General Studies Paper-1

Context: In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged in several countries: a rise in suicides among young professionals, frequently attributed to overwhelming stress and tension at the workplace, has raised once again the question of safety and stress at workplaces.

About the Healthy Workplace

• It is one where employers and employees collaborate to continually protect and promote people’s health, safety, and wellbeing and workplace sustainability.
• It is not just about physical health but also encompasses psychological safety, open communication, and a supportive environment.
• It has become increasingly evident with the rise in workplace stress and its severe consequences, including burnout, anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
• In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, the relentless drive for profit and productivity often overshadows mental health and personal well-being.

Current Crisis

• The phenomenon of ‘Karoshi’ or death from overwork, which originated in Japan, has found resonance globally.
• In 2023, 2,900 people in Japan ended their lives due to overwork
• In India, the situation is equally alarming, with a significant number of professionals experiencing overwhelming stress due to excessive work demands.
• A LinkedIn survey conducted in India found that 40% of employees were experiencing high levels of stress at work, further stressing the need for India Inc to focus on psychological safety.
• Google’s Project Aristotle, a study on team dynamics, found that psychological safety was the most critical factor contributing to high-performing teams.

Ethical Perspectives of Healthy Workplaces

• Creating a healthy workplace is not only a matter of enhancing productivity and employee well-being but also an ethical imperative. Ethical considerations in workplace health encompass fairness, respect, and the moral responsibility of employers to provide a safe and supportive environment.
• Fairness and Equity: It involves ensuring that all employees have equal access to resources, opportunities, and support systems.
• Discrimination or favouritism undermines the ethical foundation of a workplace and can lead to significant psychological stress among employees.
• Ethical workplaces strive to eliminate biases and promote inclusivity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and respected.
• Respect for Individual Dignity: It means acknowledging their contributions, providing constructive feedback, and fostering an environment where they can express their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule or retribution.
• Psychological safety is essential here that refers to a work environment where individuals feel comfortable taking risks and sharing ideas. It is crucial for innovation and high performance. It includes Growth Mindset, Communication and Trust, Constructive Feedback, Vulnerability and Authenticity etc.
• Moral Responsibility of Employers: It includes providing a safe working environment, addressing workplace hazards, and promoting mental health initiatives.
• Transparency and Accountability: Employers should be open about their policies and practices, and employees should feel confident that their concerns will be addressed fairly and promptly. It builds trust and fosters a culture of mutual respect and responsibility.
• Promoting Work-Life Balance: Overworking employees can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and serious health issues. Ethical employers recognise the importance of allowing employees to maintain a balance between their professional and personal lives, which is crucial for long-term well-being and job satisfaction.
• Global Precedents For Work-Life Balance: Australia and France have a regulation known as the ‘right to disconnect’ which permits employees to disregard communications from their employers after hours.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• The ethical perspectives of healthy workplaces go beyond mere compliance with regulations. They involve a commitment to fairness, respect, and the well-being of employees.
• Creating a healthy workplace requires a concerted effort from both employers and employees. Employers must foster an environment of psychological safety, open communication, and trust, while employees must actively participate in maintaining this culture.
• By fostering an environment that prioritises these ethical principles, employers can create workplaces that are not only productive but also supportive and humane.
• By working together, organisations can create workplaces that not only enhance employee well-being but also drive productivity and innovation.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Living Planet Report 2024 reveals a catastrophic 73% decline in monitored wildlife populations over the past 50 years (1970-2020)

The Living Planet Report

• WWF’s flagship publication, released every two years
• It is a comprehensive study of trends in global biodiversity and the health of the planet.

Key Findings

• The Living Planet Index (LPI) tracks trends in nearly 35,000 populations of 5,495 species.
• Freshwater populations experienced the steepest decline at 85%, followed by terrestrial (69%) and marine (56%).
• Regions wise: It highlights significant declines in monitored wildlife populations across different regions:
• Latin America and the Caribbean: 95% decline
• Africa: 76% decline
• Asia-Pacific: 60% decline
• North America: 39% decline
• Europe and Central Asia: 35% decline
• Some populations have stabilized or increased due to conservation efforts, such as:
• Mountain gorillas increased by about 3% per year in East Africa (2010-2016).
• Bison populations rose from 0 to 6,800 in central Europe (1970-2020).
• Primary Threats: The main threats to wildlife include:
• Habitat loss and degradation
• Overharvesting (mainly from the global food system)
• Invasive species
• Disease
• Climate change

Impact

• Significant drops in wildlife threaten ecosystem health and can lead to irreversible changes, pushing nature towards dangerous tipping points (e.g., decimated forests, destroyed rainforests, and coral reefs).
• Declines in wildlife populations signal increased extinction risks and ecosystem health issues.

Recommendations:

• WWF leaders emphasize the need for immediate action to prevent further declines, highlighting that compromised nature is more vulnerable to climate change.
• Develop and implement ambitious national nature and climate plans.
• Reduce overconsumption of food and energy equitably.
• Increase public and private investments aligned with sustainability goals.
• Eliminate activities negatively impacting biodiversity and redirect funding toward positive initiatives.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: Recently, it was highlighted that there is a gender gap in use and access to e-commerce platforms despite several benefits for women and there is a need to address the issues revolving around ‘e-commerce for women’.

E-commerce For Women

• E-commerce has revolutionised the way businesses operate, offering unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide.
• For women, in particular, e-commerce presents a unique platform to overcome traditional barriers and achieve economic independence.
• E-commerce platforms provide women with instant access to a broader market, enhancing efficiency and productivity. These platforms integrate marketing tools, payment capabilities, and logistics services, enabling rapid business scaling and higher returns on investment.
• Additionally, e-commerce offers flexibility, allowing women to balance their entrepreneurial ventures with other responsibilities, such as caregiving.

Economic Potential of Women in E-commerce

• ‘Assessing the Net Impact of e-Commerce on Employment and Consumer Welfare in India’ report by the Pahle India Foundation (PIF) has highlighted the significant impact of e-commerce on employment in India.
• According to the report, online vendors have generated a remarkable 15.8 million jobs, including 3.5 million jobs for women.
• According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), closing the gender gap on online platforms could inject billions of dollars into the global economy.
• For instance, in Africa and Southeast Asia, equal participation of women in e-commerce could add approximately $300 billion to the market value by 2030.

Challenges

• Digital Literacy: A significant gender gap exists in the use and access to e-commerce platforms, particularly in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
• Women often face challenges such as limited digital literacy, lack of access to financing, and socio-cultural barriers that hinder their participation in the digital economy.
• Limited Access to Funding and Market: Women-led e-commerce startups often struggle to secure funding. Venture capital firms tend to invest more in male-led businesses, leading to a significant funding gap.
• Reaching a broader market can be difficult due to limited networking opportunities and the dominance of established players in the e-commerce space.
• Gender Bias and Discrimination: Women frequently encounter stereotypes and biases that can impede their career advancement and opportunities for growth. This includes biases from investors and within the workplace.
• Structural Barriers: Policy initiatives often fail to address the structural barriers linked to cross-border trade like cross-border payments and return-consignment related issues.
• On average, women-owned firms operate with smaller and less-diverse networks than men and have less access to information.
• Logistical and Technological Challenges: Managing logistics, such as shipping and inventory, can be more challenging for women who may have limited resources and support systems.
• A lack of technology skills and access to digital tools can also be a significant hurdle for women entrepreneurs in the e-commerce sector.
• Work-Life Balance: Balancing work responsibilities with family obligations can be particularly challenging for women in e-commerce. In some regions, societal norms and gender biases can restrict women’s participation in business activities, limiting their opportunities for growth.
• Regulatory and Compliance Burdens: Non-tariff measures (NTMs) and other regulatory requirements can disproportionately affect women-led businesses, adding to their operational costs and complexities.
• Lack of Networking and Mentorship Opportunities: Women may have limited access to professional networks and mentorship, which are crucial for business growth and development.
• Security Concerns: Online security and privacy issues can be a significant concern, especially for women who may face higher risks of cyber harassment and fraud.

Policy initiatives Supporting Women

• Many governments across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region have initiated programmes to empower women through e-commerce and technology.
• In Bangladesh, the Tottho Apa Project, led by Jatiyo Mohila Sangstha, aims to empower women through ICT, creating approximately 100,000 female entrepreneurs annually, with 15,000 already on-boarded on the e-commerce platform ’Laalsobuj’ by 2021.
• Another example is of the ‘Connecting Women to the Digital Economy’ initiative launched by the Philippines and supported by the USAID has helped 380 women establish online stores, generating significant sales, as of 2021.
• International organisations like the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have partnered to enhance e-commerce access for women entrepreneurs in South Asia through capacity building/training.

Government Support

• Mahila E-haat: Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this platform allows women to showcase and sell their products online.
• By 2016, it had registered 300,000 entrepreneurs, facilitating transactions worth $3.1 million.
• Niryat Bandhu Scheme: Under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this scheme supports training and capacity building for women entrepreneurs to export through e-commerce platforms.
• E-commerce Facilitation Melas: Organised by State missions like the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission, these events connect women self-help groups (SHGs) with e-commerce platforms to expand their market reach.

Institutional Support

• Amazon Saheli: Launched by Amazon India in collaboration with SEWA and other NGOs, this initiative has empowered over 1.7 billion women-owned businesses and assisted 80,000 women artisans with training, marketing support, and financing.
• Ubuntu Consortium: This consortium brings together 45 women’s entrepreneur associations from 10 states, providing skill development programs and training to 10,000 women in digital marketing.
• Digital2Equal Initiative: Launched by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with the European Commission, this initiative aims to create more opportunities for women in emerging markets like India.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• E-commerce holds immense potential for empowering women entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed in the digital economy. While challenges remain, ongoing initiatives and success stories highlight the transformative impact of e-commerce on women’s lives.
• To empower women entrepreneurs, APAC countries should implement policies tailored to their needs, prioritising digital literacy, e-commerce training, skill development, capacity building, and social security. International organisations like UNESCAP can provide support by creating a platform for training and sharing of best practices.
• In India, the government can support training and capacity building for women entrepreneurs to export through e-commerce platforms by having certain provisions and schemes like the Niryat Bandhu Scheme, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment report, “Forests under fire: Tracking progress on 2030 forest goals,” was released.

About

• Most countries backed the 2030 zero deforestation pledge at the UN Cop26 climate summit in 2021.
• The 2024 forest declaration assessment, produced by a coalition of research and civil society organisations, assessed progress towards the goal using a baseline of the average deforestation between 2018 and 2020.
• It found progress was significantly off track, with the level of deforestation in 2023 almost 50% higher than steady progress towards zero would require.

Major Findings

• Shortcomings in Meeting Target: The target for last year was to bring global deforestation down to a maximum of 4.4 million hectares (10.9 million acres).
• The global deforestation remains 45 percent above the levels needed to meet international goals
• Nearly 96 percent of all deforestation occurred in tropical regions, and almost all these areas failed to meet their annual targets
• Tropical deforestation resulted in the emission of nearly 3.7 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent in 2023.
• Loss of Forest: In 2023, the world lost 6.37 million hectares of forest, this loss was 45 percent higher than the goal to eliminate deforestation by 2030.
• Primary tropical forests, essential for storing carbon and protecting biodiversity, lost 3.7 million hectares in 2023.
• It indicated serious problems in global efforts to stop deforestation and forest damage.
• Forest Damage: Forest damage without complete destruction is 10 times worse than deforestation itself, affecting 62.6 million hectares in 2022.
• Main Drivers: Agriculture, road construction, fires and commercial logging were the main drivers of deforestation across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Positive Progress: Brazil has reduced its deforestation by 9 percent below previous levels, showing that significant progress is possible.
• Other countries that made progress towards the 2030 deforestation target included Australia, Colombia, Paraguay, Venezuela and Vietnam.
• The report also emphasizes the loss of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), where more than 1.4 million hectares of forest were lost in 2023.
• Protecting these areas is critical for wildlife and Indigenous communities that depend on them.
• Forest fires are a significant threat, mainly due to intentional land clearing for agriculture.
• Since 2001, 138 million hectares of tree cover have been lost to fires, with about a third of that occurring between 2019 and 2023.
• The report outlined steps for global actors to achieve forest protection goals, which includes:
• Ensuring adequate funding for forest conservation efforts.
• Reducing the demand for products that cause deforestation.
• Recognising the important role of Indigenous and local communities in forest protection.

Way Ahead

• Ultimately, the challenges outlined in the 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment underscore that achieving forest conservation goals and advancing sustainable economic development are not mutually exclusive.
• But success depends on the willingness of governments, industry, and civil society to prioritize forests and integrate sustainable practices at every level.
• With just a few years remaining before 2030, the time to act is now.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) took place in Mumbai

About India-UAE High -Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI)

• It was established in 2013 to promote trade, investment and economic ties between India and the UAE.
• It has provided an effective mechanism to discuss opportunities and prospects for further investments in India and the UAE, while acting as a forum to resolve issues faced by investors of the two countries.

Latest Developments

• Bilateral Investment Treaty signed during Prime Minister Modi’s 2024 UAE visit, it was ratified and entered into force on 31 August 2024.
• It replaces the previous Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) that expired in September 2024.
• The treaty aims to protect and encourage bilateral investments by providing investor safeguards while ensuring the state’s regulatory authority.
• The treaty provides protection against expropriation, ensures transparency, and offers compensation for losses.
• It covers portfolio investment, prohibits abusive treatment, and disallows claims involving corruption or fraud.
• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) active since May 2022, CEPA has boosted trade and FDI between the nations, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching $28.2 billion in H1 2024, a 9.8% YoY increase.
• Total trade between India and the UAE reached $84 billion in 2023-24, with a reduced trade deficit of $12 billion.
• Non-oil trade increased by 9.8%, and UAE FDI into India tripled, reaching $3.35 billion.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): UAE is India’s fourth-largest investor with $3.35 billion invested in 2023, a threefold increase on 2022, while Indian FDI in the UAE reached $2.05 billion.
• The UAE is India’s seventh-largest FDI source, with USD 19 billion invested from April 2000 to June 2024, while Indian investments in the UAE total USD 15.26 billion. The BIT is expected to enhance investor confidence and strengthen economic ties, complementing the existing free trade agreement between the two nations, effective since May 2021.
• Strategic Sectors: Energy, AI, logistics, food, agriculture, and infrastructure have attracted approximately $100 billion in UAE investments in India.
• GIFT City: The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will establish a subsidiary in India’s GIFT City.
• Digital Payments: India and the UAE are working to interlink India’s UPI and UAE’s AANI systems, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions for over 3 million Indians in the UAE.
• Food Parks in India: The UAE has committed to investing $2 billion in food parks in India over the next 2-2.5 years. These parks will ensure UAE’s food security, raise Indian farmers’ incomes, and create jobs. A working group will oversee the development of food corridors.
• Invest India Office: India will open its first “Invest India” office in Dubai, and the UAE will open a similar office in New Delhi.
• Bharat Mart: Expected to be completed by 2026, Bharat Mart will provide Indian companies with world-class logistics. Over 9,000 expressions of interest have been received for 1,400 units.
• IIFT in Dubai: The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) will open its first overseas campus in Dubai, with training programs starting by 2025.
• Nuclear cooperation: In September 2024, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed their first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation.
• The MoU is part of UAE’s broader policy of investing in nuclear energy, and it is tied to a trilateral cooperation framework between India, UAE, and France, launched in 2022 to focus on energy projects, including solar and nuclear.

Challenges

• India has raised concerns over the implementation of the rules of origin under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for silver, as there was a spurt in its imports following the implementation of the trade pact.
• There are issues related to labor rights for expatriates, geopolitical tensions in the region.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• The India-UAE relationship holds significant potential for growth, driven by both nations’ goals of economic diversification and sustainable development.
• Both sides are discussing obstacles to investments, aiming for timely solutions.
• By leveraging each other’s strengths, particularly in emerging sectors like renewable energy, technology, and innovation, they can create a resilient partnership.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Union Health Minister said that “India’s health system embraces a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

What is Universal Health Coverage?

• It means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services without financial hardship.
• Key components of UHC include:
• Access to Care: Everyone should be able to obtain necessary health services when they need them.
• Quality Services: The care provided should be effective, safe, and of good quality.
• Financial Protection: Individuals should not face financial difficulties due to medical expenses.
• Achieving UHC is one of the targets the nations of the world set when they adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.

UHC in India

• Constitutional Provisions: The Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV of the Constitution provides a basis for the right to health.
• Article 39 (e) directs the state to secure the health of workers; Article 42 emphasises just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief; and Article 47 casts a duty on the state to raise the nutrition levels and standard of living, and to improve public health.
• The Constitution also endows the panchayats and municipalities to strengthen public health under Article 243G.
• India’s National Health Policy of 1983 recognized the goal of “Health for All” and emphasized the importance of primary healthcare and equitable distribution of healthcare resources.
• Currently, India aims to attain UHC through the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the flagship publicly financed health insurance (PFHI) scheme of the Union government.

Need of UHC in India

• Out of Pocket Expense: Over 40 percent of healthcare expenses in India are paid out-of-pocket, one of the highest rates worldwide.
• Consequently, these costs push more than 60 million Indians into poverty every year.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for robust and universal healthcare systems.
• Lack of Coordination: Although several social health insurance schemes exist nationally and within states, their coordination remains insufficient, leading to partial overlap and underutilisation of their full potential.
• Preventive Health Services: UHC emphasizes preventive health services, which can lead to early detection and management of diseases, ultimately reducing the burden of chronic conditions and improving population health.

Government Initiatives

• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Launched in 2005, was a flagship program of the Indian government aimed at strengthening healthcare in rural areas.
• The program focused on maternal and child health, immunization, nutrition, and communicable diseases.
• National Health Policy (2017): This policy aims to achieve UHC by providing quality healthcare services to all, with an emphasis on primary healthcare, preventive measures, and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure.
• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): In 2018, India launched the Ayushman Bharat program, which comprises two components – the Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and PM-JAY.
• PM-JAY is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme, providing health coverage to over 500 million vulnerable individuals.

Challenges in Adopting UHC in India

• Resource Constraints: India faces significant funding limitations in healthcare, with a low public health expenditure compared to many other countries. This affects the ability to provide comprehensive services.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Many areas, especially rural regions, lack adequate healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, and trained personnel, making access to care difficult.
• Healthcare Workforce Shortages: There is a shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, leading to disparities in access and quality of care.
• Fragmented Health Systems: India’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers, leading to inconsistencies in quality and accessibility.

Conclusion

• India has adopted several policies toward improving access to healthcare and has been an enthusiastic signatory to several global health policies to achieve UHC.
• However, despite these policy commitments, there has been limited success in realizing these goals.
• A healthy population is an empowered population. The lighter the disease burden, the better the country’s financial health.
• Committing to investing in health systems and effectively implementing UHC necessitates political will, substantial investment, and a clear, long-term vision.
• Establishing a coherent policy pathway to execute the national UHC policy consistently across States is imperative for its success.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: As part of India’s agreement with multiple countries, it is important to discuss how circular migration can help in meeting the global skill shortage and lift Indians out of poverty.

Understanding Circular Migration

• In an increasingly interconnected world, the movement of labor across borders, known as circular migration, has become a critical component in addressing global skill shortages.
• Circular migration refers to the temporary and repetitive movement of a migrant worker between home and host areas, typically for employment purposes.
• Unlike permanent migration, circular migration allows workers to return to their home country after a period of work abroad, often bringing back new skills and experiences that can benefit their local economies.
• This phenomenon not only helps fill gaps in labor markets but also fosters economic growth and development in both sending and receiving countries.

Global Skill Shortage

• The global economy is currently facing a significant skill shortage, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and construction.
• Aging populations in developed countries, coupled with rapid technological advancements, have exacerbated this issue.
• For instance, the demand for healthcare professionals in Europe and North America has surged, while the supply of skilled workers has not kept pace.

Role of Circular Migration

• Circular migration can play a pivotal role in mitigating these skill shortages. By allowing workers to move temporarily to countries with labor deficits, it helps balance the supply and demand for skills globally.
• For example, Indian workers have been increasingly sought after in regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the European Union, where there is a high demand for skilled labor in sectors such as construction and healthcare.

Agreements Related to Circular Migration

• India has been actively engaging in agreements related to circular migration with various countries to enhance mobility and cooperation.
• Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy: It aims to foster people-to-people contacts, facilitate the mobility of students, skilled workers, business people, and young professionals, and strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration.
• Additionally, India has a strategic partnership with the European Union, which includes cooperation on migration and mobility. It aims to address both highly-skilled and low-skilled migration, as well as irregular migration, through various policy measures and joint actions.
• India has established numerous agreements with various countries to enhance trade, mobility, and cooperation. Like Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between India-Sri Lanka and India-ASEAN; Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) between India-Japan, India-South Korea; Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) between India-MERCOSUR and India-Chile; and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) with several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mauritius.

Benefits for Sending Countries

• Economy: Migrants often send remittances back home, which can improve living standards and stimulate the local economy.
• The total remittances originating from high-income individuals from the US, the UK, Canada and Australia amount to only 32% of the inward remittances to India.
• On the other hand, manual workers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman contribute 40% of the total remittances to India.
• Acquiring New Skills: Additionally, when these workers return, they bring back valuable skills and knowledge that can enhance productivity and innovation in their home countries.
• This transfer of skills is particularly crucial for developing nations striving to improve their economic standing.
• Social Capital: Migrants can build networks in both their home and host countries, which can be beneficial for personal and professional growth.
• This type of migration allows individuals to maintain strong ties with their home country while benefiting from opportunities abroad.

Challenges

• Skill Mismatch: One major issue is the mismatch between the skills of migrant workers and the needs of the host countries. Skills acquired abroad may not always be transferable or relevant to the home country’s job market, leading to underemployment.
• Brain Drain: There is a risk of losing skilled workers from the home country, which can hinder local development.
• Working Conditions: Migrants often face challenging working conditions, including low wages, lack of job security, and poor living conditions.
• Forced Labor: In some cases, migrants may be subjected to exploitation and forced labor.

Circular Migration within India

• In India, internal migration, which is migration within a particular country or State, has almost always been circular.
• It involves the repetitive movement of people between their place of origin and destination, often driven by seasonal employment opportunities.
• This type of migration is prevalent among low-income groups who move from rural to urban areas in search of work.
• With the advent of jobs in the manufacturing, construction and services sector, there has been a huge flow of migrants from rural areas to urban cities.

Domestic Destinations

• Urban Centers: Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai attract a large number of migrants due to better employment opportunities in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services.
• Industrial Zones: Areas with significant industrial activity, such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, are common destinations for circular migrants.
• Agricultural Regions: States like Punjab and Haryana see seasonal migration for agricultural work.
• Policy Interventions To Support Circular Migrants in India
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: It aims to support migrant workers, such as the provision of affordable rental housing complexes (ARHCs) and the extension of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme.

One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): This initiative allows migrants to access subsidized food grains from any fair price shop across the country, ensuring food security regardless of their location.

Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC): This scheme aims to provide affordable rental housing to migrants, reducing their living costs and improving their living conditions.

• National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM): It focuses on reducing poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households by enabling them to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities.
• e-Shram Portal: A national database for unorganized workers, including migrants, to ensure they receive social security benefits and other welfare measures.
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY): It aims to provide relief to the poor and vulnerable, including migrant workers, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes free food grains, direct cash transfers, and other benefits.
• Draft Migration Policy: The government is working on a comprehensive migration policy to address the rights and needs of migrants, ensuring their integration into destination states and protecting them from exploitation.

Examples of Successful Integration Programs for Returning Migrants

• Sustainable Reintegration of Returning Migrants by OECD: These focus on providing support in areas such as employment, education, and social services to ensure that returning migrants can reintegrate successfully into their home communities.
• Reintegration Assistance Programs by IOM: It offers reintegration assistance programs that include humanitarian aid, community stabilization, and development cooperation. These programs aim to address the diverse needs of returning migrants, including health, housing, and social cohesion.
• Cash Incentive Programs by Various Countries: Countries like the Czech Republic, Japan, and Spain have introduced cash incentive programs to encourage the return of migrants. These programs provide financial support to help returning migrants start businesses or find employment, thereby facilitating their reintegration into the local economy.
• Community-Based Reintegration: Several community-based initiatives focus on the social and economic reintegration of returning migrants. These programs often involve local NGOs and community organizations that provide tailored support, including vocational training, job placement services, and psychosocial support.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• It is essential to invest in education and vocational training that aligns with global market demands.
• Programs like those implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in India aim to equip workers with the necessary skills to thrive in international labor markets.
• Circular migration presents a viable solution to the global skill shortage, benefiting both sending and receiving countries.
• By fostering a more dynamic and responsive labor market, it can help bridge the gap between the supply and demand for skills, ultimately contributing to global economic growth and development.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Italy and India share multifaceted relationships and common interests along with numerous challenges in the Indo-Mediterranean Sea highlighting why Italy holds significant importance for India’s global aspirations.

About

• In an increasingly interconnected world, India’s foreign policy horizons are expanding beyond traditional partnerships.
• Among these emerging relationships, Italy stands out as a crucial European ally with growing strategic, economic, and cultural significance for India.

Why Italy Matters to India: A Strategic Partnership for the Future?

• As a G7 member and a key player in the European Union, Italy serves as India’s gateway to European markets and policy-making circles.
• Italy’s geopolitical position in the Mediterranean and its influence within the European Union make it a vital strategic partner for India.
• The recent joint defence initiatives between the two nations underscore the deepening trust and cooperation in security matters.
• Maritime cooperation: Enhancing naval exercises and information sharing in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Counter-terrorism efforts: Collaborating on intelligence and security measures to combat global threats.
• Defence: Co-development of military hardware and cybersecurity solutions.

Cooperation in Multilateral bodies

• Italy is the first non-tropical country to join International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

Technological Synergies

• Italy’s expertise in areas such as aerospace, robotics, and sustainable technologies aligns perfectly with India’s aspirations for innovation-led growth.
• Recent agreements in fields like green energy and digital infrastructure highlight the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships that can drive both economies forward.

Economic Ties and Trade Volume

• Bilateral trade has shown resilience even in challenging times, with both countries recognising the untapped potential.
• Italian investments in India’s manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive and textiles, have been significant. Conversely, Indian IT firms are finding fertile ground in Italy’s digitalisation drive.
• Italy is India’s 4th largest trading partner in the EU after Germany, Belgium and Netherlands.
• Bilateral trade in 2022-23 crossed US$ 14.253 billion with our exports at US$ 8.691 billion.
• Italy ranks 17th in terms of FDI inflows into India during April 2000 to March 2023 with a US $ 3.5 bn (DGFT data). The top sectors attracting FDI – Automobile (29.8%), Trading (17.1%), Industrial Machinery (5.6%), Services (5.1%), Electrical Equipment (4.6%).

Science and Technology

• Italy’s prowess in advanced manufacturing, design, and innovation complements India’s digital and technological capabilities.
• The Department for Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste instituted the DST-ICTP Ramanujan Prize in Mathematics for developing countries annually. Prof. Mohamad Moustafa of Senegal was awarded the prize for 2022.
• Italy is looking with increasing interest at India’s space initiatives — the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has been recognised and celebrated by the Italian scientific community.
• Collaboration has been underway for some time between the space agencies of the two countries, Italian Space Agency and ISRO, government institutions, university research centres and aerospace companies.
• A joint declaration recently signed between the heads of the Italian Space Agency and ISRO opens up new opportunities, particularly in earth observation, space exploration and helio-physics.
• Green technologies: Partnerships in renewable energy and sustainable urban development.

Cultural Diplomacy

• The rich cultural heritage of both nations serves as a strong foundation for people-to-people connections.
• From yoga to Italian cuisine, the cultural exchanges between India and Italy create a unique bond that goes beyond governmental ties.
• These soft power dynamics play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and respect.
• The Executive Programme on Cultural Cooperation for the term 2023-27 was signed in 2023.

Key Concerns and Challenges in India-Italy Relations

• India and Italy, despite having a historical relationship dating back to the Roman era, have faced several challenges primarily centred around trade, investment, and defence cooperation. These include:
• Trade imbalance: India has a significant trade surplus with Italy, which has led to concerns in Italy.
• Tariff barriers: Both countries have imposed tariffs on certain products, hindering trade growth.
• Bureaucracy: India’s complex bureaucratic procedures can deter Italian investors.
• Regulatory challenges: Italian companies may face difficulties navigating India’s regulatory environment.

Defence Cooperation Issues

• Italian Mariners’ case: A dispute over the jurisdiction of the Italian marines involved in the killing of two Indian fishermen in 2012 strained the relationship.
• Defence sales: Italy’s sales of military equipment to Pakistan have raised concerns in India.

Geopolitical Factors

• Competing interests: India and Italy may have differing interests in certain regions, such as the Middle East and Africa.
• Global alliances: Both countries are members of various global alliances, which can sometimes lead to conflicting priorities.

Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Potential

• While the Italy-India relationship is on an upward trajectory, it is not without its challenges. Trade barriers, competing interests in certain sectors, and occasional cultural misunderstandings pose obstacles. However, these challenges also present opportunities for deeper engagement and understanding.

Addressing Key Challenges

• Trade Barriers: Ongoing negotiations for an India-EU Free Trade Agreement could significantly boost economic ties.
• Geopolitical Differences: Enhanced dialogue on regional and global issues can help align perspectives.
• Cultural Bridge: Increased educational exchanges and cultural programs can foster better mutual understanding.

Road Ahead

• The elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership marked a new chapter in diplomatic ties. Both nations have found common ground on global issues such as climate change, counterterrorism, and reform of multilateral institutions.
• As India continues its ascent on the global stage, its relationship with Italy takes on new significance. From being partners in addressing.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Nepal, India and Bangladesh have signed a tripartite agreement to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.

About the Agreement

• Nepal will export its surplus electricity to Bangladesh via India from June 15 to November 15 every year.
• In the first phase, Nepal will export 40 MW of hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via Indian territory.
• The rate per unit of electricity has been fixed at 6.4 cents.
• Electricity will be exported to Bangladesh via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 KV transmission line, with the metering point in Muzaffarpur.
• From the export of electricity, Nepal will make an annual income of around USD 9.2 million.

Energy Requirements of India

• India’s energy imports more than doubled to 40 percent of total energy requirements in 2022 from 18 percent in 2002.
• In the same period, the country diversified its energy partners from 14 to 32.
• These energy supplies and diversifications are essential to India’s overall economic security.
• As the country will require more and more energy supplies to reinforce its economy, which is growing at an annual rate of approximately 8 percent.

India’s Energy Cooperation in Neighbourhood

• India is building green energy infrastructure (hydel power plants and solar parks) in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• India is connecting these countries’ national energy apparatus to India for exporting excess energy generated in these nations.
• India loaned, invested, or extended Lines of Credit worth US$ 7.15 billion between 2005 and 2023 to further collaboration with its neighbours.
• Development assistance ranges across cross-border transmission lines, hydel power plants, oil and gas pipelines, and undersea lines for grid integration.
• Resultantly, electricity trade among the aforementioned countries has grown from 2 billion units to 8 billion units between 2016 and 2023.
• Energy Cooperation with Nepal: It culminated in the 25-year long-term power purchase partnership agreement between the two countries, wherein India will annually buy 10,000 MW of hydel energy from Nepal by 2030.
• Nepal, currently, has over a hundred hydel power plants and another one hundred and fifty in the pipeline.
• This massive and rapid hydel power capacity development will lead to a surplus that energy-needing neighbouring countries—India and Bangladesh—can utilise.
• India-Bhutan: In FY22, India imported 1500MW of electricity worth US$ 83 million from Bhutan. These imports comprised 70 percent of Bhutan’s hydel power generation capacity.
• Bhutan is currently also coordinating with multilateral development banks and India, to increase its installed hydel power capacity to cater India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• India-Bangladesh: It involves importing through the India Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) and the newly developed electricity transmission network.
• India is also endeavouring to link Bhutan and Nepal with Bangladesh through Indian territory for greater energy connectivity across South Asia.

Significance

• Connectivity: India’s cross-border collaboration for energy infrastructure development is pivotal for connecting the geographies of India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
• Bangladesh and India are energy-deficient countries, which heavily rely on conventional energy sources in their energy production matrix.
• Bhutan and Nepal produce an energy surplus annually.
• Countering Chinese Influence: India wants to counter China’s BRI through increased development aid in the neighbouring countries because of their geopolitical and geostrategic relevance to India’s territorial integrity.
• Furthering energy cooperation is a step towards regional connectivity and economic integration, something that can act as a hedge against Chinese influence in the region.

Conclusion

• India’s energy cooperation with its South Asian neighbours is a cornerstone of its foreign policy and energy security.
• By investing in regional energy infrastructure and fostering interdependence, India aims to underpin economic growth, counterbalance China’s influence, and enhance its global standing.
• While challenges like geopolitical tensions and competing interests persist, the mutual benefits of energy collaboration are clear.
• As India continues its rise on the world stage, its energy diplomacy is set to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the region’s future.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India ruled that criminal cases cannot be lodged against journalists merely for criticising the government.

About the Press Freedom

• It is a cornerstone of democratic societies, enabling the free flow of information and ideas, and holding those in power accountable. It plays a vital role in a democratic society, and serves as an agency of the people to gather news for them.
• In India, freedom of the press has been treated as part of the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution.
• It has been upheld in various landmark judgments of the Supreme Court of India.

Restrictions on Press Freedom

• Reasonable restrictions can be placed on this right, in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence, as mentioned in Article 19 (2) of Constitution.
• Hence, freedom of the media is not an absolute freedom.
• While the Constitution provides for press freedom, it also mandates that the press must be responsible.

Current State of Press Freedom

• India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has seen a significant drop, falling to 161 out of 180 countries in 2023. This decline is part of a broader regional trend, with many countries in the Asia-Pacific region experiencing similar setbacks.
• The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report attributes this decline to several factors, including increased political interference, economic pressures, and threats to journalists’ safety.

Challenges Faced by Journalists

• Political Pressure: Media outlets often face pressure from political entities, which can lead to biassed reporting and self-censorship.
• Economic Constraints: The acquisition of media outlets by business conglomerates with political ties further restricts editorial independence.
• Safety Concerns: Threats and attacks on journalists have become alarmingly common, creating a climate of fear and intimidation.
• Focus on Non-Issues: There is criticism that the media often diverts attention from critical issues such as poverty, unemployment, and healthcare to less significant topics, thereby not addressing the real concerns of the majority of the population.

Voices of Concern

• Media associations and civil society groups have voiced their concerns over the deteriorating state of press freedom in India. The Indian Women’s Press Corps, the Press Club of India, and the Press Association have all issued statements highlighting the urgent need to address these issues.
• They emphasise that insecure working conditions and hostile environments are detrimental to a free press.
• Impact on Democracy: The decline in press freedom has serious implications for Indian democracy. A free and independent press is essential for informed citizenry and accountable governance.
• When journalists are unable to report without fear or favour, the very fabric of democracy is at risk.
• Digital Media Regulation: The government has proposed measures to regulate digital media, including fact-checking units to monitor social media. While intended to curb fake news, these measures are feared to widen the scope of censorship and control over the media.

Conclusion and Road Ahead

• As India navigates its path forward, it is crucial to prioritise the protection of press freedom.
• Ensuring the safety and independence of journalists is not just about safeguarding a profession; it is about upholding the democratic values that form the bedrock of the nation.
• The road ahead may be challenging, but a commitment to press freedom is essential for a vibrant and resilient democracy.