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Prashant's Arsenal Of News Daily Analysis
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DR. PRASHANT JAGTAP

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INDEX
Global Water Crisis: UNICEF 3
Right to Health 6
Covid Increased Poverty: Pew Report 8
World Happiness Report 2021 11
Removal of Heavy Metals from Water 13
Decline in India’s Arms Imports: SIPRI 16
Illegal Influx of immigrants from Myanmar 18
First Leaders’ Summit: QUAD 20
LGBTIQ Freedom Zone in EU 23
Wrongful Prosecution in India 26
Green Buildings Need & Benefits 28
India Begins UNSC Tenure – The Big Picture – RSTV 31
Know Your Constitution RSTV 35
Gilgit-Baltistan an Integral Part of India RSTV 38
India’s Nuclear Doctrine RSTV 41
India’s Solar Energy Push RSTV 43
Tackling Human Trafficking RSTV 46
Hydrogen Fuel Cell for Vehicles RSTV 48
Responsible AI for Social Empowerment RSTV 50
Senkaku-Diaoyu Islands Dispute 52
India – Japan Cooperation 55
Privatization 57
Haryana Job Quota Law (Local Reservation) 58
Lateral Entry into bureaucracy 60
Ethical Challenges Posed by AI 62
India’s Women and the Workforce 64
Universal Primary Education in India 66
CAPF PATHFINDERS Pune/New Delhi 8530316222/5222/4222
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Cyber Security Doctrine 68

Knowledge Diplomacy 70
Right To Dissent 72
“A climate-resilient future” Nature-Based Solutions 74
The Big Picture: Reviewing 50% Cap of Reservation 77
The Big Picture: Accessible and Affordable Judicial System 80
The Big Picture: Modernising the Armed Forces 83
The Big Picture: Bare Necessities Index 86
The Big Picture: India's Vision for Indo- Pacific 89
New World Tech Order and India’s Role 93
The Big Picture: 75 Years of UN 95

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Global Water Crisis: UNICEF

Why in News
According to a new report released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one in five
children worldwide reside in areas of high or extremely high water vulnerability.
 The Report was released ahead of World Water Day (22nd March).
Key Points
 About the Report :
o The new report is part of UNICEF’s ‘Water security for all’ initiative that identifies areas where
physical water scarcity risks overlap with poor water service levels.
o The initiative aims to mobilise resources, partnerships, innovation and global response to identified
hot spots.
o UNICEF identified 37 hot-spot countries where children faced especially distressing circumstances in
terms of absolute numbers, where global resources, support and urgent action had to be mobilised.
o Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sudan,
Tanzania and Yemen were especially vulnerable.
 Findings:
o Children in more than 80 countries live in areas with high or extremely high water vulnerability.
o Eastern and Southern Africa has the highest proportion of children living in such areas, with more
than half of children – 58% – facing difficulty accessing sufficient water every day.
o It is followed by West and Central Africa (31%), South Asia (25%), and the Middle East (23%).
o More than 155 million children in South Asia lived in areas with high or even extremely high water
vulnerability.
 Water Crisis in India:
o India has 4% of the world’s freshwater which has to cater to 17% of the world’s population.
o As per NITI Aayog report released in June 2018, India is facing the worst-ever water crisis in history.
Approximately 600 million people or roughly around 45% of the population in India is facing high to
severe water stress.
o The report says that nearly 40% of the population will have absolutely no access to drinking water by
2030 and 6% of India’s GDP will be lost by 2050 due to the water crisis.
 Causes of Water Crisis in India:
o The Central Groundwater Board’s estimates show that the groundwater table in most parts of the
country has been declining every year because of over-exploitation.
 If the groundwater continues to decline unabated, meeting the country’s agricultural and drinking water
requirements will become a big challenge.
 85% of rural water supply, 45% of urban water supply and over 64% of irrigation now rely on
groundwater.

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o Due to accumulation of sediments in the water storage area of major and medium irrigation
dams that are currently in use, the total storage capacity has fallen significantly.
 This is clearly underlined in the report ‘Compendium of Silting of Reservoirs in India’, released by the
Central Water Commission in 2020.
o Climate change is causing major changes in rainfall levels.
 Measures Taken by the Central Government:
o “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” Campaign:
 The campaign will be implemented during the period 22nd March, 2021 to 30th November, 2021 - the pre-
monsoon and monsoon period in the country.
 The campaign is intended to nudge the State and all stakeholders to create Rain Water Harvesting
Structures (RWHS) suitable to the climatic conditions and subsoil strata to ensure storage of rainwater.
 Rains falling in the four/five months of monsoon are the only source of water for most parts of the
country.
o Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):
 In the Budget 2021-22, Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) has been announced under the Housing and Urban
Affairs Ministry to provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps
in all statutory towns in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal- 6.
 It complements the Jal Jeevan Mission (Rural) which envisages supply of 55 litres of water per person
per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024.
o Ministry of Jal Shakti:
 The Government of India established the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019 to consolidate interrelated
functions pertaining to water management.
 The Ministry launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan – a campaign for water conservation and water security.
 Measures Taken by State Governments:
o Uttar Pradesh – Jakhni Village (water village), Bundelkhand

o Punjab – Pani Bachao Paise Kamao
o Madhya Pradesh – Kapil Dhara Yojana
o Gujarat – Sujalam Sufalam Yojana
o Telangana – Mission Kakatiya Program
o Maharashtra – Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan
o Andhra Pradesh – Neeru Chettu Programme
o Rajasthan – Mukhya Mantri Jal Swalambhan Abhiyan (MJSA)
World Water Day
 About:

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o It is observed annually across the globe on 22nd March, with the purpose of highlighting the importance
of water, and raising awareness about the water crisis that the world faces.
o According to the United Nations (UN) website, the main focus of the day is to support the achievement
of sustainable development goals (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
 History:
o The resolution to observe World Water Day was first adopted by the UN General Assembly
on 22nd December 1992.
o After which 22nd March was declared as World Water Day and is being celebrated around the world
since 1993.
 Theme of World Water Day 2021:
o “Valuing Water” - To highlight the value of water in our daily lives.

 A new World Water Development Report is released each year on or near World Water Day, to
provide decision-makers with tools to formulate and implement sustainable water policies. This report is
coordinated by UNESCO’s World Water Development Programme (WWAP) on behalf of UN-Water.
UNICEF
 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a special program of the United Nations (UN) devoted to
aiding national efforts to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children.
 UNICEF was created in 1946 as the International Children’s Emergency Fund (ICEF) by the UN
relief Rehabilitation Administration to help children affected by World War II.
 UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations in 1953.
o The name was shortened to the United Nations Children’s Fund but it is still referred to as UNICEF.
 UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.
o It strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of
behaviour towards children.
 Awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1965 for “promotion of brotherhood among the nations”.
 Headquarters: New York City.
o It works in over 190 countries and territories with 7 regional offices.

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Right to Health
Why in News
Recently, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan announced the implementation of the Rajasthan Model of
Public Health that would include a Right to Health as well as measures for preventive, primary and
curative care as envisioned by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Key Points
 Rajasthan Model of Public Health:
o The Mukhya Mantri Chiranjeevi Yojana will also be launched as a Universal Health Care scheme as
part of measures to reinforce health infrastructure and ensure accessibility to all citizens.
 The scheme stipulates cashless health services up to Rs. 5 lakh to every family in the State.
o The Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) has recommended setting of
standards in accordance with the resources available in the State to match with the rights of patients as
well as the service providers.
 The Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) set by the Union government, have also been revised
keeping in view the changing protocols of the existing programmes.
Indian Public Health Standards
 IPHS are a set of uniform standards envisaged to improve the quality of health care delivery in the
country.
 The IPHS documents have been revised keeping in view the changing protocols of the existing
programmes and introduction of new programmes especially for Non-Communicable Diseases.
 Flexibility is allowed to suit the diverse needs of the States and regions.
 The IPHS guidelines act as the main driver for continuous improvement in quality and serve as the
benchmark for assessing the functional status of health facilities.
 States and UTs adopt these IPHS guidelines for strengthening the Public Health Care Institutions.
 Right To Health: The right to health, as with other rights, includes both freedoms and entitlements:
o Freedoms include the right to control one’s health and body (for example, sexual and reproductive
rights) and to be free from interference (for example, free from torture and non-consensual medical
treatment and experimentation).
o Entitlements include the right to a system of health protection that gives everyone an equal
opportunity to enjoy the highest attainable level of health.
 Provisions Related to Right to Health in India:
o International Conventions: India is a signatory of the Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights (1948) by the United Nations that grants the right to a standard of living adequate for
the health and well-being to humans including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary
social services.
o Fundamental Rights: Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees a fundamental right to life &
personal liberty. The right to health is inherent to a life with dignity.
o Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Articles 38, 39, 42, 43, & 47 put the obligation on the
state in order to ensure the effective realization of right to health.

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o Judicial Pronouncements: Supreme Court in Paschim Bangal Khet Mazdoor Samity case (1996) held
that in a welfare state, primary duty of the government is to secure the welfare of the people and
moreover it is the obligation of the government to provide adequate medical facilities for its people.
 Also in its landmark judgment in Parmanand Katara Vs Union Of India (1989), Supreme Court had
ruled that every doctor whether at a government hospital or otherwise has the professional obligation to
extend his services with due expertise for protecting life.
 Significance of Right to Health for India:
o Right Based Healthcare Services: The people are entitled to the right to health and it puts a compulsion
for the government to take steps toward this.
o Wide Access to Health Services: Enables everyone to access the services and ensures that the quality
of those services is good enough to improve the health of the people who receive them.
o Reduce Out of Pocket Expenditure: Protects people from the financial consequences of paying for
health services out of their own pockets and reduces the risk of people getting pushed into poverty.
 Challenges:
o Lack of Primary Healthcare Services: The existing public primary health care model in the country is
limited in scope.
 Even where there is a well-functioning public primary health centre, only services related to pregnancy
care, limited childcare and certain services related to national health programmes are provided.
o Inadequate Funding: Expenditure on public health funding has been consistently low in
India (approximately 1.3% of GDP).
 As per OECD, India's total out-of-pocket expenditure is around 2.3 % of GDP.

o Sub-optimal Public Health System: Due to this, it is challenging to tackle Non-communicable
Diseases, which is all about prevention and early detection.
 It diminishes preparedness and effective management for new and emerging threats such as pandemic like
Covid-19.
Way Forward
 More Funding: Public funding on health should be increased to at least 2.5% of GDP as envisaged in
the National Health Policy, 2017.
 A comprehensive public health legislation incorporating the right to health may be passed by the
Parliament.
 Creating a Nodal Health Agency: There is need to create a designated and autonomous agency to
perform the functions of disease surveillance, information gathering on the health impact of policies of
key non-health departments, maintenance of national health statistics, enforcement of public health
regulations, and dissemination of information to the public.

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Covid Increased Poverty: Pew Report

Why in News
Recently, a new research conducted by Pew Research Center has found that the coronavirus
pandemic has pushed about 32 million Indians out of the middle class and increased poverty in the
country.
 The report is based on an analysis of World Bank data.
 Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes &
trends shaping the world.

Key Points
 Indian Scenario:
o Poverty Rate:
 The poverty rate in India likely rose to 9.7% in 2020, up sharply from the January 2020 forecast of 4.3%.
o Increased Poverty:
 From 2011 to 2019, the number of poor in India was estimated to have reduced to 78 million from 340
million.
 In 2020, the number increased by 75 million.
 Poor: People with incomes of USD 2 or less a day.

 Increase in India accounts for nearly 60% of the global increase in poverty.
 Record increase in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS) participants as proof that the poor were struggling to find work.
o Reduced Middle Class:
 The middle class in India is estimated to have shrunk by 3.2 crore in 2020.
 Middle Class: Includes people with incomes of approximately Rs. 700-1,500 or USD 10-20 per day.

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 The middle income group is likely to have decreased from almost 10 crore to just 6.6 crore.
o Shrinked Low Income Group:
 The vast majority of India’s population fall into the low income group.
 This group shrank from 119.7 crore to 116.2 crore per day, with about 3.5 crore dropping below the
poverty line.
 Low Income Group: Includes people earning about Rs.150 to 700 per day.
o Rich Population:
 The richer population also fell almost 30% to 1.8 crore people.
 Rich: Includes the people who earn more than Rs.1,500 a day.
 Comparison with China:
o Like India, China has a large population of around 1.4 billion people. But the pandemic’s effect on
poverty was much smaller in China.
o It was the only major economy to grow in 2020 and that has helped poverty levels to remain “virtually
unchanged”.
 In January 2021, the International Monetary Fund in its World Economic Outlook Report,
estimated India’s economy to contract 8% in the Financial Year (FY) 2020 while China’s economy
was expected to expand by 2.3% in 2020.
o China’s middle class is likely to see a miniscule dip of just one crore, while the number of poor people
may have gone up by 10 lakh.
 Global Scenario:
o Poverty Rate:
 The global poverty rate also increased to 10.4% last year after witnessing a steady decline over the
years.
 It was previously expected that the poverty rate would decrease to 8.7% in 2020.
o Poor Class:
 The number of ‘global poor’ are estimated to have increased to 803 million in 2020, which is a
significant increase from 672 million, the pre-pandemic prediction.
o Middle Class:
 From 2011 to 2019, the middle class population globally had increased to 1.34 billion from 899
million. Further, it was expected to increase by 54 million annually on average.
o South Asia:

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 South Asia saw the greatest reduction in the number of middle class and the largest ‘expansion’ in
poverty in 2020.
 This could be attributed to South Asia experiencing sharp decrease in economic growth during the
pandemic.
 Reason:
o The lockdown triggered by the pandemic resulted in shut businesses, lost jobs and falling
incomes, plunging the Indian economy into a deep recession.
o Sharp rise in global poverty was owing to the fact that many under the low income tier prior to the
pandemic were living on the margin of poverty.
 Effect:
o India and China also account for more than a third of the global population, with about 1.4 billion
people each, the course of the pandemic in these two countries and how each recovers will have a
substantial effect on changes in the distribution of income at the global level.
o It claws back several years of progress on the economic front.
 At least 271 million people were lifted out of multi-dimensional poverty between 2005-06 and 2016-
17, claimed India’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
 Indian Initiatives to Mitigate the Effects of Covid:
o Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.

o Reserve Bank of India’s Covid-19 Economic Relief Package.
o Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (self-reliant India). Source: TH

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World Happiness Report 2021

Why in News
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations released the World
Happiness Report 2021, a day before the International Happiness Day.
 This year it focuses on the effects of Covid-19 and how people all over the world have fared.
International Happiness Day
 About:
o It is celebrated every year on 20th March to highlight the importance of happiness in the diurnal lives of
people.
o The United Nations started to celebrate the International Day of Happiness in 2013 but a resolution
for the same was passed in July, 2012.
 This resolution was first initiated by Bhutan which emphasised on the importance of national happiness
over national income since the early 1970s, thereby adopting the Gross National
Happiness (GNH) over Gross National Product (GNP).
 Gross National Happiness: The phrase ‘gross national happiness’ was first coined by the 4th King of
Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972.
 The concept implies that sustainable development should take a holistic approach towards notions of
progress and give equal importance to non-economic aspects of wellbeing.
 GNP is the total value of all finished goods and services produced by a country's citizens in a given
financial year, irrespective of their location.
 Theme of 2021: “Happiness For All, Forever”.
Key Points
 About:
o The World Happiness Report ranks 149 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be.
o The rankings are based on polling (Gallup World Poll) which looks at six variables:
 Gross Domestic Product Per Capita (Purchasing Power Parity).

 Social Support.
 Healthy life expectancy at birth.
 Freedom to make life choices.
 Generosity.
 Perceptions of corruption.
o Respondents are asked to rate their own current lives on a 0-10 scale.
 Top Performers:
o Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for the fourth consecutive year.
o Followed by Iceland, Denmark, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany and Norway.

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 Worst Performers:
o Afghanistan (149) is the most unhappy country.

o Followed by Zimbabwe (148), Rwanda (147), Botswana (146) and Lesotho (145).
 India’s Neighbours:
o Pakistan-105.
o Bangladesh-101.
o China-84.
 India:
o India has been ranked 139, out of 149 countries evaluated.

o In 2020, India was ranked 144 out of 156 countries surveyed.
Sustainable Development Network Solution
 The SDSN, launched in 2012, mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote
practical problem solving for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate
Agreement.
 It was established under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General.
 The SDSN and the Bertelsmann Stiftung have been publishing the annual SDG Index & Dashboards
Global Report since 2016.

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Removal of Heavy Metals from Water

Why in News
Recently, a research team at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has developed a new
method for efficient removal of heavy metals from water.
Key Points
 Background:
o Several methods like chemical precipitation, ion exchange, adsorption, membrane filtration, reverse
osmosis, solvent extraction, and electrochemical treatment have been used to remove heavy metals from
contaminated water.
o Many of these methods suffer from high capital and operational costs.
o Therefore, adsorption is one of the best-suited methods, due to its high efficiency, low-cost, and ease of
operation.
 About the Research:
o A research team has developed a fibrous membrane filter using a biopolymer-based material that helps
to separate out the heavy metals from water samples.
 These membranes contain adsorbents materials that attract and hold the metals.
 These adsorbents contain a large amount of a biopolymer, Chitosan, derived from crab shells that is
mixed with a well-known polymer, Nylon.
o Funding of Research:The study was funded by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
 Process Used:
o The researchers have used a process called “solution blowing”, while regular fibre-based adsorbents are
produced through a method called “melt blowing”.
o Melt Blowing:
 It is a special technique for manufacturing material with very fine fibers, down to 0.5 μm (in range of
micrometers).
 The fibers are elongated by blowing hot air at high speed concentrically along the fibers.
o Solution Blowing:
 It starts from dissolving the polymer in solvent, e.g. cellulose in ionic liquid.
 The solution is pumped through a spin nozzle where air is blown at high speed concentrically.
 Solution blowing produces fibres that are nanometres in diameter, a hundred thousand times thinner
than a single human hair. Finer than those produced through the process of Melt Blowing. This increases
the surface area of fibers tremendously, resulting in better adsorption of heavy metals.
 This method also enables blending of higher concentration of natural polymers like chitosan and
lignin with synthetic polymers like Nylon.
o Advantages:

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 Higher Metal Removal Efficiency: The normal absorbent fibres bind to the target metal only at their
surface, in their nanofiber membranes.
 The biopolymer-based material adsorption was seen to happen at the sub-surface scale as well, which
translates to higher metal removal efficiency.
 Reuse of Membrane: The membranes could be reused at least eight times before there was considerable
reduction in the efficiency of metal adsorption.
 Recovery of Adsorbed Metal: The adsorbed metal in a metal-hydroxyl nitrate form can be easily
recovered. It is a value-addition to the membrane filter.
 Industrial Production: The researchers have provided a method to produce fibre-based adsorbents at
large scale for handling larger volumes of metal-contaminated water.
 Environmentally Efficient: Using the solution blowing technique could replace the synthetic polymers
with natural polymers.
 It will be a welcome move in this era of environmental consciousness.

Heavy Metals
 About:
o The term heavy metal refers to any metallic chemical element that has a relatively high density (> 5 g/cm
3) and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations.
o Examples of heavy metals include mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), thallium
(Tl), and lead (Pb)
 Source of Heavy Metals:
o Heavy metals are introduced into the environment either by natural means or by human activities.
o Natural Sources:
 Geographical phenomena like volcanic eruptions, weathering of rocks, leaching into rivers, lakes and
oceans due to action of water.
o Anthropogenic Sources:
 These metals are released into the water through anthropogenic activities such as mining, manufacturing,
electroplating, electronics, discharge from auto exhaust, domestic waste, agricultural waste and fertilizer
production.
 The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported that the samples from two-thirds of the water
quality stations spanning India’s major rivers are contaminated by one or more heavy metals, exceeding
safe limits set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
 Several villagers in West Bengal are suffering from sores and ulcers due to arsenic poisoning from
drinking water. According to a recent report, the number of arsenic-affected habitations in India
has increased by 145% in the last five years (2015-20).
 Effect of Heavy Metals on Human:
o There are some essential heavy metals which the human body requires in trace amounts such as Cobalt,
copper, zinc, and manganese but in the excessive amount, it can be detrimental to health.

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o The heavy metals found in drinking water such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium have no
beneficial effects on our body.
Metals Disease
Mercury Minamata disease
Cadmium Itai Itai
Lead Anaemia
Arsenic Black foot disease
Nitrates Blue Baby Syndrome
 In fact, their accumulation inside the body can cause severe health problems.

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Decline in India’s Arms Imports: SIPRI

Why in News
According to a recent report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) India’s
arms imports came down by a third (about 33%) between 2011-2015 and 2016-2020.
Key Point
 India Specific Findings:
o Second Highest Importer:
 India remains the second highest importer, only behind Saudi Arabia.
o Arms Suppliers to India:
 Russia is the largest arms supplier to India in both periods (2011-2015 and 2016-2020).
However, Russia’s share of Indian arms imports fell from 70% to 49%.
 France and Israel were the second and third largest arms suppliers in 2016–20. India’s arms imports
from France increased by 709% while those from Israel rose by 82%.
 The USA became the fourth largest supplier for the period 2016-20. It was the second largest arms
supplier to India in 2011–15.
o Indian Export:
 India accounted for 0.2% of the share of global arms exports during 2016-20, making the country the
world’s 24th largest exporter of major arms.
 This represents an increase of more than 200% over India’s export share (0.1%) during the previous
five-year period of 2011-15.
 Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Mauritius were the top recipients of Indian military hardware.
o Future Trends:
 Owing to increasing threats from Pakistan-China, and a significant delay in domestic defence
manufacturing, India’s arms imports are expected to increase over the coming few years.
 Reasons for the Fall in Imports:
o India’s Push for Self-Reliance: The report said that the fall is not attributed to the government’s push to
make India self-reliant in defence manufacturing.
 Also, over 60% of the capital expenditure for the armed forces has been allocated for domestically
produced weapons and platforms.
 Earlier, the government had announced a negative imports list of 101 defence equipment and platforms
will provide an opportunity to manufacture the items in the negative list.
o Complex Procurement Process: The drop in Indian arms imports have been mainly due to its complex
procurement processes, combined with an attempt to reduce its dependence on Russian arms.
 International Transfers:
o The top five global arms exporters were the US, Russia, France, Germany and China in 2016-2020.

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o International transfers of major arms stayed at the same level between 2011–15 and 2016–20
 There were substantial increases in transfers by the USA, France and Germany and it was largely
offset by declining Russian and Chinese arms exports.
 The bulk of Russian export fall was due to India reducing its imports.
 Even if Russia substantially increased its arms transfers to China, Algeria and Egypt between 2011–15
and 2016–20, this did not offset the large drop in its arms exports to India.
o Middle eastern arms imports grew during this period and was majorly driven by Saudi Arabia.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
 It is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control
and disarmament.
 It was established in 1966 at Stockholm (Sweden).
 It provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers,
media and the interested public.

18
Illegal Influx of immigrants from Myanmar

Why in News
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and
Arunachal Pradesh to check illegal influx from Myanmar into India.
 The instructions have also been given to Border Guarding Force (BGF), i.e. Assam rifles.
 India already has a lot of Rohingya migrated from Myanmar.
o India, treats all refugees entering the country as illegal immigrants.

o In 2020, it was estimated that 40,000 Rohingya refugees lived in India, scattered across different states.
Key Points
 MHA’s Instructions:
o The State governments have no powers to grant “refugee status to any foreigner” and India is not a
signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951 and its 1967 Protocol.
 Similar Instructions Were Issued in August 2017 and February 2018.

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 Background:
o The directive comes weeks after the military coup and subsequent crackdown in Myanmar which led to
several persons crossing over into India.
o The Tatmadaw, or Myanmar military, had taken over the country after a coup in February 2021.
o North Eastern States readily provide shelter to people from across the border as some of the states
have cultural ties with some border areas of Myanmar and many people have family relations as well.
This had resulted in some states taking a sympathetic view of those fleeing Myanmar and giving them
shelter.
o Already there are clashes among the tribes (example Bru), more refugees will further aggravate the
situation.
o Recent Influx:
More than a dozen foreign nationals including policemen and women from Myanmar have fled to
neighbouring Mizoram.
o India Myanmar Border:
India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border and people on either side have familial ties.
 Mizoram shares 510-km.

 Manipur shares 398-km.
 Arunachal Pradesh shares 520 kms.
 Nagaland shares 215 kms
o The border along the four states is unfenced and porous.
 Free Movement Regime:
o A Free Movement Regime (FMR) exists between India and Myanmar.

o Under FMR every member of the hill tribes, who is either a citizen of India or a citizen of Myanmar and
who is resident of any area within 16 km on either side of the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) can cross
the border with a border pass (with one-year validity) issued by the competent authority and can stay
up to two weeks per visit.
United Nations Refugee Convention 1951
 It is a United Nations multilateral treaty that defines who is a refugee, and sets out the rights of
individuals who are granted asylum and the responsibilities of nations that grant asylum.
o It also set out which people do not qualify as refugees, such as war criminals.
 It grants certain rights to people fleeing persecution because of race, religion, nationality, affiliation to
a particular social group, or political opinion.
 The Convention also provides for some visa-free travel for holders of travel documents issued under the
convention.
 The Convention builds on Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, which
recognizes the right of persons to seek asylum from persecution in other countries.
 A refugee may enjoy rights and benefits in a state in addition to those provided for in the Convention
 The 1967 Protocol included refugees from all countries as opposed to the 1951 Convention that only
included refugees from Europe.

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 India is not a member of this convention

First Leaders’ Summit: QUAD
Why in News
Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the first summit of the leaders' of the QUAD (Quadrilateral
Framework). The meeting was hosted by the USA on a virtual platform.
 Earlier in February 2021, QUAD ministerial meeting discussed issues across Indo-Pacific and the military
takeover in Myanmar.
 QUAD is a grouping of India, USA, Australia and Japan which aims to safeguard the interests of democratic
nations in the Indo-Pacific region and address global challenges.
Key Points
 Focus:
o On pressing crises, such as Covid-19, climate change and emerging technologies.

 Pledge:
 QUAD pledged to promote a free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law to advance
security and prosperity and counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
 Highlights:
o Quad Vaccine Partnership:
 Agreed to ensure “equitable” access to vaccines to counter the pandemic.
 Agreed to a plan to pool their financial resources, manufacturing capabilities and logistical strengths.
 Japan, USA and Australia will finance the vaccine initiative that India has welcomed.
 Appreciated the Vaccine Maitri initiative (India’s Vaccine Diplomacy) of India.
 Vaccine Maitri Initiative is an initiative launched by India to give Covid-19 vaccines to neighbouring
countries.
o Discussion on China:
 The Line of Actual Control (LAC) was discussed by the QUAD leaders as one of several examples
of Chinese aggression.

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 Other issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Taiwan Strait and coercion of Australia, harassment
around the Senkaku, were also discussed.
 Concerns regarding Chinese cyberattacks on the USA targets (Microsoft Exchange and SolarWinds) and
also cybersecurity incidents in India, Japan and Australia were discussed.
 India’s Stand:
o QUAD is united by its democratic values and will remain an important pillar of stability in the Indo-
Pacific region.
o Called the meet an extension of the ancient Indian philosophy ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which
regards the world as one family.
 America’s Stand:
o QUAD is not a military alliance or North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) equivalent, it is
an opportunity to cooperate on economics, technology, climate and security.
o Maritime security, humanitarian and disaster response are core to the QUAD agenda.
o QUAD is going to be a vital arena for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
 Australia's Stand:
o QUAD grouping could be the start of a new, permanent and powerful regional grouping of like-
minded democracies.
 Japan’s Stand:
o Acknowledged the new dynamism that QUAD has received because of the meeting of the top leaders of
the member countries.
o It will firmly advance its cooperation to realise a free and open Indo Pacific, and to make a tangible
contribution to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region, including overcoming Covid-19.
 China’s Apprehension:
o Exchanges and cooperation between countries should contribute to mutual understanding rather
than targeting a third party and refrain from pursuing exclusive blocs.
 A meeting between the top diplomats of the USA and China is set to be held in Alaska later in March
2021.
o QUAD should uphold the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win results and do things that
are conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
QUAD
 About:
o It is a four-nation alliance of India, Australia, USA and Japan which was established in 2007.
o It is often dubbed as an "Asian" or "mini" NATO, and is viewed as a counterbalance to China's military
and economic clout in the Indo-Pacific region.

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 The 2020 US-China Economic and Security Review Commission shows China's growing power
projection along the Indian Ocean rim with military or economic activities in countries like Pakistan, Sri
Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
o Interestingly, the QUAD, which used to be known as the quadrilateral security dialogue, is now known as
the quadrilateral framework to indicate it has gone beyond a narrow security dialogue.
 Evolution:
o The group, which began with an ambitious geostrategic vision 14 years ago, failed to take off initially due
to hesitation among the four nations and objections by China.
o In December 2012, Shinzo Abe again floated the concept of Asia’s “Democratic Security
Diamond” involving Australia, India, Japan and the USA to safeguard the maritime commons from the
Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.
o In November 2017, India, the USA, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long-
pending "QUAD" Coalition to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific
free of any influence (especially China).
o Since then, QUAD has taken several steps to bolster military and strategic ties with a series of
working- and ministerial-level meetings.
 Participation in Malabar Exercise:
o In 2020, all four QUAD Countries - Japan, India, Australia and the USA took part in the Malabar
exercise.
o Malabar exercise is an annual trilateral naval exercise between the navies of India, Japan, and the USA
which is held alternately in the Indian and Pacific Oceans

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LGBTIQ Freedom Zone in EU

Why in News
Recently, in response to the backsliding of LGBTIQ rights in some EU countries, notably Poland and
Hungary, the European Parliament has declared the European Union an “LGBTIQ Freedom Zone”
 A majority of countries in the EU (23/27) recognise same-sex unions, with 16 legally recognising same-
sex marriage.
 LGBTIQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Inter-sex and Queer.
Key Points
 Background:
o Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised in Poland, and the country already bans same-sex
couples from adopting children together. However, as single people are permitted to adopt, some have
managed to get around the ban by applying to adopt as single parents.
 Now, Poland has come up with the proposal wherein a person is liable to criminal offence if he/she is
found to be applying for adoption as a single parent being in a same-sex relationship.
 LGBTIQ community in Poland is subject to increased discrimination and attacks, notably growing hate
speech from public authorities and elected officials.
 Since March 2019, more than 100 Polish regions, counties and municipalities have adopted resolutions
declaring themselves to be free from LGBTIQ “ideology”.
o Recently, the Parliament of Hungary too, adopted constitutional amendments that restrict the rights of
LGBTIQ people.
o Hungary and Poland have been at loggerheads with the European Commission (executive body of the
European Union) over an array of issues, mostly centering around abuses to the rule of
law, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of minorities.
o The Hungarian and Poland authorities have described LGBTIQ principles of governance
as “foreign” ideology.
 The EU Resolution:
o The EU Parliament resolution declared the entire European Union as an ‘‘LGBTIQ Freedom Zone”.
o The resolution provides LGBTIQ persons everywhere in the EU the freedom to live and publicly show
their sexual orientation and gender identity without fear of intolerance, discrimination or
persecution.
o It further urged the authorities at all levels of governance across the EU to protect and promote
equality and the fundamental rights of all, including LGBTIQ persons.
 Global Scenario of LGBTIQ Community:
o Ireland: Ireland legalized same-sex marriage. The country, which had decriminalized homosexuality in
1993, became the first country to allow same-sex marriage at a national level by popular vote.
o USA: US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal.
o Nepal: Nepal legalized homosexuality in 2007 and the new Constitution of the country gives many rights
to the LGBTIQ community.

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LGBT Community in India

 Even after section 377 of IPC was removed by the Supreme Court in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of
India, 2018 case, there is a wide gap in implementing a policy for the LGBTIQ community and making a
better environment for them. Right now, they are facing many issues that are underlined below.
o Family: The problem of sexual orientation and gender identity leads to fighting and family disruption.
Lack of communication and misunderstanding between parents and their LGBTIQ children increases
family conflict.
o Discrimination at Work Place: LGBTIQ suffers from the socio-economic inequalities in large part due
to discrimination in the workplace.
o Injustice: Human rights and fundamental rights are applicable to all people, but the state has failed to
create special legislation which protects the rights of LGBTIQ Minority community and to provide real
justice to them.
o Health Issues: Criminalisation of homosexuality leads to discrimination and results in LGBTQ people
getting poor or inadequate access to services within the health system. It also creates barriers to both the
availability and the ability to access HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.
o Isolation and Drug Abuse: They gradually develop low self-esteem and low self-confidence and become
isolated from friends and family. These people mostly get addicted to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco to get
themselves relieved of stress and rejection and discrimination.
Related Legal Developments
 Naz Foundation vs. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2009):
o Delhi High Court struck off section 377, legalising consensual homosexual activities between adults.
 Suresh Kumar Koushal Case (2013):
o SC overturned the previous judgment by Delhi High Court (2009) arguing that "plight of sexual
minorities" could not be used as an argument for deciding constitutionality of law.
 Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017):
o SC ruled that Fundamental Right to Privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty and thus, comes under Article
21 of the Indian constitution. It held that “sexual orientation is an essential attribute of privacy”.
 Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union Of India (2018):
o Dismissed the position taken by SC in Suresh Kumar Koushal case (2013) and decriminalised
homosexuality.
 Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. and others (2018): The Supreme Court observed that choice of a partner
is a person’s fundamental right, and it can be a same-sex partner.
 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019: The Parliament has passed the Transgender
Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 which has been criticised for its poor understanding of gender
and sexual identity.
 Same-sex Marriage: In February, 2021, the Central Government opposed same-sex marriage in
Delhi High Court stating that a marriage in India can be recognised only if it is between a “biological
man” and a “biological woman” capable of producing children.

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Way Forward
 The LGTBQ community needs an anti-discrimination law that empowers them to build productive lives
and relationships irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and place the onus to change on
state and society and not the individual.
 Government bodies, especially related to Health, and Law and Order need to be sensitised to ensure that
the LGBTQ community is not denied public services or harassed for their sexual orientation.

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Wrongful Prosecution in India

Why in News
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court highlighting the need for the government to frame
guidelines for compensating victims of wrongful prosecution by the police or authorities.
 The petition said the government had not bothered to implement the recommendations made by the Law
Commission of India in its 277th report on the miscarriage of justice in 2018.
Wrongful Prosecution
 It refers to the cases where the accused was not guilty of the offence, and the police and/or prosecution
engaged in some form of misconduct in investigating and/or prosecuting the person.
 The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which is ratified by India creates
an obligation on the State parties to enact a law to compensate the victims of such miscarriage of justice.
Key Points
 Wrongful Prosecution in India:
o India has no effective statutory/legal Mechanism for the wrongful prosecutions due to police and
prosecutorial misconduct which has resulted in a pandemic of false cases.
 Due to no fear of being prosecuted by courts and growing tendency to frame innocents for ulterior
motives, there has been an unprecedented surge in filing of false cases.
o The petition said innocents fell victim to the malice of the authorities who used the criminal justice
system to settle scores.
o It has not only destroyed the social fabric of the nation but also affected the over-burdened
judiciary with alarming pendency of over 40 million cases.
 Judicial Pronouncement About Wrongful Prosecution:
o Earlier in May, 2017 the Delhi High Court in the case of Babloo Chauhan vs. State Govt. of NCT of
Delhi, expressed grave concern about the state of innocent persons being wrongfully prosecuted.
o It also asked the Law Commission to undertake a comprehensive examination of the issue and make a
recommendation to the Government of India.
 Recommendations of the Law Commission of India - 277th Report:
o Recommended amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), to give compensation
in cases of miscarriage of justice resulting in wrongful prosecution of persons.
 Miscarriage of justice refers to wrongful or malicious prosecution, regardless of whether it leads to

conviction or detention.
o Designation of special courts in each district for adjudicating upon the claims of compensation for
wrongful prosecution.
o The claim for compensation can be brought by the accused person so injured; or by any agent duly
authorized by the said accused person; or where the accused person died after the termination of the
wrongful prosecution, by all or any of the heirs or legal representatives of the deceased.

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o Guiding principles to be followed by the Court while determining the amount of compensation. These
include seriousness of the offence, severity of punishment, length of detention, damage to health,
harm to reputation, and loss of opportunities.
o Compensation under this framework will include both pecuniary (monetary) and non-pecuniary
assistance (form of services such as counselling, mental health services, vocational/employment skills
development, and such other similar services).

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Green Buildings Need & Benefits
 Environment
In news: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has called for the launch of a mass media campaign on the
advantages of building green homes, saying the Green buildings movement should become a people’s
movement.
 Virtually inaugurating the 12th Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment Summit, the Vice President
said that India has the potential to lead the Global Green Building Movement and emphasised the need to
promote green building concept by both the private sector and the government.
 He also appealed to the Finance Commissions and local bodies to encourage green buildings through
various measures including tax incentives, and urged states to create online portals to provide single
window clearance to green buildings.
According to the World Green Building Council data, buildings and construction account for 39% of
energy-related CO2 emissions in the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need for concerted and coordinated
efforts to ensure that the buildings are environment-friendly and energy & resource-efficient.
Green Buildings
A ‘green’ building is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative
impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve
precious natural resources and improve our quality of life.
There are a number of features which can make a building ‘green’. These include:
 Efficient use of energy, water and other resources
 Use of renewable energy, such as solar energy
 Pollution and waste reduction measures, and the enabling of re-use and recycling
 Good indoor environmental air quality
 Use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable
 Consideration of the environment in design, construction and operation
 Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction and operation
 A design that enables adaptation to a changing environment
Any building can be a green building, whether it’s a home, an office, a school, a hospital, a community
centre, or any other type of structure, provided it includes features listed above.
Several benefits –
Environmental: Green buildings can not only reduce or eliminate negative impacts on the environment,
by using less water, energy or natural resources, but they can – in many cases – have a positive impact on
the environment (at the building or city scales) by generating their own energy or increasing biodiversity.
Economic: Green buildings offer a number of economic or financial benefits, which are relevant to a range
of different people or groups of people. These include cost savings on utility bills for tenants or households
(through energy and water efficiency); lower construction costs and higher property value for building
developers; increased occupancy rates or operating costs for building owners; and job creation. Post-Covid,
there has been a consensus to “build back better” and invest in those sectors of the economy that can
generate jobs as well as fuel green growth. Green buildings provide an ideal avenue to support this goal.
Social: Green building benefits go beyond economics and the environment, and have been shown to bring
positive social impacts too. Many of these benefits are around the health and wellbeing of people who work
in green offices or live in green homes.

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Given the pandemic and its aftershocks, the appeal of green buildings has increased for the occupants of
residential houses as well as workspaces. Post-Covid, individuals are expected to become all the more
cautious about their health, well-being and comfort, and would want to live in buildings that have a better
ventilation system, ample daylight and fresh water availability.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), respiratory and lung diseases associated with poor
indoor environment quality are three of the top five causes of death. The features of green buildings have
proven to have a positive impact on health and well-being. Green homes and offices optimise natural light
in the construction design and limit the usage of artificial lighting.
Research shows that natural daylight helps in reduction of stress levels, provides psychological comfort
and increases employees’ productivity by approximately 15 percent in an office environment. Therefore,
by investing in green designing and development, companies can ensure better returns on their most valued
assets — employees.
GRIHA
GRIHA is an acronym for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. GRIHA is a Sanskrit word
meaning – ‘Abode’.GRIHA , the green rating system developed by The Energy Resources Institute (TERI),
is promoted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as the National rating system.
Given India’s commitments to Paris Summit, it has become all the more important to reduce GHG
emissions and improve the environmental friendliness of every economic activity. Construction activities
contribute a significant chunk to the Pollution level. Further careless building designs add onto the urban
heating phenomena, which is on rise due to rising population and migration. The need to make constructions
compliant to such codes are as follows:
 Reduced energy consumption without sacrificing the comfort levels.
 Reduced destruction of natural areas, habitats, and biodiversity, and reduced soil loss from erosion etc.
 Reduced air and water pollution (with direct health benefits)
 Reduced water consumption
 Limited waste generation due to recycling and reuse
 Reduced pollution loads
 Increased user productivity
 Enhanced image and marketability
 Optimize energy performance of building within specified comfort limits
The Way Forward
 The Finance Commissions and local bodies to encourage green buildings through various measures
including tax incentives.
 States to create online portals to provide single window clearance for green buildings
 The implementation of Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) has
not been uniform across the nation
 The roof cooling should be an area of priority for all. In India, over 60 per cent of roofs are made from
metal, asbestos, and concrete – thus trapping heat inside buildings and contributing to heat island effect in
urban areas. Cool roofs offer a simple and a cost-effective solution that can lower indoor temperatures by
2 to 4 degrees Celsius as compared to traditional roofs, especially in low-income households and slums in
urban areas.
Given the ongoing recession, green buildings can become a strong driver of economic growth and the
prerogative to “build back better,” by providing nine million skilled jobs in both the renewable and
construction sector by 2030. The government, in collaboration with the banking sector, can together provide
fuel to the green construction sector and help India achieve its potential in this regard.
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Our civilisation teaches us to live in harmony with nature. We need to revisit our traditional house designs
refined over thousands of years. Unfortunately, our modern structures are such that no sparrow can come
and make a nest in our house. This is not our culture.

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India Begins UNSC Tenure – The Big Picture – RSTV

With the start of the New Year, India officially began its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the
United Nations Security Council.
 The country’s flag was installed at the UNSC stakeout on the first working day of 2021 by India’s
Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti. He is also expected to make brief remarks
at the special ceremony.
 India will sit in the 15-nation United Nations Security Council for the 2021-22 term as a non-permanent
member. This is the eighth time that the country has had a seat on the powerful horseshoe table.
 Later, in August this year India will be the UNSC President, and will preside over the Council again for a
month in 2022.
What happened at the election that India won?
 India won 184 votes in the 193-strong UN General Assembly
 Ahead of the vote, India had launched a campaign brochure which highlighted
o Its demand for transparency in mandates for UN peacekeeping missions
o Push for the India-led Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism
o Demand for joint efforts for UN reform and expansion of the Security Council
 In 2020, India was the only candidate for the vacancy from the Asia Pacific and was endorsed unanimously
by the Asia Pacific group, which comprises 55 countries, including Pakistan and China.
 India has earlier been a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73,
1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92 and 2011-12.
Significance of India’s win
 India’s Growing Credibility: Broad based support for India’s candidature means world places faith on
India’s commitment to multilateralism and reforms.
 Diplomacy with agenda: A “new orientation for a reformed multilateral system” (NORMS), as laid out
by India’s Minister of External Affairs, would be India’s overall objective during the two-year tenure
 Voice of developing countries: UN’s agenda has often been hijacked by the interests of five permanent
members. India win means that it has got a platform to voice the issues of emerging countries.
How will India gain by getting elected to UNSC as non-permanent member?
 Enhances hope for Permanent Seat: out of the 192 votes cast, India got 184 which has understandably
ignited the hope that its quest for permanent membership of the Council may succeed
 Access to High Diplomacy: India will also have access into the consultations chamber of the UNSC, which
is closed to non-members of the Council. It is there that hard negotiations take place without any public
record.
 Push for India’s interest: Counter-terrorism will be one of the highest priorities for India at the UNSC.
 Higher Profile: India will have a higher profile at the UN for the next two years as the non-permanent
members have a collective veto over every resolution in the Council.
 Active Diplomacy: Permanent members can prevent adoption of resolutions by themselves, but they need
at least nine votes to get a resolution passed, where India can play active lobbying role which might serve
its interests
Challenges Ahead
 Implementation hurdles: Achieving the objective laid out in NORMS, would depend on how India will
conduct diplomacy in the global body, build alliances and raise issues that go beyond the interests of the
big five
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 Declining Multilateralism: The COVID-19 pandemic has already shaken up the global order and
sharpened the rivalry between the U.S. and China. This has opened up fresh debates on strengthening
multilateralism and multilateral institutions.
 Polarised world: India should avoid the temptation of taking sides at a time when the Security Council is
getting more and more polarised, especially in the wake of US-China tensions
 India’s performance in the Council may earn it respect, but it will not lead to its elevation to permanent
membership as there is strong opposition to any expansion from permanent members
 The pressure of work of Indian mission will also increase because India will get involved in many issues in
which it may not have any direct interest.
 Since India does not have a veto, it shall have to proceed cautiously not to offend anyone particularly the
veto members so that they don’t retaliate when India’s interests come up
To serve India’s interests and push for its agenda of multilateralism and reforms, India should adopt value-
based positions that are not transactional.
On UNSC
Functions and Powers of UNSC
 To maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United
Nations;
 To investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction;
 To recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement;
 To determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action
should be taken;
 To take military action against an aggressor;
 To call on Members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to
prevent or stop aggression;
 To recommend the admission of new Members;
 To exercise the trusteeship functions of the United Nations in “strategic areas”;
 To recommend to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-General and, together with the
Assembly, to elect the Judges of the International Court of Justice.
Composition of UNSC
 Five permanent members: China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States
– who enjoy Veto power
 Ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly
 The non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms — so every year, the General Assembly elects
five non-permanent members out of the total 10.
 Non-permanent member has to secure the votes of two-thirds of the members present and voting (secret
ballot) at the General Assembly session — which is a minimum of 129 votes, if all 193 member states
participate.
 These 10 seats are distributed among the regions of the world:
o Five seats for African and Asian countries; (3 are for Africa and 2 for Asia)
o One for Eastern European countries;
o Two for Latin American and Caribbean countries; and
o Two for Western European and Other Countries

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 Also, there is an informal understanding between the Asia & Africa groups to reserve one seat for an Arab
country. They take turns every two years to put up an Arab candidate.
The push to expand the UN Security Council
 France has emerged as a leading voice to expand the powerful global body with its envoy to UN underlining
the need to place India, along with Germany and Brazil, as permanent members.
 India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for the long-pending reform of the Security Council,
emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member.
 A total of 113 member states out of 122, which is more than 90% of the written submissions of the member
states support the expansion in the security council.
Do we need to expand UNSC?

 France has maintained that if the crisis of recent times has confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have
also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current
balances in the world.
 UN cannot be recognised as a centre of gravity for multilateralism throughout the world unless it can step-
up partnerships and focus should also be made on openness to civil society, business world, NGOs and
trade unions, which are all stakeholders that breathe life into the UN.
The History: India & UNSC
The idea of India being a permanent member of UNSC was first floated in 1950 by the US. The UNSC had
been formed a few years ago after the end of the Second World War with the US, the Soviet Union, the
UK, China and France as its permanent members. However, things became complicated after the
communist revolution in China in 1949. The old leadership escaped to modern-day Taiwan, forming the
Republic of China (RoC). Meanwhile, a new communist leadership established the People’s Republic of
China (PRC) in mainland China. As US foreign policy was driven by curbing the spread of communism,
it did not recognise the legitimacy of the PRC and ROC continued to represent China at the UNSC.
In January 1950, the USSR even walked out of the UN in protest against the US refusal to recognise the
PRC. It was in this backdrop that the US approached Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Nehru’s sister and diplomat,
with the idea of unseating China from the UNSC and putting India in her place. India was seeming to be a
potential ally for the US in an Asia that was rapidly becoming red. This seemed even more plausible after
India supported a few US-backed resolutions in the UNSC to thwart North Korean aggression in the Korean
War.
But to the US offer, Nehru responded to Pandit saying: “India because of many factors, is certainly entitled
to a permanent seat in the Security Council. But we are not going in at the cost of China.” Nehru held the
UN to be a robust forum for conflict resolution and its sound functioning required it to be truly
representative of the world’s nation states. So, the representation of PRC at the UN was a vital component
of his foreign policy. He also did not wish to build any animosity with India’s biggest neighbour by delving
into Cold War politics. Moreover, by the time the idea was put forward, USSR was back in the UNSC and
even if India would have responded positively, the Soviets would have vetoed it. So, the matter ended there.
In 1955, Soviet Prime Minister Nikolai Bulganin brought up the same issue on Nehru’s visit to Moscow.
Their exchange has been recorded in verbatim. It has not been reproduced here for the sake of brevity but
when Bulganin indicated that Soviets have considered proposing India’s place in the Security Council,
Nehru responded by saying that this would only create tensions between India and China, and it should not
be done until China’s admission into the body. In response, Bulganin agreed that it was not the right time
to push for India’s membership. The exchange gives the impression that the Soviets were only testing

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India’s views on the matter and the offer was not sincere. Even if it was, the US would have vetoed it since
India’s relations with them had deteriorated by then.
Thus, India was seemingly offered the UNSC membership twice but in both cases the offer could not have
materialised since multiple forces were at play. History can, therefore, be a tough taskmaster if inferred
without context. The history wars that are increasingly taking place in the current political arena should be
wary of such limited outlook. It is crucial that through these dialogues, Rawls’ reasoning be followed and
sweeping judgements with the benefit of hindsight be avoided. When history is distorted to be used for
partisan battles, the people risk losing their touch with the past and with it a sense of commonality and
belonging.
What’s really in it for India?
 For India, the membership is a shortcut to becoming a regional hegemon in Asia, especially against China’s
proliferating strategic clout in the Indo-Pacific, and Saudi Arabia’s influence over the global economy.
 Most international observers believe that when and if India is elevated to the table, its policies will be
moderately revisionist—redefining the norms of international engagement insofar as they suit its own
global vision to expand geopolitical and economic clout—without seeking to overthrow the current
international system.
 This is based on trends of maximum support displayed by India in the General Assembly while resorting
to minimal resistance in the Security Council. New Delhi has also made significant strides in striking key
trade, defence and strategic partnerships with the P5 (except China) over the years.
 On India’s legitimacy as a P5+ candidate, the Ministry of External Affairs has explicitly said, “By any
objective criteria, such as population, territorial size, GDP, economic potential, civilizational legacy,
cultural diversity, political system and past and ongoing contributions to the activities of the UN—
especially to UN peacekeeping operations—India is eminently qualified for permanent membership.”
 India’s latest stint at the Council during 2011-2012 was viewed as a “rehearsal for permanent membership”
and yet, its bilateral and multilateral strategies for UNSC reform continue to hit roadblocks.
Challenges and the road ahead
 India commands the status of the sixth wealthiest economy and the largest arms importer in the world today.
It is also seen as a proliferating nuclear power. It is this last point that many analysts view as an obstacle to
India’s UNSC aspirations.
 To grant it a permanent seat without asking for any steps to cap its nuclear capabilities is a threat to global
security, a Brookings report states. “India will not abolish its nuclear arms. But it should renounce testing,
stop producing fissile material that could be usable in weapons, and agree to cap the size of its arsenal at or
near its current size of several dozen weapons,” it adds.
 There are other factors hindering its cause, for instance, India has not engaged with the normative aspects
of many UN Security Council issues enough.
Conclusion
Keeping in step with the decolonising world, restructuring of the UN’s most important organ will serve as
the most exemplary of reparation efforts at this point. The potential of UN reform in resolving armed
conflicts and humanitarian crises, especially in the Middle East and Africa, should not be stifled at the cost
of status quo bias.

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Know Your Constitution RSTV

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26th November, marked the occasion of Constitution Day of India and
said the day is to pay homage to the inspiration of Mahatma Gandhi and the commitment of Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel. He said many such representatives had paved the way for the Navnirman of India. “The
country should remember those efforts, for this purpose, it was decided to celebrate November 26 as
Constitution Day 5 years ago,” the prime minister said while addressing the nation at the 80th All India
Presiding Officers Conference. The PM said now our effort should be that the common citizen understands
of the Constitution should be more comprehensive. “Nowadays you hear KYC… Know Your Customer is
an important aspect of digital security. Similarly, KYC i.e. Know Your Constitution can also strengthen
our constitutional safeguard,” he added.
Know your Constitution
Constitution Day also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’ is celebrated in our country on 26th November every
year, to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.
By: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Objective: The aim is to publicize the glorious and rich composite culture and diversity of our nation.
Further, it aims to create awareness of Fundamental Duties as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. As
citizens of our great nation, we believe firmly in Gandhian thought that ‘The true source of rights is duty.
If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek’ and as said by Sardar Patel, ‘Every Indian
should forget that he is a Rajput, a Sikh, or a Jaat. He must remember that he is an Indian and he has every
right in his country but with certain duties’.
Timeline:
 On December 6, 1949 the Constitution Assembly was formed and its first meeting was held on December
9. Rajendra Prasad was appointed its President and H C Mukherjee its vice-chairman.
 On August 29, 1947, the drafting committee appointed Ambedkar as its chairman and six other members
— Munshi N Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Khaitan, Mitter, Muhammed Sadulla, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer.
 The members of the Constituent Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in
Hindi and English) on January 24, 1950.
 On November 26, 1949, the Constitution of India was adopted by the Assembly.
 On January 26, 1950, the Constitution was enforced.
 The words ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ were added to the preamble post the emergency in 1976.
 When the Constitution was adopted in the year 1949, there were no provisions regarding Fundamental
Duties to the Citizens though there was a Part III for Fundamental Rights. The Fundamental Duties of
citizens were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of
the Swaran Singh Committee that was constituted by the Government. The Committee suggested that
steps needed to be taken to ensure that the individual did not overlook his duties while in exercise of his
Fundamental Rights.
India’s constitution is the longest written constitution in the world containing 395 Articles, 22 Parts and 12
Schedules. It took around 2 years, 11 months and 17 days to complete the Constitution.
At the beginning of each part of the Constitution, Nandalal Bose has depicted a phase or scene from India’s
national experience and history.
After the Constitution was passed, the historic session of the Constituent Assembly ended with the singing
of the National Anthem “Jana-gana-mana adhinayaka Jai Hey, Bharat Bhagya Vidhata,” by Purnima
Banerjee, a veteran freedom fighter and sister of the late freedom fighter, Aruna Asaf Ali.
People of India are the ultimate custodians of the Constitution. It is in them that sovereignty vests and it is
in their name that the Constitution was adopted. The Constitution empowers the citizen, but the citizen too
empowers the Constitution – by following it, by adhering to it, by protecting it, and by persevering to make
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it more meaningful with words and deeds. The Constitution is nobody’s preserve – and it is everybody’s
preserve.
The Preamble to the Constitution of India
“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN
SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT,
ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”
The Constitution of India declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its
citizen’s justice, equality and liberty and endeavours to promote fraternity.
Some of the shaping factors of the Constitution:
 British colonial rule and the Freedom struggle: The oppression leading to the enhanced importance of
the rights of citizens like civil liberties (freedom of speech), etc., and through the freedom struggle has
shaped the vision of the constitution.
 INC session of Karachi’s resolution on Fundamental rights and National economic programme and other
similar events.
 British governance Acts for India: Starting from the Regulating Act of 1773 till the Indian Independence
Act of 1947, especially Government of India Act of 1935
 International events: French revolution (Republic, ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity), Russian
revolution (ideals of justice), etc., has led to the increased importance and expansion of rights.
 Indian philosophy and thinkers: Like Gandhi’s philosophy leading to the self-government institutions
i.e, PRI (article 40 under DPSP), etc. Nehru report of 1928, the first attempt in drafting the Constitutional
scheme indigenously had most of the present document’s ideals like fundamental rights, responsible
government at the centre and in states, etc.
Thus, the Constitution is a gradually evolved document over a period of time and was carefully articulated
by the constituent assembly.
Quotes by President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind
 In a democratic system, the medium of dialogue is the best medium for not allowing the debate to become
a dispute.
 In a parliamentary democracy, the opposition also has an important role along with the ruling party, and,
therefore harmony, cooperation and meaningful deliberation between the two is necessary. It is
responsibility of Presiding Officers to provide congenial atmosphere for a healthy debate to the peoples’
representatives in the House and to encourage courteous dialogue and discussion.
 Fairness and justice is the bedrock of our parliamentary democratic system. The Chair of the Speaker of
the House symbolizes both – dignity and duty. It demands sincerity and sense of justice. It also symbolizes
impartiality, righteousness and fairness and it is expected from Presiding Officers that their conduct is
inspired by these lofty ideals.
 Parliament and Legislative Assemblies are the cornerstone of our parliamentary system. They have an
important responsibility to work for a better future of our countrymen. In the last few decades, expectations,
aspirations and awareness of the general public have been on the rise. Therefore, the role and

37
responsibilities of Parliament and Legislatures have come into focus even more. Peoples’ representatives
are expected to remain true to the principles of democracy. The biggest challenge before democratic
institutions and peoples’ representatives is to live up to the expectations of the people.
 The democratic system is eventually governed by the supreme goal of peoples’ welfare, especially the
upliftment of the poor, backward and the deprived sections of our society and the progress of the country.
Quotes by Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu
 Decency, Decorum and Dignity of the temples of democracy will be upheld only through adherence to the
other three ‘Ds’ namely, Debate, Discuss and Decide
 None of the three organs of the ‘State’ can claim to be supreme as only the Constitution is supreme and the
legislature, the executive and the judiciary are bound to work within the respective domains as defined in
the Constitution.
 Referring to the Presiding Officers as the ‘high priests of temples of democracy’, urged them to ensure the
sanctity of these temples. Stating that legislatures are the cornerstone of democracy that provide the basis
for the actions of both the executive and the judiciary, Shri Naidu referred to the public opinion turning
against the law making bodies and the legislators over the years. He noted that frequent disruptions, conduct
of legislators both within and outside the chambers of the Houses, rising number of law makers with
criminal background, rising money power in elections, flaunting of power by legislators are some of the
reasons for this negative perception.
 Caste, Cash and Criminality replacing Conduct, Character and Calibre as the criteria for selection of
candidates has been eroding the stature of legislators and their members. Shri Naidu urged the political
parties to introspect about the present state of affairs to enhance the standing of legislatures and legislators
and also to ensure disruption free functioning of legislatures.

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Gilgit-Baltistan an Integral Part of India RSTV

On November 1, observed every year in Gilgit-Baltistan as “Independence Day”, Pakistan Prime Minister
Imran Khan announced that his government would give the region “provisional provincial status”. When
that happens, G-B will become the fifth province of Pakistan, although the region is claimed by India as
part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu & Kashmir as it existed in 1947 at its accession to India.
 Gilgit-Baltistan is the northernmost territory administered by Pakistan, providing the country’s only
territorial frontier, and thus a land route, with China, where it meets the Xinjiang Autonomous Region.
 Currently, Pakistan has four provinces – Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh.This
elevation will lead to adequate representation from the province on all constitutional bodies, including the
National Assembly and the Senate.
 From the beginning Gilgit-Baltistan was governed as a separate entity by Pakistan and not as a part of
Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Islamabad had hesitated to declare it a province of Pakistan because of
its claim that J&K is disputed territory and its future must be decided by a plebiscite among all its
inhabitants.
 One of the most mountainous regions in the world that is rich with mines of gold, emerald and strategically
important minerals, and is known for its extraordinary scenic beauty, diversity and ancient communities
and languages, Gilgit-Baltistan is largely an underdeveloped region.
 It’s home to K-2, the second tallest mountain in the world. Tourism remains restricted by many factors,
including military hostility, though the region has some of the ancient Buddhist sculptures and rock edicts.
It is also home to an old Shia community, which often finds itself subjected to persecution in Pakistan’s
urban centres.
 The water-rich region’s biggest hydroelectricity project is the Diamer-Bhasha dam, which was launched in
July 2020.
Why change the status now?
 First, the revocation of Article 370 by India and the bifurcation of the State into two Union Territories have
sent a clear message that the Kashmir dispute is not only dead but also buried as far as New Delhi is
concerned. Pakistan’s imminent move, transforming Gilgit-Baltistan’s de facto status into a de jure one, is
a clear riposte to the Indian decision.
 Second, public opinion in Gilgit-Baltistan has long been in favour of full integration into Pakistan as a
province as the predominantly Shia and ethnically distinct population of the region has very little in
common with PoK. Islamabad feels that by declaring it a province will assuage domestic dissatisfaction on
this score.
 Third, let us come to China –
o China has been encouraging Islamabad to turn Gilgit-Baltistan into a province. The China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) runs through Gilgit-Baltistan and China has invested heavily in the region. In
view of India’s continuing claim to the area, Beijing is interested in delinking Gilgit-Baltistan formally
from Kashmir so that its investment does not remain hostage to the possibility of another round of India-
Pakistan hostilities over Kashmir.
o China also wants to repay India in its own coin following New Delhi’s decision to separate Ladakh from
J&K. Beijing views the Indian move as the first step towards India attempting to enforce its claim on Aksai
Chin, currently under Chinese occupation.
o In addition to CPEC, China considers Gilgit-Baltistan very important because of its strategic location. It is
contiguous to Ladakh as well as Xinjiang and could act as a staging post against India if a major conflict
erupts in Ladakh. Beijing possibly presumes that Pakistan will agree to a Chinese military presence in
Gilgit-Baltistan because Islamabad would like to see India embroiled simultaneously in a two-front war —
in Ladakh and Gilgit — with China.

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o The Government will also start working on the Moqpondass Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under
the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
There is already substantial Chinese civilian presence in Gilgit-Baltistan related to CPEC projects. China
is interested in stationing military personnel as well. Delinking the region from the Kashmir dispute would
make it easier for the international community to accept Chinese presence in Gilgit-Baltistan. It would also
serve Pakistan’s purpose of getting back at India for abrogating Article 370 as well as complicating India’s
strategic environment by the implicit threat of turning it into a Chinese staging ground.
India’s Response
India had slammed Pakistan for its attempt to accord provincial status to “so-called Gilgit-Baltistan”, saying
it is intended to camouflage the “illegal” occupation of the region by Islamabad.
Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said India “firmly rejects” the attempt
by Pakistan to bring material changes to a part of Indian territory which is under Islamabad’s “illegal and
forcible occupation” and asked the neighbouring country to immediately vacate such
areas.
What is the region’s current status?
Though Pakistan, like India, links G-B’s fate to that of Kashmir, its administrative arrangements are
different from those in PoK. While PoK has its own Constitution that sets out its powers and their limits
vis-à-vis Pakistan, G-B has been ruled mostly by executive fiat. Until 2009, the region was simply called
Northern Areas.
It got its present name only with the Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment and Self-Governance) Order, 2009,
which replaced the Northern Areas Legislative Council with the Legislative Assembly. The NALC was an
elected body, but had no more than an advisory role to the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas,
40
who ruled from Islamabad. The Legislative Assembly has 24 directly elected members and nine nominated
ones.
In 2018, the then PML(N) government passed an order centralising even the limited powers granted to the
Assembly, a move linked to the need for greater control over land and other resources for the infrastructure
projects then being planned under CPEC. The order was challenged, and in 2019, the Pakistan Supreme
Court repealed it and asked the Imran Khan government to replace it with governance reforms. This was
not done. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court extended it jurisdiction to G-B, and made arrangements for a
caretaker government until the next Legislative Assembly elections.
The last polls were held in July 2015, and the Assembly’s five-term ended in July this year. Fresh elections
could not be held because of the pandemic. It is not clear if the provincial status will come before or after
the polls.
Conclusion
A quick glance at a map of the region will display Gilgit-Baltistan’s incredible potential and geostrategic
importance. No wonder this was the heart of the Great Game a hundred years ago.
India must calibrate its response carefully because merely by turning up the rhetorical heat, it may play into
Chinese and Pakistani hands and escalate the situation. Rhetoric must always be determined by a meticulous
assessment of capability.

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India’s Nuclear Doctrine RSTV

India has said that it is committed to no first use of strategic weapons under its nuclear doctrine.
Speaking at the Conference on Disarmament, at 75th Session of the First Committee of the United Nations
General Assembly, India said that its nuclear weapons are meant to maintain a posture of minimum
deterrence. Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said nuclear disarmament can
be achieved through an agreed multilateral framework.
India also reiterated its commitment to a universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament
for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. India believes that nuclear disarmament can be achieved
through a step-by-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral
framework. India remains convinced of the need for meaningful dialogue among all States possessing
nuclear weapons, for building trust and confidence
India’s reiteration of its nuclear doctrine is significant, as it comes at a time when the armed forces are on
alert at the borders, both at the LoC with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, and
also in readiness for any contingency to face a “two-front war”, a euphemism for a hypothetical Sino-
Pakistani joint attack on India. Both these neighbours also possess nuclear weapons.
India’s N-weapons journey
India embarked on the path of nuclear weapons development after its face-off with China in the 1962 war,
followed by China carrying out nuclear tests in 1964 and in the subsequent years.
 In 1974, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India conducted its first nuclear tests, Pokhran-I, dubbed as
a “peaceful nuclear explosion”.
 Despite more than two decades of international pressure that followed to make India abandon its pursuit of
nuclear weapons, India again carried out a test in May 1998, Pokhran-II, involving a fission device, a low-
yield device, and a thermonuclear device. Its successful execution meant that India had the ability to
introduce nuclear warheads into its fast-developing missile programme.
 A fortnight after the Pokhran-II tests, Pakistan also carried out similar tests, confirming progress with its
nuclear weapons programme; since that time its nuclear arsenal has expanded rapidly.

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In 1999, India came out with an explicit nuclear doctrine that committed, among other things, to NFU —
that is it would never carry out a nuclear first-strike. This doctrine emphasised “minimal deterrence, no first
use and non-use against non-nuclear weapon states”, in the words of former National Security Adviser
Shivshankar Menon. The NFU promise thus went together with credible minimum deterrence (CMD).
India has been tabling an annual resolution in the UNGA on ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger’ since 1998. The
annual resolution calls for immediate and urgent steps to reduce the risks of unintentional and accidental
use of nuclear weapons, including through de-alerting and de-targeting.
What does CMD mean for the Indian nuclear doctrine?

Credible minimum deterrence does not imply indefinite expansion of the nuclear arsenal; rather it is built
on an assured second-strike capability. This implies that in the event of another nation carrying out a first
nuclear strike of any magnitude against India, India’s nuclear forces shall be so deployed as to ensure
survivability of the attack and the capability to carry out a massive, punitive nuclear retaliation aimed at
inflicting damage that the aggressor will find “unacceptable”. Additionally, CMD requires a robust
command and control system; effective intelligence and early warning capabilities; comprehensive
planning and training for operations in line with the strategy; and the will to employ nuclear forces and
weapons.
Currently, the Nuclear Command Authority is responsible for command, control and operational decisions
on nuclear weapons; specifically it is the Cabinet Committee on Security and ultimately the office of the
Prime Minister of India, that is responsible for the decision to carry out a nuclear attack.
Do we need to revisit the NFU policy?
After the 1998 nuclear tests in India and Pakistan, the CMD was established in the sense that in the
following decade, including the aftermaths of the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001 and the Mumbai
terror attacks in 2008, neither country felt inclined to instigate all-out war.
In 2013, Shyam Saran, convener of the National Security Advisory Board, said: “India will not be the first
to use nuclear weapons, but if it is attacked with such weapons, it would engage in nuclear retaliation which
will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage on its adversary. The label on a nuclear weapon
used for attacking India, strategic or tactical, is irrelevant from the Indian perspective.”
However, there may be some concerns with this idea that India will retaliate massively even if Pakistan
uses tactical nuclear weapons — possibly on Indian forces operating on Pakistani soil — against it. This
strategy would take both countries back into the old-world deterrence paradigm of “mutually assured
destruction”, because any surviving forces in Pakistan after India’s retaliation would surely launch a
devastating attack against targets across India.
Conclusion
The Balakot strikes that followed the Pulwama attack (both in February 2019) demonstrate that the
Narendra Modi government is not shy of taking cross-border military action. If another sub-conventional
attack, say a terror attack, occurs on Indian soil anytime soon, these theories will likely be tested. What
remains unclear is how high up the escalation ladder both countries will be willing to go.

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India’s Solar Energy Push RSTV

On 15 February, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an interesting observation in his inaugural
speech for the first RE-Invest global summit in New Delhi. He remarked that Indian energy sector has been
thinking in terms of Mega Watts (MW), but for the first time, India had started talking about Giga Watts
(GW). It was inconceivable that India aimed at 100 GW of installed solar power capacity by 2022, given
that the entire country had under 3 GW of existing installations when the Modi government took over. Yet,
the ambitious target set clearly signalled the government’s intent to make solar energy an integral part of
Indian energy security strategy.
Has it been possible?
India has managed to hit about 35 GW in installed capacity till now. One major gap is rooftop solar, which
has not progressed much. So while adding 65 GW of solar capacity in two years looks tough, opening up
the rooftop solar market nationwide can help push the envelope. But even this current progress from 3 GW
to 35 GW was not easy.
One of the projects that has given impetus to this journey is the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMSL) solar
plant, inaugurated by PM Modi on 10 July.
 The plant consists of three solar power generating units that are located on a 500-hectare plot of land inside
a 1,500-hectare solar park
 The solar plant was set up by the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited, a joint venture between Madhya Pradesh
Urja Vikas Nigam Limited and the Centre’s Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). 
 This project will reduce carbon emission equivalent to approx. 15 lakh ton of CO2 per year, which is
equivalent to planting 26 million trees.
India’s Solar Energy Push
 Energy Security: India energy demands is largely fulfilled by non-renewable source of energy
 Environmental Sustainability: India’s large part of energy demand is fulfilled by thermal energy largely
dependent on fossil fuels which causes pollution. Solar energy is clean form of energy resource, which can
be a substitute.
 India being Tropical Country, there is abundance of free solar energy in almost all parts of country.
 Changed Developmental Strategy: Solar energy is being viewed as a path for self-reliant industrialisation
 Green energy in rural area -  This is crucial for agri – business in farms for running irrigation,
greenhouses, and crop and hay dryers, making agriculture risk – free.
Challenges w.r.t developing Solar Energy
 Low domestic cell manufacturing capacity at 3.1 GW last year
 Heavy reliance on China for importing of photovoltaic cells, modules and associated equipment
 Projected addition of capacity in a COVID-19 affected future could fall short of stated goals (100 GW by
2022)
 India’s domestic content requirement clause is facing legal challenge at WTO.
 Land availability in India for solar plant is less due to high population density.
 India’s solar waste is estimated to be around 1.8 million by 2050 also needs to be tackled.
 Challenges with respect to importing critical raw materials such as polysilicon
Major Initiatives
A. ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ (OSOWOG) initiative proposed by India

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OSOWOG initiative was recently proposed by India to set up a framework for facilitating global
cooperation which aims at building a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources that
can be easily shared.
Key takeaways
 Parent Body: The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
 Objective: To build global consensus about sharing solar resources among more than 140 countries of West
Asia and South-East Asia.
 This grid shall be interconnected with the African power pools also at the later stage.
 Proposals are invited from consulting firms for making a long-term OSOWOG road map, and identify two
or three cross-border projects that can be initiated within one or two years.
Phase I: The first phase deals with the Middle East—South Asia—-South East Asia (MESASEA)
interconnection for sharing green energy sources such as solar for meeting electricity needs including peak
demand.
 Fostering cross-border energy trade is an important part of Modi’s South Asia-focused neighbourhood-first
policy.
 India has been supplying power to Bangladesh and Nepal and has been championing a South Asian
Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) electricity grid minus Pakistan to meet electricity demand in
the region.
 The initial plans also involve setting up an under-sea link to connect with Oman in the West.
Phase II: MESASEA grid getting interconnected with the African power pools
Phase III: Global interconnection
Benefits
 Creation of regional and international interconnected green grids can enable sharing of renewable energy
across international borders and also balancing. Such grids should work in tandem with the existing grids
and will not require parallel grid infrastructure, thus requiring only incremental investment.
 An interconnected grid would help all the participating entities in attracting investments in renewable
energy sources as well as utilizing skills, technology and finances.
 Resulting economic benefits would positively impact poverty alleviation and support in mitigating water,
sanitation, food and other socioeconomic challenges.
 The proposed integration would lead to reduced project costs, higher efficiencies and increased asset
utilization for all the participating entities
B. International Solar Alliance (ISA)
 It is a treaty-based inter-governmental Organisation.
 It aims to deploy over 1,000 GW of solar generation capacity globally.
 It aims to mobilise investment of over $1 trillion by 2030.
 Headquartered: Gurgaon.
 It was established following the Paris Declaration as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy
among its member countries.
The Way Forward – Solar energy should be considered as a strategic sector
 Should comprise of components like Solar Waste Management and Manufacturing Standards Policy
 India needs to show leadership at global level to advance the manufacture and absorption of solar
photovoltaic infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. 

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 Come up with integrated policies fully supported by states where industry gets help to set up facilities and
avail low cost financing 
 India should also be able to invest in intellectual property.
 Faster adoption of Innovative technologies- aesthetic photovoltaic window and roof tiles for buildings
A decentralised approach will be suited for Indian landscape and this there has to be greater use of
residential and commercial buildings to deploy more panels.

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Tackling Human Trafficking RSTV

In News: In June, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned the
world that the Covid-19 pandemic would lead to a major increase in human trafficking.
 India’s Home Ministry responded by issuing an advisory to its state governments earlier this month, with
clear instructions to set up or improve local anti-trafficking networks.
 The Ministry has written to states and Union territories to expedite the setting up of new anti-human
trafficking units (AHTUs) and upgrade the infrastructure of existing ones to ‘combat and prevent’ human
trafficking.
Tackling Human Trafficking in India
Regarded as one of the ugliest crimes on planet, it is also an enormously lucrative business, and there are
significant challenges in determining its prevalence throughout the country. According to statistics of
India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), trafficking has manifold objectives. These include forced
labour, prostitution, and other forms of sexual exploitation. According to the NCRB, three out of five people
trafficked in 2016 were children below the age of 18 years. Of these, 4,911 were girls and 4,123 were boys.
NCRB data shows that sexual exploitation for prostitution was the second major purpose for human
trafficking in India, after forced labour.
Victims of trafficking in India disproportionately represent people from traditionally disadvantaged gender,
caste, and religious groups. People from these groups have been systemically kept at a disadvantage in
education, access to productive resources and spaces and legal remedies enhancing their vulnerability.
Across regions, studies have found that majority of victims are women and children belonging to the
Scheduled Castes (SCs), the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and minority
religions.
COVID-19 and Human Trafficking in India
Child labour and trafficking are two sides of the same coin. Children are trafficked first and then placed in
labour either forced or for earning a sub minimal wage or in case of the more unfortunate ones, i.e.
particularly girls and young boys, are forced into sexual exploitation. Usurious money-lending and debt
bondage will also become a force-multiplier for sourcing child labour from the country-side, from desperate
families for bondage and trafficking.
Challenges that India face
 Inadequacy of legal machinery
 Lack of institutional accountability
 Poor rehabilitative processes for those rescued
 There is no concrete prevention and protection strategy in place
 The Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (ITPA) is not survivor-centric
Establishment of Anti-human trafficking units (AHTUs)
 The AHTUs are an integrated task force to prevent and combat the menace of human trafficking.
 Trained representatives from the police, department of women and child development, other relevant
departments and renowned non-government organisations are part of the unit which was first established
in 2007.
 While the Central government has provided financial assistance for setting up physical infrastructure in
these units, it is the responsibility of various states to depute suitable manpower to manage them.
The Way Forward
Foresight and preparedness in the midst of the current lockdown can save the lives of crores of women,
men and children and avoid an impending humanitarian crisis

47
 Collaboration is key: A lot of work needs to be done in a collaborative manner, between key stakeholders
such as the government and civil society organizations, for any substantial change to be seen.
 Assessment and review of legal framework: The central government must assess the existing criminal
law on trafficking and its ability to counter the crime and meet the needs of the victim. The lapsed anti-
trafficking bill needs to be amended and passed in Parliament urgently.
 Increase in budgetary allocation for law enforcement and victim rehabilitation: There is a gross deficit
in the budgetary allocation to combat huan trafficking.
 Curbing the rise of online Child Sexual Abuse material: The upsurge of child sexual abuse material and
its easy access can only be controlled by placing greater accountability on Internet Service Providers and
digital platforms that host this content. They must be accountable to not only identify and remove content
but also to trace its source and cooperate with the law enforcement to crack down on its supply and demand.
 Spreading a wide safety net in source areas of trafficking: Schools, communities, religious authorities
and the local administration need to recognise and control trafficking and bonded labour in villages.
o Intensive campaigns must educate communities about the threat and modus operandi of trafficking agents,
especially in the source areas such as Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
o The railway and other transport facilities have to be intensely monitored. While on the one hand, awareness
around existing government social welfare schemes and the means to access them should be generated, the
government on its part must immediately initiate registration of unorganised workers.
o Special financial protection should be extended for the next year in order to keep the wolf away from the
door.
 On institutionalisation of shelter homes for the survivors –

o Taking the consent of the woman/girl rescued within the period of 28 days. She should have the right to
reject institutionalization and shelter based rehabilitation even if she is a victim of trafficking. The process
of consent taking should be done by independent professionals, mental health professionals who do not
have a stake in running of shelters or have biased positions on prostitution.
o Community based rehabilitation (CBR) should be explored an alternative wherein a survivor of trafficking
and/or sexual exploitation stays in an independent shelter or with her family, and social workers assist her
in availing health services, legal aid, access welfare schemes and income opportunities.
 Making India in line with global standards: This would also be in keeping with achieving the enviable
objective of attaining the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030, especially when
Goal 8.7 is related to the need to take immediate and effective measures to end forced labour, modern
slavery and human trafficking. Any move to institutionalise a new legislation would be in line with SDG
16.2 which seeks to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against
children.
The executive, the legislature and the judiciary must act in tandem to devise and implement an over-arching
law which would bring together other laws and instruments that seek to curb and, eventually, stop the
crime.

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Hydrogen Fuel Cell for Vehicles RSTV

In News: Aimed at a significant push for hydrogen vehicles in the country, Ministry of Road Transport
and Highways has notified standards for the safety evaluation of hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles.
Standards for Safety Evaluation 0f Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
 The motor vehicles of Category M and Category N, running on compressed gaseous hydrogen fuel cell,
shall be in accordance with AIS 157:2020, as amended from time to time, till the corresponding Bureau of
Indian Standard Act, 2016, specification is notified.
 Also, the hydrogen fuel specification for fuel cell vehicles will be in accordance with ISO 14687.
 They were notified through an amendment to Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989.
 These standards are also at par with the available international standards.
 This would facilitate the promotion of Hydrogen Fuel Cell based vehicles in India.
 Hydrogen Fuel Cell based vehicles are energy efficient and environment friendly.
The Fuel Cell Technology
A fuel-cell electric vehicle is essentially a hybrid electric vehicle wherein, the internal combustion engine
is replaced with a fuel-cell stack. The onboard sources of power include hydrogen as well as an advanced
battery system. The hydrogen, stored in its pure form, in high-pressure tanks, is sent through the fuel-cell
wherein it is combined with oxygen, resulting in the the production of water (H2O) and electricity. The
electricity produced is used directly to drive the vehicle with water being the waste and the only emission
through the tail-pipe.
In simple words, unlike a battery-electric vehicle, which needs to be charged from external sources, a fuel-
cell electric vehicle produces it’s electricity onboard. This drastically reduces the battery capacity and hence
the dead-weight which an FCEV needs to carry.

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Hydrogen can be produced through a number of sources, be it thermal, wind, solar, CNG, LNG and the
likes. But the most feasible sources of hydrogen, which is also available in surplus, is biomass. India has a
huge biomass reserve which is either burnt of simply goes waste. Apart from livestock dung, agriculture
and forest residual and sewage sludge are also CO2 free sources from which hydrogen can be obtained.
Similarly, by virtue of electrolysis, hydrogen can be produced from the 40 per cent excess electricity
available through renewable resources such as wind, water, solar and Geothermal. India’s vast coal reserves
can also be used for the due process.
 Like conventional batteries under the bonnets of automobiles, hydrogen fuel cells too convert chemical
energy into electrical energy.
 From a long-term viability perspective, FCEVs are billed as vehicles of the future, given that hydrogen is
the most abundant resource in the universe.
 Fuel cells have strong advantages over conventional combustion-based technologies currently used in many
power plants and cars, given that they produce much smaller quantities of greenhouse gases and none of
the air pollutants that cause health problems.
 If pure hydrogen is used, fuel cells emit only heat and water as a byproduct. Such cells are also far more
energy efficient than traditional combustion technologies.
 Unlike battery-powered electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles do not need to be plugged in, and most models
exceed 300 km of range on a full tank. They are filled up with a nozzle, just like in a petrol or diesel station.
Criticism/Challenges of Hydrogen Cell Technology
 The process of making hydrogen needs energy — often from fossil fuel sources. That has raised questions
over hydrogen’s green credentials.
 Safety — hydrogen, in its pure form, is highly reactive. It is more explosive than petrol.
 High Cost – high cost involved in the production of hydrogen, fuel-cell stacks and establishment of
hydrogen fuel stations. The costs involved in the same only go down with technological development along
with wider adoption, as is the case with most of the new technologies.
 A lack of refuelling stations, which are costly to build, is usually cited as the biggest obstacle to widespread
adoption of FCVs. At the same time, the main reason cited for the lack of refuelling infrastructure is that
there are not enough FCVs to make them profitable.
Important value additions:
Hydrogen Fuel
 Hydrogen does not occur free in nature in useful quantities.
 It can be made from natural gas or it can be made by passing electric current through water.
 When hydrogen is burned, it only emits water vapour and carbon dioxide (CO2) is not produced.
 It is more efficient than internal combustion engine.
 However, manufacturing hydrogen fuel based vehicle is still expensive.

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Responsible AI for Social Empowerment RSTV
RAISE 2020 (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment): A global meeting of minds to exchange ideas
and chart a course for using AI for social transformation, inclusion and empowerment in areas like
Healthcare, Agriculture, Education and Smart Mobility, among other sectors.
 AI is the branch of computer science concerned with developing machines that can complete tasks that
typically require human intelligence. With the explosion of available data expansion of computing capacity,
the world is witnessing rapid advancements in AI, machine learning and deep learning, transforming almost
all sectors of the economy.
 According to independent studies, AI has the potential to raise India’s annual growth rate by 1.3% and add
USD 957 billion to the country’s economy by 2035.At a global level, AI is expected to unlock USD 15.7
trillion in productivity by 2030.
 India has a large young population that is skilled and eager to adopt AI. The country has been ranked second
on the Stanford AI Vibrancy Index primarily on account of its large AI-trained workforce. Our leading
technology institutes like the IITs, IIITs and NITs have the potential to be the cradle of AI researchers and
startups. India’s startups are innovating and developing solutions with AI across education, health, financial
services and other domains to solve societal problems.
Organised by: Ministry of Electronics and IT and the NITI Aayog
AI and India
Amidst the accelerated adoption of AI-based technologies, India seems to stand at the precipice of the
fourth industrial revolution. The competitive advantage of low-cost labour may fade away in the near
future as economies begin to reap the benefits of AI in the form of increased productivity and cost
advantages, and become more profitable than labour. Hence, it would be a timely move for India to build
its AI capabilities, lest the global digital divide widens even more and we are left behind.
 The report titled “Rewire for Growth” by Accenture estimates that AI has the potential to add $957 billion
to India’s economy in 2035. As the post-Covid economy begins to rebuild itself, AI will present an
opportunity to leapfrog by opening up newer sources of value and growth, beyond the physical limitations
of capital and labour.
 By 2025, data and AI can add over $500 billion and almost 20 million jobs to the Indian economy.
Artificial Intelligence for inclusive growth
AI is one of the many tools that can be used to either bridge the inequalities or create more. To achieve the
former, the right policy approach and business practices at the outset are crucial for cushioning the negative
externalities. Hence, a collaborative approach is the first step to realise the vision of AI-driven equitable
growth. The knowledge gap could become the biggest impediment for designing policies for the futures,
and therefore, the government, the industry and the academia are th ..
The collaborative efforts are the key to accelerate technology diffusion by promoting innovations that
democratise the access of new technologies, enhancing research and development in AI that address the
issues of data protection, transparency and accountability so that it gains public trust and encourages greater
investment. With greater inclusion of stakeholders and greater diversity at each step of building an AI
ecosystem, India can look to reap the gains of automation in not only the long- ..
Machine Learning-based deep-learning algorithms in AI can
Medical: Provide insights to healthcare providers in predicting future events for patients. It can also aid in
the early detection and prevention of diseases by capturing the vitals of patients. AI-based applications have
helped biopharmaceutical companies to significantly shorten the preclinical drug identification and design
process from several years to a few days or months. This intervention has been used by pharmaceutical
companies to identify possible pharmaceutical therapies to help combat the spread of COVID19 by
repurposing drugs.

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Rural development and Agriculture: AI-based solutions on water management, crop insurance and pest
control are also being developed. Technologies like image recognition, drones, and automated intelligent
monitoring of irrigation systems can help farmers kill weeds more effectively, harvest better crops and
ensure higher yields. Voice-based products with strong vernacular language support can help make accurate
information more accessible to farmers. A pilot project taken up in three districts — Bhopal, Rajkot and
Nanded — has developed an AI-based decision support platform combined with weather sensing
technology to give farm level advisories about weather forecasts and soil moisture information to help
farmers make decisions regarding water and crop management. ICRISAT has developed an AI-power
sowing app, which utilises weather models and data on local crop yield and rainfall to more accurately
predict and advise local farmers on when they should plant their seeds. This has led to an increase in yield
from 10 to 30 per cent for farmers. AI-based systems can also help is establishing partnerships with financial
institutions with a strong rural presence to provide farmers with access to credit.
Disasters: An AI-based flood forecasting model that has been implemented in Bihar is now being expanded
to cover the whole of India to ensure that around 200 million people across 2,50,000 square kilometres get
alerts and warnings 48 hours earlier about impending floods. These alerts are given in nine languages and
are localised to specific areas and villages with adequate use of infographics and maps to ensure that it
reaches all.
Education: The Central Board of Secondary Education has integrated AI in the school curriculum to ensure
that students passing out have the basic knowledge and skills of data science, machine learning and artificial
intelligence. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had launched a
“Responsible AI for Youth” programme this year in April, wherein more than 11,000 students from
government schools completed the basic course in AI.
To check facial recognition misuse
 Countries around the globe, including India, should have proper regulations to ensure governments do not
use facial recognition or any other facet of artificial intelligence (AI), in a way that would impinge on
peoples’ most-cherished democratic freedoms
 Transparency and accountability are the foundational principles that can ensure the ethical use of AI. Before
any country advances, it must advance a responsible AI that’s grounded in clear and firm ethical principles.
 The bedrock of a responsible AI strategy should be accountability. Plus, it should be fair, unbiased, and it
should offer security and safety, to ensure people’s privacy, and most importantly, it should be inclusive,
by all means.
Conclusion
We hope that India’s “AI for All” strategy focuses on responsible AI, building AI solutions at scale with
an intent to make India the AI garage of the world — a trusted nation to which the world can outsource AI-
related work. AI solutions built in India will serve the world.
AI derives strength from data. To this end, the government should put the process of putting in place a
strong legal framework governing the data of Indians. The legislation should stem from a desire to become
a highly secure and ethical AI powerhouse.
India wants to build a data-rich and a data-driven society as data, through AI, which offers limitless
opportunities to improve society, empower individuals and increase the ease of doing business.

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Senkaku-Diaoyu Islands Dispute

In News: Japan and China claim the uninhabited islands, known as the Senkaku in Japan and Tiaoyu in
China, as their own, but Japan has administered them since 1972.
 The Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands were formally claimed by Japan in 1895. After Japan’s defeat in World War
II, the island chain was controlled by the US until 1971 before its return. Since then, Japan has administered
the island chains.
 China began to reassert claims over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the 1970s, citing historic rights to the
area. However, Japan does not recognise Chinese claims.
 More recently, there has been a flare up in the region. The Japanese government had protested to China
regarding a set of names recently assigned by Beijing to seabed zones in the East China Sea, including the
Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.
Geostrategic Importance of the area
 The Senkaku Islands dispute, or Diaoyu Islands dispute, concerns a territorial dispute over a group of
uninhabited islands located in East China Sea known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan, the Diaoyu Islands
in the China.
 It is roughly to east of mainland China, northeast of Taiwan, west of Okinawa Island, and north of the
south-western end of the Ryukyu Islands.
 They are currently controlled by Japan. But both China and Taiwan claim sovereignty over the islands.
 Oil and gas reserves had been identified under the seabed surrounding the islands and it makes the dispute
tougher to resolve.
What does Japan say?
Japan approved plans to change the name of the area covering the Tokyo-controlled Senkaku Islands —
known by Taiwan and China as the Diaoyus — from “Tonoshiro” to “Tonoshiro Senkaku”. China said the
move is illegal and a “serious provocation”.
 There is a need to remove the administrative confusion with shares the name “Tonoshiro”
 A response to an increased Chinese presence and to protect territorial integrity. Since April, Chinese ships
had been spotted by the Japanese coast guard, in the waters close to the Senakakus. The number of Chinese
ships have only increased in the last few weeks with four of them sailing in the area even on the day when
the bill was passed by the city council
 The defence treaty of Japan and USUSA with Japan boosts confidence of Japan in taking such steps because
if Japanese territory is attacked by a foreign power, the United States is obligated to defend it.

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China’s Point of View

Calling the islands its “inherent territories”, China has urged Japan to abide by the spirit of the four-principle
consensus, avoid creating new incidents on the Diaoyu Islands issue, and take practical actions to maintain
the stability of the East China Sea situation.
Why does China want to control the South China Sea?
 Control of the South China Sea would allow China to dominate a major trade route through which most of
its imported oil flows.
 It would also allow China to disrupt, or threaten to disrupt, trade shipments to all countries in East and
Southeast Asia — as well as deny access to foreign military forces, particularly the United States.
 The floor of the South China Sea may contain massive oil and natural gas reserves. Sovereignty over the
region could give China a level of energy security and independence far beyond what it currently possesses.
Is the Senkakus island chain dispute with Japan is the only territorial and maritime dispute that
China has had?
It has island and maritime border disputes with Taiwan, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and
Vietnam in the South China Sea and its extension. The disputes include islands, reefs, banks and other
features in the South China Sea including Spratly Islands (with Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei,
Taiwan), Paracel Islands (Vietnam), Scarborough Shoal (Philippines), and Gulf of Tonkin (Vietnam).
More recently…

54
In the South China Sea, China has moved aircraft onto the man-made islands it has built up; it has sunk one
Vietnamese fishing boat and rammed another; it has harassed a Malaysian-chartered survey ship and sent
one of its own into waters claimed by Indonesia; in the past few weeks alone, Chinese warplanes have been
warned off by Taiwanese fighters at least five times.
Beijing reclassified its island claims in the South China Sea, giving the Spratly/Nansha and Paracel/Xisha
islands more prominent status in the country’s governmental hierarchy. Then the clash with India in Ladakh.
Note:
UNCLOS: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international agreement
which defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world’s oceans,
establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.

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India – Japan Cooperation

In News: At a time when both India and Japan are facing hostility from China, warships from Indian Navy
and Japanese Navy (Japan Maritime Self Defense Force) conducted a joint exercise in the Indian Ocean.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force described the manoeuvres as designed to “promote mutual
understanding” and consisted of four warships, two from each country.
 Naval exercises are now routine between India and Japan, but the timing of the present exercise will be
related with the military stand-off between India and China in Ladakh.
 The Indian navy training vessels INS Rana and INS Kulush were joined by the Japanese navy’s JS Kashima
and JS Shimayuki. This was the 15th such exercise in three years. The focus of the exercise was
interoperability between the two navies.
 The Japanese navy has become one of the principal partners of the Indian Navy. Indian naval ships take
part in the exercise, both bilaterally with their Japanese counterparts and as part of the Malabar Exercises,
which include the United States.
Is China testing India and Japan?
The exercise is taking place when China is testing its neighbors including India and Japan.
 Due to India-China standoff in Ladakh, Indian Navy is already at a high alert and it has deployed it assets
to thwart any misadventure by Chinese Navy from the sea.
 Japan had backed India during the Doklam standoff with China and has also expressed condolences on the
death of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley during a clash with Chinese soldiers. Tokyo has only
expressed condolences over the deaths of the Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley and pointedly said nothing
about Chinese casualties.
 The exercise in Indian Ocean is also significant as China is trying to increase its military presence in this
region.
 There is also growing tension between Japan and China over Senkaku islands. In recent days Chinese coast
guard vessels had been repeatedly intruding into Japanese waters near the islands. Chinese state owned
media Global Times on Sunday reported that Chinese Navy will be conducting military exercises in waters
off the disputed Xisha Islands in the South China Sea from Wednesday to July 5 to send a signal to its rivals
in the region.
 The Japanese navy has itself been upgraded and expanded in recent years because of the territorial disputes
it has with an increasingly aggressive China. Despite its Pacific constitution, Tokyo has inducted a
“helicopter destroyer” that has the some tonnage as India’s aircraft carriers and is now building a “helicopter
carrier” which has a full flight deck.
 Japan has one of the best non-nuclear submarines in the world and cutting edge anti-submarine warfare
technology. They are leaders in submarine detection. Not only can they find them, they can identify any
variety of submarine.
Can Indian naval power prevent Chinese warships and submarines from accessing India’s near-seas?
Modern-day trading nations regard the oceans as a shared global common, with equal opportunity rights
for all user states. Consequently, unless a sea-space is a site of overlapping claims (as in the case of the
South China Sea) or a contested enclave in a geopolitically troubled spot (as the Persian Gulf), no coastal
state ever actively denies another the use of the high seas.
This balance only changes during war, when navies seek to block adversaries from entering critical sea
spaces in the contested littorals. During peace-time operations, however, maritime forces enjoy assured
access to the seas that lie beyond national territorial waters (even if a coastal state insists on prior
notification).
Conclusion

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 Indian Army deployments were “sector specific” but India needed to apply pressure across military theatres.
Exercises like these remind Beijing that Indian military can quickly deny air cover for Chinese naval assets
in the Indian Ocean – and that such plans are ready.
 India needs to resort to a strategy of counter-power projection by expanding the scope of its naval
deployments in the South China Sea, long considered a Chinese preserve. By gradually expanding security
presence along the critical sea lanes of the Western Pacific, the Indian Navy must plan to use the South
China Sea’s geopolitically sensitive spaces for the strategic power projection.
NOTE:
The Malabar Exercise: The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral one between the Indian Navy
and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. Japan became a permanent member of the Malabar exercise in 2015.
“Two plus two” defense and foreign ministerial dialogue between India and Japan:
 India’s second such two plus two, after a similar exchange with the United States
 Seen as an endorsement of the special strategic partnership between both the Nations.
Japan and India will be launching a joint lunar mission called the Lunar Polar Exploration (LPE):
 The mission aims to put a lander and rover on Moon’s surface.
 The mission will be launched after 2023.
 Japanese space agency JAXA would be building the overall landing module and the rover,
while ISRO would develop the lander system.
 It will be launched from Japan, and the designated launch vehicle is the H3 rocket.
 The mission intends to obtain data on the quantity and forms of water resources present, in order to
determine the feasibility of utilizing such resources for sustainable space exploration activities in the future.

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Privatization
At independence, India adopted a mixed economy model. In this context, the Public Sector Enterprises
(PSEs) were established on a socialistic pattern of development.
However, due to the poor performance of several PSEs and the consequent huge fiscal deficits, the issue of
privatisation has come to the forefront.
In India, privatisation is sought to be achieved through two measures:
 The disinvestment of the government’s equity in public sector undertakings (selling off PSUs to Private
Sector)
 The opening up of hitherto closed areas to private participation.
Merits of Privatizations & Disinvestment
 Improves the efficiency of PSUs
 Attracts Foreign Investment
 Improve financial discipline of PSUs
 Facilitate modernization of PSUs
 Reduces fiscal burden on govt in maintaining PSU
 Signals to the market that govt is promoting free-market principle
Criticism
Social Justice
 Privatisation policy betrays social justice.
 PSUs have historically played an active role in developing backward regions.
 Importantly, through reservations, PSUs have ensured high-quality jobs for Dalits, Adivasis and Other
Backward Classes.
 Once PSUs are privatised or disinvested to below 50% government ownership, reservations for these
historically marginalised sections will become history.
 Disregard to how PSU employees will cope with the lay-offs that will inevitably follow.
Banks
 India’s experience with Yes Bank and other private sector banks hardly suggests that privatisation will
eliminate greed and corruption in banking.
 It was the resilience of nationalised banks that helped save us from the worst effects of the global recession
in 2008-09.
 Public sector banks have also been central to expanding financial inclusion to the unbanked in India over
the last five decades
 Rural branches that serve a public purpose more than generating profits will possibly be shut down by the
corporates.

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Haryana Job Quota Law (Local Reservation)

Context: Recently the Haryana government notified a new law that requires 75% of private sector jobs in
the state, up to a specified salary slab (under Rs 50,000 per month), reserved for local candidate (born in
the state or living there for five years)
 Objective: The legislation, the government argued, is aimed at boosting local employment particularly for
the youth in unskilled jobs.
 Applicability of the law: The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act 2020, requires all
companies, LLPs, trusts, societies and partnership firms with more than 10 employees to follow these local
employment requirements
 Enforcement Power: The law specifically empower the district administrations to enforce the new
regulations through inspections with a 24-hour notice.
Criticism of the legislation
 Impractical: The lack of a sufficiently large qualified domestic workforce in Haryana made the
implementation of the new act “impractical”.
 Balkanisation of India’s labour market: Such kind of restrictions hampers Prime Minister’s vision of
‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ that aims, among other things, an integrated and mobile labour market within
the country. Free mobility of labour corrects several demographic and economic imbalances between states
and curbing it will inhibit overall economic growth and employment generation.
 Will increase Informalisation: This move is likely to hurt the low-skilled workers and push the state’s
industrial and services sector towards greater “informalisation”. In other words, the same workers will be
paid less and have next to nothing social security because they will not be formally on the payrolls
 Gives encouragement to inspector raj & Corruption: The provision in the law that requires a firm to
seek exemption from the district administration if it cannot find enough qualified workers brings in an
element of bureaucratic discretion in the entire process thus paving way to the old inspector Raj, corruption
and rent-seeking.
 Impacts Economic Recovery: The economic recovery (post-Covid) will definitely be affected by these
restrictions
 Impacts Investments: The Gurgaon-Manesar belt in Haryana, has attracted high business investments —
both in manufacturing and services. Such kind of labour restriction is not in line with free market principles
which could hinder investments coming into Haryana
 Competitive Federalism: The move could further affect the competitiveness of Haryana thus diverting
away investment and industries into more market friendly states like Gujarat & Karnataka
 Increased Compliance Burden: Under the regulations, firms and companies would also have to register
all of their employees receiving a gross salary of Rs 50,000 or less on a government portal and update it at
regular intervals. This is not in line with Union government’s agenda of ease of doing business.
 Impacts all of State’s Labour Market: According to the Union government’s own Periodic Labour Force
Survey, nearly 97% of workers in the private sector draw a salary of less than Rs 50,000 a month. So the
Rs 50,000 monthly salary limit is quite significant and would cover most of the private sector employment
in the state.
 Lacks Consultation: Majority of industry association members criticised the move also on the grounds
that they had not been consulted before the announcement of the change.
 Lacks time period for preparation: It is not possible for so many skilled and semi-skilled local workers
to become available so quickly. Instead, the government should have been flexible in the implementation
of this regulation so that businesses can continue their work “peacefully.”

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 Impacts Expansion plans of small firms: Industry Organisation are of opinion that the legislation would
damage small firms and halt expansion plans. This will lead to job destruction instead of job creation for
locals as nobody will expand operations in the state.
 Against the spirit of free market: This legislation has renewed the debate on whether the government
force should private companies to adopt its reservation policy in jobs.
 Questions on Constitutionality of law: While constitutional guarantees for reservation has been limited
to public employment (Article 16(4)), attempts to extend it to private sector is contested one. The
Constitution has no manifest provision for private employment from which the state draws the power to
make laws mandating reservation.
 State abdicating its responsibility: The Constitution places the responsibility of ensuring equality of
opportunity to all citizens squarely on the state. By mandating private sector to adopt the reservation policy,
the state is delegating its role to the citizen which is criticised by some as abdicating its responsibility
What is the government’s rationale in bringing such laws?
 Needs such policies to achieve substantial equality: With public sector jobs constituting only a minuscule
proportion of all jobs, legislators have talked about extending the legal protections to the private sector to
really achieve the constitutional mandate of equality for all citizens
 Legitimate Right to ask Private Sector to share Burden: Since private industries use public infrastructure
in many ways (infrastructure, subsidised land & credit, etc) the state has a legitimate right to require them
to comply with the reservation policy.
 Similar Reservation in Education was upheld: A similar argument was made in requiring private schools
to comply with the Right to Education Act, which the Supreme Court also upheld.
 Similar Affirmative Action in other countries: In the US, although there is no statutory requirement for
employers to have quotas, courts can order monetary damages and injunctive relief for victims of
discrimination(US Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race,
colour, national origin, religion, and sex). The Employment Equity Act in Canada also protects minority
groups, especially aboriginals from discrimination in federally regulated industries, even in the private
sector.
Conclusion
 In July 2019, the Andhra Pradesh government had passed a similar law, which was challenged in court.
The AP HC had made a prima facie observation that the move might be unconstitutional, but the challenge
is yet to be heard on merits.

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Lateral Entry into bureaucracy

Context: UPSC has recently issued an advertisement seeking applications from individuals, who would
make a “lateral entry” into the government secretariat.
Key features of Lateral Entry Advertisement
 Vacancies: Three posts of Joint Secretary and 27 of Director in central government
 Time Period: These jobs would be contracted for three to five years.
 The basic qualification for a Joint Secretary lateral entrant is 15 years of work experience, and for
Directors it is 10 years of work experience.
 Reservations: These posts were “unreserved”, meaning were no quotas for SCs, STs and OBCs.
What is ‘lateral entry’ into government?
 The term lateral entry relates to the appointment of specialists, mainly those from private sector, in
government organisations.
 These ‘lateral entrants’ would be part of the central secretariat which in the normal course has only career
bureaucrats from the All India Services/ Central Civil Services
 Niti Aayog Recommendation: NITI Aayog, in its three-year Action Agenda, and the Sectoral Group of
Secretaries (SGoS) on Governance in its report submitted in February 2017, recommended the induction
of personnel at middle and senior management levels in the central government.
What is the government’s reasoning for lateral entry?
 Domain Expertise: The government’s idea is to bring in domain expertise from the private sector to the
Central administration which helps address the complexity of present day administration
 Augments the availability of manpower: The government also faces a shortage of IAS (Indian
Administrative Service) officers working on deputation in the Centre, this option of lateral entrants will
help address this problem.
 To induct competitiveness: Another objective of inducting specialists is to improve efficiency and create
competition in governance delivery which is criticised for being status-quoist and conservative in its
functioning.
 Aligned with Liberalisation Policy: After liberalisation in 1991, markets are playing critical role in
administration. In such environment, regulatory capacity of govt. is critical which depend upon the up to
date knowledge of administrators, which require fresh intake from private sector.
 Participatory Governance: In the present times governance is becoming more participatory and multi
actor endeavour, thus lateral entry provides stakeholders such as the private sector and non-profits an
opportunity to participate in governance process.
Has the government so far made any ‘lateral entry’ appointments?
 The new ad is for the second round of such recruitments. Earlier, the government had decided to appoint
experts from outside the government to 10 positions of Joint Secretary in different Ministries/Departments
and 40 positions at the level of Deputy Secretary/Director.
 The ad for the Joint Secretary-level appointments, issued in early 2018, attracted 6,077 applications; after
a selection process by the UPSC, nine individuals were recommended for appointment in nine different
Ministries/Departments in 2019.

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Why is lateral entry sometimes criticised?

 Lack of Reservation: Groups representing SCs, STs and OBCs have protested the fact that there is no
reservation in these appointments.
 Issue of transparency: The key to the success of lateral entry would lie in selecting the right people in a
manner which is open and transparent. The selection process conducted by credible Constitutional body
like UPSC partly address this problem.
 Incoherence in Value System: Private sector approach is profit oriented on the other hand motive of
Government is public service. This is also a fundamental transition that a private sector person has to make
while working in government.
 Internal Resistance: Lateral entry is faces resistance from serving Civil Servants who would have worked
within the system for years and in line for occupying such top level posts. A lateral entry can thus be met
with resistance from the existing bureaucrats
 Conflict of interest: The movement from private sector raises issues of potential conflict of interest. This
issue requires stringent code of conduct for entrants from private sectors to ensure conflict of interest is not
detrimental to public good.
 Lack of specific criteria: The criteria laid out in the advertisement were broad-based, and so failed to
provide a narrow window to attract people of eminence or domain experts in the fields advertised for.
 Lack of Institutionalised Process: Lateral entry is being done on temporary and ad hoc basis. This cannot
be a sustainable model of human resource management.
Conclusion
 An intensive training program for entrants from the private sector to civil services need to be formulated
which help them understanding the complex nature of work in Government.
 There is also a need to institutionalize the process of induction of outside talent into the government.

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Ethical Challenges Posed by AI

In just the last decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved at an unprecedented pace. It has already
helped increase crop yields, raised business productivity, improved access to credit and made disease
detection faster and more precise.
More importantly, the more we use AI, the more data we generate, the smarter it gets. And as these systems
become more capable, our world becomes more efficient and consequently richer.
It could contribute more than $15 trillion to the world economy by 2030, adding 14% to global GDP. A
study published in Nature reviewing the impact of AI on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) finds
that AI may act as an enabler on 134 — or 79% — of all SDG targets.
However, just as AI has the potential to improve billions of lives, it can also replicate and exacerbate
existing problems, and create new ones.
Ethical Challenges Associated with AI
 Risk of Unemployment: The hierarchy of labour is concerned primarily with automation. Robotics and
AI companies are building intelligent machines that perform tasks typically carried out by low-income
workers: self-service kiosks to replace cashiers, fruit-picking robots to replace field workers, etc.;
o Moreover, the day is not far when many desk jobs will also be edged out by AI, such as accountants,
financial traders, and middle managers.
 Exacerbating Inequalities: Using artificial intelligence, a company can drastically cut down on relying
on the human workforce, and this means that revenues will go to fewer people.
o Consequently, individuals who have ownership in AI-driven companies will make all the money. Also,
AI could compound digital exclusion.
o Further, investment is likely to shift to countries where AI-related work is already established, widening
gaps among and within countries.
o Therefore, without clear policies on reskilling workers, the promise of new opportunities will in fact
create serious new inequalities.
 Tech Addiction: Technological addiction is the new frontier of human dependency. AI has already
become effective at directing human attention and triggering certain actions.
o When used right, this could evolve into an opportunity to nudge society towards more beneficial
behavior.
o However, in the wrong hands, it could prove detrimental.
 Discriminating Robots: We shouldn’t forget that AI systems are created by humans, who can be biased
and judgemental.
o It can lead AI facial recognition and surveillance technology to discriminate against people of color and
minorities.
 Data Privacy Concerns: AI also presents serious data privacy concerns. The algorithm’s never-ending
quest for data has led to our digital footprints being harvested and sold without our knowledge or
informed consent.
o The case of Cambridge Analytica, in which such algorithms and big data were used to alter voting
decisions, should serve as a potent warning of the individual and societal concerns resulting from current
AI business models.

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 AI Turning Against Humans: What if artificial intelligence itself turned against humans?
o Imagine an AI system that is asked to eradicate cancer in the world. After a lot of computing, it spits out a
formula that does, in fact, bring about the end of cancer – by killing everyone on the planet.
Way Forward
 Whole of Society Approach: Many countries, including India, are cognizant of the opportunities and the
risks, and are striving to strike the right balance between AI promotion and AI governance — both for the
greater public good.
o NITI Aayog’s Responsible AI for All strategy, the culmination of a year-long consultative process, is a
case in point.
o It recognizes that our digital future cannot be optimized for good without multi-stakeholder governance
structures that ensure the dividends are fair, inclusive, and just.
o In this scenario, a “whole of society” approach to AI governance will enable us to develop broad-based
ethical principles, cultures, and codes of conduct.
o So that societal trust can be developed for AI to flourish and bring about the extraordinary breakthroughs
it promises.
 Whole of World Approach: Given the global reach of AI, such a “whole of society” approach must rest
on a “whole of world” approach.
o The UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap on Digital Cooperation is a good starting point.
 It lays out the need for multi-stakeholder efforts on global cooperation so AI is used in a manner that is
“trustworthy, human rights-based, safe and sustainable, and promotes peace”.
o Similarly, UNESCO has developed a global, comprehensive standard-setting draft Recommendation on
the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence to the Member States for deliberation and adoption.
Conclusion
Just as electricity allowed us to tame time, enabling us to radically alter virtually every aspect of existence,
AI can leapfrog us toward eradicating hunger, poverty and disease — opening up new and hitherto
unimaginable pathways for climate change mitigation, education and scientific discovery.
However, without ethical guard rails, AI will widen social and economic schisms, amplifying any innate
biases at an irreversible scale and rate and lead to discriminatory outcomes.

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India’s Women and the Workforce

Women’s education has increased over the last two decades, and fertility rates have fallen — both have
contributed to increasing participation of women in the paid labour force in the world. However, this is not
the case in India.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey, 2018-19, the female labour force participation rates
(LFPR) among women aged above 15 years are as low as 26.4% in rural areas and 20.4% in urban areas in
India.
The pandemic is already worsening the deep inequalities facing women and girls, erasing years of
progress towards gender equality.
Both supply and demand factors contribute to the low levels of employment among women — especially
the burden of domestic responsibilities, including the reproductive roles played by women, coupled with
the lack of adequate and appropriate job opportunities.
Reasons for Declining Women’s Employment in India
 Societal Pressure: Generally there is a fear of women being stigmatized by the community that might see
their work as a marker of low status, i.e. the inability of the husband, the main breadwinner, to provide for
the family.
o Further, there is a rise in conservative attitudes that believe a woman’s place is inside the home and
kitchen, and that if the woman steps outside the socially approved threshold, it would invite a backlash.
 Growing Informalization of Work: Over the last three decades, there has been a massive decline in
agricultural jobs, which has not necessarily been accompanied by an increase in rural non-farm
employment or livelihood opportunities.
o There has been movement out of agriculture into informal and casual jobs, where the work is sporadic,
and often less than 30 days at a stretch.
 Women’s Work Not Being Counted As Work: There is also the problem of much of women’s work not
being counted as work.
o Data indicate that the decline in LFPRs is driven by women moving from paid to unpaid work and hence
not getting counted as “workers”, even though they might continue to be involved in unpaid economic
work in family enterprises (farming, livestock, kirana shops, handmade products for sale and so on).
 Inadequate Social Security Protection: Even for women who are in the workforce, the nature of their
employment is such that most of them are out of the purview of labour laws, including the recently passed
Social Security Code.
o This automatically leaves out women in self-employment and those in informal jobs, together constituting
more than 90% of the female workforce.
o Moreover, with land in agriculture continuing to be mostly in the name of men, women are not even
recognized as farmers, although a large proportion of them are involved in agricultural work.
o This also keeps women away from accessing various schemes and resources such as priority sector loans,
income support cash transfers, and so on.
Way Forward
 Bringing Women in Leadership Role: Subdued gender participation emanates from social-economic
issues, which can be treated by bringing behavioural change. This can be changed if more women are
given leadership positions.

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o Thus, there is a need to ensure equal representation– from company boards to parliaments, from higher
education to public institutions -- through special measures and quotas.
 Recognizing Invisible Work: There is a need to invest significantly in the care economy and social
protection, and redefine Gross Domestic Product to make work in the home visible and counted.
 Imbibing Gender Equality: There is a need to remove barriers to women’s full inclusion in the
economy, including through access to the labor market, property rights and targeted credit and
investments.
o Women-oriented government initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Knowledge Involvement in
Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) Scheme, represent steps in the right direction.
 Checking Violence Against Women: India should enact an emergency response plan to address violence
against women and girls, and follow through with funding, policies, and political will to end this scourge.
Conclusion
It is clear that Covid-19 has impacted women’s employment even more than that for men. Concerted efforts
towards ensuring enabling conditions for women to be employed including transport, safety, women’s
hostels along with social security provisions for all in the form of maternity benefits and child care
arrangements are required for providing a level playing field for women entering the labour market.

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Universal Primary Education in India

Nelson Mandela highlighted that Education is the liberator from the shackles of ignorance, poverty, and
social and economic exclusion, through his famous quote “Education is the most powerful weapon which
you can use to change the world.”
The same thought is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in Article 26 which
held that every individual has the right to education. However, seven decades after the UDHR, 58 million
children are out of school globally and more than 100 million children get eliminated from the schooling
system before completing primary education.
Ironically, India which once held the position of “Vishwa Guru” (world’s teacher), tops the list of countries
with out-of-school children. But Kerala has shown a silver lining as it is now all set to be declared the first
state in the country to achieve complete primary education.
In this context, other states, especially Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Assam which
rank low on the primary education levels in the country, could follow the Kerala Model of Education.
Kerala Model of Education
 Kerala that led the way by achieving complete literacy way back in 1991 has once shown that it is
possible to achieve complete literacy even at the primary school level.
 However, this success story has roots in the historic royal rescript of Rani Gouri Parvati Bai, 1817 which
proclaimed education as the “responsibility” of the state.
o Simultaneously, it emphasized that “political will” is more important than the political economy to decide
the expenditure on education.
 Based on the efforts of the successive governments, Kerala is known for its highest literacy rate in the
country and one hundred percent primary and secondary education enrollment.
 In order to universalize primary education, the Kerala government launched a special scheme Athulyam
in October 2014.
 Through extensive surveys, people living in panchayats who had not yet completed their primary
education or had dropped out of schools were traced. Convincing them to study again and sit for exams
was the next step.
 They were given five months of training, enabling them to attend the fourth equivalency examination.
 Amartya Sen attributes the Kerala economic and social success to the consistency with which school
education expanded, based on sustained public policies and action.
Challenges in Universalization of Education
The Constitution of India provides for free and compulsory education for all children up to 14 years of age.
In pursuance of this Government of India has enacted the Right to Education Act, 2009. However, the goal
of universalization of primary education is still far from our reach. The factors that can be attributed to this
are as follows:
 Low Public Spending: The Incheon Declaration to which India is a signatory, expects member states to
spend 4-6% of their GDP on education to achieve SDG4. to this declaration. However, the Union Budget
2021 budget allocates only 2.75 percent of the GDP to education.
 Exclusive Private Sector: Many reports and available data shows a rise in the privatization of education
with a large number of children being eliminated from the system at early stages, cost of education going
up due to systemic inefficiencies, and students committing suicide for want of data and laptops.
 Qualitative Issue: Universalization of compulsory education has failed to catch up to the desired target
because quality control of primary education has not been maintained.
o The successive ASER survey reflects the poor state of learning outcomes in primary education.

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 Other Factors: Factors like ignorance and illiteracy of parents, lack of cooperation between school and
local community, and corruption in recruitment of teachers affects the goal of universalization of
education.
Way Forward
 Active Role of State: To make education universal the state must find resources to provide ancillary
services such as school health, mid-day meals, free supply of textbooks, writing materials, school
uniform, etc.
o The Kerala model shows that comprehensive interventions pertaining to nutrition, health, sanitation, and
early stimulation can help to achieve sustainable growth in human development.
 Social Auditing: There should be a Village or Mohalla School Committee in each village or urban area.
o Such a committee would look after the construction and maintenance of buildings, playgrounds, and
school gardens, provision for ancillary services, the purchase of equipment, etc.
o To discharge the duties, the committee will have sufficient funds by way of donations and grants-in-aid
from the state government.
o For example, successive governments in Kerala have increased the capital outlay to education and
simultaneously decentralized financing of education through local bodies
 Engaging Civil Society: The success of Kerala is made possible thanks to the collective efforts of the
various departments of the government, officials, volunteers, NGOs, and friendly associations.
Conclusion
The provision for Universal Elementary Education is crucial for spreading mass literacy, which is a basic
requirement for economic development, modernization of social structure, and the effective functioning of
democratic institutions.
It also represents an indispensable first step towards the provision of equality of opportunity to all citizens.
Thus, Indian society as a whole should take necessary steps to achieve universalization of primary
education.

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Cyber Security Doctrine

Presently, all across the world, the changes in military doctrines favoring the need to raise cyber commands
reflect a shift in strategies, which include building deterrence in cyberspace. Moreover, the area of influence
of cybersecurity extends far beyond military domains to cover all aspects of a nation’s governance,
economy, and welfare.
India ranks 3rd in terms of the highest number of internet users in the world after the USA and China, but
still, India’s cybersecurity architecture is in a nascent approach.
This can be reflected by a report published in the New York Times that highlighted the possibility that the
power outage in Mumbai, 2020, could have been the result of an attack by a Chinese state-sponsored group.
Therefore, given the criticality of cyberspace in the military, governance, and economic domain there is a
need for a comprehensive cybersecurity doctrine in India.
Note:
India has been the victim of cyber attacks multiple times in the past.
 In 2009, a suspected cyber espionage network dubbed GhostNet was found to be targeting, amongst
others, the Tibetan government in exile in India, and many Indian embassies.
 By pursuing the leads from that discovery, researchers found what they dubbed the Shadow Network, a
vast cyber-espionage operation that extensively targeted Indian strategic entities.
 There were a number of subsequent attacks that targeted India, including Stuxnet, which had also taken
down nuclear reactors in Iran.
 Suckfly, which targeted not just government but also private entities including a firm that provided tech
support to the National Stock Exchange.
 Dtrack which first targeted Indian banks, and later the Kudankulam nuclear power plant (Tamil Nadu) in
2019.
Challenges in India's Cyber Security Architecture
 False Flag Attacks: The documents released by WikiLeaks show that groups such as the Central
Intelligence Agency’s UMBRAGE project have advanced capabilities of misdirecting attribution to
another nation-state (“false flag attacks”) by leaving behind false “fingerprints” for investigators to find.
o This makes it difficult for India to launch a counterattack.
 Problems With ‘All of Government Approach’: While seeking to create an ‘all of government’
approach to countering and mitigating cybersecurity threats at the national level, has also resulted in
concerns around effective coordination, overlapping responsibilities, and lack of clear institutional
boundaries and accountability.
 Capability Asymmetry: India lacks indigenization in hardware as well as software cybersecurity tools.
This makes India’s cyberspace vulnerable to cyberattacks motivated by state and non-state actors.
o India doesn’t have an ‘active cyber defense’ like the EU's General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) or the US’ Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act.
 Absence of a Credible Cyber Deterrence Strategy: Further, the absence of a credible cyber deterrence
strategy means that states and non-state actors alike remain incentivized to undertake low-scale cyber
operations for a variety of purposes — espionage, cybercrime, and even the disruption of critical
information infrastructure.
CyberSecurity Institutions
 Over the past two decades, India has made a significant effort at crafting institutional machinery focusing
on cyber resilience spanning several government entities.

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 The Prime Minister’s Office includes within it several cyber portfolios. Among these are the National
Security Council, usually chaired by the National Security Adviser (NSA), and plays a key role in
shaping India’s cyber policy ecosystem.
 The NSA also chairs the National Information Board, which is meant to be the apex body for cross-
ministry coordination on cybersecurity policymaking.
 The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre established under the National
Technical Research Organisation in January 2014 was mandated to facilitate the protection of critical
information infrastructure.
 In 2015, the Prime Minister established the office of the National Cyber Security Coordinator who
advises the Prime Minister on strategic cybersecurity issues.
 India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), which is the nodal entity responding to various
cybersecurity threats to non-critical infrastructure comes under the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MEITY).
 The Ministry of Defence has recently upgraded the Defence Information Assurance and Research Agency
to establish the Defence Cyber Agency, a tri-service command of the Indian armed forces to coordinate
and control joint cyber operations and craft India’s cyber doctrine.
 Finally, the Ministry of Home Affairs oversees multiple similarly-named “coordination centres” that
focus on law enforcement efforts to address cybercrime, espionage and terrorism, while the Ministry of
External Affairs coordinates India’s cyber diplomacy push — both bilaterally with other countries, and at
international fora like the United Nations.
Way Forward
National Cyber Security Policy 2013 clarified that India needs a National Cyber Security Strategy, but is
yet to be released. Therefore, given the criticality of cyberspace, the new strategy should include:
 Doctrine on Cyber Conflicts: There is a need to clearly articulate a doctrine that holistically captures its
approach to cyber conflict, either for conducting offensive cyber operations or the extent and scope of
countermeasures against cyber attacks.
 Setting a Global Benchmark: India should see the National Cyber Security Strategy as a key
opportunity to articulate how international law applies to cyberspace.
o This could also mould the global governance debate to further India’s strategic interests and capabilities.
 Multi-Stakeholder Approach: To better detect and counter threats from both state actors and their
proxies as well as online criminals, improved coordination is needed between the government and the
private sector, as well as within the government itself — and at the national and State levels.
 Specifying Redlines: National Cyber Security Strategy should include positioning on not just non-
binding norms but also legal obligations on ‘red lines’ with respect to cyberspace-targets, such as health-
care systems, electricity grids, water supply, and financial systems.
 Promoting Indigenisation: There is a need to create opportunities for developing software to safeguard
cybersecurity and digital communications.
o The Government of India may consider including cybersecurity architecture in its Make In India
program.
o Also, there is a need to create suitable hardware on a unique Indian pattern that can serve localized needs.
Conclusion
A clear public posture on cyber defense and warfare boosts citizen confidence, helps build trust among
allies, and clearly signals intent to potential adversaries, thus enabling a more stable and secure cyber
ecosystem.

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Knowledge Diplomacy
Recently, the launch of Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
and the export of the Covid-19 vaccine to Brazil, as part of its “Vaccine Maitri” diplomacy, reflects how
India’s knowledge economy can contribute to the diplomatic capital of the country.
Space and pharma sector’s global success points to the knowledge industry’s diplomatic potential and to
India’s “soft power.”
In the past, India’s knowledge sector has helped the country to become a role model for other developing
nations to develop into the knowledge economy.
However, in recent times India lost this leadership in the knowledge economy, barring sectors like space,
pharma, and information technology.
What is the Knowledge Economy?
 The knowledge economy is an economic system in which goods and services are based principally on
knowledge-intensive activities that contribute to a rapid pace of advancement in technical and scientific
innovation.
 The key element of value is the greater dependence on human capital and intellectual property for the
source of innovative ideas, information and practices.
 Knowledge economy features a highly skilled workforce within the microeconomic and macroeconomic
environment; institutions and industries create jobs that demand specialized skills to meet global market
needs.
 In principle, one's primary individual capital is knowledge and the ability to perform to create economic
value. Knowledge is viewed as an additional input to labour and capital.
What is Knowledge Diplomacy?
 Knowledge diplomacy refers to international higher education, research and innovation, in building and
strengthening relations between and among countries.
 It presents a new approach to international relations where education, science, technology, and
innovation, play an important role in global developmental politics.
 Knowledge diplomacy recognizes that many domestic issues are now global issues; and conversely, many
global challenges are now domestic challenges.
 Knowledge diplomacy recognizes that as the world becomes increasingly globalized, the interconnected
and interdependent world presents new issues, threats, and opportunities that one nation cannot address
alone.
Examples of India’s Knowledge Diplomacy
 India’s knowledge diplomacy history goes back as early as the 1950s, when many developing countries
looked to India to access development-oriented knowledge.
 Students from across Asia and Africa sought admission to Indian universities for postgraduate courses.
 Indian expertise was sought by global organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation
(FAO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI).
 South Korea’s government even sent its economists to the Indian Planning Commission till the early
1960s to be trained in long-term planning. By the 1970s, Korea was beginning to overtake India as a
modern industrial economy.
 Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES), which was also established by then Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi in 1974, acquired a global profile with business in Africa and Asia.
 The development of India’s dairy and livestock economy also attracted global interest.

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 Today, due to self-sufficiency in space and the pharma sector, India can place satellites of several
countries into space at globally competitive rates and can supply drugs and vaccines at affordable prices
to developing countries.
Challenges to Leadership in Knowledge Diplomacy
 Brain Drain: In India, the flight of Indian talent began in the 1970s and has since accelerated. Due to the
better career prospects, this has sharply increased in recent years.
 Competition From China: China has emerged as a major competitor offering equally good, if not better
quality, S&T products and services at a lower cost.
o While India has maintained its lead in IT software, China has developed competitive capabilities in space,
pharma, railways and several other knowledge-based industries.
 Racing South-East Asian Countries: The Indian familiarity with the English language and the still good
quality of teaching in mathematics and statistics have enabled Indian firms to remain competitive in data
processing, business process outsourcing, and software services.
o However, the competitive edge is beginning to blunt due to the competition from south-east Asian
countries.
 Deteriorating Education Standards: The biggest setback in India’s knowledge economy’s global appeal
has been in higher education.
o Overseas students were drawn to Indian universities and institutions because they offered good quality
education at a fraction of developed country institutions’ cost.
o The appeal of education in India for overseas students has waned.
 Deteriorating Social Environment: Further, Indian institutions attract fewer foreign students not just
because the quality of education offered in most institutions is below par, but due to the growing assertion
of narrow-minded ideologies, the social environment offered here is no longer as cosmopolitan as it used
to be.
Way Forward
 Replicating Space and Pharma Success Story: If ISRO’s global competitiveness is a tribute to public
policy and government support, the pharma sector’s global success is a tribute to private enterprise and
middle-class talent in pharmacology and biotechnology.
o India’s current global diplomacy in the fields of space and pharmaceuticals, engaging several countries
around the world, is the fruit of 50 years of sustained state support for “atmanirbharta” in both fields.
o Thus, there is a need for replicating the success story of Space and Pharma in other knowledge sectors.
 Addressing Brain Drain: The government and private sector needs to create better career prospects for
Indian talent. This can help create a “brain bank” on which India can draw for its own development.
 Raising Education Standards: India’s education sector is in a dire need of education reforms if India
wants to make its human resource compete with the global talent.
o It is not only imperative for leveraging knowledge diplomacy but fulfilling the aspiration of a billion-plus
country.
Conclusion
Today, space and pharma are at the apex of a narrow pyramid of India’s knowledge diplomacy. However,
much more is needed to be done to leverage the full potential of knowledge diplomacy.

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Right To Dissent
Recently, in the pretext of farmer’s protest, a review petition on the Shaheen Bagh protest has been filed in
the Supreme Court. The court refused to review its earlier verdict which declared that there is no
absolute right to protest, and it could be subjected to the orders of the authority regarding the place and
time.
This brings into focus the tug-of-war between morality and state security, freedom, and responsibility. On
one hand, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that any protest should not turn into violent chaos.
On the other hand, public protests are the hallmark of a free, democratic society, whose logic demands that
the voice of the people should be heard by those in power and decisions be reached after proper discussion
and consultation.
In spite of this dilemma, in order to preserve the democratic fabric of the Indian society, it is the
responsibility of stakeholders in a democracy that all freedoms under Article 19 of the Constitution
shouldn’t be seriously impaired.
Significance of Right to Dissent
 Fundamental Right: The Right to protest peacefully is enshrined in the Indian Constitution—Article
19(1)(a) guarantees the freedom of speech and expression; Article 19(1)(b) assures citizens the right to
assemble peaceably and without arms.
 Historical Context: The background of the Indian Constitution is formed by its anti-colonial struggle,
within which the seeds of a political public sphere and democratic constitution were sown.
o The Indian people fought hard and long to publicly express their views on colonial policies and laws and
form a public opinion against them.
 Checking Abuse of Power: The Right to the association is required to form associations for political
purposes — for instance, to collectively challenge government decisions and to even aim, peacefully and
legally, to displace the government, to not merely check abuse of power but to wrest power.
o The Right to peaceably assemble allows political parties and citizenship bodies such as university-based
student groups to question and object to acts of the government by demonstrations, agitations and public
meetings, to launch sustained protest movements.
 People as Watchdogs: People act as watchdogs and constantly monitor governments' acts, which
provides feedback to the governments about their policies and actions after which the concerned
government, through consultation, meetings and discussion, recognizes and rectifies its mistakes.
 Supreme Court’s Observation: In Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary, Union Of India & Ors.
case (2012), the Supreme Court had stated, “Citizens have a fundamental right to assembly and peaceful
protest which cannot be taken away by an arbitrary executive or legislative action.”
Challenge to Right to Dissent
Any form of public action to challenge the government’s proposals or decisions is also constitutionally
legitimate, as long as it is done peacefully. Article 19(2) imposes reasonable restrictions on the right to
assemble peaceably and without arms.
These reasonable restrictions are imposed in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the
security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation
to contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offense.
 However, in the recent review petition, the petitioners apprehended that the observations in the Shaheen
Bagh judgment against the indefinite occupation of public space may prove to be a license in the hands of
the police to commit atrocities on the legitimate voice of protest.
 Recently, not only the protesting farmers but also their supporters, including comedians and journalists,
were charged with the Sedition.

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 Further, any arbitrary restraint on the exercise of such rights — for instance, imposing Section 144 —
shows the inability of the government to tolerate dissent.
Way Forward
 Pro-Active Judiciary: A fair and effective adjudicative mechanism in constitutional matters can
meaningfully prevent agitation on the street.
o Studies have shown that social movements could be less radical and less oppositional when the issues
could be effectively sorted out by way of fair litigation means.
o Further, courts need to ensure timely agitation, because had there been a timely adjudication of the
validity of the laws which was questioned by the process recognized by the law, the agitation on the street
could have been probably reduced.
 Establishing Public Enquiry System: In the United Kingdom there exists a robust public enquiry
system that processes ecological demands, integrates them into the political system, and minimizes
radicalization of the movement arising out of exclusion and marginalization.
 Imbibing Civic Culture: On part of citizens, there is a need to imbibe a civic culture that is characterized
by the acceptance of the authority of the state and a belief in participation in civic duties.
Conclusion
In order to participate in public protest, the right to freedom of speech & expression, association, and
peaceful assembly are necessary. In this context, there is a need for debate in public discourse that it is time
when reasonable restrictions outlined in Article 19(2) should be brought under review.

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“A climate-resilient future” Nature-Based Solutions

Five years after the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the signatories are again in the process of revising
their nationally determined contributions as they prepare for COP26 that is scheduled for later this year.
Also, with the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration in 2021, an even wider
scale of discussions of Nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate change adaptation strategy at COP26 is
envisaged.
In this context, the concept of Nature-based solutions (NbS) can help in climate resilience building and
resource management.
What Are Nature-Based Solutions?
 Nature-based solutions (NBS) refer to the sustainable management and use of nature for tackling socio-
environmental challenges.
 The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines NbS as actions to protect, sustainably
manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and
adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.
 It is further associated with other sector-specific terms like green infrastructure, natural infrastructure,
ecological engineering, ecosystem-based mitigation, ecosystem-based adaptation, and ecosystem-based
disaster risk reduction.
 NbS creates harmony between people and nature, enables ecological development, and represents a
holistic, people-centered response to climate change.
 Also, NbS are an essential component of the overall global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris
Agreement on Climate Change.
o In its essence, Article 5.2 of the Paris Agreement recognizes the importance of natural resources in
climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
o Article 7 further promotes the idea of building the resilience of socioeconomic and ecological systems
through economic diversification and sustainable management of natural resources.
Example of Nature-Based Solutions
 Helping Local People: NbS has been very successful in helping local people to deal with the impacts of
climate change, improving ecosystem services, and storing carbon.
o For example, the restoration project in the Lake District National Park, United Kingdom was successful in
improving not just the local biodiversity but also brought with it revenue generation by way of increased
tourism.
 NbS for Disaster Reduction: Restoration or protection of mangroves along coastlines utilizes a nature-
based solution to accomplish several things.
o Mangroves moderate the impact of waves and wind on coastal settlements or cities and sequester CO2.
o They also provide safe nurseries for marine life that can be the basis for sustaining populations of fish that
local populations depend on.
o Additionally, the mangrove forests can help control coastal erosion resulting from sea-level rise.
 Addressing Urban Issues: In addition to NbS being used for restoring ecosystems, it can also be used in
combination with man-made infrastructure in cities to benefit human health and urban biodiversity.

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o Similarly, in cities, green roofs or walls are nature-based solutions that can be used to moderate the
impact of high temperatures, capture stormwater, abate pollution, and act as carbon sinks, while
enhancing biodiversity.
o Creating permeable lesser concrete areas to help replenish groundwater in regions facing water scarcity.
o Large hotels and resorts can effectively pioneer solutions such as artificial wetlands for water recycling,
which would also add to the local landscape’s aesthetics.
Need For NbS
Climate change presents one of the greatest challenges to mankind today. Both cities and natural ecosystems
have the most to lose as far as climate change impacts are concerned.
 Growing Vulnerabilities of Cities: The vulnerability of cities, in particular, is further aggravated by
added complexities of land-use change, the density of population, increased concretization, social
inequalities, poor air quality, and several other associated issues.
o This poses a serious challenge to human health, social well-being, and quality of life, especially for the
underprivileged classes of society.
 Risk to Natural Ecosystem: Natural ecosystem losses such as loss of biodiversity, depletion of water
resources, etc. have similarly been well documented.
o To overcome or minimize the impacts of climate change, the idea of local-led adaptation has been widely
discussed, which directs us to NbS.
Local-led Adaptation
 Local-led adaptation refers to local communities, local governments acting strong in taking effective
decisions to tackle climate change.
 Local-led adaptation is often characterized by indigenous solutions, which are often associated with
nature.
 Given that the most vulnerable populations are the ones that are more dependent on natural resources, it
is, therefore, to be expected that coping solutions also often germinate from the same source.
Challenge to NBs
 Highly Context-Specific: NbS are highly contexted specific, and their effectiveness is also uncertain
under changing climatic conditions. While natural ecosystems are affected by changing climate, their
effectiveness in future climate scenarios is questionable.
 Need For Huge Finances: Apart from the uncertainties revolving around the NbS, securing a continuous
flow of investments is an added challenge.
o According to a report by United Nations Environment Programme (2020), an investment of $140 billion
to $300 billion annually by 2030, rising to between $280 billion and $500 billion by 2050 might be
required to finance NbS globally.
Implementing NbS
IUCN released a global standard including a set of criteria and associated indicators for implementing NbS,
addressing sustainable development goals and resilient project management.
To illustrate these criteria for decision-making prior to implementation, we take the example of the
restoration of a hilly area using NbS. This area once mined excessively for mineral resources; is now
susceptible to soil erosion, landslides, and increased climate risk.
 Restoring such an area would address more than one societal challenge.

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 The scale of the design of the restoration program needs to be estimated.

 Further, whether or not the planned restoration will improve the biodiversity of the region and is
economically workable needs to be checked as well.
 For inclusive governance, the plantation of plant species must be carried out in consultation with local
stakeholders as they are the ultimate caretakers of the plantation.
 While we’re restoring the area, it might cause an improvement in the region’s biodiversity, it may also
result in the loss of playgrounds for children.
 However, such trade-offs must be thought of in advance, mutually agreed upon and maintained
throughout the time. To meet the seventh criterion, the restored area must be maintained, studied, and
effectively documented to support future decision-making.
 The global NbS standards should highlight the importance of replicating workable solutions in similar
environments.
Conclusion
If we can address the complexities revolving around NbS along with securing sustainable investment, we
might develop a climate-resilient future in addition to protecting, conserving, and restoring our natural
environment.

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The Big Picture: Reviewing 50% Cap of Reservation

Why in News
Recently, a five-judge bench at the Supreme Court has decided to examine whether the 1992 verdict by a
nine-judge bench capping quota at 50% (Indra Sawhney case) needed to be revisited in view of subsequent
constitutional amendments and changed social dynamics.
Key Points
 Reservation for Marathas:
o The court’s observation came in a case where a reservation for Marathas in Maharashtra caused a breach
in the 50% ceiling.
o The Maharashtra government decided to grant 16% reservation of total seats to the Marathas.
 However, it was reduced by the Bombay High Court to 12% in govt jobs and 13% in educational
institutions.
 When the decision was challenged before the Supreme Court, it stayed the former’s order.
 The Review of 1992 Judgement:
o If the Supreme Court's five-judge bench accepts that the judgment in the Indra Sawhney case should be
modified, the case will have to be referred to an 11 or 13-judge bench.
 Only a bench of larger composition can modify a previous judgment of the Supreme Court.
 Besides, the extension of the creamy layer concept not just to OBC but also Schedule Caste
(SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST) is to be reviewed too.
 Questions Raised by Supreme Court:
o In the purview of increasing reservations by the states, the bench has framed six questions and has issued
notices about the same to all the states and UTs. It includes:
 Whether the 1992 verdict needs to be referred to a larger bench in the light of subsequent constitutional
amendments, judgements and changed social dynamics of the society.
 Other five questions relate to the constitutional validity of the 102nd amendment of the constitution.
 Whether Article 342A of the Constitution abrogates states’ power to legislate or classify in respect of
“any backward class of citizens” and thereby affects the federal policy/structure of the Constitution of
India.
Constitution and Reservation
 77th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1995: The Indra Sawhney verdict had held there would be
reservation only in initial appointments and not promotions.
o However, addition of the article 16(4A) to the Constitution, empowered the state to make provisions for
reservation in matters of promotion to SC/ST employees, if the state feels they are not adequately
represented.
 81st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000: It introduced Article 16(4B), which says unfilled SC/ST
quota of a particular year, when carried forward to the next year, will be treated separately and not
clubbed with the regular vacancies of that year.
 85th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001: It provided for the reservation in promotion can be applied
with ‘consequential seniority’ for the government servants belonging to the SCs and STs with
retrospective effect from June 1995.
 102nd, 103rd and 104th Amendments: In the last couple of decades, there have been several amendments
to the constitution like the 102nd amendment, 104th amendment.
o 10% reservation for EWS. was made by the 103rd amendment to the Constitution.
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 Article 335: It says that the claims of SCs and STs shall be taken into consideration constituently with the
maintenance of efficacy of the administration.
The 1992 Judgement and States’ Adherence
 Indra Sawhney & Others vs Union of India, 1992: The judgement on Indra Sawhney case was passed
on 16 November, 1992.
o It was a nine-judge verdict which decisively laid down several landmark propositions such as 50%
threshold in reservations.
 It said, ”Reservation being an extreme form of protective measure should be confined to a minority of
seats even though the constitution does not lay down any specific bar, the principle of balancing equality;
reservation of any manner shall not exceed 50%”.
o The concept of ‘creamy layer’ also gained importance through this judgment and provision that
reservation for backward classes should be confined to initial appointments only and not extend to
promotions.
o Earlier, the reservation was meant to be only for SCs and STs. It was the Mandal Commission case that
brought Other Backward Classes (OBCs) under reserved category.
 Adherence of the Limit by the States: Notwithstanding the judgement passed by the Supreme Court,
since 1992, many states have passed laws breaching this limit of 50% such as Maharashtra, Telangana,
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
o Besides, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Chhattisgarh, have also passed similar laws, causing them to exceed
the 50% reservation mark.
 The apex court has decided to look into Tamil Nadu’s 69% quota law after deciding the Maratha quota
case. The 69% quota in the state pre-dates the Indra Sawhney judgement.
o In January 2000, the Governor of the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh declared 100% reservation to
Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates in posts of school teachers in Scheduled Areas. However, it was ruled
as unconstitutional by the apex court.
 50% Reservation Not a Law: Although the limit of 50% is not set by any statute but it is laid down by
the apex court and hence was binding to all the authorities.
o However, the judgement itself said that in exceptional circumstances, the percentage can be increased.
o The issue that arises with the ‘exceptional circumstance’ is that if it actually exists in a given case or not
and if yes then by how much can the limit exceed.
Way Forward : Reviewing the 1992 Judgement: The Supreme Court shall go a step further and look
into the Indra Sawhney case to clear the issues that have arised due to various judgements given by the
high courts.
o The reservation facility should be aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the marginalised
in keeping with their standing in the caste-based census.
 Maintaining the Federal Structure: While deciding the reservation issue, it is also important to take
into account whether the states providing reservations to different communities are maintaining the
federal structure of the government or destroying it.
o Under Article 341 and Article 342, declaring a particular community as Scheduled Caste (SC) or
Scheduled Tribe (ST) it is the power that vests in parliament.
 Balancing the Reservation and Merit: While giving reservation to the communities, the efficiency of
the administration has to be looked upon too.
o Reservation beyond the limit will lead to the ignorance of the merit, which will disturb the entire
administration.

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o The sole purpose of reservation is to address the issue of historical wrong done to the less-advantaged
communities but the merit beyond a certain point must not be neglected too.

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The Big Picture: Accessible and Affordable Judicial System

Why in News?
 The Vice President of India has recently raised concerns over making the entire judicial system more
accessible and understandable for the common man.
o He said that “inordinate delay, cost of legal processes and inaccessibility are impeding the effective
delivery of justice to the common man”.
Key Points
 Equal Justice: Accessible and Affordable Justice has been enshrined in DPSP under article 39 (A).
o However, due to various structural and systematic challenges, the aspiration to meet this objective looks
blur.
 High Pendency of Cases: The total pendency of cases in the several courts of India at different levels,
sums up to a total of about 3.7 crores thus increasing the demand of a better and improved judicial
system.
 Inferences from Pendency of Cases: In 2010, Justice VB Rao (Andhra Pradesh HC) estimated it to
take 320 years to clear the backlog of 31.28 million (3.12 crore) pending cases (the then rate of pending
cases) in various courts.
o The National Court Management, a report of the Supreme Court in 2012, studied the data of pendency
of cases and vacancy of judges.
 It showed that in the last 3 decades, the number of cases increased by 12 folds while the number of judges
increased only by 6 folds.
 Widening Gap: The gap between the number of judges and cases is widening.
o In the next 3 decades, the number of cases is expected to rise by approximately 15 crores requiring a
total no of judges about 75000.
 In fact, currently the 25 high courts have the strength of less than 1200 judges.
Article 39 (A)
 Article 39 (A) of the Constitution directs the State to ensure that the operation of the legal system
promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity and shall, in particular, provide free legal aid by suitable
legislation or schemes or in any other way.
The Poor Judicial System of India
 Judge to Population Ratio: The judge-population ratio in the country is not very appreciable.
o While for the other countries, the ratio is about 50-70 judges per million people, in India it is 20 judges
per million heads.
o Although it is an increase from 12 judges per million people in the past, it does not make us anywhere
close to an affordable judicial system.
 Involvement of Technology: It is only since the pandemic that the court proceedings have started to take
place virtually too, earlier the role of technology in the judiciary was not much larger.
 Recruitment Delays: The posts in the judiciary are not filled up as expeditiously as required.
o India is a country with a population of more than 135 million and total strength of judges with only
around 25000.
 Almost 400 posts are vacant (40%) in the high courts.
 Around 35% of the posts are lying vacant in the lower judiciary.

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 However, there are not too many vacancies in the Supreme Court. The total number is 34 with only 2-3
vacancies.
 Procedural Delays: Frequent adjournments are granted by the courts to the advocates which leads to
unnecessary delays in justice.
o The process of judicial appointment is delayed due to delay in recommendations by the collegium for
the higher judiciary.
o Delay in recruitment made by the state commission/high courts for lower judiciary is also a cause of the
poor judicial system.
Challenges Associated
 More Awareness More Cases: As far as increasing awareness of the citizens about their rights and laws
is concerned, it is undoubtedly very necessary and appreciable but more knowledge of rights means an
increased number of cases.
o The increasing awareness can and must not be discouraged but the increasing cases should be dealt with
efficiently.
 Overlapping of Laws: A number of laws exist in India at central and state levels many of which are quite
similar in nature.
o This creates clumsiness and chaos, these laws must be codified and the redundant ones must be repealed.
 Complex Language of the Laws: Language used in the laws are responsible for most of the litigations.
o In case the legislations are drafted in a simpler language, probably the number of cases being filed in
court specifically related to taxation matter can also be reduced.
 Lack of Assessment: When a new legislation is formed, there is no judicial impact assessment done by
the government on how much burden is going to be casted on the judiciary.
o The probabilities of generating more litigations or requirement of more judges is not taken into account.
Way Forward
 Streamlining the Appointment System: The vacancies must be filled without any unnecessary delay.
o A proper time frame for the appointment of judges must be laid down and the recommendations must be
given in advance.
o The Constitution of the All India Judicial Services is also an important factor which can definitely help
India establish a better judicial system.
 Use of Technologies: People are becoming more and more aware of their rights and which is why the
number of cases filed in court are also increasing.
o To deal with that judicial officers need to be trained, vacancies for the judges must be filled up
expeditiously and in addition the use of technology particularly artificial intelligence must be
encouraged.
 Dispute Resolution: The adjudication of disputes within a short time frame is important to ensure the
trust of the people within the judicial system.
o Delayed justice erodes faith in the system and it can lead to vigilantism.
 Out of Court Settlement: Resolving every case within the court premises is not mandatory; other
possible systems must also be accessed.
o There is also a need to promote the alternate dispute resolution mechanism for which the arbitration and
conciliation act has been amended three times to ensure that people go for commercial litigation mode
and sort it out either by mediation, conciliation or arbitration.

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 Use of Local Languages: For making the entire judicial system more understandable to the common
man, one way the use of the local languages in courts.
o The use of local language in court provides the common man a better understanding of his rights, the laws
created and the hearings of court proceedings too.
o The local languages in the court is already permissible right upto the district level. Some of the high
courts are also working in the local languages.
All India Judicial Services (AIJS):
 About:
o The government is in the process of finalising a bill to establish an All-India Judicial Service to recruit
officers for subordinate courts through an entrance test.
o Those who clear the pan-India test would be appointed by high courts and the State governments.
o The AIJS exams will be conducted in four zones; East, West, North and South.
 Constitutional Provision:
o The provision of AIJS was included in Article 312 of the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment in
1976.
 Background:
o The move is in line with the present UPSC examination pattern, where such exams are conducted in
multiple languages.
 Language: The government plans to conduct AIJS examinations in 22 languages.
 Related Issue:
o Since cases in lower courts are argued in local languages, there have been apprehensions as to how a
person from a particular state can hold hearing in another state that has completely different language.
 But the government is of the view that even IAS and IPS officers have served in different States
overcoming the language barrier.
Conclusion
 A sound judicial system is one based on an objective enquiry, practical and unbiased analysis of evidence
and delivery of timely and even-handed justice to all citizens.
 The government must take hard and fast actions on reducing the pendency of cases as the justice delayed
is justice denied.

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The Big Picture: Modernising the Armed Forces

Why in News?
 Addressing a webinar on the effective implementation of the provisions of the Union Budget 2021-22 in
the defence sector, the Prime Minister listed a series of measures taken to boost self-reliance in the
defence sector.
o The PM regrets the fact that the country is amongst the biggest defence importers in the world but now, it
is working hard to change the situation and also to enhance its capacities and capabilities at a fast pace.
 A total amount of Rs 4.78 lakh crore has been earmarked for the Ministry of Defence in the Budget, with
a nearly 19% increase in capital outlay.
o A share of the budget has been reserved for domestic procurement.
Key Points
 India’s Imports: India is the second largest importer in defence procurement in the world after Saudi
Arabia.
 PPP Model: Rs. 2,000 crore worth 7 projects have been proposed in Public Private Partnership
(PPP) mode in the FY 2021-22 for operation of major ports.
o The private sector has been urged to come forward and take up the responsibilities of both designing and
manufacturing of defence equipment.
 Less Importance to the Navy: The navy has not been given much importance as required.
o The share of the budget for the navy is slightly under 15% which is an increment from a few years back
to around 12½% but the same was 18% in the FY 2011-12.
 Negative List: The ‘negative import list’ has been prepared by the government containing items that
India seeks to stop buying from other countries.
o The government listed various items including weapons systems and assault rifles.
Current Scenario of the Defence Sector
 Airforce: India is gradually moving toward indigenisation in the defence sector, it is only now that India
has got its own indigenous aircraft, Tejas.
o India is lagging behind in manufacturing of its own engines, avionics and self-sufficient radars.
o A lot of progress in design and development of different parts of aircrafts has been made but when it
comes to a compact aircraft system or a weapon system, India is a seeker not a manufacturer.
 Army: The Indian army is still woefully short on looking upon manufacturing of armaments like tanks.
o India has made a great breakthrough in terms of artillery guns but the technological edge required to
modernise its equipment has not been touched yet.
 Navy: The navy ought to be given more importance than it has been given as of now as there are
immense challenges at the sea; the biggest threat is China.
o The Navy has very serious capability gaps; as per the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan by
2027, India ought to have about 200 ships but there is still a lot to cover to reach the target.
 However, the cause is not mainly funding but procedural delays or some self imposed restrictions.
o However, the navy ensures that it has state of the art SONARs and Radars. Also, many of the ships
contain a high amount of indigenous content.

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Initiatives for Modernisation of the Defence Sector

 Capital Acquisition Budget (CAB): The Defence Ministry has decided to earmark around 64% of its
modernisation funds under the capital acquisition budget for 2021-22, a sum of Rs 70,221 crore for
purchases from the domestic sector.
o For FY 2020-21, the capital budget allocation for domestic vendors was made at 58%, an amount of Rs
52,000 crore.
 MSMEs and Start-up’s: This increase in CAB will have a positive impact on enhanced domestic
procurement, having a multiplier effect on the industries including MSMEs and start-ups.
o The Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) started by the defence ministry shall be lauded; over 1200
MSMEs participated in the fourth edition of the DISC in 2020.
 Self-Reliant and Make-in India: It would also increase employment in the defence sector. Hence, it is a
welcome step towards encouraging Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
o The government in its negative list, has included light combat helicopters, artillery guns; these items will
not be imported by anyone thus encouraging self-reliant India.
o The SRIJAN portal has also been launched to facilitate the two initiatives. .
 Other Efforts: The government has taken initiatives like de-licensing, deregulation, export promotion,
encouraging FDI etc to liberalise the defence industry.
o In the last 3 years, 118 of the total 191 projects which have been sanctioned have gone to the Indian
industries.
Challenges Associated to Modernisation
 Decision Making Process: The entire acquisition process of India is very tardy and the time taken
from planning to acquire a defence equipment to actually executing the thought is a quite long procedure.
o Lowering down this time taking procedure to maximum 1-2 years is a big challenge.
 Public Sector Manufacturing and Capability: The public defence manufacturing sector has really not
been able to deliver the way it was mandated to.
o The sector by itself is not anymore able to cater to all the needs of the defence sector which is why
involvement of the private sector should be encouraged.
 Manufacturing Sector: India lacks a proper industrial base for the manufacturing of defence
equipment.
o However, two defence zones have been set up in Tamil Nadu and in Uttar Pradesh which will provide the
private sector with a base to operate upon.
 This will reinvigorate the whole defence economy once these zones come up and begin their
manufacturing.
Way Forward
 Holding the Hands: Getting the private sector into manufacturing; giving them opportunities to
flourish in the sector and assuring them their efforts or investments in the field would not go waste.
o The cost of manufacturing a particular weapon system is considerably high and if the private sector still
manages to bear that high cost but the system does not get procured then the private sector cannot
undertake such a huge loss.
o Moreover, there needs to be clarity in the government policies launched particularly for the private sector
and enough boost to be provided to the PSU sector.
 Investing in the Defence Economy: The defence economy is not a loss making venture.

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o If India modernises its defence sector and reduces the defence imports, it can increase its GDP by 2-3%
and create lakhs of jobs.
o It is a win-win situation and economically profitable.
 As GDP will go up and India will not only become self reliant in the sector but also an exporter.
 Modernising the Ports: It is not just the shipbuilding but the entire structure of the ports needs a revamp.
o The Sagarmala project is one such initiative to revamp port infrastructure.
 Integration the Entire Marine System: Maritime response to the neighbouring nations is not only about
providing the naval support but a much larger contribution of marine merchants, fisheries and its capacity
to trade.
o There is also a need for a coordinating body at the apex level that assists in integrating all these sectors.
 Utilisation of blue economy: India has an imperative need of exploiting the blue economy to its best ,
not only for itself but also it has responsibility towards the smaller neighbouring nations who have
invested their faith within India in terms of their maritime security.
o India has to develop its maritime industrial infrastructure so that it has the ability to look after its own
requirements and the requirements of its immediate maritime neighbours.
Conclusion
 The government is taking the right steps towards becoming atma nirbhar but there is a need to boost
defence PSUs and give them specific tasks to fulfill the desires of defence sector.
 Efforts are being continuously made to bring a new policy to get the private sector involved.
o However, it still needs a lot to be done in terms of holding and uplifting them and assuring them that their
efforts will not go wasted.
 There is an urgent need to focus on the navy in order to ensure India’s maritime security.
o Revamping and modernising the ports, shifting from a seeker to a manufacturer and getting a hold on that
technical edge that has eluded India.

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The Big Picture: Bare Necessities Index

Why in News?
 Despite the widespread efforts and improvements, inequalities in access to bare necessities like drinking
water, sanitation, hygiene and housing conditions continue to exist between urban and rural India.
o The above inference is drawn from the Economic Survey for 2020-21 in its newly constructed “Bare
Necessities Index” (BNI).
Key Points
 The BNI is built on the idea of Thalinomics in the Economic Survey for 2019-20, through which it had
sought to examine the access to food in the country.
 The Economic Survey (2020-21) has underlined the need to focus on reducing variations in the access
to bare necessities across states, between rural and urban areas, and between income groups.
 With us moving to a completely digital era, the bare necessities are no more confined to “Roti, Kapda
aur Makan” but goes beyond it.
 Access to technology; smartphones, internet and connectivity with the whole nation are the newly
added bare necessities to go hand in hand with the world.
Thalinomics
 In the 2019-20 Economic Survey, Thalinomics was introduced to make an attempt to relate economics
to the common person using something that an individual encounters every day - a plate of food i.e a
Thali.
 Affordability of Thalis vis-à-vis a day’s pay of a worker has improved over time, indicating improved
welfare of the common person.
Bare Necessities Index
 The Bare Necessities Index (BNI) is based on the large annual household survey data.
o It is constructed using suitable indicators and methodology at district level for all/targeted districts.
 The BNI summarises 26 indicators on five dimensions - water, sanitation, housing, micro-environment,
and other facilities and has been created for all states for 2012 and 2018 using NSO data.
 The index classifies areas on three levels of access- high, medium, low to bare necessities.
 Utility of data:
o To check inter-state disparities or a progress of a particular state over time.
o To check the efficacy of policies/ schemes implemented to meet these bare necessities.
 Improvement in bare necessities:
o Bare necessities have improved across all States in the country in 2018 as compared to 2012.
o Increase in equity is noteworthy as the rich can access private options for public goods.
Steps taken to Provide the Bare Necessities
 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Saubhaggya yojana for housing.
 PM-JAY and National Health Mission for the health sector.
o Increased allocations for some of the bare necessities in the budget 2020-21 such as the health.
 PM eVIDYA, Swayam Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and PRAGYATA in the educational
sector.
 Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana: It is aimed at incentivising the creation of new employment
opportunities during the Covid-19 economic recovery phase.

87
 Niti Aayog Sustainable Development Goals Index: The index documents the progress made by India’s
States and Union Territories towards achieving the 2030 SDG targets.
Issues Associated
Internet Facility as a Bare Necessity
 During the pandemic, besides the bare necessities, the biggest need was found to be the internet and
smartphones, whether it was about working from home, or attending online classes.
o Most people were able to afford smartphones and the internet, but those who couldn’t afford them, were
found to be in a very deprived situation.
 Internet facilities and access to smartphones is a necessity in the present that has not been taken into
account while preparing the list of bare necessities.
o To catch up with everyone else in this electronic world, the people who are devoid of these necessities
need more uplift than just food and housing.
 Lack of equal internet access is not only a huge inequality in the education sector, but also in the health
sector.
o With the increasing use of telemedicines, e-skilling, e-governance and e-education, not being provided
with the internet facility, a major part of India will continue to be a laggard in this electronic world.
 Kerala which has an enormous Public Distribution System, still there children can be found facing
several difficulties due to lack of internet access.
o Food, oil and unemployment allowance are provided to them by the government, but the internet is not
included in the list.
Multiplicity of Schemes
 There are about 250-300 poverty alleviation schemes launched by central and state government at the
district level which are almost similar in nature.
o This multiplicity of schemes is very infructuous.
 This brings inefficiency within the effective functioning of schemes and opens windows for corruption.
Way Forward
 Framing the policies keeping in mind the future needs and possibilities: The schemes shall be
futuristic keeping in mind that the idea of bare necessities have changed over the years and will definitely
change even more for the upcoming generation.
 Digital education aspect: One of the easiest ways is to target the younger, school-going generation and
take into account what they need so that they get equal access to education.
o Digital India and Bharat Net must be accelerated.
 Discouraging multiplicity of schemes: The high number of infructuous schemes shall be integrated.
o Quality should be raised instead of quantity, a few but well organised and effective schemes must be
preferred over too many schemes creating chaos and confusions.
o Convergence of these schemes is needed, so that the schemes which are not necessary should be done
away with.
 Keeping the traditional as well as new needs into consideration: It is not an ‘either this-or that’
situation, India shall focus on the traditional bare needs along with including smartphones and internet
facilities as a basic need to bridge a digital divide in this technological era.
o The newly introduced “digital aspect” of bare needs must be addressed but the traditional needs must not
be compromised, they must be taken into account at a priority basis.

88
 The need of proper health facilities: The most important traditional bare need is public health which
adheres to sewage and sanitation.
o A medical condition called environmental enteropathy is caused by poor health and sanitation
conditions which infects people’s ability to absorb nutrition.
o Environmental enteropathy (also called tropical enteropathy) is a subclinical condition caused by
constant fecal-oral contamination and resulting in blunting of intestinal villi and intestinal
inflammation.
o Besides, every block hospital should be upgraded, upgradation of the hospitals will ultimately lead to the
quantum leap in the health services available at the block level.
Conclusion
 Bare Necessities Index is a good way to ensure equal access to the bare necessities across sectors,
states and the country.
o It shows that there needs to be a special focus on public health.
 Multiplicity of schemes has to be addressed and integrated; better synergy shall be there among the
centre and states.
 The status of basic needs in the country must be improved as it would lead to the growth of the country
and bring improvement in the rank of Human development Index (HDI).

89
The Big Picture: India's Vision for Indo- Pacific

Why in News?
 The Russian Foreign Minister has described New Delhi as an "object" of the West's "persistent,
aggressive, and devious" policy against China in the Indo-Pacific. The Russian Minister has also
criticised QUAD.
Key Points
 In response to Russia, India has clarified that it has always pursued an independent foreign policy based
on its national interest
o Its relationship with each country is independent of its relationship with the third country.
 The Prime Minister during Shangri La dialogue marked, “India does not see Indo- Pacific as a strategy
or a club of limited members or as a grouping that seeks to dominate others”.
 The QUAD, still in its fledgling phase, has the potential to emerge as one of strongest unions.
 China for a very long time has been concerned about expanding its power and asserting its control and
has started exercising its power and dominance.
 The ASEAN countries are dependent mainly on China as most of them share borders with the country.
The Shangri-La Dialogue:
 The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia's premier defence summit.
o It is an inter-governmental security forum held annually by an London-based independent think tank,
the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
 In this unique meeting, ministers debate the region’s most pressing security challenges, engage in
important bilateral talks and come up with fresh solutions together.
 It was launched for the first time in 2002 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.
India’s Relations with Russia
 India and Russia share a very close strategic relationship.
o In terms of defence equipment, defence purchases and development of the defence platform, it is not just
a buyer-seller relationship but India is also manufacturing these defence equipment.
 In the Nuclear energy sector, Russia is the only country with whom India has a civil-nuclear technology
cooperation.
 Russia is the only country which has installed nuclear power plants in India, the first 3 units of these
plants installed in Kudankulam town (Tamil Nadu) are already functioning.
o Six more units are expected to come up in Andhra Pradesh.
 Although both the countries share good relations, the interests of Russia lie with China.
India’s Stand
 Prime Minister in the Shangri-La dialogue held that Indo-Pacific Region is neither a strategy, nor a
club of limited members directed against any country but a pure geographical construct.
 It is to ensure a free, open and inclusive region in which countries both inside and outside (countries who
have stakes in this region) the Indo-Pacific region would participate.
 India has been trying to explain to Russia the basic cause that is to ensure that in the global commons of
this region, there should be freedom of navigation, resolution of disputes through dialogue and an
international law to regulate all the activities.

90
China as a Threat to the World

 Chinese Expansion Instinct: Chinese are always trying to perceive a shift in balance of power.
o China has always adopted policies for its unilateral expansion of power like in the South China Sea,
the Galwan Valley Clash or the Hong-Kong National Security Law.
o China has been flexing its muscles, with its nine dash line policy claiming 90% of the south china sea,
exercising its control and domination, in terms of ships, overflights, east china sea and Taiwan straits.
 Weaponizing supply chains: China has also been weaponizing its supply chains.
o China has refused to supply PPE kits, the ventilators or any kind of assistance to countries that even
suggested that the Coronavirus emerged in China.
 ASEAN countries and China: Most of the ASEAN countries share borders with China and it is obvious
for China to exercise control over them.
o This is where the Quad comes into play.
 The policies of Quad have to be made effective, otherwise other smaller countries will not see it really in
their interest to go along with it.
Nine-dash Line
 The ‘nine-dash line’ stretches hundreds of kilometers south and east of its southerly Hainan Island,
covering the strategic Paracel and Spratly island chains. China buttresses its claims by citing 2,000
years of history when the two island chains were regarded as its integral parts.
Role of Quad
 The QUAD is the grouping of four democracies –India, Australia, the US, and Japan.
 Currently, it is still in a fledgling phase and a clearer image of what it will evolve to is yet to obtain. But a
few improvements within the group are taking place in recent times.

91
o In 2017, when the QUAD came into position, the level of performance in terms of meetings and defining
agenda was not up to the mark.
 There has been an increased participation from all the four countries, they have declared several issues as
their agenda of the meeting such as the pandemic, economic recovery, connectivity, infrastructure, cyber
security, etc.
 The Quad is believed to have the potential to go from a very loose structure organisation to a very
cohesive structure organisation in a very short span of time.
Way Forward for QUAD
 Geographical limit: QUAD should define the limits of Indo-Pacific region.
o All four member countries have different notions of this geographical region.
 Common agenda: Make a common agenda.
o At this point of time, the Quad does not have an agenda so it should frame an agenda and completely stick
to it.
 Military component + Economic component: There has to be a military component to act against the
coercive activities of China.
o Putting the military component and the economic component together will help QUAD emerge as a very
strong alliance as without military muscle all other fields cannot be excelled.
 Unified strategy at world level: Bringing in contact the countries like Germany, France and the UK will
eventually bring ASEAN nations on board too.
 Hedging strategy: ASEAN needs to hedge itself with Quad against China.
o Unless these countries have someone else to hedge over with they will continue to go with whatever is
available, i.e., China.
Way forward
 India’s maritime space: India must have the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as its priority. Currently, it
doesn't have any navy that can assert itself to distant seas.
o However, in coordination with other navies like the US Navy, the Royal Navy (UK) and the French
Navy, India can participate in the exercises out of the Indian Ocean Area.
o Also India’s navy’s share in the defence budget has come down from 18% to 14%. If India wants to
emerge as a global power, then it must invest in its navy and strengthen it.
 Help for small nations: Smaller countries in the IOR must be on India’s top list and it must ensure that
these nations are dependent on India only for their security.
o India should be their preferred security partner.
o India should also ensure that they do not have to look beyond India with regard to meeting their
traditional & non-traditional needs.
o India should not allow China to have an opportunity to come in between India and these small nations.
 QUAD’s military muscle: QUAD must have its military muscle to accomplish other areas but it should
not be brought to front, it should be kept in the back burner.
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
 The IOR consists of the Indian Ocean and several countries and seas around the ocean including India,
Bangladesh, Indonesia, Madagascar, Australia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, Tanzania and Yemen.
 The Indian Ocean region has 30 straits and channels in and adjoining the Indian Ocean. few of them are:
o Bab-el-Mandeb (between South Yemen and Djibouti);

92
o Bass Strait (between Australian continent and Tasmania);

o Strait of Hormuz (between Iran and Oman);
o Lombok, Bali, Sunda and Makassar Straits (in the Indonesian archipelago)
o Singapore Strait (between Singapore and Riau island of Indonesia)
o Malacca Strait (between Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore)
o Mozambique channel (between Mozambique and Malagasy Republic.
Conclusion
 The anti-China sentiment exists at a global level but the world hasn't actually done anything concrete to
take on China and that is the biggest problem.
o Time has come for an overly aggressive China to be addressed holistically.The Quad has to be made more
effective by militarising it and framing a common agenda.
o Also bringing other like minded countries in the frame and expanding the network of quad and make it
more stronger.

93
New World Tech Order and India’s Role

Why in News?
 At the IIT 2020 GlobaL Summit, the Prime Minister said that the post-Covid world will be about re-
learning, re-thinking and re-inventing.
o The government is fully committed to its principle of reforming, performing and transforming India in
the field of technology.
 In 2022, India will mark 75 years since Independence and urged the Pan IIT movement to set an even
higher benchmark for "giving back to India".
The Technology Scenario
 With the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence, the world is looking forward to grobotisation = global
+ robotisation.
o However, an issue associated with the same is of employment, if the increased dependence on machines
is going to take up the employment or not.
 The private sector is not at all human-centric, it is completely based on making profit.
 Maximum contribution in the field of technology is made by only the U.S. and China.
India’s Scenario
 Advancing in technology: The mindset about Indian products and technology being inferior is changing
rapidly within the country.
 Dependent for assistance: India may have developed a lot in technology than earlier but is still
dependent on other countries for various technical assistance.
o India has approximately 1.5 billion mobile connections, but still does not have the complete knowledge of
making a mobile phone in its full capacity.
o The medical expertise of India are well known yet all the medical equipment is imported in India.
 Lack of resources: India still lacks the ecosystem where a young talent coming up with an innovative
idea can always get a mentor, or encouragement or can be provided seed money.
 India and R&D: India spends less than 1% on the Research and Development sector and that is also
mostly by the government, which is considerably less as compared to other countries like South Korea
where 3.4% of GDP of the country is spent in the R&D sector and 70% of it is by the private sector.
Role of the Indian Diaspora
 When the IT revolution of India took place in the 90s, the Indian diaspora who had studied in IITs mostly
settled in Silicon Valley.
o They have played a very significant role by acting as the bridge between the Indian skills, human
resources and the American technology requirements.
 Indian diaspora, IIT, BITS or NIT alumni in particular, can play a very crucial role in acting as a mentor
to the young talents as they already have the experience and know what the advanced technologies and
other developed countries want.
Technology and Education
 With the nationwide lockdown, the education system shifted from physical mode to virtual, online mode
began.
o About 60% of India’s population cannot afford full-time higher education even if it is provided for free.
o A number of students do not prefer to go for engineering mainly because they cannot afford attending
higher-education on a full time basis.

94
o Making learning available online for the students on a permanent basis can help them study from home.
 Moreover, in order to make India capable of completing globally in the technology field, the enrollment
in quality technology should increase proportionately.
Way Forward
 Human-centric approach: All the new technologies should be human-centric, the interest of the
individual should be protected. The upcoming technologies should be more employing-giving rather than
taking away the employment.
 Blending the education: This is a high time India should talk about blended education; studying online
along with interning.
o Attending college physically only for a short period of time and focussing more on enhancing their skills
and gaining experience beside theoretical learning.
 No more over-reliance on the govt: The private sector is not so keen about investing in the R&D sector.
o Relying only on the government for all the technological development is not a right approach. The private
sectors have to come forward and invest in the R&D and make it work for long-term while the
government shall continue supporting providing infrastructure, healthcare etc.
Conclusion
 As far as technology is concerned, India is at a far better place now than it was a few years ago.
o Bringing about a change in our mindsets about the Indian products and Indian technology is the need.
 What India needs to do to go forward is better training and also ensure that both the services side as well
as the product side of things is covered and do a lot more R&D investment.
o Besides, the private sector also needs to pull up its socks and try and complement what the government is
doing.

95
The Big Picture: 75 Years of UN

Why in News?
 On October 24, 2020 the United Nations marked its diamond jubilee.
o Far from a joyous celebration, it was an occasion sombrely reflecting the stagnance of the UN at 75.
o How it can regain its lost lustre is a matter of discussion.
Key Points
 Despite that the UN has gone through several improvements, the tussle between 'principle' and 'power'
still remains the same.
 The UN is for global governance and not a global government.
 Though the organisation was designed to maintain a peaceful and just world, it still privileges the most
powerful states.
 The UN has seen successes as well as failures almost equally.
 The United Nations must be sustained as there is no parallel organisation to it.
The United Nations
Founded in 1945, the United Nations is an international organisation aimed at:
 Maintaining international peace and security
 Protecting human rights
 Delivering humanitarian aid
 Promoting sustainable development
 Upholding international law.
The UN headquarters is located in New York, USA.
UN's Success Areas
 Increment in the UN membership: Post- 1960's decolonisation, the membership of the UN expanded
from about 50 members to double.
 Decolonisation: It was the UN which played the lead role in the 1960 decolonisation and helped around
80 colonies in gaining their freedom.
 Involvement with civil society: The UN is no more an organisation of nations only, more and more UN
bodies have begun engaging with the people within the nations, experts, intellectuals and media with
time.
 Better sustenance: The UN has successfully sustained itself till now, as compared to the League of
Nations, which is an achievement.
 Peacekeeping: The UN has successfully prevented World War - III.
1960's Decolonisation
 In 1960, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples (General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV)), known also as the Declaration on
Decolonization.
 When the United Nations was established in 1945, 750 million people- almost a third of the world's
population then lived in Territories that were non-self-governing, dependent on colonial Powers.
 About 80 former colonies had gained their independence.

96
o At present, there are 17 only Non- Self- Governing Territories remaining and fewer than 2 million people
live in such Territories.
The League of Nations
 The League of Nations was an international diplomatic group developed after World War I as a way to
solve disputes between countries before they erupted into open warfare.
 It was established on 10 January, 1920 with its headquarter in Geneva, Switzerland.
 A precursor to the United Nations, the League achieved some victories but had a mixed record of success,
sometimes putting self-interest before becoming involved with conflict resolution, while also contending
with governments that did not recognize its authority.
 The League effectively ceased operations during World War II (1946).
UN's Major Setbacks
 Arm races and Cold war: Although, the WW-III has been successfully prevented till date, violence, arm
races, nuclear races and cold wars still occur among nations.
 Power suppressing principles: The world body still continues to see a tussle between ‘principle’ and
‘power’.
o While the hopes of a peaceful and just world are represented by the UN, the most powerful states are
privileged by granting them commanding heights over international politics via the undemocratic
instruments of veto power and permanent seats in the UN Security Council (UNSC).
 Not a multipolar organisation: The UN has been unable to present itself as a multipolar and multilateral
organisation.
o At the time of formation, the UN had 5 permanent members with a total of 51 members, presently, it has
193 members but permanent members in the UN General Assembly are still 5.
 Laggard in holistic growth: The organisation had not been able to cope up with the increasing
globalisation.
o The UN has been a laggard in overall development; no institutional arrangement is there to deal in
particular with Pandemics or new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
The Significant Role of India
 India and the UN: India is one of the founding members of the UN.
o Since its independence and even before that,India has been an active participant in all initiatives
undertaken by the UN like Millennium Development Goals, Sustainable development goals and various
UN summits, including on climate change.
 Maintaining peace: As far as the peacekeeping ambit of the UN is concerned, India has performed quite
well in maintaining peaceful and friendly relations with most of the nations.
 India and UNSC: India has been recently elected as a non permanent member of the UNSC and will
be joining the latter from 1 January, 2021.
o The non permanent membership of India can be taken as an opportunity to convince the like-minded
nations for fighting international terrorism.
o Moreover, India should also focus upon sitting upon the apex body in future; becoming a permanent
member of the UN.
 Raising concern over need of reforms: India has realised the urgent need of reforms in the UN specially
at the UNSC and has raised concerns over the issue.
What can India do?

97
 Perseverance: India must persevere and be determined about its position rather than bringing it out only
on occasions.
 Alliance: It should make other allied nations that have ties with India realise its value and the power they
can all gather together once India gets a permanent seat at the Security council.
 Balance its international and internal responsibilities: India must also see the added pressure it might
receive if it becomes a member on the Security council and not have to compromise with its own internal
issues.
 Principles over power: India’s tilt towards principles is what is appreciated and shall be continued to
maintain its goodwill.
Way Forward
 Reforming the UN charter: The UN charter talks only about the rights but not duties and
responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities at individual, community, global and national level need
to be emphasised too.
 Reforms in the UNSC: The UNSC should be expanded in terms of its core members, only five
permanent members with a total of 193 members does not provide justice to the others.
 A more multilateral organisation: The UN should engage strongly with multilateralism and harness the
capabilities of all those who matter, not just the P5.
o What is needed is a multipolar and multilateral approach rather than autocracy of the P5 countries.
 Choosing principles over power: If the principles are written by the most powerful states, then it cannot
create any difference; the unequal and iniquitous structure will remain the same.
o The salience of power is what is needed to be reduced.
o This is where India can take up the lead and may start a dialogue with the like minded countries first
about the same.
 Judging the elements of power: It is needed to be looked upon what elements of power need to be
appreciated- the crude, military power or the soft, economic power.
 Principles for the powerful too: The other members need to make sure that the powerful members are
made to work within the framework of principles so the balance between the power and principle is
maintained.
 Specialised agencies: The need for specialised agencies dealing with specific affairs such as Artificial
Intelligence, Information Technology, Pandemics etc shall be looked and acted upon.
P5 Countries:
 The P5 refers to the UN Security Council's five permanent members; namely China, France, Russia, the
United Kingdom, and the United States plus Germany (making it P5 +1).
 The P5+1 is often referred to as the E3+3 by European countries.
Conclusion
 The UN has survived and thrived and has certainly seen incremental changes over the last 75 years but
the time has come for the UN to change and change for the better.
 UNSC is in desperate need to undergo reforms, the sooner the better, the later the more redundant.
 In a nutshell, as far as the whole UN is concerned complete reform is needed with principles not to be
written by the most powerful anymore.

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Unacademy Plus Ref Code: PRASHANTYT10 Telegram: CRACKCAPF

Important Eassay topics

DR. PRASHANT JAGTAP

Cyber Security Doctrine 68

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o Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.

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 Similar Instructions Were Issued in August 2017 and February 2018.

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 Mizoram shares 510-km.

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