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Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

Drug trafficking In India: New Trends and Serious Security Issues

op-ed snap | Security Issues | : Organized Crime & Terrorism
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Golden crescent and golden traingle

Mains level: Menace of Drug trafficking in India

Drug trafficking

Central Idea

  • Narcotics trade is a global social problem that has harmful effects on the youth and families. This trade generates money that is diverted to disruptive activities having bearing on national security, keeping the law enforcement agencies on tenterhooks. India is also facing the problem of drug trafficking, and the issue is assuming dangerous proportions.

What is Narcotics trade?

  • The narcotics trade refers to the illegal production, distribution, and sale of drugs such as opium, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
  • It is a global issue that poses a serious threat to public health and safety, as well as national security.
  • The trade is often controlled by criminal organizations, and the money generated from it is often used to fund other illicit activities such as terrorism and money laundering.

Drug trafficking

Prevalence of Narcotics trade in India

  • Significant challenge: The Narcotics trade is a serious problem in India, affecting the youth and families, and leading to the diversion of money for disruptive activities that have a bearing on national security.
  • Sandwiched between golden Crecent and golden triangle: India is a big market and a transit route for other countries. India has been seen as sandwiched between the Death (Golden) Crescent and Death (Golden) Triangle.
  • Use of drones to supply drugs: The use of drones to supply drugs and weapons across the border in Punjab is a new phenomenon.
  • Hot destination for cocaine: India has surprisingly become a hot destination for cocaine, which is controlled by South American drug cartels. Investigations have revealed the connection of these cartels with NRIs based in Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and several European countries along with local drug lords and gangsters in India.

Concerns regarding the Narcotics trade in India

  • Social and health impact: Narcotics trade harms youth and families, leading to addiction and health problems.
  • Diversion of funds for disruptive activities: The money generated from the narcotics trade is diverted for disruptive activities that have bearings on national security.
  • Increase in terrorism: Drug traffickers from across borders have been found to have connections with terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, and the illegal money is used for terror activities sponsored by the ISI.
  • Infiltration of organized crime: Organized gangs, which primarily used to carry out extortion activities in their local areas, are getting hooked to the narcotics trade network, and are being used for drug trafficking and gun running. This creates a nexus between terrorists and organized gangs/underworld, which poses a new and disturbing trend that needs to be tackled effectively by security agencies.
  • Proliferation of darknet markets: Studies reveal that 62 per cent of the darknet is being used for illicit drug trafficking. The anonymity and low risks of darknet transactions are disrupting traditional drug markets.
  • Border security: The heroin and methamphetamine-producing areas have porous borders and are reportedly under the control of rebel groups indirectly supported by intelligence setups. Illicit arms are manufactured here and supplied to underground groups active in India.

Drug trafficking

Facts for prelims

  • The Golden Crescent: The Golden Crescent is a region in South Asia that is known for the production of illicit drugs, particularly opium. The region includes parts of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. It is one of the two major drug-producing areas in the world, along with the Golden Triangle, which is located in Southeast Asia.
  • The Golden Triangle: The Golden Triangle is a region in Southeast Asia that encompasses parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It is one of the world’s largest opium-producing areas and is named after the shape formed by the overlapping mountains of these countries.
  • Nearly 90% of the world’s demand for heroin and methamphetamine is being met from these regions.

Why drug trafficking is a serious security issue?

  • Illegal money: Drug trafficking generates a significant amount of illegal money, which can be used to fund other illegal activities such as terrorism, money laundering, and human trafficking.
  • Social and economic consequences: Drug addiction and abuse can have severe social and economic consequences, including increased crime rates, loss of productivity, and strain on the healthcare system.
  • Organized crime syndicates: Drug trafficking often involves organized crime syndicates, which can undermine the rule of law and weaken the state’s ability to maintain law and order.
  • Impacts regional stability: Drug trafficking can create instability in regions that are already vulnerable to conflict and violence, as rival groups compete for control of the lucrative trade.

Steps taken by India to address the issue of drug trafficking

  • National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances: India has a comprehensive policy framework to address the issue of narcotics trade. The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances provides a framework for controlling the illicit traffic in drugs, preventing drug abuse, and providing care and rehabilitation to drug addicts.
  • Narcotics Control Bureau: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the nodal agency for combating drug trafficking in India. It works closely with other law enforcement agencies to prevent drug trafficking, intercept drug shipments, and prosecute drug traffickers.
  • International cooperation: India has been cooperating with other countries to combat the narcotics trade. It has signed several bilateral and multilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation on drug trafficking, including the SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
  • Seizure of drugs: Law enforcement agencies have been seizing large quantities of drugs in recent years. In 2020, the NCB seized over 9,500 kg of drugs and arrested over 5,000 people in drug-related cases.
  • Awareness campaigns: The government has been running awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse. It has also been working with NGOs and civil society organizations to provide care and rehabilitation to drug addicts.
  • Use of technology: Law enforcement agencies are using technology to track drug trafficking. For example, the NCB has been using social media and the dark web to track drug trafficking.
  • Strengthening border security: India has been strengthening its border security to prevent the entry of drugs into the country. The government has been using modern technology, such as drones and sensors, to monitor the borders.
  • Use of financial intelligence: Law enforcement agencies are using financial intelligence to track the money trail of drug traffickers. They are working closely with banks and financial institutions to identify suspicious transactions and freeze the assets of drug traffickers.

Way ahead

  • International cooperation: India needs to engage with its neighboring countries to ensure that they take steps to prevent the production and transit of narcotics through their territories. India should also collaborate with international agencies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to share intelligence and develop a coordinated approach towards combating the drug menace.
  • Strengthening law enforcement: India should strengthen its law enforcement agencies and provide them with the necessary resources and training to effectively tackle the narcotics trade. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) should be given more teeth and made more proactive in tracking down drug traffickers and seizing drugs.
  • Public awareness: India needs to launch a sustained public awareness campaign to educate people about the harmful effects of drugs and the links between drug trafficking and terrorism. The government should also work with civil society organizations to mobilize communities to report drug-related activities in their neighborhoods.
  • Stricter punishment: India needs to introduce stricter punishment for drug traffickers and increase the penalties for drug-related crimes. This will act as a deterrent and make it more difficult for drug traffickers to operate in India.
  • Use of technology: India needs to leverage technology to track and intercept drug shipments. The use of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles can be explored to monitor the movement of drugs across borders.
  • Monitoring darknet activities: India needs to monitor activities on the darknet and take action against those engaged in drug trafficking through this channel. The NCB can work with international agencies to track down drug traffickers operating on the darknet.
  • Rehabilitation: India needs to focus on rehabilitating drug addicts and providing them with the necessary support to overcome their addiction. This will help in reducing demand for drugs and prevent people from getting into the trap of drug trafficking.

Conclusion

  • The problem of drug trafficking is a growing threat to India’s security, and the issue needs to be addressed urgently. Concerted and coordinated efforts of all the agencies will be required to tackle this growing threat. The nexus between terrorists and organized gangs/underworld is a new and disturbing trend and the law enforcement agencies must develop new strategies to counter the new trends.

Mains Question

Q. The problem of drug trafficking is a growing threat to India’s security. In this backdrop discuss the concerns regarding narcotics trade in India and suggest a way ahead

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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

Heatwaves in India: Increasing Frequency Needs Range of Measures to Mitigate

op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Heatwaves, Urban heat island effect

Mains level: Climate change induces weather variability, its impact and mitigating measures

Heatwave

Central Idea

  • India is facing an increasing heatwave due to climate change, leading to significant agricultural crop losses, urban unlivability and reduced labour productivity. India need to take range of measures to mitigate the problem, such as expanding green cover, upgrading urban building standards, embracing public transportation, and improving waste segregation and management.

What is Heat wave?

  • A heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather.
  • Heatwaves usually last for several days or weeks and can occur in both dry and humid climates.
  • They are characterized by temperatures that are significantly higher than the average for a particular region during that time of year. This is because climate change is causing a rise in global temperatures. As the planet heats up, it leads to more extreme weather events, such as heat waves. Its geography makes India particularly vulnerable to these events.

Frequency of Heatwaves in India

  • Increase in frequency and intensity: India has been witnessing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in recent years.
  • For instance: In April and May 2022, around 350 million Indians were exposed to strong heat stress. On an average, five-six heat wave events occur every year over the northern parts of the country.
  • Rise in summer temperatures as well as winter temperature: Summer temperatures have risen by an average of 0.5-0.9°C across districts in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan between 1990 and 2019. In addition, around 54% of India’s districts have seen a similar rise in winter temperatures.
  • Temperature rise projection: It is expected that between 2021 and 2050, the maximum temperature will rise by 2-3.5°C in 100 districts and by 1.5–2°C in around 455 districts. Winter temperatures will also rise between 1°C and 1.5°C in around 485 districts

heatwave

Fact for prelims: Urban Heat Island Effect

  • High temperature in Urabn areas: The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon in which urban areas experience higher temperatures than the surrounding rural areas.
  • For instance: Cities in India are beset with the urban heat island effect, with temperatures 4-12°C higher than rural outlying areas.
  • Human activities are primary reason: This is primarily caused by human activities such as transportation, industrial processes, and energy consumption, which release heat and pollutants into the atmosphere.
  • Urab landscape made up of concrete absorbs more heat: The urban landscape, with its large amounts of concrete and asphalt, also absorbs and retains more heat than natural surfaces such as forests and grasslands.
  • Reduced vegetation is a contributing factor: Additionally, reduced vegetation and tree cover in urban areas contribute to the urban heat island effect, as plants help to cool the environment through evapotranspiration.
  • Negative impact: The urban heat island effect can have negative impacts on human health, as well as on energy consumption, air and water quality, and ecological systems.

heatwave

The Socio-economic impact of heat waves

  • Health: Heatwaves can cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke, leading to hospitalization and death. People working outdoors, such as farmers, construction workers, and street vendors, are particularly vulnerable. The elderly, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions are also at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
  • Labor productivity: High temperatures reduce work capacity and productivity, especially for outdoor workers. This can lead to income loss and lower economic growth.
  • For instance: For labourers doing heavy work, heat exposure leads to a loss of 162 hours per year, as per one study. A rise in temperatures directly impacts labour productivity. About 50% of India’s workforce is estimated to be exposed to heat during their working hours. This includes marginal farmers, labourers at construction sites and street vendors parlaying their produce on the streets; increasingly, even gig economy workers are affected.
  • Agriculture: Heatwaves can damage crops and livestock, leading to reduced yields and income loss for farmers. High temperatures and low soil moisture can also lead to drought and water scarcity, which can further exacerbate the agricultural impact.
  • For example: 90% of India’s cumin production is from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The recent weather variability has destroyed the majority of the cumin crop in Rajasthan. From agricultural crop losses, it is a short step towards drought and higher mortality.
  • Energy demand: During heatwaves, the demand for electricity and other forms of cooling increases, leading to power outages and blackouts. This can affect businesses, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure.
  • Migration: Heatwaves can lead to migration as people seek cooler areas or better living conditions. This can strain resources in the destination areas and lead to social tensions.

Heatwave

Ways to Mitigate the Problem

  • Greening could help mitigate part of the problem: Ideally, for every urban citizen in India should have at least seven trees in the urban landscape. However, many urban localities even in leafy Delhi fall short. Development plans for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can set up a mandate to increase urban surface area that is permeable, while pushing to increase the density and area of urban forests.
  • Expanding and restoring wetlands: Expanding wetlands and restoring dead and decaying ponds/lakes may also help ensure ecological functioning along with reducing urban heat.
  • Reducing the urban heat island effect: This requires a push for greater usage of permeable materials in civic infrastructure and residential construction and enhancing natural landscapes in urban areas. Urban layouts such as brick jalis for ventilation and terracotta tiles to allow hot air to escape, and curbs on anthropogenic heat emissions from vehicles, factories, etc. may be considered.
  • Avoiding usage of heat absorbent material: Urban building standards should be upgraded to avoid usage of heat-absorbent galvanized iron and metal roof sheets.
  • Using cleaner cooking fuels: Using cleaner cooking fuels will reduce indoor air pollution, which may also help reduce urban heat.
  • Increasing natural vegetation: Streets with low ventilation may need further expansion, or an increase in natural vegetation
  • Voluntary and other measures: Other measures can also be considered such as, from embracing public transportation, to reducing personal vehicle usage and, most importantly, reducing the size of landfills. A push for waste segregation, along with solid waste management at source, can help.
  • Improving our forecasting ability: India needs to improve our forecasting ability, including the potential impact of heat on food production.
  • Improving economic models: Current econometric models associated with food inflation primarily look at the variability in the monsoon, minimum support prices and vegetable prices. India needs to add local heat trends to the mix as well, given the impact of heat on food production, storage and sale.
  • Detailed management policies: We need detailed policies and guidelines on weather variability and urban heat management at the State, district, city and municipality ward levels.

Value addition box: The Chandigarh Model, a template to build climate-responsive architecture

  • Natural green belts: The city was set up by the foothills of the Shivaliks, between two river beds, while natural green belts were incorporated within the city’s master plan.
  • For instance: A large green belt of mango trees was also planted around the city to help reduce urban sprawl and to serve as a buffer between the residential city and the industrial suburbs.
  • Climate responsive architecture: Local architecture such as mud houses within the region was considered as a template to build climate-responsive architecture.
  • City cooling plans: A small rivulet was dammed to create the Sukhna lake, to help cool the city, while small water bodies were developed near large buildings.
  • Increased tree cover: Parks were planned out in every sector, along with tree plantations alongside all the major roads. Large forest areas were also reserved.

Conclusion

  • With climate change exacerbating local weather patterns, we are likely to see April-May temperatures reaching record highs every three years. Moreover, an El Niño-influenced monsoon bodes ill for marginal farmers and urban migrants. Policymakers must take mitigatory action early, while instituting structural infrastructure measures to help Indians adapt to these conditions.

Mains Question

Q. What do you understand by mean urban heat island effect? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of rising heatwaves and how can these efforts be integrated with broader climate change adaptation strategies?

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Electoral Reforms In India

Election Commission Revised It’s List of National and State Parties

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Representation Of People's Act
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: EC, Political parties and related provisions

Central Idea

  • The Election Commission of India (EC) recently revised its list of recognised national and state parties.

The EC’s decision

  • The EC recognised AAP as a national party and revoked the national party status of TMC, NCP and CPI.
  • It also revoked the state party status granted to Rashtriya Lok Dal in Uttar Pradesh, Bharat Rashtra Samithi in Andhra Pradesh, People’s Democratic Alliance (Manipur), Pattali Makkal Katchi (Puducherry), Revolutionary Socialist Party (West Bengal) and Mizoram People’s Conference (Mizoram).
  • The EC laid down strict technical criteria for a party to be recognised as a national party, based entirely on its electoral performance. A party may gain or lose national/state party status from time to time, depending on the fulfilment of these conditions.

Process of recognition and derecognition

  • Election Symbols Order, 1968: The process of recognition and derecognition is stipulated under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, which lays down the criteria for recognition as a national or state party.
  • Specific stipulations: The order has specific stipulations which also find concurrence in the EC’s Political Parties and Election Symbols, 2019 Handbook.
  • Based on poll performance: The EC’s decision was based on a review of the parties’ poll performances since 2014.

What is a National Party?

  • The name suggests that a national party would be one that has a presence ‘nationally’, as opposed to a regional party whose presence is restricted to only a particular state or region.
  • National parties are usually India’s bigger parties.
  • However, some smaller parties, like the communist parties, are also recognised as national parties.
  • A certain stature is sometimes associated with being a national party, but this does not necessarily translate into having a lot of national political clout.

Criteria for recognition of political parties

Criteria National Party State Party
At least 6% of valid votes in 4+ states OR 4 Lok Sabha seats from at least 3 states OR recognition as a state party in at least 4 states ✓
2% of all Lok Sabha seats in the last such election, with MPs elected from at least three states. ✓
Two seats plus a 6% vote share in the last Assembly election in that state ✓
One seat plus a 6% vote share in the last Lok Sabha election from that state ✓
3% of the total Assembly seats or 3 seats, whichever is more. ✓
One of every 25 Lok Sabha seats (or an equivalent fraction) from a state. ✓
An 8% state-wide vote share in either the last Lok Sabha or the last Assembly polls. ✓

Benefits of recognition as a national party

Benefit Description
Election symbol The election symbol of the party will remain unchanged across India, making it easier for voters to identify and vote for the party.
Free broadcast/telecast time National parties get free broadcast/telecast time on Akashvani and Doordarshan during the general election, giving them greater visibility and reach.
Star campaigners National parties can have a maximum of 40 star campaigners whose travel expenses will not be counted in the accounts of the candidates.
Consultation with the Election Commission National parties will have the privilege of consultation with the EC in the setting of election dates, and giving inputs in setting electoral rules and regulations.
Top slots on the EVM/ballot paper Top slots on the EVM/ballot paper are reserved for national parties, giving them greater visibility and prominence on the ballot.

 Perception and legal challenges

  • The greater impact, however, will be concerning the public perception of the party, which is why many who have lost national party status are planning to go to courts.
  • Some parties are questioning the power of the EC though it stands legitimised by the Supreme Court.
  • The EC has no discretion in the matter as the rules are very specific and repeatedly emphasise that a party is eligible if, and only if it fulfils all criteria.

Conclusion

  • The EC’s decision to revise the list of recognized national and state parties has faced legal challenges from some parties questioning the power of the EC. However, the EC’s decision is based on strict technical criteria laid down by the EC and the process of recognition and derecognition is stipulated under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

Mains Question

Q. The Election Commission of India (EC) recently revised its list of recognised national and state parties. In this light highlight the criteria for recognition of political parties and discuss the benefits of recognition as a national party

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Iran

China’s Mediation Brings Saudi Arabia and Iran to the Table: An Analysis

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood - Relations
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: NA

Mains level: Resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran and China's mediation efforts, concerns of US, Israel and India

China

Central Idea

  • China’s mediation efforts have resulted in the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which is significant in terms of regional stability and the changing dynamics of international diplomacy.

What is Mediation?

  • Mediation is a deliberate attempt to reconcile differences between two parties, and it plays a significant role in international relations. In this op-ed, we will discuss China’s recent mediation efforts that led to the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Background

  • Conflicts in GCC: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been facing several tensions and conflicts since 2016, mainly related to Yemen and Syria. However, bilateral efforts have been underway since early 2016 to ease these tensions.
  • Bilateral efforts: Talks were held in Baghdad and during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to China in February 2023. The Emir of Kuwait and the Sultan of Oman initiated steps that were responded to by Iran. All concerned were worried about the attacks on shipping and energy facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates.

China’s Mediation Efforts

  • Resumption of diplomatic relations: In a joint statement on March 10, 2023, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China announced that an agreement has been reached between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran covering a resumption of diplomatic relations between them and a re-opening of their embassies and missions within a period not exceeding two months.
  • Terms of the agreement: The agreement affirmed their respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and said the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries shall meet to implement this, arrange for the return of their Ambassadors, and discuss means of enhancing bilateral relations.
  • For instance; One agreement and seven achievements: Iranian National Security Adviser Ali Shamkhani lent credibility to the accord. A commentary in an Iranian newspaper on March 11 depicted the event as ‘One agreement and seven achievements’; it listed the latter as
  1. Tehran’s willingness to engage in dialogue;
  2. Failure of the U.S.’s effort to isolate Iran;
  3. Strengthening of the alliance of Islamic Countries;
  4. Failure of Israeli efforts against this agreement;
  5. Failure of U.S. effort to show the Iranian public that it has no choice but to agree to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with America;
  6. Beijing’s successful entry in West Asian relations, and
  7. Failure of dreams of regime change.

American and Israeli Reactions

  • US; Change in terms of reference in international diplomacy For US:S. reactions, apart from unconcealed surprise, reflected the change in terms of reference in international diplomacy.
  • Israel; a fatal blow to a regional coalition against Iran: Equally surprised was Israel, the other major player in the region, which saw it as a fatal blow to the effort to build a regional coalition against Iran.

The Indian stand

  • India’s reaction to this development has been restrained: Apart from historical linkages, the region is in India’s proximate neighbourhood and within its security parameters.
  • Trade a priority: It is the principal source of hydrocarbon imports, and increasingly of investments. It is also an important destination for manpower exports apart from being a major trading partner including projects.
  • Policy of avoiding interference in bilateral and regional disputes: The official policy has focused on bilateral relations and avoidance of involvement in bilateral and regional disputes.
  • Refrained from speculative ventures: Given these priorities, India has consciously refrained from speculative ventures in alternate security architectures apart from supporting cooperative security and freedom of waterways and of navigation.

Conclusion

  • China’s mediation efforts have played a significant role in bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran to the negotiating table. This development is significant in terms of regional stability and the changing dynamics of international diplomacy. India’s response to this development has been restrained, focusing on bilateral relations and avoiding involvement in regional disputes. The region should not be viewed in competition with China, and India should not consider itself a surrogate for those who have been outplayed in power games.

Mains Question

Q. Analyze the significance of China’s mediation efforts in bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran to the negotiating table and its impact on international diplomacy. Evaluate India’s response to this development.

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

NCERT’s Changes On Mughal History and Sparked Heated Debate

op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: NA

Mains level: National educations policy, Importance of History

NCERT

Central Idea

  • The controversy over the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) reducing the content on Mughal history in the school curriculum has sparked a heated debate in the country. While some argue that this move is part of a larger agenda to erase the Mughal legacy, others believe that it is a necessary step towards reducing the burden on students and providing a more balanced approach to teaching Indian history.

NCERT’s changes

  • The NCERT removed overlapping material from grades 6 to 12 to reduce the burden on students.
  • Grade 12 has been designed around themes in Indian history. It is divided into three parts spanning over 2,000 years. One theme out of 12 focuses on Kings and Chronicles. It revolves around the significant policies that redefined the landscape and mindset of the people. Akbar’s policies feature in this theme in the rationalized syllabus as well.
  • This is over and above the extensive coverage they get in the middle school curricula, at the cost of the exclusion of the rest. Mughals have been overrepresented in Indian history books and were an obvious area for right-sizing.

What NCERT has said on omitting chapters?

  • Part of rationalisation process: According to NCERT director, Chapters on Mughals have not been dropped. There was a rationalisation process last year because due to COVID, there was pressure on students everywhere.
  • Reducing the burden without affecting the knowledge: The expert committees examined the books from standards 6-12. They recommended that if some sections or this chapter is dropped, it won’t affect the knowledge of the children and an unnecessary burden can be removed.
  • Transition towards National Education Policy (NEP): NCERT working as per NEP, 2020. This is a transition phase. NEP 2020 speaks of reducing the content load. NCF (National Curriculum Framework) for school education is being formed, it will be finalised soon. Textbooks will be printed in 2024 as per NEP.

Need for a balanced approach

  • Purpose of studying Indian history: The purpose of studying Indian history should be to understand who we are and how we got here, by understanding the demography, culture, and practices of the various components of India over the last two-and-a-half millennia.
  • Dive deep into all polities: This requires us to dive deep into all polities that have resided in the subcontinental region for significant periods.
  • Mughal history is just one part: Mughal history is just one part of just one period (medieval) of Indian history, and there is a lot more to our history that needs attention.

Need for a more comprehensive approach

  • Rich and long history: Indian history is too rich, long, and unwieldy for any curriculum to do justice.
  • Children needs to have broader understanding: In the age of Wikipedia, we need to expose our children to the broad themes and grand sweep of history, create an understanding of their origins, and equip them with the tools and curiosity to read and research further as they grow.
  • Step is in good direction: The current reorganization is a good step in that direction.

Conclusion

  • The real debate should be how to teach 2,500 years of Indian history to children in an engaging and informative manner. Those quibbling over the current rearrangement lack both a perspective on the scale of Indian history and an understanding of the complexities of teaching it. They would be better served by picking up a few history books themselves.

Mains Question

Q. The national education policy speaks of reducing the content load and ensure the understanding in this light discuss the significance of teaching history of India in more rational and comprehensive manner.

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Corruption Challenges – Lokpal, POCA, etc

Independence of Constitutional Authorities Is An Important Issue

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Constitutional Bodies
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Constitutional bodies

Mains level: Independence of Constitutional bodies and independent appointments

Central Idea

  • The recent comments made by the Supreme Court regarding the independence of constitutional authorities in India is an important issue. The need for independent institutions and a system of checks and balances is essential to prevent the arbitrary use of power by the government. The appointment process of key constitutional positions needs to be safeguarded from the whims of the executive.

Need for Independent Institutions

  • Executive interference: The Constituent Assembly of India had recognized the need for independent institutions to regulate sectors of national importance without any executive interference.
  • Constitutional bodies: Various constitutional authorities such as the Public Service Commission, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Finance Commission, and the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Backward Classes (BC) have been set up for this purpose.
  • Need complete independence: Such constitutional bodies must be provided complete independence to enable them to function without fear or favor and in the larger interests of the nation.

Appointment Process for Constitutional Authorities

  • Appointments are critical for independence: The appointment of individuals heading these institutions is critical to ensuring their independence.
  • Safeguarded from the whims of the executive: While empowering the President of India to appoint all constitutional authorities, the Constitution-makers had kept in mind those institutions whose independence is of paramount importance to the country and the manner in which the independence of these authorities could be safeguarded from the whims of the executive

Appointment of Judges and Other Constitutional Positions

  • The Constitution provides for certain conditions to be fulfilled by those who may be considered for such appointments.
  • Role of governors: The appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court, the CAG of India, and Governors are to be kept free from political or executive pressure.
  • For instance, appointment of the CAG:
  • In the draft Constitution, the article for the appointment of the CAG had provided that, there shall be an Auditor General who shall be appointed by the President. The Constituent Assembly further discussed that The Auditor-General should be always independent of either the legislature or the executive.
  • The process of selecting a person to be appointed as the CAG of India should begin by appointing a committee consisting of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India, and the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee to shortlist names to be considered for appointment as the CAG of India; and a panel of three names should be forwarded to the President for him to make the final selection as in Article 148 of the Constitution of India.

Supreme court on appointment of CEC, EC’s and Governor

  • Appointment of CEC and EC’s: The Supreme Court has taken an important step in ensuring the independence of the Election Commission of India by divesting the executive of its sole discretion in appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) by forming a committee to suggest suitable names to man these constitutional posts.
  • Appointment of Governors: The Court expressed serious concern over the active role being played by Governors in State politics, observing that Governors becoming part of political processes is disconcerting. The appointment process for Governors needs to be unrestricted and unfettered to ensure that the President is free from the influence of the Legislature.

Conclusion

  • It is necessary to ensure the independence of constitutional authorities to enable them to function without fear or favor and in the larger interests of the nation. The appointment process for key constitutional positions must be safeguarded from the whims of the executive. The recent comments of the Supreme Court regarding the independence of constitutional authorities in India are a reminder of the need to ensure that the appointment process for such positions is free from political or executive pressure.

Mains Question

Q. The issues over the independence of constitutional authorities in India is often in the headlines. In this light discuss why is it necessary to ensure the independence of constitutional authorities, and what are the implications of failing to do so?

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

India’s Philosophy Stand Out As A Beacon To The World

op-ed snap | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Salient features of Indian Society
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: India's philosophy and fundamentals

Mains level: India's philosophical heritage

Philosophy

Central Idea

  • The philosophical underpinnings of India’s civilization are unique and powerful, and they empower India to withstand waves of invasions, natural calamities, and societal challenges. India’s worldview and approach towards human life make India stand out as a beacon to the world. However, many Indians remain ignorant of their own philosophical heritage, and building on these foundational values can serve as building blocks for India’s soft power.

The Fundamentals of Indian Philosophy

  • Indian philosophy cannot be ascribed to any particular scripture.
  • The fundamentals of the perceived philosophy of India have come from many scriptures, and the Indian approach is to let a thousand flowers bloom.

The Five Tenets that Make India Stand Out

India’s philosophy has at least five fundamental tenets that make it stand out: 1. Spiritual democracy, 2. Unity in diversity, 3. Confluence with nature, 4, antyodaya, and 5. vasudhaiva kutumbakam. These tenets reflect the teachings of sages and philosophers such as Gautama Buddha, Adi Shankara, and Guru Nanak.

  1. Spiritual Democracy: India rejects any monopolistic approach to ways of worship, and it welcomes diversity in ways of worship. This approach reflects the fundamental unity of all that exists, and sages call it by various names.
  2. Unity in Diversity: India’s unity is inherent in its diversity, and this diversity is our innate unity that manifests in myriad ways. India not only accommodates but also celebrates the pervasive diversity.
  3. Confluence with Nature: India does not aspire to conquer nature, but instead, it has a tradition of sincere and deepest gratitude towards nature. Many Indian traditions and rituals reflect this approach, and sustainability is a part of our philosophy of human life.
  4. Antyodaya: India’s unique concept of antyodaya puts the last man first. The most deprived are the most deserving when it comes to the distribution of the fruits of development. Antyodaya encompasses both social and economic justice and takes us beyond the binary of capitalism and socialism.
  5. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: India has imagined the entire world as one family, where values like mutuality, sharing, and collectivism are given primacy. This approach nips in the bud all the uncalled-for apprehensions about ultra-nationalistic or jingoistic approaches.

India’s Philosophical Heritage Can Build on Its Soft Power

  • India can build on its unique philosophical heritage, which can serve as building blocks of India’s soft power.
  • India’s foundational values are needed now more than ever, as the global community faces conflicts and wars emanating from weird ideas of supremacy, oneupmanship, and monopolistic spirituality.

Conclusion

  • India’s philosophy and approach towards human life and worldly concerns are unique and powerful, and they make India stand out as a beacon to the world. India’s soft power can build on its unique philosophical heritage, and India can use this to assert itself even in the most complex and unpredictable future. The key challenge is to establish that India is capable of walking the talk and using its philosophy to deal with societal challenges. Indian philosophy empowers us to handle the contemporary challenges, and it has gained India huge goodwill among the global community.

Mains Question

Q. India’s philosophy and approach towards human life and worldly concerns are unique and powerful, and they make India stand out as a beacon to the world. Discuss

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Vision Continues to Inspire Present Day Governance

op-ed snap | | Mains Paper 1: Post-Independence
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Check the knowledge box

Mains level: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's legacy and present day governance

B.R. Ambedkar

Central idea

  • The 132nd birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar is an occasion to recognize his ideas and actions which continue to inspire and guide the present and future generations.

B.R. Ambedkar’s Legacy

  • R. Ambedkar was more than an individual, and his ideas and actions continue to illuminate the present and are a guiding light for the future.
  • He epitomised the spirit of justice and stressed establishing institutions for a just society.

Ambedkar’s contribution to nation-building

  • Multidimensional contribution: The centenary of Ambedkar’s work, The Problem of Rupee: Its Origin and its Solution, paved the foundation of the Reserve Bank of India in 1934. During that time, the country was trying to come out of the clutches of colonialism, and Ambedkar vigorously advocated for significant nation-building measures in a multidimensional manner.
  • Tirelessly work to safeguarding the interests of the people: From his work on the Simon Commission to representing the Depressed Classes in the Round Table conferences and chairing the Constitution’s drafting committee, Ambedkar tirelessly worked towards safeguarding the interests of the people.

Quick knowledge box from civilsdaily: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s literary work

Literary Works

Description
Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development A paper presented by Ambedkar to an anthropology seminar at Columbia University, which discusses the caste system in India and its origins
The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution A work that proposed a solution to the problem of currency fluctuations in India and paved the way for the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India
Annihilation of Caste A speech delivered by Ambedkar that strongly criticized the caste system in Hindu society and advocated for its annihilation
What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables A book that criticized the Indian National Congress and Mahatma Gandhi for their treatment of the untouchables in India
States and Minorities A book that analyzes the relationship between the majority and minority communities in India and argues for the protection of minority rights
The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables? A book that traces the history of the untouchables in India and argues for their social and economic upliftment
Buddha and His Dhamma A book that describes the life and teachings of the Buddha and how they can be applied to contemporary society
Who Were the Shudras? A book that examines the origins and history of the Shudra caste in Hindu society

Present government’s commitment to Ambedkar’s vision

  • Ambedkar’s vision in planning and implementation: The present-day government led by PM Modi has been committed to adhering to Ambedkar’s vision from planning to implementation.
  • People-centric policy measures: The government has taken steps towards the ease of life of citizens, such as the implementation of pro-poor and people-centric policy measures.
  • For instance: Schemes such as Stand-Up India, Start-Up India, PM Awas Scheme, BHIM, Mudra, and JAM trinity, which show that the government is leaving no stone unturned to fulfill the assigned targets and ensure saturation-level implementation.
  • Government’s efforts to preserve Ambedkar’s legacy: Government’s has adopted a sensitive approach towards preserving Ambedkar’s legacy. The National Research for Conservation of Cultural Property has preserved Ambedkar’s belongings for posterity, which will be showcased at the upcoming Dr B R Ambedkar Socio-Economic & Culture Centre. The Centre will serve as a sacred place highlighting glimpses of Ambedkar’s contribution to building the nation.

Ambedkar’s relevance to present-day India

  • Panch Pran mantra: There are parallels between Ambedkar’s ideas and the Prime Minister’s Panch Pran mantra for making a developed India.
  • Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Ambedkar believed that the constitutional ideals and social philosophy of liberty, equality, and fraternity have Indian cultural roots, and the government’s initiatives, such as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, reflect this belief.

Conclusion

  • India’s commitment to Ambedkar’s vision would have resulted in greater public welfare if earlier governments had accepted him in this manner. On Ambedkar’s 132nd birth anniversary, it is essential to recognize his legacy and commitment to establishing institutions for a just society. The legacy of B.R. Ambedkar is a guiding light for India, and his ideas and actions continue to inspire and provide a moral force for justice.

Mains Question

Q. Discuss the relevance of B.R. Ambedkar’s ideas to present-day India. How has the present government committed to adhering to Ambedkar’s vision in planning and implementation of policies?

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Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

Inflation in India is Driven by Food Prices

op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Inflation, WPI and CPI

Mains level: Inflation trends in India

Inflation in India

Central Idea

  • The recent trajectory of inflation in India is attributed to the pricing power of five big corporates or ‘Big 5’ according to former Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India, Viral Acharya. However, the argument is flawed as the Indian inflation is different from the rest of the world, and it is driven by food price inflation. While corporate pricing power does exist, it is limited, and the extent to which it drives overall inflation is still debatable.

The factor of food price inflation

  1. Divergence between Indian and Western inflation rates is not new:
  • Sudden surge of Inflation in India: After the global financial crisis of 2008, Indian inflation surged higher than the economies of the US and UK due to food price inflation caused by negative agricultural shocks and high procurement price hikes.
  • Core inflation: Food-price inflation tends to feed into core inflation, so it would be hasty to conclude that Indian inflation is higher than the West today due to corporate pricing power.
  • Food price inflation: Evidence suggests that in India, food price inflation affects core inflation, and food price inflation enters costs of the non-agricultural sector.
  1. Corporate pricing power in India:
  • Corporate pricing power and overall inflation: Corporate pricing power exists in Indian industry, but the extent to which it drives overall inflation in India is debatable. The question is how much corporate power is driving inflation beyond its obvious role in elevating the price level.
  • Prices of food: To measure inflation without considering the price of food is to exclude what matters most to the public, as opposed to central bankers.
  • Inflation control strategy: India’s inflation control strategy needs to address the challenge of ensuring the production of food at affordable prices.
  1. Comparing WP inflation with CP inflation
  • Comparing WP inflation with CP inflation is to acquiesce in a mismatch.
  • The commodity basket corresponding to CP includes items that do not enter the wholesale price index, so we would be comparing apples with oranges.

Inflation in India

The argument is based on a short time period

  • WP inflation has eased considerably in the six months preceding March 2023, but CP inflation has not. However, a mismatch between WP and CP inflations is not new.
  • So, the maintenance of high price increases by firms in the retail sector even after wholesale price inflation has declined in 2022-23 may just be a compensating mechanism, i.e., the rising input cost of the retail sector is being passed on with a lag.

Facts for prelims: WP inflation VS CP inflation

Aspect Wholesale Price (WP) Inflation Consumer Price (CP) Inflation
Definition Measures the change in average price level of goods sold by producers at the wholesale level Measures the change in average price level of goods and services purchased by households
Captures Changes in prices of goods before they reach the retail market Changes in prices of goods and services at the retail level
Indicator of Early indicator of changes in overall price level of economy Inflation that households experience in their day-to-day lives
Impact Affects production cost and supply chain Affects purchasing power of consumers
Calculation Based on price changes of goods sold in bulk to retailers or other businesses Based on price changes of goods and services purchased by households
Usage Used by policymakers to monitor changes in cost of production and production-level inflation Used by policymakers to monitor inflation and make decisions related to monetary policy
Examples Wholesale prices of raw materials, oil, and other commodities Retail prices of food, clothing, transportation, and other consumer goods and services

Rising food prices driving current inflation

  • Over 75% of the direct contribution to inflation in the first three quarters of the financial year came from sectors in which the Big 5 are unlikely to be represented in a big way.
  • The contribution of food products alone was close to 50% in most time periods.
  • Rising food prices are driving current inflation in India.

The current inflation control strategy

  • Considerable rise in food prices: In India, food prices have only risen, and in recent years their rate of inflation has been very high. For all the reforms since 1991, the real price of food, i.e., its price relative to the general price level, has risen considerably.
  • What matters most to public must be considered: In the context, to measure inflation without considering the price of food is to exclude what matters most to the public, as opposed to central bankers.
  • Current strategy restricted to using the interest rate to dampen aggregate demand: India’s inflation control strategy is currently restricted to using the interest rate to dampen aggregate demand. This strategy avoids addressing the challenge of ensuring the production of affordable food.
  • Question mark on RBI’s ability to control inflation: The RBI has been unable to control even the core inflation which central banks are assumed to be able to control. A recent intervention explaining core inflation in India has highlighted the RBI’s inability to control inflation.

Conclusion

  • Inflation is being discussed only in terms of core inflation, which excludes the inflation in food and fuel prices because these prices tend to fluctuate and even out the changes, so it is assumed that they do not require a policy response. However, this assumption is flawed in the context of India’s economy, as food and fuel prices have a significant impact on the economy and people’s livelihoods. Therefore, limiting the discussion to core inflation ignores the role of corporate pricing power and the impact of food and fuel prices on the economy.

Mains Question

Q. What is the factor that primarily drives inflation in India? Highlight the relationship between food price inflation and overall inflation in India?

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

AI Regulation in India: Ensuring Responsible Development and Deployment

op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields,S&T - Applications In Everyday Life
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: AI applications and latest developments

Mains level: AI's limitless potential, challenges, risks and regulations

AI

Central Idea

  • As the deployment of Artificial intelligence (AI) based systems continues to grow, it is important for India to develop and implement regulations that promote responsible development and deployment, while also addressing concerns related to privacy, competition, and job losses.

The Potential of AI and its Risks

  • Limitless potential: The potential of AI is vast and encompasses a wide range of applications across various fields. AI has the potential to improve productivity, increase efficiency, and provide personalized solutions in many areas such as healthcare, finance, education, manufacturing, transportation, defense, space technology, molecular biology, deep water mining, and exploration.
  • Significant risks: While the potential of AI is immense, it also comes with significant risks that need to be addressed. Some of the risks associated with AI include biased algorithms, misdiagnosis or errors, loss of jobs for professionals, unintended harm or civilian casualties, and cybersecurity threats. It is important to ensure that AI development and deployment are carried out with caution and that potential risks are mitigated.

AI

Takeaway keyword Box from civilsdaily: AI applications in various fields, advantages, challenges and associated risks.

Fields AI Applications Advantages Challenges Risks
Healthcare Diagnosis and medical imaging, drug discovery, personalized medicine, virtual nursing assistants, remote monitoring of patients, health data analysis Improved accuracy and speed of diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, faster drug discovery, remote patient monitoring Integration with existing healthcare systems, ethical and regulatory concerns, data privacy and security Misdiagnosis or errors, biased algorithms, loss of jobs for healthcare professionals
Finance Fraud detection, customer service chatbots, personalized financial advice, risk assessment and management, trading algorithms Improved fraud detection and prevention, personalized customer support, optimized risk management, faster trading decisions Integration with existing financial systems, ethical and regulatory concerns, data privacy and security Biased algorithms, systemic risks, cyber attacks
Education Personalized learning, adaptive learning, intelligent tutoring systems, student engagement analytics, automated grading and feedback Improved student outcomes, personalized learning experiences, increased student engagement, reduced workload for educators Integration with existing education systems, ethical and regulatory concerns, data privacy and security Biased algorithms, loss of jobs for educators, lack of human interaction
Manufacturing Quality control, predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, collaborative robots, autonomous vehicles, visual inspection Increased efficiency and productivity, reduced downtime, optimized supply chains, improved worker safety Integration with existing manufacturing systems, ethical and regulatory concerns, data privacy and security Malfunctioning robots or machines, loss of jobs for workers, high implementation costs
Transportation Autonomous vehicles, predictive maintenance, route optimization, intelligent traffic management, demand forecasting, ride-sharing and on-demand services Reduced accidents and fatalities, reduced congestion and emissions, optimized routing and scheduling, increased accessibility and convenience Integration with existing transportation systems, ethical and regulatory concerns, data privacy and security Malfunctioning autonomous vehicles, job displacement for drivers, cybersecurity threats
Agriculture Precision agriculture, crop monitoring and analysis, yield optimization, automated irrigation and fertilization, pest management, livestock monitoring Increased crop yields, reduced waste and resource use, optimized crop health, improved livestock management Integration with existing agriculture systems, ethical and regulatory concerns, data privacy and security Malfunctioning drones or sensors, loss of jobs for farm workers, biased algorithms
Defense Intelligent surveillance and threat detection, unmanned systems, autonomous weapons Improved situational awareness and response, reduced human risk in combat situations Ethical and legal concerns surrounding the use of autonomous weapons, risk of AI being hacked or malfunctioning in combat scenarios Unintended harm or civilian casualties, loss of jobs for military personnel
Space technology Autonomous navigation, intelligent data analysis, robotics Increased efficiency and productivity in space exploration, improved accuracy in data analysis Risk of AI being hacked or malfunctioning in space missions, ethical and regulatory concerns surrounding the use of autonomous systems in space Damage to equipment or loss of mission due to malfunctioning AI
Molecular biology Gene editing and analysis, drug discovery and development, personalized medicine Faster and more accurate analysis of genetic data, improved drug discovery and personalized treatment plans Ethical and regulatory concerns surrounding the use of AI in gene editing and personalized medicine Misuse of genetic data or personalized treatment plans, loss of jobs for medical professionals
Deep water mining and exploration Autonomous underwater vehicles, intelligent data analysis Increased efficiency and productivity in deep sea exploration and mining, improved accuracy in data analysis High costs and technical challenges of developing and deploying AI systems in deep sea environments Malfunctioning AI systems, environmental damage or destruction due to deep sea mining activities

The Need for Regulation

  • Current regulatory system not well equipped: The current regulatory system may not be equipped to deal with the risks posed by AI, especially in areas such as privacy and competition.
  • Develop regulations in collaboration: Governments need to work with tech companies to develop regulations that ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI systems.
  • Balanced regulations: The regulation needs to be adaptive, flexible and balance between the benefits and risks of AI technology. This way, AI technology can be developed while taking into account societal concerns.
  • Privacy Concerns and responsible usage: AI-based systems, such as facial recognition technology, raise concerns related to privacy and surveillance. Governments need to develop regulations that protect citizen privacy and ensure that data is collected and used in a responsible way.
  • Risk assessment: Risk assessment could help in determining the risks of AI-based systems and developing regulations that address those risks.
  • For instance: Europe’s risk assessment approach may serve as a useful model for India to develop such regulations.

Competition and Monopolization

  • AI powered checks and balance: The dominance of Big Tech in the tech landscape raises concerns of monopolization and the potential for deepening their control over the market. However, the presence of multiple players in the AI field generates checks and balances of its own.
  • Healthy market for AI technology: The development of new players and competitors can promote innovation and ensure a healthy market for AI technology.

AI

Conclusion

  • AI technology holds immense potential, but its risks need to be mitigated, and its development and deployment need to be carried out responsibly. Governments must work towards developing regulations that ensure that AI technology benefits society, while addressing concerns related to privacy, competition, and job losses. Responsible development and deployment of AI technology can lead to a brighter future for all.

Mains Question

Q. AI has limitless potential in various fields. In this light of this statement enumerate some of its key revolutionary applications in various fields and discuss challenges and associated risks of deploying AI in various fields.

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Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

Women Cadres (Maoist): Structural Violence and Exploitation

op-ed snap | Indian Society | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues,Linkages Between Development & Spread Of Extremism
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: NA

Mains level: Inner party women representation and hardships

Women Cadre

Central idea

  • The Communist Party of India (Maoist) claims to fight for gender equality, but the reality is that women cadres are subject to structural violence and exploitation.

Women’s representation in the party

  • Negligible representation in the council: Despite constituting 35%-40% of the party, women’s representation in the Central Committee and the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) is negligible
  • Members in the cadre: Only one-woman cadre is a Central Committee member out of more than 20 members, and only two women cadres are DKSZC members out of approximately 20 members

Concerns over women’s health and nutrition

  • Health challenges: Women face additional health challenges in the jungle and receive inadequate nutrition and healthcare. Most women become anaemic due to the lack of proper nutrition.
  • Menstrual hygiene challenges: Women cadres do not receive menstrual leave and need to be alert all the time with a gun. Only one loin cloth is provided to two women cadres to be shared as a sanitary napkin for six months.
  • Fundamental necessities are not adequate: Women cadres are not allowed to liberally use water and are at the mercy of the unit commander who carries some medical necessities

Conditions for marriage and reproduction

  • Marriage is not to enjoy family life: The party permits marriage only between willing partners to fight together, not to enjoy family life.
  • Forced vasectomy: Male cadres are forced to undergo vasectomy either before marriage or immediately after marriage.
  • Forced abortion: If a woman cadre gets pregnant, she has to undergo an abortion
  • Silent on divorce and polygamy: The party is silent on issues of divorce and polygamy

Sexual exploitation and ill-treatment of women

  • Sexual exploitation and ill treatment: Sexual exploitation of women is not uncommon in the party, and instances of suicide by women cadres due to ill-treatment and suspicion are reported.
  • Nominal punishment: Disciplinary action is taken against cadres for moral turpitude, but the maximum punishment is only suspension for a year or demotion.

Conclusion

  • Women who join the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in the hope of bringing about a revolution for the proletariat and the landless class are often subject to the same structural violence that they are supposed to fight. The party needs to ensure gender equality in reality, not just in its claims, and provide better conditions for women cadres.

Mains Question

Q. How do structural inequalities and power dynamics within political movements impact the fight for gender equality? Illustrate.

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Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

Online Dispute Resolution (ODR): Bus to Become An Arbitration Hub

op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: ODR applications

Mains level: Online Dispute Resolution mechanism in India, advantages , challenges and measures

Online

Central Idea

  • India can still become a leader in dispute resolution despite missing the opportunity to establish itself as an arbitration hub. The use of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) can enable India to enhance its ease of doing business and become a more preferred destination for dispute resolution.

India’s shortcomings in arbitration

  • India’s low rank in the ‘Enforcing Contracts’ category in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report, which indicates the difficulties in enforcing contracts in India.
  • Although India has taken steps to improve its arbitration laws and regulations, it is not yet a preferred destination for arbitration.

India’s strengths in technology

  • India’s has demonstrated its strengths in technology, especially in the field of ODR.
  • India has a unique advantage in this area due to the widespread adoption of online technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the judiciary lead the way in online hearings.

What is Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)?

  • ODR is a method of resolving disputes through the use of digital technology and the internet, without the need for physical presence in a traditional courtroom setting.
  • It involves the use of various tools and platforms such as video conferencing, case management systems, digital signatures, and even advanced technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to resolve disputes.
  • ODR offers many advantages over traditional methods of dispute resolution, such as reduced burden on courts, time and cost savings, and increased accessibility to dispute resolution services for parties located in different geographical locations.
  • ODR is becoming increasingly popular around the world, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which has made physical hearings and meetings difficult or impossible in many cases.

Advantages of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in India

  • Convenience: ODR provides a convenient way for parties to resolve disputes without the need to physically travel to a court or other dispute resolution center. This can save time and money, especially in cases where parties are located in different parts of the country.
  • Efficiency: ODR can help to streamline the dispute resolution process by providing tools such as case management systems, automated case flows, and digital signatures and stamping. This can help to reduce the time and costs associated with traditional dispute resolution methods.
  • Accessibility: ODR can make dispute resolution more accessible to individuals and businesses, especially those who may not have the resources to pursue traditional legal remedies.
  • Expertise: ODR platforms can provide access to experts in specific fields, such as intellectual property, international trade, or e-commerce, which can be especially useful in resolving disputes that involve complex legal issues.
  • Confidentiality: ODR can provide a confidential environment for parties to resolve disputes, which can be especially important in cases where sensitive business information is involved.
  • Flexibility: ODR can be tailored to the specific needs of the parties and the dispute, providing a more flexible and adaptable approach to dispute resolution than traditional legal methods.

Opportunities for ODR in India

  • ORD already in use: Private platforms in India are already resolving lakhs of disputes through ODR and that many corporates have migrated to ODR to resolve small-value disputes.
  • Look beyond the conventional tools: The ODR can be used for more than just audio/video conferencing and can encompass tools such as multi-channel communication, case management systems, automated case flows, digital signatures and stamping, and even advanced technologies such as blockchain, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Measures to promote ODR

Three key measures that can be taken to promote ODR in India are as follows:

  1. Incentivizing the use of ODR: Incentivizing the use of ODR through legislative measures such as setting ODR as a default dispute resolution tool for online transactions, fast-tracking enforcement of ODR outcomes, and exempting or reducing stamp duty and court fees.
  2. Solving infrastructure challenges: Solving infrastructural challenges and optimizing existing setups such as Aadhaar kendras to also function as ODR kiosks. Each court can have an ODR cell along with supplemental technical and administrative support.
  3. Proactive use of ODR by government: Government departments should explore ODR as a grievance redress mechanism. Proactive use of ODR by government entities will not only increase trust in the process but also ensure that citizens have access to a convenient and cost-effective means of resolving disputes with the government.

Conclusion

  • The ODR has the potential to ensure justice for all, at everyone’s fingertips. While India may have missed the bus to become an arbitration hub, it can still catch up and overtake other countries in ODR.

Mains Question

Q. What is Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)? Discuss the advantages of ODR in India and suggest measures that can be taken to promote its use.

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Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

The 17th Lok Sabha: A Short-Lived Parliament with Low Productivity

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Lok Sabha and its devices

Mains level: Low productivity of Lok Sabha, reasons and implications

17th Lok Sabha

Central Idea

  • The 17th Lok Sabha is set to complete its five-year term in 2024. However, with only 230 sitting days so far, it is unlikely to surpass the 331 days of the shortest full-term Lok Sabha since 1952. The latest session, the Budget session, was marked by minimal legislative activity and continuous disruptions, with only one item, the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, being discussed.

Low Productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha

  • The Lok Sabha has functioned for only 33% of its scheduled time (46 hours) during the Budget session, with the Rajya Sabha working for 24% (32 hours).
  • The second part of the session was even more unproductive, with the Lok Sabha working for only 5% and the Rajya Sabha for 6% of their scheduled time.
  • The number of Bills introduced and passed has also declined significantly since the first session, with fewer than 10 Bills being introduced or passed in each of the last four sessions.
  • The latest Budget session was also one of the shortest since 1952, with the Lok Sabha spending only 18 hours on financial business, compared to an average of 55 hours in previous Budget sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha.
Lok Sabha Term Total Sitting Days Bills Introduced Bills Passed Average Sitting Days per Year
15th 2009-2014 357 244 181 71
16th 2014-2019 331 247 156 66
17th 2019-2024 Less than 331 (projected) 150 (as of April 2023) 131 (as of April 2023) 58 (projected)

Lack of Debates and Discussions

  • Short-duration discussions: The Rules of Procedure of both Houses of Parliament provide for various devices that can be used to draw attention to matters of public importance and hold the government accountable. However, in the 17th Lok Sabha, only 11 short-duration discussions and one half-an-hour discussion have been held so far, and none were held during the latest session.
  • Question Hour: This is despite the fact that the latest session saw the least amount of time spent on questions in the current Lok Sabha. Question Hour functioned for only 19% of the scheduled time in the Lok Sabha and 9% of the scheduled time in the Rajya Sabha.

Why the Lok Sabha’s productivity has been low?

  • Disruptions and Protests: The 17th Lok Sabha witnessed frequent disruptions and protests from opposition parties, leading to a significant loss of time and decreased productivity. Some of the major issues that led to disruptions include the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and farm laws.
  • Lack of Consensus: The ruling party enjoyed a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, but there was still a lack of consensus on many key issues, resulting in a delay in passing important bills and legislation.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the low productivity of the Lok Sabha as many sessions were delayed or cancelled due to safety concerns.
  • Speaker’s Decision: The decision of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to disallow opposition MPs from raising certain issues also resulted in protests and disruptions, further reducing the productivity of the house.
  • Shorter Sessions: The 17th Lok Sabha had shorter sessions compared to previous Lok Sabhas, which also contributed to lower productivity. Many important bills and issues were left pending as there was not enough time to discuss and debate them thoroughly.

Implications of low productivity of the Lok Sabha

  • Delay in passing important bills: When the Lok Sabha is unable to function effectively, it can lead to a delay in passing important bills, which may have an adverse impact on the economy and governance. For example, crucial bills related to taxation, infrastructure, and social welfare may get delayed, affecting the overall progress of the country.
  • Poor quality of legislation: When the Lok Sabha is unable to function effectively, it may lead to poor quality of legislation. There may be a lack of debate and discussion, leading to hasty decision-making and poor-quality laws that may have unintended consequences.
  • Damage to democratic institutions: When the Lok Sabha is unable to function effectively, it can damage the democratic institutions of the country. It can erode the trust of citizens in the democratic process and lead to a feeling of disenchantment and disengagement among the people.
  • Wastage of taxpayers’ money: When the Lok Sabha is unable to function effectively, it leads to wastage of taxpayers’ money. The salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament are paid from the public exchequer, and if they are not able to discharge their duties effectively, it amounts to a waste of taxpayers’ money.
  • Negative impact on investor confidence: When the Lok Sabha is unable to function effectively, it can have a negative impact on investor confidence. Investors may be hesitant to invest in the country, leading to a slowdown in economic growth and development.
  • Lack of accountability: When the Lok Sabha is unable to function effectively, it may lead to a lack of accountability. Members of Parliament may not be held accountable for their actions, and the executive may be able to push through decisions without proper scrutiny or oversight.

17th Lok Sabha

Conclusion

  • The 17th Lok Sabha has been marked by low productivity and a lack of debates and discussions, despite the availability of mechanisms to hold the government accountable. The upcoming year is unlikely to see a significant increase in the number of sitting days. This lack of productivity and accountability could undermine the role of Parliament in a democracy and the ability of the government to pass important legislation.

Mains Question

Q. What are the reasons for the low productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha? What are the implications of its low productivity, and how might it affect the country’s progress and democratic institutions?

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Internal Security Trends and Incidents

India Must Take Khalistan Extremism Seriously and Address The Root Causes

op-ed snap | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Organized Crime & Terrorism,Social Media Networks & Internal Security
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: NA

Mains level: Internal security

Central Idea

  • The resurgence of Sikh extremism in the form of the self-styled Sikh extremist preacher Amritpal Singh, modelling himself on Bhindranwale of yore, has raised concerns in areas with a significant Sikh diaspora. The real cause for concern is that the current security dispensation has not learnt from past mistakes and needs to take appropriate action before the situation spirals out of control.

Background: Bhindranwale Phenomenon

  • The resemblance of the self-styled Sikh extremist preacher, Amritpal Singh, to Bhindranwale is limited to style and lacks substance.
  • However, the extremist fringe among Sikh youth, including the Sikh diaspora in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, seems to be galvanized by the imposter’s attempts to revive the Bhindranwale mystique.
  • The links have been established by this ‘core group’ with pro-Khalistan groups such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), the Babbar Khasla, and the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF).

Lessons from the Past

  • Inadequate current security dispensation: The current security dispensation does not appear to have learnt the right lessons from past mistakes.
  • Operation Blue Star: The Bhindranwale phenomenon was not a sudden development, and if it were properly handled, it could have been checkmated well before 1984, and the subsequent violence leading to ‘Operation Blue Star’ and the damage caused to Akal Takht could have been avoided.

What was the Khalistan movement?

  • Dates to pre-independence era: The Khalistan movement, which started in the 1940s during British rule, calls for establishing a separate nation for Sikhs. When India became independent and Punjab was partitioned, its leaders demanded a special status for the state. However, the Central Government did not pay attention to these demands, and Sikhs felt betrayed, leading to the idea of a separate nation growing substantially.
  • Rise of Bhindranwale: Many individuals and organizations contributed to the Sikh revivalist movement; however, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale emerged as a charismatic leader after becoming the head of Damdami Taksal on August 25, 1977.
  • Failure to fulfil regional demand: Punjabi political parties, such as the Sikh Akali Party, failed to fulfil the regional demands concerning river waters and the transfer of Chandigarh as a capital city to Punjab. The devolution of power gave rise to Bhindranwale’s image among the masses.
  • Finally Military Operation: The military mission, OBS, was carried out between June 1 to June 10, 1984, to take control of key gurdwaras, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, from Bhindranwale’s supporters. Bhindranwale was killed during the operation; however, in recent times, his image remains alive and well.

Why is it being revived?

  • Political instability: Punjab in recent years has witnessed a political crisis leading to a change in governments, ruling political parties and CM’s giving chance for radical outfits to grow.
  • Economic challenges: Punjab state has a high employment rate (According to data from the Centre’s Periodic Labour Force Survey 2019-20, Punjab’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average). Also, the year-long Farmers’ protest in 2021 and railways blockades have led to the creation of negative sentiments among investors about the state’s investment environment leading to decreasing investments in Punjab and rising unemployment.
  • Rising communalism: multiple events of blasphemy have taken place in the state which is flaming the fire of communalism among the people of the state.
  • Provocation from Pakistan: Investigations by security agencies suggest links between Khalistani groups and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) – further increasing the likelihood of feelings of separatism due to drug trafficking and networking through Sikh pilgrimages.
  • Feeling to of persecuted minority: images of the 1984 anti-sikh riots and the topic of the non-persecution of culprits of the riots are being used to suggest that Sikhs are persecuted minority and thus they must have their own land in form of Khalistan.

Cause of concern

  • Threat to national security and integrity: the resurgence of the Khalistan movement is a threat to national security similar to the Kashmir and NE insurgency.
  • May darken Punjab’s future: a poor law and order situation may deter investors to invest in Punjab thus further deteriorating its economy and leading to spillover effects in social and political sectors.
  • Involvement of diaspora: The idea of forming a separate state for Sikhs has died down in Punjab; however, it has attracted the attention of a large audience in the diaspora who now have settled in other nations for long and thus have lost their affinity with India as their homeland.
  • Misuse of social media: which defies any international boundary, thus misused by separatists in Pakistan and other nations.
  • Bilateral relations may be harmed: the Khalistan issue has already harmed Indo- Canada relations and now straining Indo-UK due to the conduction of Referendum 2020 in these countries despite the Indian Government’s objection.

Avoiding Misreading of Sentiments

  • Wider perspective: Treating all that is happening now as evidence of a foreign conspiracy instead of facing up to the reality that this may be more than a mere emotional outburst of the Sikh extremist fringe is a grave mistake.
  • Finding the real cause: Blaming the current violence on the drug mafia with links to Pakistan can at best be a proximate, but not the real cause.

Confronting the Threat

  • Innovative ways: India needs to find ways and means to defeat the ‘siren call’ of radical extremists of every hue, whether they be Khalistanis or other kinds of extremists.
  • Ensure balance and sense of unity: It needs to steer between the extremes of the right and left and ensure a greater sense of unity within the country, according to individual dignity and human progress, and demonstrating leadership in the comity of nations.

Way ahead

  • The resurgence of Sikh extremism and the growing insecurity among Sikh youth and discontent prevailing among the Sikh peasantry needs to be addressed to prevent a repeat of the violent events that took place in the late 1970s to the 1990s.
  • Intelligence analysis should be prioritized to detect the signs of growing insecurity and discontent.
  • There is need for good intelligence to deal with the situation.

Conclusion

  • India should not yield to the temptation of resorting to hard measures without understanding the true causes and join the ranks of nations that solely believe in strong-arm methods. India needs to effectively confront the threat posed by radical extremists, such as the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), while respecting liberal values and ensuring unity within the country.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

China’s Renaming Exercise Undermines International Law

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood - Relations
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: NA

Mains level: China's renaming strategy and its implications

Central Idea

  • China’s recent move to rename 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh and standardise those names on the basis of a map is an exercise of the Chinese perspective of international law, which goes against the international law widely adhered to by most members of the United Nations.

Historical Basis of China’s Claims

  • China’s claims over disputed territories, such as the South China Sea, are often based on historical records, maps, and cultural relics.
  • China argues that these territories had been its territory since the Song Dynasty and, therefore, should be considered part of its sovereign territory. However, this approach is not recognized under international law and undermines the basis of the international legal system.

Chinese perspective of international law

  • Jurisdiction rights: The Chinese perspective of international law is based on its strong stress on the principle of sovereignty. According to this view, sovereign states have an inalienable right to exercise jurisdiction over their territories and their people without interference from other states.
  • Historic rights: China combines its vision of sovereignty with the historic right to exercise jurisdiction over those territories or maritime areas as well, which were once ruled by a Chinese dynasty in the mediaeval or ancient era.
  • Undermines international legal system: The historic right approach makes China undermine the basis of the international legal system grounded in the sovereign equality of states and the general rules of international law.

Contravention of international courts and tribunals

  • Contravenes the decisions of international courts and tribunals: China’s attempt to rename 11 disputed locations on historical and administrative bases contravenes the decisions of international courts and tribunals.
  • No convincing proofs: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) considers direct evidence of possession and the actual exercise of sovereignty as more convincing proof of title to a territory than indirect presumption from events in history.
  • Against the principle of uti possidetis juris: China’s renaming exercise goes against the principle of uti possidetis juris, which is the principle that the boundaries of newly independent states should follow those of the previous colonies.
  • Help of cartographic materials: China tries to buttress its territorial and maritime claims with the support of maps, but cartographic materials do not have any legal value by themselves. They constitute extrinsic evidence of varying reliability that might, depending on the circumstances, be used together with other evidence to establish a fact.

What is the principle of uti possidetis juris?

  • The principle of uti possidetis juris is a Latin phrase that means as you possess under law.
  • It is a principle of international law that was developed in the context of decolonization. The principle holds that newly independent states should inherit the territorial boundaries that existed at the time of their independence.
  • The idea is that the territorial integrity of a new state should be protected and that the boundaries of the state should not be subject to change without the consent of the state.
  • The principle of uti possidetis juris is meant to prevent disputes over territorial boundaries that could lead to instability or conflict.

Implications of China’s actions

  • China’s actions in Arunachal Pradesh undermine the international legal system based on the sovereign equality of states and the general rules of international law.
  • China’s historic right approach to sovereignty over territories and maritime areas is a cause for concern for other countries with territorial disputes with China.
  • China’s use of maps to support its territorial and maritime claims is not a legally valid argument and undermines the legal basis for resolving territorial disputes.

Conclusion

  • China’s attempt to rename disputed territories in Arunachal Pradesh goes against established principles of international law and undermines the sovereign equality of states. The use of historical claims and maps to support territorial and maritime claims is not recognized in international law. This renaming exercise is likely to further strain India-China relations and impact regional stability. It is essential to uphold the principles of international law to ensure the independence and stability of new states and prevent challenges to territorial boundaries.

Mains Question

Q. What is the principle of uti possidetis juris? How does China’s attempt to rename territories in Arunachal Pradesh contravene the decisions of international courts and tribunals?

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

Russia and China Aim To Build A Post-Western Order

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: NA

Mains level: Russia, China and the West

Central Idea

  • Russia and China aim to exploit divisions within the West to transform the global order and build a post-Western order. However, the Indian strategic community should not expect the fault lines within the West to be fatal, as history has shown that such dreams have not come to fruition.

Post-Western Order

  • Building a post-Western order: Russia and China have talked of upending the world order before, with the history of international communism in the 20th century being about building a post-Western order.
  • America’s internal fissures and divisions between the US and Europe: While Moscow and Beijing are convinced that they can put the West on the defensive by pooling their strengths, the success of this strategy rests on the Moscow-Beijing axis successfully leveraging America’s internal fissures and divisions between the US and Europe.

Dividing America from Europe

  • The Moscow and Beijing are hoping to divide America from Europe: Russia’s latest version of its foreign policy doctrine singles out the US as the main instigator, organizer, and executor of the aggressive anti-Russian policy of the collective West.
  • China’s diplomatic Europe strategy: China’s love for Europe’s strategic autonomy is equally passionate. However, it is unlikely that there will be a decisive movement on either issue, but both sides see the diplomatic dance as a valuable exercise.

Sino-European Engagement

  • Europe’s pressure on Russia: Europe wants Xi to put pressure on Putin to end the war in Ukraine, and Beijing would like Europe to distance itself from the US on its China policy.
  • Europe not ready to busy China’s peace initiative: While Europe is not ready to buy China’s peace initiative on Ukraine, it has convinced itself that Xi is the only leader who can nudge Putin towards peace.

India’s Perspective

  • The realists in India are aware of the many differences between the US and Europe, but they are also aware that Western strategic unity has endured since World War II.
  • The Russian and Chinese overreach has cemented broad Western unity rather than separating Europe from the US.

Conclusion

  • While Russia and China aim to exploit divisions within the West to transform the global order, it is unlikely that they will succeed in building a post-Western order. The fault lines within the West are real, but they are by no means fatal.

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Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

Lessons Learned: Transition To A Self-reliant Clean Energy System

op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: NA

Mains level: India's transition to a self-reliant clean energy system.

Central Idea

  • Lessons learned from the liberalization of upstream petroleum sector can guide India’s transition to a self-reliant clean energy system.

Background

  • In 1980, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took a significant step in liberalizing the upstream petroleum sector in India. This move aimed to reduce the country’s reliance on external sources for petroleum and protect it from supply shocks. However, the liberalization did not bridge the gap between domestic demand and indigenous supply.
  • In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to promote investment in minerals, components, and equipment required for the generation and consumption of clean energy. This decision was driven by the strategic imperative to transition to a self-reliant clean energy system and reduce dependence on external sources of energy.

Bridging the gap between demand and supply in the clean energy sector

  • Demand and supply gap: The liberalization of upstream petroleum did not bridge the gap between the domestic demand for petroleum and indigenous supply.
  • Capital is not enough: The clean energy sector must not presume that the availability of technical talent and capital will be enough to create a world-class hub for the manufacture of batteries, solar cells, wafers, and modules.

Efficient Implementation of Technology in Clean Energy Sector

  • India’s oil and gas producing average: The recovery rate of oil and gas from India’s producing fields has averaged between 25-30%, while fields of comparable geology across the world have a recovery rate between 40-60%.
  • China’s dominance in clean energy value chain: China’s dominance of the clean energy value chain is because its process engineers have perfected the implementation of the several technological steps required to convert raw material into end product.

Reduce entry barriers and improve business condition

  • India cannot compete on the size of the incentive package, and the endeavor should instead be to lower entry barriers, ease business conditions and remove the perception that India offers a high-cost operating environment.

India’s Dependency on External Market and Two-Track Policy with China

  • India remains dependent on the external market for supplies of petroleum, but the country should desist from building a high-cost, domestic, clean energy hub that is forever dependent on subsidies.
  • India should continue with its two-track policy and strengthen its trading relationship with China.

Conclusion

  • India can learn from the lessons of the last 40 years to transition to a self-reliant clean energy system. The country needs to focus on creating an enabling ecosystem, efficiently utilizing technology, and easing business conditions to attract international investment. India should focus on trading relationships and not build a high-cost, domestic clean energy hub dependent on subsidies.

Mains Question

Q. India’s clean energy sector has enormous potential for growth, however there is a gap between domestic demand and indigenous supply. What specific measures can India take to bridge this gap and emerge as global leader in renewable energy?

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Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Global Implications

Finland-NATO-Russia: Search For Ways To Lower The Tensions

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: NATO

Mains level: NATO expansion and its implications

NATO

Central Idea

  • Finland has become the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its decision to join the alliance should be viewed through the lens of conventional deterrence. The accession of Finland into NATO is a rational choice that may provide additional security guarantees and help to defend against possible aggression from Russia.

Historical context of Finland-Russia relations

  • The relationship between Finland and Russia has been a combination of struggle and compromise, dating back nearly 200 years.
  • In 1809, the Russian Tsar Alexander I acquired Finland and made it an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian empire.
  • Between the two world wars, the Finns felt less threatened by Germany than by Russia.

NATO

Finland’s decision to join NATO

  • 31st NATO member: Finland has become the 31st member of NATO, triggering possible countermeasures from Russia.
  • Independent choice: The decision to join NATO is seen as an independent choice, triggered largely by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  • Security guarantee: Finland’s accession to NATO is a rational choice to receive additional security guarantees from the alliance. Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty binds the members together, committing them to protect each other and setting a spirit of solidarity within the alliance.

Preparations for defense against possible aggression

  • Defence against possible aggression: Even prior to its membership in NATO, Finland had been preparing to defend itself against possible aggression.
  • The Finnish system of conscription has generated sufficient resources for the army, navy, and air force to act effectively in a war situation.

NATO

Implications for India and the Arctic region

  • Real punch to the Western alliance in the Nordic region: Finland has maintained a small but capable armed force that is well-trained and resilient, and its inclusion in NATO adds real punch to the Western alliance in the Nordic region.
  • High north is commercial attraction: As the Arctic ice cap melts amidst global warming, the high north has become attractive commercially and contested geopolitically.
  • India is an observer of the Arctic Council: India is an observer of the Arctic Council that seeks to promote wide-ranging cooperation in the polar north.
  • China raising profile in the Arctic: The militarisation of the high north appears inevitable as Finland and Sweden turn from neutrals to Western allies and China raises its profile in the Arctic in partnership with Russia.
  • Global governance: This might make global governance of the Arctic region increasingly problematic

Way ahead: The need for cautious behavior by NATO and Russia

  • Both NATO and Russia should exercise cautious behavior vis-à-vis each other to avoid further escalation of tensions.
  • Finland’s newly elected centre-right government should engage in bilateral dialogue with Russia, trying to understand each other’s security concerns.
  • There should be at least some NATO members who would be willing to rely more on diplomatic tools and lower the temperatures.

NATO

Conclusion

  • The decision of Finland to join NATO is seen as a rational choice, triggered largely by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The accession of Finland into NATO should be viewed through the lens of conventional deterrence and could potentially persuade an adversary not to initiate a war. NATO and Russia should search for ways to lower the tensions and avoid implementing measures and imposing countermeasures.

Mains Question

Q. Finland has become the 31st member of NATO. In this light discuss the rationale behind this decision its implications.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

India-U.S. relationship: Critical Next Six Months

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: I2U2

Mains level: India-U.S. relationship

India-U.S.

Central Idea

  • The India-U.S. relationship will be crucial in the next six months with engagements set to happen between the two countries on various forums like the G20, Quad, and I2U2.

Divergence and Convergence

  • The appointment of Eric Garcetti as the U.S. Ambassador to India signals the potential for greater partnership, but there are also differences to be overcome.
  1. The U.S. may want India to change its stance on the Ukraine crisis.
  2. India may want a stronger position against China.
  • However, the two countries share strong areas of convergence such as
  1. The India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology and
  2. The Indo-Pacific partnership aimed at promoting security, economic growth, and connectivity in the region.

India-U.S.

What is I2U2?

  • In July 2022, India, Israel, the United States (US), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a hybrid summit announced the establishment of a new minilateral grouping called the I2U2.
  • The four countries envision their alliance as an ad-hoc, informal, issue-specific and geoeconomic initiative.

Realignment of U.S. Supply Chains

  • Disrupted supply chains: In recent years, there has been growing interest in diversifying supply chains away from China due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and concerns about over-reliance on a single country.
  • India is emerging as attractive destination: India’s growing consumer market makes it an attractive destination for U.S. businesses looking to expand their customer base.

India-U.S.

Ups and Downs in India-U.S. relationship

  • The India-U.S. relationship has had its ups and downs over time, with key moments such as the nuclear deal, liberalisation of markets, and the outsourcing of Indian techies for U.S. companies.
  • The U.S. has also played an important role in making India an IT superpower.
  • The two countries are also partners in combating climate change and aligned on the importance of space technology.

Trust Deficit

  • In the past, there has been a trust deficit between India and the U.S., with Indians feeling that the U.S. has not always supported India and has instead supported Pakistan.
  • The U.S. has flagged issues related to terrorism, human rights, and democracy in India. However, the two countries can become stronger together by building on their strategic partnership.

Conclusion

  • The next six months will be critical for India-U.S. ties, with both countries looking to enhance collaboration and partnership. While there are differences in opinions to be addressed, the two countries also share strong areas of convergence that can be leveraged to strengthen their strategic partnership.

Mains Question

Q. What is I2U2 initiative? Evaluate how does it fit into the broader context of the India- US relationship?

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Social Media: Prospect and Challenges

Fake News: Addition of The Provision In Intermediary Guidelines

op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 3: Social Media Networks & Internal Security
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: NA

Mains level: Dangers of Fake news and IT rules, 2021

Fake News

Central Idea

  • The addition of the fake news provision in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (Intermediary Guidelines) must be seen in the context of protecting fundamental rights while combatting fake news. The recent addition by the central government clearly militates against settled law and the Constitution.

What is mean by Fake news?

  • Fake news refers to intentionally fabricated or misleading information presented as if it were real news. It can be spread through traditional media sources like newspapers or television, but it is more commonly associated with social media platforms and other online sources.
  • Fake news can range from completely made-up stories to misleading headlines and selectively edited or out-of-context information designed to deceive readers.
  • It is often used for political purposes, to manipulate public opinion or to spread misinformation about individuals, organizations or events.

Fake News

Existing Provisions to Combat Fake News

  • Intermediary Guidelines of 2021: The most preferred democratic process to combat the threats and impact of fake news on a polity would be through Parliament-enacted laws. India opted for the speedier alternative of an addition to the Intermediary Guidelines of 2021 (as amended), through Rule 3(1)(v).
  • Can not disseminate misleading content: Under this rule, intermediaries including social media platforms have to ensure that users do not disseminate content that deceives or misleads on the origin or knowingly and intentionally communicates any information which is patently false or misleading in nature but may reasonably be perceived as a fact.

Remedies Available

  • Complaints and grievance: Any complaints from users, government, or court have to be actioned by the grievance officer of an intermediary, including social media platforms, within 15 days. This timeframe for actioning a complaint for complaints of false or misleading news is reduced to 72 hours.
  • Resolution: The next step for resolution is provided through the Grievance Appellate Committees, which the government recently announced appointments for.
  • Other actions: These remedies are independent of and in addition to the remedies available in law for a government agency to seek takedowns or blocking, as per due process or for courts to decide thereon.

Fake News

Critique of the Addition

  • Provisions already exists: The recent addition of a separate category for restraint on dissemination by users of content in respect of any business of the Central Government is unwarranted as provisions already exist. The restraint is on users and not intermediaries, as misconceived by many. The onus on intermediaries is only of reasonable effort.
  • No transparency: With merely a central government-authorised fact check unit saying so, content could be classified as fake, false or misleading and a takedown and action necessitated, without even a semblance of due process.
  • No legitimacy: In the present instance, there is an absolute absence of legitimate aim for this additional restriction on users and an abject lack of procedures that would assure due process.

Reaffirming the Need for Legitimacy

  • The recent addition clearly militates against settled law and the Constitution: The Supreme Court in Puttaswamy judgment reaffirmed the need for legitimacy, supported by parliament enacted laws, which are proportionate to meet the test of constitutionality.
  • Media One case: Supreme Court’s recent judgment in the Media One case (Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited v. Union of India, April 5, 2023) reiterates that any law or regulation inconsistent with fundamental rights is void. This judgment also reaffirms the four principles that will decide the constitutionality of a law or regulation: (i) unreasonableness or irrationality; (ii) illegality; and (iii) procedural impropriety.

Fake News

Some of the dangers of fake news

  • Inciting communal violence: In India, fake news has been known to incite communal violence. For instance, the spread of fake news on social media was one of the factors behind the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013.
  • Undermining public trust: Fake news can undermine public trust in institutions and the media. This can have serious consequences for democracy and social cohesion.
  • Impact on health: Fake news about health issues can have serious consequences. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, fake news about remedies and cures for the disease led to people consuming dangerous substances.
  • Misinformation during elections: Fake news can also be used to spread misinformation during elections, which can influence voters and distort the democratic process.
  • Economic harm: Fake news can cause economic harm by spreading false information about businesses, leading to loss of investor confidence and financial losses.
  • Spreading rumors: Fake news can also be used to spread rumors about individuals, which can have serious consequences, such as the recent case of fake news leading to the lynching of two men in Assam.

Conclusion

  • The recent addition is unsustainable and unwarranted as provisions already exist. The fight should be for the protection of fundamental rights that are essential to our very existence.

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