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Finding alternative to non-alignment
The article analyses role of non-alignment in India’s foreign policy and India’s struggle to find the alternative to the non-alignment.
Background
- Non-alignment was a policy fashioned during the Cold War, to retain the autonomy of policy between two politico-military blocs.
- The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) provided a platform for newly independent developing nations to join together to protect this autonomy.
- NAM campaigned for de-colonisation, universal nuclear disarmament and against apartheid.
- After the end of the Cold War, the NAM countries were able to diversify their network of relationships across the erstwhile east-west divide.
Non-alignment and India’s foreign policy in the present context
- For a few years now, non-alignment has not been projected by our policymakers as a tenet of India’s foreign policy.
- India has not yet found a universally accepted alternative to the non-alignment yet.
- “Strategic autonomy” as an alternative soon acquired a connotation similar to non-alignment, with an anti-U.S. tint.
- Multi-alignment has not found universal favour, since it may convey the impression of opportunism, whereas we seek strategic convergences.
- Seeking issue-based partnerships or coalitions is a description that has not stuck.
- “Advancing prosperity and influence” was a description External Affairs minister settled for, to describe the aspirations that our network of international partnerships seeks to further.
Role of geography and politics
- Two major imperatives flow from India’s geography-1) economic and security interests in the Indo-Pacific space. 2) the strategic importance of the continental landmass to its north and west.
- The Indo-Pacific has inspired the Act East policy of bilateral and multilateral engagements in Southeast Asia and East Asia and the Pacific.
- Shared India-U.S. interests in dealing with the challenge from China in the maritime domain have been a strategic underpinning of the bilateral partnership since the early 2000s.
Issues in India’s engagement with the U.S.
- In the immediate-term, Indian and U.S. perspectives are less convergent in India’s continental neighbourhood.
- Connectivity and cooperation with Afghanistan and Central Asia need engagement with Iran and Russia, as well as with the Russia-China dynamics in the region.
- Russia extends to the Eurasian landmass bordering India’s near and extended neighbourhood.
- A close Russia-China partnership should move India to broad-base relations with Russia.
- A strong stake in relations with India could reinforce Russia’s reluctance to be a junior partner of China.
- As the U.S. confronts the challenge to its dominance from China, classical balance of power considerations would dictate accommodation with Russia.
- U.S. should see ties with India as a joint venture not an alliance in which they could pursue shared objectives to mutual benefit and accept that differences of perspectives will have to be addressed.
- This template could have wider applicability for bilateral relations in today’s world order, which former could be described as militarily unipolar, economically multipolar and politically confused.
- The U.S. could acknowledge that India’s development of trade routes through Iran which could provide it route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan and Russia, respectively.
Consider the question “India has not been able to find an alternative to NAM which has been described as the basic tenet of India’s foreign policy. Discuss.”
Conclusion
India should find the alternative to the non-alignment which accommodate its interest in relations with the U.S. at the same time allow it “strategic autonomy”.
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Making the local governance strong
The article analyses the issues faced by democracy in India and suggests the way out in the form of strong local governments.
Issues being faced by Indian democracy
1. Issue of use of money power
- Around the world, electoral democracies face the issues of funding political parties and elections.
- Money is required to win elections legitimately, even when people are not bribed to vote, which is illegitimate.
- Communications with citizens can be very expensive.
- Advertisements have to be paid for as well as teams of professionals for managing social media.
- The race to raise more money for legitimate electioneering purposes can corrupt the process of funding parties and elections.
- Solutions are not easy because the right to free speech cannot be denied.
2.Issues with deliberations by the representatives
- Debates within India’s Parliament hardly inspire citizens’ confidence in their representatives’ ability to govern the country.
- The problem in electoral democracies is also in the conduct of their deliberations when they come together.
- This problem is not due to the quality of the individuals, it is inherent in the design of the process for electing representatives.
- Representatives of the people must be chosen by smaller electorates within geographical constituencies.
- But when they meet together in the national chamber, they are expected to govern the whole country.
- They must shed the interest of their constituency and consider what will be best for the whole country.
- Constituency favouring leads to challenges for equitable solutions for sharing of river waters, and to railway stations.
- Electing good representatives to Assemblies is not enough to ensure good decisions will be made.
3.Role of political parties: Lack of inner democracies
- Function of parties: Political parties in electoral democracies provide a solution to the problem of creating an alignment of views among representatives from hundreds of constituencies around the country.
- A party’s point of view on fundamental matters can unite many.
- However, when there are too many parties and too many contradictory points of view to be accommodated within a coalition, governance can break down.
- Therefore, political parties are not evil.
- However, when political parties are not internally democratic, they become a source to amass power and wealth, and democratic nations suffer.
So, should we adopt direct form of democracy
- For the reason stated above, it has become very difficult in representative democracies to arrive at good and fair decisions for the governance of a large state or country.
- New Internet technologies make adoption of direct form of democracy possible.
- But, if all voters have not understood what is at stake, they cannot decide well this is what happened in hasty Brexit referendum.
Way Forward
1.Need for the strong local governance
- Complex issues, where many interests collide, must be resolved by reason, not settled by the numbers.
- Hence there is no alternative to good local governance, wherein citizens manage their local affairs democratically.
- One-size solutions devised by experts at the centre cannot fit all.
- Local systems solutions are essential to solve global systemic problems of environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.
2.Funding and Intra-Party Democracy related reforms
- Electoral funding must be cleaned up, and democracy within political parties improved to make representative democracy work better.
- This will require big changes to entrenched systems.
- Citizens must appreciate that they have to be the source of solutions, and not become only the source of problems.
- Citizens must learn to listen to each other’s perspectives in their villages and in their urban neighbourhoods.
What are the challenges the electoral process in India faces? Suggest the solution to the issues democracy in India faces.
Conclusion
Since India’s Independence 73 years ago when the power of government was transferred from a centre in London to a centre in Delhi, strong local governance remains the unfinished agenda to make India’s democracy strong and deep.
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What’s the right time to start Ethics? | Ethics Masterclass 2021 launched | Details inside
Enroll here in Ethics Masterclass 2021
Now! Yes, this is the perfect time for you to start Ethics.
Why? First is the time factor. From Jan 2021 you will get engrossed in prelims prep. And you need at least 1.5 – 2 months for GS Paper 4 – Ethics with answer writing practice. The second factor is weightage – 250 marks. You don’t want to ignore it and leave it for your post-prelims plan.
We are ecstatic to launch Ethics Masterclass 2021 for you.
Click here for more details – Ethics Masterclass 2021
What is Ethics Masterclass?
Ethics Masterclass is a mentor-driven holistic course for GS Paper 4, i.e. Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude, by Civilsdaily.
Why Ethics Masterclass?
Paper 4 aka Ethics is the most dynamic General studies paper out of the lot. There is no “ONE WAY approach” in ethics. This is an effort to combine the Habitat discussion session with Video lectures to provide a complete learning experience. A focused, personalized, and Mentor guided approach will ensure a disciplined and holistic preparation.
VIDEO LECTURES
Structured video lectures of Paper 4 for a concrete understanding of the syllabus. Our novel methodology accompanied by an in-depth explanation ensures comprehensive coverage of every topic in the syllabus. Added to this, we have made sure to add that extra element of fun.
Enroll here in Ethics Masterclass 2021
DOUBT AND DISCUSSION SESSION
A schedule is created where dedicated days are kept to discuss your doubts regarding each lecture. So, cover the part of the lecture video for the day and clear your doubts the same day. In addition to that, It also provides an opportunity to carry advanced discussion sessions focused on video lectures. This is additional to the basic level discussion on the Ethics group.
MINI-TESTS
A mini test on the weekend will help to bring together the ideas and concepts learned throughout the week. This is the perfect icing on the cake! Get personalized reviews on your answers by Sukanya ma’am to understand how you can improve and score better.
Questions framed are from the most important UPSC relevant themes and papers are based on the latest pattern of UPSC. Get model answers cover all the aspects of a question and providing enriching points to the student.
Enroll here in Ethics Masterclass 2021
CASE STUDIES DISCUSSION
Scoring in case studies translates into a good score in paper 4. Learn the tips and tricks to master Section B of the ethics paper with discussions and practice questions.
CIVILSDAILY’S HANDHOLDING
You’ll be given membership to an exclusive group on Civilsdaily’s Habitat. The group will be headed by Sukanya ma’am herself. From doubt resolution, discussion, personalized review of the mini test copies will be done by Sukanya ma’am only. Here you can directly connect with ma’am.
Below – Ethics discussion on Habitat (For Masterclass a new and exclusive channel on Habitat will be formed)
Habitat is where everything comes together learning, doubt clearing, mentor’s support, and a focused community. You’re going to learn and discuss it like never before.
Program inclusion
- Comprehensive Video Lectures covering Paper 4
- 6 Mini test with dedicated days for test discussion
- Personalized review and discussion of test copy by Sukanya ma’am
- Membership of Ethics group (exclusive) on Civilsdaily’s Habitat
- Planned case studies discussion
- Doubt resolution session on every lecture on Habitat
Click here for more details – Ethics Masterclass 2021
Enroll here in Ethics Masterclass 2021
Should you encounter any issue in this process or you have a query, reach out to us at +91 89299 87787 or hello@civilsdaily.com
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9th September 2020| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement
Important Announcement: Topics to be covered on 10th September-
GS-1 Urbanization, their problems, and their remedies.
GS-4 Case studies
Question 1)
Question 2)
Question 3)
Question 4)
Reviews will be provided in a week. (In the order of submission- First come first serve basis). In case the answer is submitted late the review period may get extended to two weeks.
*In case your answer is not reviewed in a week, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. If Parth Sir’s tag is available then tag him.
For the philosophy of AWE and payment, check here: Click2Join
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[pib] Global Indices to Drive Reforms and Growth (GIRG) Exercise
NITI Aayog as the nodal agency has been assigned the responsibility of leveraging the monitoring mechanism of the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to drive reforms.
Try this PYQ:
Q.In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some states than in others because (CSP 2019):
(a) Poverty rates vary from State to State
(b) Price levels vary from State to State
(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State
(d) Quality of public distribution varies from State to State
GIRG Exercise
- Global MPI is part of GoI’s decision to monitor the performance of the country in 29 select Global Indices.
- The objective of the exercise is to fulfil the need to measure and monitor India’s performance on various important social and economic parameters.
- It would enable the utilization of these Indices as tools for self-improvement; bring about reforms in policies, while improving last-mile implementation of government schemes.
- As the Nodal agency for the MPI, NITI Aayog has constituted a Multidimensional Poverty Index Coordination Committee (MPICC).
About Global MPI
- Global MPI is an international measure of multidimensional poverty covering 107 developing countries.
- It was first developed in 2010 by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for UNDP’s Human Development Reports.
- It is computed by scoring each surveyed household on 10 parameters based on -nutrition, child mortality, and years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing and household assets.
- It utilizes the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) which is conducted under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS).
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[pib] Heritage of Punjab
The Ministry of Tourism’s DekhoApnaDesh Webinar series titled “Punjab- A historic perspective” has recently gone live.
Try this PYQ:
Q.Rivers that passes through Himachal Pradesh are: (CSP 2012)
(a) Beas and Chenab only
(b) Beas and Ravi only
(c) Chenab, Ravi, and Satluj only
(d) Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj, and Yamuna
Heritage of Punjab
- Punjab means ‘the land of Five Waters’ referring to the rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas.
- Much of the Frontier was occupied by Maharaja Ranjit Singh also known as Sher-e-Punjab in the early 19th century and then taken over by the East India Company when it annexed Punjab in 1849.
- The state is divided into three parts- Majha, Doaba and Malwa.
- It’s many festivals–Teej, Lohri, Basant Panchami, Baisakhi and Hola Mahalla to name some are celebrations that mirror the farming ethos.
- Historically, Punjab has played host to a number of ethnicities, including the Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Afghans and Mongols, thus bestowed with a rich tangible heritage.
- The southeastern city of Punjab, Patiala was once a princely state established under Baba Ala Singh, a Jat Sikh chieftain. He laid the foundation of the fort and now, is located in the region around Qila Mubarak or the Fortunate Castle.
- Important tourist attractions are Kali Temple, Baradari Garden, Sheesh Mahal, Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, Qila Mubarak complex etc.
Holy shrines
- The most sacred of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple, is a major pilgrimage destination for devotees from around the world, as well as, an ever-increasing popular tourist attraction.
- Construction of the Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) was initiated by Guru Amar Das, the third Guru, in 1570 and was completed by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru.
- His successor, Guru Arjan Dev began work on the building after inviting Mian Mir, the Sufi saint, to lay its foundation stone in 1588.
- Three years later, the Harimandar Sahib, or Darbar Sahib got completed.
- In step with Sikhism’s basic tenet of universal brotherhood and all-inclusive ethos, the Golden Temple can be accessed from all directions.
Legend of Banda Bahadur
- The city of Fatehgarh Sahib is of special significance to Sikhs. The word “Fatehgarh”, means “Town of Victory”.
- It is so-called because, in 1710, Sikhs under the leadership of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur conquered the area and destroyed the Mughal fort.
- Banda Bahadur announced the establishment of the Sikh rule in the city and an end to the tyranny of the Mughal rule which had spread terror and injustice.
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What is an ideal strategy for IAS 2021? | Fill Samanvaya form to talk to us | Link inside
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IAS exam is designed in such a manner that it should take just one attempt to clear it. Any further attempt, if you’re taking, should only be to improve your rank.
IAS 2021 dates are out and with less than 9 months left for prelims. This is the time when you should come out with all guns blazing.
We’d a discussion with 1700+ students who were not able to clear prelims even in their third attempt. Some were stuck on mains. Yes, you guessed it right, they’d no strategy.
But what’s an ideal strategy? One that is specifically designed for YOU. One that is based on your learning competencies, your situation in life, the time you have for preparation, your attitude, your aptitude, and a lot of other factors. It requires expertise to make and help you follow one.
Mind you, just making a workable strategy or covering the syllabus is not enough.
Broadly, five factors determine your success in cracking this prestigious IAS exam: Planning and strategizing– the first step; Learning – Knowledge and information; Analyzing – making linkages, connections, etc.; Executing and utilizing information; and Constant course correction – because mistakes are inevitable, need to rectify them asap.
You need to have these factors in your strategy. But how to do that?
Click to fill the form: Samanvaya for IAS 2021 (Talk to our senior mentors)
Click to fill the form: Samanvaya for IAS 2021 (Talk to our senior mentors)
Failing to tackle any one of them, feeds into a vicious cycle. Without guidance or mentoring, understanding where the problem lies in and how to rectify it becomes problematic.
This is where our 3 tier mentoring comes in:
1. First step starts with this Samanvaya call: Once you fill in the form(click here), our senior mentors get on a 30-40 minute call with you to understand your prep level, working/ study constraints, current strategies, and create a step by step plan for next week, next month and so on.
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Daily target monitoring. 3. The third and the most personalized tier is the 1 on 1 mentor allotment who stays with you through the course of your UPSC preparation – always-on chat and on scheduled calls to help you assess, evaluate, and chart the next milestone of your IAS 2021 journey.
Let’s talk. Fill this Samanvaya form (click here)
(Civilsdaily’s senior mentor will call you within 24 hours.)
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- Working Junta? If you are preparing for IAS 2021 and working simultaneously, we can help you strategize and decipher the IAS exam and design a timetable that fits right in your hectic schedule.
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Financing economic recovery
The article analyses the issue of socioeconomic disruption caused by the pandemic and response by regionally coordinated response to it.
Context
- With continued lockdown measures and restricted borders, countries in Asia and the Pacific have been experiencing sharp drops in foreign exchange inflows due to declines in export earnings, remittances, tourism and FDI.
Financing 3 key areas by the U.N.
- The United Nations is contributing through a global initiative, Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond.
- The initiative aims at comprehensive financing strategy to safeguard the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Governments are united to ensure that adequate financial resources are available to steer an inclusive, sustainable and resilient post-COVID-19 recovery.
- In the Asia-Pacific region, several countries have already adopted financing plans in following three key areas.
- 1) To address the challenge of diminished fiscal space and debt vulnerability 2) To ensure sustainable recovery, consistent with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda 3) To harness the potential of regional cooperation in support of financing for development.
Regional Conversation series by ESCAP
- The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has recently launched its first-ever Regional Conversation Series on Building Back Better.
- In this series ministers, decision-makers, private sectors and heads of international agencies participate.
- Their participation results in sharing of collective insights on sharing pathways to resilient recovery from health pandemic and economic collapse.
Debt Service Suspension initiative
- To manage high levels of debt distress global initiatives like the Debt Service Suspension initiative is timely.
- Central banks can continue to keep the balance of supporting the economy and maintaining financial stability.
- This further involves enhancing tax reforms and improving debt management capacities, while using limited fiscal space to invest in priority sectors.
- Exploring sustainability-oriented bonds and innovative financing instruments options such as debt swaps for SDG investment should be explored further.
- Policy paradigm must mainstream affordable, accessible and green infrastructure standards.
- We should also scale up the use of digital technology and innovative applications.
- The financing support of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises must go hand in hand with these national job-rich recovery strategies.
Role of regional cooperation
- Regionally coordinated financing policies can restart trade, reorganise supply chains and revitalise sustainable tourism in a safe manner.
- Across Asia and the Pacific, governments must pool financial resources to create regional investment funds.
- Role of egional cooperation platforms to ensure all countries receive an equitable number of doses of the vaccine is essential.
Conclusion
Through ESCAP, we can scale these efforts across the region, working closely with our member states, the private sector and innovators to build a collective financing response to mobilise the necessary additional resources.