Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: China’s West Asian peace diplomacy and Implications for India
Central Idea
- China’s increasing involvement in global power dynamics has been propelled by its diplomatic work in West Asia, which has been facilitated by regional states leveraging its influence with Iran. China’s role as peacemaker in the region has given it a significant advantage in global power tussles, especially in the wake of the Saudi Arabia-Iran diplomatic thaw. However, the implications of China’s role in global power dynamics are far-reaching.
China’s Diplomatic Influence in the Region
- Saudi Arabia-Iran diplomatic thaw: The diplomatic thaw between Saudi Arabia and Iran has propelled China further into global power tussles. Saudi Arabia and Iran have been in a long-standing rivalry, which has caused instability in the region. However, the recent diplomatic thaw has provided an opportunity for China to expand its influence in the region.
- China’s role as peacemaker in West Asia: China’s role as peacemaker in West Asia has given it a significant advantage in global power tussles. Beijing has leveraged its influence with Iran to broker peace deals in the region. China’s diplomatic efforts have been largely successful, and it has emerged as a key player in global power dynamics.
- Implications of China’s role in global power dynamics: China’s diplomatic efforts have put it in a unique position to shape the global order, especially as the United States’ influence wanes. China’s growing influence has also raised concerns among other major powers, who fear that China’s ambitions may threaten their interests.
India’s Political and Diplomatic Outreach in West Asia
- Cultural and geographical proximity: India’s outreach in West Asia has been extensive, with a deep cultural history and geographic proximity to the region.
- Diplomacy and dialogue: India has not commented on the Saudi Arabia-Iran thaw but has always stood for diplomacy and dialogue.
- India’s official position “No third-party mediation”: Many in West Asia believe that India is in a good position to act as a mediator in the region’s conflicts, but India has baulked at such an idea due to its official position of not supporting third-party mediation on Kashmir with Pakistan.
India’s Relations with Iran
- India’s relations with Iran have been impacted by sanctions and difficulties in fastening or upscaling developmental activities at Chabahar Port.
- India’s economic relations with Iran have suffered due to sanctions and India’s efforts to build closer ties with the US by promoting talks with Iran over the latter’s nuclear program.
- Strategic interests in Iran for India remain palpable, especially in light of the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
China’s influence and impact on India’s relations in the region
- China’s capacity to influence Iran: China’s growing economic and political influence in Iran could potentially give it leverage over Iran’s foreign policy decisions, especially with regard to its relations with India. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has also been a major factor in shaping China’s relations with Iran, and India’s decision not to join the initiative has limited its economic ties with Iran.
- Russia and middle east: China’s increasing collaboration with Russia in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, is also a cause of concern for India. Russia’s closer military cooperation with Iran, coupled with its drifting towards China, could potentially create a power bloc in the region that may not be aligned with India’s interests.
- Peacemaker in West Asia: China’s efforts in brokering a diplomatic thaw between the two countries could potentially lead to a reduction in tensions in the region. While this could be seen as a positive development, it could also impact India’s interests in the region, particularly given its close ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
New Delhi’s need to readjust its positions in the region
- India’s historic ties with Iran and its strategic interests in the region make it imperative for India to maintain strong ties with Iran.
- India will also need to balance its relations with other regional players, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have been key partners in India’s energy security and economic growth.
- India may also need to explore new avenues for economic engagement with Iran, given the limitations posed by sanctions and China’s growing presence in the region.
Conclusion
- China’s role as peacemaker in West Asia still needs to play out, but its influence on the region and global politics has implications for India’s relations with Iran. Given China’s growing influence in West Asia, India will need to reassess its position in the region and adjust its foreign policy accordingly.
Mains Question
Q. Discuss the impact of China’s growing diplomatic influence in West Asia on India’s relations with Iran and other regional players. How should India readjust its positions in the region to maintain its strategic interests?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TB, TB day and Theme and Government initiatives
Mains level: TB burden, Government's efforts and challenges
“The theme of World TB Day 2023 — “Yes, we can end TB!”
Central Idea
- India’s National TB Elimination Programme has set a goal to eliminate TB by 2025. However, with India contributing 28% of the global TB burden and spending only 2.1% of its total budget on healthcare, the pace of program implementation has slowed down, especially during COVID-19. Increased investments and multi-sector collaboration are required to meet the target. 24 th March is marked as World TB day.
Back to basics: TB
- Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- It mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
- TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease in the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
- Symptoms of TB include coughing that lasts for three or more weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
- TB can be treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant forms of TB are a growing concern.
- International Union Against TB: India’s fight against TB began in 1929, when it joined the International Union Against Tuberculosis.
- TB division: After independence, the Union government established a TB division under the Directorate General of Health Services with the Ministry of Health to oversee the plan.
- National TB Control Programme: The National TB Institute was established in Bengaluru in 1959, and the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) was formulated in 1962. The Revised National TB Control Programme was developed in 1963.
- National TB Elimination Programme: India’s National TB Elimination Programme now leads the effort to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals.
- TB Harega Desh Jeetega: TB Harega Desh Jeetega (TB will lose, the nation will win) campaign to raise awareness about the disease and encourage people to get tested and treated.
Challenges in Implementation
- Lower budgetary allocation: India contributes 28% of the global TB burden, and as of 2022-23, it spends only 2.1% of its total budget on healthcare, the lowest among BRICS countries, and comparable to Bangladesh (2.5%) and Pakistan (3.4%).
- Slow release of funds: The Joint Monitoring Mission Report 2019 by the Ministry of Health mentions that the slow release of funds has had a significant impact on the program’s effectiveness.
- Low fund utilization: The low fund utilization has resulted in a lack of resources for critical TB control interventions such as early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
- COVID-19 slowed down implementation: Implementation of the TB program has slowed down with COVID-19 and requires further policy development, planning, and additional financing.
Way Ahead: Opportunities for Collaboration
- Different actors need to join hands to support the government’s inter-sectoral, multi-centric program approach for TB elimination and empower community response at the grass roots level.
- Investing in strategic areas like diagnostics and access that have been barriers in the past is critical for reshaping the national TB strategy.
- The theme of World TB Day 2023, “Yes, we can end TB!” conveys a message of hope that getting back on track to turn the tide against the TB epidemic is possible.
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Facts for Prelims: CB-NAAT
- CB-NAAT stands for Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, which is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of genetic material of certain types of bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- CB-NAAT is a highly sensitive and specific test that can detect MTB and drug-resistant strains of MTB in a short amount of time.
- The test uses a small cartridge that contains all the necessary reagents and probes to detect MTB nucleic acid. The sample (usually sputum or other respiratory specimen) is mixed with the reagents and the cartridge is placed into a machine that performs the amplification and detection of the nucleic acid.
- CB-NAAT has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a preferred test for the diagnosis of TB and drug-resistant TB.
- The Government of India has launched a national program called Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) to provide free diagnosis and treatment of TB, and CB-NAAT is a key component of this program.
- However, the cost of the test remains a challenge, and efforts are underway to make the test more affordable and accessible to all.
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Conclusion
- To successfully eliminate TB by 2025, India must prioritize sustainability through strategic investments, focusing on areas with the greatest need and adequately resourcing TB initiatives. With collaborative efforts and commitment, India can overcome its TB burden and achieve its ambitious target. Together, we can make it happen.
Mains Question
Q. Highlight the major initiatives taken by India to combat Tuberculosis and enumerate the challenges and way ahead towards achieving the goal of TB elimination by 2025.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tipu Sultan
Mains level: Historical significance of Tipu Sultan
Central Idea
- Tipu Sultan, a historical figure who continues to fascinate people even today, had a powerful hold on the imaginations of the British during his reign. His afterlife in India has been more mixed, with conflicting views and interpretations from different communities and stakeholders. However, in the currently overheated State of Karnataka, the province of the historian has severely shrunk, yielding place to politicians and religious heads who now adjudicate historical truth.
Who was Tipu Sultan?
- Tipu was the son of Haider Ali, a professional soldier who climbed the ranks in the army of the Wodeyar king of Mysore, and ultimately took power in 1761.
- Tipu was born in 1750 and, as a 17-year-old, fought in the first Anglo-Mysore War (1767-69) and subsequently, against the Marathas and in the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-84).
- Haider died while this war was on, and Tipu succeeded him in 1782
Tipu Sultan’s portrayal in England
- During his reign, Tipu Sultan was feared and envied by the British, who portrayed him as a formidable foe and used him as a metaphor in multiple art objects, skits, and plays.
- The pictorial versions of his defeat and death satisfied a very British need, asserting a badly dented British valour following decades of Mysore opposition to easy conquest.
Tipu Sultan’s afterlife in India
- Contested legacy: In 19th century Mysore, Tipu was admired for his firm stand against the British and for his efforts to prohibit the use of alcohol and drugs. However, in Karnataka today, the only story that can be told about Tipu is of his villainy and his opposition to Kannada and Hindus (and some Christians) alike.
- Politicization and suppression of viewpoints: The politicization of historical scholarship has resulted in conflicting interpretations and the suppression of certain viewpoints.
Admiration for Tipu Sultan
- Resistance against British colonialism: Tipu Sultan was known for his resistance against British colonialism and fought against the British East India Company in four Anglo-Mysore wars. He refused to accept British supremacy and formed alliances with the French to fight against them. His bravery and military tactics are admired by many.
- Agricultural and economic reforms: Tipu implemented several agricultural and economic reforms in his kingdom, including the introduction of new crops, irrigation systems, and the construction of roads and canals. These reforms helped to improve the agricultural productivity and the overall economic condition of his kingdom.
- Support for the arts and culture: He was a patron of the arts and culture and supported the development of literature, music, and architecture. He was known for his love for poetry and encouraged the development of the Urdu language.
- Use of new military tactics: Tipu Sultan is credited with pioneering new military tactics, including the use of rockets and iron-cased warships. His use of rockets in particular gave him an advantage over the British, who were initially unprepared for his tactics.
- Promotion of religious tolerance: Tipu Sultan abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims and promoted interfaith dialogue and understanding. He had a diverse court that included Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, and he was known for his tolerance towards other religions.
- Religious policies: Tipu Sultan’s religious policies have been a subject of criticism, with some accusing him of being intolerant towards non-Muslims. He was known for his forced conversions of Hindus and Christians to Islam and the destruction of temples and churches. The destruction of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, which is said to be carried out on Tipu Sultan’s orders.
- Treatment of prisoners of war: Tipu Sultan has been criticized for his treatment of prisoners of war, especially during the Third Anglo-Mysore war when he ordered the execution of several British prisoners.
- Oppression of certain communities: Tipu Sultan’s oppression of certain communities, including the Kodava people of Coorg and the Nairs of Kerala, has been a subject of criticism. He imposed heavy taxes on these communities and forced them to convert to Islam.
- Suppression of dissent: Tipu Sultan is known to have punished those who spoke out against his rule, including writers and poets. One example of this is the punishment of the poet Diwan Kurnool Srinivas, who was imprisoned and tortured for writing a satirical poem about Tipu Sultan’s rule.
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Facts for Prelims
- Tipu Sultan had alliances with the French and Ottoman empires, and he had diplomatic relations with the United States.
- He was also a supporter of the French Revolution and sent a delegation to Paris to learn about the principles of the revolution.
- Tipu Sultan’s kingdom of Mysore was one of the few Indian states to have a coinage system independent of the Mughal Empire.
- He was interested in science and technology, and he established a library and a centre for scientific research in his palace.
- He is credited with introducing new crops and plants to his kingdom, such as the silk worm and the sandalwood tree.
- Tipu Sultan was a polyglot and could speak Kannada, Persian, Arabic, and Urdu fluently.
- Tipu Sultan was known for his innovative military tactics, such as the use of rockets and iron-cased warships.
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Conclusion
- The contested legacy of Tipu Sultan highlights the importance of protecting historical scholarship from politicization and using it to promote understanding and dialogue instead of being weaponized for narrow political gains. The conflicting views and interpretations of Tipu Sultan’s legacy demonstrate the need for a nuanced and multi-perspective approach to history.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IPCC's report
Mains level: Climate change, dire consequences, efforts of mitigation, progress and challenges
Central Idea
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently released the synthesis report of its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) cycle, which serves as a survival guide for humanity. The report highlights the urgent need for a climate-resilient development model that integrates adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development for all.
- Human activity is driving global temperature rise, currently at 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, with an estimated trajectory of 2.8°C by 2100.
- While the rate of emissions growth has slowed in the past decade, humanity is estimated to be on a 2.8° C (2.1°-3.4° C range) trajectory by 2100.
- This temperature rise is causing widespread impacts on climatic systems, with greater risks at lower temperatures than previously assessed.
- The IPCC report highlights that by 2019, humanity had already used up 80% of its carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C, with developed economies being the biggest contributors.
- The report also notes that existing modelling studies, which are often used to assess emission trajectories, do not explicitly account for questions of equity.
Major implications for limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2°C
- Carbon Budget and Temperature Targets:
- The world’s carbon budget for 1.5°C is much lower than for 2°C. Global pathways show that limiting warming to 1.5°C requires a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, while for 2°C it is 21%.
- Even more concerning is that projected CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel infrastructure already surpass the remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C.
- Striving for a 1.5° C target implies deep and immediate reductions in emissions in all sectors and regions, which makes more salient different national circumstances and questions of climate equity and operationalisation of the UNFCCC’s core principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities.
- Climate adaptation itself has limits:
- The report highlights that adaptation itself has limits, which implies that some losses and damages of climate change are inevitable.
- For example, the report finds that some coastal and polar ecosystems have already reached hard limits in their ability to adapt to a changing climate.
Key message of the report
- Climate-resilient development: Urgently adopting climate-resilient development a developmental model that integrates both adaptation and mitigation to advance sustainable development for all.
- Green transition: The report assesses the plethora of technologies and design options, such as solar energy or electric vehicles, that can help countries reduce emissions or become more resilient today at low costs, and in a technically feasible manner.
- Equity and social justice: Prioritising and addressing equity and social justice in transition processes are shown to be key to climate-resilient development.
- Net-zero emissions: To achieve climate-resilient development, the world needs to reach net-zero emissions. This may depend on large-scale carbon dioxide removals, which are challenging to achieve.
Progress and gaps in Climate Response
- Some progress has been made in policies and laws, with the effectiveness of policy tools like carbon markets.
- The report points out that there are gaps between modelled sustainable pathways and what countries have pledged (ambition gaps) as well as substantial gaps between what countries pledge and what they actually do (implementation gaps).
Way ahead
- Policy package: Policy packages that comprehensively address climate objectives can help countries meet short-term economic goals.
- Investment: Delayed action risks locking-in to high carbon infrastructure in this decade, and creating stranded assets and financial instability in the medium term. Therefore, high upfront investments in clean infrastructure are imperative.
- Financing needs to be increased manyfold: Despite sufficient global capital, both adaptation and mitigation financing need to increase many-fold, between three to six times for annual modelled mitigation investments, from 2020 to 2030.
Conclusion
- The IPCC AR6 synthesis report provides a blueprint for sustainable development and presents a sobering account of the present and future damages to ecosystems and vulnerable populations. It is crucial for governments and individuals worldwide to act urgently to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and pursue climate-resilient development.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Judiciary, Family courts, Challenges and Reforms
Central Idea
- Mumbai’s only family court, inundated with divorce applications and family disputes, showcases a range of emotions and highlights the need for additional family courts to better address these complex and sensitive issues.
The Nature of Family Court Cases
- Mostly divorce cases: Common grounds for divorce include domestic violence, adultery, and dowry, but absurd reasons can also be found among the cases.
- Other issues and counselling: Family courts handle not only divorce cases but also maintenance, child custody, and alimony cases, with judges first suggesting counseling for couples seeking to end their marriages.
- Emotional scenes: Family courts witness heightened emotions, such as anger, blame, heartbreak, relief, and joy, as people struggle with the consequences of broken relationships.
- Inequal treatment: Instances of inequality in the judicial system are evident, with influential individuals sometimes receiving preferential treatment.
- Role of technology and empathy: During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-custodial parents sought to maintain contact with their children through video calls.
- For instance: A lactation room was recently inaugurated at the Bandra family court to provide a refuge for women with infants amidst child custody and divorce proceedings.
Why Family courts were established?
- Family courts were established to provide a forum for speedy settlement of family-related disputes, emphasizing non-adversarial conflict resolution and promoting conciliation.
What are the challenges faced by Family courts in India?
- Backlog of cases: One of the most significant challenges faced by family courts in India is the backlog of cases. Family disputes are often complex and require a significant amount of time to resolve, which results in long waiting periods for litigants.
- Lack of infrastructure: Many family courts in India lack adequate infrastructure, such as courtrooms, staff, and equipment, which makes it difficult to manage cases efficiently.
- Shortage of judges: There is a shortage of judges in family courts, leading to delays in the disposal of cases.
- Low awareness: Many people in India are not aware of the role and functions of family courts, which often leads to confusion and delays in the resolution of disputes.
- Socio-cultural factors: In many cases, socio-cultural factors such as patriarchy, gender discrimination, and dowry-related issues pose significant challenges to family courts in India.
- Limited jurisdiction: Family courts in India have limited jurisdiction and can only hear certain types of cases related to family disputes. This can result in some cases being heard by multiple courts, leading to delays and confusion.
The Need for Expansion and Reform in Family Courts: A Case of Mumbai’s family court
- With over 5,000 divorce cases pending in Mumbai’s family court, frivolous applications and counter-applications add to the pendency of cases and negatively impact children.
- The current seven judges at Mumbai’s family court are insufficient to handle the caseload, and the promise of 14 additional family courts in Mumbai, along with one each in Thane and Navi Mumbai, is a much-needed and welcome move.
Conclusion
- Mumbai’s family court reveals the complexity and emotional intensity of family disputes, and the urgent need for additional family courts to better address these sensitive issues. Expanding the number of family courts will help ensure that more families receive the support and resolution they need during these challenging times.
Mains Question
Q. Establish the purpose of Family courts. Discuss the challenges faced by family court in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India's Water Vision and various schemes
Mains level: India's Water Vision, Challenges and solutions for Sustainable water use
Central Idea
- India’s Water Vision addresses key water-related challenges, highlights ongoing interventions, and offers recommendations for ensuring sustainability and serving as a model for other countries to achieve clean water and sanitation for all.
India’s Water vision
- India’s Water Vision is a government initiative aimed at providing clean and safe water to all citizens of India.
- It was launched in 2019 and aims to provide water security, improve water use efficiency, and increase the use of recycled water.
- The initiative also focuses on conservation of water resources and promoting sustainable water practices.
- It is a plan announced as part of the Prime Minister’s Vision India @ 2047 initiative.
- Climate change: India’s Water Vision comes at a critical time when the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report confirms the adverse impacts of human-caused climate change on water availability and security, and the UN 2023 Water Conference takes place after a 46-year gap.
- G20 presidency: India’s G20 presidency can set an example for other countries to prioritize water action, leading to a global water action agenda with clear commitments and pledges to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030.
Challenges and Interventions in India’s Water Sector
- Jal Jeevan Mission: The Jal Jeevan Mission has increased tap connections in rural households, but there is a need to ensure reliability and quality of water supply through investments in source sustainability and water quality surveillance for improved social, economic, and public health outcomes.
- Groundwater regulation: Strengthen groundwater governance by making substantial progress in decision-making through groundwater atlas, aquifer mapping, and extensive monitoring. Encourage states like Rajasthan and Punjab to pass bills and fully implement the central government’s model law for regulating groundwater.
- Namami Gange Programme and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation: Focus on pollution abatement and river rejuvenation by improving wastewater management through initiatives like Namami Gange Programme and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. Realize the potential of treated wastewater for irrigation by strengthening treatment infrastructure and pricing freshwater adequately.
- Per Drop More Crop initiative: Improve water use efficiency in irrigated agriculture by promoting micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler technologies through the Per Drop More Crop initiative. Scale up water-saving technologies through targeted subsidies for small and marginal farmers.
- Atal Bhujal Mission: Engage local communities in water management through programs like Atal Bhujal Mission, which aims to improve groundwater management in water-stressed blocks by involving communities in the preparation of water security plans, ensuring climate resilience.
Recommendations for Ensuring Sustainability of Water Actions
- Ensure sustainable source: Ensure access to safely managed domestic water services by focusing on source sustainability and water quality surveillance, leading to positive social, economic, and public health outcomes.
- Prompt groundwater regulation: Encourage all states to fully implement groundwater regulation laws and take prompt action to address groundwater overexploitation, especially in major groundwater-consuming states.
- Improve wastewater treatment: Strengthen wastewater treatment infrastructure to treat a larger proportion of municipal sewage and ensure that freshwater is adequately priced to promote safe reuse of treated water for irrigation.
- Efficient water use practice: Scale up water-saving technologies in agriculture by providing targeted subsidies to small and marginal farmers, facilitating the adoption of water-efficient practices and potentially saving 20% of currently used irrigation water by 2050.
- Improving community engagement: Support ongoing community engagement in water management by ensuring the development and implementation of annual water security plans, taking corrective action when necessary to ensure water security in vulnerable regions.
Facts for prelims
| Initiative |
Objective |
| Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) |
Ensure piped water supply to every household in the country by 2024 |
| Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) |
Improve groundwater management in the country |
| Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) |
Provide irrigation facilities to all agricultural lands in the country |
| National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) |
Collect, collate, and disseminate water-related data from various sources |
| National Hydrology Project (NHP) |
Improve the country’s hydrological data management system |
| Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) |
Create awareness about water conservation and promote the judicious use of water |
Conclusion
- India’s Water Vision offers a comprehensive roadmap for addressing water-related challenges and achieving clean water and sanitation for all. By sharing its successes, discussing the sustainability of its initiatives, and offering support to other countries, India can leverage its G20 presidency to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 and serve as a model for global water action.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Changing Geopolitical world order and India's diplomacy
Central Idea
- The changing geopolitical landscape, characterized by realignments and recalibrations among major powers, demands nimble, flexible, and open-ended diplomacy from India, as it faces the challenges posed by the deepening partnership between Russia and China.
Changing geopolitical landscape
- Geopolitical Churn overview:
- Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aims to elevate Indo-Pacific partnership with India.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Moscow to consolidate the Eurasian alliance with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
- Recalibration of relations among major middle powers, such as the thaw between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
- Such events signify the ongoing realignment of major powers in the world.\
- Realignment and Dealignment:
- The breakdown of the post-Cold War world order has accelerated due to Russian aggression against Ukraine and the conflict over Taiwan.
- Countries are adapting to the breakdown of the old order at different speeds and with varying senses of urgency.
- Some trends in the geopolitical landscape are enduring, while others represent short-term adjustments.
- Middle East Dynamics:
- Saudi-Iran rapprochement could be tactical or strategic, but the regional powers have some room for bargaining with both Russia-China and the West.
- Domestic crises in Turkey and Iran might encourage them to scale down their foreign policy adventurism.
- East Asia Developments:
- The recent summit between South Korea and Japan marked the first meeting between the two leaders in nearly twelve years.
- The volatile domestic politics of South Korea and its deep economic relationship with China make the regional dynamic uncertain.
- India needs to navigate this shifting regional landscape with agile diplomacy.
- Russia-China Partnership:
- The deepening partnership between Russia and China poses challenges for India.
- Different perspectives on how this partnership might affect India-Russia relations.
- Strengthening the Strategic Partnership: The visit helps to reaffirm and expand the strategic partnership between India and Japan, which is crucial for maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries share common concerns about China’s growing influence and assertiveness, and the visit highlights their commitment to working together to address these challenges.
- Enhancing Defense Cooperation: Kishida’s visit to India provides an opportunity for both countries to discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation, including joint military exercises, defense technology transfers, and collaboration on defense research and development. This collaboration could help both countries build their capabilities to address regional security challenges.
- Expanding Economic Ties: The visit offers an opportunity to further expand trade and investment relations between India and Japan, which are already robust. Both countries can explore new areas of economic cooperation, such as infrastructure development, technology collaboration, and supply chain diversification, thereby reducing their dependence on China.
- Focus on Connectivity and Infrastructure: Japan has been actively involved in major infrastructure projects in India, such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and high-speed rail projects. Kishida’s visit could lead to further collaboration in connectivity initiatives, both within India and across the Indo-Pacific region.
- Collaboration on Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Both India and Japan are committed to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. Kishida’s visit can help strengthen cooperation in areas such as clean energy, low-carbon technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- People-to-People Exchanges: The visit can also contribute to enhancing people-to-people exchanges between India and Japan, such as academic exchanges, cultural programs, and tourism promotion, which can foster greater understanding and goodwill between the two nations.
Value addition
The deepening partnership between Russia and China in recent years
- Shared Interests: Both Russia and China have an interest in creating a multipolar world and countering Western dominance. They often share similar perspectives on international issues and work together in organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.
- Economic Ties: China has become Russia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching over $110 billion in 2020. Both countries have been working to strengthen their economic cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology.
- Energy Cooperation: Russia is a major exporter of natural resources like oil and gas, and China is the world’s largest energy consumer. The two countries have signed numerous agreements on energy cooperation, including the construction of pipelines and joint development of natural gas projects.
- Military Collaboration: Russia and China have increased their military cooperation in recent years, conducting joint military exercises and sharing defense technologies. Russia has been a significant arms supplier to China, helping to modernize the Chinese military.
- Political Support: Both countries have supported each other on the international stage, often backing each other’s positions in the United Nations and other international forums. For instance, China has supported Russia’s stance on issues like Crimea and Syria, while Russia has backed China on issues related to Hong Kong and Taiwan.
- Response to Western Sanctions: In the face of Western sanctions imposed on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine, the partnership with China has become increasingly important for Moscow. China has provided economic support to Russia, helping to mitigate the impact of these sanctions.
- The US Factor: The United States’ strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific and its efforts to counter China’s rise have pushed Beijing closer to Moscow. Likewise, strained US-Russia relations have led Moscow to seek stronger ties with Beijing.
Russia and China axis: Implications for India
- Strategic Concerns: A closer Russia-China alliance could potentially undermine India’s strategic interests, as both countries are India’s neighbors and have had historical disputes with it. A stronger partnership between Russia and China could complicate India’s efforts to maintain a balance of power in the region.
- Impact on India-Russia Relations: India has traditionally enjoyed a strong relationship with Russia, especially in defense cooperation. However, Russia’s growing ties with China could potentially affect this relationship, as Moscow may prioritize its partnership with Beijing over New Delhi.
- Influence in the Indo-Pacific: A stronger Russia-China partnership could challenge India’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries are trying to expand their presence. This might lead to increased competition and tensions between India and the Russia-China alliance.
- Security Challenges: Increased military cooperation between Russia and China might pose security challenges for India, as it could result in a more assertive and capable China in the region. This could also affect India’s efforts to maintain a stable security environment along its borders.
- Multilateral Forums: India’s role in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) might be impacted by the Russia-China partnership. India may find it challenging to pursue its interests in these forums if both countries work together to promote their shared goals.
- Diplomatic Balancing Act: India will need to navigate a delicate diplomatic balancing act as it seeks to maintain strong ties with both Russia and the US, while also pursuing closer relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s rise.
- Economic Implications: India’s trade and investment relations with Russia and China could be affected by the evolving geopolitical situation. India might need to diversify its economic partnerships to minimize the risks associated with the Russia-China alliance.
India’s diplomacy in response to the changing geopolitical landscape
- Act East Policy: India has strengthened its focus on East and Southeast Asia, both economically and strategically, through the Act East Policy. This approach aims to deepen India’s engagement with the ASEAN countries, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, promoting regional connectivity, trade, and investment while also addressing shared security concerns.
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: Recognizing the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, India has been actively participating in regional forums and partnerships, such as the Quad (comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the United States). This strategy aims to maintain a rules-based order, ensure freedom of navigation, and promote regional stability in the face of China’s growing influence.
- Balancing Relations with Major Powers: India has been navigating its relationships with major powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China. While India has strengthened its strategic partnership with the US, it also maintains its long-standing ties with Russia, despite Moscow’s growing closeness to Beijing. At the same time, India seeks to manage its complex relationship with China, balancing cooperation on regional and global issues with competition and strategic rivalry.
- Neighbourhood First Policy: India has been prioritizing its relationships with its immediate neighbors in South Asia, focusing on enhancing connectivity, economic integration, and people-to-people exchanges. This policy aims to foster regional stability, counterbalance China’s growing influence, and promote India’s leadership role in the region.
- Multilateralism and Global Governance: India has been actively participating in and seeking reforms in global governance institutions, such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council reflects its ambition to play a more significant role in shaping global norms and addressing shared challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, and international terrorism.
- Economic Diplomacy: India has been leveraging its economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment, promote its exports, and diversify its supply chains. By engaging with various regional trade blocs and negotiating bilateral trade agreements, India aims to integrate itself more closely with the global economy and enhance its economic competitiveness.
Conclusion
- As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift and evolve, India needs to adapt its diplomacy to navigate the changing dynamics effectively. The deepening partnership between Russia and China requires India to reassess its strategic relationships and adopt a flexible approach in dealing with both traditional and emerging partners.
Mains Question
Q. India-Japan relations have witnessed a significant transformation in recent years. Discuss the strategic significance of the bilateral partnership and also evaluate the challenges in further strengthening the relationship.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TB
Mains level: TB Burden, Challenges and solutions
Central Idea
- The fight against tuberculosis (TB) has been going on for over 30 years since it was declared a global health emergency, yet the goal of ending TB by 2030 is still uncertain. The fight against TB needs a renewed focus on three key areas i.e., vaccine development, newer therapeutic agents, and improved diagnostics to meet the goal of ending TB by 2030.
Background
- In 1993, the World Health Organization declared TB a global health emergency and the 1993 World Development Report stated that TB treatment for adults was the best buy among all developmental interventions.
- Since then, the global response to TB has been slow and lacks urgency.
Global Fund
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria was created in response to the call for action against TB at the G7 summit in Okinawa, Japan, in 2001.
- The Global Fund has become the single largest channel of additional funding for global TB control.
- However, it faces constraints due to zero-sum games from donor constituents and competition between the three diseases it finances.
StopTB Partnership
- The StopTB Partnership was constituted to mobilize and marshal a disparate set of actors towards the goal of ending TB.
- It has been adapting to changes, such as using molecular diagnostic tools developed to respond to bioterrorism to diagnose TB and using social safety programs to address the poverty drivers of the TB epidemic.
- Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- It mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
- TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease in the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
- Symptoms of TB include coughing that lasts for three or more weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
- TB can be treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant forms of TB are a growing concern.
Three key areas that need attention
- Vaccine development:
- The development of an adult TB vaccine is the first area that needs urgent attention.
- The current vaccine is 100 years old, and the development and wide use of an adult TB vaccine are essential to ending TB.
- COVID-19 vaccine development process provides insights into accelerating the process.
- India’s capabilities can play a significant role in vaccine development and equitable distribution.
- Newer therapeutic agents for TB:
- A few new anti-TB drugs are available but face cost and production constraints.
- Shorter, injection-free regimens are needed to improve compliance and reduce patient fatigue.
- A continuous pipeline of new drugs is essential to combat drug resistance.
- Improved diagnostics:
- AI-assisted handheld radiology and passive surveillance of cough sounds can revolutionize TB diagnostics.
- Incentivize biotech startups to disrupt the complexity and price barriers of molecular testing.
Conclusion
- India’s leadership role in the G20 and the upcoming StopTB Partnership board meeting in Varanasi provide the perfect opportunity for India to lead the way in ending TB. With the collective will and action of leaders, it is possible to end TB sooner rather than later.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NPS
Mains level: Pension reforms and challenges
Central Idea
- The demand for the old pension scheme (OPS) is growing in India, particularly after some states announced plans to revert to it. The mainstream critique of OPS is centered around inefficiency and fiscal deficit concerns. However, it is crucial to examine the policy from the class and welfare perspectives.
What is pension?
- A pension is a retirement plan that provides a stream of income to individuals after they retire from their job or profession. It can be funded by employers, government agencies, or unions and is designed to ensure a steady income during retirement.
What is Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?
- The OPS, also known as the Defined Benefit Pension System, is a pension plan provided by the government for its employees in India.
- Under the OPS, retired government employees receive a fixed monthly pension based on their last drawn salary and years of service.
- This pension is funded by the government and paid out of its current revenues, leading to increased pension liabilities.
- NPS is a market-linked, defined contribution pension system introduced in India in 2004 as a replacement for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
- NPS is designed to provide retirement income to all Indian citizens, including government employees, private sector workers, and self-employed individuals.
Analyzing the Impact of OPS on India’s Socio-Economic Landscape
- Inequality and Regressive Redistribution: Under the National Pension System (NPS), the Sixth Pay Commission increased the basic salary of government employees to cover pension contributions and promote post-retirement savings. As a result, the salary of a government employee is higher than the income of more than 90% of the population. The OPS thus acts as a regressive redistribution mechanism favoring a better-off class.
- Rising Pension Liabilities: Pension liabilities of the government increased substantially due to the Sixth pay matrix, reaching 9% of total state expenditure. By 2050, pension expenditure will account for 19.4% of total state expenditures, assuming the current growth rate remains constant.
- Disproportionate Burden on the Lower Class: The bottom 50% of the population faces the inequitable burden of indirect taxation, six times more than their income. Due to OPS, they must bear the burden of supporting government employees’ pensions, which could push them further into poverty.
- Expenditure Challenges and Public Goods: As India’s population ages and public provision of education and healthcare becomes more critical, OPS poses expenditure challenges for providing public goods. This situation compels governments to compress already low social sector expenditures, pushing marginalized groups into further destitution.
- Monopolization of Future Labor Markets: The OPS facilitates the monopolization of future labor markets in the private sector by a proprietary class, allowing supervisory bureaucracy to consolidate its position and emerge as a dominant group.
Recommendations for Equitable Resource Distribution
- Opposition to the OPS should focus on equitable distribution of resources and expansion of universal provisions of public goods.
- Implement a participatory pension system for government employees to provide more egalitarian outcomes.
- Tweak the NPS to provide a guaranteed monthly return for lower-rung employees.
- Address unequal pay among various ranks of employees through administrative reforms.
- Advocate for progressive taxation of the top 10% and a rationalization of political executives’ pensions and profligacy.
Facts for prelims: NPS vs OPS
| Parameter |
National Pension System (NPS) |
Old Pension Scheme (OPS) |
| Type of System |
Defined Contribution System |
Defined Benefit System |
| Funding |
Contributions from employee and employer |
Government-funded |
| Investment |
Market-linked investments in various asset classes |
No direct investment involved |
| Returns |
Subject to market risks |
Predetermined and not market-linked |
| Pension Amount |
Depends on accumulated corpus and investment returns |
Based on last drawn salary and years of service |
| Annuity & Lump-sum Withdrawal |
Minimum 40% corpus used to purchase annuity, remaining can be withdrawn as lump-sum |
Fixed monthly pension, no annuity or lump-sum withdrawal |
| Portability |
Portable across jobs and sectors |
Limited to government employees |
| Flexibility |
Choice of investment options, fund managers, and asset allocation |
No flexibility, pension determined by predefined formula |
Conclusion
- It is essential to recognize the disenchantment with neoliberalism driving the demand for the OPS. Government employees and policymakers must work together to address the challenges posed by OPS and implement pension reforms that prioritize equitable resource distribution, efficient allocation, and social welfare.
Mains Question
Q. Compare and contrast OPS with the National Pension System (NPS) and discuss the impact of Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on India’s socio-economic landscape.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cancer and Innovative Treatment and therapies
Mains level: Rising Cancer and economic burden
Central Idea
- Cancer cases in India are predicted to cross the 15 lakh mark by 2025, highlighting concerns about the economic burden of expensive cancer treatments and the accessibility of affordable healthcare for patients.
Cancer
- Cancer is a group of diseases that arise when cells in the body begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors.
- Normally, cells in the body grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion, but in cancer, this process goes awry, leading to the accumulation of abnormal cells that can form a mass or tumor.
- There are many different types of cancer, which can affect any part of the body. Some cancers, such as leukemia, do not form tumors but still involve the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
- Symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, but common signs include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, and changes in the skin or the appearance of a lump or mass.
Economic Burden of Cancer Treatment
- Inaccessible and Increasing Costs:
- The average medical expenditure per hospitalization case for cancer treatment was ₹68,259 in urban areas, according to the NSS 2017-18 report.
- A Parliamentary Standing Committee report expressed concern about the inaccessible and increasing cost of cancer treatment.
- Regulatory Challenges:
- While anti-cancer medicine costs can be regulated, the cost of radiotherapy cannot, as it has not been declared an essential service.
- Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Expenses.
- Impact on Patients:
- Cancer often strikes around the retirement age, leading to mounting debt burdens.
- The average hospital stay for 14.1% of cancer patients is more than 30 days, further increasing bills.
Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Poor Insurance Penetration: More than 80% of hospital bills are paid out of pocket, as per the NSS 2017-18 report.
- Ayushman Bharat Limitations: The Committee observed that the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme launched in 2018 does not cover entire prescriptions, latest cancer therapies, or many diagnostic tests.
- State-Specific Insurance Schemes: The Committee suggested a convergence of State and Central schemes, as some State-specific insurance schemes have been highly beneficial.
State-wise Variation in Cancer Treatment Expenditure
- State-wise average medical expenditure per hospitalization case for cancer treatment in government hospitals varies, with the lowest in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and the highest in northern and north-eastern India.
- Unlike chemotherapy or immunotherapy, which require mass-produced injectable or oral medication, CAR T-cell therapies use a patient’s own cells.
- The treatment involves modifying a patient’s own T-cells, which are a type of immune cell, in a laboratory to target and attack cancer cells.
- CAR stands for chimeric antigen receptor, which refers to the genetically engineered receptor that is added to the patient’s T-cells.
- The patient’s T-cells are collected and genetically modified in a laboratory to express the CAR.
- The modified T-cells are then infused back into the patient’s body, where they can seek out and destroy cancer cells that express the antigen targeted by the CAR.
- The cells are even more specific than targeted agents and directly activate the patient’s immune system against cancer, making the treatment more clinically effective.
- This is why they’re called living drugs.
- CAR T-cell therapy has shown promising results in treating certain types of blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma.
Conclusion
- The rising number of cancer cases in India underscores the need to address the economic burden of expensive cancer treatments and improve the accessibility of affordable healthcare for patients. Converging State and Central insurance schemes, expanding insurance coverage, and exploring ways to regulate treatment costs are essential steps to ensure that patients can access life-saving treatments without facing insurmountable financial challenges.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI), Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project
Mains level: Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project and related concerns
Central Idea
- The ₹70,000 crore Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project raises concerns about its ecological impact and the Union government’s hasty clearances, while its feasibility and sustainability remain questionable.
- The Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project is a major infrastructure development initiative launched by the Indian government in 2020.
- The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has cleared the way for the ‘Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project.
- The project aims to transform the Great Nicobar Island, the largest island in the Nicobar group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, into a modern, sustainable, and self-sufficient territory.
- The project includes an international transhipment port, an international airport, a gas and solar-based power plant, and an ecotourism and residential township.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
- Quick Clearances and Exemptions: The project’s quick approvals, clearances, exemptions, and de-notifications indicate the Union government’s keenness to implement it.
- Urbanization and Biodiversity: The project is expected to attract a population equal to the entire island chain, with potential negative impacts on the region’s marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
- Biosphere Reserve and Tribal Reserves: The island was declared a biosphere reserve in 1989 and is home to vulnerable tribal communities, such as the Nicobarese and Shompen.
Feasibility and Sustainability Issues
- Hinterland Economic Activities: A successful transhipment hub requires viable hinterland economic activities, which may be wishful thinking in Great Nicobar.
- Afforestation and Coral Reef Translocation: The far-field afforestation recommendation and coral reef translocation are questionable compensation methods.
- Tectonic Instability: Great Nicobar Island’s proximity to the Ring of Fire and its history of earthquakes raise concerns about the feasibility of developing an urban port city.
Facts for Prelims: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
- Location: Located between 6° and 14° North Latitude and 92° and 94° East Longitude lie the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory in India.
- Two groups of Island: It consists of two groups of islands. The islands located north of 10° north latitude are known as Andaman while islands located south of 10° north latitude are called Nicobar.
- The Andamans: More than 300 islands make up the Andamans. North, Middle, and South Andaman, known collectively as Great Andaman, are the main islands;
- The 10- degree channel: The 10-degree channel which is about 145 km long separates Little Andaman in the south from the Nicobar Islands.
- The Nicobars: The Nicobars consists of 19 islands. Among the most prominent is Car Nicobar in the north; and Great Nicobar in the south. About 90 miles to the southwest of Great Nicobar lies the northwestern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia.
- Formation: Both the Andaman and Nicobar groups are formed by the above-sea extensions of submarine ridges of mountains and are a part of a great island arc. The highest peak is 2,418 feet at Saddle Peak on North Andaman, followed by Mount Thullier at 2,106 feet on Great Nicobar and Mount Harriet at 1,197 feet on South Andaman. Barren island, the only known active Volcano in south Asia lies in the Andaman Sea. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there were volcanic eruptions on Barren Island.
- Andaman Terrain: Formed of sandstone, limestone, and shale of Cenozoic age, the terrain of the Andamans is rough, with hills and narrow longitudinal valleys. Flat land is scarce and is confined to a few valleys.
- Nicobar Terrain: The terrain of the Nicobar is more diverse than that of the Andamans. Some of the Nicobar Islands, such as Car Nicobar, have flat coral-covered surfaces with offshore coral formations that prevent most ships from anchoring. Other islands, such as Great Nicobar, are hilly and contain numerous fast-flowing streams.
- Great Nicobar is the only island in the territory with a significant amount of fresh surface water.
- Climate: The climate of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is tropical but is moderated by sea.
Conclusion
- The Great Nicobar Island project’s ecological and environmental costs, along with its questionable feasibility and sustainability, raise concerns about India’s commitment to conservation, sustainability, and green development models. It is crucial that the green developmental model becomes the guiding principle for future economic activities, ensuring that growth does not result in irretrievable loss of natural capital.
Mains Question
Q. Recently Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has cleared the way for the Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project. In this backdrop, discuss environmental and ecological concerns and sustainability issues.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Security Initiative
Mains level: Global Security Initiative, India- china relations
Central Idea
- The Global Security Initiative (GSI), a China-led framework aiming to restore stability and security in Asia, appears to be more of a counter-narrative to U.S. leadership rather than a genuine attempt to establish a sustainable security order.
What is GSI?
- The GSI was introduced by Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang at the Lanting Forum in Beijing.
- The initiative is based on five pillars: mutual respect, openness and inclusion, multilateralism, mutual benefit, and a holistic approach.
- Mutual Respect and Adherence to International Law:
- China’s relations with neighbors like India and Southeast Asian countries demonstrate a lack of respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- China’s assertive manoeuvres in the South China Sea, rejection of UNCLOS, and undermining of India’s territorial integrity are at odds with the GSI’s first principle.
- Openness and Inclusion:
- Despite advocating for openness and inclusion, China engages in exclusionary policies in the East and South China Seas, rejecting freedom of navigation and consolidating its sphere of influence.
- Multilateralism and Security Cooperation:
- China’s involvement in multilateral institutions often involves asymmetric power relations, as seen in its dealings with ASEAN members.
- Its delay in establishing a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea and ongoing militarization in the region undermine this principle.
- Mutual Benefit:
- China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has the potential to benefit all parties involved. However, its funding of unsustainable projects for countries with low credit ratings creates debt burdens and destabilizes international macroeconomic stability.
- China’s insistence on a larger share in joint resource exploration with the Philippines is another example of disregarding mutual benefit.
- Holistic Approach:
- China’s rise in a transitioning multipolar international system has led to power competitions with established and rising powers, such as the U.S. and India.
- Its engagements with these powers indicate a narrowly defined goal for its power interests. Furthermore, China’s involvement in non-traditional security threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and arming terror groups, shows a lack of holistic approach.
Conclusion
- China’s rise in a transitioning multipolar international system has led to power competitions with established and rising powers, and its involvement in non-traditional security threats shows a lack of holistic approach. It’s Global Security Initiative, which is a vision of a future security order, is vastly different from China’s recent track record of external engagement.
Mains Question
Q. What is China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI)? It is said that China’s GSI is vastly different from China’s recent track record of external engagement. Discuss
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: HDI and India's rank
Mains level: HDI and India's performance analysis
Central Idea
- India is now one of the fastest-growing economies globally. However, this growth has not resulted in a corresponding increase in its Human Development Index (HDI). According to the Human Development Report of 2021-22, India ranks 132 out of 191 countries, behind Bangladesh (129) and Sri Lanka (73).
- Composite statistical measure by UNDP: The HDI is a composite statistical measure created by the United Nations Development Programme to evaluate and compare the level of human development in different regions around the world.
- As an alternative with broader aspects: It was introduced in 1990 as an alternative to conventional economic measures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which do not consider the broader aspects of human development.
- Aspects: The HDI assesses a country’s average accomplishment in three aspects 1. A long and healthy life, 2, knowledge, and 3. A decent standard of living.
- India ranks 132 out of 191 countries in the HDI 2021.
The subnational HDI: A new index
- Given India’s large size and population, it’s critical to address subnational or state-wise disparities in human development.
- A new index has developed by using the methodology suggested by the UNDP and the National Statistical Office (NSO), which measures human development on a subnational level for 2019-20.
HDI Calculation
- The HDI is calculated using four indicators: life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of schooling, and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
- The subnational HDI uses GSDP per capita as a proxy indicator for GNI since GNI per capita estimates are unavailable at the subnational level.
- The methodology involves calculating the geometric mean of the normalised indices for the three dimensions of human development while applying the maximum and minimum values recommended by the UNDP and NSO.
Subnational HDI Findings
- The subnational HDI shows that while some states have made considerable progress, others continue to struggle. Delhi occupies the top spot and Bihar occupies the bottom spot.
- The five states with the highest HDI scores are Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Sikkim, and Chandigarh. Nineteen states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, have scores ranging between 0.7 and 0.799 and are classified as high human development states.
- The bottom five states are Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Assam, with medium levels of human development.
Reasons for Discrepancies
- The economic growth has been unevenly distributed, with the top 10% of the Indian population holding over 77% of the wealth. This has resulted in significant disparities in access to basic amenities, healthcare, and education.
- While India has made significant progress in reducing poverty and increasing access to healthcare and education, the quality of such services remains a concern.
Conclusion
- The government needs to prioritize human development alongside economic growth to ensure that the benefits of growth are more evenly distributed, and it requires a multi-faceted approach to address various issues such as income inequality, gender inequality, access to quality social services, environmental challenges, and social infrastructure investment. India must prioritize investments in human development and job creation, particularly for its youth, to realize its demographic dividend.
Mains Question
Q. Analyze the performance of different states in terms of their Human Development Index (HDI) and suggest measures that could be taken to address the disparities in human development in the country
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNSC, UNITE Aware technology platform
Mains level: UNSC, India's tenure and contribution
Central idea
- India’s two-year stint in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was unprecedented, with a focus on maritime security, terrorism, UN peacekeeping, reformed multilateralism, and the Global South. India served as the Chair of three important UNSC Committees, made efforts to bring conflicting parties on the same page, and raised important issues like religiophobia.
- Focus on Priorities:
- Clear priorities upon entering the Council in January 2021
- Priorities include maritime security, terrorism, UN peacekeeping, reformed multilateralism, and the Global South
- India elected Chair of three important UNSC Committees
- India’s Role in Maritime Security:
- Prime Minister of India chaired a UNSC meeting on maritime security
- Presidential Statement issued was the first comprehensive document on maritime security
- Document referenced UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as international law setting out the legal framework
- Statement called for freedom of navigation, anti-piracy measures, and combating terror and transnational crime at sea
- Conflicts on the Agenda:
- Old conflicts festered and new conflicts arose, including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Mali, Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Haiti, Libya, and the Sahel, as well as Ukraine
- The Council stood polarised and unable to act decisively
- India attempted to bring the Council together on these issues
- India’s Involvement in Myanmar:
- Military takeover in Myanmar occurred in February 2021
- Permanent-5 were pulling in opposing directions while ASEAN counselled caution
- India shares a nearly 1,700 kilometre-long border with Myanmar and it was crucial to stop violence, bring in stability and ensure democratic processes went forward
- India ensured balanced and comprehensive Council pronouncements, which culminated in a resolution on Myanmar (adopted under India’s presidency) in December 2022.
India’s Impact on the UNSC: Steadfast Diplomacy in the Face of Global Challenges
- India’s role in Afghanistan Crisis:
- India steered negotiations resulting in UNSC Resolution 2593 for benchmarks in Afghanistan, including stopping cross-border terrorism, protecting rights of women and minorities, ensuring an inclusive government, and providing humanitarian assistance.
- India maintains a firm position on the Taliban upholding these benchmarks.
- India’s stance on Ukraine Conflict:
- India’s independent stand calling for dialogue and peace during the Ukraine conflict resonated with many developing countries.
- India spoke out against unilateral sanctions on oil, food, and fertilizers.
- As the conflict spilled over into India’s G-20 Presidency, India is now launching an initiative to convert its proactive position into action.
- India’s focus on counter-terrorism:
- As Chair of the UNSC Counter-terrorism Committee (CTC), India brought the CTC meeting to India in October 2022.
- India attempted to list terrorists under UNSC Resolution 1267 sanctions but was thwarted, however, the proposal to list Abdul Rehman Makki, Deputy Amir/Chief of the Lashkar-e-Taiba was approved by the UNSC, with India as a proposer.
India on peacekeeping
- Largest contributor including women: India has been the largest contributor of UN peacekeepers, including as a pioneer in women peacekeeping.
- UNITE Aware technology platform: Its launching of the UNITE Aware technology platform to strengthen real-time protection of peacekeepers is to be noted.
- Calling for accountability for crimes against peacekeepers: In August 2021, India piloted the first UNSC resolution by India in more than five decades, calling for accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. India also gifted two lakh vaccines to all UN peacekeepers.
Facts for Prelims: The UNITE Aware technology platform
- Developed by India: The UNITE Aware technology platform is a system developed by India in collaboration with the United Nations to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers deployed in conflict zones.
- Real time ground situation: It is a real-time situational awareness system that uses advanced technologies such as satellites, drones, and geospatial tools to provide up-to-date information on the ground situation to peacekeeping forces.
- Mobile app: The system also includes a mobile app that allows peacekeepers to report incidents and receive alerts in real-time.
- Help to make informed decisions: The platform is designed to help peacekeepers make informed decisions and respond effectively to emerging threats, thereby reducing the risks to their safety and security.
On other important issue
- Climate change:
- India’s focus on the developing world, especially Africa and West Asia, was enhanced, given their close historical relations.
- In December 2021, India thwarted a move by the West to wrest climate change from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change-led process and bring it under the ambit of the UNSC, where the P-5 are also major historical polluters.
- The draft resolution was defeated in the Council when India and Russia voted against.
- A change in the climate change architecture would have shut out the voice of the Global South, especially Small Island Developing States.
- Contemporary issues:
- India also raised the issue of a contemporary form of religiophobia in the Council when, while condemning phobia against Abrahamic religions, it forcefully put forth the need to combat rising hate crimes and phobias against non-Abrahamic religions as well.
- With hate crimes being fuelled abroad by vested interests, India’s stand needs to be robustly taken forward.
Conclusion
- India’s Presidency led to a discussion on urgent Council reform, highlighting India’s strong performance and the need for its permanent presence at the horseshoe table.
Mains Question
Q. India’s tenure in the United Nations Security Council from 2020 to 2022 was marked by its focus on several important priorities and its involvement in various global issues. Evaluate India’s performance.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India's export and import and the current trends
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released the latest trade data that shows a continued contraction in India’s merchandise exports and imports in February. It indicates a slowdown in both the global and domestic economies.
Overview
- The pace of contraction has deepened, and this has resulted in a further narrowing of the country’s merchandise trade deficit.
- The disaggregated data shows that core-exports and core imports have continued to contract, and there has been a softening in imports of consumer and investment goods, pointing towards weakening domestic demand.
What the data shows?
- Deepening of Contraction: Both exports and imports have seen a deepening of the pace of contraction. Merchandise exports fell by 8.8% in February, while imports declined by 8.2% in the same month. These figures follow a decline of 6.6% and 3.6% in exports and imports respectively in January.
- Narrowing Trade Deficit: The contraction has led to a further narrowing of the trade deficit to $17.4 billion in February.
- Impact on Export Destinations: The report by Nomura reveals that the sharpest declines have been observed in India’s exports to the US, China, Japan, and the rest of Asia.
- Overall Growth: The higher export growth in the first half of the financial year has pushed overall growth for the year so far (April-February) to 7.55%.
Sectors Affected
- Exports side:
- The disaggregated data reveals that core exports, which exclude exports of oil, gold, and gems and jewellery, have continued to contract.
- 16 out of the 30 main export segments have fallen in February, including labour-intensive segments such as leather and textiles.
- Non-oil non-gems and jewellery exports are almost at the same level as last year.
- On the imports side:
- Core imports, which exclude oil, gold, and gems and jewellery, have also continued to contract.
- The data points towards a softening of imports of consumer and investment goods, indicative of weakening domestic demand.
Back to basics: Trade Deficit
- A trade deficit occurs when a country’s imports of goods and services exceed its exports.
- In other words, it is the amount by which the value of a country’s imports exceeds the value of its exports. It is often seen as an indicator of a country’s economic competitiveness and can have implications for the overall balance of payments and the strength of the domestic currency.
How Narrowing of trade deficit is beneficial?
- Narrowing of the trade deficit means that the country is importing fewer goods than it is exporting, which can improve the overall balance of payments and help to strengthen the domestic currency.
- This can also have positive effects on the economy by reducing the dependence on foreign borrowing and boosting domestic production and employment.
The outlook for exports remains subdued
- According to a report by Crisil, India’s merchandise export growth is likely to moderate to 2-4 per cent in the coming fiscal year as two of the country’s biggest destinations for exports the US and EU are expected to slow down sharply.
- As per the International Monetary Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook, the US economic growth is expected to slow down from 2 per cent in 2022 to 1.4 per cent in 2023, while the Euro region is expected to moderate from 3.5 per cent to 0.7 per cent over the same period.
Conclusion
- The trade data indicates a slowdown in the economy. Sluggish exports and tight monetary policy are expected to reduce growth further. This assessment by the World economic outlook implies that exports are unlikely to provide a fillip to growth. The overall economic momentum will be further weighed down as the full impact of the RBI’s tighter monetary policy will be felt across the country.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Primary Health care and Universal Health care
Central Idea
- The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and its implementation in India raises the question of whether we believe in health as a basic human right, which India’s Constitution guarantees under the right to life. The UHC should encompass primary, secondary, and tertiary care for all who need it at an affordable cost without discrimination.
The Definition of Health
- The definition of health according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which includes mental and social well-being and happiness beyond physical fitness, and an absence of disease and disability.
- We cannot achieve health in its wider definition without addressing health determinants, which necessitates an intersectoral convergence beyond medical and health departments.
Difference between Primary health care (PHC) and Universal health care (UHC)
- The main difference between PHC and UHC is that PHC is a level of care within the health care system, while UHC is a broader goal of ensuring access to health care for all individuals.
- PHC is typically provided at the primary care level, while UHC includes all levels of care, from primary to secondary and tertiary care.
- PHC is focused on basic health care services and health promotion, while UHC aims to provide comprehensive health care services to all individuals.
Health for All by 2000
- The slogan Health for All by 2000 proposed by Halfdan Mahler and endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 1977. It argues that universal health care/coverage (UHC) was implied as early as 1977.
- India committed itself to the ‘Health for All’ goal by 2000 through its National Health Policy 1983.
International Conference on PHC
- The International Conference on Primary Health Care, at Alma Ata, 1978, which listed eight components of minimum care for all citizens.
- Components included: It mandated all health promotion activities and the prevention of diseases, including vaccinations and treatment of minor illnesses and accidents, to be free for all using government resources, especially for the poor.
- Components excluded: Chronic diseases, including mental illnesses, and their investigations and treatment were almost excluded from primary health care. When it came to secondary and tertiary care, it was left to the individual to seek it from a limited number of public hospitals or from the private sector by paying from their own pockets.
Concerns around The Astana Declaration
- The Astana declaration of 2018, which calls for partnership with the private sector. However the commercial private sector, which contributes to alcohol, tobacco, ultra-processed foods, and industrial and automobile pollution, is well established.
- The Astana declaration never addressed poverty, unemployment, and poor livelihood, but eulogizes quality PHC only as the cornerstone for Universal Health Coverage and ignores broader Universal Health Care.
Conclusion
- Every individual has a right to be healed and not have complications, disability, and death. That right is guaranteed only by individualism in public health, the new global approach to UHC, where nobody is left uncounted and uncared for. The Alma Ata declaration of primary health care can be left behind as a beautiful edifice of past concepts, and we should move forward with a newer concept of UHC.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India and China's Comparative Growth prospects
Central Idea
- The Chinese government’s growth target of 5% for 2023 has disappointed observers, given that it is lower than last year’s target and below the expected GDP growth for India in 2023. This is all the more surprising if one considers that India is benefiting from the positive impact of the country reopening after COVID-19 lockdowns while China should benefit from its reopening only this year.
Reasons for China’s lower growth target?
- Risk of undershooting growth target again: The Chinese government does not want to run the risk of undershooting its growth target again, as it happened in 2022.
- Weak external demand and doubts about private investment: Even if consumption is recovering, external demand remains weak and it is hard to know whether private investment will indeed rise given the doubts about the role of the private sector in the Chinese economy as well as increasingly cautious sentiment being expressed by foreign investors.
- Real estate sector dragging down growth: The real estate sector is still dragging down growth.
Sustainable growth
- The Chinese government recognizes that too high a growth rate is no longer desirable, as it only aggravates financial imbalances.
- Instead, they are promoting sustainable growth, which involves a structural shift of the Chinese economy and the implementation of tighter regulatory measures to contain financial risks and achieve more social objectives, such as a green economy and food security.
Job creation and foreign investment
- China emphasises the importance of job security as an objective of sustainable growth, with a higher target for new jobs set by the Chinese government.
- China’s recent charm offensive to retain foreign direct investment in China is an important source of job creation, given the country’s concern about the job market, especially young workers.
- However, investors are looking at new pastures, with India likely to be a major beneficiary. Foreign investors are beginning to contribute more substantially to job creation in India, which could pose challenges for China as it tries to hold on to foreign direct investment within the country.
Comparison of India and China’s growth prospects
- The growth prospects of India and China, with a focus on job creation and competition for foreign direct investment.
- while India and China may not be too different in size and population, growth prospects differ substantially.
- The Chinese government’s cautious growth targets are consistent with the current challenges facing the Chinese economy, but they face more competition than before, especially from India, which has a larger market size and labor pool.
- This pattern of India’s resilient growth and China’s cautious growth targets will accelerate in the next few years, especially if the reshuffling of the value chain continues, pushed by geopolitics and high costs in China.
Conclusion
- The Chinese economy could be facing structural deceleration while India enjoys the benefits of its demographic dividend. China’s structural deceleration and tighter regulatory measures may also affect its future growth prospects. As a result, India may be better positioned for sustained growth compared to China in the coming years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DEPA
Mains level: Data Governance, Data Sovereignty
Central Idea
- India’s digital strategies and data governance have advanced in recent years, but there are concerns regarding inclusivity, transparency, security, and sustainability. India’s G-20 presidency presents an opportunity to showcase advancements in data infrastructures and governance, while balancing the interests of stakeholders, promoting ethical and responsible practices, and navigating the complex issues of data sovereignty.
What is Data Governance?
- Data governance refers to the overall management of the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data used in an organization.
- Data governance of a country is the policies, procedures, and practices established by the government to ensure that data is effectively managed and protected throughout its lifecycle.
- This includes defining standards for data collection, storage, usage, and sharing to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data.
DEPA and Related Concerns
The launch of India’s Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA), a consent management tool, has generated both excitement and concern among stakeholders.
- Potential: DEPA has the potential to improve data protection and privacy for citizens by giving them greater control over the use and sharing of their personal information. By allowing individuals to easily manage and control their data consents, DEPA could help to build trust in digital technologies and data governance.
- Concerns:
- There are risks associated with DEPA, particularly in terms of security and privacy. If the consent management tool is not properly implemented or managed, there is a risk that personal information could be misused or misappropriated.
- The implementation of DEPA may be inconsistent across different sectors and jurisdictions, which could undermine its effectiveness and create confusion among citizens.
- What needs to be done?
- In order to realise the potential benefits of DEPA and minimise the risks, it is important that the tool is implemented in a transparent, consistent, and secure manner.
- This will require close collaboration between the government, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders and the development of clear and effective regulations and standards.
Advancements in Other Sectors and related concerns
- Digital Payments: Significant progress in financial inclusion and promotion of digital transactions through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and other options.
- Digital tech in Healthcare: Use of digital technologies can enhance access to health-care services and empower farmers
- Security and privacy: There are concerns that relate to security and privacy on the one hand and on infrastructure, connectivity and the availability of a skilled human workforce on the other hand.
- Data Misuse: There are also concerns around the potential misuse of data and information in these sectors. For example, in the health sector, there is a risk that sensitive medical information could be misused or exploited for commercial purposes, while in agriculture, there is a risk that market information could be manipulated for the benefit of certain actors.
- Ownership and governance of data: Another issue is that of ownership and governance of data generated and collected in health and agriculture. What are the rights of data providers? And what are the responsibilities towards them? The state has to play a key role in addressing and resolving such issues.
What is Data sovereignty?
- It is a principle that a country has the right to control the collection, storage, and use of data within its borders and citizens’ rights to informational self-determination over their data
- It is closely related to issues of privacy, security, and national sovereignty, and is increasingly important in the age of digital globalization and the proliferation of cloud computing services.
Data sharing governance and India’s opportunity
India Data Management Office (IDMO):
- India’s establishment of an IDMO is a step forward in the country’s journey towards data sharing and data governance.
- The IDMO is expected to oversee and coordinate the implementation of India’s digital strategies and data governance framework, and to ensure that these efforts are aligned with the country’s values and priorities.
- It will also work to promote the development and implementation of open-source solutions, which will help to ensure that underlying data architectures are a social public good, and to promote digital technologies to become accessible and affordable for all.
- Again, this is a great opportunity for India to develop solutions that can be adopted and adapted in other countries. Open source and open innovation models can be important alternatives to proprietary solutions that are governed by big tech companies.
Conclusion
- India’s digital strategies and data governance have made significant progress in recent years, but there are important concerns and issues to address. It is crucial to find a middle way between restrictive data sovereignty and limitless data flow, navigate complex issues of privacy, and invest in necessary infrastructure and skills to ensure responsible and accountable data governance.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India-China border issues and management
Central Idea
- India and China appear to be moving towards a new modus vivendi to maintain peace and tranquillity along their disputed 4,000 kilometre border. They are discussing measures to ease the border situation, including creating no-patrol zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and upgrading the border management mechanism.
Older arrangements and need for new measures
- Blockades: In 2020, the older arrangements, shaped by the agreements of 1993, 1996, 2005 and 2013, came apart in Ladakh after the Chinese massed troops in Tibet and established blockades at six points on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to prevent Indian troops from patrolling the border.
- Clashes: A clash at Galwan in June 2020 led to the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, the first such losses on the LAC since 1975. The Sino-Indian clash, in December 2022, at Yangtse, north-east of Tawang, suggests that new measures may be needed across the LAC, and not just in Ladakh.
Attempts to Ease the Border Situation
- Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC): Important discussions that took place between Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China, met in Beijing for the 26th Meeting of the Working WMCC on China-India Border Affairs, on February 22, 2023. This was the first in-person meeting of the WMCC that had held the previous 11 rounds since the 2020 events by video conference.
- Other Measures: Discussions have taken up the issue of upgrading the border management means to replace the WMCC with a mechanism that will have both military and civilian officers. The no-patrol zones could lead to a package settlement in the two remaining areas of Depsang and Charding Nala.
- Confidence-building Measures: The entire range of confidence-building measures since 1993 was premised on the belief that both sides largely accepted the lay of the LAC, though they had differences that related to some 18-20 points on it. The 1993 and 1996 agreements specifically spoke about the importance of identifying and resolving these differences.
- No-patrol zones: The no-patrol zones could be confined to the places where the two sides have overlapping claims. Chinese journalist-scholar Qian Feng suggested that the concept of the zone of actual control could replace the “line of actual control” in some areas that had no obvious geomorphological features or population.
The Idea of Shifting the Goalposts
- The idea of creating no-patrol zones is an echo of the original proposal by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai following a similar set of circumstances experienced today.
- In October 1959, an Indian police party was ambushed at Kongka La leading to the deaths of 10 personnel and the capture of another dozen.
- Zhou proposed to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in a letter of November 7, 1959, that both sides withdraw 20 kilometers from the so-called McMahon Line, as well as the line up to which each side exercises control in the west.
Conclusion
- Creating no-patrol zones along the LAC could be a possible solution to the border conflict, as well as upgrading the border management mechanism to include both military and civilian officers.
Mains Question
Q. Discuss the recent developments in the India-China border conflict and the measures being taken to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Monuments of National Importance
Mains level: Monuments of National Importance, Shedding the colonial legacy, Promoting India's rich heritage rationally
Central Idea
- The decolonization drive started by the present government in India to change the British mindset of those responsible for writing history books, which led to the neglect of important monuments and archaeological sites. The Economic Advisory Council’s report on Monuments of National Importance, which he sees as a significant step in the right direction for the preservation and designation of monuments that reflect Bharat’s history. There are some anomalies in the list of monuments of national importance and suggests changes in the way India looks at the preservation of monuments.
What are the recommendations given by the report?
- Rationalise and evolve criteria for India’s list of monuments: The report underlined the urgent need to rationalise India’s list of monuments of national importance and recommended that the ASI should evolve substantive criteria and a detailed procedure for declaring monuments to be of national importance.
- Book of detailed information: ASI should publish a book of notifications with detailed information about each MNI’s provenance, hand over protection and upkeep of monuments of local importance to respective states and denotify to the extent possible, all standalone antiquities like cannons and statues.
- Funds: Allocation of funds for the preservation of MNI should be increased and ASI should retain the proceeds generated from revenue streams like tickets, events, fees and other sources.
- Inadequate efforts: After India’s independence, little effort was made to correct the British mindset of those responsible for writing history books, which resulted in the neglect of monuments and archaeological sites.
- British view of India: History books continued to teach the history of India’s defeats and its enemies’ victories, which perpetuated the British view of India.
The Decolonization Drive under the present Government
- National Heroes: The present government led by PM Modi started the decolonisation drive to bring out the sagas of King Suheldev, Rani Durgavati, and Lachit Barphukan, among others.
- For example: The government highlighted the story of the founder-king of Delhi, Anangpal Tomar, and declared the neglected Anang Tal as a monument of national importance.
- Names, sites, insignia of national importance: The government also held national and international events at the Sindhu-Saraswati site of Dholavira and unveiled a new Shivaji-era inspired naval insignia.
Significance of this Report
- The Economic Advisory Council’s report on Monuments of National Importance is a significant step in the right direction.
- The report will bring a whiff of fresh thinking in the direction of preserving and designating monuments that reflect Bharat’s history.
- All the recommendations made by the report can be implemented without amending the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act and need only executive orders.
Anomalies in the List of Monuments of National Importance
- There are some anomalies in the list of monuments of national importance.
- There is not a single monument connected with the struggles of Dalits and B R Ambedkar’s life that has been declared a national monument.
- Some monuments, like Tota-Maina ki Qabar and Dadi Poti ka Gumbad, have no history, and nobody knows whether they should be declared as Monuments of National Importance.
- Therefore, all agencies working on monuments be unshackled from the British slave mindset and given into the hands of those who know their subject.
Conclusion
- There is hope that the Bibek Debroy-Sanjeev Sanyal report will bring a whiff of fresh thinking in the direction of preserving and designating monuments that reflect Bharat’s history. There is the need for an Archaeological Foundation to preserve the civilizational and revolutionary monuments of India.
Mains Question
Q. Discuss the recommendations given by the Economic Advisory Council’s report on Monuments of National Importance and its significance in preserving and designating monuments that reflect Bharat’s history.
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