pillar-5: Learn Question-solving 

    • Strategic Live 1000 Questions solving with Santosh Gupta sir for Prelims-2023
    • Learn Art of Question-solving: Using Logical approach + Elimination techniques
    • Live Question solving of Previous year’s questions

    Pillar-6: Current Affairs

    Specifically made Current affairs notes + Live classes by core faculty for the entire two years for prelims.

    You are 8 times more likely to clear Prelims 2023 with Santosh sir’s mentorship under Smash Prelims program
    schedule a free mentorship call for prelims 2023 | click and fill up the form

    About Santosh Gupta sir

    Santosh Gupta sir has scored above 140 twice in UPSC prelims and always 120 plus in all 6 attempts. He wrote all 6 mains and appeared for Interviews 3 times. He has qualified UPSC EPFO and BPSC 56-59th also. He has been teaching and mentoring UPSC aspirants for the last 5 years.

    What CivilsDaily’s Smash Prelims students have to say?

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    Success Stories of Smash Prelims 2022

    From failing twice-thrice to clearing Prelims 2022
    Click and Enroll here

  • India-South Korea Relations

    Context

    • During the past five years, India and South Korea have experienced considerable divergence in their respective national objectives.

    Background

    India–South Korea relations - Wikipedia

    • Bilateral relations between India and South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, were established in 1962 and upgraded to Ambassador-level in 1973.
    • South Korea’s open market policies found resonance with India’s economic liberalization, and its ‘look east policy’ and ‘act east policy’.
    • The relations has become truly multidimensional, spurred by a significant convergence of interests, mutual goodwill and high level exchanges.
    • During PM Modi’s visit to ROK in May 2015, the sides elevated the ties to ‘Special Strategic Partnership’.
    • President Moon’s India visit marked the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

    Why India is important for South-Korea?

    • One of the points that the Koreans have been making to India is that they see India as a country that is now strategically important to them
    • South Korea also finds in India a very acceptable partner.
    • India doesn’t have edges which can create problems for them. They are aware of one factor which they have grown up with, which is the Pakistan factor.
    • With new issues cropping up in ties with China and America, export-driven South Korea must find new markets.
    • South Korea’s economic growth has slowed, presenting it with important challenges.
    • South Korea is targeting economies with the greatest growth potential like India.
    • South Korea is too heavily dependent on China’s market. So diversification is essential for South Korea..
    • Need cooperation for development in third countries, like capacity building programmes in Africa

    India – South Korea Relations

    • Political:
      • In May 2015, the bilateral relationship was upgraded to ‘special strategic partnership’.
      • India has a major role to play in South Korea’s Southern Policy under which Korea is looking at expanding relations beyond its immediate region.
      • Similarly, South Korea is a major player in India’s Act East Policy under which India aims to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific.
    • Regional Stability:
      • The regional tensions in South Asia especially between India and China create a common interest for India and South Korea.
      • This could be a collaborative approach for regional stability.
    • Nuclear: 
      • South Korea’s key interest in managing their nuclear neighbour (North Korea) is similar to India’s considerations toward Pakistan.
      • The US alliance system, established with South Korea and Japan, puts pressure on North Korea to cap its nuclear programme.
      • Containing North Korea is beneficial to India’s economic and regional ambit in East Asia.
      • It also adds to its approach to the nuclear non-proliferation regime as a responsible nuclear state.
    • Economic:
      • The current bilateral trade between India and South Korea is at USD 21 billion and the target that has been set is USD 50 billion by the year 2030.
      • India and South Korea have signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), 2010 which has facilitated the growth of trade relations.
      • To facilitate investment from Korea, India has launched a “Korea Plus”facilitation cell under ‘Invest India’ to guide, assist and handhold investors.
    • Diplomatic:
      • There is a long-lasting regional security dilemma with the continued verbal provocations and a conventional arms race.
      • Thus, despite the alliance system, Seoul appears to be searching for a stronger diplomatic stand on imminent regional issues beyond the alliance system.
      • South Korea’s approach to India comes with strategic optimism for expanding ties to ensure a convergence of interest in planning global and regional strategic frameworks.
    • Cultural:
      • Korean Buddhist Monk Hyecho or Hong Jiao visited India from 723 to 729 AD and wrote the travelogue “Pilgrimage to the five kingdoms of India” which gives a vivid account of Indian culture, politics & society.
      • Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore had composed a short but evocative poem – ‘Lamp of the East’ – in 1929 about Korea’s glorious past and its promising bright future.

    Challenges

    • Stagnation in Economic relationship:
      • The economic partnership is struck at $22 billion annually.
      • Also, the defence partnership appears to have receded from great all-round promise to the mere sale and purchase of weapon systems.
      • Trade between the two countries was sluggish and there was no major inflow of South Korean investment into India.
      • No upgrade in CEPA: India and South Korea were also trying to upgrade their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) agreement, but to no avail.
    • Cultural Prejudices on both sides preventing people-to-people ties
      • Cold War Era perception: There may be a widespread perception among South Koreans of India as a third world country, rife with poverty and hunger.?
      • Indian Diaspora: Within South Korea, the integration of Indians in the local population is far from complete, with some instances of racial prejudice or discrimination toward Indians
      • Inadequate acknowledgment of Korean Culture: To a certain extent Indians are unable to distinguish between the cultural and social characteristics of South Koreans from that of Japanese/Chinese.
    • Unfulfilled potential of Cultural Centres
      • Indian Culture Centre (ICC) was established in Seoul 10 years ago?to promote people-to-people contacts.
      • However, ICC has to reach an exponentially wider audience and its focus has to expand beyond the urban, English-speaking elite of Seoul.
      • The same may be applicable to South Korean culture centres in India.
    •  Divergence in objectives
    • During the past five years, India and South Korea have experienced considerable divergence in their respective national objectives.
    • There was a clear drift by South Korea away from multilateral security initiatives led by the United States, such as the Quad (the U.S., Australia, India and Japan); meanwhile, India has been actively participating in them.

    Change in Korean foreign and security policies and opportunities for India

    • The newly elected Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol, has brought about a paradigm shift in South Korean foreign and security policies.
    • He has proposed that South Korea should step up to become a “global pivotal state, anchored in liberal values and a rules-based order”.
    • Opportunities for India: South Korea’s new willingness to become a global pivotal state and play an active role in regional affairs is bound to create multiple opportunities for a multi-dimensional India- Korea partnership.
    • South Korea’s strategic policy shift to correct its heavy tilt towards China is bound to bring new economic opportunities for both countries.
    • The trade target of $50 billion by 2030, which looked all but impossible a few months ago, now seems within reach.
    • Convergence of capabilities: The emerging strategic alignment is creating a new convergence of capabilities and closer synergy in new areas of economic cooperation such as public health, green growth, digital connectivity, and trade, among others.
    • With the strategic shift in South Korea’s defence orientation, new doors of cooperation for defence and security have emerged.
    • Defence cooperation: Advanced defence technologies and modern combat systems are the new domains for the next level of defence cooperation between the two countries.
    • A Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) was signed in 2020.
    • Maritime security: South Korea’s participation in additional maritime security activities in the Indian Ocean, such as the annual Malabar and other exercises with Quad countries, will further strengthen India’s naval footprint in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Defence policy coordination: The shift in South Korean policies will enable a strong India, South Korea and Japan defence policy coordination that could effectively forge new joint regional security policies.

    Challenges

    • Chinese pressure: The Chinese leadership is adversely impacted by policy changes brought in by the Yoon administration.
    • The real challenge for global geopolitics is this: can South Korea withstand the inevitable Chinese pressure and stick to its new alignment?
    • Tension with North Korea: South Korea’s peace process with North Korea has completely collapsed.
    • In the coming days, as North Korea conducts more missile and nuclear tests, it may lead to regional tension.
    • Any breakout of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula can derail South Korea’s Indo-Pacific project.

    Way forward

    • Strategic partnership: India has evolved excellent strategic partnerships with Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
    • South Korea could be the fourth pillar in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy along with Japan, Australia, and Vietnam.
    • This can bring about a paradigm shift in India’s position and influence in the region.
    • The time has come for the Indian and South Korean bilateral partnership to be strategically scaled up at the political, diplomatic and security domain levels.
    • With South Korea’s emergence as a leader in critical technologies, cybersecurity and cyber-capacity building, outer space and space situational awareness capabilities, South Korea can contribute immensely to enhance India’s foundational strengths in the Indo-Pacific.
    • India can help South Korea withstand Chinese pressure and North Korean threats.
    • This new partnership can have a long-term positive impact for both countries and the Indo-Pacific region.
    • It is an opportunity that neither country can afford to miss.

    Conclusion

    An independent, strong, and democratic South Korea can be a long-term partner with India, that will add significant value to India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

     

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