In News: During the presentation of the interim Union budget for 2024-25, the Finance Minister of India announced the intention to engage in negotiations for Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) with trading partners, aiming to enhance the influx of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs): An Overview

• About BITs
  • Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) are reciprocal agreements between two countries aimed at promoting and safeguarding foreign private investments in each other’s territories.
• Evolution and Purpose
  • Initiated by the Indian government in the mid-'90s, BITs were introduced to provide favorable conditions and treaty-based protection for foreign investors. 
  • The treaties establish minimum guarantees related to the treatment of foreign investments.
• Minimum Guarantees Defined by BITs
  • National Treatment: Ensures foreign investors are treated on par with domestic companies.
  • Fair and Equitable Treatment: Dictated by international law standards.
  • Protection from Expropriation: Limits a country's ability to take over foreign investments.
• Arbitration Mechanism
  • BITs typically include mechanisms for dispute resolution between investors and the host country. 
  • Arbitration, a preferred method, allows disputes to be decided by a neutral arbitrator instead of going to court.
• Historical Context
  • The first BIT between India and the UK was signed in 1994.
  • Notable disputes, such as the one with Cairn Energy Plc, prompted India to reevaluate its BIT model in 2016.

Challenges with the 2016 Model BIT

• Narrowing Definition of Investment
  • The 2016 model BIT narrowed the definition of investment, focusing on 'enterprise-based' criteria and excluding certain types of investments.
• Exhaustion of Domestic Remedy Clause
  • The model requires investors to exhaust local remedies before pursuing international arbitration, potentially diminishing confidence among foreign investors.
• Impact on FDI
  • Renegotiation challenges and terms with other countries have contributed to a decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India.
• Discretionary Powers to Host State
  • The model grants wide discretionary powers to the host state, especially in matters related to due process and taxation.

The Way Forward

• Revisiting the BIT Regime
  • India can revisit its BIT regime to align with global best practices, incorporating provisions for fair treatment, most favored nation status, and robust dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Implementation of Recommendations
  • Recommendations from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs in 2021, such as promoting pre-arbitration consultations, should be implemented for effective dispute settlement.
• Developing Local Expertise
  • Investing in local expertise in investment arbitration can enhance India's capacity to handle investor-state disputes efficiently.
• Progressive Approach
  • Adopting a progressive approach to BITs can balance investor protection with regulatory sovereignty, considering factors like sustainable development, environmental protection, and social welfare.

Source: IE

In News: The Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles, and Skill Development has recently submitted the Fifty-Third Report on the 'Development and Promotion of Jute Industry.'

Key Report Highlights

• Potential of Jute Industry
  • The jute industry holds a significant position in India's national economy, particularly in West Bengal.
  • Jute, known as the 'golden fibre,' meets safety standards for packaging as a natural, renewable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly product.
• India's Global Jute Production Share
  • India contributes 70% to the world's jute production.
  • The jute industry employs around 3.7 lakh workers, with the majority of production consumed domestically.
  • West Bengal houses 73% of jute industries.
• Production and Export Data (2022-23)
  • Jute goods production in 2022-23 reached 1,246,500 MT.
  • Jute goods exports surged to 177,270 MT, a 56% increase from 2019-20.
  • Top export markets include the USA, France, Ghana, the UK, and others.
• Major Challenges Faced by Jute Industry
  • High procurement rates impact mills' profitability.
  • Insufficient raw material supply hampers production.
• Obsolete mills and machinery require technological upgrades.
• Fierce competition from synthetic materials affects demand.
• Labor issues and infrastructure hurdles contribute to instability.

Recommendations of the Standing Committee

• Modernizing Technology
  • Encourage jute mills to invest in modern machinery and technology.
  • Foster partnerships with research institutions for innovation.
• Efficient Raw Material Procurement
  • Streamline the process of acquiring raw jute.
  • Promote contract farming and incentivize farmers for increased cultivation.
• Quality Control and Standardization
  • Reinforce quality control protocols for uniform excellence.
  • Establish stringent standards for jute goods.
• Skill Enhancement and Training
  • Provide comprehensive training programs for jute workers.
  • Focus on refining skills in weaving, dyeing, and value-added processes.
• Market Expansion
  • Explore untapped global markets for jute products.
  • Promote jute-based handicrafts and lifestyle commodities.
• Research and Development Promotion
  • Allocate resources for research on jute-related innovations.
  • Encourage collaboration between industry players and research entities.
• Promoting Jute Products
  • Launch awareness campaigns emphasizing the eco-friendly nature of jute.
  • Educate consumers on the merits of choosing jute products.
• Policy Advocacy
• Formulate policies incentivizing jute cultivation and value addition.
• Provide financial assistance to jute mills for adopting cutting-edge technologies.

Government Schemes Related to Jute Industry

• Export Market Development Assistance (EMDA) Scheme
  • Encourages participation in international fairs to promote jute products.
• Jute Packaging Materials Act 1987
  • Ensures mandatory use of jute packaging material for certain commodities.
• Jute Geotextiles (JGT)
  • Part of the Technical Textiles Mission, applied in civil engineering and soil erosion control.
• Minimum Support Price for Jute
  • Jute Corporation of India stabilizes raw jute market through price support.
• Golden Fibre Revolution and Technology Mission on Jute and Mesta
  • Government initiatives to boost jute production in India.
• Jute SMART
  • E-government initiative for transparency in the jute sector, providing a platform for procurement.

Source: SANSAD

In News: Senegal's President Maky Sall has delayed the scheduled Presidential elections on February 25 to an unspecified date on February 3rd. Widespread protests erupted, met with police brutality, resulting in indiscriminate detentions and violence, leading to the death of one protestor.

Causes of the Ongoing Political Crisis in Senegal

• Recurrence of Violence
  • The current unrest echoes the violent incidents in Dakar last year, resulting in over 20 fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
  • The initial cause was the imposition of a two-year prison sentence on the prominent opposition figure, Ousmane Sonko.
• Opposition Figure Ousmane Sonko
  • Ousmane Sonko, a populist, accused the country's elites of corruption and resisted the influence of the former colonial power, France.
  • His conviction in a trial for immoral behavior against a woman ignited protests in 2021, during which 12 people were reportedly shot dead by security forces.
• Constitutional Council's Decision
  • In January of this year, the Constitutional Council barred Ousmane Sonko from the Presidential race.
  • President Sall, in office since 2012, faced popular resistance against his predecessor seeking a third term, but he claimed legal permission for a third term last March.
  • The decision to postpone elections has led to speculations about President Sall's efforts to consolidate his position before the upcoming elections.

Senegal's Recent Democratic Record

• Departure from Democratic Norms
  • The decision to defer elections marks a departure from Senegal's history of periodic and smooth power transfers under a multi-party democratic system.
  • Unlike its neighbors, Senegal has not experienced a military coup or civil war since gaining independence from France in 1960.
  • Senegal has been seen as a democratic beacon in a region witnessing an increase in military takeovers.
• Regional Leadership
  • President Sall played a crucial role in urging military dictators in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to facilitate timely power transfers to elected governments.
  • Senegalese troops successfully led a regional mission to oust Yahya Jammeh in the Gambia in 2017 when he refused to step down after losing elections.
• Concerns and Regional Context
• Senegal's shift raises concerns amid a backdrop of military takeovers in neighboring countries like Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
• The recurrence of military dictatorships in African nations contrasts with the liberation struggles of the 1960s.
• The role of major powers in the region needs reassessment in light of these developments.

Source: FRANCE24

In News: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) recently participated in a global webinar organized by the World Bank (WB), providing insights into India's Renewable Energy scenario.

Key Points from IREDA's Webinar Address

• Enormous Investments for Climate Goals
  
  • India's NDCs, aligning with the Paris Agreement, necessitate Rs 30 lakh crore investments by 2030.
  • Goals include a 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP and 50% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
  • Investments required in solar power, electrolysers, wind and battery technology, power transmission, Green Hydrogen, hydro power, and waste-to-energy sectors.
• Emphasis on Rooftop Solar
  • IREDA underscores the significance of "PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana," a rooftop solar scheme.
  • The visionary project, backed by over Rs. 75,000 crores, aims to solarize 1 crore households, providing up to 300 units of free electricity monthly.
  • The scheme promotes awareness of renewable energy, contributing to India's Net-Zero emissions goal by 2070 and Energy Independence by 2047.
• Surge in Energy Demand
  • India's energy demand will significantly rise, with 90% expected to be met through renewable sources.
  • Thermal energy will complement renewables until sufficient energy storage is achieved.
• About IREDA
  • IREDA is a mini ratna company under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), established in 1987.
  • As a specialized non-banking finance agency, IREDA plays a crucial role in financing renewable energy projects, instilling confidence in financial institutions and banks to invest in the sector.

Source: PIB

In News: The Jnanpith selection committee has declared that the 58th Jnanpith Award, scheduled for 2023, will be jointly bestowed upon two distinguished writers: Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a Sanskrit scholar, and Gulzar, a renowned Urdu poet and lyricist.

About The Jnanpith Award

• The Jnanpith Award is India's oldest and most prestigious literary award, established in 1961 and first presented in 1965.
• It is conferred annually to authors for their exceptional contributions to literature, considering works in both English and various Indian languages.
• The eligibility for the award is limited to Indian citizens, and it is not awarded posthumously.
• The award is presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith, a prominent literary and research organization founded in 1944 by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Rama Jain, headquartered in New Delhi, India.
• Bharatiya Jnanpith actively promotes literature and culture, supporting literary endeavors through awards, publications, fellowships, and research initiatives.
• Awardees of the Jnanpith Award receive a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi, and a citation, acknowledging their significant contributions to Indian literature.

Source: TH

In News: Kosovo has reached a noteworthy achievement despite previous delays in obtaining Schengen approval.

The Schengen Zone: A Border-Free European Area

Overview

• The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, initiated by five European Economic Community member states (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands).
• Aims to establish the Schengen Area, a border-free zone fostering free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.

Membership and Expansion

• All EU member states (excluding opt-outs) must join Schengen upon meeting technical requirements.
• Non-EU countries like Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland participate in Schengen through special association agreements.
• The Schengen Area has expanded to include 27 countries, covering 4 million square kilometres and hosting nearly 420 million inhabitants.

Benefits of Schengen

• Seamless Travel
  • Allows over 400 million individuals to travel without border checks.
  • Facilitates approximately 1.25 billion journeys annually, boosting tourism, cultural exchange, and economic prosperity.
• Law Enforcement and Security
  • Promotes cooperation among police, customs, and border control authorities.
  • Aids in combating terrorism and organized crime.
• Convenience and Economic Integration
  • For nationals of Schengen countries, provides visa-free travel and eliminates internal border checks.
  • Enhances convenience and facilitates economic integration.
• Symbol of European Unity
  • Schengen's border-free regime reflects European values of unity and solidarity.

Source: TH

In News: The ninth Annual General Body Meeting of the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) was recently conducted.

Empowering Young Scientists in India: INYAS and CSIR-NIScPR

Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS)

• Established in 2014, INYAS stands as the sole recognized academy dedicated to young scientists in India.
• Its primary goal is to nurture science education and foster networking opportunities among emerging scientists.

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR)

• A constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.
• Focuses on:
  • Science communication.
  • Evidence-based policy research.
  • Studies covering science policy, innovation systems, and science diplomacy.
• Engages in publishing various materials and conducting research on diverse scientific topics.

Source: PIB

In News: The Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 witnessed a historic victory as the Indian women's badminton team, under the leadership of PV Sindhu and Anmol Kharb, clinched a gold medal. 

Historic Achievement at 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships

India's Maiden Gold Medal

• India secured its first-ever gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships.
• The Indian men's team had previously earned two bronze medals in 2016 and 2020.

Tournament Organization

• The tournament was organized collaboratively by Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia as the host organizer.

Badminton Asia: Governing Body

• Badminton Asia operates as the governing body for badminton in Asia, functioning under the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
• Its core focus lies in promoting, managing, and developing the sport across Asia, guided by principles of specificity and universality.

Race to Paris 2024 Ranking Points

• The 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships carried significant Race to Paris 2024 ranking points.
• These points hold crucial importance for shuttlers aspiring to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Qualifying Event for 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup Finals

• The tournament also served as a qualifying event for the 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup Finals.
• The Finals are scheduled to take place in Chengdu, China.

Source: TH

In News: SUFALAM 2024, launched by the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries, drove discussions for innovation-led growth in the food processing industry. The forum fostered collaborations among startups, industry, and academia.

Highlights of the Event on Food Startups

• Knowledge Sessions
  • The event featured insightful knowledge sessions covering topics such as startup overview, food regulations, and business and financial modeling for startups.
• Panel Discussion on Transforming Food Systems
  • A panel discussion centered on transforming food systems.
  • Key focus areas included diversification of raw materials, exploring climate-resilient options, and fostering creativity in entrepreneurship.
  • Emphasis was placed on meeting food safety standards and optimizing supply chains.
• Entrepreneurial Role in Food Systems
  • Startups were urged to play a proactive role in sourcing quality raw materials.
  • Collaboration with farmers and venturing into areas like protein-rich foods and sustainable packaging was highlighted.
• Pitching Sessions
• Two dedicated pitching sessions provided startups with opportunities to present their ideas.
• Presentations were made before a panel of experts, offering startups the chance to receive valuable mentoring support.

Source: PIB

In News: India has extended medical and material aid to Zambia, which is currently dealing with a cholera outbreak.

India Sends Aid to Combat Cholera in Zambia

• India dispatched water purification supplies, chlorine tablets, and ORS sachets to Zambia to combat cholera.
• Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, transmitted through contaminated food or water.
• It poses a global threat, reflecting issues of inequity and social development gaps.
• Annual estimates indicate 1.3 to 4.0 million cholera cases and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths worldwide.
• Most cases exhibit mild symptoms, treatable with ORS; severe cases require prompt intervention.
• Three WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines—Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol—are available, requiring two doses for full protection.

Source: TH

In News: A recent article explores the need for a nuanced understanding of the interaction between AI advancements and societal frameworks in adapting meritocracy. 

Meritocracy and AI: An Evolving Relationship

• Defining Meritocracy
  • Meritocracy is a societal system where individuals advance based on their abilities, achievements, and hard work, rather than social background. 
  • Success is earned through personal effort and talent, promoting fairness, equality of opportunity, and judgment on individual merits.
• Principles and Values of Meritocracy
  • At its core, meritocracy values fairness, equality, and the judgment of individuals based on their own merits. 
  • It emphasizes the importance of education and personal development as pathways to success, aiming for a level playing field for all.
• Criticisms and Challenges
  • Critics argue that meritocracy, in practice, may not provide equal opportunities, favoring those with better resources. 
  • It can lead to elitism and a lack of empathy for those less fortunate. 
  • Efforts have been made to address these issues, focusing on increased access and diversity in meritocratic systems.

Different Perspectives on Meritocracy

• Michael Young's View
  • Young foresaw a dystopian future where meritocracy could lead to social stratification. 
  • His 1958 book, "The Rise of the Meritocracy," critiqued the trend toward intelligence and effort-based social class determination.
• Michael Sandel's Stand
  • Sandel criticizes meritocracy for fostering entitlement among the successful and resentment among the disadvantaged, eroding social cohesion. 
  • Critics argue that meritocracy can mask deeper power dynamics and inequalities.
• Post-Structuralists Views
  • Post-structuralists question the definition and measurement of merit, highlighting its subjective nature. 
  • They argue that meritocracy can reinforce existing inequalities by reflecting the biases of those in power.
• Adrian Wooldridge
  • Wooldridge emphasizes the practical evolution of meritocracy and its potential for reform. 
  • While recognizing its intuitive fairness, he discusses the inadvertent creation of a new elite and proposes reforms for a more inclusive system.

AI's Impact on Meritocracy

• Redefining Merit with AI
  • AI challenges traditional notions of merit by introducing non-human entities capable of surpassing human abilities. 
  • Access to AI tools becomes a significant advantage, potentially shifting the relevance of traditional merit metrics.
• Exacerbating Inequalities
  • AI, trained on historical data, can perpetuate biases and lead to discriminatory outcomes, impacting areas such as hiring and law enforcement. 
  • The displacement of routine jobs and polarization of the workforce could exacerbate socioeconomic disparities.
• Challenges to Accountability
  • The opaque nature of many AI algorithms and the concentration of power in tech giants pose challenges to accountability in a meritocratic society. 
  • Understanding criteria for evaluation becomes difficult, eroding the ideal of a transparent and fair meritocracy.
• Data Hegemony and Merit in the Digital Age
  • Tech giants with data hegemony set standards for what constitutes 'merit' in the digital age. 
  • This can potentially sideline smaller players with innovative ideas, highlighting the influence of data access on shaping meritocratic ideals.

Conclusion

• The notion of meritocracy has ignited heated discussions, with advocates emphasizing its benefits in recognizing abilities and accomplishments. 
• Conversely, critics highlight concerns about potential entitlement and the deepening of social divisions. 
• The evolution of meritocracy, as examined by thinkers like Young, Sandel, and Wooldridge, provides diverse viewpoints on its implications and challenges.
• The introduction of AI adds a layer of complexity, prompting inquiries into distinctions between human and machine merit, access to technology, biases in AI systems, job displacement, and the dominance of data. 
• Navigating these intricacies calls for a nuanced approach to redefine merit and uphold fairness in the era of digital advancement.

Source: TH

Udham Singh Nagar, in collaboration with Piramal Sarvajal, launches the 'Sarvajal Project' for decentralized, tech-driven safe drinking water, utilizing solar-powered kiosks in remote areas and fostering water conservation awareness through school-driven campaigns.