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  • Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

    Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP): A Step in the Right Direction

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Maharashtra's Aspirational Cities Programme

    Mains level: Urbanization challenges and measures

    ACP

    Central Idea

    • Maharashtra’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) aims to address the challenges of rapid urbanisation by adopting a holistic approach to urban governance. The ACP is set to focus on improved governance, address persistent civic issues, and increase funding avenues for the urban local bodies. The success of the ACP could have a significant impact on Maharashtra’s economy and lead to ease of living in urban areas.

    Urban population of India

    • According to the Census of India 2011, the urban population of India was 377 million, which accounted for 31.16% of the total population. Around 590 million people would live in the cities by 2030.
    • While cities constitute about 3 per cent of the land in the country, they generate 70 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contribute substantially to economic growth and opportunities.
    • There is a robust relationship between the index of cities’ liveability and the country’s GDP per capita suggesting that long-term growth is only feasible if the city attributes in terms of providing equitable access to basic services, residences, and improved economic management are woven seamlessly through digital service delivery platforms.

    Challenges of urbanization in Maharashtra

    • Deficient Infrastructure: Maharashtra’s cities are grappling with issues of deficient infrastructure, such as inadequate roads, public transport, water supply, and waste management systems.
    • Air Pollution: Urbanization has led to an increase in air pollution in Maharashtra’s cities, primarily due to vehicular emissions and industrial activities.
    • Social Inequities: The growth of informal settlements and slums in Maharashtra’s cities has led to social inequities, with the urban poor lacking access to basic services, such as healthcare, education, and housing.
    • Mobility and Migration: Maharashtra’s cities continue to face the challenge of frequent mobility and migration, with an inward net movement of people for better livelihood opportunities.
    • Vulnerabilities to Disasters and Climate Change: Rapid urbanization has increased the vulnerability of Maharashtra’s cities to disasters and climate change, such as floods and heatwaves.
    • Poor Urban Planning: Many of the challenges faced by Maharashtra’s cities are a result of poor urban planning, with a lack of coordination between various government departments and inadequate implementation of policies and programmes.

    What is Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP)?

    • The Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) is an initiative of the Government of Maharashtra aimed at addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization in the state by adopting a holistic approach to urban governance.
    • The ACP has identified 57 cities that have been proposed for the programme. Service level benchmarking will be done for the cities based on the data collected on the Performance Assessment System of the Government of Maharashtra.
    • The performance of the 57 selected cities would be monitored and ranked quarterly through a standard digital monitoring platform with indicators on the themes of urban infrastructure, education, urban services, skill development, and climate change.
    • The ACP is based on three priority areas: inclusive urban development, scientific data methods for assessing and monitoring outcomes, and citizen participation in civic affairs.

    ACP

    The Maharashtra government’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) focuses on three priority areas

    1. Inclusive Urban Development: The ACP aims to bring an integrated approach to urban programming that involves all development sectors. This is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of urban development reach all sections of society, including the most vulnerable.
    2. Scientific Data Methods: The ACP seeks to adopt scientific data methods for assessing and monitoring the outcomes of both state and central schemes. This will provide a better understanding of the impact of various policies and programmes on the ground.
    3. Citizen Participation: The ACP aims to enhance the voice and participation of citizens in civic affairs through physical and digital means. This is aimed at ensuring that governance is citizen-centric and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

    Other key features of Maharashtra’s ACP

    • Improved Governance: The ACP is set to focus on improved governance, address persistent civic issues, and increase funding avenues for the urban local bodies. This is aimed at ensuring that the governance of cities is efficient, transparent, and accountable.
    • Service Level Benchmarking: Service level benchmarking will be done for the cities based on the data collected on the Performance Assessment System of the Government of Maharashtra. This will enable the state government to monitor and rank the performance of the 57 selected cities quarterly through a standard digital monitoring platform.
    • Provision of Adequate Potable Tap Water: The ACP agenda includes provisioning adequate potable tap water to all households by taking advantage of the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission.
    • Reformed Property Tax: The ACP aims to reform property tax by delinking it from the reasonable rental value method and adopting the market value of the property as a base for assessment.

    Facts for prelims

    What is Urban 20 (U20)?

    • Within the G20 ecosystem, a city diplomacy initiative called the Urban 20 (U20) was launched in December 2017.
    • As one of the formal Engagement Groups under G20, the U20 forum was meant to collectively raise critical urban issues of G20 cities during the G20 negotiations.
    • Despite U20’s concerted efforts to run parallel to G20, the absence of any written constitution, procedures, or formal agreement has made U20 unable to effectively address the aspirations and concerns of cities.

    Conclusion

    • It is time to accept the reality that New India is moving from its villages to the cities, and therefore, the need for renewed thinking and policies that are citizen-centric. The ACP is an example of a policy that puts people first as part of urban development. This effort by the Government of Maharashtra is strategically contextualised with the Viksit Bharat vision for India in 2047.

    Mains Question

    Q. New India is moving from its villages to the cities which highlights the need for renewed thinking and policies that are citizen-centric. In light of this discuss how Maharashtra’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) could help to address the challenges of urbanization

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    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Urban Planning

     

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  • G20 : Economic Cooperation ahead

    SAI20 and India’s Presidency of G20

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: SAI20 engagement group and India’s presidency

    Mains level: SAI20 and CAG's leadership and sustainable economic growth

    SAI20

    Central Idea

    • Under India’s presidency, the G20 leaders will be focusing on collective progress, equity, and inclusive growth, with the summit theme of One Earth, One Family, One Future. India’s commitment to green development, circular economy, and lifestyle behavior changes aim to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) will chair SAI20, the Engagement Group for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAls) of G20 countries in Goa in June.

    Top Priority areas for SAI20 deliberations Under India’s presidency

    • The Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) will chair SAI20 in Goa in June this year.
    • Two priority areas have been selected for SAI20 deliberation:
    1. Blue economy
    2. Responsible Artificial Intelligence

    What is SAI20?

    • SAI20 stands for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) of G20 countries.
    • It is a forum where SAIs from G20 countries can engage with each other to share their experiences and expertise in auditing public policies and governance practices.
    • The group meets annually to discuss important issues related to public auditing and to develop joint initiatives to promote good governance and accountability in their respective countries.

    What is Blue Economy?

    • Blue Economy is defined by the World Bank as the Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ecosystem.
    • Gunter Pauli’s book, The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs” (2010) brought the Blue Economy concept into prominence.
    • The UN first introduced blue economy at a conference in 2012 and underlined sustainable management, based on the argument that marine ecosystems are more productive when they are healthy. In fact, the UN notes that the Blue Economy is exactly what is needed to implement SDG 14, Life Below Water.
    • The term ‘blue economy’ includes not only ocean-dependent economic development but also inclusive social development and environmental and ecological security.

    Key functions and significance of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs)

    • Independent audits: SAIs conduct independent audits of government finances and operations to ensure that public funds are being used in accordance with the law, and that government agencies are operating effectively and efficiently.
    • Promoting transparency and accountability: SAIs promotes transparency and accountability by making audit reports publicly available, and by providing information to the public about government spending and operations.
    • Improving governance: By identifying weaknesses and inefficiencies in government operations, SAIs can help to improve governance and promote more effective use of public resources.
    • Supporting the legislative branch: SAIs supports the legislative branch by providing information and analysis that can help lawmakers make informed decisions about government programs and policies.
    • Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations: SAIs ensure compliance with laws and regulations by reviewing government operations and financial statements to ensure that they comply with applicable laws and regulations.
    • Fostering international cooperation: Through international organizations such as the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), SAIs collaborates and share best practices with their counterparts in other countries to promote good governance and accountability globally.

    Facts for prelims

    What is Compendium of Asset Accounts of Natural Resources?

    • The Compendium of Asset Accounts of Natural Resources is a comprehensive report prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in line with the United Nations system of Environmental and Economic Accounts.
    • It is the first-ever country-wide compendium of natural resource accounting methodologies and provides a guide for the Indian government to utilize natural resources optimally.
    • The report covers various aspects of natural resources such as forests, minerals, water, and land, and includes accounts of physical quantities, values, and transactions related to these resources.
    • The main objective of the compendium is to improve the management of natural resources and promote sustainable development.

    SAI20

    How CAG can lead the SAI20 engagement group?

    • Setting the agenda: The CAG can set the agenda for SAI20 deliberations, identifying priority areas for discussion and ensuring that they align with the broader goals of the G20 and the United Nations.
    • Providing technical expertise: The CAG can provide technical expertise in auditing and public finance management, which can help other SAIs in the group to develop their capacity and improve their performance.
    • Developing audit toolkits: The CAG can take the lead in developing audit toolkits, which can help SAIs in the group to assess development in coastal stretches, track marine water quality, and promote sustainable development.
    • Building consensus: The CAG can work towards building consensus among SAIs in the group, promoting constructive dialogue and agreement on how to improve auditing of performance in specific areas of ocean-based activities.
    • Strengthening accountability: The CAG can use SAI20 to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in ocean-based activities, which can help ensure that economic growth benefits are shared fairly across generations.

    Conclusion

    • The toolkits being prepared by SAI20 under the leadership of the CAG of India will be presented at the SAI20 Engagement Group meet, which will provide a unique opportunity for constructive dialogue and agreement to improve auditing of performance in specific areas of ocean-based activities. This collaborative effort would not only build capacity for auditors across SAI20 member countries but also help regional auditing communities by providing a common and replicable auditing tool.

    Mains Question

    Q. The Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) will chair SAI20 (Supreme Audit Institutions) of G20 countries this year. In this light discuss the role of SAI 20 and How CAG can lead the engagement group for sustainable economic growth?

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     Also read:

    Blue Economy: India’s G20 Presidency Offers An Opportunity

     

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  • Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

    Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS): A Considerable Alternative

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: OPS, NPS and CGPS

    Mains level: Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS) Analysis

    Scheme

    Central Idea

    • The debate on pensions is heating up as several state governments announce their reversion to the old pension scheme (OPS). However, economists have frowned upon this move, citing two major reasons. Firstly, since the state has to bear the full burden of pensions, it may become fiscally unsustainable in the long run. Secondly, an unsustainable rise in pension allocation in the budget can come at the cost of other welfare expenditures allocated to the poor and marginalized sections.

    What is mean by pension?

    • A pension is a retirement plan that provides a stream of income to individuals after they retire from their job or profession. It can be funded by employers, government agencies, or unions and is designed to ensure a steady income during retirement.

    What is Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?

    • The OPS, also known as the Defined Benefit Pension System, is a pension plan provided by the government for its employees in India.
    • Under the OPS, retired government employees receive a fixed monthly pension based on their last drawn salary and years of service.
    • This pension is funded by the government and paid out of its current revenues, leading to increased pension liabilities.

    Scheme

    What is the National Pension System (NPS)?

    • The Union government under PM Vajpayee took a decision in 2003 to discontinue the old pension scheme and introduced the NPS.
    • The scheme is applicable to all new recruits joining the Central Government service (except armed forces) from April 1, 2004.
    • On the introduction of NPS, the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 was amended.

    What are two arguments against reverting to the old pension scheme?

    • Fiscal Unsustainability: Since the State has to bear the full burden of pensions, it will become fiscally unsustainable in the medium to long run.
    • Trade-Off with Welfare Expenditure: Such an unsustainable rise in pension allocation in the Budget can only come at the cost of other more pressing welfare expenditures allocated to the poor and marginalized sections.

    The commonality between the two arguments

    • Both arguments assume that the fiscal revenues are fixed, which is not necessarily the case if the government has its priorities right.
    • Both arguments assume that unsustainable rise in pension allocation in the Budget can only come at the cost of other more pressing welfare expenditures allocated to the poor and marginalized sections.

    Scheme

    Why Public sector workers are asking for a guaranteed pension in place of the NPS?

    • Fluctuating pension returns: The NPS is market-based, which means that the pension returns fluctuate according to the returns prevailing in the market. This creates uncertainty and makes it difficult for employees to plan for their post-retirement life.
    • Guaranteed pension: Public sector workers are looking for a guaranteed pension that will provide them with a fixed amount after retirement. This will ensure a stable and predictable post-retirement life for them.
    • Employee contribution: In the new contributory guaranteed pension scheme (CGPS), a large part of the pension will be funded by the employees themselves. This is in contrast to the old pension scheme (OPS) where no contribution was required from the employees.
    • Protection against market fluctuations: The CGPS provides protection to employees against market fluctuations. If the market return happens to be higher than the guaranteed pension, the State gets to pocket the difference. On balance, the additional burden on the CGPS may be marginal compared to the NPS.
    • Burden-sharing: The CGPS ensures that the burden of uncertainty does not fall on employees alone. In the OPS, elite workers gain at the cost of their brethren lower on the income ladder. However, in the CGPS, the burden is only the employer’s contribution part, exactly as in the NPS.

    Potential disadvantages of a CGPS

    • Higher contribution burden on employees: Under the CGPS, employees will continue to contribute a fixed percentage of their basic pay towards their pension. This may put a higher burden on them compared to the current system, where their contribution fluctuates based on market returns.
    • Additional administrative burden: Implementing a new pension scheme like CGPS may involve additional administrative burden and costs for the government, which could be challenging to manage efficiently.
    • Uncertainty of market returns: While the CGPS guarantees a fixed pension amount, it does not provide any certainty on the market returns. If the market returns are lower than expected, the government will have to bear the burden of paying the difference between the guaranteed pension and the actual pension.

    Facts for prelims: CGPS vs NPS

    Parameter Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS) National Pension scheme (NPS)
    Type of Scheme Guaranteed Pension Scheme Market-linked Pension Scheme
    Contributions Made by both employee and employer Made by the employee only
    Pension Amount Guaranteed 50% of the last drawn salary, adjusted for inflation Market-linked, varies according to returns
    Risk Risk is shared by both employee and employer Risk is borne entirely by the employee
    Burden on exchequer Burden is only on the employer’s contribution part Burden is on the entire pension amount
    Upside State gets to pocket the excess if the market return is higher No upside for the State
    Fiscal sustainability Can be sustainable with proper rationalisation of taxes Unsustainable in the medium to long run

    Way ahead

    • The government could consider implementing the Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS) as an alternative to the New Pension Scheme (NPS) for public sector workers.
    • The CGPS would allow the state to pocket any excess returns from the market, rather than bearing the entire burden of uncertain market returns as in the NPS.
    • The government should consider rationalizing taxes, such as implementing inheritance and wealth taxes, to increase its revenue and reduce its dependence on fixed fiscal revenues.
    • The government should set up a special task force to rationalize pensions and address the issue of pension sustainability in the long run.
    • A possible downside to the CGPS is that it may require a higher contribution from employees, which could affect their take-home pay during their working life. However, this could be addressed by offering tax breaks or other incentives to encourage employees to contribute to the scheme.

    Conclusion

    • The current debate on pensions in India has brought forth the need for a well-designed and sustainable pension scheme that can cater to the needs of public sector workers while being fiscally responsible. The CGPS presents a viable alternative to the OPS and the NPS providing public sector workers with a guaranteed pension after they retire while also being largely funded by the employees themselves. While there may be some challenges in implementing the CGPS, with proper planning and execution, the CGPS could serve as a model for sustainable and equitable pension schemes that can support the growing needs of an ageing workforce in India.

    Mains question

    Q. The debate on pensions is heating up as several state governments announce their reversion to the old pension scheme. Do you think Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS) presents a viable alternative to the OPS and the NPS?

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    Also read:

    Reversal To Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Potential Impact

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pacific Island Nations

    Pacific Island Countries (PICs): India’s Development Diplomacy

    op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pacific Island countries

    Mains level: Geostrategic significance of Pacific Island countries and India's development diplomacy

    Pacific

    Central Idea

    • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) has strategic importance as it marks the Third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), which India is co-hosting along with PNG in Port Moresby. India’s involvement with the region is crucial from a geostrategic perspective as it is viewed by the US as a means to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, India is gradually tuning itself towards the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) by building development partnerships on critical issues.

    Pacific

    Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)

    • The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is a multilateral grouping that aims to enhance India’s relations with the Pacific Islands region. It was launched in November 2014 during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Fiji.
    • The FIPIC includes 14 Pacific Island countries, namely Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
    • The forum serves as a platform for India to engage with the Pacific Island countries on issues such as climate change, renewable energy, disaster management, health, and education, among others.
    • The forum also provides an opportunity for India to strengthen its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region and counter China’s growing influence in the region.

    Why should India focus on Pacific Island Countries (PICs)?

    • Strategic location: The PICs are strategically located in the South Pacific and inhabit almost one-sixth of the world’s population. These islands have occupied common spheres of influence and interest for major superpowers like the US, France, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK).
    • Resource-rich region: The PICs are inherently resource-rich in natural minerals and hydrocarbons. They are known for massive biodiversity, diverse ocean life, and extensive mangroves.
    • Countering China: China’s foray into the region in the form of resource extraction, increasing naval presence in the South China Sea, and investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has unnerved the neighbourhood. India’s engagement with the Pacific nations is viewed by the US as a means to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Diplomatic importance: India’s engagement with the PICs is significant for diplomatic reasons, as it can increase India’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s foreign policy considerations are progressively being structured around the notion of diplomacy for development. This India Way of foreign policy fits well for the larger Global South.
    • Development partnerships: India can build development partnerships with PICs on critical issues including climate resilience, digital health, renewable energy, and disaster risk reduction.
    • Economic opportunities: The PICs offer economic opportunities for India, especially in the areas of green transition and climate change, technology transfer, capacity building, encouraging trade and commerce, etc.

    Pacific

    Facts for prelims: PIC’s

    Region Countries Resources Strategic Importance Physical Location
    Melanesia Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu Minerals, timber, fish, gold, copper, oil, gas Natural resources, biodiversity, proximity to shipping lanes 1°N to 14°S, 124°E to 168°E
    Micronesia Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau Fish, phosphate, coconut products Strategic military location, control of the Pacific Ocean, climate change impacts 1°N to 11°N, 130°E to 176°E
    Polynesia American Samoa, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna Fish, forestry, agriculture, tourism Tourism, cultural significance, strategic military location 14°S to 27°S, 123°W to 162°E

    What is Development Diplomacy?

    • Development diplomacy is a foreign policy approach that emphasizes cooperation and partnership on development issues with other countries as a means of achieving shared goals and promoting mutual interests.
    • The focus is on building relationships with other nations based on shared values and common objectives, rather than on traditional notions of power and influence.
    • Development diplomacy recognizes the interdependence of nations in an increasingly globalized world, and seeks to create win-win partnerships that benefit all parties involved.

    key initiatives taken by India under Development diplomacy in Papua New Guinea (PNG)

    • Line of Credit: India has offered a $100 million Line of Credit (LoC) to Papua New Guinea for infrastructure development.
    • Climate resilience: India has partnered with PNG for a project aimed at developing climate-resilient agriculture. Under this project, Indian experts are sharing their expertise on climate-resilient agriculture practices and technology transfer.
    • Healthcare: India has offered training for healthcare professionals in PNG, and has also provided medical equipment and supplies.
    • Education: India has offered scholarships to students from PNG to study in India, as well as providing vocational training for PNG youth.
    • Renewable energy: India has partnered with PNG to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
    • Capacity building: India has provided training for PNG government officials in areas such as public administration, governance, and disaster management.
    • Trade and commerce: India have sought to enhance trade and investment relations with PNG, including through the promotion of Indian businesses and the facilitation of PNG investment in India.

    Conclusion

    • India’s involvement with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) is crucial from a geostrategic perspective, as it is viewed by the US as a means to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. India’s unique approach to development cooperation fits well for the larger Global South, and it can be a possible pathway for advancing Southern-driven partnerships in the PICs. With the G20 Presidency giving India leverage as an important economy in world politics, the FIPIC can be viewed as a suitable opportunity for New Delhi to realign itself in the emerging world order.

    Mains Question

    Q. What do you understand by mean Development diplomacy? Why India should increase its focus on pacific island countries?

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    The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Indian Ocean region (IOR)

     

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  • G20 : Economic Cooperation ahead

    Digitalizing Climate-Smart Agriculture: Framework for G20 Countries

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Initiatives for Climate smart agriculture

    Mains level: Climate-smart agriculture, digitalization, role of G20 and way ahead

    Agriculture

    Central Idea

    • Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a part of India’s and the G20 countries’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) vision. It is a complex, mega-scale challenge. The objective of CSA is to optimise a country’s agriculture productivity, resilience, and emissions in response to climate change (long-term, irreversible changes in temperature, precipitation, humidity, pressure, and wind). The G20 can play a key role in addressing the challenge of climate-smart agriculture

    What is Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)?

    • Sustainable agricultural practice: Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) refers to the sustainable agricultural practices that help to increase food production and farmer incomes, improve resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
    • CSA aims to achieve three goals simultaneously: (1) sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and incomes, (2) adapting and building resilience to climate change, and (3) reducing and/or removing greenhouse gas emissions, where possible.
    • It involves a combination of strategies, technologies, and policies that are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each country’s agriculture sector.

    Challenges for Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)

    • Complex and multi-dimensional: CSA is a complex and multi-dimensional challenge that requires integrated solutions, which may be difficult to implement and require significant investments.
    • Lack of awareness and knowledge: Many farmers are not aware of the benefits of CSA and may not have the knowledge or skills to implement it effectively.
    • Access to finance: Financing for CSA practices may be limited, especially for smallholder farmers who may lack collateral or access to credit.
    • Policy and institutional constraints: Policies and institutions may not be aligned to support the adoption and scaling up of CSA practices.
    • Technical and technological challenges: CSA requires the use of appropriate technologies and practices, which may not be available or accessible in some regions.
    • Climate change impacts: The impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events, may negatively affect the productivity and resilience of agricultural systems, making it difficult to implement CSA practices.
    • Data and information gaps: There may be gaps in data and information on the impacts of CSA practices, making it difficult to assess their effectiveness and scale them up.

    G20’s role in addressing these challenges

    • The G20 must play a key role in addressing the challenge of CSA by adopting the ontological framework, method, and recommendations to set the agenda for research, policy, and practice.
    • The G20 must constitute a committee to formulate a systemic agenda for systematic research, policies, and practices for the digitalisation of CSA in a country using the ontology.
    • The Think20 Engagement Groups provide research and policy advice to the G20 and are ideal forums to develop the ontological framework as the G20 presidency rotates between the member countries each year.
    • The ontology of CSA must be adopted globally as a framework for all G20 countries by adapting the crop and region taxonomies to each country.
    • The G20 committee must help countries collaborate in their efforts, coordinate their policies, and communicate their learnings.
    • The G20 must set the trajectory for the digitalisation of CSA within the G20 and globally and must provide a ‘map’ for the global effort.

    Facts for prelims

    Initiatives

    Description
    National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) A network project launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2011 to enhance resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change
    Soil Health Card Scheme Launched in 2015 to provide farmers with information on the nutrient status of their soil and recommend appropriate soil health management practices
    Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Launched in 2016 to provide farmers with insurance coverage and financial support in the event of crop losses due to adverse weather conditions
    Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana Launched in 2015 to promote organic farming practices in India and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
    National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) Launched in 2010 to promote sustainable agriculture practices in India and enhance agricultural productivity and income of farmers
    Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana Launched in 2007 to support agricultural development in India through the provision of financial assistance for various agricultural activities
    National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Launched in 2016 to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities in India through the use of technology and digital platforms
    Kisan Credit Card Scheme Launched in 1998 to provide farmers with access to affordable credit for agricultural and related activities
    Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana Launched in 2015 to promote efficient use of water resources in agriculture and enhance water use efficiency in farming
    Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) A farming practice that aims to eliminate the use of synthetic inputs in agriculture and promote natural farming techniques

    Recommendations to the G20

    1. Outcome Management:
    • Productivity: Encourage the adoption of sustainable soil management practices, provide subsidies and financial incentives for efficient irrigation techniques, and invest in R&D of improved seed varieties.
    • Resilience: Promote crop diversification, develop a comprehensive risk management strategy, and support agroforestry practices.
    • Emissions Management: Develop and implement policies that promote reduced tillage practices, provide financial incentives and support for the adoption of renewable energy technologies, and develop and implement regulations and standards for sustainable livestock management practices.
    1. Regional Management: Utilise digitalisation tools and technologies to effectively differentiate CSA management across regions in India, gather real-time data and information on regional variations, deliver customised and region-specific extension services to farmers, optimise resource use, and facilitate stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
    2. Crop Management:
    • Differentiation of CSA management across crops: Identify the unique agro-ecological and socioeconomic conditions of each crop and design region-specific policies and programmes that promote CSA practices and technologies.
    • Integration of CSA management across crops: Promote the use of integrated crop management practices that focus on optimising resource use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing productivity across multiple crops.
    • Precision crop management: Adopt precision agriculture techniques that utilise real-time data and information to optimise resource use and increase productivity.
    1. Digital Semiotics Management:
    • Collect and analyse weather data: India has a vast network of weather stations across the country that collect data on temperature, precipitation, humidity, pressure, and wind fields. This data can be used to analyse weather patterns and identify trends that affect crop growth and yield. Machine learning algorithms can be used to process the data and provide real-time insights to farmers on weather forecasts, pest and disease outbreaks, and optimal planting and harvesting times.
    • Develop crop-specific models: India has a diverse range of crops grown across different regions, each with unique requirements for temperature, precipitation, and other climatic factors. Crop-specific models can be developed using data and information on climate
    • Promote precision agriculture: Precision agriculture involves the use of digital technologies such as sensors, drones, and satellite imaging to monitor crop health and growth, and provide real-time recommendations to farmers. By incorporating weather data and information into precision agriculture technologies, farmers can make data-driven decisions that are tailored to the local climatic conditions.
    • Build farmer capacity: To effectively use data and information on climate variability, farmers need to have the skills and knowledge to interpret and apply this information to their farming practices. Training programmes and extension services can be developed to build farmer capacity in using digital tools and interpreting weather data. These programmes can be designed to be accessible and affordable to all farmers, including smallholder farmers.

    Agriculture

    Conclusion

    • The digitalisation of CSA requires a roadmap. Addressing the challenge of CSA is a prerequisite to meeting the challenge of food security, and digitalisation is essential to this task. The G20 must set the trajectory for the digitalisation of CSA within the G20 and globally and must provide a map for the global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals vision.

    Mains Question

    Q. What do you understand by mean Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)? Discuss the challenges for CSA and suggest a way ahead for G20 how it can address these challenges?

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    Idea of Urban Agriculture and Use of Technology

     

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  • Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

    Oil and Gas Price Volatility: India’s Farsighted Governance

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Read the prelims box

    Mains level: Oil and Gas policy, volatility and measures taken

    Oil and Gas

    Central Idea

    • The present government has taken several measures to protect Indian consumers from international oil and gas price volatility. The recent Cabinet decision to approve a series of critical Administered Price Mechanism (APM) gas pricing reforms will further advance this objective. These reforms aim to protect Indians from extreme price volatility, promote more innovation and investments in exploration and production (E&P), and provide clarity for planned capex investments in gas-based sectors.

    Reasons for oil and gas price volatility

    • Global supply and demand: The balance between global supply and demand for oil and gas is a key factor in price volatility. If there is a surplus of supply, prices may decrease, while if there is a shortage of supply, prices may increase.
    • Geopolitical tensions: Political tensions between countries, such as trade disputes or conflicts, can affect oil and gas prices. For example, if there is a threat of war or supply disruption in a major oil-producing country, prices may rise.
    • Weather conditions: Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or cold snaps, can impact oil and gas production and distribution, leading to price fluctuations.
    • Economic growth: Economic growth can drive up demand for oil and gas, which can lead to higher prices. Conversely, economic slowdowns can reduce demand and lead to lower prices.
    • OPEC decisions: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) plays a significant role in global oil prices by controlling production levels. Decisions made by OPEC, such as production cuts or increases, can affect prices.

    Measures taken by the Indian government to protect consumers from oil and gas price volatility?

    • Increasing domestic Administered Price Mechanism (APM) gas allocation: This step was taken to provide more clarity for planned capital expenditure investments in gas-based sectors and diverting gas from non-priority sectors to transport and domestic segments.
    • APM gas pricing reforms: The recent Cabinet decision to approve a series of critical APM gas pricing reforms will further advance the objective of protecting Indian consumers from extreme price volatility. These reforms achieve two major goals: First, to protect Indians from extreme price volatility, and second, to promote more innovation and investments in exploration and production (E&P).
    • Benchmarking APM prices: The government decided to insulate domestic gas consumers as well as national oil companies from such volatility by benchmarking APM prices to a slope of 10 per cent of Indian crude basket price to be determined on a monthly basis, together with a ceiling of $6.5/MMBTU and floor of $4.5/MMBTU for nomination fields.
    • Reduction in fertiliser subsidies: After these reforms, the reduction in fertiliser subsidies is expected to be more than Rs 2,000 crore each year.
    • Incentivising investment in the E&P sector: These reforms will also help incentivise investment in the E&P sector by providing a floor price for mature fields of nomination while also incentivising new wells of nomination fields which will receive 20 per cent higher prices.
    • Expansion of gas pipeline network and CGD stations: Since 2014, India has increased the length of its gas pipeline network from 14,700 km to 22,000 km in 2023. The number of CGD-covered districts in India has increased from 66 in 2014 to 630 in 2023 while CNG stations have gone up from 938 in 2014 to 5,283 in 2023.

    Facts for prelims

    Type of Oil/Gas Production Process Applications Advantages Disadvantages Pollutants
    Crude Oil Extracted from oil wells through drilling Transportation, fuel for power generation, industrial uses High energy density, easy to transport Air pollution, carbon emissions, oil spills Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide
    Natural Gas Extracted from gas wells through drilling or extracted alongside crude oil Power generation, heating, cooking, industrial uses Cleanest burning fossil fuel, high energy efficiency Methane emissions, can leak during production and transportation Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides
    Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Extracted during crude oil refining or extracted alongside natural gas Cooking, heating, transportation Clean burning, easy to store and transport Non-renewable, carbon emissions during production and transportation Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides
    Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Extracted alongside crude oil or natural gas Transportation, cooking Lower emissions than petrol and diesel, cost-effective Requires specialized vehicles and refueling stations, less energy-dense than petrol and diesel Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides
    Shale Gas Extracted through hydraulic fracturing of shale rock formations Power generation, heating, cooking, industrial uses Abundant, reduces dependence on foreign oil, lower carbon emissions than coal Requires large amounts of water, potential for groundwater contamination, methane leaks Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides

    Way ahead for India’s oil and gas sector

    • Encourage and promote domestic oil and gas production: The government should continue to incentivize domestic oil and gas production to reduce dependence on imports and minimize price volatility. This could be achieved by introducing more investor-friendly policies, simplifying regulations, and exploring untapped reserves.
    • Develop a comprehensive energy policy: India needs to develop a comprehensive energy policy that outlines a clear vision for the sector’s development and growth. This policy should take into account environmental concerns, technological advancements, and future energy demands.
    • Increase investment in infrastructure: The government should invest in building critical infrastructure like pipelines, terminals, and storage facilities to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce transportation costs. This will also enable the country to tap into more remote oil and gas reserves.
    • Promote alternative sources of energy: Given the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, India should promote alternative sources of energy such as solar, wind, and hydropower. This will not only help in meeting India’s climate goals but also reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.
    • Improve pricing transparency: India should work towards improving pricing transparency in the oil and gas sector. This will help to ensure a level playing field for all players, promote healthy competition, and enable consumers to make informed decisions.
    • Strengthen international partnerships: India should strengthen its partnerships with other countries, particularly those in the Gulf region, to ensure a stable supply of oil and gas. This will also help in diversifying sources of energy and reduce dependence on a few countries.
    • Foster innovation: The government should incentivize research and development in the oil and gas sector to encourage innovation and promote the use of advanced technologies. This could help in improving extraction techniques, reducing environmental impact, and optimizing resource utilization.

    Conclusion

    • India’s efforts to protect its consumers from international oil and gas price volatility are commendable. The recent APM gas pricing reforms will further advance this objective and promote more innovation and investments in exploration and production (E&P) and provide clarity for planned capex investments in gas-based sectors. With a growing demand for natural gas, India is well on its way to realizing a gas-based economy as part of its broader energy transition goals. The vision of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable energy future for India is steadily becoming a reality.

    Mains question

    Q. Discuss the factors behind Oil and gas sector being volatile. What are the measures taken by the Indian government to protect consumers from oil and gas price volatility?

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    What should India do in the current international energy market?

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

    India-China Border Tensions: An Assessment of the Current Situation and Proactive Steps for India

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Border states, Places in news, Prelims box

    Mains level: India- China border conflicts and measures

    Border

    Central Idea

    • India needs to take proactive measures to address the ongoing border crisis with China in Ladakh, rather than relying on a status quo approach. The government’s silence and euphemistic language on the issue have given the impression of incompetence and inaction, leading to concerns over India’s capability to handle the situation

    Brief background on the Ladakh border issue

    • The border dispute dates back to the 1950s and 60s, when China made claims to the region and occupied large parts of it.
    • In 1962, the two countries fought a brief war over the issue, which ended in a Chinese victory and the establishment of a de facto border line known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
    • Since then, the two countries have had several standoffs and skirmishes in the region, with tensions escalating in recent years. T
    • he latest border standoff in Ladakh began in May 2020 and continues to remain unresolved.

    The Depsang crisis of 2013

    • Depsang Plains of Ladakh: The Depsang crisis of 2013 refers to a tense border standoff between India and China that took place in the Depsang Plains of Ladakh in April-May 2013.
    • Chinese troops set up a camp: The crisis began when Chinese troops set up a camp in the Depsang Plains, which is located about 19 km inside what India considers to be its territory.
    • Strategically important area: The area is strategically important as it overlooks the strategically important Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road that India had built to improve its connectivity to the border areas.
    • Negotiations and agreement over the withdrawal: The situation was resolved after three weeks of negotiations, with the Chinese agreeing to withdraw their troops in exchange for a pledge from India to scale down its military presence in the area.
    • The crisis led to other standoffs: The crisis highlighted the long-standing boundary dispute between India and China, which has led to several other standoffs and skirmishes over the years.

    What is the current situation?

    • The current situation at the Ladakh border is that some areas have witnessed disengagement, while two areas, Depsang and Demchok, remain unresolved. Indian soldiers are not allowed to touch 26 of the 65 patrolling points in Ladakh.
    • Diplomatic meetings and talks between corps commanders have not elicited any progress since September last year. Regular meetings between Indian and Chinese Ministers, Foreign and Defence, have not yielded results either.
    • India needs to find a way to transfer the pressure back to China, as Beijing has never compromised unless it has been forced into an uncomfortable spot.

    Border

    Facts for prelims

    States

    		 Border with China

    Important Passes
    Jammu and Kashmir 1597 km Khardung La Pass, Chang La Pass, Marsimik La Pass, Saser La Pass
    Arunachal Pradesh

     

    		 1126 km

     

    		 Bum La Pass, Kibithu Pass, Tawang
    Uttarakhand 345 km Mana Pass, Lipulekh Pass, Niti Pass
    Sikkim 220 km Nathu La Pass, Jelep La Pass
    Himachal Pradesh 200 km Shipki La Pass, Kaurik Pass

    Way ahead: Steps to transfer the pressure back to China

    • Bold use of imagination: The political leadership needs to use its imagination boldly to find a way to impose its will upon China.
    • Be proactive: India needs to be proactive in dealing with China, as Beijing has never compromised unless it has been forced into an uncomfortable spot.
    • Tactful action on LAC: Tactical actions on the LAC need to be daring, and the military needs to be used as an instrument to pursue policy ends and try to impose its will upon the adversary.
    • Increase strategic thought: Strategic thought in Delhi needs to be bold and innovative to find a way to wrest the initiative from China.
    • Avoid fear of military escalation: India’s fear of military escalation is holding back progress in the Ladakh border issue, and the government needs to overcome this fear to take proactive steps.
    • Utilize diplomatic channels: India should leverage diplomatic channels and international forums to put pressure on China to resolve the border issue.
    • Strengthen domestic capabilities: India should focus on building domestic capabilities, including military and economic, to match up to China’s strengths and position itself better in negotiations.

    Border

    Conclusion

    • India needs to take proactive measures to address the ongoing border crisis with China in Ladakh. A status quo approach can no longer be the answer, and India will have to wrest the initiative from China. Failure to do so would be a national failure for India, and the government must show boldness and imagination to resolve the crisis.

    Mains Question

    Q. India is going through the tough phase over the issues of border with China. In this backdrop discuss what proactive measures that India needs to take considering the current developments situation of the border conflicts?

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    India-China: Border Management Mechanism

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    Leveraging PDS to Improve Nutrition Security

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: PDS, Buffer Stock & Food Security

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Food procurement

    Mains level: Nutritious food through PDS

    PDS

    Central Idea

    • The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DoF&PD), in particular the Food Corporation of India (FCI), must have heaved a sigh of relief that the procurement of wheat so far has crossed 20 million tonnes (MT), a notch higher than last year. Three states Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh have contributed more than 98 per cent to the central pool.

    Wheat production estimates

    • The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) had earlier estimated the wheat production for this year to be 112 MT. However, the impact of unseasonal rains on wheat production has made the revised estimate uncertain.
    • Punjab: Punjab, one of the largest contributors to wheat procurement, is also in the process of estimating losses due to rough weather just before the harvest time. Despite the unseasonal rains, interactions with Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), market functionaries and farmers suggest that the production of wheat this year is higher than last year.
    • Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh produces almost double the amount of wheat (about 35 MT) than Punjab (about 18 MT). UP is estimated to procure 3.5 MT of wheat, but so far it has procured a meagre 0.12 MT. Unless it brings a surprise in May and June, the overall wheat procurement may stop well short of even 30 MT.

    Facts for prelims

    The benefits of Mulching of paddy straw

    • Increases organic carbon in the soil: Mulching of paddy straw increases the organic carbon content of the soil. It helps in retaining moisture in the soil and improves soil health.
    • Helps in reducing weed growth: Mulching acts as a magic as it helps in reducing the weed growth, conserves soil moisture, and provides essential nutrients to the soil.
    • Increases crop productivity: It helps in improving the fertility of the soil and in turn increases the productivity of the crops.
    • Reduces soil erosion: Mulching of paddy straw protects the soil from wind and water erosion.
    • Decreases the use of fertilizers: It helps in reducing the use of fertilizers as the organic matter from the mulch provides essential nutrients to the soil.
    • Promotes sustainable agriculture: Mulching promotes sustainable agriculture practices as it is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way of managing agricultural waste.

    PDS

    Challenges for providing nutritious food through PDS

    • Infrastructure and supply chain: There is a lack of proper infrastructure and supply chain to transport and store nutritious food items such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds. This leads to spoilage, wastage, and ultimately affects the quality of food provided through PDS.
    • Cost: Providing nutritious food items through PDS may increase the cost of the program, which can be a challenge for the government to sustain in the long run.
    • Awareness and demand: There is a lack of awareness among the general public about the benefits of nutritious food items and the need to include them in their diet. Also, there may not be enough demand for these items, leading to poor offtake and wastage.
    • Operational challenges: There are several operational challenges such as sourcing, storage, and distribution of nutritious food items, which need to be addressed for an effective PDS program.
    • Political interference: There may be political interference in the selection of food items to be included in PDS, leading to a focus on populist measures rather than on nutritious food items. This can undermine the effectiveness of the program.

    agriculture

    Nutrition security through PDS and a help to climate resilient agriculture

    • Introducing more nutritious food: The introduction of more nutritious food, such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds, in PDS can help achieve the twin objectives of nutrition and climate resilience.
    • Encouraging climate-resilient food: Encouraging the production of climate-resilient food crops like millets, pulses, oilseeds, etc., can help create a steady flow of nutritious food.
    • Upgrading fair price shops to Nutritious Food Hubs: At least 10% of fair price shops can be upgraded and declared as Nutritious Food Hubs (NFHs). These NFHs can have fortified, including bio-fortified, rice and wheat, millets, pulses, oilseeds (especially soyabean products with 40% protein), fortified milk and edible oils, eggs, etc.
    • Electronic vouchers for targeted beneficiaries: Consumers of PDS list may be given electronic vouchers (like an e-food coupon in a food court) that can be charged by the government three or four times a year.
    • Government assistance for upgrading NFHs: The NFHs can be upgraded with government assistance, creating demand for more diversified and nutritious food from the masses.
    • Capping the procurement of rice: The procurement of rice would have to be capped, starting with districts where the water table has been depleting alarmingly.
    • For example, Sangrur in Punjab has witnessed a fall of groundwater level by more than 25 meters during 2000-2019. Farmers of such districts could be incentivized to grow millets, pulses, oilseeds, etc., that are climate smart, use much less water and fertilizers, thus saving power and fertilizer subsidies.
    • Giving a special package for carbon credits: The Centre and the states need to join hands to give a special package for carbon credits for growing such crops. Farmers can be rewarded about Rs 10,000/acre (to be shared equally by the Centre and the state), as these crops would save that much fertilizer subsidy of the Centre and power subsidy of the state.

    Conclusion

    • The Department of Food and Public Distribution’s Chintan Shivir on leveraging PDS to offer more nutritious food is a great vision, but there are several operational challenges to provide a steady flow of these foods. Upgrading at least 10% of the fair price shops as Nutritious Food Hubs could create a demand for more diversified and nutritious food from the masses. However, capping the procurement of rice and incentivizing farmers to grow millets, pulses, and oilseeds that are climate-smart and use less water and fertilizers is necessary.

    Mains Question

    Q. How PDS can be leveraged to provided nutritious food and also help make Indian agriculture more climate resilient? Discuss along with the challenges

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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    A Troubling Statistic in India’s Nutritional Landscape

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Statistics on hunger and malnutrition, and initiatives

    Mains level: Tackling the problem of hunger and malnutrition

    nutrition

    Central Idea

    • A troubling statistic in the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data, conducted in 2019-21, is not well-known. Going without food for an entire day at this critical period of a child’s development raises serious concerns related to severe food insecurity.

    Statistics from the NFHS-5 data

    • Zero-food: Among mothers with a child between ages 6-23 months, 18% reported that their child did not eat any food whatsoever (“zero-food”) in the 24 hours preceding the survey. The zero-food prevalence was 30% for infants aged 6-11 months, 13% among 12-17 months old, and 8% among 18-23 months old.
    • Zero-protein: More than 80% of children in the age group of 6-23 months had not consumed any protein-rich foods for an entire day (“zero-protein”). Close to 40% of children in the age group of 6-23 months did not eat any grains (roti, rice, etc.) for an entire day.
    • Zero-milk: Six out of 10 children in the age group of 6-23 months do not consume milk or dairy of any form every day (“zero-milk”).

    The current measures for undernutrition

    • Stunting: It is a measure of chronic malnutrition, where children are too short for their age. It is determined by comparing a child’s height with the World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards.
    • Wasting: It is a measure of acute malnutrition, where children have a low weight for their height. It is determined by comparing a child’s weight with the WHO child growth standards.
    • Underweight: It is a measure of both chronic and acute malnutrition, where children have a low weight for their age. It is determined by comparing a child’s weight with the WHO child growth standards.

    Limitations of current measures of undernutrition

    • Anthropometric measures: The assessment of the extent of nutritional deprivation among young children in India has relied on measures of anthropometric failure such as the percentage of children short for their age (stunting) or weighing less given their height (wasting), compared to a reference population. These measures are, at best, proxies suggesting plausible overall deficiencies in the child’s environment, without any guidance on the specific nature of the deficiencies. They do not provide insight into the specific food groups that are lacking in the child’s diet.
    • Multifactorial nature: Given the multifactorial nature of what causes stunting or wasting among children, it is challenging for any single ministry or department of the Government of India to take responsibility for designing, implementing and monitoring policies to reduce undernutrition among children.
    • Sensitivity: The sensitivity of the stunting prevalence to what population reference is being used makes it problematic as a policy metric for creating and evaluating the effectiveness of current programs and interventions.
    • Lack of data: The fact that we do not know what India eats highlights a core deficiency in data related to food and dietary consumption. This limits the ability to design effective policies and programs to improve nutritional security among Indians.

    Facts for prelims

    Initiative

    Description
    NFHS-5 Conducted in 2019-21, it revealed that 18% of mothers with a child between ages 6-23 months reported zero-food intake.
    Mission Poshan 2.0 A flagship programme aimed at achieving SDG 2 “zero hunger” and focuses on food-based initiatives.
    Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Increased access to improved toilets among Indian households from 48% to 70% between 2016 and 2021.
    Zero Food Metric A food-based metric that provides a good start to monitor and assess the performance of Poshan 2.0.
    White House initiative on hunger, nutrition and health Launched by the US to end hunger by 2030.

    Calorie intake recommendations by WHO

    • According to the World Health Organisation, at six months of age, 33 per cent of the daily calorie intake is expected to come from food. This proportion increases to 61 per cent at 12 months of age.
    • The recommended calorie percentages mentioned here are the minimum amount that should come from food.
    • It is presumed that the child obtains the remaining calories through on-demand breastfeeding, meaning the child is breastfed whenever they need it throughout the day and night, and not solely when the mother is able to provide it.
    • Consequently, the percentage of food-sourced calories only increases further when a child cannot receive breast milk when needed.

    What is the need for Poshan 2.0?

    • Achieving SDG 2: Poshan 2.0 is a flagship program that aims to achieve SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and ensure year-round access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food by 2030.
    • Targeting maternal and child nutrition: Poshan 2.0 focuses on food-based initiatives, including its flagship supplementary nutrition program service as mandated by the 2013 National Food Security Act, to target maternal and child nutrition.
    • Developing food-based metrics: To effectively monitor and assess the performance of Poshan 2.0, there is an immediate need to develop appropriate food-based metrics to measure the extent of food insecurity among Indian households.
    • Improving nutritional security: The goal of Poshan 2.0 is to ensure affordable access to sufficient quantity and quality of nutritionally diverse food, with a special and immediate focus on India’s youngest children to improve nutritional security among Indians.
    • Establishing routine dietary and nutritional assessments: A national effort to establish routine dietary and nutritional assessments for the entire population is the need of the hour to measure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of nutritious food, especially for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations such as young children, and constitute the foundation for any evidence-based policy to end hunger and improve nutritional security among Indians.

    Way ahead

    • Elevating food intake among young children to be of primary importance, as opposed to being referred to as “complementary” in policies and guidelines related to maternal, infant and young child nutrition.
    • Extending the 24-hour recall questions on consumption of various food items to the population of children under five years to better understand food security for all populations in India.
    • Developing appropriate food-based metrics to effectively monitor and assess the performance of Mission Poshan 2.0.
    • Establishing routine dietary and nutritional assessments for the entire population to measure the availability, accessibility and affordability of nutritious food, especially for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations such as young children.
    • Consider a strategic initiative led by the Prime Minister’s Office aimed at eliminating food insecurity in India and ensuring affordable access to sufficient quantity and quality of nutritionally diverse food, with a special and immediate focus on India’s youngest children.

    Conclusion

    • Given the urgency of the situation and the critical need for prompt action to address the issue of hunger and malnutrition among Indians, it is recommended that India takes inspiration from the United States. Recently, the US launched a high-level initiative aimed at ending hunger by 2030, which could offer valuable insights and guidance to India’s efforts in this direction.

    Mains Question

    Q. Statistic in the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data on hunger and malnutrition is troubling. In this backdrop discuss the need for Poshan 2.0 for India.

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    A reality check on Nutrition programs

     

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  • Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Global Implications

    Ukraine War Impact on Global Politics and India’s Diplomatic Agenda

    op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: global and regional groupings involving India

    Mains level: Ukraine war, impact, strategic issues and India's diplomatic agenda

    Ukraine

    Central Idea

    • The war in Ukraine has had a ripple effect on global political and financial systems, leading to shortages of essential commodities and rising prices. The conflict is rooted in Putin’s revanchist claims that Ukraine is an inalienable part of Russia’s history, culture, and spiritual space. On the other hand, Putin accuses the US and Europe of violating their assurance to Gorbachev that NATO would not advance eastward. The crisis poses a dilemma for India, which must balance its partnerships with Russia and China in the BRICS and SCO formats while maintaining strategic autonomy.

    Two Essential Facets of the Conflict?

    • Putin’s Assertion of Russia’s Dominance: Vladimir Putin argues that Ukraine is not a sovereign nation and that it is an inalienable part of Russia’s history, culture, and spiritual space. He makes revanchist claims to camouflage Russia’s quest for dominance. Such claims are echoed in China’s Nine-dash line in the South China Sea, its occupation of India’s Aksai Chin, and blatant claims on Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Alleged Violation of NATO’s Assurance: Putin accuses the US and Europe of bad faith, citing the assurance given to a worried Gorbachev that NATO would advance not an inch eastward. This solemn undertaking was allegedly violated when NATO enlisted 10 former Warsaw Pact members in the next decade. With Finland as the latest entrant, NATO is now 31-strong, and Russia feels truly cornered.

    Impact of the war in Ukraine on global political and financial systems

    • Shortages of Essential Commodities: Ukraine is a key contributor of grain, edible oil, and fertilizers to the world’s supply chains, and Russia is a major exporter of natural gas and crude oil. The war has disrupted the production and transportation of these commodities, leading to shortages and rising prices.
    • Falling Stock Markets: The war in Ukraine has caused a decline in global stock markets as investors become increasingly nervous about the economic impact of the conflict.
    • Public Discontent and Political Upheaval: The shortages of essential commodities and rising prices have led to public discontent and even political upheaval in some countries. For example, in India, rising fuel prices have led to widespread protests and political unrest.
    • Realignment of Global Alliances: The war in Ukraine has led to a realignment of global alliances as countries seek alternate sources of food, energy, commodities, and arms. This has resulted in a polarisation of the global community and realignments in diplomatic relations.
    • Economic Sanctions: The international community has imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine, which have had a significant impact on the Russian economy.
    • Threat of Nuclear War: The conflict in Ukraine has raised concerns about the possibility of a nuclear war, particularly given Putin’s reckless nuclear sabre-rattling.

    What is the Dilemma for India?

    • India’s Engagement with Russia and China: India is engaged with Russia and China in various multilateral forums, including the BRICS format and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). At the same time, India is partnering with the US in the Quad and Malabar groupings. The conflict in Ukraine has created a complex situation for India as it seeks to maintain strategic autonomy while engaging with multiple partners.
    • Security Environment: India’s security environment is of paramount concern, given the recent Poonch ambush and persistent cross-border terrorism by the Pakistan army-ISI combine. In addition, there is stonewalling of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh’s demarche about the violation of existing agreements by his Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu.
    • Lack of Defense Technology: India is a nuclear-weapon state and space power with the world’s fourth-largest military. However, the lackadaisical performance of its military-industrial complex has rendered it abjectly import-dependent for weaponry. India seeks to promote its atmanirbharta (self-reliance) policy, but technology has long gestation periods, and India needs to acquire defense technology from its partners.

    How Quad and Malabar Groupings can help India? 

    • Convergence of strategic interests: The Quad and Malabar groupings represent a convergence of strategic interests between India and the US, which can help India strengthen its security and diplomatic ties with the US, Japan, and Australia.
    • Military-diplomatic purpose: These forums serve a useful military-diplomatic purpose, allowing India to deepen its military cooperation with the US and other Quad members, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Power-balancing: India needs to accord priority to power-balancing on its diplomatic agenda, and the Quad and Malabar Groupings can play a significant role in this regard. India can leverage these groupings to balance China’s growing influence in the region.
    • Technology acquisition: India is abjectly import-dependent for weaponry and needs to acquire advanced technologies to address its security concerns. The Quad and Malabar Groupings can help India access advanced military technologies from the US, Japan, and Australia, which can enhance India’s defense capabilities.

    Facts for prelims

    Initiative Objective Countries Involved Key Features
    Quad Strengthen security and promote economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region India, United States, Japan, Australia Regular high-level meetings, joint military exercises, cooperation on maritime security, infrastructure development, and technology transfer
    AUKUS Strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific region through advanced military technology sharing and cooperation United States, United Kingdom, Australia Joint development and sharing of advanced military technologies, including nuclear-powered submarines, and joint military exercises
    iCET Promote cooperation on critical and emerging technologies between India and the United States India, United States Cooperation on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and 5G, with a focus on sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices

     New US initiatives

    • AUKUS: AUKUS is a trilateral security pact between the US, the UK, and Australia, aimed at enhancing security cooperation and sharing advanced military technologies. While the focus of the pact is primarily on Australia, it can indirectly benefit India by strengthening the US security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region and deterring China’s aggressive behavior. The pact can also lead to the development of new technologies, such as advanced unmanned underwater vehicles, which can enhance India’s maritime security.
    • Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET): The iCET is aimed at boosting cooperation between India and the US in the field of critical and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. This initiative can help India access cutting-edge technologies and knowledge, which can enhance India’s technological capabilities and address its security concerns.

    Way ahead: Self-reliance in defence production and reduce dependence

    • Invest in R&D: India should invest heavily in research and development (R&D) to develop cutting-edge military technologies indigenously. This can help reduce India’s dependence on imports and enhance its military capabilities.
    • Promote Public-Private Partnership (PPP): India can promote PPPs to encourage private sector participation in defence production. This can help bring in much-needed investment, innovation, and expertise into the defence sector, thereby enhancing India’s defence capabilities.
    • Facilitate Technology Transfer: India can facilitate technology transfer from foreign defence manufacturers to domestic firms to enhance their technological capabilities. This can help Indian companies acquire critical technologies and expertise, which can be leveraged to develop advanced military systems indigenously.
    • Focus on Export: India should focus on promoting defence exports to enhance its defence manufacturing base and generate much-needed revenue. This can help reduce the cost of domestic production and make Indian defence products globally competitive.

    Conclusion

    • India needs to navigate the conflict in Ukraine deftly to maintain its strategic autonomy while balancing its partnerships with Russia and China. India must prioritize power-balancing and technology acquisition on its diplomatic agenda and focus on building self-reliance in defense production.

    Mains Question

    Q. The war in Ukraine has had a ripple effect on global political and financial systems. In this backdrop highlight the dilemma for India and discuss how Quad and Malabar Groupings along with US initiatives help India on Defence and strategic issues ?

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    India’s role in Russia-Ukraine war

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