The op-ed acknowledges India’s technological achievements, emphasizing the need to revive state support, particularly in emerging sectors. It underscores the urgency of addressing persistent inequalities and promoting inclusive economic growth for a more prosperous future.
Central idea
Aim for the moon is often synonymous with bold ambition, verging on recklessness. India’s foray into space research in the 1960s was initially met with skepticism, given its status as a young and struggling nation. Today, India boasts remarkable achievements in space exploration. However, these accomplishments raise a pertinent question: How do these feats align with the persistent poverty and destitution afflicting millions of Indians?
Historical Foundations of India’s Scientific and Technological Capabilities
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): Between 1951 and 1961, India founded five Indian Institutes of Technology. These institutions rapidly gained global recognition as centers of academic excellence. They played a critical role in nurturing a talent pool of engineers and scientists who would later contribute to India’s technological advancements.
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs): In 1961, India inaugurated the first two Indian Institutes of Management. These institutions aimed to foster managerial talent, aligning with India’s broader goals of building expertise and human capital in various fields.
Public Sector Units (PSUs): Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, India established numerous public sector units across diverse industrial sectors. These sectors included steel production, fertilizer manufacturing, machine tools, electric machinery, drug production, and petrochemicals. These PSUs not only bolstered industrialization but also served as vital testing grounds for emerging technologies.
India’s Moonshot Development Strategy
The moonshot development strategy aimed to leverage modern industrialization to address developmental challenges.
Early visionaries like Vikram Sarabhai envisioned satellite technology for nationwide communication, agricultural improvements, and healthcare education.
Nevertheless, this approach faced criticism for its heavy reliance on public investment and the alleged misdirection of resources toward capital- and technology-intensive industries instead of labor-intensive sectors.
How have inequalities posed significant hurdles to India’s progress and development?
Lack of Effective Government Intervention:
India’s development strategy’s lackluster record was not due to excessive government emphasis on technology but rather because the government could not effectively address inequalities and ensure social development.
One of the missed opportunities was the failure to implement a successful program of land redistribution.
Ownership Disparities: Ownership of assets remains significantly low among socially oppressed communities, including Dalits and the Scheduled Caste (SC) population. This lack of asset ownership creates barriers to accessing education and economic opportunities.
Education Underinvestment: India has consistently underinvested in basic education for the masses. This educational deficit further exacerbates inequalities and limits opportunities for those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Replicated Inequalities in the Labor Market: The historical inequalities in social and economic spheres translate into labor market disparities. Better-paying jobs tend to be concentrated among privileged groups with greater access to higher education, further deepening the divide.
Employment Disparities: The data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey highlights significant disparities in employment. In 2021–22, a higher percentage of SC workers (38.2%) were engaged in casual employment, which often involves manual labor, compared to workers from other general category castes (11.2%).
Contrast with East Asian Countries: East Asian countries like Japan and China implemented land reforms and other measures in the 1950s that created a relatively egalitarian social structure. This laid the foundation for progressive economic and social changes in the subsequent years.
Impact on Industrial and Economic Growth: Inequalities have negatively impacted industrial and economic growth in India. The skewed domestic demand, driven by the upper-income classes, has hindered the growth of manufacturing sectors producing high-quality, mass-consumption goods like food products and garments.
Narrow Social Base for Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship in India has emerged from a narrow social base, limiting the diversity and inclusivity of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Way forward
Reinstate state support:
India should recognize the strengths and weaknesses of its post-independence development strategy.
The audacious attempt to build technological and industrial capabilities with generous state support was the right approach.
India must reinstate such efforts, especially in rapidly growing economic sectors like semiconductors and biotechnology.
Abandoning industrial policy in a globalized economy, as done after 1991, is a mistake, especially when countries like the United States and China actively support their industries.
Make Economic Growth Inclusive:
India needs to redouble efforts to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and broad-based.
Access to education, particularly higher education, should be made accessible to all, including marginalized communities.
Strengthen human and social capabilities:
While technology has played a significant role in India’s development, it’s equally important to focus on building human and social capabilities.
Empowering the billion-strong population with the skills and capabilities required for upward mobility is crucial.
Achieving this would be equivalent to a significant leap in economic progress.
Conclusion
India’s journey toward technological prowess should coexist with a commitment to alleviate inequality and ensure inclusive growth. A moonshot approach to development, grounded in state support for technological advancement, is imperative. By reconciling these objectives, India can pave the way for a prosperous and equitable future.
India grapples with soaring international oil prices, hitting nearly $100 per barrel, amid its record high import dependence on crude oil and products at 87.3% in FY2023.
Central idea
As the third-largest consumer of crude and related products globally, India faces a critical challenge in securing its energy future. However, the recently formed Global Biofuel Alliance under India’s G20 presidency presents a promising opportunity to harness clean bioenergy and enhance energy security while optimizing public spending.
In 2003, India initiated its ethanol blending program, but progress remained sluggish for over a decade.
In 2022, after sustained policy efforts, the program achieved a significant milestone by achieving a 10% ethanol blending rate in petrol.
The government now aims to accelerate progress, targeting a 20% (E20) blending rate by FY25–26, advancing the original timeline by five years.
Ethanol producers supplied approximately 430 crore litres of ethanol in 2022, with demand projected to soar to nearly 1,100 crore litres by 2025.
Achieving this target hinges on substantial investments and ensuring an adequate supply of feedstock for domestic ethanol production.
Mobility needs in India
Two-Wheelers Dominance: Nearly 60% of India’s petrol demand is attributed to two-wheelers. These vehicles are essential for meeting the mobility requirements of people across various economic strata, from urban commuters to rural residents.
Four-Wheelers’ Growing Demand: While two-wheelers dominate, the demand for four-wheelers is steadily increasing. Approximately 55% of respondents in a 2021 study indicated their desire and need to own a four-wheeler. A NITI Aayog report also predicts a significant growth in petrol demand from four-wheelers by 2030.
The Role of Biofuels, Specifically Ethanol
Reducing Petrol Consumption: One of the primary roles of biofuels, such as ethanol, is to reduce the overall consumption of petrol (gasoline). By blending ethanol with petrol, India can lower its dependence on imported crude oil, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy security.
Blending to Reduce Emissions: Ethanol blending in petrol is an effective strategy to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. This is crucial for addressing India’s air quality challenges and its commitment to combating climate change.
Promoting Bio-Energy: Biofuels, including ethanol, can be produced from agricultural crops and biomass sources. This provides an additional income stream for the farming community, contributing to rural development and income generation.
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: The cultivation of crops for biofuel production can be aligned with sustainable agricultural practices, including crop diversification and efficient resource use.
Challenges with Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Limited Availability and Affordability of EVs: While EV adoption is increasing, there is still limited variety in EV models compared to traditional vehicles. This limitation can impact consumer choice and adoption. Additionally, the upfront costs of EVs are often higher, which can deter potential buyers.
Charging Infrastructure: The need for expanding charging infrastructure is emphasized, highlighting that the development of charging stations is essential for the widespread adoption of EVs. The lack of charging stations can create range anxiety among EV users.
Range Anxiety: EVs generally have a limited range compared to traditional vehicles, and addressing this concern is crucial to alleviating consumer fears about long-distance travel.
Charging Time: While not explicitly mentioned, the article indirectly alludes to the longer charging times for EVs compared to refueling traditional vehicles. Fast-charging stations are discussed as a solution to reduce charging times.
Battery Technology and Supply Chain: The article briefly touches upon battery cost and supply chain challenges, noting that the cost of EV batteries remains relatively high and disruptions in the global supply chain can impact EV manufacturing.
Way forward
Expediting Ethanol Blending Program: Accelerate efforts to achieve the ambitious target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) by FY25–26. Prioritize investments in ethanol production facilities to meet the rising demand for ethanol.
Infrastructure Development: Focus on rapidly developing the necessary infrastructure for the efficient distribution and sale of ethanol-blended petrol, including retrofitting existing petrol pumps and establishing new ones.
Research and Development for 2G Technologies: Allocate resources to research and develop second-generation (2G) biofuel technologies that can utilize non-food crop feedstocks, diversifying biofuel sources.
Balanced Approach: Recognize the complementary nature of biofuels, electric vehicles (EVs), and other sustainable mobility solutions. Promote EV adoption, particularly in public transit and urban settings, alongside biofuel promotion.
Supportive Policy Framework: Ensure the presence of consistent and supportive policy frameworks that incentivize biofuel production, distribution, and usage. Explore pricing mechanisms to encourage responsible private vehicle usage in urban areas.
What else?
First-generation Production: Much of India’s supply of ethanol for the blending program comes from first-generation production. This primarily involves using underlying sugars in food crops, with the majority sourced from sugarcane (84 percent) and grain (16 percent).
Food-Energy-Water Nexus: Considering the food-energy-water nexus in ethanol production is important. Food crops used for ethanol require fertilizers, water, and energy subsidies for their production.
Climate Change Considerations:
While ethanol production provides a new income stream for the farming community through assured procurement, it’s crucial to recognize that climate change can lead to significant variations in rainfall and yields. These variations can make the ethanol supply vulnerable to supply shocks.
Therefore, India needs a robust assessment of these trade-offs and a clear research and development plan for second-generation (2G) ethanol technologies before scaling up ethanol production.
Conclusion
In an era when the automobile industry grapples with the transition to EVs, India’s strategic and actionable plan for transforming its mobility landscape not only promises to reduce the import bill but also provides the nation with the time required to transition a cornerstone industry of its economy. The Global Biofuel Alliance, alongside well-considered policy initiatives, will be pivotal in steering India toward greater energy security and sustainability.
A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is set to scrutinize the constitutional validity of repeatedly extending the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Historical Context of Reservation
Original Intent: The Constituent Assembly, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, initially envisioned reservation for SCs/STs for ten years from the commencement of the Indian Constitution in 1950.
Amendments to Article 334: Article 334 of the Constitution, addressing the duration of SC/ST and Anglo-Indian seat reservations, underwent multiple amendments. Each time, the deadline for ending the reservation was extended by approximately ten years.
The 2019 Amendment: The Constitution (104th Amendment) Act of 2019 abolished the reservation for the Anglo-Indian community and set the deadline to terminate SC/ST reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for 2030. This extended the reservation period to 80 years from the Constitution’s adoption.
Examining Parliament’s Constituent Power
Key Question: The Constitution Bench will assess whether Parliament’s constituent power to amend Article 334 repeatedly, extending the SC/ST seat reservation, is constitutionally valid.
Limited Scope: The examination will focus solely on the 104th Constitution Amendment Act of 2019 concerning SC/ST communities and will not address the termination of the Anglo-Indian quota.
Impact of Continuous Reservations: The petitioner’s argument contends that persistent extensions of reservation restrict electoral choice by excluding members of other communities from contesting elections. This, they argue, infringes upon the fundamental right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.
Violation of Fundamental Right: The petition asserts that these recurrent extensions violate the basic structure of the Constitution by denying other communities the opportunity to contest in reserved seats, impinging upon their right to equal representation in government.
Government’s Perspective
Union of India’s Stand: Represented by the Attorney General and Solicitor General, the Union of India contends that the 104th Constitution Amendment Act is constitutionally valid.
What next?
The Constitution Bench has scheduled the hearing.
This critical examination of SC/ST reservation extensions raises profound questions about constitutional principles and the right to equality in Indian democracy.
The inclusion of the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution has recently sparked debate.
Leader of the a party in Lok Sabha has raised concerns about these words in the Preamble.
Significance of the Preamble
The Preamble encapsulates the core principles and objectives of the Indian Constitution.
It serves as an introduction to the Constitution, outlining its fundamental ideals.
Original Preamble
Content in 1950: The Preamble, when the Constitution came into effect in 1950, did not include the terms “socialist” and “secular.” It reflected the vision and objectives of the Constituent Assembly at that time.
Addition of “Socialist” and “Secular”
The 42nd Amendment: During the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1976, the terms “socialist” and “secular” were added to the Preamble through The Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976.
Indira Gandhi’s Agenda: Indira Gandhi’s government aimed to emphasize a socialist and pro-poor image, aligning with slogans such as “garibi hatao” (Eradicate poverty). The addition of “socialist” highlighted socialism as a fundamental goal of the Indian state.
Distinctive Indian Socialism: The Indian version of socialism did not endorse complete nationalization but emphasized selective nationalization of essential sectors.
Understanding “Secular”
Religious Diversity: India is home to diverse religious beliefs and practices. The term “secular” was added to the Preamble to promote unity and fraternity among people of various faiths.
State Neutrality: Secularism in the Indian context implies that the state maintains neutrality and impartiality towards all religions. It does not favor any particular religion as a “state religion.”
Secularism as Law: Articles 25-28 of the Constitution secure the secular nature of the Indian state.
Inherent in the Constitution: The philosophy of secularism was inherent in the Constitution even before the 42nd Amendment.
Debates Surrounding “Socialist” and “Secular”
Consensus on Secularism: The concept of secularism was already part of the Constitution’s philosophy. The insertion of the word “secular” in the Preamble simply made explicit what was implicit in various provisions.
Constituent Assembly Discussions: The Constituent Assembly debated including these words in the Preamble but decided against it.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Perspective: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar argued that issues related to the state’s policy, organization, and economic aspects should be determined by the people, not dictated by the Constitution itself.
Ongoing Debates: Over the years, there have been petitions and discussions regarding the removal of “socialist” and “secular” from the Preamble. Some argue that these terms were added arbitrarily during the Emergency.
Conclusion
The presence of “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble remains a topic of discussion and legal challenges, with differing views on their inclusion and significance in shaping India’s constitutional identity.
Kerala has been accorded sanction by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) to use TrueNat test to diagnose Nipah.
Hospitals with BSL 2 level labs can perform the test.
What is TrueNat Test?
The TrueNat test is a molecular diagnostic test used for the detection of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19.
It is a portable, chip-based and battery-operated machine developed by a Goa-based company.
It is based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which allows for the amplification and detection of specific genetic material (RNA or DNA) from the target pathogen.
The WHO has approved TrueNat for detecting TB as it is cost-effective and a miniature version of the PCR test.
Benefits offered
TrueNat machines are designed to be portable and easy to use in various settings, including remote or resource-limited areas.
This feature has been particularly useful for TB diagnosis in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
About RT-PCR
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology is a molecular biology method used to detect and quantify DNA or RNA sequences in biological samples.
It combines PCR amplification with fluorescent probes to monitor DNA amplification in real-time.
This allows for the quantification of specific genetic material, making it valuable for applications such as gene expression analysis, disease diagnosis, and genetic research.
It provides high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid results, making it a widely used tool in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics.
A Constitution Bench has decided to commence hearings regarding a series of petitions that challenge the constitutionality of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, of 1955.
Background of Section 6A
Section 6A was introduced as a special provision in the 1955 Act following the signing of the ‘Assam Accord‘ Memorandum of Settlement on August 15, 1985.
This accord, facilitated by the Rajiv Gandhi government, aimed to protect the cultural, linguistic, and social identity of Assam.
It marked the end of a six-year-long agitation led by the All Assam Students Union against illegal immigrants, primarily from Bangladesh.
Legal Challenge
Centre’s Defense: The Union government has maintained that Section 6A is legally sound and urged the court to dismiss the petitions. These petitions were filed nearly 40 years after the enactment of Section 6A.
Provisions of Section 6A: Under Section 6A, foreigners who entered Assam before January 1, 1966, and were “ordinarily resident” in the State, were granted all the rights and obligations of Indian citizens. Those who arrived in the State between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, were accorded similar rights and obligations but could not vote for a period of 10 years.
Challenging Discrimination: Petitioners, including Assam Public Works and others, argue that Section 6A’s “discriminatory” nature in granting citizenship to immigrants, especially illegal ones, is in violation of Article 6 of the Constitution, which establishes the cutoff date for granting citizenship to immigrants as July 19, 1948.
Key Points of Contention
Conservation of Cultural Rights: The Assam Sanmilita Mahasangha, a Guwahati-based civil society organization, has demanded the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam based on the 1951 NRC rather than the electoral rolls of March 1971.
Supreme Court’s Involvement: In December 2014, the Supreme Court formulated 13 questions encompassing various issues related to the constitutionality of Section 6A, including its impact on the political rights of Assam’s citizens and whether it violated the rights of the Assamese people to preserve their cultural identity. In 2015, a three-judge Bench referred the case to a Constitution Bench.
Why discuss this?
The Section 6A case has been pending for several years, coinciding with the Supreme Court’s monitoring of the final Assam NRC list in August 2019, which excluded over 19 lakh individuals.
Additionally, the past years witnessed the enactment of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which granted accelerated citizenship to immigrants from minority communities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
What lies ahead?
The upcoming hearings on Section 6A will provide a crucial legal examination of its constitutionality and its implications for the protection of cultural rights and the status of immigrants in Assam.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2023, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, has successfully passed in the Lok Sabha.
This bill aims to provide 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, marking a significant milestone in Indian politics.
What is Delimitation?
Objective: Delimitation aims to redraw constituency boundaries to maintain equal population representation in Assembly and Lok Sabha seats.
Changing Constituencies: Delimitation may result in the alteration of constituency limits and, in some cases, the number of seats in a state.
Delimitation Process and Commission
Independent Delimitation Commission: Delimitation is carried out by an independent Delimitation Commission (DC) constituted by the Union government.
Terms of Reference: The DC determines the number and boundaries of constituencies, ensuring population equality and identifying reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Implementation: The draft proposals are published for public feedback, followed by public sittings to consider objections and suggestions. The final order is published in official gazettes.
Historical Context of Delimitation
Early Delimitation Exercises: The first delimitation exercise in 1950-51 was conducted by the President. Subsequently, the responsibility was shifted to independent Delimitation Commissions.
Frequency of Delimitation: Delimitation has been carried out four times, in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002, based on the Acts enacted in respective years.
Postponement of Delimitation until 2026
Frozen Seats: Delimitation was postponed after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses, freezing the number of seats in Lok Sabha and Assemblies.
Justification for Postponement: An amendment further delayed delimitation until 2026, with the rationale that uniform population growth would be achieved throughout the country by that time.
The Last Delimitation: The most recent delimitation exercise, based on the 2001 Census, focused on adjusting boundaries of existing seats and reworking the number of reserved seats.
Reservation Contingent on Delimitation
Impending Change: Despite the Lok Sabha’s approval, the implementation of the 33% women’s reservation is not immediate. It hinges on two key processes: a delimitation exercise and a Census.
Delimitation Explained: Delimitation involves redrawing Parliamentary and Assembly constituency boundaries to ensure equitable representation based on the latest population data.
2021 Census Impact: The 2021 Census, once conducted, will serve as the basis for the delimitation exercise, resulting in an increase in the number of constituencies. Of these, 33% will be reserved for women in future elections.
Delimitation: Why It’s Necessary
Equitable Representation: Delimitation is essential to ensure that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight, aligning the number of constituencies with population changes.
Preventing Gerrymandering: It also safeguards against gerrymandering, the manipulation of seat boundaries to favor one political party.
Constitutional Mandate: The Constitution mandates delimitation after each Census to reallocate seats in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
Political Complexity of Delimitation
Population Dynamics: Delimitation has significant political implications, particularly regarding the redistribution of seats among states.
Concerns of States: Population control efforts influenced seat allocation, creating concerns for states with varying levels of population control.
Freeze on Seat Numbers: Political concerns led to a freeze on the number of seats in Parliament and Assemblies until 2026, extending family planning efforts.
Gender vs. Regional Identities
Dual Shifts: The upcoming delimitation will bring two significant shifts: from southern to northern and eastern states and from male to female representation.
Women’s Empowerment: While concerns over diminishing state influence may arise, national consensus on women’s empowerment prevails.
Population Skew: Northern states may gain more seats, while southern states could lose representation due to varying population growth rates.
Impact on OBC Politics: Autonomous OBC politics in Hindi heartland states could weaken as the focus shifts to gender representation.
BJP’s Strategy: The BJP seeks to strengthen its social base by championing women’s empowerment alongside its Hindutva and pan-national identity politics.
Complex Landscape: Gender representation introduces an additional layer to the uni-dimensional politics of caste and regional identities, reshaping the political landscape.
Conclusion
The interplay between delimitation, gender reservation, and regional caste identities poses complex challenges in Indian politics.
Striking a balance between these dynamics will shape the future of representation and governance in the country.
Year after year, the UPSC Prelims throws a curveball at aspiring civil servants. If you thought the Prelims couldn’t get any harder, you’re mistaken.
Last year’s UPSC Prelims 2023 question paper came across as an increasingly unpredictable, difficult paper that was pushing the cut-off marks seemingly to an all-time low. Gone are the days when rote learning and traditional methods could guarantee you a spot in the Mains.
Year
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Cut-off
98
98
92.51
87.54
88.22
UPSC Prelims cut-offs. In 2023 it is expected to reach a new low
It’s time for a change, a renewed approach, and who better to guide you than Parth Verma Sir, a seasoned IAS Faculty at Civilsdaily?
UPSC Prelims has changed, and you should also renew your approach
Parth Verma
Parth sir will explain how the expectations of UPSC have shifted, targeting not just rote knowledge but also Common Sense, Stress Response, and Risk Appetite.
UPSC Prelims 2023 was a wake-up call that left many aspirants baffled and surprised – it’s clear that a new approach to preparation is needed to ace the exam in 2024 and beyond.
Aspirants targeting UPSC 2024 and want to crack in this attempt only.
Those who found UPSC Prelims 2023 challenging and unpredictable.
Aspirants seeking to understand the changing dynamics of UPSC exams.
You’re seeking proven strategies to streamline your UPSC preparation and need guidance on staying committed to your IAS goals in the long run.
You’re seeking proven strategies to streamline your UPSC preparation and need guidance on staying committed to your IAS goals in the long run.
Why You Must Attend
Master the 80/20 Rule: Learn how to focus your energies on the most impactful 20% of the syllabus that will yield 80% of the marks.
Risk Aversion: Discover how to effectively manage risk while attempting uncertain questions, a skill that could be the difference between clearing the Prelims or not.
Common Sense Over Bookish Knowledge: Get tips on how to use your common sense to answer tricky questions when your bookish knowledge falls short.
Interactive Q&A Session: Don’t miss the chance to get your doubts clarified directly by Parth Verma Sir.
Now merely completing the syllabus, Practicing PYQs, and Mock Tests are not enough to beat the unpredictability and uncertainty of the Prelims
What Can You Expect to Learn in This Session?
In this interactive session, you will have a:
How to do a UPSC-Prelims-centric preparation in the last 8 months to UPSC Prelims 2024?
How to maintain a proper balance between memorization & understanding.
How to predict prelims questions from previous years’ question papers?
Detailed analysis of how UPSC tests candidates’ common sense in Prelims.
Strategies to develop and showcase your stress response skills during the examination.
Understanding the role of risk appetite in Prelims and how to optimally manage it.
Practical tips on how to enhance these skills in the run-up to UPSC Prelims 2024.
Real-life examples and anecdotes from past UPSC Prelims illustrate these points.
How to cover the UPSC Prelims syllabus? The syllabus, not the books, must be completed. Focussing on the essentials first.
How to deal with UPSC CSAT paper? The Prelim Dream killer
What are the best books for UPSC to refer to? Based on the last 10-year UPSC-CSE paper analysis.
Recognize the UPSC requirement. What kinds of test series are useful? Which mock test series should be avoided?
We’ll be sharing a personalized study plan after the session
CivilsDaily’s FREE Current Affairs package and personalized UPSC study plan
Post-webinar you will get your Personalized study plan, important PDFs, timetable framework, and mentorship session.
Based on your UPSC prep situation (working aspirant, full-time aspirant), your learning style, previous attempts, and other such factors, we will be preparing and sharing a personalized PDF study plan for you.
The relationship between Canada and India has hit rock bottom with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations of Indian involvement in the death of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Central Idea
The Canada-India relationship is in trouble after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s troubling allegations against India. Diplomats were sent home, and making up seems hard. Both countries need to talk honestly about how some Indian people in Canada are causing problems and making things worse.
The troubling accusations
Unprecedented Allegations: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement before Canadian lawmakers, accusing Indian agents of involvement in the killing of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, represents an unprecedented and game-changing development in Canada-India relations.
Potential Motivations: The timing of Trudeau’s public announcement in parliament, before fully exploring other options, suggests either the existence of substantial evidence backing the claims or a willingness to jeopardize Canada-India relations for undisclosed reasons.
Myopic Emphasis on Rule of Law: Trudeau’s emphasis on the rule of law in this context appears narrow, as it fails to consider the broader effects of Nijjar and his separatist associates’ activities in both Canada and India.
Overlooking Victims: Trudeau’s focus on Khalistan activists’ plight neglects to address the harm they have inflicted, including propagating violence against Indian diplomats, celebrating the death of an Indian prime minister, vandalizing places of worship in Canada, and disregarding Indian lawmaking processes.
Historical Context of Canada-India Relations
Cold War Cooperation: During the Cold War, Canada and India shared a positive rapport due to their commonwealth status and alignment on UN principles, multilateralism, and global development goals.
Cold War Disputes: However, differences emerged during the Cold War crises in Korea, Hungary, and Vietnam, straining relations. India’s nuclear program further exacerbated tensions.
1980s Rekindling: In the 1980s, increased Indian immigration to Canada sparked renewed interest in India, but trade and security relations remained limited.
Post-1998 Efforts: After Canada’s rejection of India’s nuclear power status in 1998, significant efforts have been made to revive relations, particularly in trade and investment.
Toxic Diaspora Politics: The relationship has been consistently hampered by specific diaspora elements within Canada with extremist views who influence Canadian political parties, negatively impacting bilateral ties.
Canada’s Diaspora Politics
Confounding Deference: Ottawa, particularly under the current government, has consistently displayed a confounding deference to Khalistani groups and other diaspora elements, a characteristic feature of its foreign policy.
Both Political Parties Implicated: Notably, both major political parties in Canada, namely the Liberals and Conservatives, have been implicated in pandering to diaspora groups that utilize Canadian soil for activities detrimental to other nations’ interests and security.
Short-Term Electoral Pressure: The influence of diaspora politics has prevented Canadian governments from prioritizing national security and foreign policy objectives over short-term electoral pressures.
Impeding National Interests: Diaspora politics poses a significant impediment to Canada’s ability to safeguard its national security and foreign policy priorities from the pressures of short-term electoral considerations.
Challenges for India
Pro-Khalistan Groups: India faces challenges stemming from pro-Khalistan groups within the Indian diaspora in Canada. These groups advocate for the secession of Punjab from India, creating a source of tension between India and Canada.
Tensions and Resentments: The activities of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada have led to tensions and resentments between India and Canada. The Indian government is concerned about how these groups operate in Canada and their impact on bilateral relations.
Foreign Policy Dilemma: India must navigate a diplomatic dilemma when dealing with countries like Canada that host diaspora elements supporting separatist movements. Balancing diplomatic relations with such countries while addressing the concerns of these diaspora groups can be challenging.
Rising Transnational Currents: The rise of transnational currents questions India’s territorial integrity and treatment of ethnic minorities. These currents pose a significant problem for Indian foreign policy, potentially influencing global perceptions and diplomatic relations.
Online Amplification: The digital age has amplified challenges associated with diaspora politics. Online platforms and social media allow diaspora groups to spread their ideas and mobilize support more effectively, potentially affecting India’s image and diplomacy.
Caste Discrimination: Caste discrimination is a contentious issue within Indian diaspora communities in Canada and other countries. This adds complexity to India’s engagement with its diaspora and its image abroad.
Way Forward
Rebuilding Trust: The strained Canada-India relationship calls for a concerted effort to rebuild trust, acknowledging that distrust has deep historical roots.
Shared Interests: Both countries have shared interests in defending the international order, balancing China’s rise, and cooperating on critical global issues such as climate change, global health, digital technology misuse, artificial intelligence regulation, and support for developing countries.
Addressing Diaspora Challenges: To effectively address these challenges, a political consensus is required that addresses both countries’ perspectives on Canada’s Indian diaspora and mitigates its worst impulses, particularly those fanning separatist sentiments in India.
National Interests at the Forefront: The path forward necessitates a clear commitment to prioritize national interests, security, and foreign policy objectives over the pressures of diaspora politics, especially in the era of social media and online activism.
A Balanced Approach: Striking a balance between leveraging the positive aspects of diaspora contributions and effectively managing the challenges they pose is essential for both countries’ foreign relations.
Diplomatic Dialogue: Engaging in a sincere, transparent, and multidimensional political dialogue is crucial for both Canada and India. This dialogue should address the role of Canada’s Indian diaspora, its politicization, and its impact on bilateral relations.
Acknowledging Past Grievances: Recognizing and addressing past grievances and resentments is essential in the journey toward reconciliation and improved relations.
Conclusion
The strained Canada-India relationship is a result of toxic diaspora politics. To mend this relationship, both countries must engage in a political compact addressing the role of Canada’s Indian diaspora and mitigating its divisive influences, especially those supporting separatism in India. Without this, geographical distance will be overshadowed by deep-seated dispositional differences between Ottawa and Delhi.
