Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Factors behind the concerning current geopolitical landscape
Why in the news?
Factors such as the lack of globally influential leaders, evolving alliances, economic challenges, and advancements in technology contribute to the current geopolitical landscape.
Factors behind the concerning current geopolitical landscape
Growing chaos, an absent leadership
- Decline of the rules-based international order: The traditional Western-led global order is perceived as dead, leading to increased geopolitical disarray.
- Rise of new alliance patterns: With the weakening of the West and the ascent of China, new alliances have emerged, but none possess enough strength to maintain global peace.
- Lack of influential leaders: Leaders like Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Joe Biden are seen as lacking the ability to sustain peace globally, with many other Western leaders deemed inadequate for the task.
- Potential for conflict escalation: While shooting wars are limited to certain regions like Ukraine and Gaza, there’s concern about the absence of leaders capable of resolving conflicts peacefully.
- Stalemate in Ukraine: The situation in Ukraine remains deadlocked, with leaders unwilling to compromise, raising concerns about the possibility of the use of battlefield nuclear weapons.
- Escalating tensions in West Asia: Israel’s actions, described as those of a “wounded tiger,” are leading to increased casualties in Gaza, while Iran poses a direct threat to Israel, potentially leading to a broader conflict with dire implications.
- Potential leadership shift in militant Jihadism: There are indications that a resurgent Iran could take over the leadership of militant Jihadism against the West and other perceived “infidels,” further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
A new set of alliances
- Great power rivalry appears diminished: The rivalry between the U.S. and China is described as a “shadow play” with little significance beyond proxy conflicts.
- U.S. setbacks and diminished superpower status: The U.S. is perceived as grappling with hubris following setbacks since Afghanistan in 2020, which has diminished its status as a superpower.
- Europe’s reliance on NATO and limited influence: Europe’s reliance on NATO for protection from Russia has not translated into significant influence in conflicts like Ukraine, despite significant costs.
- Emerging China-Russia-Iran axis: The alliance between China, Russia, and Iran poses a challenge to U.S. and Western influence in West Asia, raising questions about their tactics in the region.
Economic challenges
- Geopolitics of oil: The China-Russia-Iran axis signals a significant shift in the politics of oil, which is likely to have far-reaching consequences for global stability.
- Diminished effectiveness of sanctions: Sanctions are seen as losing their impact in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics, potentially leading to a major economic slowdown.
Advancements in technology
- Technology as a disruptor: National security efforts are increasingly focused on protecting vital technologies, with artificial intelligence emerging as a major disruptor in conventional warfare.
- Rise of smaller nations leveraging AI: Smaller nations are leveraging artificial intelligence to challenge the military dominance of larger powers like the U.S. and China, potentially leveling the playing field.
- Impact of ISR revolution in warfare: The military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) revolution, enabled by drones, aircraft, and space assets, is transforming the battlefield, posing new challenges for military strategies.
- Nuclear arms race and arms control fraying: Arms control agreements are deteriorating, leading to the development of new nuclear warheads and cruise missiles, raising concerns about a nuclear makeover and potential use of nuclear weapons.
Conclusion: The breakdown of the rules-based order, inadequate leadership, and the formation of volatile alliances contribute to geopolitical turmoil. Need of robust leadership and coherent strategiesto avoid the conflict escalation in the world.
Mains PYQ
Q (UPSC IAS/2022) (a): Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? lllustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affairs.
(b): Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:
(i) Constitutional morality
(ii) Conflict of interest
(iii) Probity in public life
(iv) Challanges of digitalization
(v) Devotion to duty
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)
Mains level: Why has private investment fallen?
Why in the news?
The failure of private investment, as measured by private Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices, to pick up pace has been one of the major issues plaguing the Indian economy.
What is GFCF?
- GFCF refers to the growth in the size of fixed capital in an economy.
- Fixed capital refers to things such as buildings and machinery, for instance, which require investment to be created.
- So private GFCF can serve as a rough indicator of how much the private sector in an economy is willing to invest.
- Overall GFCF also includes capital formation as a result of investment by the government.
Why does it matter?
- GFCF matters because fixed capital, by helping workers produce a greater amount of goods and services each year, helps to boost economic growth and improve living standards.
- In other words, fixed capital is what largely determines the overall output of an economy.
What is the trend seen in private investment in India?
- Pre-liberalization (1950s to early 1990s): Private investment remained relatively stable, hovering around or slightly above 10% of GDP. Public investment, however, steadily increased during this period.
- Liberalization (early 1990s onwards): Economic reforms in the early 1990s improved private sector confidence, leading to a significant uptick in private investment. Public investment, although still significant, began to decline relative to private investment.
- Post-global financial crisis (late 2000s to present): Private investment continued to grow until the global financial crisis of 2007-08, reaching around 27% of GDP. However, from around 2011-12 onwards, private investment began to decline, hitting a low of 19.6% of GDP in 2020-21.
Why has private investment fallen?
- Low private consumption expenditure: Some economists attribute the decline in private investment to low private consumption expenditure. They argue that businesses need confidence in future demand to invest in fixed capital, and boosting consumption expenditure can help stimulate private investment.
- Structural problems and policy uncertainty: Other economists argue that structural issues and policy uncertainty are core reasons behind the fall in private investment. They point to unfavourable government policies and policy uncertainty as major factors affecting private investment.
Conclusion: To address the decline in private investment, India needs policies promoting consumer confidence and stable, conducive business environments. Balancing pro-growth fiscal measures with structural reforms can stimulate investment, fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Mains PYQ
Q Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and private entity.(UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: How could Middle East tensions impact the Indian economy?
Why in the news?
Iran’s attack on Israel earlier this week has sparked tensions in the Middle East and beyond. India, which has friendly ties with both the countries, has expressed “serious concerns” about escalation of hostilities.
India-Israel trade has doubled in the last five years
- India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992. Since then, trade between two countries has been rising significantly, from around $200 million in 1992 (comprising primarily of diamonds), to $10.7 billion (excluding defence) in the Financial Year 2022-23.
What are the main components of India’s trade with Israel?
- Based on India’s 8-digit Harmonized System code, under which trade items are classified, the most valued items exported by India to Israel included diesel, diamonds, aviation turbine fuel, radar apparatus, Basmati rice, T-shirts, and wheat.
Value of India-Iran trade came down in the last five years
- India’s trade with Iran has seen a contraction in recent years, before an uptick in the FY 2022-23. It increased by 21.77 per cent — from $1.94 billion in 2021-22 to $2.33 billion in 2022-23.
Israel and Iran do not have significant FDI in India
- Israel’s FDI in India: Israel’s contribution to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India is relatively low, accounting for just 0.4% of the total FDI inflows between April 2000 and December 2023. FDI from Israel to India amounted to $288 million during this period.
- Indian Investment in Israel: Conversely, Indian firms have invested more in Israel, with cumulative Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) reaching around US$ 383 million from April 2000 to May 2023.
- India’s Investment in Iran: India is involved in developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar in Iran. This initiative aims to enhance India’s connectivity and trade relations with the Middle East and Central Asia.
How could Middle East tensions impact the Indian economy?
- Impact on Trade Routes: Tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea region, could disrupt crucial trade routes connecting Europe and Asia. Roughly 12 percent of global trade depends on this route, potentially affecting India’s trade.
- Shipping Disruptions: Yemen-based militants, known as the Houthis, have targeted ships passing through the Red Sea since November 2023, leading to shipping disruptions. This could exacerbate India’s trade problems.
- Stability Concerns in West Asia: The conflict between Iran and Israel adds to the instability in West Asia, potentially delaying projects like the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
- Impact on Petroleum Prices: While the ongoing conflict may not significantly disrupt crude oil and gas production, shipping disruptions in the Red Sea could lead to higher oil and gas prices. However, the impact on Indian consumers may be minimal as the government could offset price increases by reducing taxes.
Conclusion: India’s friendly ties with both Israel and Iran provide an opportunity for diplomatic engagement to mitigate the escalation of hostilities in the region. By actively participating in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue, India can contribute to regional stability and safeguard its economic interests.
Mains PYQ
Q There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Key challenges in Dalit politics today
Why in the news?
Organising grand events and celebrations in April to commemorate Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary has become a national ritual now.
Ambedkar’s Vision for Dalit Political Power
- Ambedkar envisioned the Dalit-Bahujan mass as the prime claimant of state power, aiming to form a greater social alliance with Adivasis, poor working classes, and agrarian laborers against exploitative orders.
Historical Significance of Dalit Political Movements
- The mid-1990s saw the emergence of powerful Dalit political leadership, such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) under Kanshi Ram and Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh, as well as leaders like Prakash Ambedkar and Ramdas Athawale in Maharashtra.
Limitation in Dalit politics today
- Fragmentation in Dalit Political Legacy: Despite the unity seen in commemorations, there is a growing splintering in Ambedkar’s political legacies, resulting in Dalit political parties becoming passive and relegated forces.
- Disintegration of Contemporary Ambedkarite Dalit Politics: Current Dalit politics lacks visionary leadership, a strong social base, and effective political strategies to emerge as a crucial player in democratic battles. It has disintegrated into segments.
- Political Alliances and Vacillations: Dalit parties have sometimes formed alliances with parties like the BJP, despite Ambedkar’s ideologies being fundamentally opposed to Brahmanical and exploitative orders. This has led to criticism and accusations of abandoning core principles.
Way Forward
- Building Stronger Intra-Dalit Unity: Encourage dialogue and collaboration among different Dalit political factions to foster a sense of unity and common purpose.
- Investing in Leadership Development: Support initiatives aimed at nurturing visionary leadership within the Dalit community.
- Strengthening Grassroots Mobilization: Focus on building a strong social base by actively engaging with Dalit communities at the grassroots level.
Mains PYQ
Q Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.(UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climatology; Heatwave;
Mains level: Heat Action Plans (HAPs) ;
Why in the news?
Come summer, we are used to seeing heat alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for various parts of India. This year, these alerts began in February itself.
What is a heatwave?
- According to the IMD, the definition of a heatwave depends on the physiography of regions.
- The IMD will declare a heatwave if the maximum temperature recorded at a station is 40 degrees Celsius or more in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more in the coast, and 30 degrees Celsius or more in the hills.
Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to tackle heatwave
- Aim: HAPs aim to increase preparedness and lower the adverse impacts of extreme heat by outlining strategies and measures to prepare for, address, and recover from heat waves.
- The National Disaster Management Authority and IMD are reported to be working with 23 States to develop HAPs.
- Issue with Database: There is no centralized database on HAPs, but at least 23 HAPs exist at the State and city level, with a few States, such as Odisha and Maharashtra, laying out district-level HAPs.
Key components of Heat Action Plans (HAPs)
Limitation
- Challenges related to Determining Heatwaves: While a national threshold is currently used to determine heatwaves, determining them at smaller scales such as states, districts, and cities poses a challenge due to variations in local factors like the urban heat island effect, type of roofing, and proximity to water or green bodies, as well as humidity.
- Inconsistent Methods and Vulnerability Assessments: The methods used for vulnerability assessments in HAPs are inconsistent because of the diverse physiography of regions
- Addressing Vulnerable Populations: While HAPs prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, targeted interventions often fail to account for varying needs based on local socio-economic and demographic factors.
- Resource Allocation and Financing: Implementation of HAPs varies depending on local government priorities and available capacities because at the local level Fund crunch.
- Integration and Collaboration: HAPs are currently standalone plans with limited finance, highlighting the need for integration with broader action plans promoting urban resilience and climate adaptation to pool resources effectively.
Way Forward:
- Determination at Local Scales: Invest in local monitoring systems that capture variations in temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors.
- Standardizing Methods: Establish guidelines for conducting vulnerability assessments that account for diverse physiography and local context.
- Tailoring Interventions: Conduct comprehensive community consultations to understand the unique needs of vulnerable populations in different localities.
- Funding and Resources: Advocate for increased funding for HAPs at the national and local levels through budget allocations, grants, and public-private partnerships.
- Integration and Collaboration: Establish inter-agency task forces or committees to coordinate HAPs with other relevant initiatives, such as urban planning, public health, and disaster management.
Mains PYQ
Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Religious Issues;
Why in the news?
On 12 March 2024, in a first for Uttar Pradesh, a trial court in Hapur awarded life imprisonment in a case of cow protection-related lynching of a Muslim person.
- Six years earlier, in June 2018, Qasim Qureshi was lynched to death, and Samiuddin was brutally assaulted, by a Hindu group in the Bajhera Khurd village, under the false accusation of cow slaughter.
| Mob lynching is an act of premeditated extrajudicial killing by a group of people, often targeted against a particular individual or group. Mob lynching is based on some false information, unconfirmed rumours etc. |
Key issues in the investigation as per judgment:
- Police Fabrication and Accountability: The court censures the police for fabricating the FIR, creating an alternative narrative of the incident, and failing to collect witness statements and conduct proper investigations. This raises questions about police accountability and their collusion with the accused.
- Intent and Collusion: The judgment questions the police’s intent and alleges collusion of police personnel and investigating officers in protecting the accused. There are allegations of damaging video evidence and neglecting forensic investigations, highlighting potential corruption or bias within the police force.
- Failure in Investigation: Despite eyewitnesses approaching officers, the police did not conduct an official identification parade, which aided the accused in securing bail. This failure indicates potential attempts by the police to misdirect the investigation.
- State’s Role and Vigilante Violence: The conviction highlights the state’s role as not only a participant but also an enabler in the violence. It demonstrates how the state delegates illegal policing to vigilantes, with convictions having little material impact on the state’s involvement.
Way forward
- Need Accountability: Implement strict protocols for filing FIRs and conducting investigations to prevent fabrication of evidence.
- Need for Fast-track courts: The lynching cases should be tried by fast-track courts with day-to-day hearings. It is important to punish the culprit with stringent punishment and conclusion of the cases within 6 months.
- Enhancing Investigation: Mandate the conduct of official identification parades in all cases involving serious crimes to facilitate accurate witness identification.
- Addressing State Complicity: Strengthen legal frameworks to hold state authorities accountable for their role in enabling or condoning vigilante violence.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: VVPATs, EVM
Mains level: Limitation and significance of EVM
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court has decided to hear petitions seeking 100% cross-verification of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with the vote count as per Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
What is the history of the Voting Process?
- First two General Elections: In the Elections of 1952 and 1957, a separate box was placed for each candidate with their election symbol. Voters had to drop a blank ballot paper into the box of the candidate whom they wanted to vote for.
- Third Election: In the third election, the ballot paper with names of candidates and their symbols was introduced with voters putting a stamp on the candidate of their choice.
- Introduction of EVM in Lok Sabha Elections: In the 2004 general elections to the Lok Sabha, EVMs were used in all 543 constituencies.
- Global Scenario:
- Many Western democracies, including England, France, The Netherlands, and the United States, have opted to continue using paper ballots for their National or Federal Elections instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- Some countries have discontinued the use of EVMs after trials over the past two decades. For example, Germany’s Supreme Court declared the use of EVMs in elections unconstitutional in 2009.
Significance of EVM:
- Prevention of Booth Capturing: EVMs have significantly reduced the likelihood of booth capturing, a practice where unauthorized individuals seize control of polling booths to manipulate votes.
- Elimination of Invalid Votes: EVMs have effectively eliminated invalid votes, which were a common issue with paper ballots.
- Environmental Sustainability: With a large electorate size like India’s, which is close to one billion, the use of EVMs contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the consumption of paper.
- Administrative Convenience: EVMs provide administrative convenience for polling officers on the day of the poll. They simplify the voting process, making it easier for voters to cast their ballots and for officials to manage polling stations efficiently.
Limitations on using EVM:
- Susceptibility to Hacking Allegations: Despite assurances from electoral authorities, doubts have been raised about the security of EVMs, with concerns that they may be vulnerable to hacking due to their electronic nature.
- Limited Sample Size for VVPAT Verification: The current practice of verifying the EVM count with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips has a small sample size of only five per assembly constituency/segment.
- Identification of Polling Behavior: The process of matching EVM counts with VVPAT slips at the booth level allows for the identification of polling behavior by various political parties. This information could potentially be used for profiling voters and intimidation, undermining the secrecy and fairness of the electoral process.
Way Forward:
- Enhancing Transparency and Comprehensibility: In a transparent democracy, citizens should be able to understand and verify the election process without requiring specialized technical knowledge.
- Scientific Sampling for EVM-VVPAT Matching: Rather than a 100% match, the sample for matching the EVM count with VVPAT slips should be determined scientifically, possibly by dividing each state into large regions as suggested by experts.
- Error Resolution: In case any error is detected, the VVPAT slips for the concerned region should be fully counted, forming the basis for results. This would instill statistically significant confidence in the counting process.
Mains PYQ
Q In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?
Q To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Status of Gas based plants in India; Section 11 (Electricity Act, 2003);
Mains level: Significance of Gas-Based Plants;
Why in the News?
- The Central government has issued directives under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, of 2003 to all gas-based generating stations to ensure Maximum Power Generation.
- This section empowers the Central/state government to specify the operation of generating stations in extraordinary circumstances.
Why India Needs Gas-based Plants?
- Electricity Demand in India: India faces a surge in electricity demand, especially during the upcoming summer season. The government has instructed gas-based power plants to commence operations to address this demand surge.
- Optimizing Power Availability: The directive aims to optimize power availability from gas-based generating stations during the anticipated high-demand period, similar to measures taken for imported-coal-based power plants.
- Ideal Transitioning Fuel: Gas-based power plants can be an ideal transition fuel for the shift from coal-based generation to renewable energy in the Indian power sector. They can provide the necessary flexibility and reliability to the grid as the share of renewable energy increases.
- Targets: The Indian government has set a target of increasing the share of non-fossil fuel, especially renewables, in power generation to 50% by 2030, and gas-based power plants can play a crucial role in achieving this target.
Challenges in building Gas-based Infrastructure:
- Underutilized Capacity: Despite having considerable capacity, gas-based generating stations remain underutilized, primarily due to commercial considerations.
- Non-availability of Affordable Fuel: India’s gas-based power plants are either stranded or operating at sub-optimal levels due to the non-availability of affordable fuel
- Lack of Domestic Gas Supply: The limited domestic gas supply has forced gas-based power producers to depend on LNG to meet their fuel needs, but the high cost of LNG has increased the variable cost of power, making it difficult to schedule in merit order dispatch
- Dependence on Imports: With barely half of the current gas consumption coming from local production, dependence on gas-based power plants can only be interim and not a long-term solution.
Initiatives taken by the Government:
- Setting up biogas plants: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, launched the Biogas program to set up biogas plants for various applications, including power generation.
- Use of gas-based power for peaking and balancing: The government will use some gas-based power to meet the country’s peaking and balancing needs during the summer of 2024.
- Increasing gas-based power generation: The government wants the share of gas-based power to rise to 15% of India’s total installed power generation capacity.
Way forward:
- Diversification of fuel sources: Encourage the exploration and development of domestic gas reserves to reduce reliance on imported gas and mitigate price volatility.
- Investment in infrastructure: Develop infrastructure for transporting gas efficiently across the country to ensure a steady and reliable supply to power plants.
- Policy support: Provide long-term policy certainty and incentives for investment in gas-based power generation, including tax breaks, subsidies, and assured purchase agreements.
Mains PYQ
Q Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Bond;
Mains level: FIIs; Green Bonds; Sovereign Green Bonds Framework (2022);
Why in the News?
On April 5 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) greenlighted investments in the country’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS).
- These are the investors such as insurance companies, pension funds, and nation-states’ sovereign wealth funds.
What is the Sovereign Green Bond?
- It is a type of bond issued by a government to finance projects and expenditures that have a positive environmental impact and are aligned with sustainability goals.
- These bonds are specifically earmarked for funding green projects, assets, and expenditures that contribute to environmental sustainability and climate objectives.
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Why has India allowed FIIs to invest in its Green Bonds?
- For attracting Foreign Investments: By allowing FIIs to invest in green bonds, India attracts foreign capital into its green projects.
- For Widening the Pool of Capital: Allowing FIIs to invest in India’s green projects expands the sources of funding available for the country’s ambitious climate goals, including achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and increasing the share of non-fossil fuel-based energy sources to 50%.
- For Meeting Climate Commitments: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021 to reduce India’s carbon emission by 45% and increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix.
- For Diversification of Investments: FIIs are looking to diversify their portfolios and seek opportunities in green investments due to regulatory support, particularly in developed countries.
- India’s Sovereign Green Bonds Framework (2022), addresses concerns about greenwashing by providing a credible framework for green investments.
Limitation For Govt. of India:
- Limited credibility of projects: The absence of specific regulations for green bonds leaves investors unable to assess the financial risk associated with the projects.
- Higher costs of issuing: The high cost of issuing green bonds in India poses a challenge for the market. Green bonds are initially costly but provide long-term cost savings.
- Greenwashing may not be resolved: Greenwashing, which is the deceptive promotion of a company’s eco-friendly image, is prevalent in the green bond industry. Some bonds are labeled as “green” despite not meeting the specified criteria.
Way Forward:
- Establish Clear Regulations: The government should establish clear and stringent regulations for green bonds, outlining specific criteria for eligible projects.
- Enhance Project Credibility: Implement mechanisms for independent verification and certification of green projects to ensure their credibility.
- Lower Issuance Costs: Explore options to reduce the issuance costs of green bonds, such as providing incentives or subsidies to issuers.
BACK2BASICS:
About India’s Sovereign Green Bonds Framework:
- It was first announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, where the proceeds of these green bonds will be issued for mobilizing resources for green infrastructure.
- It was aimed to mobilize Rs 16,000 crore through the issuance of Green Bonds in the fiscal ending of March 2023.
How they are issued?
- The Finance Ministry will, each year, inform the RBI about spending on green projects for which the funds raised through these bonds will be used.
- Green Bonds will be issued through a Uniform Price Auction (a public sale in which a fixed number of similar things are sold at the same price).
What is the Eligibility for Repurchase Transactions (Repo)?
- SGrBs will be eligible for Repurchase Transactions (Repo).
- SGrBs will also be reckoned as eligible investments for Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
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Mains PYQ
Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arctic Region
Mains level: Distribution of resources; Arctic Region;
Why in the news?
The Indian government appears interested in capitalizing on seabed mining and resource exploitation in the Arctic
About Artice Region:
- The Arctic region is rich in energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and tidal power.
- The Arctic covers an area of approximately 8 million square kilometers, with interests belonging to Denmark, Canada, Iceland, Finland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, and the United States
The reason behind the growing interest in the Arctic Region:
- Climate Change Concerns: India’s increased interest in the Arctic stems from scientific data revealing accelerated warming in the region.
- Trade Route Opportunities: India seeks to capitalize on the opening up of Arctic sea routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, to enhance its trade efficiency.
- Geopolitical Considerations: India’s focus on the Arctic is also driven by geopolitical factors, including concerns over China’s expanding presence and Russia’s decisions regarding access to Arctic routes.
- Historical Engagement: India’s involvement in the Arctic dates back to 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty.
Indian Initiatives:
- Arctic Council: As an Observer in the Arctic Council, India actively participates in various working groups and expert meetings. India’s involvement in these discussions helps in understanding Arctic governance issues and contributes to the development of sustainable policies for the region.
- INS Himadri: In 2019, India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic with the INS Himadri, an ice-class research vessel. The expedition aimed to study climate change, oceanography, and marine biodiversity, furthering India’s expertise in polar research.
- PAME: India’s commitment to sustainable development in the Arctic is reflected in its engagement with Arctic Council initiatives like the ‘Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment’ (PAME).
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Way Forward – Potential for Collaboration:
- Green Energy and Clean Industries: India’s current policy emphasizes cooperation with Arctic countries, particularly Norway, in green energy and clean industries. This aligns with India’s goal of positioning itself as a responsible stakeholder in global environmental initiatives.
- Transformational Partnership: Collaboration with Norway could be transformative for India, offering opportunities for increased participation in Arctic Council working groups
- Scientific Research and Environmental Protection: A partnership with Norway is expected to focus on scientific research, climate, and environmental protection. These areas align with India’s Arctic Policy pillars, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental challenges through research and cooperation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climate Change;
Mains level: Climate Change; CO2 emissions;
Why in the news?
Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. But it has contributed around 4% to global warming to date
Year-wise Global Aviation demand, Energy Efficiency, and CO2 emissions
Global Co2 emissions from aviation
The reason behind Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions:
- CO2 Emissions: When jet fuel burns, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, much like any other combustion process. CO2 as a greenhouse gas has contributed around 4% to global warming to date.
- Non-CO2 effects: In addition to CO2, aircraft emissions also include other substances like nitrogen oxides, soot, water vapor, and sulfate aerosols. These substances interact with the atmosphere in various ways and can have different climate impacts. For example:
- Contrails: These are the visible trails of condensed water vapor and ice crystals that form behind aircraft in certain atmospheric conditions. Contrails can contribute to the formation of cirrus clouds, which can have a warming effect on the climate.
- Induced cirrus cloud formation: Aircraft can also induce the formation of cirrus clouds through their emissions, further contributing to warming.
Initiatives taken by the Indian Government:
- India is a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its Kyoto Protocol (KP) and the Paris Agreement (PA).
- As a Party to the UNFCCC, India periodically submits its National Communications (NCs) and Biennial Update Reports (BURs) to the UNFCCC which includes national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory.
- The energy sector contributed 75%, Industrial Process and Product Use 8%, the agriculture sector 14%, and the waste sector contributed 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016.
- The Land Use Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector was the net sink and absorbed about 15% of the carbon dioxide in 2016.
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Way Forward:
- Transitioning to Alternative Fuels: Invest in Research and Development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), such as biofuels, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels, which emit fewer CO2 emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
- Improving Aircraft Efficiency: Encourage the adoption of more fuel-efficient aircraft and technologies, including advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and efficient engines.
- Implementing Operational Improvements: Enhance air traffic management systems to optimize flight routes, reduce delays, and minimize fuel consumption during taxiing, takeoff, and landing.
Mains PYQs:
- Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)
- Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg protocol. (2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hydrocarbons;
Mains level: The extraction of Hydrocarbons;
Why in the news?
The geological processes, extraction methods, and environmental impact of hydrocarbon extraction.
BACK2BASICS
Where are Hydrocarbons located?
- Hydrocarbons originate from plant and animal fossils that were formed by the forces of temperature and weight over millennia.
- They are mostly found deep underground, in porous rock formations, such as sandstone, limestone, and shale. Hydrocarbons exist in Subterranean rock formations in various forms like natural gas, coal, crude oil, and petroleum, typically found in reservoirs.
- The primary source of hydrocarbons in underground rocks is kerogen, organic matter deposits originating from lakes, marine ecosystems, or terrestrial ecosystems.
- Different types of kerogen yield various hydrocarbon products such as waxy oils, oil and gas, light oils, gas, and coal.
- Petroleum geologists utilize tools and techniques from petroleum geology to evaluate these rocks, assessing factors like porosity and permeability.
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How Hydrocarbons are extracted?
The extraction of hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, has several negative impacts on the environment:
- Damage to Marine Life and Ecosystems: The extraction process can lead to the release of toxic substances and chemicals, which can harm marine life and ecosystems. This can lead to the death of fish, birds, and other marine animals, as well as the destruction of habitats.
- Deforestation and Destruction of Flora: The search for hydrocarbon deposits often involves the clearing of large areas of land, which can lead to deforestation and the destruction of plant life. This can have a significant impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Water Pollution: The extraction process can lead to the contamination of groundwater and surface water.
- Destruction of Fertile Land: The extraction process can destroy fertile land, which can have serious consequences for agriculture and food production. This can lead to soil erosion, desertification, and the loss of biodiversity.
Renewable sources that can serve as alternatives for hydrocarbons include:
- Hydroelectricity: This is the most significant renewable energy source at 6% of the global total
- Solar Energy: Solar power is a promising renewable energy source that can be harnessed using solar panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The solar power development sector is the fastest-growing renewable energy sector in the U.S
- Wind Energy: Wind turbines can generate electricity from wind power, and this technology is becoming increasingly popular and efficient
- Biomass Energy: Biomass energy can be derived from organic materials such as wood, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste.
- Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is generated and stored in the Earth’s crust. This energy source can be used for heating, cooling, and electricity generation
- Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): RNG is a pipeline-quality gas that can be utilized by utilities interchangeably with conventional natural gas. RNG can be produced from methane waste sources such as farm and landfills
Conclusion: Hydrocarbons, found in subterranean rock formations, are extracted using petroleum geology techniques. Extraction poses environmental risks like marine damage, deforestation, and water pollution. Renewable alternatives include hydroelectric, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal energy, and renewable natural gas.
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Passes related to Siachen Glacier
Mains level: Siachen Glacier is strategically important for India for several reasons Why in the News?
Why in the News?
April 13, 2024, marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Meghdoot, which was launched by the Indian Army to pre-empt Pakistan and occupy the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram ranges.
The genesis of Operation Meghdoot
- Launched: April 13, 1984 (by the Indian Armed Forces);
- Aim: To seize control of the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir, marking the first assault in the world’s highest battlefield.
- It was a response to Pakistan’s Operation Ababeel.
- Indian troops, including the Kumaon Regiment and Ladakh Scouts, successfully gained control of critical peaks and passes like Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La, along with the commanding heights of the Saltoro Ridge, giving India a strategic advantage in the region.
- Operation Meghdoot resulted in the first of its kind and the only army in the world to have deployed tanks and heavy ordnance at such high altitudes.
- The Siachen Glacier conflict arose due to a vague demarcation of territories in the Karachi Agreement of 1949, leading to both India and Pakistan claiming the barren heights and the glacier, which escalated tensions in the region.
Significance of Siachen Glacier:
- Preventing ingress from Pakistan and China: Siachen forms a hub between Shaksgam Valley, Karakoram Pass, and Aksai Chin, making it vital for India to prevent ingress not only from Pakistan but also from China.
- Maintaining the status quo: The Indian Army’s presence in the region has helped maintain the status quo and prevent any territorial changes that could compromise India’s security.
- Watershed and drainage: The Siachen Glacier acts as a watershed, with its melting waters being the main source of the Nubra River in the Indian region of Ladakh, which drains into the Shyok River and ultimately the Indus River, a major water source for Pakistan.
Recent developments on the Glacier
- Technological Advancements: The introduction of VSAT technology has revolutionized communication on the glacier, improving mobile and data connectivity for troops. This has enhanced real-time situational awareness and telemedicine capabilities.
- Improved Mobility and Logistics: The induction of Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, logistic drones, and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) has significantly improved mobility across the glacier and the supply of essential provisions to remote posts, especially during winters. New logistics chains ensure the availability of fresh rations and vegetables for forward posts.
- Aircraft Support: Various aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) operate in support of Operation Meghdoot, providing crucial support to troops in remote posts. Helicopters, including Chinook, remain a lifeline for troops.
- Enhanced Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Partapur and Base Camp boast some of the best medical and surgical specialists in the country.
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Way forward:
- Continued Diplomatic Talks: India and Pakistan may continue to engage in diplomatic dialogues, potentially at higher levels, to discuss the demilitarization of Siachen and other related issues. These talks could aim to find common ground and address mutual concerns.
- Authentication of AGPL: India’s insistence on authenticating the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) as the first step towards demilitarization could remain a key sticking point. Efforts may be made to find a mutually acceptable way to verify and authenticate the AGPL.
- Involvement of Third Parties: Third-party mediation or involvement from international organizations could be explored to facilitate discussions and help build trust between India and Pakistan.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: The reason behind the Urbanisation is not a liberating force for Dalits
Why in the News?
The Indian cities have failed with the aspirations and expectations of the Dalit liberation movement in urbanization.
View of Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule on Urbanisation:
- Urbanization as an Opportunity for Dalit Liberation: Both Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule saw urbanization as an opportunity for Dalit liberation. They believed that the systems of caste oppression that were prevalent in Indian villages would weaken in cities.
- City Life as Liberating and Liberal: Phule admired city life for its liberal atmosphere and the opportunity it provided him to earn a living. Similarly, Ambedkar saw cities as places where one could become anonymous, breaking free from the constraints of caste-based identities.
- Transition from Caste to Class: Cities offered the potential for individuals to transition from a caste-based order to a class-based order. In cities, one’s status would be determined more by their accumulation of resources or capital rather than their caste background.
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Why Urbanisation is not a liberating force for Dalits?
- Extension of Caste in City: The logic of purity-pollution extends to the broader urban environment, where Dalits carry the stigma of their ghettoized identity into public spaces. This perpetuates the association of Dalit identity with impurity and reinforces caste-based discrimination.
- Meat as impure by the State: Governments impose Brahminical regulations on public spaces, reinforcing the perception of meat as impure. For example, it includes Regulations on meat shops and bans on meat-based street food in certain areas, often justified by citing religious sentiments.
- Secular and Religious Spaces: The state’s regulations to maintain purity in both secular and religious public spaces, even extending to what pedestrians can visually encounter.
- Poor Sanitation: A large-scale study also found that public services and access to Municipal Infrastructure such as clean drinking water are the worst in Dalit and Muslim ghettos
- Issue of Sacrifice Zone: Research in sacrifice zones regions marked for severe environmental pollution such as landfills shows that such areas are overwhelmingly inhabited by Dalits and Muslims.
- Statistics: A recent report by the ‘Housing and Land Rights Network’ on forced evictions in India also shows that Dalits and Muslims are the most impacted by slum demolition drives.
Suggestive Measures:
- Community Empowerment: Empower Dalit and Muslim communities through grassroots initiatives, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
- Awareness and Sensitization: Conduct awareness campaigns and sensitization programs aimed at challenging caste-based stereotypes and prejudices in urban society.
- Infrastructure Development: Prioritize investment in infrastructure development in Dalit and Muslim ghettos to improve access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.
Conclusion: Urbanization hasn’t fulfilled Dalit liberation hopes. Ambedkar and Phule envisioned cities as liberating, but caste persists. Measures include community empowerment, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure development to combat discrimination and improve living conditions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Reasons behind the Fertility levels dropping below one in many Asian nations
Why in the News?
Many countries in East and Southeast Asia are in the middle of a population crisis, with fewer births every year and record-low fertility rates.
- In March this year, several hospitals in China stopped offering newborn delivery services due to declining demand.
What is TFR?
Total Fertility Rate is a measure used in demography to represent the average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime. |
TFR of Asian countries and India and Comparison with others:
Reasons behind the Fertility levels dropping below one in many Asian nations:
- Family Planning Measures: Countries like South Korea and Singapore have implemented stringent family planning policies, limiting the number of children couples are encouraged to have. For example, South Korea’s slogan in the 1980s, “Even two children per family are too many for our crowded country,” reflects the emphasis on controlling population growth.
- Career Opportunities for Women: With more opportunities for women to pursue careers, there has been a shift in priorities away from having children.
- Declining Marriage Rates: Dropping marriage rates contribute to lower fertility rates, as marriage traditionally correlates with childbearing. As fewer people get married or delay marriage, the window for childbearing narrows.
- Cost of Raising Children: The rising cost of raising a child is cited as a deterrent to having larger families. Financial considerations such as education, healthcare, and housing expenses may dissuade couples from having more children.
- Ideal fertility rate: The ideal fertility rate for a population to remain stable, assuming no immigration or emigration, is 2.1 children per woman. This rate is known as the replacement rate, and it ensures that each generation will replace itself.
Suggestive Measures to maintain an ideal Fertility Rate:
- Supporting Work-Life Balance: Implement policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible work schedules, parental leave, and affordable childcare, to encourage individuals to have children while pursuing their careers.
- Financial Incentives: Offer financial incentives or subsidies for families to alleviate the financial burden of raising children, making it more feasible for individuals to start families.
- Education and Awareness: Provide education and awareness programs on the benefits of having children at a younger age and the importance of family planning to help individuals make informed decisions about their fertility.
- Healthcare Support: Improve healthcare services related to fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth to ensure a safe and supportive environment for individuals considering starting a family.
Conclusion: Declining fertility rates in Asian nations prompt a population crisis due to stringent family planning, women’s career opportunities, declining marriage rates, and high child-raising costs. Need to take measures include work-life balance policies, financial incentives, education, and healthcare improvements to maintain an ideal fertility rate.
Mains PYQ
Q Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Iran and Israel
Mains level: Middle East countries; Iran and Israel
Why in the news?
Iran has said that its April 12 attacks on Israel were in response to Israeli war jets targeting an Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month, leading to the death of its senior military commanders.
Context:
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- The Iran-Israel relationship has not always been as fraught as it is today. Iran was one of the first countries in the region to recognise Israel after its formation in 1948. It was only after 1979 that their diplomatic ties ended.
- Iran–Israel Relations: This can be studied through four major phases:
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- Ambivalent (1947-1953);
- Friendly (1953-1979);
- Worsening (1979-1990);
- Open Hostility (1991-present);
1953 to 1979 Iran–Israel Relations:
- From 1953 to 1979, during the rule of the Pahlavi dynasty in Iran, the relationship between Iran and Israel was relatively friendly.
- Iran recognized Israel as a sovereign state in 1950, making it the second Muslim-majority country to do so after Turkey.
- Despite occasional tensions, Iran and Israel engaged in significant economic, political, and military cooperation during this period. This cooperation extended to various sectors and included joint projects.
- Iran supported Israel during conflicts with Arab nations, indicating a level of alignment in their geopolitical interests.
- One notable joint project between Iran and Israel was the construction of the Trans-Israel oil pipeline, showcasing the depth of their cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere.
Post 1979 Iran–Israel Relations:
- After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran became a religious state, with a significant shift in its foreign policy and worldview.
- Iran, under the new regime, viewed Israel as an occupier of Palestinian land and referred to it as “Little Satan.” This represented a significant departure from the previous regime’s stance.
- Iran, under Ayatollah Khomeini, also labeled the United States as the “Great Satan” and saw both Israel and the US as interfering in the region’s affairs.
- Iran sought to expand its influence in the region, challenging traditional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Israel, both of which were US allies.
- Initially at odds with pan-Arabism championed by leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser, Iran’s relations with Arab countries, such as Egypt, warmed after Nasser died in 1970.
- The signing of an accord between Iran and Iraq in 1975, which included Iran’s agreement to cease support for Kurdish-Iraqi separatists, led to a temporary easing of hostility between the two nations.
- These shifts in Iran’s foreign policy and its improved relations with neighboring countries, as well as Iraq, led to a decrease in Israel’s strategic importance to Iran.
India’s Stance:
- India’s Neutral Stance: India has adopted a neutral stance on the conflict between Iran and Israel, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the region.
- Strategic Partnership with Israel: Despite its neutral stance, India maintains a strategic partnership with Israel, characterized by significant military and economic ties, including a substantial trade volume of around $7.5 billion.
- Cultural and Linguistic Ties with Iran: India also has cultural and linguistic ties with Iran, along with strategic economic interests, such as the Chabahar port project, which connects India to Central Asia through Iran.
- Focus on Citizen Safety: India’s primary focus amidst the escalating conflict is ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, with approximately 10,000 Indian nationals in Iran and an additional 18,000 in Israel.
Conclusion: Iran-Israel ties, once friendly, soured post-1979 due to Iran’s religious revolution. India maintains neutrality, balancing strategic partnerships with both nations while prioritizing citizen safety amid escalating tensions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Blurred lines between "rescue" and "capture"
Why in the news?
The human-animal conflict in India is a significant issue, with several lives lost and property damage due to the increasing interactions between humans and wildlife
Difference between between wildlife ‘capture’ and ‘rescue’
- Capture: It refers to the act of taking wild animals into custody, often due to conflicts with humans, such as when an animal poses a threat to human safety or property. This may involve trapping, sedating, or physically restraining the animal. The primary goal of capture is to ensure human safety and prevent further damage. Captured animals may be relocated, rehabilitated, or, in some cases, euthanized, depending on the situation and the animal’s condition.
- Rescue: It refers to the act of providing assistance to wild animals in distress, such as those injured, orphaned, or trapped in a dangerous situation. The primary goal of rescue is to help the animal recover and, if possible, return it to the wild. Rescue efforts may involve medical treatment, rehabilitation, and release back into the wild.
Blurred lines between “rescue” and “capture”
- Guidelines vs. Reality: Despite government guidelines discouraging capture without considering preventative measures, in practice, animals are often captured hastily rather than adopting non-invasive approaches.
- Case of Elephant “Rescue”: An elephant was captured under the pretext of rescue from a coffee plantation but was subsequently released 200 km away in an unfamiliar landscape, leading to further complications and ultimately its death.
- Unintended Consequences: The attempt to “rescue” the elephant resulted in its straying into a neighboring state, highlighting the unintended consequences and potential risks associated with such actions.
- Case of Leopard “Rescue”: Similarly, a leopard was “rescued” after being sighted in an agricultural field, but it died shortly after for unknown reasons, raising questions about the efficacy and ethics of such operations.
Issues related to rescue of snakes
- High Frequency of Interactions: Interactions with snakes are more frequent than with other wild animals, resulting in higher incidences of misguided rescue attempts.
- Failure to Distinguish Between Actions: There’s a lack of distinction between capture, removal, and rescue when managing conflicts with snakes, leading to poor handling and unnecessary removal from habitats under the guise of rescue operations.
- Issues with Relocation: Relocated snakes have poor survival prospects and relocation doesn’t effectively resolve conflict, potentially increasing future conflict occurrences.
- Harmful Effects of “Rescue” Operations: Such operations can cause physical trauma, injuries, and stress to animals, reducing their post-release survival chances.
Suggestive measures
- Education and Training: Provide comprehensive training to wildlife rescuers on species-specific rescue techniques and emphasize the importance of non-invasive approaches.
- Habitat Restoration: Focus on habitat conservation and restoration to reduce human-snake conflicts and provide natural habitats for snakes.
- Research and Monitoring: Conduct research to understand snake behavior and ecology better, enabling more informed rescue and relocation decisions.
- Collaboration: Foster collaboration between wildlife authorities, conservation organizations, and local communities to develop effective strategies for managing human-snake conflicts sustainably.
Conclusion
Enhanced training, habitat restoration, research, and collaboration are vital for navigating the blurry lines between wildlife “capture” and “rescue,” ensuring humane and effective management of human-animal conflicts in India.
Mains question for practice
Q Discuss the blurred lines between wildlife “capture” and “rescue” in India, highlighting issues and proposing measures for effective human-animal conflict management.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA)
Mains level: he trade deficit between India and the ASEAN region is primarily due to the following reasons
Why in the news?
The review aims to address concerns such as the inverted duty structure, which puts local manufacturers at a disadvantage.
Trade deficit issue with ASEAN
- High trade deficit: The trade deficit between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been a significant issue, with the deficit widening to USD 43.57 billion in the last fiscal from USD 25.76 billion in 2021-22 and just USD 5 billion in 2010-11
- Review AITIGA:This has led to a review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by 2025, aiming to address concerns about trade barriers, abuse of the agreement, and the growing trade gap between India and the ASEAN region
ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA)
- The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) is a trade agreement between the ten member states of ASEAN and India, signed in 2009 and implemented in 2010. The agreement aims to establish a free trade area between the parties, covering trade in physical goods and products, and progressively eliminating duties on 76.4 percent of goods.
The trade deficit between India and the ASEAN region is primarily due to the following reasons:
- Tariff disparities: India’s tariffs were much higher than partner countries, leading to a significant reduction in tariffs for partner countries, which in turn caused India’s imports to grow faster than exports. This imbalance has been widening since 2010-11, the year India entered into an agreement with ASEAN
- Non-tariff barriers and regulations: India’s exports to ASEAN have been affected due to non-reciprocity in FTA concessions, non-tariff barriers, import regulations, and quotas. These factors have hindered India’s ability to fully benefit from the FTA
- Routing of goods from third countries: There have been concerns about the routing of goods from third countries, such as China, to ASEAN countries with minimum value addition and then being imported into India, misusing the India-ASEAN FTA. This practice has contributed to the growing trade deficit
- Limited market access for Indian products: India’s exports of products such as textile clothing, footwear, food products, and minerals don’t have a significant place in ASEAN imports, while there is a higher dependence on products such as vegetables, fuels, chemicals, and metals from ASEAN, which are essential commodities
Conclusion
India’s review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement aims to tackle the widening trade deficit by addressing tariff disparities, non-tariff barriers, and the misuse of the agreement, crucial steps toward fostering fair and balanced trade relations.
Mains question for practice
Q Discuss the factors contributing to high deficit between India and ASEAN.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Asian Development Bank (ADB);
Mains level: Developments in Indian Subcontitnent; India's GDP growth projection by ADB;
Why in the News?
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) increased its GDP growth projection for India for the current fiscal year to 7%, up from its previous estimate of 6.7%.
Reason behind the increased India’s GDP growth projection by ADB:
- Manufacturing Sector: The manufacturing sector growth of India in the 2023 fiscal year was robust, with the S&P Global India Manufacturing PMI rebounding to 56.0 in November 2023 from an eight-month low of 55.5 in October 2023.
- Investment and Consumption Demand: Investment and Consumption demand are both expected to drive India’s economic growth in 2024 and FY25. Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) grew at 3.5% in the December quarter of FY24.
- Inflation Trend: Inflation in India is expected to continue its downward trend in tandem with global trends Inflation in India decreased to 5.09 percent in February 2024 from 5.10 percent in January 2024. India’s inflation rate is projected to trend around 4.30 percent in 2025, according to econometric models.
- Monetary policy: The RBI has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for 2023-24, focusing on withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation progressively aligns to the target while supporting growth.
Government Initiatives taken for Regional Development:
- Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) Conference, 2023:
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- It was organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at Tbilisi, Georgia.
- Theme: ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Integration through Economic Corridor Development (ECD)’.
- Objective: To integrate spatial transformation and area-centric approach with the help of Economic Corridor Development.
- In this Conference, India offered its indigenously developed GIS-based technology though knowledge sharing to ADB and South Asia Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) countries for enhancing socio-economic planning and regional cooperation.
- PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and Multi-modal Connectivity:
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- Basically, PM Gati Shakti is principled to bring socio-economic area-based development as part of regional connectivity.
- It is being implemented to enhance connectivity with regional partners with the help of GIS-based technology. For Example: Indo-Nepal Haldia Access Controlled Corridor project.
BACK2BASIC:
About Asian Development Bank(ADB):
- Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members-49 from the region. ADB’s five largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (each with 15.6% of total shares), the People’s Republic of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
- Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
- Objective: To foster social and economic development across Asia and the Pacific region.
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Conclusion: Indian government’s effort across the robust manufacturing growth, investment, working on consumption demand, decreasing inflation, and supportive monetary policy, aligning with its goal of promoting regional social and economic development are gaining some fruits.
Mains PYQ:
Q China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.(UPSC IAS/2017)
Q India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Science and Technology; Biotechnology; NexCAR19;
Mains level: Process and Significance of CAR T thearpy;
Why in the News?
- President Droupadi Murmu launched India’s first indigenously-developed CAR T-cell therapy, hailing it as a major breakthrough against cancer.
- This therapy was developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre, and it is known as ‘NexCAR19 CAR T-cell therapy’.
BACK2BASICS:
What is CAR T cell thearpy?
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that involves modifying a patient’s T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system, to recognize and attack cancer cells. This therapy is designed to target specific proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, such as CD19, which is commonly found on B cells. |
How are CAR-T cells made?
Significance of CAR T Thearpy:
- Promising results: This therapy has shown promising results in treating some types of blood cancers, including certain kinds of lymphoma, pediatric leukemia, and adult leukemia. It has shown with approximately 70% of patients responding to the treatment.
- Less time for treatment: CAR T-cell therapies are generally a single infusion with less than 2 weeks of inpatient care, while stem cell transplants and chemotherapy treatment regimens can take months to complete
Limitiations of CAR-T Therapy:
- Risks of CAR-T Therapy: The efficacy of CAR-T therapy varies from person to person, and it is too early to declare it a complete cure. While it has shown remarkable progress in challenging cases, its effectiveness is not universal.
- High Cost Therapy: NexCAR19 is priced at a fraction of its US counterpart, it remains relatively high for many Indians, ranging from ₹40 to 45 lakh.
- It’s Side Effects includes:
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): CRS is the most common side effect of CAR-T therapy, triggering an ‘Inflammatory Response’ that leads to immune system hyperactivity.
- Neurotoxicity: Although not observed in early-stage clinical trials, neurotoxicity is a common side effect of CAR-T therapy that can manifest as confusion, seizures, or difficulty speaking or walking.
- Infections and Blood Cell Counts: Patients undergoing CAR-T therapy may experience infections and low blood cell counts as anticipated side effects.
Conclusion: India’s is moving towards heralding a breakthrough in Cancer Care Therapy. Despite cost challenges, Government efforts are aimed to enhance accessibility and better outputs in Healthcare Sector.
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