General Studies Paper -2

Context: The 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland was concluded recently.

About

• Every year, leaders from various fields, such as business, politics, economics, etc., gather in the Swiss town to discuss challenges facing the world and explore the ways forward.
• The five-day session was held offline for the first time in three years.

Five Takeaways of the 2024 Summit:

• Artificial Intelligence:Many transformational abilities for human welfare were discussed, so were the need for regulation, fear of job losses, the risks of impersonation and misinformation, and the inequalities it can potentially worsen.
• The overall discussion seemed to be that the positives outweigh the negatives, and human intelligence did not face a major threat from AI.
• War and Uncertainty: Business leaders spoke of the risk posed by a fragile geopolitical situation, wars in the Middle East and Europe, the threats to global supply chains, and the uncertainty around food security.
• Yet, no plans or roadmaps for peace were offered about the Israel-Gaza violence.
• Climate:The need for businesses to adapt to climate change and for countries to unite for action against it despite differences was another topic.
• The need for the Developed countries to assist in the financing of climate action in the developing countries was discussed.
• China’s Economy: Facing a slowing economy, China tried to attract more investment from the West, which has witnessed some cooling.
• At 5.2%, China’s GDP growth in 2023 is still below pre-pandemic levels, and it is battling American attempts to isolate it.
• India: India seemed to be the most visible among its regional Asian peers, with major tech companies staging booths in Davos.
• Indian business leaders were seen at the forefront of debates over technology and supply chain issues.
• One of the key takeaways from the Forum meeting was the announcement of the launch of a Global Good Alliance for Gender Equity and Equality with the support by WEF and Government of India.
• The objective of this Alliance is to bring together global best practices, knowledge sharing and investments in the identified areas of women’s health, education, and enterprise.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is planning to end the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar.

Free Movement Regime (FMR) Agreement

• The FMR is a mutually agreed arrangement between the two countries that allows tribes living along the border on either side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without a visa.
• It was aimed to minimise the historical divide and facilitate cultural and economic ties.
  • The border between India and Myanmar was demarcated by the British in 1826, without seeking the opinion of the people living in the region, which effectively divided people of the same ethnicity and culture into two nations without their consent.
  • People in the region have strong ethnic and familial ties across the border.
• It was implemented in 2018 as part of the Act East Policy and was supposed to provide impetus to local trade and business and boost regional ties.
  • The region has a long history of trans-border commerce through customs and border haats.

Differed Opinion

• Manipurhad urged the MHA to suspend the FMR and fence the entire India-Myanmar border in September 2023.
  • It had already suspended the FMR in 2022to prevent large-scale migration of refugees from Myanmar.
• However, Mizoram and Nagaland have opposed this move of MHA, arguing that the FMR allows the tribes residing across the borders to maintain their ethnic, social, and cultural ties, as well as contribute to the economic well-being of people on both sides of the border.
  • They have also opposed the proposal of fencing the entire border with Myanmar.

Why ending the FMR Agreement is significant to India?

• Security Concerns:There are illegal immigrants, drug traffickers, and insurgents from Myanmar have been misusing the liberty of the FMR.
• Control of Ethnic Violence:There have been several instances of ethnic violence in the region.
  • About 200 people have lost their lives in ethnic violence between the Kuki tribes and the Meiteis in the second half of 2023.
• Border Management:The decision to end the FMR is part of a broader plan to secure the India-Myanmar border.
  • The government plans to fence the border, similar to the India-Bangladesh border.
• Regulation of Movement:The FMR allowed locals from both countries to enter either side up to a certain distance without visas and passports.
  • This arrangement will be scrapped, regulating the movement of people across the border.

India’s strategy to safeguard its borders

• Developing Infrastructure: As part of the strategy to secure the borders as also to create infrastructure in the border areas of the country, several initiatives have been undertaken by the Border Management Division.
  • These include the construction of the fence, floodlighting, roads, Border Out Posts (BOPs), Company Operating Bases (COBs), and deployment of technological solutions along the India-Pakistan, India-Bangladesh, India-China, India-Nepal, India-Bhutan and India-Myanmar borders.
• Deployment of Troops & Surveillance:The Indian Army and the BSF are deployed in multiple layers to form an anti-infiltration grid.
  • The border fence and deployment of other surveillance devices have helped in reducing infiltrations.
  • Improving our intelligence network within the state to nab the drug dealers on our side of the border must be the main priority of our security forces.
• Along Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar borders:Our borders with these countries are guarded primarily by paramilitary forces, and they have to deal with the smuggling and trafficking of humans, drugs, arms, illegal migration, and movement of suspected insurgents.
• Drugs Challenge: Drones have proved to be an effective tool in smuggling drugs across the border.
  • It will take more than mere vigilance on the border to deal with this menace.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Mere scrapping of FMR might not make any difference on the ground, as in the case of  Manipur where FMR has remained suspended since September 2022.
  • The people continue to cross the international border from any point mostly without permits. Crossing the border freely highlights the fact that the India-Myanmar border continues to be poorly guarded.
• There is a need to ensure that the border between India and Myanmar is effectively secured and regulated by all stakeholders.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: India-Africa relationship has strengthened in recent times, with the African Union’s induction into the G-20 group as the 21st member under India’s presidency. Africa has been a central focal point in India’s engagement with the Global South. India has positioned itself as a legitimate voice for the welfare of the countries of Africa, as the founding father of NAM and an active participant in the G-77 deliberations.

History of India-Africa Relationship:

• Historical Cultural and Trade Relationship- Trade relationship existed between the Indus Valley and the contemporary African civilisations. There was a development of ‘monsoon culture‘ through the trade culture, with the close association of people from both continents. The colonial phase saw the forceful migration of indentured labourers or girimitiyas to British colonies in Africa.
• Historical Political Relationship- Gandhiji’s tools of civil disobedience and non-cooperation were tested on the soil of Africa. India and Africa used this ideological and historical ties in a decolonised world to oppose neo-colonialism. India and Africa also collaborated in the Bandung conference to advance the agenda of the Global South, which ultimately led to the formation of NAM.

What are the areas of Cooperation between India-Africa amid South-South Cooperation?

Political cooperation-

• Regionalisation and reorientation of global governance norms on the 21st century have produced many strong political institutions amid the south-south Cooperation. For ex- Asia Africa Growth corridor (AAGC), Build Back Better (B3W), Blue Dot Network, ADB.
• India and Africa have converged on the UNSC membership expansion, and India has supported the Ezulwini Consensus.
• India has also stepped its engagement in regional organisations like ECOWAS, African continental Free trade Agreement, BRICS, OIC, NDB etc
• Economic cooperation-
• India has increased its investments in Africa to boost Africa’s economic growth and reduce the poverty levels in the global south. For ex- EXIM Bank’s Focus Africa Programme, India-Africa Partnership project, India-Southern African Customs Union Preferential Trade Agreement.
• Overall trade between India-Africa has touched $100 bn in 2022-23.
• 5% India’s FDI outwards flow is towards Africa. India’s current investment in Africa is around $32 bn with companies like ONGC Videsh making investments in India.
• Security cooperation- India-Africa share security cooperation synergies on issues like curbing piracy, humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) and maritime security.
• Climate change and Technology cooperation- India and Africa have been cooperating in the climate change domain through organisations like ISA and CDRI. These organisations have also helped India extend its soft power influence in the region of Africa.
• P2P cooperation– India has provided Africa with India’s skilled workforce like engineers, trained nurses, digital public infrastructure and health care equity.

What is the significance of India-Africa Relationship?

1. Huge Economic Potential: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides a wide scope to create the largest free trade area in the world by geography and an opportunity to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. It can help promote India-Africa bilateral trade and investment under AfCFTA.
2. Potential for Indian Businesses- There are opportunities in services trade with Africa in the fields of Information Technology (IT), Mobile payment solutions, banking, and financial services.
3. Infrastructure Development in the African Continent- India has the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. Thus, it could count on its strengths to fortify the digital infrastructure in Africa. It can contribute to the achievement of the continent’s Agenda 2063.
4. Achievement of Common Agendas- Most African nations are developing in nature just like India, which creates a common understanding on multiple issues. India and Africa share common grounds on reformation of the UNSC, Climate change agreements, Trade Issues and WTO negotiations.
5. Soft Power- Successful transformation of Africa into a ‘continent of growth‘ from the ‘continent of darkness‘ would enhance India’s soft power and leadership position in the global south.

What are the Challenges in India-Africa Relationship?

1. Africa as ground of Geopolitical contest- There is sharpening of competition among at least half a dozen external partners such as China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. The competition is mainly for strengthening their relations with parts of Africa to ensure market access, gain energy and mineral security, and increase political and economic influence.
2. Increasing Chinese assertiveness- China has emerged as ‘the infrastructure developer’, ‘the resource provider’, and ‘the financier.’ It has invested enormously in Africa in terms of money, materials and diplomatic push. Since 2007, Chinese leaders have visited the continent 123 times, while 251 African leaders have visited China. This has limited India’s room in the region’s geopolitical arena.
3. Lack of clear strategy on the part of India- India’s model of development cooperation in Africa lacks a clear strategy in comparison with the Chinese Model. India also lacks the deep pockets as Chinese to invest deeply into the African economy.
4. Lack of Focus- Geopolitical tensions in Asia and the imperative to consolidate its position in the Indo-Pacific region have compelled India to deviate from greater focus on the India-Africa relationship. Instead, India concentrated on its ties with the United Kingdom, the EU, and the Quad powers.
5. Racial Attacks- Incidents of racial attacks on African nationals have severely dented India’s image in the region.

What Should be the way ahead to Strengthen India-Africa Relations?

1. Strengthen Political and Diplomatic Cooperation- India must restore periodic leaders’ summits through the India-Africa Forum Summit. India must establish a dedicated secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for African affairs.
2. Enhance Defence and Security Cooperation- India must increase the number of defence attachés in Africa and expand dialogue on defence issues. India must also strengthen maritime collaboration and extend Lines of Credit to facilitate defence exports.
3. Deepen Economic and Development Cooperation- India must promote India-Africa trade through the creation of an Africa Growth Fund (AGF) to enhance access to finance. India must also implement measures to improve project exports and enhance cooperation in the shipping domain.
4. Increase Socio-Cultural Cooperation- There must be facilitation of greater interaction between Indian and African universities, think tanks, civil society, and media organisations. India must establish a National Centre for African Studies and rename Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships after famous African figures.
5. Implementation of the ‘Roadmap 2030’ and PM’s 10 guiding principles- India must establish a special mechanism for implementing the ‘Roadmap 2030‘ through collaboration between the MEA and the National Security Council Secretariat.

By following this roadmap and implementing the recommended measures, India can further strengthen its partnership with Africa, contribute to its growing global stature and leadership among the countries of global south.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the strong 25-year partnership between France and India. They want to deepen their ties to address modern challenges like security in the Indo-Pacific, climate change, and technology cooperation.

What is The Consensus Regarding Cooperation between India and France?

• Strategic Partnership Foundation:Both nations view their alliance as a pillar of stability in a turbulent world, having cultivated ties for over 25 years without major contention.
• Focus on Indo-Pacific Region: Key areas of joint concern include security, climate change, and regional architecture development. France, with its significant Indian Ocean presence, partners with India in addressing these challenges.
• Security Cooperation:They collaborate against traditional threats like piracy and non-traditional ones such as illegal fishing. France’s regional military bases, like in La Reunion and Djibouti, facilitate joint naval patrols and resource pooling.
• Technology and Digital Initiatives:Joint efforts in digital technology aim to foster economic growth and sustainable development, emphasizing an inclusive digital environment.
• Research and Development:Collaborations in frontier technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, are central, highlighted by the Indo-French Centre of Excellence in quantum computing.
• Environmental Initiatives: They share a roadmap for developing Green Hydrogen, aspiring to lead in decarbonized hydrogen production.
• Defence and Space Collaboration: Defense relationship is evolving, with India diversifying its defence acquisitions and France emerging as a key supplier. In space, joint initiatives include the Gaganyaan project and collaboration in the upcoming Venus mission.

What Required Grow Cooperation between India and France?

• Maritime Security Enhancement:Increase frequency and scale of joint naval exercises, utilizing French bases more effectively for regional security.
• Institutional Mechanism Synergy:Foster better integration between the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, and the Indian Ocean Commission, led by India and France for a unified approach to maritime challenges.
• Trade and Technology Coordination: Strengthen collaboration in the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, utilizing France’s influence for beneficial outcomes, and align strategies in the Mineral Security Partnership with the US and G7 countries.
• Defense Manufacturing Collaboration:Beyond purchasing French defense equipment, India should focus on manufacturing items like Rafale jets domestically, benefiting from the trilateral partnership with France and UAE, to deepen defense ties.
• Joint Research Initiatives:Expand consortiums involving academic, governmental, and corporate entities for projects in crucial sectors like health and climate change, leveraging the Indo-French Centre of Excellence in quantum computing.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the ‘Beyond Basics’ Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) released by Pratham. It focuses on a survey of rural students aged 14 to 18 years, addressing their educational progress and challenges in India.

What were the major findings in the ASER 2023 report?

• Enrolment Rates:Overall, 86.8% of 14-18-year-olds are enrolled in an educational institution. The percentage of youth not enrolled is 3.9% for 14-year-old youth and 32.6% for 18-year-olds. Most of the people in this age group were enrolled in the Arts/Humanities streams.
• Foundational skill gaps: About 25% cannot read Grade 2 text, and over 50% face difficulties with arithmetic skills expected by Grade 5, highlighting a deficit in foundational learning.
• Digital technology underutilized:Despite the high availability of smartphones in rural households (95%), their use for educational purposes is limited.

Gender disparities:

• Fewer females (28.1%) are in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics stream (STEM) stream compared to males (36.3%).
• Females are better at reading in their regional language, while males excel in arithmetic and English.
• Males are more likely to own and use smartphones.
• vocational training: The survey shows a low enrollment in vocational training, with only 5.6% of young people participating. Among these, college students are more engaged, with 16.2% enrolled in courses, usually lasting no more than six months.

What were the suggestions provided in the ASER 2023 report?

• Pedagogic Reforms for Rural Students: The report suggests reforming teaching methods to help students who balance academic and farm work, addressing the educational challenges faced in rural areas.
• Leverage Smartphones for Education and Address Digital Gender Gaps:ASER advocates using the widespread access to smartphones (95% of households) for educational purposes and emphasizes closing the gender gap in digital skills, as females lag behind males in smartphone proficiency.
• Rethink vocational education: To increase the 6% enrollment in vocational courses, ASER suggests reimagining vocational training to make it more aspirational and aligned with students’ interests.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The government will set up a coordination cell to implement the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a focus on establishing four technology hubs.

About

• The NQM is expected to set up four mission hubs in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
• It will essentially be a consortium of academia, research and development labs and industry.

Mission Coordination Cell (MCC)

• The MCC will be set up as acoordinating agency for the Mission and will work in coordination with the Mission Secretariat, DST.
• It will function under the overall supervision and guidance of Mission Technology Research Council (MTRC).

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

• The government approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
• Aim:To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
  • This will accelerate QT led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).
• Objectives:The Mission objectives include developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.
  • Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 kilometers within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km as well as multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories.
  • Developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.
  • It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices.
  • Single photon sources/detectors, and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.
• Implementation:Setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and National R&D institutes in the domains – Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.
  • The hubs will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.
• Significance: NQM has the potential to elevate the country’s Technology Development ecosystem to a level of global competitiveness.
  • The Mission would greatly benefit various sectors including communication, health, financial, energy with applications in drug design, space, banking, security etc.
  • The Mission will also provide a huge boost to National priorities like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India and Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The Union government has formed a committee to ensure equitable distribution of benefits to Scheduled Castes (SCs) across the country.

• The sub-categorisation of SCs comes after the Prime Minister’s promise to look into the demand raised by the Madiga community of Telangana.

Sub-Categorisation within Scheduled Castes

• It is to identify and help the most backward among the SCs.
• In the last two decades, multiple states like Punjab, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu have tried to bring in reservation laws at the state level to sub-categorise SCs.
• In the last two decades,States like Punjab, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu have tried to bring in reservation laws at the State level in a bid to sub-categorise Scheduled Castes.

Legality of Sub-categorisation

• V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh (2004):The Supreme Court through its  5-Judge Bench held that once a community is included in the Presidential List for Scheduled Castes under Article 341 of the Constitution, they become part of a single larger class of people, casting a wide net for the purposes of reservation.
  • It held that the State did not have the legislative power to create sub-classifications within this single class and that such an action would violate the Right to Equality.
• However, all plans are held up in courts as the Supreme Court forms its larger Constitution Bench(in Davinder Singh Case) to decide the matter.
  • The issue of sub-classification in reservations has been pending before a 7-Judge Constitution Bench for nearly two years without a hearing.

Arguments favouring sub-categorisation within Scheduled Castes

• Graded Inequalities:The principal argument for sub-categorisation of SCs has been the graded inequalities among SC communities.
  • The thrust of it has been that even among the marginalised, there are communities that have lesser access to basic facilities.
• Unequal Representation:Some communities are more backward and have less representation than others.
  • For instance, the Madiga community has claimed that the benefits, including that of reservation, meant for the SC category had been cornered by the Mala community, with the Madigas being left out.
• Legal Standpoint:A five-judge Bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra has affirmed the competence of the States to give preferential treatment to the weakest among the Scheduled Castes without depriving other castes of any benefit.
  • The Court has noted that the Scheduled Castes list contains many castes and cannot be treated as a homogeneous group.
• Equitable Distribution of Benefits:The Union government has formed a committee of Secretaries to evaluate and work out a method for the equitable distribution of benefits, schemes, and initiatives to the most backward communities amongst the over 1,200 Scheduled Castes across the country.

Arguments against sub-categorisation within Scheduled Castes

• These are primarily based on the legal and practical challenges associated with it.
• Legal Challenges:The Supreme Court held that the State did not have the power to unilaterally sub-categorise communities in the list of SCs or Scheduled Tribes (STs).
  • The Constitution has provided that these lists can only be made by Parliament and notified by the President.
• Data of socio-economic status:The population data related to SC, ST, and OBC categories are not updated since the 2011 census.
  • It hampers the objective and scientific basis for sub-categorisation.
• Untouchability: The social and educational backwardness cannot be applied to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The special treatment is given to the SCs due to untouchability with which they have suffered since ages.

Conclusion

• The Constitution of India does not prohibit the Parliament to sub-categorise SCs but it needs to justify by the government that this move would be a 100% count of all castes – a caste census of each community and sub-community and their respective socio-economic data.
• The government should focus on the equitable distribution of benefits, schemes and initiatives to SCs population in India, as mandated by the Constitution and other Statutory provisions.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: At least two previously unknown incidents of conflict between the Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have come to light.

About

• After the beginning of the stand-off in eastern Ladakh in 2020, India and China had deployed thousands of troops in forward posts along the LAC in the area which largely continue to remain deployed with the disengagement and de-escalation still incomplete.
• Tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continued through 2021 and till end 2022.

The India-China Borders 

• India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km.
• It is divided intothree sectors: the eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the western sector in
• Western Sector or Aksai Chin Sector:The region is claimed by the Chinese government post-1962 war as an autonomous part of the Xinjiang region which was originally a part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Middle Sector:It is the less disputed section of the Indo-China border but the recent Doklam standoff and Nathu La Pass trading issues have brought distress at all levels.
• Eastern Sector or Arunachal Pradesh:McMahon Line had differentiated India and China in this sector but in the 1962 war the People’s Liberation Army covered 9000 sq. km. area.
  • The announcement of a unilateral ceasefire made them step back on the international borderline.
  • However, China has been claiming that area as their own and recently they have started to claim the whole of Arunachal Pradesh as their own.

Why did China Encroach on Indian Territory?

• To show its dominance:China felt that somehow India was not recognising the growing gap in their relative economic status, when China perceived that India was seeking to get closer to the United States (US) to balance China it decided that it needed to demonstrate its power.
  • From the Chinese point of view, the basis of this “stability” does not come from settling its border issues with India, but dominance on the border and deterring Indian challenges.
• India’s stand on China’s Aggressive Foreign Policy:India sought to challenge the Chinese point of view in many ways.
  • By building up its border infrastructure to more effectively maintain a deterrence capacity against the PLA along its borders.
  • By developing a relationship with the US which appeared to merge the threats from China’s primary and secondary strategic directions.
  • By promoting its ties with exiled Tibetans and maintaining its relationship with the Dalai Lama.
  • Challenging China’s efforts to develop ties in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
  • Leading the global critique of China’s Belt & Road Initiative.
• Threat to Chinese efforts in the South-Asian region:China needs to be accepted in its periphery as the foremost economic and military power, before it is taken seriously as a global power.
  • In its southwest is India, equally huge and populous and with aspirations of its own, and its neighbors most certainly see India as being the naturally pre-eminent power in South Asia.
• India’s engagement with Chinese Adversaries: In recent years, India has developed strong military ties with the country which China believes is its primary threat, the United States.
  • China would like to focus on the western Pacific challenge and retain stable ties with India in South Asia.
  • India’s constant efforts, however, to upgrade its border infrastructure and strengthen its partnership with the US destabilise China’s calculations.

Way Forward

• Disengaging from the points of friction is undoubtedly a step forward, and India and China must go a long way to solve the border dispute.
• India should continue to press for complete disengagement and de-escalation from all friction areas.
• Also, the Corps Commanders level talks must continue as the relationship cannot go back to normal as long as the situation along the stand-off lingers.
• India must keep its stand firm over restoring the status quo and rebuilding peace all along the LAC.
• The Indian government must constantly watch all developments that affect India’s security and take all essential measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: NITI Aayog has released its discussion paper ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’.

About

• The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a globally recognized comprehensive measure that captures poverty in multiple dimensions beyond monetary aspects. 
• It has three equally weighted dimensions – Health, Education, and Standard of living – which are represented by 12 indicators.
• It also adds two indicators, viz., Maternal Health and Bank Accounts in line with national priorities.

Findings

• Reduction in Poverty: India has registered a significant decline in multidimensional poverty from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23 i.e. a reduction of 17.89 percentage points.
• State Wise Decline: Uttar Pradesh registered the largest decline in the number of poor with 5.94 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty during the last nine years followed by Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• Headcount Ratio:The pace of decline in poverty headcount ratio using the exponential method was much faster between 2015-16 to 2019-21 (10.66% annual rate of decline) compared to period 2005-06 to 2015-16 (7.69% annual rate of decline).
• Improvement in Indicators: All 12 indicators of MPI have recorded significant improvement during the entire study period.
• Initiatives covering all dimensions of poverty have led to 82 crore individuals escaping multidimensional povertyin the last 9 years.
  • As a result, India is likely to achieve its SDG target of halving multidimensional poverty well before 2030.

Government Interventions to Reduce MPI

• Poshan Abhiyan and Anaemia Mukt Bharat have played a crucial role in addressing reach to health facilities, resulting in a substantial reduction in deprivation.
• National Food Security Act (NFSA): Under it foodgrains are provided to 81.35 crore beneficiaries covering 75% population in rural areas and 50% population in urban areas.
  • Recently, the Government has decided to continue providing free food grains to NFSA beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for a period of five years w.e.f. 1st January, 2024.
• Mission Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadihave significantly contributed to fostering a healthier India, impacting millions of lives through key schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anganwadi Services, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls.
• Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN): It is a flagship programme of Government of India, is the largest School feeding Scheme in the world to address the twin problems of improving the nutritional status and school enrolment of children.
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan:It is aimed at improving maternal health by offering assured, comprehensive, and quality antenatal care to all pregnant women universally on the 9th of each month.
• PM Ujjwala Yojana: It has provided clean cooking fuel to an impressive 31 crore individuals, distributing 10 crore LPG connections.
  • Beyond creating smoke-free kitchens, this initiative has protected numerous women from chronic respiratory disorders.
• Saubhagya:It  has improved electricity coverage for almost 100% of the population, benefiting an additional 2.86 crore households and rendering kerosene lamps obsolete, thus improving respiratory health and eyesight.
• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):They have led to a nationwide wave of improved sanitation facilities providing 14 crore tap water connections and construction of 11.33 crore IHHL in rural areas.
• The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): It has been a driving force for change, witnessing the opening of over 50 crore bank accounts in recent years.
  • It has played a central role in bringing a significant section of the population into the formal financial system.
• The PM Awas Yojana:It has revolutionized living conditions in both urban and rural areas, facilitating the construction of over 4 crore homes for the underprivileged.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: India and Saudi Arabia have decided to set up a Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation to give a boost to the defence ties.

India-Saudi Arabia Relations:

• Establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947, and it was strengthened by the signing of Delhi Declaration in 2006 and elevated to a strategic partnership by signing of Riyadh Declaration in 2010.
• The Prime Minister of India’s visit to Riyadh in 2016 captured the spirit of enhanced cooperation in the political, economic, security, and defence realms.
  • King Salman conferred the King Abdulaziz Sash(the Kingdom’s highest civilian honour) to India’s Prime Minister, indicating the importance of Saudi Arabia-India relations.

Current Scenario:

• India’s relations with Saudi Arabia have witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, marked by a remarkable rise in trade and other investments.
• Trade:India’s foreign trade with Saudi Arabia reached an all-time high of $52.75 billion in FY23.
  • India received $3.22billion in FDI from Saudi Arabia between April 2000 and June 2023.
  • India sources crude petroleum, petroleum products, fertilisers, raw plastic, organic and inorganic chemicals from Saudi Arabia.
• Energy Security:Saudi Arabia contributes to India’s energy security as India is highly dependent on imports for its energy needs, importing 87% of oil consumed, and the Middle East accounts for over 60% of India’s crude oil imports.
• Food Security:India complements Saudi countries in their food security as Saudi Arabia is largely import-dependent for its food needs and manufactured goods, including textiles.
• Strategic Partnership Council (SPC):India is the fourth country after the UK, France, and China to partner with Saudi Arabia to establish the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in 2019.
  • This aims to take forward mutual collaborations on the economy, investments, as well as social, political, and security matters.
• Defence Cooperation:India and Saudi Arabia have a Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) that meets regularly.
  • Indian Navy cooperates with Royal Saudi Naval Force through various initiatives, which include operational interactions such as bilateral naval exercise Al Mohed Al Hindi, training and other maritime avenues.
  • Indian Navy ships have been regularly undertaking port calls at various ports of Saudi Arabia.
  • Various Exercise:The Indian Navy has also been interacting with the Royal Saudi Naval Force in various multilateral fora – Ex Milan, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, Combined Maritime Forces and Djibouti Code of Conduct – Jeddah Amendment (DCoC-JA).
• Regional Stability: Both countries agreed to work together for peace, security and stability of the region, as Iranian-backed Houthi militantsin Yemen stepped up attacks on vessels and disrupted maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
• Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):The navies of the two countries could explore practical cooperation in the fight against piracy and an active role of the Royal Saudi Navy in the IONS.

Challenges

• Energy Dependence:The core element of their relationship continues to revolve around energy, particularly Saudi Arabia’s export of crude oil.
  • India is highly dependent on imports for its energy needs, importing 87% of oil consumed, and the Middle East accounts for over 60% of India’s crude oil imports.
• Saudi Arabia’s Aid to Pakistan:While engaging with India, Saudi Arabia’s aid to Pakistan raises concerns.
• Economic Shifts, Political Transitions, and Geopolitical Dynamics:These factors have tested their relationship. However, the underlying respect, shared interests, and commitment to mutual growth have allowed their ties to remain resilient.
• Role of China:The country is also engaged with China, moving towards rapprochement with Iran and Israel, and is also now consolidating the Saudi partnership with the US, India, and Europe.
  • Many have thus already described this engagement as a power shift, with China emerging as a significant player in the Middle East.
  • Increasing Chinese influence in the Middle East may indirectly help Pakistan, both economically and strategically.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Despite the challenges, both nations have recognized the importance of adapting their partnership to address modern challenges. They have established the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC)in 2019 to take forward mutual collaborations on the economy, investments, as well as social, political, and security matters.
• India needs to patiently assess if China’s growing involvement in the Gulf is detrimental to its long-term security interests and the regional balance of power.
  • The I2U2 partnership between India, Israel, the UAE, and the US has already put India on the region’s alliance canvas.
• At the same time, recent developments also provide a window of opportunity for India to embed itself as a significant player in the Middle East.