General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Prime Minister has launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative to enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability.

• Under this program, approximately 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures are being constructed across the state to enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability.
• The ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative seeks to conserve water with a strong emphasis on community partnership and ownership.
• It is driven by a whole-of-society and a whole-of-government approach.

Rain Water Harvesting

• Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rain water that runs off from roof tops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc.
• This water run off can be either stored or recharged into the ground water.
• A rainwater harvesting systems consists of the following components:
• catchment from where water is captured and stored or recharged,
• conveyance system that carries the water harvested from the catchment to the storage/recharge zone,
• first flush that is used to flush out the first spell of rain,
• filter used to remove pollutants,
• storage tanks and/or various recharge structures.

Significance

• Water Conservation: Collecting rainwater reduces the demand on local water supplies, which can help conserve freshwater resources.
• Reduced Stormwater Runoff: Harvesting rainwater helps reduce the volume of runoff, which can decrease soil erosion and reduce the risk of flooding.
• This also helps minimize the impact on local waterways and ecosystems.
• Groundwater Recharge: Some systems are designed to allow harvested rainwater to seep back into the ground, helping to recharge groundwater supplies and maintain the water table.
• Reduced Infrastructure Strain: By decreasing the demand on municipal water systems, rainwater harvesting can help reduce the burden on existing water infrastructure, potentially delaying the need for costly upgrades and expansions.
• Emergency Supply: During droughts or natural disasters, having a reserve of rainwater can be crucial for maintaining water supply for essential needs.
• Sustainability: As climate change impacts water availability, rainwater harvesting becomes increasingly relevant as a sustainable practice to buffer against variability in rainfall and water supply.

Government Initiatives to Tackle Shortage of Water in India

• National Water Mission (NWM): NWM aims to conserve water, minimize wastage, and ensure equitable distribution of water across various sectors.
• It focuses on promoting water use efficiency, groundwater recharge, and sustainable development of water resources.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Launched in 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide piped water supply to all rural households by 2024.
• The mission focuses on decentralized water management, community participation, and leveraging technology to ensure safe and sustainable water supply in rural areas.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): Launched in 2019, the Atal Bhujal Yojana aims to improve groundwater management and promote sustainable groundwater use in identified water-stressed areas across India.
• It focuses on community participation, demand-side management, and groundwater recharge measures.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): It was launched in 2015-16 to enhance physical access of water on farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.
• The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): It was launched in 2015 in selected 500 cities and focuses on the development of basic urban infrastructure in the Mission cities in the sectors of water supply, sewerage & septage management, storm water drainage, green spaces & parks and non-motorized urban transport.
• Namami Gange Programme: Launched in 2014, it aims to rejuvenate the River Ganga and its tributaries by addressing pollution, promoting sustainable wastewater management, and restoring the ecological health of the river basin.
• Interlinking of Rivers (ILR): The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has been entrusted with the work of inter-linking of rivers under the National Perspective Plan (NPP).
• NPP has two components, viz., Himalayan Rivers Development Component and Peninsular Rivers Development Component.
• 30 link projects have been identified under NPP.

Suggestions for Water Conservation

• Implementing efficient water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and watershed management, can help replenish water sources.
• Investing in water treatment systems and improving irrigation techniques can reduce wastage and pollution.
• Raising awareness about water conservation among the public and encouraging responsible water use is vital.
• Additionally, policies that promote sustainable water allocation and management are essential for long-term solutions.
• By using modern technologies, such as IoT, AI, and remote sensing, water consumption can be measured and managed more effectively.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry stated that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) can add to India’s maritime security and faster movement of goods between Europe and Asia.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

• Participants: During the Delhi G20 Summit, India, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
• Objective: The corridor will encourage and provide impetus to economic development through enhanced connectivity and economic integration between Asia, West Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Components

• The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will consist of two separate corridors,
• The East corridor connecting India to West Asia/Middle East and
• The Northern corridor connecting West Asia/Middle East to Europe.
• The project would involve the building of a railway line across the Arabian Peninsula through the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and develop shipping connectivity to India and Europe on either end of this corridor.
• The corridor could be further developed to transport energy through pipelines and data through an optical fiber link.

Ports Which are Part of IMEC

• India: Ports in Mundra (Gujarat), Kandla (Gujarat), and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (Navi Mumbai).
• Europe: Piraeus in Greece, Messina in Southern Italy, and Marseille in France.
• Middle East: Ports include Fujairah, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, as well as Dammam and Ras Al Khair ports in Saudi Arabia.

Israel: Haifa port.

• Railway Line: The railway line will link Fujairah port in the UAE to Haifa port in Israel, passing through Saudi Arabia (Ghuwaifat and Haradh) and Jordan.

Maritime security for India

• The IMEC creates a robust and secure trade corridor across important maritime routes. It will give India a strategic role in patrolling and securing these areas
• India’s involvement ensures its critical maritime chokepoints, like the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, are safeguarded.
• The collaboration between countries in the corridor will facilitate increased intelligence-sharing and joint maritime exercises.
• It will help India to monitor maritime threats like piracy, trafficking, and terrorism, particularly in volatile zones like the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea.
• As IMEC improves connectivity, India has an opportunity to expand its naval presence in strategic ports within the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
• This bolsters India’s power projection capability and ensures a protective watch over its trade routes.
• IMEC will ensure India that the strategic Indian Ocean region does not become dominated by Chinese investments, thereby preserving its maritime dominance and reducing external threats.

Other Opportunities for India

• Bypassing Pakistan: IMEC breaks Pakistan’s veto over India’s overland connectivity to the West. Since the 1990s, India has sought various trans-regional connectivity projects with Pakistan.
• But Pakistan was adamant in its refusal to let India gain access to land-locked Afghanistan and Central Asia.
• Indo-US collaboration in the Middle East: This project has broken the myth that India and the United States might work together in the Indo-Pacific but not in the Middle East.

Hurdle before IMEC

• The Israel-Palestine conflict has put a pause on the normalization of Arab-Israel relations which is a key element of the multi-nation initiative.
• Vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz: The entire trade of the IMEC architecture flows through the Strait of Hormuz and with Iran’s proximity and control over the strait, the risk of disruptions remains very high.
• The security challenges in the region have made other partners reluctant to invest in the project.

Way Forward

• The geopolitical concerns need to be managed by striking a delicate balance in accommodating the geopolitical interests of the participating nations and addressing potential political sensitivities.
• There is also a need to maintain the required security apparatus as the project passes through certain unstable regions of the world.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: India faces significant strategic challenges in South Asia, highlighted by ongoing issues such as the military standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh, the inconclusive 31st meeting of the India-China Border Affairs diplomatic mechanism, and the growing influence of China in neighbouring countries.

These developments underscore the complex geopolitical landscape that India must navigate in its pursuit of regional stability and security.

Background

• Border Disputes with China and Pakistan:
• The Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan are flashpoints for military confrontation, as evidenced by recent standoffs in Ladakh and the continued insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir.
• These disputes undermine regional stability and impede diplomatic resolutions.
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Maritime Silk Road:
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Maritime Silk Road are viewed with suspicion by India.
• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major BRI project, passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which India claims as its own territory.
• Furthermore, China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean through infrastructure investments in countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives raises concerns of strategic encirclement, also known as the “String of Pearls” theory.
• Shifting Political Dynamics in Neighbouring Countries:
• Political shifts in India’s neighbouring countries have added to its challenges.
• For example, Maldives and Bangladesh, traditionally close allies, are showing increasing openness to Chinese investment and influence.
• Meanwhile, India’s strained relations with Nepal and Sri Lanka, partly due to internal political dynamics and perceived interference, pose challenges for India’s leadership in the region.

Economic Implications

• Trade Deficit with China:
• India’s trade deficit with China has ballooned to $85 billion, creating a significant economic vulnerability.
• India relies on China for crucial imports in sectors such as electronics, machinery, and pharmaceuticals.
• This dependency has strategic ramifications, particularly during times of heightened tension, as disruptions to supply chains could impact key industries.
• Mass Poverty and Jobless Growth:
• India continues to grapple with significant economic challenges, including mass poverty and jobless growth.
• Economic inequality and underemployment pose internal threats to India’s aspirations for development and global leadership.
• These domestic issues limit India’s ability to channel resources towards strategic objectives like defense modernization.

Defense and Security Challenges

• Dependence on Defense Imports:
• India’s continued reliance on foreign defense imports constrains its strategic autonomy.
• Despite being one of the world’s largest arms importers, the country still lags behind in the domestic production of advanced military equipment.
• This dependency limits India’s capacity to respond independently to emerging security threats and undermines its long-term defense posture.
• Modernization of Military Capabilities:
• The modernization of India’s military capabilities is essential to counter the growing threats posed by its regional adversaries.
• China’s rapid military advancements, coupled with Pakistan’s continued development of its nuclear arsenal, necessitate urgent upgrades to India’s conventional and nuclear forces.
• Emerging security threats, such as cyber warfare and hybrid warfare, further complicate India’s defense requirements.
• Nuclear Deterrence:
• India’s nuclear deterrence strategy faces increasing challenges, as both China and Pakistan continue to enhance their nuclear capabilities.
• The evolving nuclear landscape in South Asia requires India to reassess its nuclear doctrine and develop robust countermeasures to ensure credible deterrence.

Diplomatic Considerations

• Perception of India as a “Big Brother”:
• India’s relationships with its neighbours have often been strained by perceptions of India as a regional “bully” or “big brother.”
• Countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka have expressed concerns about India’s interference in their domestic affairs. This perception complicates India’s ability to forge close, cooperative relationships in South Asia.
• Impact of Domestic Politics:
• Domestic political developments in India, including internal political polarization and challenges to democratic norms, have impacted its international image.
• Strategic Alliances:
• India’s diplomatic strategy must focus on building strong alliances and partnerships to counter regional threats.
• The Quad (India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia) represents a crucial platform for countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Strengthening ties with Southeast Asian countries through initiatives like the Act East Policy is also essential.

Future Prospects

• Economic Potential:
• India is on track to become one of the largest economies by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of its independence.
• To achieve this, India must invest in technological advancements, infrastructure development, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse is crucial to reducing economic vulnerabilities, particularly in sectors where India relies heavily on imports.
• Addressing Domestic Challenges:
• India must overcome significant domestic challenges, including mass poverty, inadequate healthcare, and low levels of education, to realize its full potential.
• Cooperative Neighbourhood:
• A stable and cooperative neighbourhood is essential for India’s aspirations of becoming a global power.
• Ensuring positive relations with neighbouring countries and reducing external threats through diplomacy and strategic partnerships will allow India to focus on internal development and international leadership.

Government Schemes

• Atmanirbhar Bharat:
• The Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative aims to boost domestic manufacturing, including in the defense sector.
• Neighbourhood First Policy:
• India’s Neighbourhood First Policy emphasizes improving relations with its immediate neighbours.
• Strengthening bilateral ties and fostering regional cooperation are essential for maintaining stability and countering external threats.
• Act East Policy:
• India’s Act East Policy seeks to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian countries.

Way Forward

• National Security Strategy:
• India must develop a coherent national security strategy that addresses its deterrence failures and prepares it to face both conventional and unconventional threats from China and Pakistan.
• Diversify Trade Partnerships:
• India should reduce its economic dependence on China by diversifying trade partnerships and investing in self-reliant industries.
• Self-reliance in Defense:
• Accelerating the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defense production will be crucial for India to maintain its strategic autonomy and counter regional threats.
• Update Nuclear Deterrence Strategy:
• Given the evolving nuclear landscape in South Asia, India should reassess and update its nuclear deterrence strategy to ensure that it remains a credible force against both China and Pakistan.

Conclusion

• India’s path to regional leadership and global power status is fraught with challenges, but by addressing the above issues with foresight and strategic planning, India can navigate the complexities of South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has called for the revival of the “spirit of SAARC”, stressing that the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) can solve many of the region’s pressing issues.

SAARC’s Dormancy

• The 2016 SAARC Summit to be held in Islamabad, was cancelled after the Uri terrorist attack in India, with several countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Afghanistan declining to participate.
• Last SAARC biennial summit was hosted by Nepal in 2014.
• The various South Asian leaders highlight the urgent need for SAARC to become a more active and functional body to address regional challenges, including security concerns, economic cooperation, and humanitarian crises such as the Rohingya situation.

Reasons for SAARC’s Failures

• Lack of Political Will: Member states often prioritize national interests over regional cooperation. The absence of strong political commitment from leaders to resolve conflicts or work together hampers SAARC’s progress.
• Unlike the European Union, where member states have overcome historical differences, South Asian leaders have been less proactive in fostering cooperation.
• Structural Weakness: SAARC operates on the principle of unanimity, meaning that all decisions require the consent of every member state. This structure allows any country, particularly India or Pakistan, to veto or block initiatives, resulting in deadlock. This inability to bypass political differences or manage regional conflicts has restricted SAARC’s effectiveness.
• Economic Disparities: The member countries of SAARC have significant economic disparities. India dominates the region in terms of economic power, which creates resentment among smaller member states who feel overshadowed (India’s Big Brother hegemony)
• Limited Scope of Cooperation: While SAARC has had success in areas such as health, education, and disaster management, it has struggled in more critical areas like security, trade, and economic development. Regional agreements such as the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) have not been fully implemented, limiting economic cooperation.
• External Influence: The geopolitical influence of external powers, such as China and the United States, has added complexity to SAARC’s internal dynamics. China’s growing presence in South Asia, especially through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has drawn some SAARC members away from a unified approach to regional issues.
• Internal Conflicts and Political Instability: Several SAARC countries face internal political instability or conflicts, such as civil wars, military coups, and ethnic insurgencies, which detract from their ability to engage meaningfully in regional cooperation.

For example, Afghanistan’s internal conflict, Bangladesh’s crisis further undermine SAARC’s cohesion.

Need for SAARC Revival

• Regional Cooperation for Peace and Security: A functional SAARC can provide a platform for diplomatic dialogue, confidence-building measures, and peaceful conflict resolution among member nations.
• Cooperation on security-related issues like terrorism, cross-border disputes, and cybersecurity is vital for regional stability.
• Economic Integration and Development: South Asia remains one of the least economically integrated regions in the world. A revived SAARC can facilitate greater intra-regional trade, investment, and economic cooperation through agreements like the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
• Enhanced economic ties can lead to job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable development for the region’s 1.8 billion people.
• Addressing Common Challenges: The region faces shared challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, food security, public health crises, and water resource management. A stronger SAARC could coordinate joint efforts to address these issues more effectively through regional initiatives and disaster response mechanisms.
• Rohingya and Refugee Crisis: Regional cooperation is crucial for handling humanitarian crises, such as the Rohingya refugee crisis. SAARC can help facilitate discussions on repatriation, resource-sharing, and addressing the root causes of refugee migrations, providing relief to countries like Bangladesh that are under immense strain.
• Geopolitical Balance: With China’s growing influence in South Asia, reviving SAARC would allow member countries to collaborate more strategically in balancing external powers. This could promote regional autonomy and strengthen South-South cooperation.
• Leveraging Global Forums: A revived SAARC can provide South Asia with a stronger collective voice in global forums such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and climate summits, ensuring that the region’s interests are represented and advanced on the global stage.

India’s Role and Contribution

• Despite challenges, India continues to support SAARC through initiatives such as the launch of the South Asian Satellite and the establishment of the South Asian University. These initiatives have strengthened regional collaboration in technology, education, and research.
• However, India has also been focusing on interregional initiatives like BIMSTEC and its Act East Policy, highlighting the need for SAARC to revitalize itself to remain relevant in the changing geopolitical landscape.

Way Ahead

• Strengthening Political Will: Member states, especially India and Pakistan, need to prioritize regional cooperation over bilateral conflicts. Diplomatic dialogue and confidence-building measures should be initiated to ensure smooth functioning of SAARC.
• Boosting Intra Regional Trade: Simplifying trade procedures, enhancing connectivity, and fully implementing the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) can help unlock the region’s untapped trade potential and promote economic growth.
• Leveraging Sub-Regional Initiatives: While continuing to engage in BIMSTEC and the Act East Policy, India and other members can align these efforts with SAARC goals to ensure mutual growth and regional stability, fostering integration without sidelining SAARC.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: A recent article in The Lancet has estimated that the Indian population’s consumption of 15 dietary micronutrients is inadequate.

Major Highlights

• Over 5 billion people worldwide, which is 68% of the global population, do not consume enough iodine; 67% do not consume enough vitamin E; and 66%, calcium.
• More than 4 billion people (65% of the population) do not consume enough iron; 55%, riboflavin; 54%, folate; and 53%, vitamin C.
• Within the same country and age groups, estimated inadequate intakes were higher for women than men for iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium; and higher for men than women for magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, and niacin.
• Calcium intake inadequacy is reported to be highest in countries in south Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and east Asia and the Pacific.
• Also, Intake inadequacy was high across all age–sex groups in these countries, but highest among people aged 10–30 years.

 Significance of Micronutrients

• They perform a range of functions, including enabling the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances needed for normal growth and development.
• They support metabolic processes, bone development and maintenance, several micronutrients influence brain health and cognitive function.
• Iron, vitamin B12, and folate are vital for the production of red blood cells and the prevention of anemia.
• Vitamins C and A, as well as zinc, play roles in tissue repair and wound healing.
• Adequate intake of certain micronutrients can help prevent chronic diseases.
• Micronutrient deficiencies can cause visible and dangerous health conditions, but they can also lead to less clinically notable reductions in energy level, mental clarity and overall capacity.
• This can lead to reduced educational outcomes, reduced work productivity and increased risk from other diseases and health conditions.
• Many of these deficiencies are preventable through nutrition education and consumption of a healthy diet containing diverse foods, as well as food fortification and supplementation, where needed.
• Government of India Initiatives targeting Micronutrients Malnutrition
• National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyan): Launched in 2018, it aims to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight by improving the nutritional status of children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): It provides comprehensive services for children under six years of age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It aims to improve the nutritional status and health of these groups.
• National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI): It was launched to combat iron deficiency anemia, especially in children and women. Initiative includes providing iron and folic acid supplements.
• Food Fortification Programs: Fortification programs focus on adding iodine to salt (iodized salt), iron and folic acid to wheat flour, and Vitamin A to edible oils.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) oversees the implementation of these fortification standards.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS): The scheme provides free lunches that are fortified with essential nutrients to schoolchildren, aiming to enhance their nutritional intake and promote regular school attendance.
• Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): The program includes regular iron and folic acid supplementation, deworming, and efforts to enhance dietary intake of iron-rich foods.
• It also emphasizes the need for community-based interventions and awareness campaigns.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Iranian Supreme Leader indicated that while the U.S. is not to be trusted, there is no harm in engaging in negotiations with them about nuclear cooperation.

Iran-US relations:

• The US and Iran have longstanding tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, missile capabilities, and regional influence.
• The US believes Iran’s nuclear program could lead to weapons development, while Iran insists its program is for civilian use.

Historical Linkages

• In 1953, the U.S. and the UK orchestrated a coup to remove Iran’s democratically elected leader, Mohammad Mosaddegh, who had sought to nationalize oil resources.
• The U.S. supported the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who established a repressive regime.
• In 1979, The Iranian Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini resulted in the establishment of an Islamic Republic and severed diplomatic ties with the U.S.
• Since 1979, the U.S. has imposed various sanctions on Iran, including trade embargoes, arms embargoes, and sanctions on foreign banks.

Previous Engagement

• The last time the Iran-US seemed close to bilateral cooperation was in 2015, when Iran and Western countries signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
• It was aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear weapons development in exchange for relief from Western economic sanctions.
• In 2018, the Trump administration withdrew from the JCPOA, leading to further deterioration in the U.S.-Iran relations.

Impact:

• The JCPOA represented a thaw in relations but was undermined by the U.S. exit in 2018.
• Iran has since accelerated its nuclear program, though it claims not to seek nuclear weapons.
• The ongoing hostility between the U.S. and Iran contributes to regional instability, with the U.S. supporting Israel and Iran opposing U.S. and Israeli policies.
• Iran faces severe economic challenges due to US sanctions, including a drop in oil exports, inflation, and decreased growth.
• Despite these troubles, Iran has historically managed to cope with sanctions.

Developments Favouring Iran:

• Saudi-Iran Peace Deal: The China-brokered peace deal with Saudi Arabia in March 2023 and Iran’s inclusion in the SCO and BRICS have improved Iran’s regional standing.
• Gaza War: Iran’s military capabilities were highlighted by its involvement in the Gaza conflict.
• Iran’s Strategic Partnerships: Iran has strengthened ties with Russia and China and is exploring opportunities with India.
• Oil and Gas Reserves: Iran has vast reserves of oil and natural gas, making it a key player in global energy markets.
• India’s Engagement with Iran:
• India has enhanced its outreach in West Asia, but relations with Iran have not fully matched potential due to geopolitical and economic factors.
• India maintains multilateral ties with Iran through platforms like SCO and BRICS.
• Key agreements include the Tehran Declaration (2001) and the New Delhi Declaration (2003), although relations have been strained by sanctions and geopolitical factors.
• India and Iran signed a 10-year agreement to develop the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar port, marking a new phase in India’s long-term interest in the port.

Response of US and India’s Dilemma

• The U.S. has raised concerns about potential sanctions related to the Chabahar deal.
• There has been no clear exemption provided for this project, despite previous exemptions for humanitarian aid and support to Afghanistan.
• India faces pressure from the US to stop Iranian oil imports while maintaining strong bilateral ties with Iran
• Indian oil companies have reportedly ceased placing new orders for Iranian oil due to sanctions.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• The upcoming U.S. presidential elections could influence Iran’s situation.
• And India should monitor potential tougher actions from the U.S. and navigate its diplomacy carefully.
• India’s options include finding informal ways to continue oil imports or negotiating with the US for an exemption, while enhancing investments in Chabahar and other projects to maintain relations with Iran without directly defying US policy.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Recent triennial International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE-2024) highlighted malnutrition, hunger are worsening due to geopolitical unrest and climate change, and focused on ‘Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems’.

About

• Goal 2 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is all about creating a world free of hunger by 2030. It’s a bold and essential mission—one that resonates with our shared humanity.
• The vision of a hunger-free world by 2030 is both inspiring and daunting. It’s a goal that resonates with the collective desire for a more equitable and compassionate planet.

Why Does Zero Hunger Matter?

• A world with zero hunger positively impacts our economies, health, education, equality, and social development. It’s a cornerstone for building a better future for everyone.
• Moreover, hunger limits human development, making it challenging to achieve other sustainable development goals like education, health, and gender equality.
• Economies: Productive, well-nourished individuals contribute to economic growth.
• Health: Proper nutrition prevents diseases and improves overall well-being.
• Education: Hungry children struggle to learn effectively.
• Gender Equality: Empowered women play a pivotal role in eradicating hunger.

Challenges Ahead

• Despite progress in agricultural productivity, over two billion people globally still lack access to sufficient, nutritious, and safe food. Projections indicate that the world is not on track to achieve zero hunger by 2030.
• Rising Hunger and Food Insecurity: Since 2015, the global issue of hunger and food insecurity has intensified. Factors such as geopolitical unrest, climate change, and deepening inequalities have exacerbated the situation.
• In 2022, approximately 735 million people—about 9.2% of the world’s population—experienced chronic hunger – —a staggering rise compared to 2019.
• An additional 2.4 billion people faced moderate to severe food insecurity, meaning they lacked access to sufficient nourishment. This number escalated by an alarming 391 million people compared to 2019.
• Stunted Growth and Malnutrition: Extreme hunger and malnutrition hinder sustainable development. Stunted growth affects 148 million children, while 45 million children under the age of 5 suffer from wasting.
• These conditions not only impair physical health but also limit cognitive development and economic productivity.

Achieving Zero Hunger

• Multi-dimensional Approach: We need a comprehensive strategy. This includes:
• Social Protection: Ensuring safety nets for vulnerable populations.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting practices that enhance food security while safeguarding the environment.
• Investment in Agriculture: Critical for reducing hunger, poverty, and building resilience to disasters.
• Nutrition: Ensuring safe and nutritious food, especially for children.
• Transforming Food Systems: Creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.
• Social Protection: Ensuring safety nets for vulnerable populations, especially children, to safeguard access to safe and nutritious food.
• Transforming Food Systems: We need inclusive and sustainable food systems that prioritise nutrition, reduce waste, and promote resilience.

India’s Efforts

• India, once a net importer of food grains, has transformed into a net exporter. During the pandemic, the government efficiently distributed food grains through the Public Distribution System, providing emergency assistance to families.
• However, India also faces challenges related to malnutrition and climate change.
• Malnutrition and Anaemia: While malnutrition has decreased over the past decade, the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18 revealed that more than 40 million Indian children suffer from chronic malnutrition.
• Additionally, over half of Indian women aged 15-49 years are anaemic.
• Programs like the Integrated Child Development Services (providing meals to children under six and pregnant/lactating mothers) and the mid-day meal scheme demonstrate India’s commitment to addressing these challenges.

Way Forward (Road to Zero Hunger by 2030)

• Food as the Essence of Life: Food isn’t just sustenance; it’s woven into our cultures and communities. It has the power to bring people together, nourish our bodies, and sustain the planet.
• UN Food Agencies’ Pledge: On World Food Day, the food agencies of the United Nations (UN) pledged to work collaboratively to end hunger, eradicate food insecurity, and achieve SDG 2.
• Shared Commitment: World leaders, during the SDG Summit in New York, reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating poverty and ending hunger. However, it’s clear that concerted efforts are needed to bridge the gap between aspiration and reality.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

The Union Budget’s allocations for health sector initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and Human Resources for Health and Medical Education (HRHME) depend heavily on State-level implementation.

• These Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) require States to share costs and manage operations.

Key Issues Pertaining to This

Low Fund Utilisation:

• In PM-ABHIM, only about 29% of funds were utilised in 2022-23. In HRHME, fund absorption was similarly low.
• Factors like complex grant structures and overlapping funding streams have slowed implementation. For instance, only 45% of the health grants from the 15th Finance Commission were utilised, highlighting inefficiencies in the system.

Construction Delays:

• Many scheme components involve construction, which is often delayed by rigid procedures and administrative hurdles. This affects fund absorption rates.

Faculty Shortages:

• A significant shortage of teaching faculty across newly created medical colleges, especially in Empowered Action Group (EAG) States like Uttar Pradesh, where 30% of teaching positions remain vacant. This shortage is particularly severe in rural Community Health Centres (CHCs), where two-thirds of specialist positions are unfilled.

Fiscal Constraints at the State Level

• States must bear the recurring costs of maintaining the health infrastructure built under PM-ABHIM and HRHME. Since the Union government’s support for human resources is limited until 2025-26, States will need to plan for long-term financial commitments.
• Creating fiscal space will be essential for sustaining these health initiatives and meeting additional costs.

Way Ahead

• Address Human Resource Shortages: Filling teaching faculty and specialist vacancies is critical to ensuring that new medical infrastructure is fully utilised.
• Improving fund utilisation through better public financial management processes at both the State and central levels can help accelerate implementation.
• Long-term Financial Planning: States need to plan for the recurring expenditures required to maintain the infrastructure built under these schemes, ensuring sustainable health services beyond 2025-26.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Expanding infrastructure beyond urban centres, particularly in underserved areas, is crucial for addressing regional health disparities.

Conclusion

• The success of Union Budget allocations for the health sector largely depends on overcoming the challenges at the State level, including better fund utilisation, addressing faculty shortages, and ensuring long-term fiscal planning.
• Collaboration between the Union and State governments, along with improved implementation mechanisms, will be key to transforming these initiatives into meaningful health outcomes.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet Committee approved the Digital Agriculture Mission with an outlay of Rs. 2817 Crore, including the central share of Rs. 1940 Crore.

About the Digital Agriculture Mission

• It aims to nurture agri-tech start-ups by harnessing cutting-edge advancements in cloud computing, earth observation, remote sensing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence/machine learning models.
• It is conceived as an umbrella scheme to support digital agriculture initiatives, such as creating Digital Public Infrastructure, implementing the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and taking up other IT initiatives by the Central Government, State Governments, and Academic and Research Institutions.

Mission’s Roots

• At its core, DAM seeks to transform India’s agricultural landscape by infusing it with digital nutrients.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture: It aims to provide authenticated demographic details, land holdings, and crop information for cultivators and tenant farmers.
• It’s like giving each farmer a digital identity (akin to Aadhaar) – a trusted ‘Kisan ki Pehchaan’ (a digital Farmer ID) – while connecting them to relevant state and central government databases.
• This data-driven approach promises innovative, farmer-centric services.

Three Pillars of Digital Agriculture Mission

• Agristack: The farmer’s digital toolbox. It’s a federated structure, collaboratively built by various agencies of both central and state governments. Agristack houses three foundational registries:
• Farmers’ Registry: A virtual farmer directory.
• Geo-referenced Village Maps: For every village, with crop details overlaid.
• Crop Sown Registry: A digital ledger of what’s sprouting where.
• Krishi Decision Support System: It provides timely and reliable information to farmers, helping them make informed decisions. It aims to create a comprehensive geospatial system to unify remote sensing-based information on Crops, Soil, Weather, water resources, etc.
• Soil Profile Mapping: It maps soil properties, moisture levels, and nutrient content, empowering precision agriculture.

Significances of Digital Agriculture Mission

• Efficient Services: Farmers will access services and schemes faster, like a well-timed monsoon shower.
• Data-Driven Insights: AI-powered crop predictions and personalised advice are helpful for better interventions and future policy support.
• Inclusive Growth and Employment: It is aiming to have a catalytic effect in creating both direct and indirect employment in the agriculture sector, and is expected to provide employment opportunities to about 2.5 lakh trained local youth and Krishi Sakhis.
• Resilience: When pests strike or drought looms, DAM will be the farmer’s digital scarecrow, alerting them in advance.

Conclusion

• As the sun rises on DAM, India’s agri-tech landscape blossoms. It’s not just about bytes and algorithms; it’s about nurturing the roots that feed our nation.
• Digital Agriculture Mission aligns with this grand vision – nurturing a developed India by 2047 (Viksit Bharat@2047).

General Studies Paper-2

Context: In India, the appointment of judges has long been a matter of debate, closely tied to the challenge of pending cases. As of April 2024, a staggering 60 lakh cases remained pending across various High Courts, while 30% of judicial seats remained vacant.

About the Judicial Appointments (Historical Context)

• Before the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014, the appointment process was primarily guided by conventions. For instance: The collegium system, where a group of senior judges recommended appointments, played a significant role.
• The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court was traditionally appointed as the Chief Justice of India.

Collegium System

• It is a novel mechanism devised to ensure a democratic system of appointment and transfer of judges. It came into existence through Second and Third Judges Case judgments.
• There is no such law or Constitutional Provision that mentions or defines the collegium system.
• It is headed by the CJI and comprises 4 other senior-most judges of the court.
• High Court (HC) Collegium: An HC collegium is led by its Chief Justice (CJ) and four other senior-most judges of that court.

Evolution of Collegium System

• Article 124: Supreme Court judges should be appointed by the President after consultation with such judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court as the President may deem necessary.
• The CJI is to be consulted in all appointments except his or her own.
• Article 124(2) of the Constitution of India: Every judge of the Supreme court is appointed by the President of India in consultation with such of the judges of the Supreme court and High courts as the President may deem necessary.
• Article 217: High Court judges should be appointed by the President after consultation with the CJI and the Governor of the state.
• The Chief Justice of the High Court concerned too should be consulted.

However, the actual process has gone through various changes due to the Apex court verdict.

• First Judges Case, 1981 (S P Gupta Vs Union of India): A seven judge Constitution Bench held that the President of India is the final authority to appoint and he need not follow the advice of the judges whom he consults.
• It meant ‘consultation is not concurrence’.
• Second Judges Case, 1993 (Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association Vs Union of India): A nine-judge Constitution Bench overruled the decision given in SP Gupta Case and devised a specific procedure called ‘Collegium System’ for the appointment and transfer of judges in the higher judiciary.
• It accorded Primacy to the CJI in matters of appointment and transfers while also ruling that the term ‘consultation’ would not diminish the primary role of the CJI in judicial appointments.
• The role of the CJI is primal in nature because this being a topic within the judicial family, the executive cannot have an equal say in the matter. (Article 50 of Constitution of India: Separation of powers between Judiciary and Executive)
• Third Judges Case (1998): The 1993 decision was reaffirmed with minor modifications in 1998, on a reference made by the President under Article 143 of the Constitution.
• It was held that the recommendation of appointment etc should be made by the chief justice of India and his four senior most colleagues instead of earlier two and is referred to as the Collegium.
• Both 1993 decision and 1998 opinion lay down that the senior most judge of the SC should be made as CJI.
• Fourth Judges Case (2015): The constitutional validity of both the Ninety-Ninth Constitutional Amendment and the NJAC Act, 2014, was challenged in the Supreme Court in 2015.
• A constitutional bench of five judges with a majority of 4:1 struck down the NJAC, declaring them unconstitutional and void, stating that it posed a threat to the independence of the judiciary.

Collegium System vs. NJAC

• The collegium system, where senior judges recommend appointments, has been the prevailing method. However, it has faced criticism for its lack of transparency, accountability, and nepotism.
• In 2014, the NJAC Act sought to replace the collegium system. The NJAC would have included members from both the judiciary and the executive, aiming for a balanced approach.

However, the NJAC faced legal challenges, and in 2015, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional. Consequently, the collegium system was reinstated as the primary mechanism for judicial appointments.

• Some legal professionals argue that the NJAC could be a better system, especially if we want faster appointments.

Why Reform Needed in Judiciary?

• Charges of Nepotism and Favouritism: The Collegium does not provide any guidelines in selecting the candidates for the judge position of the Supreme Court because of which it leads to wide scope for nepotism and favouritism.
• It may lead to the wrong choice of the candidate while overlooking the right candidate.
• Misuse of Power: In India, three organs work partially independently but they keep check and balance and control on the excessive powers of any organ. Collegium gives the immense power to Judiciary to appoint Judges, and misuse of powers could happen.
• Lack of Transparency: Collegium system leads to non-transparency of the judicial system, which is very harmful for the regulation of law and order in the country.
• Inequitable representation of backward and minority communities: As per the data available with the Union Law Ministry, out of 537 appointments to High courts between 2018 and 2022, 424 (79%) were from the general category (upper caste), 57 (11%) were from Other Backward Castes (OBCs), 15 (2.8%) were from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 7 (1.3%) were from Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• There is no provision for reservation in judicial appointments from marginalised communities to ensure social diversity, as the government appoints only those persons as judges of Supreme Court and high courts who are recommended by the SC collegium.
• Issue of Social Diversity: In the last three decades, the collegium system has failed to address the issue of social diversity in higher judiciary, as originally devised by the Supreme Court.
• Judicial Vacancies: Presently, India has 25 High courts with a total sanctioned strength of 1,114 judges, and only 782 judges are working while the remaining 332 judges’ posts are vacant.
• Lack of Representation of Women: Only 107 judges, or 13% of all HC judges, are female. There are currently four women justices out of the sitting 33 in the Supreme Court.
• Additionally, delays in appointments often arise due to disagreements between the executive and the judiciary.

Way Forward: Suggested Reform

• Consultation and Consensus: Before finalising any plan, all relevant stakeholders—judiciary, legislature, civil society, and Bar Associations—should be consulted.
• There should be focus on the inclusivity of marginalised sections of society including women while appointing in the higher judiciary.
• Reform the Memorandum of procedure (MoP): There is a need to reform the MoP for the appointment of the Chief Justice of India, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• Creating a Cadre of Public Service for Retired Judges: Another interesting proposal is to create a cadre of public service for retired judges. From this pool, appointments could be made to constitutional and statutory posts, as well as special assignments.
• These judges would continue to receive the full pay and facilities of a Supreme Court judge for life.
• Comprehensive Judicial Reform: Beyond appointments, India needs comprehensive judicial reform. Our current system faces challenges related to enforcement of contracts, high litigation costs, and inconsistency in judicial outcomes.
• Addressing these issues would contribute to a more efficient and effective judiciary.

Lessons from Other Countries

• Many countries have commissions responsible for judicial appointments. These commissions typically involve members from the judiciary, legal academia, politicians, and laypersons.
• For instance, the U.K. established the Judicial Appointments Commission, which oversees nominations for judges in England and Wales.
• Learning from these international models, India could explore a similar committee-based approach to ensure a broader perspective and reduce delays.

Best Practices

• In the USA: The appointments are made by the President. Judges of the Supreme Court are nominated by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate.
• In Germany: The appointment of the Judges is made through the process of the election. Half the members of the Federal Constitutional Court are elected by the executive and half by the legislative.
• In the UK: The SC Judges are appointed by a five peoples selection commission. That committee consists of the SC President, his deputy and one member each appointed by the JACs which consist of lay persons, members of judiciary and the bar; of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Conclusion

• Achieving a balance between judicial independence, transparency, and efficiency is crucial. Reforming the process of judicial appointments requires thoughtful consideration and collaboration among all stakeholders.