In News:

• Recently, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured a third consecutive term at the Centre, but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of the 272 majority, necessitating a coalition government.
• India's economic history since 1991 shows that coalition governments have initiated some of the most transformative reforms, laying the foundation for the country's resurgence.

Notable Reforms Brought by Previous Coalition Governments

Under the P V Narasimha Rao-led Government:

• It discarded centralised planning and opened the Indian economy to global competition by removing the licence-permit raj.
• The country became a member of the World Trade Organisation.
• Since 1991, when India was compelled to open its economy and abandon the planned economy model, all governments were coalitions where even the lead party was far from a majority.

Under the short-lived Deve Gowda Government:

• It introduced the "dream budget," which reduced tax rates for personal income, corporate taxes, and customs duties, showing faith in Indian taxpayers.

Under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Government:

• It enacted the Fiscal Responsibility & Budget Management (FRBM) law for fiscal discipline, limiting the government's borrowing within prudential limits.
• It advanced the disinvestment of loss-making Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
• It focused on rural infrastructure and connectivity through the PM Gram Sadak Yojana.
• It introduced the Information Technology Act in 2000, laying the foundation for India’s burgeoning e-commerce sector.

Under the Manmohan Singh-led Government:

• It implemented several rights-based reforms, providing robust guarantees beyond personal assurances.
• The Right to Information Act boosted transparency in India's democracy.
• The Right to Food ensured no Indian would go hungry.
• The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MG-NREGA) provided minimum employment to the rural poor.
• It deregulated fuel prices and initiated work on direct benefit transfers, Aadhaar, and GST before leaving office.

The Statistics:

• BJP-led Majority Government (10-year period): Average growth rate: 6%, including a 5.8% contraction in FY21 amid Covid-related disruptions.
• BJP-led Government (2014-2019): Achieved an average annual growth of 7.4% in its first term, the fastest since 1989.
• Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government: Achieved 6.7% growth in its five years preceding the BJP government in 2014. Recorded 6.9% growth in the previous five years of its first term. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during its 10-year rule was 6.8%, the fastest in India’s history.
• Growth between 1991 and 1999: Averaged 5.6%, spanning from Congress forming a minority coalition with Janata Dal to Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA returning to power.
• Concerns Faced by Coalition Government:
  • Inflation for industrial workers was 5.4% during the last decade, when the BJP had an absolute majority, but was 10.3% for UPA’s second stint and 6% in the first one.
  • While it was low for Vajpayee’s years between 1999 and 2004, industrial worker inflation was 9.6% between 1991 and 1999.

Can a coalition government derail India’s economic reforms trajectory?

• This is not true in the Indian context as many notable reforms were brought by the previous coalition governments. Coalition govt and economic reform - strong consensus for weak reforms.
• Coalition govts in India have historically faced challenges in implementing strong economic reforms due to differing priorities among coalition partners.
• Diverse Interests: Coalition partners often have varied political and economic agendas, leading to compromises and diluted reforms. This can slow down or alter the trajectory of economic reforms.
• Consensus Building: While coalition governments can foster broader consensus, the need to appease various factions might lead to weaker reform measures. Achieving a unified stance on complex economic issues becomes difficult.
• Policy Stability Frequent changes in coalition partners or internal disagreements can lead to policy instability, affecting investor confidence and long-term economic planning.

Source: IE

In news:

• In The Recent Lok sabha election in Indore, BJP's Shankar Lalwani secured a resounding victory with a remarkable margin of 10.09 lakh votes, garnering a total of 12,26,751 votes.
• Interestingly, the nearest contender was NOTA, amassing 2,18,674 votes. This outcome marks the highest count of NOTA votes ever recorded in any constituency.
• Previously, the record stood at 51,660 NOTA votes in Gopalganj, Bihar, during the 2019 elections.

What are the Landmark Cases Related to NOTA?

Lily Thomas v. Speaker, Lok Sabha (1993):

• The Supreme Court held that “Voting is a formal expression of will or opinion by the person entitled to exercise the right on the subject or issue in question” and that “right to vote means right to exercise the right in favour of or against the motion or resolution. Such a right implies the right to remain neutral as well”.

People's Union for Civil Liberties & Anr v. Union of India & Anr (2013):

• In 2004, the People's Union for Civil Liberties filed a PIL.
• The Supreme Court mandated the provision of a "None of the Above" (NOTA) button on EVMs to allow voters to express dissatisfaction with contesting candidates while maintaining secrecy.
• This decision came to enhance democracy by empowering voters and promoting fair elections.
• The Election Commission was directed to implement this provision with government assistance, along with conducting awareness programs.

Shailesh Manubhai Parmar v. Election Commission of India Through the Chief Election Commissioner & Ors. (2018):

• The Supreme Court held that “The option of NOTA may serve as an elixir in direct elections but in respect of the election to the Council of States which is different from other elections, it would not only undermine the purity of democracy but also serve the Satan of defection and corruption.
• Hence the court scrapped NOTA from Rajya Sabha elections.

What are the Legal Provisions related to NOTA?

Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

• It ensures voting secrecy, aligning with the principle that government authority derives from the people's will, as outlined in genuine elections conducted through universal suffrage and secret ballot, as mentioned in the article.

Section 25(b) of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights:

• The provision ensures universal suffrage, allowing citizens the right to vote and stand for elections freely and fairly, without discrimination or undue restrictions. Elections must be genuine, periodic, and conducted via secret ballot, ensuring the unfettered expression of voters' will.

Section 79(d) in The Representation of the People Act, 1951:

• “Electoral right” means the right of a person to stand or not to stand as, or to withdraw or not to withdraw from being, a candidate, or to vote or refrain from voting at an election.

What happens if NOTA receives the highest number of votes in a constituency?

NOTA's Legal Implications:

• Experts emphasise that if NOTA receives the most votes, it holds no legal consequence; the candidate with the second-highest votes is declared the winner.
• While NOTA hasn't impacted Lok Sabha elections in this manner, instances like the Indore case indicate its potential.

Supreme Court Involvement:

• Currently, the Supreme Court is deliberating on a petition regarding the nullification of elections if NOTA secures the highest votes.
• Filed by Shiv Khera in April 2024, the petition seeks uniform implementation of NOTA by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and repercussions for candidates failing to surpass NOTA.

Petition's Highlights:

• Khera's petition cites instances from various states like Maharashtra, Haryana, Puducherry, Delhi, and Chandigarh, where NOTA is treated as a "Fictional Electoral Candidate" in local elections.
• It suggests that if NOTA outvoted individual candidates, fresh elections should be conducted.

Arguments Presented:

• The petition advocates for consistent rules across all elections where NOTA secures a majority.
• It argues that NOTA, since its inception in 2013, hasn't led to increased voter participation or enhanced candidate quality.
• Describing NOTA as a "potent weapon," the petition stresses the need for greater impact to compel political parties to improve.
• Additionally, it proposes barring candidates receiving fewer votes than NOTA from contesting elections for five years and urges the Supreme Court to direct the ECI to formulate such regulations

Conclusion:

Hence, NOTA serves as a valuable tool for voters to express dissent without abstaining from the electoral process altogether. It formalises protest votes, indicating dissatisfaction with the candidate pool to political parties. This mechanism enhances transparency and accountability in the democratic process, empowering citizens to voice their concerns effectively.

Source: IE

In News:

• The discussion regarding the special category status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh has regained momentum following the Lok Sabha elections.

Special Category Status:

• It is a designation provided by the Central government to aid the progress of states encountering geographical or socio-economic challenges.
• The concept originated in 1969 under the recommendation of the fifth Finance Commission (FC), aiming to offer additional assistance to certain states grappling with geographical and infrastructural limitations.
• Factors are considered before granting SCS includes
  • hilly and difficult terrain.
  • low population density.
  • a significant tribal population.
  • strategic positioning along international borders.
  • economic and infrastructural backwardness, and the non-viability of state finances.
• States Covered:
  • In 1969, the SCS was initially granted to three states: Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland.
  • Subsequently, eight more states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, were bestowed with the SCS by the former National Development Council.

Why is Bihar Demanding Special Category Status (SCS)?

• Bihar contends with significant economic challenges, like lack of industrial development and limited investment opportunities. The state's partition led to industrial migration to Jharkhand, exacerbating unemployment and impeding economic progress.
• Bihar frequently confronts natural disasters such as floods in the north and severe droughts in the south. These calamities disrupt agricultural activities, impacting livelihoods and economic stability.
• Infrastructure deficiencies persist, particularly in irrigation facilities and water supply. Insufficient irrigation resources hamper agricultural productivity, a critical livelihood source for many.
• Bihar has a high poverty rate, With a per-capita GDP of around Rs 54,000, Bihar has consistently been one of the poorest States. BIhar is home to around 94 lakh poor families and the granting of SCS will help the government get about RS 2.5 lakh crore required to fund various welfare measures over the next five years.
• It is estimated that SCS designation could provide approximately Rs 2.5 lakh crore over the next five years, facilitating the implementation of various welfare measures.

Why is Andhra Pradesh Demanding SCS?

• When Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to create Telangana in 2014 through the AP Reorganisation Act, the union government promised Special Category Status (SCS) to AP to compensate for the loss of revenue and Hyderabad, where much development was concentrated.
• AP inherited 59% of the undivided state’s population, debt, and liabilities but only 47% of the revenue.
• The SCS would get higher grants-in-aid from the Centre, and such states enjoy special incentives such as Income-tax exemptions, GST concessions, Customs duty waivers, etc.
• In SCS states, the Centre funds central schemes up to 90%, compared to 70% in non-SCS states.
• AP argues that SCS is vital for the state’s rapid industrialisation, employment generation, and overall development, and it would encourage investments in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, IT, etc.

Benefits of Special Category Status (SCS):

• Historically, SCS states received approximately 30% of central assistance, determined by the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula.
• Increased Devolution of Funds: With the recommendations of the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions (FC) and the dissolution of the Planning Commission, this assistance has been merged into an enhanced devolution of the divisible pool funds for all states, increasing to 41% in the 15th FC from 32%.
• Higher Funding in Centrally-Sponsored Schemes: The Centre provides 90% of the funds required in a Centrally-Sponsored Scheme to special category status states, compared to 60% or 75% for other states. The remaining funds are contributed by the state governments.
• Carry Forward of Unspent Funds: Unspent money in a financial year does not lapse for SCS states; it is carried forward, providing flexibility in utilising allocated funds for developmental projects.
• Concessions in Taxes: SCS states receive significant concessions in excise and customs duties, income tax, and corporate tax, promoting industrial and economic growth within these regions.
• Higher Share of Centre’s Budget: Approximately 30% of the Centre’s Gross Budget is allocated to Special Category states, ensuring a substantial portion of resources for their development needs.

The Concerns Related to Special Category Status:

• Resource Allocation: Granting Special Category Status (SCS) involves providing additional financial assistance to the state, which can strain the central government's resources. Balancing the allocation of funds among various states becomes crucial, and granting SCS might lead to disparities or dissatisfaction among non-SCS states.
• Dependency on Central Assistance: States bestowed with SCS often become heavily reliant on central assistance. This could potentially discourage efforts toward self-sufficiency and independent economic growth strategies as they may become complacent in seeking external support.
• Implementation Challenges: Even after receiving the SCS designation, there might be challenges in effectively utilising the allocated funds due to administrative inefficiencies, corruption, or lack of proper planning. .

Way forward:

• As India marches towards achieving a $5 trillion economy, the ongoing debate surrounding Special Category Status (SCS) highlights the necessity for a nuanced approach to development.
• The insights gleaned from the SCS experience can serve as valuable lessons informing future strategies aimed at mitigating disparities and fostering a more balanced development trajectory nationwide.
• It is crucial that the principles of cooperative federalism steer the discourse on SCS, guaranteeing that every region of India has the opportunity to partake in the benefits of economic advancement.

Source: TH

Context:

• Recently, the Indian Institute of Public Administration assessed the impact of Mission Karmayogi by soliciting feedback on trained staff. The assessment reported increased proficiency in data analytics and e-governance tools among the personnel.

Mission Karmayogi:

• Mission Karmayogi is India's National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building, launched by the Prime Minister to enhance the efficiency of governance and empower civil servants.
• The mission aims to transform three million civil servants into citizen-centric, future-ready, and result-oriented 'Karmayogis'.
• This initiative is crucial for realising India's vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub, a significant exporter of value-added services, and a major supplier of human skills to the developed world by 2047.

How will it work?

• The capacity building programme will operate through the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT-Karmayogi) digital platform, offering content sourced from global best practices rooted in Indian national ethos.
• This platform will serve as the cornerstone for the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), enabling comprehensive reform of capacity building at individual, institutional, and process levels.
• Officers will undergo evaluation based on the courses they undertake throughout their careers to enhance their skills.
• An online database will track their completed courses, performance, areas of expertise, etc.
• This database will facilitate easy access for appointing authorities to review officers' training records when considering vacancies or appointments.

Need for Transformation:

• The historical challenges of delayed infrastructure projects in India, stemming from inter-ministerial permissions and siloed approaches, necessitated transformation.
• The emergence of the PM Gati Shakti platform aimed to address these issues by integrating legal, geographic, and planning layers to facilitate a holistic approach to infrastructure development.
• However, for the platform to succeed, civil servants require expertise in emerging technologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• India's aspirations to become a global manufacturing hub, a significant exporter of value-added services, and a mass supplier of human skills to developed countries underscore the importance of this transformation.
• With 46 lakh Central government employees at all levels, the civil service needs to evolve to meet the demands of a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

Approach For Mission Karmayogi:

• Capacity Building Commission (CBC): Providing policy guidance and tools to enhance civil servants' capabilities at all levels.
• Collaboration with Institutions: Partnering with institutions like Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics to curate digital training courses.
• Competence Rooted in Indian Ethos: Fostering a competent civil service grounded in Indian values, with a shared understanding of the country's priorities for effective public service delivery.
• Technology-Enabled Karmayogis: Focusing on making civil servants more creative, constructive, imaginative, and proactive, while promoting transparency and leveraging technology for better governance.
• Content Development: Offering carefully crafted and vetted content from top-notch institutions, universities, private content providers, and individual resources as training modules, either in-house or through knowledge partner

Under Mission Karmayogi, six key pillars form the foundation:

• Policy Framework: Offers strategic direction for capacity-building initiatives.
• Institutional Framework: Establishes the organisational structure to support the program's implementation.
• Competency Framework: Defines the skills and knowledge necessary for effective civil service.
• Digital Learning Framework (iGOT-Karmayogi): Provides a comprehensive online learning platform.
• Electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS): Streamlines personnel management processes.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Ensures continuous improvement and impact assessment of the program.

Potential of Mission Karmayogi:

• Enhanced Proficiency: Recent assessments by the Indian Institute of Public Administration have highlighted increased proficiency among trained staff in areas such as data analytics and e-governance tools.
• Continuous Capacity Building: Mission Karmayogi offers a mechanism for ongoing capacity building, ensuring that civil servants remain updated and skilled in evolving domains.
• Equal Opportunities: The program strives to provide equal opportunities for personal and professional growth to government officials at all levels, fostering inclusivity and meritocracy.
• Ideal Civil Servants: Through enhanced post-recruitment training mechanisms, Mission Karmayogi aims to cultivate ideal civil servants who are citizen-centric, future-ready, and result-oriented, aligning with the evolving needs of governance.

Key Outcome Under Mission Karmayogi:

• PM Gati Shakti Platform for Infrastructure Development:
  • Integration of Layers: Integrates legal, geographic, and planning layers for mega infrastructure projects, streamlining development processes.
  • Training and Certification: Over 24,000 officials completed PM Gati Shakti learning modules, with 3,88,000 personnel certified in emerging technologies, enhancing project implementation capabilities.
  • Increased Infrastructure Pace: New rail lines increased from 4 km/day to 12 km/day by 2024, demonstrating accelerated infrastructure development.
  • Project Preparation: Facilitated preparation of 15 highway projects under Bharatmala-2, contributing to enhanced connectivity and economic growth.
  • Environmental Sensitivity: Efforts to avoid sensitive wildlife habitats during rail and highway alignments, demonstrating environmental consciousness.
• Mission Karmayogi for Citizen-Centric Policing:
  • Personnel Training: Over 50,000 police personnel underwent two-day training sessions on self-reflection and proactive problem-solving, enhancing service delivery.
  • Addressing Biassed Behavior: Field research addressed complaints regarding biassed behaviour, fostering accountability and trust in law enforcement.
  • Enhanced Citizen Satisfaction: Impact assessment revealed increased citizen satisfaction in Puducherry post-training, with notable improvements observed in Mumbai, Asansol, Bengaluru, and Lucknow divisions.
  • Extension to Rural Areas: Gramin Dak Sevaks and village-level Common Service Centers (CSCs) also received enhanced training, ensuring comprehensive coverage of citizen-centric policing initiatives.

Challenges:

• Skill Gap: Despite training efforts, bridging the skill gap across diverse ministries and field-level officials remains a challenge. Proficiency in emerging technologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is critical for successful implementation of initiatives like PM Gati Shakti.
• Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Achieving a 'whole of government' approach requires seamless coordination among ministries. Overcoming silos and ensuring collaboration remains an ongoing challenge, impacting the efficiency of governance.
• Adaptation to Change: Transforming civil services necessitates a cultural shift. Encouraging civil servants to embrace technology, innovation, and citizen-centric approaches may face resistance due to entrenched practices and bureaucratic inertia.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Effective monitoring mechanisms are essential to track progress and address bottlenecks. Establishing robust evaluation processes is crucial for identifying areas of improvement and optimising resource allocation.

Conclusion:

Hence, mission Karmayogi stands as a transformative endeavour aimed at revolutionising India's civil services, equipping them to meet the nation's evolving needs and aspirations. By fostering a cadre of citizen-oriented and technologically adept civil servants, the initiative aligns with India's vision for inclusive growth and development. As we empower Karmayogis to lead with dedication and innovation, we lay the foundation for a prosperous and developed India by 2047.

Source: (IE)

Why in the News ?

• Recently, in the Lok Sabha election 2024, A total of 74 women have won the Lok Sabha elections, a slight dip from 78 elected in 2019 and West Bengal leads with 11 female MPs.

About the Women in the 18th Lok Sabha:

• A total of 797 women candidates had contested the elections with the BJP fielding the maximum at 69 followed by the Congress at 41.
• These 74 women constitute just 13.63% of the elected strength of the Lower House, which is much less than the 33% that will be reserved for women after the next delimitation exercise.

Reasons for low Participation of Women:

• Low Literacy: In general, female candidates are less educated and experienced than male candidates. In India, women have a literacy rate of 65% compared to men’s 82%.
• Lack of Political Will: The repeated defeat of the bill reserving one-third of the seats for women shows a lack of political will among lawmakers. Although all parties' platforms include the measure, it has never been enacted.
• Masking of Identity: In the 2019 elections, 206 women individually participated, but only one won. This highlights the significant role political parties and a person’s background play in determining political success, often concealing the individual's true identity behind the party and family.
• Patriarchy: Despite having the majority, women often do not experience their authority because male spouses or other family members influence their decisions. The formation of "Sarpanchpati" in Panchayati Raj institutions is a clear example of this.
• Gender Disparities: Women still face obstacles in the form of gender biases and disparities in education, resource ownership, and attitudes.
• Lack of Confidence and Finance: Lack of confidence and financial resources are major obstacles that prevent women from pursuing careers in politics.

Significance of Women Participation:

• Representation: Women lawmakers ensure that the interests and issues of women are represented in policy-making.
• Diversity: They bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, leading to more comprehensive and inclusive policies.
• Empowerment: Their presence in law-making bodies can empower other women and girls by providing them with role models.
• Equality:It is a matter of gender equality. Women make up half of the population and should therefore have an equal say in the laws that govern society.

Efforts to reduce the gap:

• National Commission for Women
  • The National Commission for Women in India have organised consultations on women's rights under property law and assessed the impact of the 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992), which focus on women's roles in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
  • The NHRC has conducted an analytical study on the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and its implementation in India.
  • This study is valuable to lawmakers, policymakers, executives, civil society, academicians, and students of gender studies and human rights.
• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023):
  • The Women’s Reservation Bill proposes reserving one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
  • Pending presidential assent, this amendment represents a significant step toward greater female representation in national politics.
• National Policy for Women Empowerment:
  • This policy aims to advance, develop, and empower women. It encourages active participation from all stakeholders to achieve its goals through widespread dissemination.

Conclusion:

Hence, the representation of women in the Lok Sabha is a  mirror of the broader societal attitudes towards gender equality. The upcoming delimitation exercise, which aims to reserve 33% of seats for women, is a positive step. However, it is crucial to continue the discourse on this issue and strive towards creating an inclusive and representative political system.

Source: IE

Why in the News?

• Recently, the Delhi High Court ruled that the Central Information Commission (CIC) does not have jurisdiction to comment on the utilisation of funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).

Court’s Ruling:

• The Delhi High Court determined that the Central Information Commission (CIC) lacks jurisdiction to comment on the utilisation of funds by Members of Parliament (MPs) under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).
• The scope of the Right to Information (RTI) Act is confined to providing access to information under the control of public authorities.
• The court clarified that under Section 18 of the RTI Act, the CIC can "only address issues pertaining to the information requested under the RTI Act or any other matter leading to the disclosure of information as requested by the applicant."
• However, the court upheld a portion of the CIC's order instructing the public authority to disclose details of funds allocated MP-wise, Constituency-wise, and projectwise under the RTI Act.

What is the MPLADS Scheme?

• About MPLADS:
  • MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme introduced in 1993.
• Objective:
  • It empowers Members of Parliaments (MPs) to propose developmental projects aimed at creating durable community assets in various sectors such as drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation, roads, etc., primarily within their constituencies.
• Expansion of Scope:
  • Since June 2016, MPLAD funds can also be utilised for implementing schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), rainwater harvesting for water conservation, and Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana.
• Implementation:
  • The concerned Nodal District Authority is responsible for executing the eligible projects recommended by the MPs and maintaining records of the works completed and funds expended under the Scheme.
• Functioning:
  • MPs receive Rs. 5 crore annually, disbursed in two instalments of Rs. 2.5 crore each. MPLAD funds are non-lapsable.
  • Lok Sabha MPs recommend projects to the district authorities within their Lok Sabha constituencies, while Rajya Sabha MPs utilise the funds in the states that have elected them to the House.
  • Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend projects anywhere in the country.

Concerns Regarding MPLADS:

• Breach of Federalism:
  • MPLADS is seen as encroaching upon the domain of local self-governing institutions, thus violating the principles outlined in Part IX and IX-A of the Constitution.
• Implementation Lapses:
  • The scheme enables MPs to use funds for patronage, resulting in discretionary spending. The CAG has noted cases of financial mismanagement and inflated expenditure.
  • Critics argue that the scheme fosters a nexus between MPs and private firms, resulting in the misuse of funds for private projects, allocation to ineligible agencies, and diversion of funds to private trusts.
• Lack of Statutory Backing:
  • MPLADS operates without any statutory law governing it, making it vulnerable to arbitrary changes by the ruling government.
• Criticism and Recommendations:
  • The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002) and the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (2007) have recommended the termination of the scheme.
  • Critics argue that MPLADS is incompatible with the division of power between the central and state governments, as outlined in the Constitution

Key Events:

• Central Information Commission (CIC) Order, 2018:
  • In 2018, the CIC raised concerns about MPs saving MPLADS funds until their term's end, possibly for electoral advantage.
• CIC's Recommendations:
  • The CIC recommended measures to MoSPI to prevent perceived fund abuse, proposing guidelines for equal MPLADS fund distribution throughout MPs' five-year terms.
• Legal Challenge Filed by MoSPI:
  • MoSPI challenged the CIC's ruling on an RTI application in the Delhi High Court, reflecting a disagreement over the interpretation and implementation of the CIC's recommendations.

What are the Concerns Related to Autonomy of CIC?

• Appointment Process: Political influence in the selection of CIC and ICs due to the committee comprising politicians.
• Tenure and Removal: The government's control over the terms of ICs post the 2019 amendment raises concerns about their independence.
• Salaries, Wages, and Allowances: Government's authority over determining pay and benefits of CIC and ICs, undermining their autonomy.
• Funding and Resources: Dependence on the central government for budgetary allocations and administrative support limits CIC's autonomy and effectiveness.
• Enforcement Powers: Lack of a robust enforcement mechanism diminishes CIC's ability to ensure compliance with its orders effective

What are the Reforms Proposed to Strengthen the Central Information Commission?

• Establishment of an Independent Selection Committee:
  • The selection committee should comprise representatives from the judiciary, civil society, and independent bodies to minimise political influence and ensure competent and impartial leadership for the CIC.
• Fixed and Non-Renewable Tenures:
  • Propose a fixed term (e.g., 5 years) for CIC officials without the option for renewal. Robust safeguards against premature removal should be implemented to ensure their independence.
• Financial and Administrative Autonomy:
  • Allocate a separate budget for the CIC to provide financial autonomy and ensure timely disbursement of funds.
  • Empower the CIC to manage its administrative affairs, including staff recruitment and infrastructure, independently.
• Enhanced Enforcement Powers:
  • Provide contempt powers to the CIC to hold non-compliant individuals or organisations accountable.
  • Grant the authority to impose fines on public authorities failing to comply with CIC orders.
  • Establish an execution mechanism to enforce CIC decisions effectively and ensure compliance

Source: IE

Why in the News?

• Several unresolved issues remain between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014 (APRA), a decade after their bifurcation.

• The TDP's role as a kingmaker in the NDA have largely centred on Chandrababu Naidu's persistent endeavours to obtain Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh.

What Issues Faced by the AP Post-Bifurcation ?

• State without a capital:
  • As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014, Hyderabad was designated as the common capital for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana until June 2, 2024.
  • Despite the establishment of interim office spaces and a High Court, successive governments have struggled to transition to Amaravati as the capital.
• Lagging Economic Development:
  • Andhra Pradesh's economy has not witnessed significant growth compared to states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. With the exception of Kia Motors in Anantapur, there has been limited investment from major corporations in the state.
• Delayed Major Projects:
  • Key projects such as the Polavaram project, the Kadapa Steel Plant, and the South Coast Railway Zone in Visakhapatnam have faced delays due to technical and economic challenges, remaining as unfulfilled aspirations.
• High Revenue Deficit:
  • Although the Union government was mandated to assist Andhra Pradesh in bridging its resource gap for 2014-15, the state's revenue deficit has continued to escalate.
  • Initial estimates placed the deficit at ₹16,078 crore, which later increased to ₹31,479.88 crore by March 2024.
• Unresolved Issues with Telangana:
  • Assets belonging to nearly 245 institutions worth about ₹1.42 lakh crore are yet to be divided between the two states.
• Dependency on Hyderabad:
  • Many residents of Andhra Pradesh continue to rely on Hyderabad for essential services like healthcare and education.
  • Despite policymakers and bureaucrats relocating, there remains an emotional attachment to the city, possibly contributing to the sluggish progress in Andhra Pradesh.

What Needs to be Done?

• Establishing a Capital in the State:
  • The proposal of three capitals by the YSRCP may encounter legal hurdles, while the ambitious capital envisioned by the TDP could face fiscal challenges if welfare schemes promised in manifestos are executed.
  • To instil investor confidence, the government must focus on developing a capital with existing resources.
• Development of Infrastructural Facilities:
  • Investment in infrastructure can catalyse growth in the industry and service sectors, particularly leveraging the coastal advantage for port-led development, a priority for the Union government.
• Resolution of Pending Issues with Telangana:
  • Addressing outstanding issues with Telangana is crucial, including the payment of ₹6,756 crore owed to AP for post-bifurcation power supply.
  • Additionally, shifting river management boards and resolving disputes on assets division and water sharing should be prioritised.
• Discussion on Special Category Status to AP:
  • Deliberations on granting Special Category Status to AP are essential to compensate for revenue losses incurred post-bifurcation.
  • This status would aid in addressing economic disparities and promoting development in the state

Source:   DH | TH

Why in the news ?

• Recently, there is growing consensus among a wide range of citizens and political parties in India that the current First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system should be replaced with proportional representation.

What is First Past the Post System?

• The FPTP is a straightforward electoral system utilised in various countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and India.
• Under this system, the candidate with the highest number of votes in a constituency or district secures the seat, irrespective of whether they have attained an absolute majority (more than 50% of the votes).

Features of the FPTP:

• Voting: Each voter casts one vote for their favoured candidate from a list representing various political parties or independent candidates.
• Counting Votes: Following the close of voting, the votes are tallied, and the candidate garnering the most votes is announced as the victor. There is no stipulation for the winning candidate to secure more than 50% of the total votes cast.
• Winner Takes All: The candidate who acquires the highest number of votes in a constituency or district claims the seat, with other candidates receiving no representation, regardless of their share of the vote.

Significance of the FPTP:

• The FPTP system is regarded as simple and practical, particularly in a vast country like India.
• It offers stability to the executive branch in a parliamentary democracy, as the ruling party or coalition can secure a majority in the Lok Sabha or Legislative assembly without necessarily garnering a majority of votes (over 50%) across constituencies.

Criticism of the FPTP :

• A common critique is its potential to yield disproportionate representation, where parties with substantial overall support may not win a proportional number of seats.
• It can lead to either over or under-representation of political parties compared to their share of the vote.
• The system tends to discourage smaller parties or independent candidates from participating, as they may struggle to secure seats.
• Elected representatives often prioritise constituents who voted for them, fostering vote-bank politics and competitive or sectoral politics to ensure re-election

Proportional Representation (PR):

• PR is an electoral system designed to allocate seats in a legislative body in proportion to the votes received by each participating political party or group.
• Unlike First Past the Post (FPTP), where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, PR strives to align the composition of the legislative body with the overall distribution of voter preferences.

Various types of proportional representation systems:

• Party List PR:
  • Voters vote for a political party instead of individual candidates.
  • Seats are allocated to parties based on the proportion of votes each party receives.
  • Parties present a ranked list of candidates, and seats are filled according to this list.
• Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP):
  • Combines aspects of both FPTP and PR.
  • Voters cast two votes: one for a local candidate and one for a political party.
  • Some seats are filled by winners of local races, while additional seats ensure overall proportionality based on party votes.
• Single Transferable Vote (STV):
  • Voters rank candidates in order of preference in multi-member constituencies.
  • Candidates are elected based on reaching a certain quota of votes, with surplus votes redistributed until all seats are filled.
• Mixed-Member Majoritarian (MMM):
  • Blends FPTP with proportional seats.
  • Some seats are won through FPTP, while additional seats ensure overall proportionality based on party votes.

Significance of Proportional Representation:

• Fairer Representation: Proportional representation aims to ensure that the distribution of seats in the legislative body closely reflects the overall distribution of voter preferences, providing a more accurate representation of the electorate's views.
• Inclusiveness: It allows for a wider range of political viewpoints to be represented, ensuring that minority parties and smaller groups have a voice in the legislative process.
• Reduction of Wasted Votes: By aligning seat allocation with the proportion of votes received, fewer votes are wasted, which can increase the overall sense of voter efficacy and satisfaction.
• Encouragement of Voter Turnout: The perception that every vote counts in a proportional representation system can lead to higher voter turnout, as people feel their vote is more likely to influence the outcome.
• Coalition Building: It often necessitates coalition governments, encouraging parties to work together and collaborate on policies, which can lead to more balanced and comprehensive governance.
• Mitigation of Extremism: By representing a broader spectrum of political views, proportional representation can help mitigate the influence of extremist positions and promote moderate policymaking.

Criticism of PR:

• Potential for Instability: The PR system could result in instability as no party or coalition may obtain a majority to form the government in a parliamentary democracy.
• Slow Decision-Making: Some experts assert that the PR system slows down decision-making, weakening the government itself.
• Minority Parties' Influence: Extreme pluralism can allow tiny minority parties to hold larger parties to ransom in coalition negotiations, making the inclusiveness of the PR system a drawback.
• Reduced Accountability: The PR system may reduce accountability to voters because an ousted party can still remain in office by forming new coalitions after an election.
• Difficulty Removing Centre Parties: Under a PR system, it may be challenging to remove a reasonably sized centre party from power.

Way Ahead

• Addressing FPTP Discrepancies: Efforts should be made to reduce the flaws and discrepancies of the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system to ensure India’s democratic system better reflects the will of the people.
• Balanced Representation: There is a consensus that both the ruling party and the opposition are crucial for the sustainability and effective functioning of democracy. Ensuring fair representation for the opposition is essential.
• Historical Impact of FPTP: The FPTP system has historically resulted in the significant reduction or elimination of the opposition, as seen in the elections of 1984, 2014, and the first three general elections after Independence.
• Law Commission's Recommendation: The Law Commission, in its 170th report titled "Reform of the Electoral Laws" (1999), recommended the introduction of the Mixed-Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system on an experimental basis.
• Proposed Implementation: It was suggested that 25% of the seats could be filled through a proportional representation system by increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha

Source: TH

Context:

• The recent case in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where a woman was jailed and fined over an alleged false rape accusation, underscores significant systemic deficiencies within India’s criminal justice framework.
• The government extended the Fast Track Special Courts scheme till 2026 with increased funding.
• To prevent wrongful imprisonments and ensure prompt justice, police investigation protocols, prosecutorial autonomy, and judicial supervision need improvement.

What is the Structure of the Criminal Justice System in India?

• About:
  • The criminal justice system ensures justice for offenders and victims, ensuring fairness and rights for the accused. India's system relies on the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code, soon to be replaced.
• Main Pillars:
  • Police: Conducts investigations and law enforcement under state jurisdiction.
  • Judiciary: Interprets and delivers judgments, with the Supreme Court and High Courts overseeing.
  • Correction System: Manages prisons, focusing on punishment and rehabilitation.
• Key Principles:
  • Presumption of Innocence: Accused are innocent until proven guilty.
  • Right to Fair Trial: Ensures a fair, public trial with defence and evidence presentation.
  • Due Process: Legal procedures must be correctly followed for fairness.

What are the Major Challenges Related to India’s Criminal Justice System?

• Pendency and Delays in Justice:
  • With over 5.02 crore pending cases as of July 2023, the judicial system faces a severe backlog, denying timely justice as each delayed case reflects systemic failure.
  • Even "fast-track" courts, like in the Bareilly case, often exceed timelines, violating the right to speedy trial.
• Inadequate Resources and Infrastructure:
  • India's ratio of 21 judges per million people (December 2023) leads to overworked judges, rushed proceedings, and compromised judgments.
  • Vacancies of 35% in lower judiciary and around 400 in High Courts exacerbate the issue, resulting in shoddy investigations and judicial delays.
• Politicisation of the Police Force:
  • Despite the Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006) judgement advocating separation of investigation from law and order duties, politicisation persists.
  • Cases like the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence highlight delays and political interference, undermining impartial investigations and eroding public trust in the police.
• Bail as the Exception, Not the Rule:
  • Despite the Supreme Court's directive in Balchand alias Baliay case V. State of Rajasthan (1978) to prioritise bail over incarceration, over 75% of India's prison population are undertrials, with prisons operating at 130% occupancy.
  • Certain acts like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act shift the burden of proof to the accused, exacerbating bail challenges.
• Gender Bias in Sexual Violence Cases:
  • Despite the Supreme Court's condemnation of gender stereotypes in Aparna Bhat v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2021), instances like a Karnataka High Court judge's remarks on a rape victim's work schedule reveal persistent biases that hinder justice in sexual violence cases.
• Outdated Prison Manual and Mental Health Crisis:
  • While the Model Prison Manual 2016 mandates mental health services, overcrowding and lack of care contribute to high rates of mental illness among prisoners.
  • For example, Maharashtra, with 42,577 prisoners in 2022, had only one psychiatrist and two psychologists.
• Non-Implementation of Police Complaints Authority:
  • Mandated by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh (2006), Police Complaints Authorities (PCAs) to address grievances against the police remain largely unestablished or ineffective in most states, perpetuating police impunity.
• Human Rights Violations:
  • India's criminal justice system faces accusations of custodial torture, extrajudicial killings, false arrests, and illegal detentions, with 175 reported deaths in police custody during 2021-2022 alone.

What Measures Should be Adopted to Reform Criminal Justice System in India?

• Transitioning to a victim-centric approach by offering dedicated support services, including counselling and legal aid navigation, empowering victims, and ensuring their voices are heard in court.
• Exploring AI for streamlined processes, identifying low-risk cases, and ensuring transparency to prevent bias.
• Increasing funding for legal aid and implementing performance-based incentives for providers to ensure quality representation, particularly for disadvantaged defendants.
• Urgent measures to curtail detention length and revise bail laws to prevent prolonged undertrial detention and full implementation of the Witness Protection Scheme with adequate funding and oversight to ensure safety.
• Mandatory training for judicial officers, integrating gender perspectives, and mechanisms to address gender bias.
• Mandatory segregation of inmates, comprehensive implementation of health insurance schemes, and improvements in infrastructure.
• Enhancing infrastructure and introducing case management systems for efficient resolution of cases.

Source:  TH

Why in the news ?

• The Quality Council of India (QCI) recently commemorated 'World Accreditation Day' in more than 20 locations throughout the country.

What is Accreditation ?

• This involves a third-party affirmation regarding the competence of a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) to perform specific conformity assessment activities.
• CAB encompasses various entities such as Testing Laboratories, including medical laboratories, Calibration Laboratories, Proficiency Testing Providers, and Certified Reference Material Producers.
• It aids institutions in recognizing their strengths and weaknesses through a comprehensive review process, enabling them to identify areas for internal planning and resource allocation.
• Accreditation enhances customer confidence in accepting testing/calibration reports issued by accredited laboratories.
• Accreditation holds importance in India as it helps ascertain whether an institution meets or surpasses minimum standards of quality

What are the Benefits of Accreditation ?

• Facilitating Global Trade and Access to Markets: Multilateral arrangements foster confidence and robust frameworks, laying the groundwork for Government-to-Government (G2G) bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
• Regulatory Assurance: Accreditation assures technical competence, allowing regulators to prescribe Third-party NABCB accredited conformity assessment, enhancing harmonisation within national regulatory structures.
• Process Harmonisation: Accreditation promotes harmonisation within national regulatory and legislative structures, facilitating continual improvements.
• Competitive Advantage: NABCB accreditation provides credible evidence of conformance with national and international standards, enabling organisations to distinguish themselves in the marketplace.
• Risk Management and Quality Assurance: Conformity assessment bodies undergo assessment according to international standards, ensuring rigorous risk analysis and the delivery of quality services.
• Confidence and Trust: NABCB accreditation instils confidence and reliability in government, industry, and consumers, fostering trust and assurance in products and processes.
• Additional Benefits: Enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction, robust Quality Management Systems, improved operational control, cost reduction, and prevention of loss due to defects are among the supplementary advantages

Sector-wise Accreditation in India:

• IT Sector:
  • The Information Technology Act, 2000 delineates the responsibilities of certifying authorities in issuing Digital Signature Certificates.
  • This ensures that certifying authorities adhere to stringent standards, safeguarding the security and authenticity of digital signatures and electronic records.
• Archival Management:
  • The National Archives of India, entrusted with archival records, adheres to rigorous standards to preserve and provide access to these invaluable resources for future generations.
• Legal Framework:
  • The India Code, maintained by the Ministry of Law and Justice, serves as an accredited repository of central and state Acts, rules, regulations, and statutes, ensuring legal accessibility and reliability.
• Education:
  • India's expansive educational landscape is pivotal in shaping the nation's future and is undergoing accreditation initiatives.
  • With a target of achieving a 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2037, enhancing education quality is paramount.
  • The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) is driving rapid transformation in the Indian higher education system.

What are the challenges Related to Accreditation in India ?

• Standardisation and Implementation of Guidelines: In certifying authorities issuing Digital Signature Certificates (per the Information Technology Act, 2000), where varying standards and guidelines may lead to inconsistencies.
• Resource Management: Managing the extensive records held by the National Archives of India, essential for future generations, presents challenges in preservation and accessibility due to the sheer volume of records.
• Low Participation: Reluctance among institutions to engage in the accreditation process remains a persistent concern, hindering progress in quality assurance initiatives.
• Complex Process: Accreditation procedures involve lengthy and intricate information collection processes, raising concerns about subjectivity and inconsistencies across assessments conducted by different agencies.
• Multiplicity of Agencies: The existence of multiple agencies within the Union Government of India tasked with periodic approvals, assessment, accreditation, and ranking of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) complicates the accreditation landscape.
• Quality of Education: Elevating education quality requires comprehensive improvements in teaching-learning methodologies, research, innovation, and skill development, emphasising sustainability and societal integration over mere infrastructure and inputs

Major Reforms in Accreditation:

• The Ministry of Education has established a high-level panel, chaired by Dr. K Radhakrishnan, to enhance the assessment and accreditation of higher educational institutions.
• Proposed reforms aim to strengthen periodic approval, assessment, accreditation, and ranking of all higher educational institutions (HEIs) in India.
• Reforms advocate for Binary Accreditation (accredited or not accredited) rather than graded assessments.
• Maturity-Based Graded Accreditation (Levels 1 to 5) is proposed to incentivize accredited institutions to continually enhance their standards and broaden their expertise.
• Both NABL and NABCB constitute India's accreditation infrastructure and are members of the Multilateral Recognition Arrangements of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
• NABL boasts over 8000 accredited labs, while NABCB has accredited over 260 CABs (Conformity Assessment Bodies).

Conclusion:

Hence, Accreditation in India plays a pivotal role in driving quality education, fostering innovation, and nurturing excellence, thereby shaping the future for all stakeholders. As India's economy integrates into the global market and the government's liberalisation policies aim to enhance exports, it becomes increasingly crucial for accredited laboratories to meet international standards of competence.

Source: PIB

Why in the news ?

• Recently, the Madras High Court has held that cooperative societies in the state are exempt from the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, as they do not qualify as public authorities, thus not obligated to provide information on their functions to citizens.

• Justice V. Bhavani Subbaroyan stated that cooperative societies do not qualify as ‘public authorities’ under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act. The court’s decision aligns with previous rulings, including a 2013 Supreme Court verdic

Key Implications of Judgement:

• Positive Implications:
  • Autonomy Affirmed: Upholds the autonomy of cooperative societies by exempting them from the obligations of the RTI Act, preserving their independence in decision-making and operations.
  • Legal Clarity Established: Offers a definitive legal interpretation that sets a precedent for similar cases in the future, providing clarity and guidance for cooperative societies and stakeholders.
  • Operational Streamlining: Relieves cooperative societies from the administrative burden of RTI compliance, potentially enhancing operational efficiency and resource allocation.
• Negative Implications:
  • Transparency Reduction: Limits public access to information regarding cooperative societies, potentially diminishing transparency and hindering public oversight of their activities.
  • Increased Risk of Misuse: Without RTI oversight, there may be an elevated risk of corruption or mismanagement of funds within cooperative societies, posing a threat to financial integrity and accountability.
  • Potential Public Distrust: The ruling could contribute to public scepticism and mistrust, particularly if cooperative societies are perceived as non-transparent entities, eroding confidence in their governance and practices.

About the Cooperative societies:

• Cooperative societies are formed voluntarily by individuals who share common economic, social, and cultural interests, pooling their resources to achieve common goals.
• The roots of India's cooperative movement lie in the agriculture and related sectors, originating as a response to protect farmers from exploitation by money lenders.
• The formalisation of India's cooperative movement occurred towards the end of the 19th century, drawing inspiration from the German model of agricultural credit banks.
• Cooperative societies in India serve diverse functions, ranging from providing credit facilities to engaging in the production, procurement, and marketing of various products such as fertilisers, milk, sugar, and fish.

Constitutional provisions cooperative societies:

• The first five-year plan (1951-56) post-independence underscored the importance of adopting cooperatives to address various aspects of community development.
• The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 introduced significant changes related to cooperative societies:
  • It recognized the right to form cooperative societies as a fundamental right (Article 19).
  • It incorporated a new Directive Principle of State Policy focusing on the Promotion of Cooperative Societies (Article 43-B).
  • It added a new Part IX-B to the Constitution titled "The Co-operative Societies" (Articles 243-ZH to 243-ZT).
  • It empowered the Parliament to enact laws concerning multi-state cooperative societies (MSCS), while state legislatures were given authority over other cooperative societies.
• In 2021, the Union Ministry of Cooperation was established, taking over the responsibilities previously held by the Ministry of Agriculture.
• The Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was passed by Parliament in 2023 with the aim of enhancing the regulation of Multi-State Co-operative Societies

Issues Faced by the Cooperatives:

• Governance Deficiencies: Cooperatives frequently encounter issues related to governance, including insufficient transparency, accountability, participation, and democratic decision-making processes.
• Politicisation and Government Overreach: Political parties and government bodies often exert undue influence on cooperatives, compromising their autonomy and ability to function independently.
• Membership Engagement Challenges: Cooperatives struggle to engage and retain active members who are willing to contribute to their capital, management, and day-to-day operations.
• Capital Mobilization Hurdles: Cooperatives face difficulties in raising sufficient capital to support their operational and investment requirements, hindering their growth and sustainability.
• Lack of Professional Talent: Cooperatives often face a shortage of skilled and qualified professionals capable of effectively managing their affairs, leading to operational inefficiencies and limited growth prospects.

Steps Taken to Address Cooperative Challenges:

• Establishment of Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS): Formed to facilitate the functioning of cooperatives across the nation, promoting collaboration and synergy among diverse regions.
• Enactment of MSCS (Amendment) Act & Rules, 2023: Notified to bolster governance standards, enhance transparency, ensure accountability, and reform electoral procedures within multi-state cooperative societies, aiming to foster better management and operations.
• Creation of Ministry of Cooperation: Instituted by transferring pertinent functions from the erstwhile Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Farmers Welfare, with a focus on promoting cooperation and coordinating cooperative activities nationwide.
• Emphasis on Ease of Doing Business: Prioritising streamlining processes to facilitate ease of doing business for cooperatives, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enhance operational efficiency.
• Development of Multi-State Co-operative Societies: Facilitating the development and growth of multi-state cooperative societies, fostering their expansion and enabling them to effectively cater to diverse needs and regions across the country.

Conclusion:

Thus, while cooperatives have played a vital role in poverty alleviation, food security, and environmental management, their autonomy remains essential for effective operation. Hence, reform and revitalization efforts are imperative for the cooperative movement.

Source: TH

Why in the news ?

• The ruling-party government's introduced Agnipath scheme,in June 2022, has encountered resistance from multiple political factions and Armed Forces veterans, primarily due to concerns regarding its effects on military recruitment and soldier welfare

What is the Agnipath Scheme ?

• The Agnipath Scheme introduces a new military rank called "Agniveer," translating to "Fire-Warriors."
• It aims to recruit non-commissioned officers, including soldiers, airmen, and sailors, into the Indian Armed Forces.
• These recruits serve for a four-year term, with up to 25% eligible to transition to permanent commission status for an additional 15 years based on merit and organisational needs.
• Currently, all non-technical cadre personnel, except for the medical branch, are enlisted under this scheme.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates aged between 17.5 and 23 years are eligible to apply, with the upper age limit increased from 21.
• Girls within the specified age range can apply for the Agnipath entry, with no specific reservation for women under this scheme.

Pay & Benefits:

• Death on Duty: Families receive a combined sum of Rs 1 crore, comprising the Seva Nidhi package and the soldier's unserved salary.
• Disability: Agniveers can receive compensation up to Rs 44 lakh, depending on the severity of the disability, caused by or worsened due to military service.
• Pensions: Agniveers do not receive a regular pension after their 4-year service, except for the 25% selected for permanent commission, who become eligible for a pension.

Goal of Agnipath:

• The scheme aims to maintain a youthful armed forces and reduce the number of permanent soldiers, leading to significant savings in government pension spending on defence forces.

Why was the Agnipath Scheme Introduced?

• Younger, Fitter Force: Create a more agile fighting force by emphasising younger recruits, leading to faster response times and better adaptation on the battlefield. Implementation of Agnipath is expected to reduce the average age in the Armed Forces from 32 years to 26 years.
• Reduce Pension Bill: It aims to alleviate the burden of the growing defence pension bill, projected to reach Rs 2.5 lakh crore by 2025. Agnipath's shorter service duration for most recruits could help manage this expenditure effectively.
• Technological Integration: The scheme seeks to capitalise on the tech-savviness of younger recruits to integrate emerging technologies into the Armed Forces more effectively.
• Skilled Workforce for Civilian Sector: Agniveers are envisioned to transition to the civilian workforce with valuable skills and discipline gained during their service, contributing to a more skilled national workforce and economic growth.
• More Employment Opportunities: The scheme is expected to increase employment opportunities, as soldiers with skills and experience acquired during the four-year service can find employment in various fields.

What are the Issues Associated with Agnipath Scheme?

• Lack of Retirement Benefits: The absence of gratuity or pension upon completion of the 4-year tenure has led to dissatisfaction among aspirants seeking job security and retirement benefits.
• Short Service Duration: The 4-year term is perceived as insufficient, raising concerns about inadequate motivation and training compared to permanent soldiers. It may also result in a deficit of skills and experience in the armed forces.
• Age Limit Issues: The upper age limit of 23 years has excluded many potential applicants, particularly those affected by pandemic-related disruptions in recruitment.
• Unemployment Concerns: Limited permanent absorption (only 25%) exacerbates existing youth unemployment, particularly amid broader economic challenges like inflation and inequalities.
• Perceived Political Motives: Experts question the scheme's rushed implementation without sufficient consultation, raising suspicions of political motivations, especially ahead of elections. Lack of endorsement from defence forces adds to the scepticism.
• Pension Bill Reduction: The scheme is viewed as a means for the government to reduce defence pension expenditure, prioritising financial savings over long-term force development.

Way Forward:

• Raising the Age Limit and Permanent Retention Quota:
  • Extend the service period for Agniveers to 7-8 years and increase the entry age for technical roles to 23 years.
  • Enhance the regular service retention rate for Agniveers from the current 25% to 60-70%.
• Enhanced Entitlements and Benefits:
  • Provide Agniveers with a contributory pension scheme, generous gratuity, and ex-gratia for disabilities incurred during training.
  • Offer opportunities in other security forces, veteran status, and preference for government jobs, employing a transparent, merit-based retention system.
• Implement Robust Skilling and Resettlement Programs:
  • Develop comprehensive skilling and resettlement programs in partnership with the private sector and government agencies.
  • Mandate the compulsory absorption of Agniveers by private employers and corporations through legislation.
• Raising Educational Standards:
  • Increase educational requirements for Agniveers from 10 to 10+2 and introduce a more rigorous national entrance exam to ensure a higher quality of recruits.

Conclusion:

Hence, the Agnipath scheme marks a significant shift in India's defence recruitment strategy, showcasing early indicators of enhanced motivation, intelligence, and physical standards among Agniveers. This emphasis on the human element fosters unit pride and cohesion, essential for effective defence operations.

Source: IE

Why in the news ?

• Recently, the Cabinet has decided to further expand the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and construct 3 crore additional rural and urban houses.

About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):

• The Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in 2015-16 with the objective of providing assistance to eligible rural and urban households for constructing houses equipped with basic amenities.
• The newly formed government has approved the proposal to provide 3 crore additional rural and urban houses under PMAY.
• The scheme has two components: PMAY-U for the urban poor and PMAY-G and PMAY-R for the rural poor.

PMAY-U (Urban):

• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has been implementing PMAY-U under ‘Housing for All’ Mission since June, 2015.
• Objective: To provide housing for all segments of society in urban areas.
• Beneficiaries: Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low-Income Group (LIG), and Middle-Income Group (MIG).
• Subsidy Schemes:
  • Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme: Offers interest subsidy on home loans for EWS, LIG, and MIG categories.
  • In-Situ Slum Redevelopment: Uses existing land to provide housing to eligible slum dwellers.
  • Affordable Housing in Partnership: Promotes collaboration between public and private sectors to develop affordable housing projects.
  • Beneficiary-Led Construction: Provides financial assistance to individuals for self-construction or improvement of their houses.

PMAY-G (Gramin):

• In order to achieve the target of “Housing for All” in rural areas, the Ministry of Rural Development is implementing PMAY-G with effect from 1st April 2016.
• Objective: To provide pucca houses with basic amenities to rural families who are homeless or living in kutcha or dilapidated houses.
• Beneficiaries: Identified using the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011.
• Features:
  • Financial Assistance: Provided financial Assistance of Rs.1.20 lakh in plain areas and Rs.1.30 lakh in hilly States (including North-eastern States and UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh), difficult areas and Integrated Action Plan (IAP) districts.
  • Construction: Overall target to construct 2.95 crore pucca houses with basic amenities by March, 2024.
  • Convergence with Other Schemes: Promotes collaboration with schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) for toilet construction( Rs.12000/) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for wage employment.

Importance and Progress of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):

• In a nation where millions aspire to own a home, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) stands as a beacon of hope and progress.
• It underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to providing affordable housing and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
• PMAY is not merely a housing scheme; it embodies a mission to empower individuals with dignity and security.
• Over the past decade, PMAY has successfully completed construction of a total of 4.21 Crore houses for eligible poor families across the country

Source: PIB

Why in the news:

• Recently, the Central Government has released an instalment of ₹1.39 lakh crore for tax devolution to the states.

About:

• The regular devolution amount for June 2024 includes an additional instalment, enabling State Governments to accelerate development and capital spending.
• These additional funds will support State Governments in enhancing their developmental activities and infrastructure projects, thereby boosting economic growth at the state level.
• The Interim Budget for FY25 had earmarked Rs. 12.19 trillion towards the devolution of taxes to states.
• With this release, the total amount devolved for FY25 to states till 10 June stands at Rs. 2.8 trillion.

What is the tax devolution ?

• Tax devolution refers to the distribution of tax revenues between the central government and state governments.
• It is a constitutional mechanism designed to allocate the proceeds of certain taxes among the Union and the states in a fair and equitable manner.
• Article 280(3)(a) of the Constitution of India mandates that the Finance Commission (FC) is responsible for making recommendations on the division of the net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the states.
• Article 270 of the Constitution provides for the scheme of distribution of net tax proceeds collected by the Union government between the Centre and the States.

The basis for allocation by recommendations of 15th Finance Commission:

• Share of States in Central Taxes (Vertical Devolution):
  • 2021-26 Period: States' share in central taxes is set at 41%, the same as in 2020-21.
  • Comparison with 2015-20: This is lower than the 42% recommended by the 14th Finance Commission.
  • Reason for Adjustment: The 1% reduction accounts for the resources needed for the newly formed union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
• Horizontal Devolution (Allocation Between the States):
  • Demographic Performance: 12.5% weightage.
  • Income: 45% weightage.
  • Population: 15% weightage.
  • Area: 15% weightage.
  • Forest and Ecology: 10% weightage.
  • Tax and Fiscal Efforts:5% weightage.
• Revenue Deficit Grants to States:
  • Definition: Revenue deficit is the gap between revenue expenditure and revenue receipts, including tax and non-tax income.
  • Recommendation: Post-devolution revenue deficit grants totaling approximately Rs. 3 trillion over the five years ending FY26.
• Performance-Based Incentives and Grants to States:
  • Themes:
    • Social Sector: Focuses on health and education.
    • Rural Economy: Emphasises agriculture and maintenance of rural roads, crucial for two-thirds of the population, 70% of the workforce, and 46% of national income.
    • Governance and Administrative Reforms: Includes grants for judiciary, statistics, and aspirational districts and blocks.
    • Power Sector: Implements a performance-based incentive system, offering an additional borrowing window for states, not linked to grants.
• Grants to Local Governments:
  • Municipal Services and Local Government Bodies: Includes performance-based grants for new city incubation and health grants.
  • Urban Local Bodies:
    • Basic Grants: For cities/towns with populations under a million.
    • Million-Plus Cities: 100% performance-linked through the Million-Plus Cities Challenge Fund (MCF).
    • MCF: Linked to performance in improving air quality and meeting benchmarks for urban drinking water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management

Criticism and Issues:

• Centralised Constitutional Scheme: Historically, India's constitutional framework has favoured a strong central authority in legislative, administrative, and financial matters.
• Federalism Concerns: Despite federalism being a fundamental feature, there is a concern that states might feel disadvantaged in resource distribution.
• Political Dynamics: Political differences between the Union government and Opposition-ruled states exacerbate these issues, alongside genuine concerns that merit attention.

Suggestions and Way Ahead:

• Enlarge Divisible Pool: Include portions of cess and surcharge in the divisible pool to increase resources available for distribution.
• Rationalise Tax Structure: Gradually phase out various cesses and surcharges while rationalising tax slabs to simplify the tax regime.
• Efficiency Criteria in Horizontal Devolution: Increase the weightage given to efficiency criteria in horizontal devolution to promote effective resource utilisation.
• Incorporate GST Contributions: Considering GST's role as a consumption-based destination tax, include states' relative GST contributions as a criterion in future Finance Commissions.
• Formal State Participation: Establish a formal mechanism, akin to the GST Council, for states' participation in the constitution and functioning of the Finance Commission.
• Consultative Approach: Implement these measures through inclusive discussions with all states to ensure consensus and cooperation.
• Fiscal Federalism: Uphold principles of fiscal federalism by ensuring adequate devolution of resources to local bodies for robust and accountable development.

Source: ET

Why in the news ?

• Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) published the results of a national survey on Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) systems of medicine.

What are the Highlights of the Survey?

About:

• The recently concluded national survey on AYUSH conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) from July 2022 to June 2023 marks the first comprehensive effort to capture utilisation patterns of traditional healthcare practices across India.

Objectives:

• Assess awareness levels among the population regarding the AYUSH system of medicine.
• Document the use of AYUSH for both preventive healthcare and treatment of ailments.
• Record household awareness of home remedies, medicinal plants, and local health traditions.
• Gather data on household expenditures related to treatments using AYUSH systems of medicine.
• Note: The survey covered the entire Indian Union, except for a few remote villages in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Key Findings:

• Awareness of AYUSH:
  • In rural India, approximately 95% of males and females aged 15 and above are familiar with AYUSH, while in urban areas, the awareness rate is around 96%.
  • About 79% of households in rural India and 80% in urban India have at least one member knowledgeable about medicinal plants and home remedies.
  • Around 24% of households in both rural and urban India have at least one member aware of folk medicine or local health traditions.

• Use of AYUSH:
  • Approximately 53% of people in urban areas and 46% in rural areas have utilised AYUSH for prevention or treatment of ailments in the past year (365 days).
• Expenditure Incurred for Availing Treatment of AYUSH:
  • The average expenditure per person for prevention or treatment of ailments using AYUSH was Rs. 574 in urban areas and Rs. 472 in rural areas.
• Use of AYUSH System by Purpose:

• • Practice of Yoga:
    • In rural India, approximately 11 million households, and in urban India, around 14 million households, have at least one member who practises yoga regularly.

What are the Government Schemes Related to Promotion of AYUSH in India?

• National Ayush Mission:
  • Launched in 2014 to promote traditional and cost-effective AYUSH systems of medicine in India.
  • Focuses on infrastructure development, education, research, manpower augmentation, and quality control in AYUSH.
• Ayur Gyan:
  • Aimed at promoting education, research, and innovation in AYUSH.
  • Components include Capacity Building and Continuing Medical Education (CME) for AYUSH professionals, and Research & Innovation focusing on priority health areas.
• AYURSWASTHYA:
  • Supports AYUSH organisations and institutes through grants to enhance facilities, research capabilities, and overall operations.
• Champion Service Sector Scheme:
  • Aims to boost medical tourism in India, particularly in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Yoga.
  • Seeks to attract international patients, tourists, and visitors interested in AYUSH healthcare options.
• Promotion of International Cooperation in AYUSH:
  • Focuses on raising awareness and interest in AYUSH systems globally.
  • Aims to facilitate international promotion, development, and recognition of AYUSH practices.
• Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana:
  • Aims to improve the quality and manufacturing standards of AYUSH medicines in India.
  • Seeks to make these medicines safer, more reliable, and potentially exportable.
• Management of Medicinal Plants:
  • Aims to promote cultivation, preservation, and sustainable management of medicinal plants.
  • Led by the National Medicinal Plant Board under the Ministry of AYUSH to coordinate efforts across various ministries and departments for development.

Source: PIB

Why in the news?

• The 2021 Census has been delayed for so long because the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is delaying the Census because it wants to fast-track the “delimitation” exercise in anticipation of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The 84th Amendment of the Constitution:

• The 84th Amendment of the Constitution mandates that the next delimitation exercise must be based on the first census conducted after 2026.
• Delimitation will be postponed until after the subsequent census in the 2030s if the next census occurs before 2026.
• Delimitation aims to adjust the allocation of Lok Sabha seats among states to align with their population shares and ensure equitable representation across constituencies.
• The upcoming delimitation is anticipated to benefit northern states that have experienced rapid population growth since 1973, possibly resulting in a redistribution of seats that could disadvantage southern states.

About the 106th Amendment:

• Background: The 106th Amendment was passed in 2019 and received presidential assent in January 2020.
• Increase in Reservation: The amendment extends the reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures for another 10 years, up to January 25, 2030. This provision was set to expire in January 2020 before the amendment was passed.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 330 deals with reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha, while Article 332 deals with similar reservation in state legislative assemblies.
• Women’s Reservation: Passed in September 2023, this amendment mandates one-third reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• Implementation Clause: The reservation will be implemented after delimitation is conducted based on the first census figures post-2023.
• Separate Delimitation: The amendment suggests a separate delimitation process may be initiated specifically for implementing women’s reservation.
• Interpretation: This provision allows for the possibility of initiating women’s reservation based on an early census, independent of the broader delimitation exercise mandated by the 84th Amendment.

Overall Implications:

• Impact on Southern States:
  • Seat Redistribution: Delimitation may transfer more Lok Sabha seats to northern states, potentially reducing southern states' representation.
  • Political Tensions: This shift could provoke regional tensions and increase opposition to the BJP in southern states.
• Women’s Reservation:
  • Implementation Delay: Delaying the census could postpone the implementation of the 106th amendment, which reserves one-third of seats for women.
  • Separate Delimitation: Women’s reservation may be initiated through a separate delimitation process, distinct from the broader exercise mandated by the 84th Amendment.
• Welfare and Entitlements:
  • Updated Data Requirement: Census data are essential for implementing welfare schemes and ensuring equitable resource allocation.
  • Impact on Beneficiaries: A delayed census could deprive millions of updated entitlements like food rations under the National Food Security Act, affecting their access to essential services.

Way forward:

• Timely Census Completion:
  • Conduct the 2021 Census promptly to obtain accurate population data.
  • Ensure timely completion to support effective implementation of welfare schemes and equitable resource allocation.
  • Facilitate access to essential services for millions of citizens reliant on updated population figures.
• Separate Delimitation for Women’s Reservation:
  • Implement women’s reservation through a distinct delimitation exercise, as permitted by the 106th Amendment.
  • Allow women’s reservation to take effect independently of the broader delimitation mandated by the 84th Amendment.
  • Expedite the process to realise gender parity in legislative bodies without delay.

Source:TH

Why in the News?

• The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is set to convene soon. Until the election of the new Speaker, a pro-tem Speaker will be appointed to administer the oath to the newly elected Members of Parliament.

Who is a Pro-tem Speaker?

• Role of the Lok Sabha Speaker: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha manages the daily proceedings of the House.
• Outgoing Speaker's Tenure: According to Article 94 of the Indian Constitution, the outgoing Speaker remains in office until the first meeting of the new Lok Sabha.
• Temporary Appointment: A pro-tem Speaker is appointed temporarily to handle specific duties until the new Speaker is elected.
• Constitutional Mention: The Constitution does not explicitly mention the post of pro-tem Speaker.
• Guidelines: The ‘Handbook on the Working of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs’ provides guidelines on the appointment and duties of the Speaker pro-tem.
• Administering Oaths: The primary duty of the pro-tem Speaker is to administer oaths to new MPs, as required by Article 99 of the Constitution.

Appointment of the Pro-tem Speaker:

• Presidential Appointment: When the Speaker’s post is vacant before the new Lok Sabha convenes, the President appoints a Member of the House as the Speaker pro-tem.
• Oath Administration: The President administers the oath to the Speaker pro-tem at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
• Assistants in Oath-taking: Generally, three other elected members of the Lok Sabha are also appointed by the President to assist in the oath-taking process.
• Selection Criteria: The senior most members, in terms of years of service, are usually chosen for this role, though exceptions can occur.

Process of Administering Oaths:

• Preparation of Senior Members List: The Legislative I Section of the Government of India prepares a list of the seniormost Lok Sabha members after the formation of the new government.
• Identification of Speaker Pro-tem: This list is submitted to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs or the Prime Minister, who identifies the Speaker pro-tem and the three other members for oath-taking.
• Approval and Consent: After the Prime Minister’s approval, the consent of the selected members is obtained by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, usually over the telephone.
• Submission to the President: The Minister then submits a note to the President seeking approval for the appointments and the date and time for the swearing-in ceremony.
• Notification of Appointments: Upon the President’s approval, the Ministry informs the Speaker pro-tem and the other members about their appointments.
• Oath Administration: The Speaker pro-tem then administers the oath to the other three members in the Lok Sabha.

Souce:  IE

Why in the news ?

• The Prime Minister granted certificates to more than 30,000 women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) as Krishi Sakhis.
• This certification course aligns with the objectives of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Program.

About KSCP:

• The Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP) aims to transform rural India by empowering rural women as Krishi Sakhi by imparting training and certification of Krishi Sakhi as Para-extension Workers.
• This initiative aims to create three crore Lakhpati Didis by training and certifying women as Krishi Sakhis, thereby enhancing their agricultural skills and providing new employment opportunities.
• This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to improve rural livelihoods and standards of living.
• Krishi Sakhi is envisaged to create awareness and capacity building in the community regarding agricultural activities and facilitate the aggregation and marketing of agricultural products.
• Krishi Sakhis are chosen as agriculture para-extension workers because they are trusted community resource persons and experienced farmers. Their deep roots in farming communities ensure they are welcomed and respected.

Women Workforce in Agriculture Sector:

• Agriculture employs approximately 80% of rural women, according to NITI Aayog.
• The percentage of female operational holdings has risen from 12.78% in 2010-11 to 13.78% in 2015-16.
• Significance:
  • Women are responsible for producing 60-80% of the country's food.
  • The ratio of women to men working in agriculture has increased, contributing more significantly to GDP per capita.
  • Women's leadership in agriculture can effectively address and reduce gender inequality

The kind of training provided:

• Agro Ecological Practices from land preparation to harvest
• Organising Farmer Field schools
• Seed banks establishment and management
• Soil health, soil and moisture conservation practices
• Integrated Farming Systems
• Basics of Livestock Management
• Preparation and use of Bio inputs and establishment of Bio inputs shops
• Basic communication skills

Source: PIB

Conext:

• The ageing phenomenon stands out as a defining experience of the 21st century, characterised by significant improvements in human longevity alongside historically low reproduction rates.

About the Ageing Population in India:

• Projected Growth of Elderly Population
  • Current Population: India’s elderly population, currently at 153 million (aged 60 and above), is expected to nearly double, reaching 347 million by 2050.
• India Ageing Report 2023
  • Percentage Growth: The elderly population is projected to grow from 10.5% of the total population in 2022 to 20.8% by 2050.
  • Population Increase: The number of individuals aged 60 and above is anticipated to rise from 14.9 crore to an estimated 34.7 crore.
• Age Structure Reversal
  • By 2046, the elderly population is expected to surpass the number of children (aged 0 to 15 years), indicating a shift from a historically young populace to an ageing demographic.
• National Commission on Population Report (2020)
  • Growth Rate and Projections: The elderly population is currently growing at an estimated decadal rate of 41% and is projected to constitute over 20% of the total population by 2050.
• Comprehensive Review:
  • Data Sources: The report draws on data from the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), Census of India, and Population Projections by the Government of India.
  • Growth Rate: The elderly population is currently growing at an estimated rate of 41% per decade, with projections showing it will double to 20.8% of the total population by 2050.
• Sex Ratio Among Elderly
  • Trend: The sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) among the elderly has been steadily increasing since 1991, unlike the stagnating ratio in the general population.
  • Census 2011 Data: India has 104 million older people (60+ years), making up 8.6% of the total population, with females outnumbering males in this age group.

Demographics of the Elderly:

• Gender Ratio: Predominantly female with 1,065 females per thousand males.
• Widowhood: 54% of elderly women will be widows.
• Living Alone: 6% of elderly men and 9% of elderly women live alone.
• Rural Elderly: 70% residing in rural areas.

Primary Factors Contributing to the Ageing Phenomenon in India:

• Increased Longevity
  • Healthcare Advancements: Significant improvements in healthcare services, medical technology, treatments, and preventive care.
  • Life Expectancy: WHO reports an increase in life expectancy from 62.1 years in 2000 to 67.3 years in 2021.
• Improved Living Conditions
  • Better Living Standards: Access to clean water, sanitation, and improved nutrition.
  • Sanitation Coverage: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has reduced waterborne diseases through increased sanitation coverage.
• Decreased Fertility Rates
  • Family Planning: Successful implementation of family planning programs.
  • Total Fertility Rate: According to NFHS 2019-21, TFR has declined to 2.0 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1.
• Socio-Economic Changes
  • Female Education and Workforce Participation: Higher education and workforce participation among women lead to delayed marriages and fewer children.
  • Urbanisation: Smaller family norms due to the higher cost and demands of raising children in urban areas.
  • Kerala Model: High literacy rates and advanced healthcare contribute to high life expectancy and low fertility rates, serving as a model for managing the ageing population.

The Various Challenges Associated with Elderly Population in India:

• Restrictions in Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
  • Prevalence of Restrictions: Approximately 20% of the elderly face limitations in activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
  • Impact of Support Systems: Elders living alone or lacking family support often struggle with ADLs, increasing their dependence on caregiving services.
• Multi-Morbidity
  • Chronic Conditions: About 75% of the elderly in India suffer from multiple chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular issues.
  • Impact on Quality of Life: Coexistence of these conditions reduces quality of life and escalates healthcare requirements.
• Poverty
  • Economic Vulnerability: More than 40% of India's elderly belong to the poorest wealth quintile, with about 18.7% having no income.
  • Quality of Life Impact: Economic instability affects their healthcare access and overall well-being significantly.
• Changing Healthcare Needs
  • Demographic Challenge: With elder population growth outpacing younger generations, meeting diverse healthcare needs becomes crucial.
  • Specialised Services: Elderly require specialised medical services like telemedicine, physiotherapy, mental health counselling, and pharmaceutical support at home.
• Social Issues:
  • Neglect and Stigma: Factors like familial neglect, low education, socio-cultural beliefs, and distrust in institutional healthcare worsen conditions for elders.
  • Access Inequity: Inequitable access to facilities compounds challenges, limiting physical, financial, and psychological support for the elderly.
• ‘Inherently Gendered’:
  • Feminization of Ageing: A higher proportion of elderly women compared to men face challenges like widowhood, economic dependency, and limited assets.
  • Sex Ratio Trends: The sex ratio among the elderly has varied, showing higher ratios in earlier decades but stabilising around 1033 females per 1000 males in 2011.
• Inadequate Welfare Schemes:
  • Healthcare Coverage Gaps: Despite schemes like Ayushman Bharat, 400 million Indians lack financial health coverage.
  • Pension Challenges: State and central pension schemes offer minimal support, with some providing as little as ₹350-₹400 monthly, which isn't universally accessible.

Steps Should be Taken to Empower the Elderly Population in India:

• Protection from Destitution
  • Besides pensions, access to healthcare, disability aids, assistance with daily tasks, recreational opportunities, and social engagement are crucial for their well-being.
• Emulating the Frontrunners
  • States like Odisha and Rajasthan have achieved near-universal social security pensions, setting examples for others.
  • Revamping the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) nationwide would streamline pension distribution and benefit all states uniformly.
• Recognising
  • Policies must address the needs of elderly women, particularly widows. Focus should be on supporting vulnerable older women to live independently and respectfully.
• Welfare & Bills:
  • Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Bill aims to regulate and set standards for home-based elder care services, yet awaits parliamentary approval since its introduction in 2019.
• Building Elderly Inclusive Society
  • Promoting community integration ensures elderly remain active contributors rather than isolated in facilities. Leveraging their skills and experience benefits society, fostering their active participation in community life.
• Transforming the Perception of the Elderly
  • Innovative programs like U3A offer continuous learning opportunities, empowering elderly with knowledge and skills.
  • Schemes like Singapore's Senior Employment Scheme match elderly job seekers with employers, recognizing their reliability and experience.

Conclusion:

Innovative institutions and social agencies are pivotal in reshaping the elderly's perception from burdens to valuable assets. Through initiatives promoting education, employment, volunteering, health, wellness, and social inclusion, policies must empower the elderly and integrate them into active societal roles.

Source:TH

Context:

• In recent years, disputes between the Union government and the States have become increasingly common.

Federalism in India:

• Meaning:
  • Federalism involves a vertical division of power in a political system, where authority is distributed between a central government and other constituent units.
  • For instance, in India, political power is divided among the Central government, state governments, and local governance institutions.
• Features of a federal system:
  • Multiple levels of government: Federalism necessitates the functioning of multiple levels of government within their respective jurisdictions.
  • Division of Power: Power is distributed among different entities according to the division of subjects, minimising chances of conflict.
  • Written Constitution: A written and rigid constitution ensures clarity in the allocation of powers and stability in governance.
  • Independent Judiciary: The judiciary acts as a mediator to resolve disputes between various levels of government.
  • Interdependence of state and Central Government: India adopted a form of federalism where the Union and State governments are interdependent, with states more reliant on the Union government, contrary to the autonomous spheres characteristic of federal constitutions.
• ‘Holding together’ Federalism:
  • India's centralised federal structure was established through 'holding together' and 'putting together' processes, rather than the 'coming together' process typical of federal systems.
• Indestructible & Flexibility:
  • R. Ambedkar termed India's federation a Union because it is indestructible, hence the Constitution avoids using explicit federal terms.
  • He also noted the Constitution's flexibility to function as federal or unitary based on necessity.

Types of Federalism:

• Cooperative Federalism:
  • Cooperative federalism involves the horizontal relationship between entities within a federal structure.
  • It emphasises cooperation between different levels of government to achieve unified socio-economic development.
• Competitive Federalism:
  • Competitive federalism promotes healthy competition among states to encourage economic development.
  • Lagging states are incentivized to improve, while leading states strive to maintain their position in various indices.
• Fiscal Federalism:
  • Fiscal federalism deals with the division of financial powers and functions between different levels of government.
  • It includes the imposition and division of taxes, as well as joint tax collections with fair fund allocation based on objective criteria.
  • Institutions like India's Finance Commission ensure equitable distribution.

About the Increasing Federal Frictions:

• Dependence on Public Expenditure:
  • Despite economic reforms since 1991 granting some autonomy, state governments still rely on the central government for revenue.
  • This dependency often leads to friction between the Centre and states, limiting negotiation space.
• Other Areas of Conflict:
  • Apart from resource allocation, conflicts arise in social sector policies, regulatory institution functioning, and the powers of central agencies.
  • States ideally should have discretion in these matters, but central bodies sometimes seek to extend influence over state decision

Economic Consequences of Federal Frictions

• Dilemma of Investments:
  • The expanding role of the Centre often results in crowding out state investments, particularly in infrastructure development.
  • For instance, initiatives like PM Gati Shakti integrate schemes across Ministries and States under a national master plan, limiting state flexibility in planning and implementation.
• Concentrated Spending:
  • Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, nearly half of the total expenditure by 16 states was concentrated in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
  • This concentration affects regional economies, as investments by these states generate significant local linkages compared to national projects that focus on global economic ties.
    • Data for 25 States shows that a total of ₹7.49 lakh crore was budgeted for by these States but they spent only ₹5.71 lakh crore which is 76.2% of the total.
• Limited Competition:
  • Frictions with the Centre reduce competitive dynamics among states and between states and the Centre, particularly in welfare provisioning.
  • The Centre's larger fiscal space allows it greater spending power, while states face constraints in raising non-tax revenues due to the Centre's direct provision of many services.
• Inefficiencies of Parallel Policies:
  • Federal tensions often lead to duplication of policies between the Centre and states, resulting in parallel schemes and a trust deficit within the federal system.
  • These inefficiencies impose long-term fiscal costs on the economy, impacting overall efficiency and development outcomes.

Way Forward

• Securing Implementation:
  • The Centre relies on states, especially in concurrent areas, to effectively implement laws and policies.
  • This interdependence underscores the need for collaborative governance frameworks that enhance coordination and mutual support.
• Executive Functions:
  • States, with the Centre's consent under Article 258A, delegate their executive functions to central government agencies or bodies. #
  • This mutual delegation acknowledges the practical necessity of cooperation and coordination between different levels of governance.
• Preserving Interdependence:
  • Given India's vast size, diversity, and developmental challenges, maintaining and nurturing interdependence between the Centre and states is crucial.
  • This ensures efficient governance, effective policy implementation, and equitable development across the country.

Source:   IE

Why in the news?

• Recently, issues such as paper leaks, incorrect results prompting aspirant suicides, and inconsistent grace marks allocation have severely undermined public confidence in the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Recent Paper Leaks and Their Impact

• Recent incidents surrounding NEET have exposed serious flaws in its administration.
• Instances of leaked examination papers and the dissemination of incorrect results have not only shattered trust but have also been linked to tragic suicides among aspirants.
• In a concerning development, an unprecedented 67 students scored perfect marks, raising suspicions of systemic manipulation.
• Moreover, over 1,560 students received grace marks without transparent justification, exacerbating doubts about the fairness of assessments conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
• The government's decision to cancel the National Eligibility Test (NET) due to similar issues further compounds concerns about the integrity of these examinations.

Origin of NEET Policy, its Objectives and Implementation Challenges:

• Standardising Educational Competence:
  • The implementation of NEET was primarily driven by the necessity to standardise the educational competence of students entering medical colleges.
  • Before NEET, there was a noticeable disparity in foundational knowledge of basic sciences like Chemistry, Physics, and Biology among students from different educational backgrounds.
  • This variation often resulted in significant differences in the quality of medical graduates, with some students lacking adequate understanding of these critical subjects.
  • NEET aimed to establish a minimum standard of competence in the basic sciences for all medical aspirants, regardless of their educational origins.
• Reducing the Number of Entrance Examinations:
  • Prior to NEET, India's medical aspirants had to contend with multiple entrance examinations—approximately 46 exams administered by various medical colleges and institutions, each with its unique syllabus, format, and evaluation criteria.
  • This proliferation of exams caused considerable stress and confusion for students, who were required to prepare for and appear in numerous tests within a short timeframe.
  • NEET sought to consolidate these disparate exams into a single, standardised test, simplifying the admission process, reducing financial and logistical burdens, and ensuring a more straightforward and equitable selection process.
  • The government aimed to streamline admissions by implementing a unified entrance examination that would be efficient and less cumbersome for all stakeholders involved.
• Eliminating Capitation Fees:
  • NEET also aimed to tackle the widespread practice of capitation fees in private medical colleges.
  • Capitation fees are payments made by students to secure admission, often bypassing merit-based selection criteria.
  • This practice compromised the quality of medical education and created barriers for economically disadvantaged students seeking admission.
  • By basing admissions solely on NEET scores, the policy aimed to curb the discretion of private medical colleges in student selection.
  • This merit-based approach was intended to ensure that admissions were granted solely to the most qualified candidates, irrespective of their financial background.
  • The elimination of capitation fees was viewed as a crucial step towards promoting transparency and fairness in the admission process, thereby enhancing the credibility of medical education in India.

Challenges in Implementation:

• Initially, in 2013, the Supreme Court suspended the scheme following challenges from private colleges, which argued that NEET's centralised process encroached upon their autonomy.
• However, in 2016, a five-judge bench reinstated NEET, underscoring the necessity of a unified examination system.
• A persistent challenge was the lack of a uniform standard for school education across India.
• Central government schools followed the CBSE syllabus, known for its rigour, while state boards and private schools, including those offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, had different curricula.
• This disparity sparked accusations of bias, with NEET's standards perceived to favour students from CBSE backgrounds.

Necessary Key Reforms to Address the Crisis of NEET:

• Extending the MBBS Degree:
  • Consider extending the MBBS degree to six years, including a pre-medical year to standardise knowledge in Zoology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • This approach has historical precedent in India's medical education system, ensuring all students meet essential foundational requirements.
• Decentralising Examinations:
  • Implement decentralisation of the examination process, allowing states and universities to conduct their own entrance exams.
  • Centralisation under NEET has caused disparities, especially for students from non-CBSE backgrounds.
  • State and university-level exams can better align with local curricula, enhancing relevance and fairness.
• Constituting Regional Boards:
  • Introduce regional examination boards to standardise exams within specific geographic areas.
  • These boards can operate under central guidance while adapting to local educational standards.
  • This approach balances national standardisation with local relevance, ensuring comprehensive and equitable assessments.
• Improving School Education:
  • Focus on improving the quality of school education nationwide through governance, curriculum reform, and infrastructure enhancement.
  • Transition from rote learning to inquiry-based and critical thinking-oriented education.
  • Regular curriculum updates should reflect the latest scientific and educational advancements.

Conclusion:

The NEET crisis exposes systemic failures in India's school education system. To resolve this, reforms should focus on improving schools, decentralising exams, and strengthening oversight. These efforts are crucial to restoring confidence, fairness, and integrity in the examination process for all students.

Source: IE

Why in the news?

• The Indian Government has authorised the transfer of $40,000 for initial discussions on securing Nimisha Priya's release from a Yemeni prison.
• Priya's mother is currently in Yemen, seeking to commute her death sentence by offering "blood money" to the family of the deceased.

About Nimisha Priya’s Case:

• Priya, a nurse who relocated to Yemen in 2008, married Tomy Thomas in 2011, and later returned to Yemen, where she encountered abuse and exploitation from Talal Abdo Mahdi.
• This situation culminated in Mahdi's death and Priya's subsequent arrest. The $40,000 payment is intended to start negotiations for Priya's release.
• To commute the death penalty, Priya's family may need to gather between $300,000 to $400,000.
• The 'Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council' is actively fundraising to meet this financial requirement.

What is Blood Money?

• According to Islamic law, victims of crimes, particularly in cases of murder, have the authority to decide on the punishment of the criminals.
• This principle applies specifically to the families of the victims.
• While murder typically incurs the death penalty, the victim's family, known as heirs, have the option to "forgive" the perpetrator in exchange for monetary compensation.
• This compensation is known as Diyya or "blood money" and finds its basis in the Holy Quran.
• The concept of blood money is applicable in cases of unintentional homicide (Qatl Khata) or accidental death, as well as in situations involving bodily injury or harm caused by negligence or unintentional actions.

The implications of blood money in Islamic law:

• Encouragement of Forgiveness:
  • It allows the victim's family to choose to forgive the perpetrator in exchange for compensation, reflecting mercy and the importance of reconciliation.
• Flexible Compensation:
  • Unlike rigidly defined amounts, Islamic scriptures do not specify a fixed sum for blood money.
  • Instead, the compensation is typically determined through negotiations between the families involved or their representatives.
• Negotiation Process:
  • This negotiation involves discussions between the perpetrator's family and the victim's family, seeking a resolution that both parties find acceptable.
• Minimum Compensation in Some Countries:
  • While the Quran does not prescribe specific amounts, certain Islamic countries have established minimum compensation thresholds.
  • These standards aim to ensure fairness and consistency in resolving cases involving blood money.

The significance of blood money in Islamic law:

• Encouragement of Forgiveness:
  • Forgiveness from the victim's family is deeply valued and praised in Islam.
  • By accepting blood money, the family of the victim demonstrates mercy and compassion towards the perpetrator or their family.
• Prevention of Retaliation:
  • Blood money serves as a mechanism to prevent cycles of vengeance or retaliation (known as Qisas).
  • Instead of seeking revenge through retributive justice, accepting blood money allows for the resolution of disputes in a peaceful and reconciliatory manner.
• Promotion of Reconciliation:
  • The concept of blood money promotes reconciliation between conflicting parties.
  • By negotiating and agreeing on a compensation amount, both the victim's family and the perpetrator's family can reach a mutual understanding and closure.

Source: IE

Why in the news?

• Amidst recent controversies, both NEET UG-2024 and UGC-NET 2024 have faced scrutiny.
• UGC-NET was cancelled on June 19 due to concerns over exam integrity, marking the first cancellation under the new Public Examinations (Prevention Of Unfair Means) Act passed in February 2024.

Public Examinations (Prevention Of Unfair Means) Act 2024:

• About:
  • The Indian Parliament enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention Of Unfair Means) Act in February 2024 to enhance transparency, fairness, and credibility in public examinations by preventing unfair practices.
• Wide scope of application:
  • This legislation marks the first federal effort to address unfair practices in public examinations across India. It provides flexibility for future inclusion of other agencies through government notifications.
• Protection of Candidates:
  • The Act ensures that bona fide candidates participating in public examinations are exempt from its provisions.
  • Defaulting candidates are not penalised under the Act, but appropriate actions are taken by the respective public examination authorities.

Unfair means in an examination has been defined:

• Section 3 of the Act, detailing over 15 actions that constitute unfair practices in public examinations for monetary or wrongful gain. These actions include:
  • Leaking question papers or answer keys, and involvement in such leaks.
  • Unauthorised access to question papers or Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) response sheets.
  • Tampering with answer sheets, including OMR sheets.
  • Unauthorised persons providing solutions during exams.
  • Direct or indirect assistance to candidates.
  • Tampering with documents used for shortlisting or ranking candidates.
  • Tampering with computer systems or networks.
  • Creating fraudulent websites.
  • Conducting fake exams and issuing counterfeit admit cards or offer letters for cheating or monetary gain.
• Comprehensive Coverage:
  • The Act spans 19 sections across six chapters, comprehensively addressing all aspects of preventing unfair means in public examinations.
  • It provides detailed definitions that encompass various unfair practices such as leaks of question papers, candidate assistance, breaches in security, and manipulation of computer systems.
  • Additionally, the Act addresses specifics like manipulation of seating arrangements to ensure integrity in examinations.
• Punishments:

• • Section 9 of the Act mandates that all offences shall be cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, allowing for arrest without a warrant and requiring a magistrate's discretion for bail eligibility.
• Public Examination Defined:
  • Section 2(k) defines a public examination as any examination conducted by a public examination authority listed in the Act's Schedule or designated by the Central Government through notification, with provisions for adding new authorities via notification.
• Power to Refer Investigations:
  • The Act grants the Central Government authority to refer cases under its purview to a Central Investigating Agency for prompt and careful resolution.
• Designation of Public Servants:
  • Officials of public examination authorities are designated as public servants under the Act, ensuring accountability and transparency.
  • This designation allows for appropriate administrative action according to the authority's service rules and procedures.
• Status of Organized Crime:
  • Section 11 of the Act addresses organised crime related to public examinations, imposing penalties ranging from 5 to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹1 crore

Criticism and Way Forward:

• Rescheduling Cancelled Exams:
  • The Act lacks a specified timeframe for rescheduling exams cancelled due to unfair means, impacting candidates' merit and preparation.
  • Recommendations include conducting rescheduled exams within six months to ensure fair opportunities for all candidates.
• Training and Eligibility of Invigilators:
  • Inefficient exam supervision due to inadequate training of invigilators and administrative officers leaves room for malpractice.
  • Addressing this requires setting clear eligibility criteria for invigilators and conducting intensive training programs and workshops to equip them with necessary skills.
• Specialized Investigation Authority:
  • Designating officers of at least Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank to investigate exam malpractice may not suffice given the scale and impact.
  • Establishing a dedicated investigation and regulation authority can ensure systematic handling of such cases, preserving exam integrity and candidates' trust.
• Harnessing Technology and AI
  • Underutilization of technology in exam processes allows offenders to exploit gaps.
  • Implementing electronic question paper-setting, centralised question banks, and AI-enhanced evaluation can streamline operations, enhance security, and minimise the risk of malpractice

Source: TH

Why in the news ?

• Recently, the Centre has partially notified the Telecommunications Act, making provisions including sections 1, 2, 10, and 30 effective from June 26.
• The Telecom Bill was passed in December 2023 by the Indian Parliament.

What are the Key Provisions of Telecommunications Act, 2023?

• Authorization and Licensing Requirements:
  • Prior central government authorization is mandatory for telecommunication services or networks.
  • Existing licences remain valid for their period or up to five years.
• Spectrum Allocation and Usage:
  • Spectrum assigned via auctions, except for national security, disaster management, and satellite services.
  • Government can re-purpose frequencies and allows spectrum sharing, trading, leasing, and surrender.
• Satellite Internet Provision:
  • Legislation allocates spectrum to satellite internet providers like OneWeb and Starlink.
  • Active authorizations granted to OneWeb and Jio for satellite-based internet.
• Surveillance and Suspension Powers:
  • Government can intercept, monitor, or block messages for public safety or emergencies.
  • Telecom services can be suspended and infrastructure temporarily possessed during emergencies.
• Regulation and Standards:
  • Central government prescribes standards for telecom equipment and infrastructure.
  • Amendments to TRAI Act require chairpersons and members to have extensive professional experience.
  • Chairpersons need 30 years of experience and board-level or CEO experience; members need 25 years.
• Digital Bharat Nidhi and OTT Services:
  • USOF was retained as Digital Bharat Nidhi for research and development.
  • OTT services excluded from the Telecom Act, regulated under the potential Digital India Act, 2023.
• Legal Offences and Penalties:
  • Bill specifies criminal and civil offences, including unauthorised telecom services and term breaches.
  • Penalties range from fines to imprisonment, adjudicated by designated officers and committees.
• National Security Measures:
  • Post-2020 India-China conflict measures integrated, preventing telecom equipment imports from adversarial nations.

What are the Merits and Demerits of the Telecommunications Act, 2023?

Merits:

• Shifts to New Paradigms:
  • The Telecommunication Act 2023 replaces outdated acts, accommodating the evolving landscape of human-human, human-machine, and machine-machine communications.
• Navigates Different Communication Technologies:
  • The Act navigates generations of communication technologies, including voice calls, messaging, video calls, wearables, and Industry 4.0.
  • It anticipates the integration of AI, IoT, and quantum computing in future communications.
• Forward Steps:
  • Emphasises promoting competition and mobilising resources for infrastructure upgrades in a debt-laden industry.
• Technology Neutrality in Spectrum Use:
  • Advocates for technology neutrality in spectrum use, ensuring telecom services are not defined by technology type.
  • Ensures non-discriminatory, non-exclusive access to infrastructure for new market entrants on commercial terms.
• Regulatory Convergence for Digital Technologies:
  • Addresses the convergence of telecommunications and the internet, stressing the need for regulatory convergence.
  • Acknowledges the challenge of fragmented oversight over converged services, questioning the efficacy of separate licences and administrative departments.

Demerits:

• Contested Provisions and Privacy Concerns:
  • The Act does not adequately address concerns about government powers during safety standards and emergencies, potentially infringing on privacy with limited accountability.
  • Balancing safety with privacy is a critical concern for governing officers.
• Challenges in 5G/6G Implementation:
  • India faces challenges in 5G adoption due to unattractive use cases, poor monetization, and insufficient infrastructure investment.
  • Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel's commitment to reducing capex post-2023-24 raises concerns.
  • The Act lacks a specific approach to promote 5G and 6G infrastructure development in a timely manner.

What Government Initiatives to Improve the Telecom Sector In India?

• Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI)
  • Objective: Enhance internet access and connectivity.
  • Implementation: Public data offices (PDOs) set up nationwide.
  • Cost: Provides free or affordable internet services.
  • Infrastructure: Utilises existing Wi-Fi networks.
  • Impact: Increases digital inclusion, especially in rural areas.
• Bharatnet Project:
  • Objective: Provide high-speed broadband to rural India.
  • Scope: Connects all Gram Panchayats (GPs) via optical fibre.
  • Phases: Three phases for comprehensive coverage.
  • Speed: Aims for minimum 100 Mbps speed.
  • Reach: Targets 2.5 lakh GPs across the country.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI):
  • Objective: Boost domestic telecom equipment manufacturing.
  • Incentives: Financial incentives for manufacturers.
  • Focus Areas: Covers various telecom and networking products.
  • Duration: Spread over five years.
  • Impact: Aims to make India a global manufacturing hub.
• Bharat 6G Alliance:
  • Objective: Research and development of 6G technology.
  • Collaboration: Involves government, industry, and academia.
  • Innovation: Focuses on future telecom technologies.
  • Strategy: Prepares India for 6G deployment by 2030.
  • Global Leadership: Aims to position India as a leader in 6G.

Conclusion

Hence, India's telecom sector expansion is crucial for digital transformation. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 aims to foster service competition, shift to fibre-based networks, and promote technological dynamism, focusing on tangible progress and ushering in a new telecommunications era.

Source: TH

Why in the news ?

• Recently, the 18th Lok Sabha and Union government established this govt. focused on the 16th Finance Commission in spearheading significant public finance reforms for India's urban areas.

The 16th Finance Commission  lookout Five recommendations:

• Substantial Increase in Funds to Cities:
  • The 15th Finance Commission (FC) has allocated Rs 1.55 lakh crore over five years (FY21-22 to FY25-26), marking a 78 percent increase over the grants given during the 14th FC period.
  • The 14th FC allocated 4.31 percent of the divisible pool (Rs 2,87,436 crore) to local governments, with 30 percent (Rs 87,000 crore) earmarked for municipalities.
  • In contrast, the 15th FC allocated 4.15 percent of the divisible pool (Rs 4,36,361 crore) to local governments, slightly reducing the share for municipalities to 35 percent in its final report.
• Mainstreaming Metropolitan Governance:
  • The 15th FC introduced 100 percent outcome funding of Rs 38,000 crore for urban agglomerations (UAs) with populations over 50 million, totaling 150 million people.
  • This funding is tied to performance indicators for air quality, water, and sanitation, complemented by shared municipal services.
  • This marks the first major policy intervention since the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) of 1992 to integrate metropolitan governance effectively. 

• Two Game-Changing Entry Conditions:
  • The 15th FC introduced two critical entry conditions for accessing grants: the mandatory publication of audited annual accounts and the notification of minimum floor rates for property tax by every municipality.
  • These reforms aim to enhance financial governance and transparency across municipalities, leveraging property tax as a significant revenue source.
  • These reforms represent a significant push towards financial governance, supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' initiative with the www.cityfinance.in portal.
• Deadline for Strengthening State Finance Commissions:
  • The 15th FC set a deadline of March 2024 for states to strengthen their State Finance Commissions (SFCs) and present action taken reports in state legislatures.
  • SFCs are essential for formula-based fiscal transfers to panchayats and municipalities, mandated under the 74th CAA.
  • Progressive voices within state governments may gain strength, catalysing fiscal decentralisation despite potential challenges in compliance.
• National Platform for Municipal Finance Transparency:
  • Municipalities are mandated to disclose financial data (budgets, audited accounts, contractor payments) and operational performance (e.g., garbage collection coverage, water supply adequacy) publicly.
  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs initiated Service Level Benchmarks in the mid-2000s, focusing on water supply, sanitation, waste management, and stormwater drains.
  • Over 1,000 municipalities in five states publish these benchmarks on www.pas.org.in, enhancing transparency.
  • Enhanced transparency aids data-driven decision-making at municipal and state levels, fostering citizen engagement and accountability in democratic governance.

Need for the Reforms:

• Inadequate Funding and Resource Utilisation: Cities face significant financial shortfalls and struggle to effectively utilise allocated funds, resulting in underdeveloped infrastructure and insufficient services.
• Lack of Accountability: There is minimal transparency in how municipal funds are spent and their impact on improving citizens' lives, leading to inefficient resource allocation and unmet public needs.
• Fiscal Decentralisation: Cities require predictable fiscal transfers from state governments for effective planning, yet delays in establishing State Finance Commissions (SFCs) and implementing their recommendations hinder financial autonomy.
• Revenue Optimization: Cities often fail to leverage their revenue-generating powers due to outdated valuation processes controlled by state authorities. Overhaul of revenue collection mechanisms is essential to maximise income potential.
• Transparency and Fiscal Responsibility: Financial reporting standards vary widely across states, necessitating standardised formats, mandatory accounting norms, and robust management systems to enhance transparency and accountability in municipal governance.

Activities by State Governments:

• Timely Constitution and Implementation of State Finance Commissions (SFCs): State governments should ensure the prompt establishment of SFCs and effective implementation of their recommendations. This supports fiscal decentralisation by providing cities with predictable funding.
• Updating Valuation Processes: States need to regularly update guidance values or circle rates to reflect current market values. This enables cities to optimise revenue collection from property taxes and ensures financial sustainability.
• Enhancing Legal and Institutional Frameworks: States should establish standardised formats for financial accounting, reporting, and budgeting across municipalities. This promotes consistency, transparency, and comparability in financial practices.
• Empowering Local Governments: States should delegate adequate expenditure authority to city councils, reducing dependency on state-level approvals. This empowers local governments to make timely decisions and enhances operational efficiency.
• Mandating Transparency and Citizen Participation: States should mandate the public disclosure of municipal financial data and project details in accessible formats. Supporting participatory budgeting initiatives can enhance transparency and citizen engagement in local governance processes.

Conclusion:

Hence, the 16th Finance Commission plays a pivotal role in driving crucial municipal financial reforms through strengthening state finance commissions, promoting fiscal decentralisation, optimising revenues, enhancing fiscal responsibility, and encouraging transparency and citizen participation in governance.

Source: LM

Why in the news ?

• The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act empowered the Scheduled Tribes as political actors; and as they needed to protect trees for their livelihoods, it made them hostile to commercial timber and mining.

What is the PESA Act ?

About:

• The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), enacted in 1996, mandates that local government councils in Scheduled Areas reserve all chairperson positions and at least half of the seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• This legislative framework aims to empower marginalised communities by enabling their direct participation in local governance and resource management.

Implementation of PESA:

• India differs significantly from the 73rd Amendment, which applies to non-Scheduled Areas, by ensuring mandated representation for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in decision-making bodies.
• The variations in PESA implementation across states underscore both the challenges and successes in translating legislative intent into effective governance structures.

How PESA Ensures Equitable Representation:

• Impact on Forest Conservation:
  • The study utilises a "difference-in-differences" methodology to assess PESA's effect on forest cover.
  • It finds that areas with mandated Scheduled Tribe (ST) representation under PESA exhibit lower rates of deforestation and higher afforestation rates compared to areas without such representation.
• Economic Incentives for Conservation:
  • ST communities, heavily reliant on forest resources for their livelihoods, are motivated to conserve forest cover under PESA.
  • This approach fosters a "forest stewardship" mechanism where STs engage in sustainable practices and resist pressures from deforestation linked to mining and commercial activities.

On Democratic Decentralisation:

• Comparison with Administrative Decentralisation:
  • The paper distinguishes between administrative decentralisation, which prioritises efficiency, and democratic decentralisation exemplified by PESA.
  • The latter underscores representative and accountable local governance structures with decision-making autonomy over resource management.
• Single Umbrella Institution:
  • Advocates suggest consolidating power into a single, empowered institution capable of integrating conservation and development goals effectively.
  • Such an institution could adeptly navigate the complexities of balancing local economic interests with sustainable conservation practices.

Conclusion:

PESA stands as a pivotal illustration of how legislative mandates for political representation can simultaneously foster positive environmental outcomes and alleviate socio-economic disparities among forest-dwelling communities in India.

Source: TH

Why in the News?

• Recently, Kerala Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to rename the state as “Keralam’’ in the Constitution. This is the second time in the past year that such a resolution has been passed.

Process of Changing the Name of a State:

• Constitutional Provision
  • Article 3 of the Indian Constitution outlines the process for changing the name of a state.
  • Article 3 also empowers the Parliament to:
    • Form new states by separating territory from existing states, uniting states or parts of states, or attaching a territory to a state.
    • Increase or decrease the area of a state.
    • Alter the boundaries of a state.
  • Proposal by the State Legislature:
    • The proposal to change the name of a state typically begins with a resolution passed by the state legislature.
    • The resolution reflects the desire of the state to change its name.
    • This process can also be initiated by the central government through a proposal to change the name of a state.
  • Recommendation by the President:
    • Once the state legislature passes the resolution, it is sent to the central government.
    • If the proposal is initiated by the central government, it must be submitted to the President of India.
    • The President of India must recommend the proposal to the Parliament before any action can be taken.
  • Introduction of a Bill in Parliament:
    • A bill to alter the name of a state is introduced in either house of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
    • The bill can only be introduced with the prior recommendation of the President.
  • Referral to the State Legislature:
    • Before the bill is taken up for consideration in Parliament, the President is required to refer it to the legislature of the state concerned for expressing its views within a specified period.
    • This is done to seek the opinion of the state legislature on the proposed change.
  • Consideration of State Legislature's Views:
    • The state legislature’s views are communicated back to the central government.
    • However, the Parliament is not bound by the state legislature’s opinion. It is merely a consultative process.
  • Passage of the Bill in Parliament:
    • The bill must be passed by a simple majority in both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
    • This means more than half of the members present and voting must approve the bill.
  • Assent of the President:
    • Once both houses of Parliament pass the bill, it is sent to the President for assent.
    • Upon receiving the President’s assent, the bill becomes law, and the name of the state is officially changed.
  • Notification in the Official Gazette:
    • The change in the state’s name is then notified in the Official Gazette of India. This marks the formal and legal change of the state’s name.

Resolution Passed by the Kerala Assembly:

About:

• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved a resolution stating that the state's name should be changed to "Keralam" in the Constitution to match its Malayalam name.
• The Kerala Assembly unanimously requested the Union Government to make this change under Article 3.
• A similar resolution was passed on August 9 last year but needed reintroduction due to technical issues.
• The previous resolution aimed to amend the First Schedule (list of states) and inadvertently omitted a demand to amend the Eighth Schedule (list of official languages). This oversight led to the reintroduction of the modified resolution.

Why Keralam:

• Kerala is the English version of the Malayalam word "Keralam," with several theories about its etymology.
• The earliest mention is in Emperor Ashoka’s Rock Edict II from 257 BCE, referring to "Keralaputra" or "son of Kerala," associated with the Chera dynasty.
• German linguist Dr. Herman Gundert noted that "keram" in Kannada corresponds to "cheram," describing the coastal land from Gokarna to Kanyakumari.
• The term "cher" in Old Tamil means to join, possibly indicating the origin of the name.

Story of Statehood:

• The demand for a united Malayalam-speaking state began in the 1920s, aiming to integrate Travancore, Cochin, and the Malabar district.
• After independence, on July 1, 1949, Travancore and Cochin merged to form Travancore-Cochin.
• The State Reorganisation Commission recommended creating states on linguistic bases.
• This led to the inclusion of Malabar and Kasargod into the new state for Malayalam speakers and the exclusion of four southern taluks of Travancore, now part of Tamil Nadu.
• Kerala was officially formed on November 1, 1956.

Source: IE

Why in the news ?

• Recently, NGO Child Rights and You (CRY) has launched a nationwide campaign, “Poori Padhai Desh Ki Bhalai,” to increase the participation of the girl child in Indian schools.

Status of Female Education in India:

• 2011 Census Data: Male literacy rate stood at 82.14%, while the female literacy rate was lower at 65.46%.
• Rural Education: Only 1 out of every 100 girls in rural India reaches class 12, and 40% drop out before completing the fifth standard.
• Literacy Rates: Over the last decade, rural women have shown the highest increase in literacy rates, with a rise of 26%.
• Gross Enrolment Ratio:
  • Elementary Level: Female ratio is 94.32%, slightly higher than 89.28% for boys.
  • Secondary Level: Girls have a ratio of 81.32% compared to 78% for boys.
  • Higher Secondary Level: Girls achieve a ratio of 59.7% versus 57.54% for boys.
• Labour Market Participation: According to the “World Employment and Social Outlook Trends for Women 2018” report, more women are educated and actively participating in the labour market than ever before.

Challenges Faced by Females in Accessing Education:

• High Dropout Rates: Despite increasing enrolment rates, dropout rates and lower attendance among girls persist.
• Infrastructure Issues: Overcrowded classrooms, teacher absenteeism, lack of sanitation facilities, including girls’ toilets, and overall poor infrastructure in government schools.
• Social Norms and Customs: Early marriages, restrictions on girls’ mobility, and societal expectations contribute to lower attendance and higher dropout rates.
• Health Issues: Frequent illnesses due to inadequate nutrition and unsanitary living conditions affect girls’ attendance and educational outcomes.
• Economic Constraints: Traditional gender roles and economic constraints lead families to prioritise boys’ education over girls', as girls are perceived to be less employable.
• Patriarchal Attitudes: Societal perceptions marginalised women in social, political, and economic spheres, limiting their opportunities.
• Safety Concerns: Concerns over violence and security issues further contribute to barriers to girls’ education.

Government Schemes for Uplifting Female Education:

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme: Launched in 2015, focuses on improving the declining child sex ratio and ensuring the education and empowerment of girls.
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): Aims to provide universal elementary education, including interventions to improve girls’ access to and quality of education.
• Support to Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP): Provides skills training and employment opportunities to women.
• National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE): Provides financial incentives to encourage girls from poor backgrounds to complete secondary education.
• Udaan Scheme: A CBSE initiative to promote girls’ education by providing support for their entry into technical education programs through coaching and financial assistance.

Source: DTE

Why in the News?

• With the Opposition becoming stronger in the 18th Lok Sabha, its members are vying for the office of Deputy Speaker. However, the government has not provided assurances on this post, forcing the Opposition to run for Speaker for the first time since 1952.

Office of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha:

• Appointment:
  • Article 93: Mandates the House of the People to choose a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker as soon as possible.
  • Article 178: Provides the same for Speakers and Deputy Speakers in state Assemblies.
  • Parliamentary convention typically elects a Deputy Speaker from a party other than the ruling party to maintain democratic accountability.
• Time Frame to Appoint a Deputy Speaker:
  • The Constitution does not specify a time frame for the appointments, allowing governments to delay or avoid appointing a Deputy Speaker.
  • Constitutional experts emphasise that both Articles 93 and 178 use "shall" and "as soon as may be," indicating that the election is mandatory and should be held at the earliest.
• Powers:
  • Article 95(1): The Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker if the post is vacant.
    • Example: M Ananthasayanam Ayyangar served as Speaker from 1956 to 1957 after G V Mavalankar's death.
    • Example: P M Sayeed served as acting Speaker for two months in 2002 after G M C Balayogi's death.
  • The Deputy Speaker has the same powers as the Speaker when presiding over the House.
  • All references to the Speaker are deemed to include the Deputy Speaker when they preside.
• Removal from Office:
  • The Deputy Speaker usually continues in office until the dissolution of the House.
  • Article 94 (and Article 179 for state Assemblies): The Speaker or Deputy Speaker vacates office if they cease to be a member of the House, resign, or are removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.

Rules for the Election of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha:

• Election of the Speaker:
  • Typically elected in the first session of the new House, usually on the third day after the oath-taking and affirmations.
• Election of the Deputy Speaker:
  • Generally not delayed beyond the second session unless there are genuine and unavoidable constraints.
  • No bar on holding the election in the first session.
  • Governed by Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, with the election held on a date fixed by the Speaker.

Office of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha Held by the Opposition Since 1952:

• 1952 to 1969: First four Deputy Speakers were from the ruling Congress.
• 1969 to 1977: G G Swell of the All-Party Hill Leaders Conference.
• 1977 to 1979: Godey Murahari of the Congress during the Janata Party government.
• 1980 to 1984: DMK’s G Lakshmanan during Indira Gandhi’s government.
• 8th Lok Sabha (1984-89): AIADMK’s Thambi Durai.
• 1990-91: Shivraj Patil (Congress) during Chandra Shekhar’s tenure.
• 10th Lok Sabha (1991-96): S Mallikarjunaiah (BJP) during P V Narasimha Rao’s tenure.
• UPA-I (2004-09) and UPA-II (2009-14): Deputy Speaker’s post held by the Opposition - Charanjit Singh Atwal (Shiromani Akali Dal), Kariya Munda (BJP).
• 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024): The first and only Lok Sabha without a Deputy Speaker.
• 2023: A bench led by CJI sought responses on a PIL contending that not electing a Deputy Speaker is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

Source: IE

Why in the news ?

• Recently, the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has notified the rules under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which came into effect on June 21, 2024.

Key Highlights of the Rules:

• Venue-in-charge is empowered to take appropriate action, including filing an FIR, if a prima facie case of unfair means or an offence in the conduct of public examinations is reported.
• A committee will be constituted by the public examination authority if there is involvement of the Management or Board of Directors of the service provider.
• A service provider refers to any agency, organisation, body, association of persons, business entity, etc., engaged by the public examination authority for conducting public examinations.
• Regional officers must periodically report all incidents of unfair means or offences in the conduct of public examinations to the public examination authority, including details of actions taken.

Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024:

• "Unfair means" includes unauthorised access or leakage of question papers or answer keys, assisting a candidate during a public examination, tampering with computer networks or resources, conducting fake examinations, etc.

Punishments:

• For individuals resorting to unfair means: Imprisonment for a term not less than three years, which may extend to five years, along with a fine up to ten lakh rupees.
• For service providers or any person/group committing organised crime: Imposition of a fine up to ₹1 crore, with the proportionate cost of the examination also to be recovered from them.
• All offences are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable

Source: NDTV

Why in the news ?

• The recent issues with the NEET and UGC NET exams have revealed significant flaws in India's examination system, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) being heavily criticised.
• The government responded by removing the NTA director and initiating investigations that led to several arrests.
• However, a comprehensive and systematic solution is crucial to prevent future crises and to maintain the integrity and reliability of mass-scale testing.

Problems Associated with India’s Examination System:

• The High-Stakes Exam Culture:
  • The current system relies on a single high-stakes exam for professional course selection, which has several issues.
  • This encourages rote learning over conceptual understanding, leading to the growth of coaching centres.
  • These centres focus on exam strategies rather than holistic education, generating substantial profits while putting students under intense pressure and limiting personal growth.
• Mismatched Aptitude and Course Selection:
  • This is particularly evident in engineering, where the number of graduates has decreased by 40% over the past five years, indicating a lack of sustained interest post-admission.
  • The current selection process does not adequately consider students' genuine interests and aptitudes.
• The Undermined School System:
  • The dominance of coaching institutions has severely impacted the school system, especially in higher classes (11th and 12th grades).
  • The focus on rote-based learning compromises the holistic personality development envisioned in policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • This shift from comprehensive education to narrow exam preparation harms students' overall development.
• Flaws in Assessment and Evaluation:
  • The 10th and 12th Class Board exams are summative assessments that encourage cramming rather than deep learning.
  • Although NEP 2020 advocates for formative and competency-based assessments, the 2022-23 deadline for implementing these reforms has passed without significant progress.

The Necessity of Robust Examination Systems:

• Ensuring Fairness and Integrity:
  • The primary purpose of any examination system is to ensure fairness and integrity in the assessment process.
  • A robust system minimises the chances of malpractice and fraud, ensuring that results reflect the true capabilities and knowledge of the candidates.
  • The recent reliance on pen-and-paper exams has exposed vulnerabilities, including paper leaks and impersonation.
• Enhancing Credibility and Trust:
  • A reliable examination system is crucial for maintaining the credibility of educational institutions and the government.
  • Transparent and secure exam processes build trust among stakeholders, including students, parents, and employers.
  • This trust is foundational for the legitimacy of educational credentials and, by extension, the career prospects of students.
• Promoting Holistic Assessment:
  • A robust system would integrate multiple forms of assessment, including formative assessments, project-based evaluations, and practical applications.
  • This approach provides a more holistic view of a student's capabilities, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills.

Proposals for Systematic Reforms to Prevent Malpractices and Frauds:

• Adapting to Technological Advancements:
  • The education sector must keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
  • A robust examination system would leverage technology for conducting, preparing, and evaluating exams.
  • Online testing platforms, AI-based proctoring, and automated evaluation can enhance the efficiency and reliability of the examination process.
  • AI-based proctoring can detect even minor discrepancies, reducing the likelihood of cheating and ensuring a fair assessment environment.
  • Teachers contributing to the question bank and testing items for difficulty levels would create a participative system, aligning with NEP 2020 objectives.
• Standardising Assessment Methods:
  • The government should introduce a system where 40% of the admission weightage is based on eight quarterly academic assessments conducted online over two years.
  • These assessments, taken within schools, would be proctored using AI-based fraud detection to ensure integrity.
  • The question banks should emphasise critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving skills.
  • Another 40% weightage should be assigned to social and professional aptitude, assessed through two six-week internships related to the chosen field of study and mandatory participation in social upliftment programs like NSS/NCC.
  • The remaining 20% weightage should be allocated to the final NEET/JEE exam, conducted online at least twice a year, allowing students to choose their best score for final consideration.
• Supporting Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation:
  • One of the critical flaws in the current system is the reliance on a single, high-stakes exam to determine a student's future.
  • A robust examination system would support continuous and comprehensive evaluation, spreading assessments over a period and incorporating various forms of evaluation.
  • This approach reduces pressure on students and provides multiple opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, leading to a more accurate and fair assessment of their knowledge and skills.
• Addressing Logistical Challenges:
  • Conducting large-scale exams poses significant logistical challenges, from managing exam centres to ensuring the timely distribution and collection of exam papers.
  • A robust system that utilises online platforms can streamline these processes, reducing logistical burdens and potential errors and delays.
  • Online exams can be administered simultaneously across multiple locations, ensuring uniformity and reducing logistical complexity.
• Revitalising School Education:
  • By focusing on continuous assessments and reducing the stakes of a single exam, the proposed system can redirect attention back to schools, fostering a more holistic education environment.
  • Reformed assessment systems should prioritise concept-based understanding, fulfilling NEP 2020's mandate and significantly reducing the potential for examination fraud.
• Reducing the Influence of Coaching Centers:
  • The current high-stakes exam system has led to the proliferation of coaching centres, which focus on teaching students how to crack exams rather than fostering a deep understanding of the subjects.
  • A robust examination system that emphasises continuous and varied assessments would reduce reliance on coaching centres, encouraging a more balanced and holistic educational approach.
  • This shift would allow students to focus more on conceptual learning and personal development rather than merely preparing for exams.
• Preparing Students for Future Challenges:
  • A robust examination system is not just about assessing students' current knowledge but also about preparing them for future challenges.
  • By incorporating assessments that evaluate critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills, the system can better prepare students for higher education and professional environments.
  • This comprehensive approach ensures that students are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in their future endeavours.

Conclusion

The ongoing crisis in mass-scale examinations highlights the urgent need for systemic reform in India's education system.Implementing continuous assessments, evaluating social and professional aptitudes, and leveraging technology for secure testing are crucial for ensuring exam integrity and effectiveness. These reforms can transform education, promote genuine learning, and safeguard millions of students' futures.

Source: IE

Why in the news ?

• India marked the fiftieth anniversary of the imposition of Emergency, declared by then-PM Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975.
• Which lasted for 21 months, leaving a profound impact on Indian politics with its suspension of civil liberties, curtailment of press freedom, mass arrests, cancellation of elections, and rule by decree.

What is an emergency ?

• An emergency refers to legal provisions within a country's constitution or laws that empower the government to swiftly and effectively address extraordinary situations jeopardising national stability, security, sovereignty, or democracy.
• In India, these provisions are enshrined in Articles 352 to 360 under Part XVIII of the Constitution.
• These constitutional measures draw inspiration from Germany's Weimar Constitution, enabling the government to respond to crises such as war, rebellion, or other threats to the nation's well-being.

About the National Emergency (Article 352):

• Under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, the President can declare a National Emergency if satisfied that the security of the country or any part thereof is threatened by war, external aggression (External Emergency), or armed rebellion (Internal Emergency).
• The term ‘armed rebellion’ replaced ‘internal disturbance’ through the 44th amendment.
• Powers Granted:
  • The declaration allows the government to suspend fundamental rights (except Articles 20 and 21) to address the crisis effectively.
• Duration and Parliamentary Approval:
  • The proclamation of emergency must be approved by both houses of Parliament within one month.
  • If issued when the Lok Sabha is dissolved, it remains valid until 30 days from the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after reconstitution, provided the Rajya Sabha has approved it.
  • The Emergency lasts initially for 6 months and can be extended indefinitely with Parliament's approval every six months, requiring a special majority.
• Revocation:
  • The President can revoke the Emergency at any time by a subsequent proclamation without parliamentary approval.
  • It must be revoked if the Lok Sabha passes a resolution disapproving its continuation by a simple majority.
• Applicability:
  • A National Emergency can apply to the entire country or specific parts.
  • The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976) allowed the President to limit its operation to certain regions.
• Judicial Review:
  • The 38th Constitutional Amendment Act (1975) made the declaration immune to judicial review.
  • The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978) repealed this provision, restoring the judiciary's authority to review National Emergency declarations.
  • Minerva Mills Case (1980): The Supreme Court ruled that a National Emergency proclamation can be challenged in court if based on malafide intent or irrelevant facts

Political and Social Circumstances in India Leading up to the Emergency:

• January 1966: Indira Gandhi is elected Prime Minister.
• November 1969: The Congress party splits after Gandhi is expelled for violating party discipline.
• 1973-75: Surge in political unrest and demonstrations against the Indira Gandhi-led government.
• 1971: Political opponent Raj Narain lodges a complaint of electoral fraud against Indira Gandhi.
• June 12, 1975: Allahabad High Court finds Gandhi guilty of discrepancies in her electoral campaign.
• June 24, 1975: Supreme Court grants a conditional stay on the Allahabad HC verdict, declaring Gandhi's election to the Lok Sabha null and void. The SC also asks Gandhi to stay away from parliamentary proceedings.
• June 25, 1975: Declaration of Emergency by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on the advice of Indira Gandhi. According to the government’s press note, certain persons were inciting the police and armed forces to not discharge their duties.
• June 26, 1975: Indira Gandhi addresses the nation on All India Radio.

End of Emergency and Afterwards:

• January 18, 1977: Indira Gandhi calls for fresh elections and releases all political prisoners.
• March 1977: The elections lead to a comprehensive defeat for Indira Gandhi, and Morarji Desai becomes India’s first non-Congress (Janata Party) Prime Minister.
• March 23, 1977: Emergency officially ends.
• The Shah Commission, constituted by the Janata government, finds the decision to impose Emergency to be unilateral and adversely affecting civil liberties.

What Happened During the Emergency?

• Suspension of civil liberties:
  • Almost all opposition leaders (including JP) are detained, and about 36,000 people are imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
  • Newspapers are subjected to pre-censorship. In September 1976, Sanjay Gandhi initiated a mass forced sterilisation program in Delhi.
• Legal changes pushed through by Parliament:
  • With the opposition in jail, Parliament passes the Constitution (38th Amendment) Act that bars judicial review of the Emergency.
  • The Constitution (39th Amendment) Act says that the election of the Prime Minister cannot be challenged in the Supreme Court.
  • The Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act makes changes to a range of laws, including taking away the judiciary’s right to hear election petitions, widening the authority of the Union to encroach on State subjects, and making any law passed by Parliament to implement any or all directive principles of state policy immune to judicial review.
• Changes pushed through by the Courts:
  • In the famous case of ADM Jabalpur vs Shivkant Shukla (1976), the SC rules that detention without trial is legal during an emergency.

What were the Impacts of Imposing National Emergency in 1975?

• Constitutional Changes:
  • Constitution (39th Amendment) Act, 1975:
    • Enacted in response to the Allahabad High Court's ruling declaring Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's election void.
    • Placed disputes involving the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Speaker beyond the judiciary's scope.
    • Added certain Central Acts to the Ninth Schedule.
  • Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976:
    • Significantly increased the central government's authority and the Prime Minister's office by:
      • Allowing deployment of forces in states and overriding state laws during emergencies.
      • Limiting judicial review of laws and amendments, reducing their accountability.
      • Extending the terms of Parliament and state assemblies.
      • Allowing laws to override fundamental rights in cases of activities deemed anti-national.
  • Constitution (44th Amendment) Act, 1978:
    • Aimed to rectify the imbalances created by the 42nd Amendment.
    • Restored the primacy of fundamental rights by:
      • Limiting the suspension of rights: Article 21, protecting the right to life and liberty, could not be suspended during any emergency.
      • Reinforcing judicial review: Strengthening the Supreme Court's power to review presidential proclamations of emergency.
      • Requiring the President to act on the written recommendation of the cabinet before declaring a national emergency under Article 352.
• Emergency Acted as a Vaccine Against Dictatorship:
  • The period of emergency from 1975 to 1977 underscored the importance of democracy and highlighted the dangers of unchecked executive authority.
  • This recognition has spurred efforts to strengthen democratic systems by imposing constraints on the Prime Minister's powers during crises.
• Emergency Undermined Democratic Integrity:
  • The emergency period saw severe curtailment of civil liberties under acts like the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and Defence of India Rules (DIR).
  • This exposed vulnerabilities in democratic institutions and fostered scepticism about leadership.
• Vocalism About Rights:
  • Strict media control during the emergency stifled dissent, leading to the emergence of grassroots movements and underground press advocating for human rights.
  • Examples include the Navnirman Andolan in Gujarat, the Jayaprakash Narayan Movement in Bihar, and the George Fernandes-led Railway Strike.
• Evolving Role of Judicial Activism:
  • The emergency period highlighted shifts in judicial activism, with the ADM Jabalpur case initially upholding the suspension of fundamental rights, sparking criticism.
  • Subsequent rulings, like those in habeas corpus petitions and the Maneka Gandhi case, reaffirmed a commitment to protect fundamental rights and bolstered judicial review in India.
• Changes in Political Parties' Attitude:
  • The emergency united opposition parties that had been previously divided, emphasising the importance of a robust opposition in a democracy.
  • It also made political parties cautious about resorting to similar measures in the future, valuing democratic processes and constitutional norms.

How did the Emergency Change Indian Politics?

• Dented the Congress’ reputation: A party that led the struggle for civil liberties against the colonial state.
• First non-Congress government: The Janata experiment gives India its first non-Congress government, but its collapse also demonstrates the limits of anti-Congressism.
• Emergence of young leaders: The Emergency gives India a crop of young leaders (Lalu Prasad Yadav, George Fernandes, Arun Jaitley, Ram Vilas Paswan, etc.) who dominate politics for decades to come.
• Coming together of the social forces: This results in an increase in the representation of OBCs in Parliament. As a result, the Janata government appoints the Mandal Commission to look into OBC quotas, which goes on to make the rise of the OBCs in North India irreversible.
• Emergency as a part of political vocabulary: Every perceived act of high-handedness by a government is attributed to an “Emergency mindset.”

Source: IE

Context:

• The recently concluded world intellectual property organisation (WIPO) treaty concerning Intellectual Property (IP), genetic resources (GRs), and Associated traditional knowledge (ATK) represents a substantial victory for global South nations, including India.

Key highlights of the WIPO Treaty:

• Protection of Biodiversity: Balancing the rights of biodiverse countries and traditional wisdom with the global Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) system.
• Inclusion of Traditional Knowledge: Acknowledging traditional knowledge systems within the global IP framework for the first time.
• Promotion of Inclusive Innovation: Recognizing the link between local communities, Genetic Resources (GRs), and Associated Traditional Knowledge (ATK), thereby fostering inclusive innovation.
• Disclosure Requirements: Mandating patent applicants to disclose the origin or source of genetic resources when their invention is based on such resources or associated traditional knowledge.

Significance for India and the Global South:

For the India:

• Recognition of Biodiversity : Acknowledges India as a mega biodiversity hotspot with rich traditional knowledge, marking the first inclusion of these systems into the global IP framework.
• Prevention of Misappropriation: Provides crucial protection to Indian Genetic Resources (GRs) and Associated Traditional Knowledge (ATK) by mandating disclosure obligations, preventing their misappropriation in countries lacking such laws.
• Combating False Claims: Addresses past instances of false claims on Indian herbs and products as foreign inventions, enabling India to contest such patent applications effectively.
• Establishment of Global Standards: Sets unprecedented standards within the IP system for countries rich in GRs and ATK, elevating India's status as a provider nation and ensuring fair recognition and protection globally.

For the Global South:

• Preservation of Traditional Knowledge: Recognizes the abundant traditional knowledge on medicinal plants, agriculture, and other domains within the Global South, safeguarding these invaluable heritage passed down through generations.
• Combatting Biopiracy: Combating biopiracy by instituting a legal framework to safeguard genetic resources and traditional knowledge from unauthorised commercial exploitation, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing and protection of indigenous rights.

Initiatives for Access and Benefit-sharing of GR and TK:

• Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005: Protects indigenous community rights by requiring patent applicants to disclose the origin of biological resources in their inventions.
• The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), established in 2001, addresses challenges in overturning patents on traditional remedies like turmeric and neem.
• Trademark Act, 1999: Founded on principles of distinguishability and prevention of confusion, trademarks differentiate goods and clarify product source.
• International initiatives: Convention on Biological Diversity, Nagoya Protocol, TRIPS agreement, International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
• UNESCO's Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS): It is an interdisciplinary initiative that promotes indigenous and local knowledge and its meaningful inclusion in environmental policy and action.

Source: PIB  TH

Context:  

• Recently India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran to develop and manage the Chabahar port, marking a pivotal development in bilateral ties between the two nations.  This agreement comes at a tumultuous time in West Asia, marked by ongoing conflict in Gaza, heightened Israel-Iran tensions.

Chabahar Project:  

• In May 2016, India signed a tripartite agreement with Iran and Afghanistan to develop the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar. This marks India's first foreign port project.
• The agreement aims to establish an international transport and transit corridor in Chabahar.
• The major highlights of this project include the construction of the Chabahar Port and a rail line from Chabahar Port to Zahedan.
• The port is intended to enable India to bypass Pakistan and access Afghanistan and Central Asia.
• Additionally, the port could serve as a hub for transit trade between India, Iran, and Afghanistan, providing an alternative route to the traditional Silk Road that passes through China.

Chabahar Port Important for India:

• Alternative Trade Route: Offering an alternative to transit routes through Pakistan, Chabahar Port reduces India's dependence on its neighbour for trade with Afghanistan and beyond. It facilitates access to Iran, a crucial gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), enhancing connectivity with Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
• Economic Benefits: Chabahar facilitates India's efforts to strengthen connections with resource-rich Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. It diversifies trading routes, providing access to markets beyond Iran and Afghanistan, including Russia, Eurasia, and Europe. Cargo movement via the INSTC route is cost-effective, saving 30% in costs and 40% in transportation time.
• Humanitarian Assistance: The port serves as a vital entry point for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. It has played a significant role in supplying aid during crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, with India trans-shipping wheat, pulses, and pesticides to Afghanistan via Chabahar.
• Counterbalancing China's String of Pearls Strategy: Chabahar serves as a crucial component of India's Necklace of Diamond Strategy, allowing India to monitor and potentially disrupt China's strategic encirclement in the Indian Ocean region. By establishing a presence in Chabahar, India can counterbalance China's strategic facilities in locations like Gwadar (Pakistan) and Hambantota (Sri Lanka).
• Diplomatic Engagement and Multilateralism: India's collaboration with Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asian nations in the Chabahar project underscores its commitment to diplomacy and multilateralism. The port aligns with international efforts to enhance connectivity across Eurasia, positioning India as a key player in regional development initiatives.
• Energy Security: Chabahar Port offers a strategic gateway for importing Iranian oil and gas, diversifying India's energy sources. This diversification strengthens India's energy security, ensuring a stable and resilient energy supply for its growing economy.

The Major Challenges India Faces with the Chabahar Port Project: 

• Impact of New U.S. Sanctions: Recent U.S. sanctions on Iran, triggered by drone strikes on Israel, exacerbate the risk of companies avoiding involvement in Chabahar, potentially hindering project progress and investment.
• Internal Political Instability in Iran: Iran's political volatility and internal conflicts threaten project continuity, creating uncertainties that could disrupt infrastructure development at Chabahar.
• Regional Instability and Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts in the region, such as Israel's war in Gaza and disruptions to maritime trade by Iran-backed armed groups, contribute to regional instability, impacting the operational efficiency of Chabahar.
• Challenging Business Environment: Iran's low Ease of Doing Business ranking reflects its challenging business environment, presenting hurdles to the smooth execution and success of projects at Chabahar.
• Competition from China and Pakistan: Iran's openness to Chinese and Pakistani investment in Chabahar alongside India introduces competitive pressures, influencing India's strategic positioning and investment decisions.
• Divergent Regional Priorities: India's involvement in Chabahar may strain its relations with key regional players like Saudi Arabia and Israel, who perceive Iran as a destabilising force, necessitating diplomatic efforts to reconcile divergent priorities.
• Environmental Concerns: The delicate ecosystem of the Gulf of Oman, where Chabahar is located, faces risks of pollution from increased shipping traffic and potential oil spills, underscoring the importance of proactive environmental management in project planning and execution.

Measures can India Adopt to Curtail Issues Related to Chabahar:  

• Multilateral Financing Mechanism: India could establish a multilateral financing mechanism involving like-minded countries such as Russia and European nations. This diversified investment pool would mitigate risks associated with unilateral sanctions and political pressures.
• Regionalize the Project: Instead of a strictly bilateral initiative, India could regionalize the Chabahar project by inviting participation from Central Asian nations. This approach would address concerns about Iran's influence and foster regional cooperation.
• Green Shipping Corridor: Positioning Chabahar as a pioneer in green shipping practices would attract international support and financing. By adopting environmentally sustainable measures, the port could mitigate ecological concerns and gain broader backing.
• Digital Silk Road: India could leverage Chabahar to establish a Digital Silk Road, promoting digital infrastructure and e-commerce along the INSTC route. This initiative would diversify stakeholders and reduce reliance on traditional players affected by geopolitical tensions.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: Complementing economic efforts with soft power diplomacy, India could foster cultural exchanges and educational partnerships with countries along the INSTC. These initiatives would build goodwill and mitigate geopolitical tensions affecting the Chabahar project

Source: (HT)

In news:

• Recently, annual meeting, the World Health Assembly (WHA) reached consensus on a critical set of amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
• These amendments will strengthen global preparedness, surveillance and responses to public health emergencies, including pandemics.

The Key Amendments Agreed to IHR:

• This encompasses the establishment of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism aimed at facilitating the identification and provision of necessary financing to tackle the requirements and focal points of developing nations.
• It entails the enhancement of core capacities and other essential capacities related to pandemic emergency prevention, preparedness, and response.
• This entails the formation of a States Parties Committee dedicated to fostering collaboration and efficient execution of the amended regulations.
• Furthermore, it involves establishing National IHR Authorities to enhance coordination in the implementation efforts both domestically and internationally.

The Need for Global Health Cooperation:

Combating Infectious Diseases:

• Timely detection and dissemination of disease outbreaks accelerate global response efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) exemplifies this role through its identification and monitoring of Covid-19 variants.
• Collaborative endeavours expedite the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, crucial for effective pandemic management.

Tackling Antibiotic Resistance:

• The widespread misuse of antibiotics in any region can engender resistant bacteria with global repercussions. International cooperation aids in:
• Implementing universal guidelines for antibiotic usage in both humans and animals serves to mitigate resistance proliferation.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health menace, potentially resulting in millions of fatalities annually if not collectively addressed.

Managing Chronic Diseases:

• Non-communicable ailments like heart disease and diabetes pose escalating global challenges. Cooperative efforts contribute to knowledge dissemination, encompassing:
• Sharing insights on prevention, treatment, and lifestyle modifications enables countries to glean from each other's experiences. For instance, the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) exemplifies this collaborative spirit.

Promoting Health Equity and Access:

• Numerous nations grapple with resource shortages in effectively tackling health crises. Global collaboration fosters:
• Initiatives like the Medicines Patent Pool facilitate equitable access to cost-effective generic medications.

The Existing Framework for Global Health Cooperation:

• Multilateral Organisations: Various multilateral institutions such as WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNAIDS hold pivotal roles in addressing specific health domains like child health, reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS.
• It establishes international health standards, extends technical assistance to nations, and oversees and harmonises the global response to health crises.
• International Health Regulations (IHR): These regulations constitute a legally binding pact among 196 nations, delineating their rights and obligations concerning public health incidents with international ramifications.
• Global Health Initiatives: These initiatives encompass targeted programs aimed at combating specific health challenges. Notable examples include the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, as well as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative efforts involving governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector enable the pooling of resources and expertise. A prominent illustration is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
• Regional Organisations: Regional entities like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for the Americas and the African Union assume roles in coordinating health endeavours within their respective regions.

Conclusion

Hence, the recent amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) by the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the pledge for a global pandemic agreement by 2025 mark a crucial advancement in enhancing global health security.

Source: WHO

Why in the News ?

• Recently, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping in their meeting have affirmed consensus on the upgradation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and advancing high-quality development of the multi-billion dollar project in the second phase.

About the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):

• During an April 2015 visit to Islamabad, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif unveiled the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• The CPEC is a 3,000-km long route, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• CPEC quickly ballooned to $62 billion in pledges—one-fifth of Pakistan’s GDP—covering dozens of envisioned high-profile projects.
• It is a bilateral project between Pakistan and China, intended to promote connectivity across Pakistan with a network of highways, railways, and pipelines accompanied by energy, industrial, and other infrastructure development projects.
• It will pave the way for China to access the Middle East and Africa from Gwadar Port, enabling China to access the Indian Ocean and in return China will support development projects in Pakistan to overcome the latter’s energy crises and stabilising its faltering economy.

What are the different phases of CPEC?

• First Phase
  • In the first phase various agreements such as energy, infrastructure, port development and the railway line construction have been signed under the first phase of this project.
  • According to the CPEC website, of the 21 proposed power projects, 14 have been completed, two are under construction, and five are yet to start.
  • Of the 24 proposed transport-related projects (rail and road), six have been completed, but no work has started on 13.
  • According to the official Chinese news agency Xinhua, CPEC had brought direct investment of $25.4 billion to Pakistan until 2022.
• Second Phase
  • In February 2022, during the visit of the Pakistani PM to China, an industrial cooperation agreement was signed.
  • The second phase primarily revolves around Special Economic Zones development and industrialisation.

What are CPEC’s Implications for India?

• India’s Sovereignty:
  • India staunchly opposes the CPEC due to its passage through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan region.
  • This stance is rooted in India's sovereignty concerns, particularly regarding the Kashmir Valley.
  • Despite local optimism within Jammu and Kashmir, there are apprehensions that a prosperous Gilgit-Baltistan under CPEC's success could strengthen Pakistan's territorial claims, undermining India's position over the region.
• Chinese Control Over Trade Via Sea:
  • With CPEC operational, China could offer a more direct and cost-effective trade route for North and Latin American enterprises, bypassing the Panama Canal.
  • This potential shift would grant China significant influence over international trade terms between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, impacting major US ports dependent on the Panama Canal for trade with China.
• China's "String of Pearls":
  • This strategy aims to encircle India through a network of airfields and ports in the Indian Ocean region.
  • With control over ports like Chittagong, Hambantota, Port Sudan, and Gwadar, China seeks complete dominance in the Indian Ocean, alarming both American and Indian defence analysts.
• Emergence of Pakistan as an Outsourcing Destination:
  • Its exports, particularly in textiles and construction materials, directly rival those of India in key markets like the US and UAE, significant for both nations.
  • Simplified access to raw materials from China positions Pakistan to dominate regional markets, potentially impacting India's export volumes.

Stronger BRI and Chinese Dominance in Trade Leadership:

• The BRI aims to enhance connectivity across Eurasia through infrastructure networks, with projects like CPEC advancing this agenda.
• China's increasing integration into the global economy could bolster its influence in international forums like the United Nations, potentially challenging India's aspirations for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Debt burden of Pakistan and role of China:

• China's Growing Hold on Pakistan's Debt:
  • According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), China's share of Pakistan's external debt has risen from $4 billion in 2013 to roughly $30 billion of the current $126 billion.
  • Between July 2021 and March 2022, more than 80% of Pakistan's bilateral debt service payments went to Beijing.
• Concerns Over Debt Dependency:
  • There are concerns both within and outside Pakistan that this debt burden is unsustainable and may turn Pakistan into a client state of China.
  • Critics liken CPEC to a neo-colonial project, similar to the British East India Company’s control over the Indian Subcontinent.
• IMF’s Bailout Package and Debt Obligations:
  • In March 2024, the IMF released a $1.1 billion tranche of a $3 billion bailout package to Pakistan.
  • The government is negotiating a new package of $6-8 billion, but debt obligations to China are a major hurdle.
• Conditions for Further Assistance
  • The IMF has stipulated that its resources should not be used to service Chinese debt.
  • The IMF has indicated that any new agreement will require rescheduling the maturities of Chinese debt instruments due in the next three years to prevent a positive net outflow from Pakistan to China during the program period.

Source:  ET

Why in the News?

• Recently, as Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi prepares to take oath for his third term, the focus is once again back on India's foreign policy and how it will take shape over the next five years.

About Neighborhood First Policy:

• India’s ‘Neighbourhood First 'policy officially came to being in 2008 which guides towards the management of relations with immediate neighbourhood countries, that is, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and SriLanka.
• Its objective is to enhance physical, digital and people to people connectivity across the region, as well as augmenting trade and commerce.
• The policy prioritises improving physical, digital, and people-to-people connectivity within the region, while also boosting trade and commerce.

Significance of the Policy:

• Countering Chinese influence:
  • By collaborating closely with neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh, India can counterbalance Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region.
• Support in multilateral forums:
  • India's partnership with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal strengthens its representation of Global South interests in international forums like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, as evidenced in recent trade negotiations and climate change discussions.
• Ensuring territorial integrity:
  • Collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and Myanmar contribute to India's efforts to safeguard its territorial integrity, exemplified by recent joint military exercises and border security agreements.
• Increasing maritime security:
  • Enhanced cooperation with maritime neighbours like the Maldives and Mauritius reinforces India's maritime security posture, as demonstrated by joint patrols and intelligence sharing agreements aimed at countering piracy and illicit maritime activities.
• Addressing energy security:
  • Strategic partnerships with energy-rich nations such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar bolster India's energy security through recent agreements on oil and gas exploration, pipeline projects, and renewable energy initiatives.
• Bridging development deficits:
  • India's engagement with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal facilitates cross-border infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives, as evidenced by recent investments in connectivity infrastructure and joint development projects.
• Soft power diplomacy:
  • Cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties with neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Afghanistan enhance India's soft power influence in the region, as seen in recent cultural festivals, educational exchanges, and tourism initiatives.

Challenges Associated with the Policy:

• Geopolitical tensions:
  • Recent border disputes between India and China, as well as political disagreements with Pakistan, have heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
• Implementation issues:
  • Logistical and bureaucratic challenges have hampered the execution of cross-border projects, as evidenced by delays in infrastructure development initiatives with Nepal and Bangladesh.
• Economic differences:
  • Variations in economic development levels among neighbouring countries, such as the wide gap between India and Nepal's economies, pose challenges to achieving balanced and effective cooperation in the region.

Key major initiatives:

• Dialogue:
  • India engages in vigorous regional diplomacy with neighbouring nations, exemplified by the invitation extended to all SAARC heads of government for the Prime Minister's oath-taking ceremony in 2014.
• Resolving bilateral issues:
  • India emphasises resolving bilateral issues through mutual agreements, as demonstrated by the operationalization of the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) with Bangladesh.
• Connectivity:
  • India has signed MoUs with SAARC members to facilitate the free flow of resources, energy, goods, labour, and information across borders, promoting regional connectivity.
• Economic Cooperation:
  • India focuses on enhancing trade ties with neighbours and invests in regional development through initiatives like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) grouping, particularly in energy development.
• Technical Cooperation:
  • India emphasises technical cooperation, exemplified by the development of a dedicated SAARC satellite for sharing technology benefits like tele-medicine and e-learning across South Asia.
• Disaster management:
  • India offers cooperation in disaster response, resource management, weather forecasting, and communication, providing assistance to neighbouring countries during disasters like the 2016 earthquake in Nepal.
• Military and defence cooperation:
  • India deepens security in the region through military cooperation, conducting exercises like Surya Kiran with Nepal and Sampriti with Bangladesh, and supporting capacity building of the Afghan National Army through training programs.

Bilateral Ties:

• Bangladesh:
  • Export-import: $11,061 million-$1,845 million
  • India and Bangladesh have deep historical ties rooted in India’s role in Bangladesh’s liberation.
  • Today, they share a robust trade relationship, which amounted to $12,906 million in the 2023-24 financial year, with India exporting machinery and textile, while Bangladesh exports garments and fish.
• Sri Lanka:
  • Export-import: $4,118 million-$1,424 million
  • Ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka can be traced back to ancient times.
  • In 2023-24, their bilateral trade was valued at $5,542 million, with significant Indian exports of petroleum and automobiles.
• Nepal:
  • Export-import: $7,041 million-$830 million
  • India and Nepal share an open-border relationship, reflecting their deep historical and cultural ties.
  • In 2023-24, bilateral trade amounted to $7,871 million, dominated by Indian exports of petroleum products and machinery.
• Maldives:
  • Export-import: $892 million-$87 million
  • Over the years, India and the Maldives have maintained close ties. Most notably, India helped prevent a coup in Maldives in 1988.
  • The Indian Armed Forces continued to have a modest presence in the archipelago, until President Muizzu came in on an “India Out” platform.
• Seychelles:
  • Export-import: $76 million-$9 million
  • India and Seychelles share a strategic relationship, particularly in maritime security and environmental cooperation.
  • Located north of Madagascar, Seychelles is among the most strategically important archipelagos in the Indian Ocean.
• Bhutan:
  • Export-import: $964 million- $339 million
  • India and Bhutan are, what one can call, all weather friends with significant economic and cultural exchanges.
  • In 2023-24, bilateral trade was $1.3 billion, with India being a major partner in Bhutan’s hydroelectric power sector.
• Mauritius:
  • Export-import: $778 million-$74 million
  • India and Mauritius enjoy close relations, underpinned by strong cultural and economic ties.
  • Bilateral trade in 2023-24 was valued at $ 852 million, with key exports from Mauritius including textiles and sugar.

Suggestions for Making India’s NFP More Effective:

• Terrorism and Illegal Migration:
  • Enhanced border security infrastructure is crucial to address threats like illegal migration and weapon smuggling.
  • Close cooperation between relevant ministries and state governments is recommended to tackle these challenges effectively.
• Relations with China and Pakistan:
  • Efforts should be made to sensitise regional and multilateral organisations about Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism.
  • Establishing economic ties with Pakistan and promoting a common platform for countering terrorism under the Neighbourhood First Policy are suggested.
• Investment in Border Infrastructure:
  • Improving connectivity infrastructure such as cross-border roads, railways, and ports is essential for engaging with neighbouring countries.
  • Exploring the feasibility of setting up a regional development fund for connectivity infrastructure is recommended.
• Monitoring India’s Line of Credit (LOC) Projects:
  • Effective monitoring and timely completion of LOC projects are necessary. Strengthening oversight mechanisms and joint project monitoring committees can ensure the timely completion of development projects in neighbouring countries.
• Defence and Maritime Security:
  • Enhancing maritime domain awareness in India’s extended neighbourhood and conducting joint military exercises with neighbouring countries are crucial for defence cooperation.
• Development in the North-Eastern Region:
  • Maintaining synergy between the Neighbourhood First Policy and the Act East Policy can improve connectivity, economic development, and security in the North-Eastern Region.
• Tourism Promotion:
  • Promoting investment in tourism, including medical tourism, can strengthen ties under the Neighbourhood First Policy.
  • Enhancing tourism promotion efforts can facilitate cultural exchange and economic growth.

Conclusion:

Hence, India's "Neighborhood First Policy" remains crucial in navigating the evolving and increasingly complex challenges within its vicinity. By adopting such strategies, India can effectively navigate the intricacies of its neighbourhood dynamics and foster greater stability and cooperation in the region.

Source: TH

Why in the news ?

• Recently, the assassination attempt on a Sikh separatist in the United States (US) has become a bone of contention between India and the US.

Overview of India and US Bilateral Relations:

• Economic Relations:
  • In the fiscal year 2022-23, the economic relations between India and the U.S. have flourished, marking the U.S. as India's foremost trading partner.
  • Bilateral trade between the two nations surged by 7.65%, reaching USD 128.55 billion, up from USD 119.5 billion in the previous fiscal year.
  • Export figures to the U.S. showed a moderate increase of 2.81%, totaling USD 78.31 billion in 2022-23, compared to USD 76.18 billion in 2021-22.
  • Conversely, imports from the U.S. witnessed a significant uptick of approximately 16%, soaring to USD 50.24 billion.
• International Cooperations:
  • India and the United States share close cooperation across various multilateral organisations, including the United Nations, G-20, ASEAN Regional Forum, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
  • India's tenure on the UN Security Council, commencing in 2021 for a two-year term, was warmly welcomed by the United States, which advocates for a reformed UN Security Council inclusive of India as a permanent member.
  • India collaborates with the United States and ten other countries on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
  • India's membership in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is complemented by the United States' engagement as a dialogue partner.
  • In 2021, the United States became a member of the International Solar Alliance, headquartered in India, furthering their commitment to renewable energy initiatives.
  • In 2022, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) expanded its partnership with India.
• Defence Cooperation:
  • India has completed the signing of all four foundational agreements with the US:
    • The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016.
    • The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018.
    • the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA) in 2020.
    • An extension to the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), known as the Industrial Security Annex (ISA), was signed in 2019.
  • India, which was previously unable to access US weapons during the Cold War era, has since made substantial purchases amounting to USD 20 billion over the past two decades.
  • Bilateral military exercises between India and the US, such as Yuddha Abyas and Vajra Prahar, are extensive and ongoing, demonstrating the deepening defence collaboration.
  • Moreover, India participates in minilateral exercises with the four partners in the Quad Forum, including the renowned Malabar exercises.
  • A new grouping, I2U2, comprising India, Israel, UAE, and the US, has emerged in the Middle East, drawing comparisons to the Quad in terms of strategic significance and cooperation.
• Space and Science and Technology:
  • ISRO and NASA are collaborating on the development of a microwave remote sensing satellite for Earth observation, known as the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR).
  • In June 2023, ISRO signed the Artemis Accords with NASA, signalling its commitment to participate in peaceful and sustainable civil exploration of outer space.
  • The Innovation and Collaboration in Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative, launched in January 2023, is a joint effort by the National Security Advisors of the US and India.
  • It aims to promote cooperation and innovation in key technology domains, including AI, quantum, telecom, space, biotech, semiconductors, and defence.

Divergence in Relations:

• India's relatively restrained response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has caused frustration in the West, raising doubts about India's credibility as a security partner.
• India's potential contribution to US interests in an Indo-Pacific conflict, such as involving China or Taiwan, may be constrained.
• India is unlikely to become directly involved in a US-China conflict over Taiwan, preferring to avoid entanglement.
• The US desires stronger alignment from its allies against Russia, contrasting India's actions, such as increasing oil imports from Russia during the conflict.
• Defence Relations with Russia: India's procurement of weapons like the S-400 air defence system from Russia concerns the US due to its reinforcement of Russian influence.
• This acquisition also poses challenges for interoperability and secure communication between US and Indian forces, hindering the sharing of sensitive weapons technologies.

Concerns for India:

• US aid to Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has the unintended consequence of strengthening Ukraine's defence and counter offensives, potentially increasing Russia's reliance on China for support.
• This could compromise Russia's autonomy and its ability to fulfil defence agreements with India in the event of an India-China conflict.
• The Russia-Ukraine conflict has diverted the attention of the US away from China, leading to a significant reduction in strategic alignment between India and the US.
• The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have diverted US attention from the Indo-Pacific region, resulting in neglect towards India and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion

• The India-US relationship has evolved significantly over the past 25 years, playing a crucial role in shaping the global order of the 21st century. However, the current state of the relationship suggests a stagnation as the strategic alignment, driven by shared concerns about China, is faltering. As the US shifts its focus towards other adversaries and India deals with its own regional challenges, their strategic convergence is diminishing.

Source: ORF

Why in the News?

• Recently, India took part in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting held in Singapore on June 6th, 2024, highlighting substantial progress in enhancing economic collaboration among partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region.

• At the recent Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting, members signed three agreements focusing on the Clean Economy, Fair Economy, and the overarching IPEF Agreement.

What is IPEF ?

• About:
  • IPEF was launched on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo, Japan, and comprises 14 countries.
  • The goal of IPEF is to strengthen economic engagement and cooperation among partner countries, with the aim of advancing growth, economic stability, and prosperity in the region.
• Members:
  • Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.
  • These 14 IPEF partners collectively represent 40% of global GDP and 28% of global goods and services trade.
• Pillars of IPEF:
  • Fair and Resilient Trade (Pillar I): Aim: Promote economic growth, peace, and prosperity in the region. India's Status: Observer status in Pillar I.
  • Supply-Chain Resilience (Pillar II): Aim: Enhance supply chain resilience, robustness, and integration. Focus: Improve logistics, connectivity, and investments in critical sectors. Emphasis: Enhance worker roles through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
  • Clean Economy (Pillar III): Aim: Advance cooperation on clean energy and climate-friendly technologies. Focus: Research, development, commercialization, and deployment of clean energy. Encourages: Investment in climate-related projects in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Fair Economy (Pillar IV): Focus: Implement effective anti-corruption and tax measures.India's Status: India's strides in improving legislative and administrative frameworks to combat corruption.

What are the Key Highlights of the Meeting?

• Clean Economy Agreement:
  • This agreement aims to accelerate efforts toward energy security, climate resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  • India took a leading role in launching the Cooperative Work Programme (CWP), focusing on recovering valuable resources from electronic waste through e-waste urban mining.
• IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund:
  • This fund was established to support clean economy infrastructure projects in IPEF emerging and upper-middle-income economies.
  • Founding supporters, including Australia, Japan, Korea, and the US, provided an initial grant funding of USD 33 million to catalyse USD 3.3 billion in private investment.
• Fair Economy Agreement:
  • Aimed at creating a more transparent and predictable business environment, promoting fair competition, and enhancing efforts against corruption.
  • India highlighted its Digital Forensics & System-Driven Risk Analysis training program, which will be offered to other IPEF partners.
• IPEF Upskilling Initiative:
  • This initiative provides digital skills training, primarily targeting women and girls in IPEF partner countries.
  • Over the past two years, it has offered 10.9 million upskilling opportunities, including 4 million in India.

Source: PIB   

Why in the news?

• The recent European Parliament elections, in which around 51% of over 370 million eligible voters from 27 EU nations voted, showed a surge in support for right-wing and far-right parties, leading in losses for largely left-leaning and liberal parties.

What is the European Parliament?

• The European Parliament is a fundamental institution of the European Union (EU), directly elected by citizens from its 27 member states.
• 19 of these countries use EURO as their official currency. 8 EU members (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden) do not use the euro.
• It provides democratic legitimacy to EU decisions and policies. The Parliament is composed of 720 seats allocated through a system of degressive proportionality.
• This approach ensures that smaller member states elect a proportionally higher number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) than their populations might otherwise dictate.

What are the Objectives of the EU?

• Achieve sustainable development based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive market economy with full employment and social progress, and environmental protection.
• Promote peace, values, and the well-being of all EU citizens.
• Offer freedom, security, and justice without internal borders.
• Combat social exclusion and discrimination.
• Promote scientific and technological progress.
• Enhance economic, social, and territorial cohesion and solidarity among EU countries.
• Respect the rich cultural and linguistic diversity within the EU.
• Establish an economic and monetary union with the euro as its currency.

Eligibility Conditions for Voting in European Parliament Elections:

• Voting Age Requirements:
  • In 21 member states, individuals aged 18 and above are eligible to vote.
  • Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Malta have a minimum voting age of 16.
  • In Greece, individuals who turn 17 during the election year are eligible to vote.
  • In Hungary, married individuals can vote regardless of their age.
• EU Voting Abroad Rules:
  • EU citizens have the right to vote either in their country of origin or from abroad.
  • Voting from abroad is permitted in all member states except Czechia, Ireland, Malta, and Slovakia.
  • In Bulgaria and Italy, this right is applicable only to EU citizens residing within the EU.
  • Citizens residing in another EU country can choose to vote for candidates either from their country of origin or from their country of residence.
• One-Country Voting Rule:
  • Voters must decide which country's Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) they will vote for.
  • It is not permissible to vote in elections for MEPs from more than one country simultaneously.

Eligibility of Candidates in European Parliament Elections:

• Selection of Candidates: Candidates must be citizens of a European Union (EU) member state. Voters have the option to vote for individual candidates or for political parties' lists of candidates, depending on the electoral system of each member state.
• Alignment in European Parliament: Once elected, MEPs align themselves with political groups in the European Parliament based on their ideological and political orientations.
• Restrictions: Elected MEPs are prohibited from concurrently holding positions in national governments or other EU institutions such as the European Commission.
• MEP Allocation:
  • MEP allocation follows the principle of degressive proportionality, where MEPs from larger countries represent more constituents than those from smaller countries.
  • Each EU member state is guaranteed a minimum of six MEPs, while the maximum number any country can have is capped at 96

Major Players in the  New European Parliament:

• European People’s Party (EPP): A centre-right political group advocating for Christian democratic and conservative values. Traditionally one of the largest groups in the Parliament.
• Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D): A centre-left group promoting social democracy and progressive policies. Historically a major force in the Parliament.
• Renew Europe: A liberal-centrist group focusing on pro-European integration, market economy, and individual freedoms.
• Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA): A coalition of green and regionalist parties advocating for environmental sustainability, social justice, and regional autonomy.
• European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR): A conservative group promoting Eurosceptic and reformist policies, advocating for national sovereignty and decentralisation.
• Identity and Democracy (ID): A right-wing populist and Eurosceptic group emphasising national sovereignty, immigration control, and cultural conservatism.
• Left Group (GUE/NGL): A left-wing group advocating for socialist, communist, and other progressive ideologies, focusing on social justice, workers' rights, and environmental sustainability.

Impacts of Election Results:

• EU Policy Direction:
  • Election results influence the EU's approach to critical issues such as climate change, migration, and international relations.
  • Shifts in parliamentary composition may lead to adjustments in policy priorities and strategies.
• Rise of Right-Wing and Far-Right Parties:
  • The electoral success of right-wing and far-right parties can prompt a more conservative stance on certain policies within the EU.
  • These parties often advocate for stricter immigration policies and emphasise national sovereignty over EU integration.
• National Political Landscape:
  • Election outcomes can impact the stability of national governments across Europe.
  • For example, poor electoral performances in European Parliament elections have led leaders like Emmanuel Macron to consider strategic responses, such as calling for snap polls to shore up domestic support.
• Broader Political Trends:
  • The composition of the European Parliament reflects broader political trends in Europe, including concerns over immigration, national identity, and scepticism towards certain EU policies.
• Pressure on Centre-Right Parties:
  • Increased electoral competition from right-wing factions has pressured traditional centre-right parties to adopt more stringent positions on immigration.

How Cordial are EU’s Relations with India?

• Financial Relations:
  • The EU emerged as India’s third-largest trading partner in 2021.
  • EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in India reached €87 billion in 2020.
  • Approximately 15% of Indian exports were directed to the EU in 2021.
  • Trade in goods and services between India and the EU amounted to €95.5 billion in 2020.
  • The European Investment Bank (EIB) has invested over €3 billion in infrastructure, energy, and climate projects in India.
• Strategic Partnerships:
  • EU-India Joint Declarations have been adopted to strengthen cooperation on connectivity, water, and resource efficiency, emphasising a circular economy approach.
  • In 2023, the EU and India launched a Trade and Technology Council, focusing on digital transformation and green technologies.
• Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation:
  • Under the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe), India is slated to receive €90 million in grant funding for the period 2021-2027.
  • India also benefits from various multi-country EU programs aimed at fostering development and cooperation in the region

Conclusion:

Thus, the outcome of the European Parliament elections indicates a growing influence of right-wing parties, influencing EU policies on immigration and other critical issues. This may also have ramifications for national politics, potentially impacting the stability of leadership positions.

Source: IE

Context: 

• As a frequent G7 participant, India seeks to deepen collaboration with the "collective West." With the West eager to include India in global governance, the upcoming G7 summit in Italy is a prime opportunity for India to reboot its ties with Western nations.

What Is the West in Geopolitical Terms?

Geographic Scope: 

• The West until recently referred to Western Europe and the lands it settled, primarily North America and Australasia.
• The debate about the inclusion of Eastern Europe-considered by some as equal to that of the former Soviet sphere of influence-continues.
• However, this definition is not so clear-cut anymore. The world's growing interconnectedness challenges the clear-cut distinction between "West" and "East."

Cultural Features:

• Greco-Roman Legacy Western culture borrows significantly from the way of life, philosophies, and governance of ancient Greece and Rome, where reason, logic, and rights of individuals were stressed.
• Christianity has profoundly influenced Western values and institutions, even though religious practices have become increasingly diversified; this influence stems from Catholicism and Protestantism primarily.

Political and Economic Systems:

• Democracy is a system of representative government with individual freedoms and liberties that is a cornerstone of political systems in the West.
• Free-market economies with private ownership and competition define most Western economies.
• The West emphasises a legal system based on established laws and procedures, ensuring fairness and accountability.

Why Does India Need to Reboot Its Relations with the West?

Managing the China Challenge:

• Rising Assertiveness: China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific and its border tensions with India are significant challenges.
• Strategic Competitor: The West, especially the U.S., sees China as a strategic rival.
• Improved Relations: Stronger India-West ties would enhance coordination on economic, diplomatic, and military strategies against China.
• Joint Military Exercise: India and the US's Tiger Triumph 2024 exercise shows a commitment to security collaboration.

Balancing Relations Alongside Russia:

• Historical Ties: India's defence ties with Russia strain relations with the West, especially post-Ukraine conflict.
• Energy Security: Increased Russian oil imports despite sanctions highlight energy concerns.
• Rebooting Relations: Clarifying India's stance and finding common ground on energy and regional stability are key.

Managing the US-China Technological Decoupling:

• Tech Wars: US-China tech decoupling in AI and 5G presents a challenge for India.
• Non-alignment Risks: Staying non-aligned could hinder India’s tech and economic growth.
• Balanced Approach: Seeking a balanced stance could allow India to access Western tech while maintaining strategic autonomy.

Reshaping the Global Trade Architecture:

• WTO Challenges: The global trade order is shifting with new frameworks like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.
• Proactive Engagement: India must engage to address issues like data localization and digital taxation.
• Pivotal Player: A proactive stance could make India a key player in new trade rules.

Navigating the Geopolitics of Climate Change and Energy Transition:

• Strategic Competition: Climate change has become a strategic issue, with the West pushing for renewables and tech weaponization.
• Energy Security: India's energy needs and leadership in solar initiatives make it a crucial partner.
• Balanced Approach: A revamped partnership could aid in climate finance, tech transfers, and a balanced energy transition.

Collaborating on Regional Connectivity:

• Integrated Vision: India's regional connectivity plans, like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, need Western cooperation.
• Western Cooperation: Support in financing, capacity-building, and aligning with the rules-based order is essential.

What are the Friction Points Between India and West?

Differences on Global Governance and Reforms:

• India seeks changes in global governance to reflect shifting power dynamics.
• Some Western nations resist reforms that would reduce their influence, causing friction with India’s ambitions.

Intellectual Property Rights and Technology Transfers:

• India’s stance on IPR and production of affordable generics often clashes with Western pharmaceutical interests.
• The West is wary of transferring sensitive technologies to India, fearing diversion or leakage.

Strategic Autonomy vs. Alignment Expectations:

• India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy conflicts with Western desires for closer alignment, especially regarding the Russia-Ukraine War.
• India’s all-alignment policy is seen as pragmatic by India but perceived as reluctance to take sides by the West.

Divergent Approaches to Regional Security:

• India’s regional security strategies sometimes diverge from Western views.
• India’s cautious approaches to Myanmar’s political crisis and the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan have caused friction with Western policies.

The Khalistan Issue:

• The Khalistan movement, supported by elements within the Indian diaspora in countries like Canada and the UK, strains relations.
• India accuses these nations of allowing platforms for anti-India activities, complicating bilateral ties.

Defense Cooperation and Arms Exports:

• India’s defence collaboration with Russia, including the procurement of the S-400 system, creates tension with the West.
• Although India received a CAATSA waiver, recent concerns about its Russian ties have resurfaced, particularly from the U.S.

How Can India and the West Reconcile Their Differences?

Establish a Plurilateral Tech Alliance:

• India and the West could establish a plurilateral technology alliance to develop standards for critical technologies like AI, quantum computing, and cyber security.
• This would facilitate joint research, knowledge sharing, and co-development, ensuring a level playing field and protecting strategic interests.

Create a Renewable Energy and Climate Innovation Fund:

• India and the West could jointly create a fund dedicated to clean energy research, development, and deployment.
• Projects in green hydrogen, carbon capture, sustainable aviation fuels, and climate-resilient infrastructure would be supported, fostering collaboration and addressing technology transfer and finance concerns.

Joint Framework for Responsible Space Exploration:

• India and the West could develop a joint framework for responsible space exploration and governance.
• This would address sustainable space resource utilisation, space debris prevention, and the peaceful use of space, promoting cooperation while respecting strategic interests.

Focus on Regional Trade Agreements:

• Instead of a pan-India-EU FTA, India could pursue regional trade agreements with specific countries, like the recent TEPA with the European Free Trade Association.
• These agreements allow for faster progress and cater to diverse economic interests.

Issue-Based Alignment:

• India could adopt an "issue-based alignment" approach, cooperating on mutual concerns while maintaining its independent stance on other matters.
• Establishing dialogue mechanisms would help address misperceptions about India's strategic autonomy, ensuring transparency and open communication.

Source: IE

Why in the news?

• Recently,  President Lai Ching-te assumed office in Taiwan, China has responded strongly to his pro-independence statements by employing sophisticated tactics against his Democratic Progressive Party.

Background of the China-Taiwan Issue:

• Origins: The conflict traces back to the Chinese Civil War (1927-1950). After the Communist victory in 1949, the Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan, establishing the Republic of China (ROC), while the Communists declared the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland.
• Claims and Dispute: China views Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunified with the mainland, whereas Taiwan sees itself as a distinct, democratic entity. This disagreement over Taiwan’s political status fuels ongoing tensions.
• Strategic Importance: Taiwan's significance lies in its location within the “first island chain” in the western Pacific and its dominance in the global semiconductor industry. Control over Taiwan would boost China’s regional power and potentially threaten US interests, while Taiwan’s independence is crucial for the US and its allies.

What is Grey Zone Warfare? 

• About: 
  • Grey Zone Warfare refers to coercive measures used to exploit the space between peace and war, deliberately staying below the threshold that would provoke a conventional military response.
• Origin: 
  • Emerging from the Cold War era post-1945, the development of nuclear weapons necessitated restraint in direct conflicts, as the cost and risk of escalation became too high.
• Methods: Grey Zone Warfare includes both kinetic and non-kinetic methods employed by conventional military forces and irregular proxies.
  • Kinetic Methods: Use of proxies for on-ground action or changing the territorial status quo through coercion or militarization.
    • Example: China's actions in the South China Sea and Russia's invasion of Crimea.
  • Non-Kinetic Methods: Activities range from nefarious economic activities, influence operations, and cyberattacks to mercenary operations, assassinations, disinformation campaigns, economic actions like debt traps and sanctions, and election meddling.
• Prime Objectives:
  • Escalation Bait: Small actions designed to provoke the other party to escalate, allowing the aggressor to respond in kind, legitimised as self-defence.
  • Projection of Strength: Countries display their capabilities and aim to normalise disputed territorial claims by consistently marking a presence in those regions.

What are the elements of Grey-Zone Warfare ?

• Military Pressure: The People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command (PLA ETC) regularly conducts training drills and simulated invasion scenarios, including 3D animation videos of missile attacks on Taiwan, to intimidate and exert psychological pressure.
• Grey-Zone Warfare: The PLA carries out continuous sorties of fighter jets, UAVs, and strategic fighters over and around Taiwan, aiming to wear down Taiwan's defence forces through sustained pressure and intelligence gathering.
• Economic Coercion: China suspended preferential tax rates for 134 chemical imports from Taiwan under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in response to pro-independence statements by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te and Taipei's restrictions on over 2,000 Chinese imports.

What are China's Grey Zone Tactics Against India ?

• Cyber Operations:
  • China targets India's critical infrastructure and political systems through cyber operations like hacking, data theft, denial of service attacks, and disinformation. 
  • In 2022, India's power transmission systems faced numerous cyber-attacks reportedly linked to Chinese sources.
• Information Warfare:
  • China employs propaganda, rumour-spreading, and social media manipulation to create societal divisions and undermine trust within India. 
  • For instance, threatening messages to North Eastern Indian communities in Bengaluru were traced back to China, revealing a campaign to influence internal affairs.
• Support to Proxy Forces:
  • China supports insurgent groups and non-state actors within India to create discord and deplete resources. 
  • This strategy, evident in the 1980s and 1990s with Chinese backing of northeast insurgent movements, reportedly continues today.
• Economic Coercion:
  • China uses economic coercion by imposing trade restrictions and leveraging economic influence to pressure India. 
  • The Belt and Road Initiative showcases how China could use economic leverage for political and strategic gains.
• Legal and Diplomatic Manoeuvring:
  • China exploits legal loopholes, leverages international institutions, and manipulates alliances to undermine India’s international standing. 
  • For example, China uses civilian fishing fleets to assert presence in the South China Sea, circumventing international legal challenges.
• Military Intimidation:
  • China engages in military intimidation by massing troops near borders or in contested regions to suggest potential escalation. 
  • A significant instance is the deployment of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops in the contested Galwan region in Ladakh.

India’s Counter Measures to Grey-Zone Warfare:

• Enhancing Border Defense:
  • The deployment of advanced surveillance systems, including UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and high-tech surveillance cameras, aids in monitoring and responding to adversarial movements.
• Strengthening Strategic Partnerships:
  • India is enhancing its strategic position through defence collaborations with allies. Notable agreements include:
  • LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement): Facilitates logistical support between Indian and US militaries.
  • COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement): Ensures secure communications between the two forces.
  • BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement): Allows sharing of geospatial intelligence.
• Participating in Joint Military Exercises:
  • Exercise Malabar: Initially bilateral between India and the US, now includes Japan and Australia, focusing on naval interoperability.
  • Indo-Russian Exercise Indra: A bi-annual exercise involving Army, Navy, and Air Force to boost cooperation with Russia.
• Expanding Naval Cooperation:
  • Mission SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): Ensures maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
  • Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): A forum led by India to increase cooperation among IOR navies and address regional security challenges.
• Advancing Defence Technology Collaborations:
  • India is co-developing and co-producing defence technology with international partners. The Quad Alliance, including the US, Australia, and Japan, exemplifies this effort to address regional security through technological collaboration.
• Enhancing Information Sharing:
  • Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR): Enhances maritime security by serving as a hub for real-time information sharing among IOR countries, improving regional maritime domain awareness.
• Modernising Armed Forces:
  • India is investing in modernising its military through new technology and indigenous defence production, focusing on reducing dependency on foreign imports. Initiatives include:
    • Make in India: Promotes domestic defence production.
    • Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA): Developed indigenously.
    • Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS): Enhances artillery capabilities.
    • Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System: Strengthens air defence

Conclusion:

Taiwan must navigate China’s multifaceted 'grey-zone' tactics through resilience in defence, strategic alliances, and international advocacy to safeguard its sovereignty and democratic identity amid escalating pressures. By promoting international awareness and cooperation, Taiwan can counteract China's coercive strategies and maintain its democratic integrity in the face of growing challenges.

Source:  TH

Why in the news?

• Recently, India underscored that achieving peace requires proposals acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine, and therefore chose to disassociate from the final document issued on June 16 at the conclusion of the Peace Summit in Switzerland.

Key Highlights of the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland:

• Attendance and Endorsement:
  
  • More than 80 countries participated in the summit and endorsed the "Joint Communique on a Peace Framework."
  • The communique emphasised the importance of protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity, based on Ukraine's peace formula and the principles of the UN Charter.
• Non-Endorsing Countries:
  
  • India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates did not sign the communique.
  • Brazil attended as an observer, while China declined the invitation to participate.
• India’s Participation and Stance:
  
  • India attended the summit but chose not to endorse the final document.
  • India's stance is based on the principle that any peace proposal must be acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine for it to be sustainable.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India's commitment to understanding diverse perspectives and pursuing a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

Why did India Refuse?

• Neutrality and Balanced Approach:
  
  • India adheres to a policy of neutrality and balanced diplomacy in international conflicts. 
  • By abstaining from taking sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India aims to maintain positive diplomatic relations with both nations.
• Emphasis on Mutually Acceptable Solutions:
  • India believes that sustainable peace can only be achieved through proposals that are mutually acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine. 
  • This approach underscores India's commitment to promoting dialogue and practical engagement between the conflicting parties.
• Strategic and Diplomatic Considerations:
  
  • By refraining from endorsing the communique, India preserves its potential role as a trusted mediator in international disputes. 
  • This stance helps safeguard its strategic partnerships, particularly with Russia, and takes into account broader geopolitical concerns such as food and energy security.

Conclusion: 

Hence, India's decision underscores its commitment to neutrality, advocating for peace proposals acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine. It aims to preserve diplomatic relations and safeguard strategic interests amidst evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

Source: TH

Why in the news?

• The recent fire in Mangaf, Kuwait and the 49 deaths of Indian migrant workers underscores the poor living conditions and neglect of low-income workers’ rights and well-being in GCC states.

Kafala System:

• The Kafala system, prevalent in the GCC states, is a complex of laws and practices that ensure the state and citizens hold all the power. At the same time, individual migrants are treated as temporary.
• It ties migrant workers’ visas to their employers and allows employers significant control over workers’ lives, including housing, food, and transportation.
• This system is the root cause of the vulnerability and exploitation of migrant workers in the region.
• Low wages and restricted movement prevent workers from challenging poor conditions.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, GCC states, including Kuwait, confined migrants in crowded accommodations, limiting access to services and deporting thousands.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):

• The GCC was established in 1981 and currently consists of six Arab countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The council’s main headquarters is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• It was formed to address regional challenges faced by the Arab States of the Gulf.

Migrants’ Rights in GCC countries:

• Vulnerabilities of Migrant Workers: Migrants in GCC countries are vulnerable under the Kafala system, linking legal status to employers who control housing, wages, and mobility. This dependency leads to exploitation, poor conditions, and arbitrary deportations.
• Living Conditions and Safety: Many migrants live in overcrowded and substandard housing, increasing risks during emergencies like the Mangaf fire. Workplace and living safety standards are often inadequate, jeopardising migrant health.
• Legal Protections and Access to Justice: Migrant workers, especially domestic workers, face inconsistent legal protections and are often excluded from labour laws. Limited access to justice and barriers to organising further hinder their rights advocacy.

India-GCC Relations:

• Strategic Importance:
• Geographical Proximity: The GCC borders India across the Arabian Sea, making it a close neighbour.
• Energy Security: The GCC’s substantial oil and gas reserves are crucial for India’s energy needs.
• Large Indian Expatriate Community: Millions of Indians (diaspora) live and work in GCC countries.
• Shared Strategic Goals: Both India and the GCC desire regional stability and security.
• Economic and Commercial Relations:
• India’s economic linkages with the GCC have increased steadily, especially due to growth in oil imports.
• During FY23, India-GCC bilateral trade stood at US$ 184.55 billion.
• GCC is India’s largest bloc trading partner.
• Four India-GCC Industrial Conferences have been held to promote industrial cooperation.

Source: TH

Why in the news ?

• Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 50th G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy.

What are the  Key Agendas of the G7 Summit ?

• Supporting Ukraine: In response to the ongoing war, the G7 will unveil a new initiative called "Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans." This aims to provide Ukraine with an additional $50 billion by year's end to bolster its defence efforts.
• Mideast Peace Efforts: The G7 will turn its attention to the conflict in Gaza, with the US President proposing an immediate ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas.
• Addressing the Migration Challenge: Italy is pushing for European cooperation in managing irregular migration from Africa. The "Mattei Plan" proposes significant investments in African infrastructure, development, and energy to tackle the root causes of migration.
• Combating Climate Change: The G7 aims to significantly cut emissions by 2030, aiming for a 40-42% reduction. As current policies only project a 19-33% decrease, the summit will explore new strategies to achieve their ambitious climate goals.
• Global Infrastructure Development: The G7 nations are committed to promoting concrete infrastructure projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). These initiatives aim to improve global connectivity and boost economic growth.
• Focus on the Indo-Pacific Region: The strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, particularly for Japan, will be a key discussion point. This region is expected to be a major driver of future global growth and security.

Why has been India invited?

• India has been invited to the G7 summit for several compelling reasons. Firstly, with a GDP of $3.94 trillion, India's economy surpasses that of four G7 member nations. This economic stature underscores India's significant role as a major global economic player.
• Strategically, India holds pivotal importance in the Indo-Pacific region, where it acts as a counterbalance to Chinese influence. This geopolitical positioning enhances India's relevance in discussions concerning regional stability and global security.

How relevant is it today?

• Today, the relevance of India's participation in the G7 is underscored by the evolving global economic landscape. 
• While the G7 collectively represents around 47% of global GDP, only five members—US, Germany, Japan, UK, and France—are ranked among the top seven global economies. 
• Both Italy and Canada have been surpassed by China and India, highlighting the shifting economic dynamics where India's influence and economic potential are increasingly recognized on the global stage.

Source: TH

Why in the news ?

• Recently, prime minister Narendra Modi met his Italian counterpart to discuss a free and open Indo-Pacific and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart reviewed the progress of the bilateral strategic partnership, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in global fora and multilateral initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

India-Italy Strategic Partnership:

• India-Italy Strategic Partnership and Indo-Pacific Engagements
  
  • In 2023, India and Italy upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral ties. 
  • Italy has shown growing interest in the Indo-Pacific region, joining other European countries like France, Germany, and The Netherlands in engaging with this strategic area. 
  • This shift reflects Italy's recent pivot towards the Indo-Pacific, highlighting its efforts to strengthen relations with India.
• Trilateral Initiatives and Global Forums:
  
  • In 2021, the ‘India-Italy-Japan’ trilateral was initiated to enhance security, stability, prosperity, and multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific region. 
  • This collaboration is the second of its kind involving India and a European nation in the Indo-Pacific, following the ‘India-France-Australia’ trilateral.
  • Italy has also joined significant global initiatives launched during the G20 Summit, including the ‘Global Biofuel Alliance’ and the ‘India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor’. 
  • In 2021, Italy became a member of the ‘International Solar Alliance’ (ISA) during its G20 Presidency and co-Presidency of COP26.
• Economic and Trade Relations:
  
  • Bilateral trade between India and Italy experienced significant growth, reaching approximately 4.9 billion Euros in 2022, a 42% increase from 2021. Italy ranks as India’s fifth-largest trading partner within the EU. 
  • Both nations aim to strengthen cooperation in defence technology, maritime security, and space, addressing shared maritime concerns.
• Relations with China and Geopolitical Shifts:
  
  • Italy's increasing concerns about China's influence in the broader European and Indo-Pacific regions have influenced its foreign policy.
  • Reports suggest that Italy may exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), indicating a significant policy shift. These geopolitical dynamics are prompting Italian policymakers to reshape their relationships in Asia.

Way Ahead:

• Recent developments indicate a renewed interest in strengthening the India-Italy relationship from both sides. 
• By leveraging their strategic positions in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, India and Italy can enhance connectivity, stability, and energy security. 
• Promoting freedom of navigation in these maritime geographies will contribute to broader stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: TH  

Why in the news ?

• Recently, the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), led by the Indian National Security Council Secretariat and the U.S. National Security Council was launched in 2023.
• It is a framework for cooperation on critical and emerging technologies (CET) in areas including space, semiconductors, telecommunications, clean energy, biotechnology, etc.

Key Highlights:

• Innovation:
  • Funding: Unlock over $90 million in government funding over the next five years for the U.S.-India Global Challenges Institute to foster research partnerships in areas like semiconductor technology and sustainable agriculture.
• Space Technology Cooperation:
  • NASA-ISRO Collaboration: Launch NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, a jointly developed satellite to map Earth's surface twice every 12 days, aiding climate change efforts.
  • Lunar Gateway Programme: Explore opportunities to participate in the Lunar Gateway Programme (LGP), aiming to build a space station around the moon as part of the collaborative Artemis programme led by the U.S.
• Telecommunications:
  • Open RAN: Partnerships to deploy cost-effective Open Radio Access Network technology.
  • 6G Technologies: Strengthen cooperation in 6G technologies.
• Biotechnology:
  • Strategic Framework: Developing a joint strategic framework for optimising and strengthening the global biopharmaceutical supply chain.
  • Bio-X Initiative: Launch of the “Bio-X” initiative to promote cooperation in biotechnology and enhance the competitiveness of biotechnology industries.
• Clean Energy:
  • Mineral Security: Enhancing mineral security partnership through co-investment in a lithium resource project in South America and rare earths deposit in Africa

Source: AIR

Why in the news ?

• The Quad, (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), has evolved into a strategic alliance focused on security, diplomatic collaboration, and the provision of public goods among its members and throughout the Indo-Pacific region over the past two decades.

About the Quad:

• The Quad, comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the United States, has emerged as a significant diplomatic platform aimed at ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. 
• It focuses on upholding international law, maintaining freedom of navigation, and promoting democratic values within the region. 
• The Quad countries collectively host 1.9 billion people (24% of the world’s population) and account for 35% of the world’s GDP and 18% of global trade.

Genesis and Evolution:

• The Quad was conceived in the early 2000s to leverage the converging interests of its member nations. 
• Its inception responded to the growing need for a collaborative approach to address challenges in the Indo-Pacific, particularly those posed by natural disasters and regional security threats.

General timeline of events:

Quad Initiatives and Focus Areas:

• Quad Health Security Partnership:
  
  • In 2021, they met virtually for the first time alongside three new partners — South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand, informally called the Quad-Plus.
  • Established initiatives like the Quad Vaccine Partnership.
• Climate Working Group:
  
  • Launched the Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP) at the 2022 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo.
  • Focus areas include climate-smart agriculture, carbon recycling, and subnational climate action knowledge sharing.
  • Q-CHAMP builds on three pillars: climate ambition, clean energy, and adaptation and resilience.
  • Emphasises the need for secure, resilient, and sustainable clean energy supply chains, reducing emissions from mining, production, and manufacturing.
• Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Working Group:
  
  • Addresses technologies like AI, quantum computing, autonomous systems, and biotechnologies.
  • The Quad International Standards Cooperation Network enhances coordination and influence in international standards development.
  • Promotes global technology markets, sets technical standards, and coordinates on 5G networks and horizon scanning.
• Space Working Group:
  
  • Quad nations share Earth observation satellite data for monitoring climate change, improving disaster response, and ensuring sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.
  • The global space economy was worth $546 billion in 2022, with commercial revenue accounting for 78% of the sector.
• Quad Infrastructure Coordination Group:
  
  • Addresses the infrastructure financing gap due to rapid regional growth, focusing on transport, power, telecommunications, water supply, and sanitation.
  • Despite $881 billion in annual infrastructure investment in the region, the figure drops to $195 billion excluding China’s investments.
  • From 2015 to 2021, Quad countries provided over $48 billion in infrastructure financing to the Indo-Pacific.
• Quad Senior Cyber Group:
  
  • Cybercrime resulted in $1 trillion in global economic losses in 2020.
  • In 2022, all Quad countries were among the top 20 international cyber victims.
  • Established the Quad Cybersecurity Partnership to address cyber threats, focusing on critical infrastructure protection, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and software security standards.

India and the Quad:

• Platform for Consultation: The Quad serves as a platform for India to engage with major powers on regional security and economic issues, aligning with its foreign policy objectives.
• Countering China's Influence: As a regional power, India uses the Quad to counter China's dominance in the Indian Ocean and to ensure security in the Indo-Pacific.
• Commitment to Regional Stability: India’s participation in the Quad reflects its dedication to regional stability and its role as a significant global player.

Challenges and Criticism:

• Emergence of AUKUS:
  • AUKUS Formation: The creation of the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) Indo-Pacific grouping has raised questions about the Quad’s future relevance.
  • Focus Differences: AUKUS focuses on broader global social issues such as climate change, COVID-19 vaccines, and supply chain resilience, while the Quad addresses stronger strategic aspects.
• Free and Open Indo-Pacific:
  
  • Rules-Based Order: The Quad emphasises a ‘free, open, rules-based order’ rooted in international law to counter threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Tensions with China: Tensions with China, particularly regarding unilateral actions in the South China Sea, drive the Quad's focus on maintaining a rules-based order.
• Connectivity and Infrastructure:
  
  • Transparent Funding: The Quad aims to provide transparent infrastructure funding and joint connectivity projects to countries in the region.
  • Debt-Trap Prevention: This initiative is designed to prevent countries from becoming ‘debt-trapped’ by other initiatives, such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• Critical Technologies and Supply Chains:
  
  • Working Group on Technologies: The Quad has established a working group on critical and emerging technologies to cooperate on international standards and innovation.
  • Supply Chain Resilience: Ensuring resilient supply chains is a priority for the Quad, addressing potential vulnerabilities and promoting robust economic cooperation.

Way Forward:

• Collaborative efforts in combating climate change, enhancing pandemic response capabilities, and promoting sustainable development are essential for the region's well-being.
• Fostering deeper economic ties and technological partnerships will be crucial in shaping the future of Indo-Pacific diplomacy. 
• Critics often highlight the absence of a formal charter or binding commitments among the member countries, questioning the group's cohesiveness and long-term vision.
• The Quad's perceived role in countering China's influence in the region. The group's strategies and actions are often scrutinised for their implications on regional dynamics and balance of power.
• The next decade will be pivotal for the Quad to solidify its role as a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. 
• Continued adaptation, strategic cooperation, and addressing criticisms head-on will be key to ensuring the Quad's enduring impact and success.

Source: ORF

Why in the news ?

• Recently, interim report by a state government panel, over 45% of Sri Lankan Tamils in Tamil Nadu’s rehabilitation camps were born in India.

Reason of Tamilian Displacement:

• Ethnocentric Violence: Ethnocentric violence in Sri Lanka, particularly targeting the Tamil population, caused substantial displacement, resulting in loss of life and property, compelling Tamils to seek safety elsewhere.
• Proximity and Linguistic Commonality: Given India's geographical proximity and shared Tamil language, many Tamils sought refuge in Tamil Nadu, finding it accessible and culturally familiar. 

Government Initiatives:

• Basic Amenities Provision: Refugees are provided with free housing, electricity, water, and monthly food rations. Additionally, they receive a monthly cash allowance.
• Educational Support: Refugee children have access to government schools, and those pursuing higher education receive a monthly stipend of ₹1,000. Arts and science students receive a one-time support of ₹12,000, while engineering students receive ₹50,000.
• Welfare Schemes: Refugees are entitled to various welfare schemes available to Tamil Nadu residents, including a women’s rights scheme that provides ₹1,000 per month.
• New Housing Initiatives: The Government of Tamil Nadu has recently constructed new homes for approximately 5,000 Sri Lankan Tamils.
• Camp Renaming: In an effort to reduce stigma, refugee camps were renamed as Sri Lankan Tamil Rehabilitation Camps by a government order dated October 28, 2021 

Restoring Dignity:

• Educational Empowerment: Welfare initiatives have achieved full school enrollment and produced over 4,500 graduates from the camps.
• Overcoming Caste Barriers: Categorised as refugees, Sri Lankan Tamils have found liberation from caste constraints.
• Government Recognition: Renaming refugee camps as Sri Lankan Tamil Rehabilitation Camps marks a significant step in restoring dignity to displaced communities.
• Advocacy and Support: Ongoing advocacy by organisations like OfERR, donor support, and political backing have bolstered patronage from the Government of Tamil Nadu and Government of India.
• Future Potential: These efforts position refugees as potential contributors to nation-building upon their return to Sri Lanka. 

Current Challenges:

• Legal Restrictions: Indian laws do not allow for local integration through citizenship for Sri Lankan refugees.
• Economic and Health Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges in Sri Lanka have hindered refugees' return to their homeland.
• Uncertainty: Despite improvements in living conditions and dignity, Sri Lankan Tamils in India face ongoing uncertainty about their long-term future. 

Way Forward:

• Policy Advocacy: Advocate for legal reforms in India to facilitate local integration options for Sri Lankan refugees, including pathways to citizenship or long-term residency.
• Regional Cooperation: Foster closer cooperation between India, Sri Lanka, and international organisations to address the economic and health challenges impacting the return of refugees.
• Livelihood Support: Enhance vocational training and employment opportunities for Sri Lankan Tamils in India to promote self-reliance and economic stability.
• Healthcare Assistance: Provide targeted healthcare support to address the health needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises.
• Community Integration: Promote cultural exchange programs and initiatives that facilitate social integration and mutual understanding between Sri Lankan refugees and local communities.
• Durable Solutions: Work towards durable solutions that ensure the safety, security, and well-being of Sri Lankan Tamils, including voluntary repatriation under safe conditions or alternative legal statuses that respect their rights. 

Source: TH

Why in the news ?

• The recent visit of Russia's President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang drew attention due to a consequential agreement between Russia and North Korea committed to swiftly provide military assistance if either nation faces armed aggression.

Historical Context:

• Post-World War II Context:
  
  • The Soviet Union aimed to establish a communist regime in Korea.
  • The USSR provided significant military aid to North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung, during the Korean War.
  • Post-war support from the USSR and China included substantial military and other aid to North Korea.
• 1961 Russo-North Korea Treaty:
  
  • The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance included a mutual defence agreement. 
• Post-Soviet Union Period: 
  
  • Relations deteriorated after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, voiding the treaty.
• Early 2000s Reconnection:
  
  • Under Putin, Russia moved closer to North Korea despite not supporting its nuclear ambitions initially.
  • Russia supported sanctions against North Korea aimed at curbing its nuclear capabilities.
• Post-2022 Dynamics:
  
  • After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia faced international isolation.
  • Russia and North Korea solidified their alliance against the Western liberal order.