General Studies Paper 3

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India, addressed the 5th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2023.

What is ICDRI?

• About:
  • ICDRI is the annual international conference of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)in  partnership with member countries, organizations and institutions to strengthen the global discourse on disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Highlights of ICDRI 2023:
  • The Prime Minister said that sinceIndia is leading the G20 group, the CDRI will be included in many important discussions.
    • This means that the solutions discussed in the CDRI will be considered at the highest levels of global policymaking.

What is CDRI?

• About:
  • CDRIis an Independent International Organization consisting of global partnership of national  governments, United Nations agencies and programs, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, and academic and research institutions.
    • It aims to increase the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.
    • It was launched in 2019, at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New
  • CDRI is India’s second major global initiative after the International Solar Alliance(ISA).
    • The CDRI Secretariat is based in New Delhi,
  • Members:
    • Since its inception,31 countries, 6 international organisations and 2 private sector organisations have joined CDRI as members.
  • Significance for India:
    • CDRI provides a platform for India to emerge as a global leader in climate Action and Disaster Resilience.
    • It boosts India’s soft power, but more importantly it has wider connotation than just economics, as synergy between disaster risk reduction, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)and Climate Accord provides for sustainable and inclusive growth.

What are the Initiatives of CDRI?

• Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS):
  • India launched this initiative as a part of the CDRI that would focus on building capacity, having pilot projects, especially in Small Island Developing States or SIDS.
    • SIDS face the biggest threat from climate change.
  • India’s space agency ISRO will build a special data window for them to provide them with timely information about cyclones, coral-reef monitoring, coastline monitoring etc. through satellite.
• Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund:
  • The Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund is a fund supported by both the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

It is a trust fund that will be managed by the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (UN MPTFO) to help in improving the ability of infrastructure systems to withstand disasters, with a special focus on developing countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

General Studies Paper 1

Context: Many climate models have forecasted an El Nino in May 2023.

• A record three-year La Nina event ended in March 2023 and currently, the equatorial Pacific Ocean is at normal temperatures, known as the neutral phase.

What do the Climate Models Say About Upcoming El Nino?

• Impact on India:
  • Weak Monsoon for India:The development of an El Nino in May or June 2023 may cause weakening of the southwest monsoon season,  which brings around 70% of the total rainfall India receives and on which most of its farmers still depend.
    • However,sub-seasonal factors such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and monsoon low-pressure systems can temporarily enhance rainfall in some parts as witnessed in the year 2015.
  • Hot Temperatures:It may also cause heatwaves and droughts  in India and other regions around the world such as South Africa, Australia, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands.
• Heavier Rainfall in the West: It brings heavy rainfall and flooding to other regions such as California in the United States and could cause bleaching and death of coral reefs.
• Rising Global Average Temp:The El Nino in 2023 and going into 2024 may push the global average temperature towards 1.5°C warmer than the preindustrial average.
  • The warming of the oceans is also one of the major impacts of an El Nino event.
    • This is when ocean heat content is already at a record high, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
  • Previous Such Occurrences – Impacts:
    • In the 2015-2016, there were widespread heatwaves in India that killed around 2,500 people in each of the years.
      • Coral reefs around the world also suffered from bleaching and the sea level rose by 7 millimetres due to thermal expansion.
    • The El Nino, along with global warming, had made 2016 the warmest year on record.
    • El Nino events of 1982-83 and 1997-98were the most intense of the 20th century.
      • During the 1982-83 event,sea surface temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific were 9-18°C above normal.

How does ENSO Affect India?

• The influence of ENSO on India’s climate is most pronounced during the monsoon season. During an El Niño event, India experiences below-average rainfall.
  • The El Niño also leads to a rise in temperatures, exacerbating heat waves and causing heat-related health issues.
• On the other hand, during a La Niña event, India experiences above-average rainfall.
  • This can lead to flooding and landslides, damaging crops and infrastructure. However, La Niña also brings cooler temperatures, which can provide relief from heat waves.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: Recently, the 7th India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary of India and the Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs of Japan in New Delhi.

What are the Key Details of Dialogue?

• About:The Defence Policy Dialogue is an institutionalized mechanism between India and Japan to discuss bilateral defence cooperation.
  • The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a wide range of issues related to defence cooperation between the two countries.
• Highlights of the 7^thDialogue:
  • The two countries discussed Service-level exercises and engagements, regional security issues and cooperation in defence equipment & technology.
    • The Japanese Vice Minister presented policy updates from their recently released National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy.
  • Both countries appreciated the growing cooperation between the Services through Staff talks and exercises.
  • They welcomed the conduct of the inaugural fighter exercise  Veer Guardian’ ‘between the Indian Air Force and Japanese Air Self Defence Force in January 2023 in Japan.
    • The Defence Secretary emphasized that both the countries should aim to deepen collaboration between the respective defence industries,
    • Japanese defence industries were invited for investment in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
  • Both sides agreed to diversify cooperation in new and emerging domains like defence space and cyber.

How are India’s Relations with Japan?

• Defence Cooperation:Japan is one of the few countries with whom India has 2+2 ministerial dialogue
  • India and Japan’s defence forces also organize a series of bilateral exercises such as:
    • JIMEX(naval), Malabar exercise (Naval Exercise), ‘Veer Guardian’ and SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force), and Dharma Guardian (Army).
  • Common Groupings:
    • Both India and Japan are members of Quad,G20 and G-4, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
    • India-Japan Act East Forum was established in 2017 which aims to provide a platform for India-Japan collaboration under the rubric of India’s “Act East Policy“ and Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy”.
  • Investment and ODA:
    • India has been the largest recipient of the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA)Loan for the past decades for.
      • Delhi Metro is one of the most successful examples of Japanese cooperation through the utilization of ODA.
    • India’s Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)project is funded by a soft loan provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency.
      • Japan and India had committed to build a High-Speed Railways in India.
    • Economic Relations: Japan’s bilateral trade with India totaled US$ 20.57 billion during FY 2021-22. India was the 18^thlargest trading partner for Japan, and Japan was the 12th largest trading partner for India in 2020.
    • India-Japan Digital Partnership:Discussion is going on for the “India-Japan Digital Partnership” with a view to enhancing the digital economy through the promotion of joint projects in the  area of IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence)and other emerging technologies.
      • Japan is looking forward to attracting more highly skilled Indian IT professionals to contribute to the Japanese ICT sector.
    • Strategic Clean Energy Partnership: For cooperation in areas such as electric vehicles, storage systems including batteries, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, development of solar energy, hydrogen, ammonia, etc.
      • Along with Digital Partnership, it was also announced at the14^th India-Japan Annual Summit

What are the Challenges Related to Defence Cooperation?

• China Factor:While both countries have sought to strengthen their relationship as a counterbalance to China’s influence, their approaches to dealing with China have differed.
  • India has been more vocal in criticizing China’s actions, while Japan has been more cautious in its approach.
• Defence Exports: India is looking to export defence equipment to other countries, which could potentially compete with Japan’s own defence exports.
• Influence of US-China Rivalry:The intensification of Chinese-American rivalry contributes to disturbance of regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

Way Forward

• India and Japan are required to transform their military strategy and build on the common interest in preventing the rise of a securing hegemony in the Indo-Pacific (US and China).
• More collaboration and cooperation can prove beneficial to both nations. There is also a huge potential with respect to Make in India.
  • Joint ventures could be created by merging Japanese digital technology with Indian raw materials and labour.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: The Chinese President’s recent state visit to Russia highlights the growing strategic partnership between China and Russia, which has significant implications for India. Despite the Ukraine crisis, China remains committed to enhancing its partnership with Russia, as it sees the United States and its allies as determined to contain China. This growing China-Russia relations could have security, economic, and geopolitical implications for India.

Recent developments in China – Russia relations:

• China-Russia relations have been evolving rapidly in recent years, with both countries seeking to deepen their strategic partnership. Here are some recent developments:
• Economic Ties: China and Russia have been increasing their economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of energy and technology. For example, in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion, Russia’s trade with China in the Chinese yuan multiplied by an extraordinary 80 times.
• Military Ties: The two countries have also been increasing their military cooperation, with joint military exercises becoming more frequent. In November 2021, the two sides signed a Road Map for Military cooperation for 2021-2025 to guide collaboration in this sphere.
• Political Ties:China and Russia have been aligning themselves more closely on the international stage, particularly in their opposition to the United States. For example, in 2021, China and Russia issued a joint statement condemning the United States for its interference in other countries internal affairs.
• De- Dollarization Efforts: Russia and China have a strong economic relationship and both countries are working together to reduce the global reliance on the US dollar. They believe that the current global economic system is too dependent on the US and seek to change this. Additionally, they are against the use of unilateral sanctions as a means of enforcing foreign policy.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation: China and Russia have also been cooperating in the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. In 2020, Russia approved a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine for use within its borders, and in 2021, China approved the Russian Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use.

Implications of recent China – Russia relations on the US and its allies:

• Strategic Competition: The growing alignment between China and Russia poses a strategic challenge to the United States and its allies. The two countries’ combined economic and military power could undermine U.S. influence in key regions, such as the Asia-Pacific and Europe.
• For example, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced they would re-establish full diplomatic ties and reopen their embassies in each other’s countires after talks mediated in China. It indicates the decline of the USA’s influence and boosts to Chinese influence.
• Economic Competition:The deepening economic ties between China and Russia could also create economic competition for the United States and its allies. For example, both sides committed to enhancing trade relationships, especially energy partnership and full completion of the 30-year, $300 billion gas pipeline called Power of Siberia, that was signed in 2014. It could threaten the United States’ energy security.
• Military Threat:The growing military cooperation between China and Russia could also pose a military threat to the United States and its allies. If China and Russia continue to conduct joint military exercises and develop advanced military technology together, it could make it more difficult for the United States to defend its interests in key regions such as the Asia-Pacific.
• Diplomatic Isolation:The closer alignment between China and Russia could also isolate the United States diplomatically, making it more difficult for the United States to rally support from its traditional allies in the face of challenges posed by China and Russia.
• For example, Iran, Russia and China held naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, along with a few other countries. It is opposite’s to the United States’ efforts to impose sanctions on Iran and North Korea could undermine the United States’ diplomatic efforts to contain these countries.
• Cybersecurity Threats:The increased alignment between China and Russia also raises concerns about cybersecurity threats to the United States and its allies.
• For example, China and Russia could coordinate their efforts to launch cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure and institutions. As China and Russia stand behind their No-limits partnership, announced last year and have embarked on a “New Era” of ties that will be a “model for major power relations.

Implications of recent China – Russia relations on India:

• The relationship between China and Russia has been growing stronger in recent years, with both countries seeking to increase their influence on the global stage. However, this alliance has significant implications for India.
• Strategic implications: The strategic implication is particularly in the areas of defense and security. India has been trying to counter China’s growing military presence in the region, and a closer alliance between China and Russia could make this more difficult.
• Geopolitical implications:The closer alignment between China and Russia could also have geopolitical implications for India, particularly in terms of its relations with other countries in the region. India has been trying to strengthen its ties with countries such as Japan and Australia to counter China’s influence, but a stronger China-Russia alliance could make this more difficult.
• Military cooperation:One of the main implications of the growing relationship between China and Russia for India is the potential for increased military cooperation between the two countries. This could lead to a greater military threat to India, particularly given the ongoing tensions between India and China over their border disputes.
• For example, the recent military exercises conducted by China and Russia in the Arctic region have raised concerns in India about the possibility of increased military cooperation between the two countries.
• Regional politics:China – Russia might work together on regional political issues, such as the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. This could marginalize India’s influence in the region and make it more difficult for India to pursue its foreign policy goals and undermine India’s strategic interests in the region.
• Economic competition:The growing economic ties between China and Russia could also have implications for India. If China and Russia deepen their economic partnership, it could create a more formidable economic competitor for India in the global market.
• For example, both are in favour of using the Chinese yuan for settlements between Russia and the countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This economic pact has raised concerns in India about the potential impact on its own economic growth and competitiveness.

Way forward by India:

• Diplomatic Measures:India should engage in active diplomacy with both China and Russia to strengthen its ties with these countries. This could involve high-level visits, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. For example, India could invite Chinese and Russian delegations to visit India and engage in constructive dialogue to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Economic Measures:India should also focus on enhancing its economic ties with China and Russia. This could involve exploring new trade and investment opportunities, as well as working on joint economic initiatives.
• For example, India, China, and Russia’s recent initiative to create a common digital currency could be beneficial in strengthening their economic cooperation. This digital currency would facilitate easier transactions between the three countries. It could also promote trade and investment among the three nations and contribute to the development of a multipolar world order.
• Regional Measures:India should also focus on strengthening its position in the region by collaborating with other countries in the neighborhood. This could involve working on regional initiatives to promote peace, stability, and economic development.
• For example, India could work with other countries in the region, such as Japan and South Korea, to establish a regional security framework that would counterbalance the growing influence of China and Russia.
• Strategic Engagement:India needs to engage in strategic cooperation with both China and Russia to ensure regional stability and security. This could involve collaboration on issues such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, and climate change.
• Multilateral Engagement:India should engage more actively in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, G20, and SCO to project its voice and influence in the international community. India should also explore the possibility of leading initiatives in these forums that are aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.
• For example, India could work with China and Russia to promote regional stability and connectivity through the SCO framework.
• India can take several steps to address the challenges posed by the growing China  -Russia relationship. These steps include strengthening ties with other like-minded countries, building regional partnerships, promoting economic integration, investing in military capabilities, and engaging in diplomatic dialogue. By pursuing these measures, India can enhance its own strategic partnerships and ensure peace and stability in the region.

Overall, India should adopt a proactive and strategic approach to develop its relations with China and Russia. By doing so, India can position itself as a key player in the region and mitigate the potential negative implications of the evolving dynamics between China and Russia.

General Studies Paper 3

Context: The government introduced The Forest (Conservation), Amendment Bill, 2023 in Lok Sabha to make changes to The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

• The proposed amendments to the Act are criticised for weakening the very purpose of the legislation.

Background of the legislation

• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980:
  • Following Independence, vast swathes of forest land were designated as reserved and protected forests and brought under state forest departments.
  • However, many forested areas were left out — and areas without any standing forests were included in ‘forest’ lands.
  • The anomalies were supposed to be sorted out through extensive ground surveys — but the process remained incomplete.
• Apex Court’s suspension order, 1996:
  • In 1996, the Supreme Court suspended the felling of trees across the country, and ruled that the FC Act would apply to all land parcels that were either recorded as ‘forest’ or resembled the dictionary meaning of forest.
    • This sweeping order helped check rampant deforestation on land not recorded as ‘forest’.
    • But the order also came in the way of excluding from recorded forests vast areas that were already in use for agriculture or as homesteads.

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023

• Restrictions on activities in forest: 
  • The Act restricts the de-reservation of forest or use of forest land for non-forest purposes.
  • Such restrictions may be lifted with the prior approval of the central government.
    • Non-forest purposes include use of land for cultivating horticultural crops or for any purpose other than reafforestation.
  • Assigning of land through a lease or otherwise: 
    • Under the Act, state government or any authority requires prior approval of the central government to direct the assigning of forest land through a lease or otherwise to any organisation (such as private person, agency, authority, corporation) not owned by the government.

• Building forest carbon stock & improving livelihood:
  • The predominant idea of the proposed changes is to build forest carbon stock by raising plantations.
    • The Bill talks about keeping up with “dynamic changes in the ecological, strategic and economic aspirations of the country” and “improvement of livelihoods for forest-dependent communities.”
    • The scope of the amendments boils down to pushing plantations to achieve carbon neutrality by limiting the scope of the Act.
    • Indeed, compared to stable natural forests, fast-growing plantations score faster carbon growth.
    • Conveniently, both count the same towards increasing the country’s green cover, since India does not discriminate between forests and plantations for the purpose.
  • Compensatory afforestation:
    • The Bill also seeks to make land available for developers to meet their legal obligation towards compensatory afforestation in lieu of forest land diverted for development projects.
      • How?
        • If the scope of the FC Act is restricted, fewer projects will be required to obtain forest clearance, which is considered a ‘hurdle’ by most developers in and outside the government.
        • But it will also help developers secure forest clearance when they need it.
        • A key condition for forest clearance is that a developer must carry out compensatory afforestation on equivalent non-forest land or, if non-forest land is not available, on degraded forest land twice the extent of the forest area diverted.

Issues & criticisms

• Removing the forest protection:
  • The amendment Bill, instead of completing the demarcation process on the ground, seeks to limit the applicability of the FC Act only to land recorded as ‘forest’.
  • This will have the effect of removing the protection of the Act from millions of hectares of land that have the characteristics of forests, but are not notified as such.
    • How much area will be affected? 
      • For an idea of the scale, consider the latest State of Forests Report (SFR 2021), which records India’s forest cover as 713,789 sq km.
      • Of this, nearly 28% or 197,159 sq km — roughly the size of Gujarat — is not recorded as ‘forest’.
    • Freeing up the land:
      • The Bill tries to achieve both the objectives (of build forest carbon stock & afforestation) by restricting the applicability of the FC Act, and by freeing up land that is currently locked up as unrecorded forests.
    • No specific conditions for denying:
      • There are no specific conditions laid by the environment ministry for outrightly denying permission for deforestation for development projects.
        • For example, indiscriminately planting mangroves on mudflats which don’t naturally have mangroves to act as a buffer from storms.
        • Destroying grasslands and open natural ecosystems for solar parks.
      • Beyond compensation:
        • What this means is that in addition to livelihood impacts, biodiversity impacts, and hydrological impacts, the climate impacts of such development projects also cannot adequately be ‘compensated’ by compensatory afforestation.
      • Affecting indigenous communities:
        • Any review of the FC Act is an opportunity to make suitable concessions for land that has traditionally been under the control of indigenous and forest communities.
          • Even after the enactment of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the scope for their consent has eroded incrementally when it came to the diversion of forest land for development projects.
        • Now, they may have no say on the extensive plantations that are envisaged on land on which they depend as communities.

• Choosing plantation over forests:
  • Forests are a lot more than a sum of trees. Unlike man-made plantations, natural forests perform a range of ecosystem services that are key to the survival and well-being of the millions of species that they support and also provide direct livelihood and subsistence to crores of people.

Way ahead

• Research has found that natural ecosystems sequester more carbon.
  • We have known all along that creating single-species plantations in, say, Haryana does not really come close to a natural sal forest lost to a development project in, say, Central Indian forests in terms of biodiversity, local livelihoods, hydrological services, and sequestered carbon.
• The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report also stated that not degrading existing ecosystems in the first place will do more to lower the impact of the climate crisis than restoring ecosystems that have been destroyed.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: Bhutan’s King visited India and met the Indian Prime Minister, where both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and issues of national and regional interests. 

What are the Key Highlights of the Meeting?

• Bhutan’s Development Plans:
  • The focus was primarily on Bhutanese’s Transformation Initiatives and Reforms Process, as well as India’s support for Bhutan’s development plans, including the 13^thFive Year Plan that starts from next year 2024.
  • Bhutan is set to graduate from the list of Least Developed Countries  in 2023 and aims to turn into a developed country with a per-capita income of USD 12,000 in the next ten years.
• Credit Facility and Financial Support:
  • India has agreed to extend Bhutan a third additional standby credit facility and has also discussed financial support for reforms and institutional capacity building, infrastructure and connectivity projects, energy cooperation including hydropower and solar energy projects, as well as space cooperation, including the recent launch of the India-Bhutan satellite.
• Power Tariff for Hydro-Electric Project:
  • The Indian government has agreed to a long-pending demand from Bhutan to increase the power tariffs for the Chhukha hydro-electric project,which began operations with India’s help in 1986.
  • Furthermore, India has agreed to discuss buying power from the Basochhu hydel project that was built with Austrian support in 2008.
• Sankosh Hydel Project:
  • The two sides will also try to expedite negotiations on the reservoir-based 2,500 MW Sankosh hydel project, which has been stuck for decades due to environmental and cost concerns.
• Integrated Check Post:
  • India is also examining the possibility of setting up the first Integrated Check Post along the India-Bhutan border at Jaigaon and expediting the proposed Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail link project.
• Rail and Air Link:
  • Bhutan is constructing its second international airport at Gelephu, near the border with India, and the rail link project would help build the southern Bhutanese city into a hub for attracting international investment.
• Digital Infrastructure:
  • Cooperation in newer areas beyond the traditional realms of cooperation such as  new STEM-based initiatives, establishment of digital infrastructure such as the Third International Internet Gateway, integration of Bhutan’s DrukRen with India’s National Knowledge Network – a key cooperation in the domain of e-Learning, E-library project complementing Bhutan’s efforts at digital transformation, e-learning, were also discussed.
• Financial Cooperation:
  • Under Financial Cooperation or Integration, the first phase of the RuPay project was launched, India’s Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) was also launched in July 2021.
  • The two sides will also review the implementation of the BHIM app in Bhutan.

How have been Indo-Bhutan Relationships?

• Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949:
  • The Treaty provides for, among other things, perpetual peace and friendship, free trade and commerce and equal justice to each other’s citizens.
  • In 2007 the treaty was re-negotiated, and provisions were included to encourage Bhutan’s sovereignty, abolishing the need to take India’s guidance on foreign policy.
• Multilateral Partnership:
  • Both of them share multilateral forums such as South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC),BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)
• Hydropower Cooperation:
  • This hydropower cooperation comes under the 2006 Agreement on Cooperation in Hydropower. Under a protocol to this agreement, India has agreed to assist Bhutan in the development of a minimum of 10,000 MWof hydropower and import of surplus electricity from the same by 2020.
  • Four hydro-electric projects (HEPs)- Chhukha, Kurichu, Tala and Mangdechhu totaling 2136 MW are already operational in Bhutan and are supplying electricity to India.
  • Two HEPs namely, Punatsangchhu-I, Punatsangchhu-II in Inter-Governmental mode are under various stages of implementation
• Trade:
  • The trade between the two countries is governed by the India Bhutan Trade and Transit Agreement 1972 which was last renewed in November 2016.
  • In November 2021, the Indian government formalised the opening of seven new trade routes for Bhutan’s bilateraland transit trade with India.
    • These new routes are expected to boost economic activity in the region and enhance connectivity between the two countries.
  • In addition to this, new market access has been provided to allow formal export of 12 agri-products from Bhutan to India, which is expected to provide a major boost to the country’s agriculture sector.
• Economic Assistance:
  • India is Bhutan’s leading development partner. Since the launch of the First Five Year Plan of Bhutan in 1961, India has been extending financial support to Bhutan’s FYPs. India has allotted Rs 4500 crore to Bhutan’s 12th FYP (2018-23).
• Educational and Cultural Cooperation:
  • A large number of college going Bhutanese students study in India. The Government of India provides a number of scholarships to Bhutanese students.

Way Forward

• The importance of environmental sustainability cannot be overstated in the context of Indo-Bhutan relations. Both India and Bhutan are blessed with abundant natural resources, and it is imperative that they work together to preserve and protect these resources for future generations.
• Therefore, it is crucial that India and Bhutan continue to prioritize environmental sustainability in their bilateral relations, and work towards achieving their shared goals of promoting sustainable development and protecting natural resources.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: Despite the efforts of Indian policymakers to transition to a circular economy, there is currently a lack of clear directives for waste management in the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry.

What is PV Waste?

• Photo-Voltaic waste is the electronic waste generated by discarded solar panels. PV waste may contain hazardous materials, including heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, antimony, and selenium.
• PV waste are sold as scraps in India. It can increase by at least four-five-fold by the next decade. India should focus its attention on drafting comprehensive rules to deal with solar waste.
• Composition of Solar PV:
  • India’s solar PV installations are dominated by crystalline silicon (c-Si) technology. A typical PV panel is made of c-Si modules (93%) and cadmium telluride thin-film modules (7%).
    • A c-Si module mainly consists of a glass sheet, an aluminum frame, an encapsulant, a back sheet, copper wires, and silicon wafers.Silver, tin, and lead are used to make c-Si modules. The thin-film module is made of glass, encapsulant, and compound
  • Status of India in PV Waste:
    • Globally, India has the world’s fourth-highest solar PV deployment. The installed solar capacity was nearly 62GW in November 2022. This leads to a huge amount of solar PV waste.
    • According to a 2016 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, India could generate 50,000-3,25,000 Tonnes of PV waste by 2030 and more than four million Tonnes by 2050.

Can this Waste be Recovered or Recycled?

• As PV panels near expiration, some portions of the frame are extracted and sold as scrap, and junctions and cables are recycled according to e-waste guidelines.
• The glass laminate is partly recycled, while silicon and silver can be extracted by burning the module in cement furnaces. However, approximately 50% of the total materials can be recovered, and only about 20% of the waste is recovered in general, with the rest being treated informally.
• This growing informal handling of PV waste has led to waste accumulation at landfills, polluting the surroundings.Incinerating the encapsulant also releases sulphur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, and hydrogen cyanide into the atmosphere.

What are the Challenges in Managing PV Waste in India?

• Informal Handling of PV Waste:
  • Despite some portions of the PV panels being extracted and recycled, a significant portion of the waste is treated informally, leading to the accumulation of waste in landfills and polluting the surroundings.
• Limited Market for Reusing Recycled PV Waste:
  • The market to reuse recycled PV waste is currently extremely small in India due to a lack of suitable incentives and schemes in which businesses can invest.
    • The lack of central insurance or regulatory body to protect against financial losses incurred in waste collection and treatment.
  • Lack of Specific Guidelines for PV Waste Treatment:
    • Simply clubbing PV waste with other e-waste could lead to confusion, and there is a need for specific provisions to be formulated and implemented within the ambit of the e-waste guidelines.
      • Need for specific provisions for PV waste treatment within e-waste guidelines to avoid confusion.
    • Hazardous Waste Classification:
      • The waste generated from PV modules and their components is classified as ‘hazardous waste’ in India.
        • Conducting awareness campaigns and sensitization programs about managing PV waste can help people understand the importance of properly handling hazardous waste. This will encourage more people to participate in proper waste management and disposal practices.
      • Limited Local Solar PV-panel Manufacturing:
        • India needs to pay more attention to domestic R&D efforts as depending on a single module type will dis-uniformly deplete certain natural resources and stunt the local capacity for recycling and recovery of critical materials. The domestic development of PV waste recycling technologies must be promoted through appropriate infrastructure facilities and adequate funding.

What are India’s Initiatives?

• Draft EPR Notification: Plastic Packaging Waste.
• Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021.
• E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016.
• E-waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2018.
• Central Pollution Control Board.

Why should India Act now?

• India is expected to generate a vast amount of PV waste over the next 20 years, making it one of the top five leading photovoltaic waste producers worldwide by 2050.
  • Therefore, India needs to install clear policy directives, well-established recycling strategies, and greater collaboration to prepare for this new challenge. By addressing the gaps in PV waste management, India can achieve its goal of a circular economy and effective waste management while promoting sustainable development.

General Studies Paper 3

Context: Economic challenges faced by the Indian economy:

• First is management of inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to find a solution.
• Second is negotiating bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that protect the interests of India’s farmers and workers. For which coordination is required amongst the Ministries of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture.
• Third problem is secure employment with adequate incomes. It involves all Ministries and all State governments.

What are the lessons for India from the Chinese growth story?

• Economists agree that more investments will boost growth. Therefore, there are lessons in China’s history.
• China and India opened their economies to global trade around the same time. Both countries had similar levels of industrial technologies.
• Since then, China has attracted many times more foreign investment than in India, and the incomes of its citizens have increased five times faster.
• Wages in China have become much higher. So, India seems well placed to attract global investors. But Vietnam is proving to be more attractive than India to western and Japanese investors.
• Western neo­liberal economists have attributed China’s remarkable economic growth to its free trade policies.
• However, after Vietnam’s success, they rediscovered lessons from China. When both countries opened to foreign investors, they already had high levels of human development. Both had universal education and good public health systems.
• Basic human development must precede growth. Moreover, incomes must be increased simultaneously to enable more consumption and attract more investments.

What are issues with the current paradigm of economics?

• The current paradigm of economics cannot provide solutions. It is too linear, too mathematical, too mechanical.Economists have also separated themselves from other disciplines. They are working in silos.
• They should break out of it and examine the complex systems.It will help policymakers to comprehend complex socio­economic systems in which many forces interact with each other.
• As per current paradigm, the number of policy instruments must equal the number of policy goals. So, there is a need for independent monetary institutions for managing inflation, separate trade and industry specialists, and separate policies for environment management and agriculture.

What are the steps needed to remove the inadequacy of the current economic system?

• ­Economists search for global solutions. Trade and monetary policies that fit the United States, China, Vietnam, or India will not work for others. Their needs have emerged from their own histories.
• Economists arrive at solutions by comparing data trends of different countries. In their models, people are numbers. Economists do not listen to real people.
• Global solutions and economic theories invented in the West have caused problems. New solutions are essential. The inadequacy of the current paradigm was revealed by the 2008 global financial crisis; COVID­19 pandemic; and the global climate crisis.
• A new economics is required. There is a need to change the paradigm of economics to bring perspectives from other systems. India’s economists must step forward and lead the changes.

General Studies Paper 3

Context: The World Bank has released a report titled “South Asia Economic Focus: Expanding Opportunities: Toward Inclusive Growth,” which provides an economic forecast for India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

What are the Major Highlights of the World Bank Report?

• India:
  • Growth Rate:
    • India’s growth rate has been downgraded to 6.3% for FY 2023-24 ,and the report cites high borrowing costs and slower income growth as the primary reasons for this downgrade
      • The female labour participation rate and the size and productivity of the informal sector are also concerns in India.
    • However, the services sector and the construction sector are the fastest-growing industries in India, with strong investment growth and high business confidence.
    • India’s growth rate is expected to grow at 4% in FY 2024-25, which is an upgrade of0.3 % points from the previous forecast.
  • Sri Lanka and Pakistan:
    • The outlook for Sri Lanka and Pakistan is bleak, with Sri Lanka experiencing a contraction of -4.3% in 2023 and negotiating a USD 3 billion loan from the IMF, while Pakistan is forecasted to have a growth rate of 4% for the year ending June 30, 2023.

What are the Major Projects in India Supported by the World Bank?

• India Energy Efficiency Scale-up Program:The development objectives of Energy Efficiency Scale-up Program for India are to scale up energy savings in residential and public sectors, strengthen Energy Efficiency Services Limited’s (EESL) institutional capacity, and enhance its access to commercial financing.
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana:The project aims to connect unconnected habitations with all-weather roads. Key to the program is an all-weather access to the respective roads.
• Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor Project:The Government of India and the World Bank today signed a USD 650 million agreement for faster and more efficient movement of raw materials and finished goods between the north and eastern parts of India.
• Innovate in India for Inclusiveness:The development objective of Innovate in India for Inclusiveness is to facilitate innovation in biopharmaceutical products  and medical devices that address public health priorities in India.
• National Dairy Support Project:The development objective is to increase the productivity of milch animals and improve market access of milk producers in project areas.

General Studies Paper 1

Context: Recently, a massive Avalanche hit Sikkim’s Nathu La.

What is Avalanche?

• An avalanche is a sudden, rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope.
• It can be triggered by various factors such as heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, or human activity.
• Many regions that are prone to avalanches have specialized teams that monitor and control avalanche risks by using various methods such as explosives, snow barriers, and other safety measures.
• Types:
  • Rock Avalanches (which consist of large segments of shattered rock),
  • Ice Avalanches (which typically occur in the vicinity of a glacier),
  • Debris Avalanches (which contain a variety of unconsolidated materials, such as loose stones and soil).
• Causes:
  • Weather Conditions:Heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, strong winds, and rain can all contribute to avalanche conditions.
  • Slope Conditions: The steepness, orientation, and shape of a slope can contribute to the likelihood of an avalanche occurring. Steep slopes with a convex shape are particularly prone to avalanches.
  • Snowpack Conditions:The structure and stability of the snowpack can also contribute to avalanche conditions. Weak layers of snow or ice within the snowpack can cause it to collapse and trigger an avalanche.
  • Human Activity:Skiers, snowmobilers, and other recreational users can trigger avalanches by their movements on the slope.
  • Natural Events:Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and rockfalls can all trigger avalanches.

How are Avalanches different from Landslides?

• Avalanches and landslides are both types of mass movements, but they occur in different environments and involve different materials.
• An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope, while a landslide is a movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope or cliff.
• Avalanches typically occur in mountainous areas that have heavy snowfall and steep slopes. On the other hand,landslides can occur in a wide range of environments and can be triggered by various factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human activity.
• Both avalanches and landslides can be dangerous and potentially deadly, and it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid them.