General Studies Paper-2

Context: Brazil recently decided against joining China’s multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

• This marks a major setback to China’s BRI after India’s refusal to endorse the mega project.
• Brazil has become the second country after India in the BRICS bloc to deny support.
• Brazil wants to take the relationship with China to a new level, without having to sign an accession contract.
  • Joining BRI may fail to bring any tangible benefits for Brazil in the short term but could also make relations with the U.S.A more difficult.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

• China proposed the BRI in 2013 with the purpose of restoring the ancient Silk Route.
  • The initiative aims to connect Asia with Europe and Africa, through a network of railways, highways, ports, airports, and other infrastructure projects with the intent to promote trade, investment, and economic growth in participating countries.
• China has presented the BRI as an open arrangement in which all countries are welcome to participate.
  • So far, China has signed BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organisations.
• The BRI comprises two main components: The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road.
  • The Silk Road Economic Belt focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation between China and countries in Central Asia, Europe, and West Asia, while the 21st century Maritime Silk Road focuses on strengthening maritime cooperation between China and countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa.
• The main portion of the required infrastructure build is expected to continue until 2035.

How does India view the BRI?

• Sovereignty Issues: The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
  • India views this as a violation of its territorial integrity.
• Chinese Presence in IOR: The importance of the Indian Ocean for China has increased significantly due to its expanding trade, energy transport and investments.
  • It started expanding its footprints in India’s neighbourhood through investments in various ports in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
  • As commercial ports could be easily converted into military use, these developments have troubled Indian policymakers.
• Strained India- China Relations: Many negative developments in broader India-China ties (trade deficit, border tensions, etc.) have also affected India’s perceptions of the BRI.
• Debt Diplomacy: The BRI structure smacks of Chinese neo-colonialism. The projects is pushing smaller countries on the road into a crushing debt cycle, destroy the ecology and disrupt local communities.
  • The debt traps are undermining their sovereignty and creating dependency on China.

Conclusion

• India was the first country to voice reservations and stood steadfast in its opposition to BRI.
• India is also vocal about its criticism of BRI projects stating they should be based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, and the rule of law and follow principles of openness, transparency and financial sustainability.
• The BRI can also be seen as China using its infrastructural, intellectual and financial advantage to forge stronger political ties with certain capital-importing countries.
• India is aware of these realities and also keen to determine its geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean region.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The government plans to begin the long-delayed Census in 2025, which will be followed by delimitation of Lok Sabha seats.

About

• The census, typically conducted every ten years to update the National Population Register (NPR), was scheduled for 2021 but had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
• The delimitation of constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is to be carried out on the basis of the first Census after 2026.

Census in India

• A census is a survey of the population of an area that includes collecting details of a country’s demographics including age, sex and occupation.
• History: Under W.C. Plowden, the Census Commissioner of India, the first synchronous decennial (every ten years) census was conducted in 1881.
• Independent India’s first census was held in 1951 and since then it has happened in the first year of every decade.
• The Constitution mandates that enumeration is carried out but the Census of India Act of 1948 does not specify its timing or periodicity.
• The population census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Need for the Census

• Accurate Population Data: A reliable population count is fundamental for planning and managing various national and state projects, from healthcare to infrastructure.
• Socio-Economic Insights: Census data on literacy, income, occupation, and housing conditions highlights social challenges and allows for targeted interventions.
• Evaluating Development Progress: Comparing census data over decades helps assess the effectiveness of past policies, guiding future strategies.
• Environmental Planning: The Census provides insights into human settlements and demographic pressures, supporting environmental sustainability efforts.

Benefits of Census

• Informed Policy Making: The Census provides detailed socio-economic data, helping the government make informed decisions on issues like education, healthcare, housing, employment, and infrastructure.
• Resource Allocation: Accurate population data ensures fair distribution of resources across states, especially in sectors like public health, education, and welfare.
• Electoral Reforms and Delimitation: Census data directly impacts the delimitation of constituencies, ensuring fair representation in Parliament and State Legislatures.

Way Ahead

• Updated Data for Post-Covid Recovery: Since the last Census was in 2011, population dynamics have shifted, making updated data essential to address changes in economic and social structures.
• Delimitation Requirements: With the delimitation process slated post-2026, it’s crucial to have accurate, current population data to ensure fair representation based on updated demographics.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Spanish Prime Minister paid a State Visit to India.

• PM Sanchez and Prime Minister Modi jointly inaugurated the Final Assembly Line Plant of C-295 aircraft co-produced by Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. at Vadodara.
• This plant will roll out the first ‘Made in India’ C295 aircraft in 2026, out of a total of 40 aircrafts to be manufactured in India.
• Airbus Spain is also delivering 16 aircrafts in ‘fly-away’ condition to India, out of which 6 have already been delivered to the Indian Air Force.
• India and Spain signed several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during the bilateral meeting.

Overview of India-Spain Bilateral Relations

• Diplomatic relations between India and Spain were established in 1956.
• Since then, both countries have engaged in high-level visits and discussions to strengthen their political ties.
• Economic Relations: Spain is India’s 6th largest trade partner in Europe. Bilateral trade reached US$ 9.9 billion in 2023. India´s exports stood at US$ 7.17 billion while imports stood at US$ 2.74 billion during the same period.
• India-Spain Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) was set up under the 1972 Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement and has since met twelve times.
• Investment: Spain ranks as the 16th largest foreign investor in India, with cumulative FDI totaling US$3.94 billion as of December 2023.
• Defence: Spain has emerged as a prominent member in Defence diversification and modernization for India.
• The procurement of 56 C295 aircraft from Airbus Spain represents the first Make in India project in the defence aircraft sector.
• Tourism in both directions is growing, with 250,000 Indian tourists travelling to Spain every year, and 40,000 Spanish tourists visiting India.
• The Spain-India Council Foundation (a private non-profit organization that functions in coordination with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs) organized the 3rd Spain-India Forum in 2023, in collaboration with Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
• This Forum serves as a crucial tool for promoting bilateral relations between Spain and India.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Both nations collaborate in international forums, including the United Nations, G20 and International Solar Alliance (ISA) addressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and sustainable development.
• Diaspora: The Indian diaspora in Spain numbers around 75000, concentrated in Catalonia, Valencia, Madrid and Canary Islands.

Way Ahead

• India and Spain’s evolving economic and diplomatic relationship holds significant promise, with key areas of cooperation including trade, investment, renewable energy, infrastructure, and defense.
• Spanish expertise in renewable energy, infrastructure, and environmental technology complements India’s expanding market.
• Initiatives like “Make in India” and “Digital India” create favorable conditions for further collaboration, encouraging foreign direct investment.
• As both countries continue to leverage their mutual strengths, the future of India-Spain bilateral ties looks bright, with enhanced cooperation.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation’s Chairman, S Somanath, shared new timelines for Chandrayaan 4, Gajanana, and a joint moon-landing mission with Japan’s JAXA.

About

• The Gaganyaan mission will likely begin in 2026 and sample return mission Chandrayaan-4 will be carried out in 2028.
• A joint moon-landing mission named LUPEX, or Lunar Polar Exploration, would be the Chandrayaan-5 mission.
  • India would provide a lander for the mission, while a rover would come from Japan.

Space Sector of India

• India’s space sector has benefitted from decades of consistent investment, with $13 billion invested in the last decade.
  • It is the 8th largest space economy (in terms of funding) in the world.
• In the recently announced Union Budget for 2024-25, India’s space sector received a significant boost. The Central government allocated ₹13,042.75 crore to support space-related initiatives.

Contribution of Space Sector to India’s GDP

• The Sector has supported 96,000 jobs in the public and private sector.
• For every dollar produced by the space sector, there was a multiplier effect of $2.54 to the Indian economy and India’s space force was 2.5 times more productive than the country’s broader industrial workforce.
• The Indian space sector was diversifying and now had 700 companies including 200 start-ups and had seen revenues grow to $6.3 billion in 2023, which was about 1.5% of the global space market.
• Satellite communications contributed 54% to the space economy, followed by navigation (26%) and launches (11%).
  • The main industries supported by the space sector were telecom (25%), information technology (10%) and administrative services (7%).

Challenges in India’s Space Sector

• Competition and Global Market Share: To achieve this ambitious goal of 8% of the global market share, Indian space companies must compete effectively on the international stage.
• Private Sector Participation: While the private sector has shown interest, there’s a need for more substantial investment and commitment.
• Technology Development and Innovation: Developing cutting-edge technologies, such as reusable launch vehicles, miniaturized satellites, and advanced propulsion systems, requires substantial investment and research.
• Regulatory Framework and Licensing: Navigating licensing processes, export controls, and compliance can be complex.
• Infrastructure and Facilities: Developing and maintaining such infrastructure requires significant capital.

Major Reforms In Space Sector of India

• Indian Space Policy 2023: It laid down roles and responsibilities of organizations such as ISRO, New Space India Limited (NSIL) and private sector entities.
  • It aims to enhance the participation of research, academia, startups and industry.
• Strategic Proposals by SIA: The Space Industry Association – India (SIA-India) in its Pre-Budget Memorandum for the FY 2024-25 has proposed a substantial increase in India’s space budget.
  • It aims to support India’s expanding space program, foster private sector involvement, drive technological advancements, and position the nation as a key player in the dynamic global space ecosystem.

Way Ahead

• India aims to commission the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and land Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040.
• Private entities are now actively involved in crucial aspects of research, manufacturing, and fabrication of rockets and satellites, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation. It is expected to integrate Indian companies into global value chains.

General Studies Paper-1

Context: Recently, a new hydrology model-based study titled as ‘Detection and Socio-economic Attribution of Groundwater Depletion in India’ has proven a clear correlation between urbanisation and a decline in groundwater reserves in Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Kerala.

About

• India hosts around 18% of the global population, faces a severe water crisis despite having only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources.
• Groundwater, which supports over 60% of irrigated agriculture and around 85% of domestic water supply in rural areas, is depleting at an alarming rate.
• The belief that the country receives sufficient rainfall to fulfil the needs of its large population does not carry much weight.
  • Only around 8% of the rainwater received is harvested, and more than 90% of the groundwater (which should have been recharged by rainwater) is claimed by agricultural practices — and is misused.

Key Findings of the Report

• The study identifies Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh as the most affected states. These regions have experienced a substantial decline in groundwater levels over the past two decades.
• The northern and northwestern hotspots, particularly Punjab and Haryana, have lost approximately 64.6 billion cubic metres of groundwater.
• Between 2004 and 2020, the state experienced a 17% decline in net annual groundwater availability — the highest among the five hotspots. Groundwater demand for irrigation dropped by 36% during this period, while domestic and industrial uses increased by 34%.

Causes of Groundwater Depletion

• Urbanisation: Rapid urbanisation has led to increased water demand for domestic and industrial use. In areas like Faridabad and Gurgaon in Haryana, groundwater levels have been dropping since 2012, despite minimal agricultural activity.
• Industrialisation: The growth of factories and industrial units has further strained groundwater resources. The study notes a significant increase in the number of factories in Punjab and Haryana, correlating with a drop in groundwater availability.
• Irrigation Practices: While urbanisation and industrialisation are major factors, irrigation for agriculture also plays a role in groundwater depletion.
  • However, the study highlights that urban areas with minimal agriculture are still experiencing significant groundwater loss.

Implications

• The depletion of groundwater reserves has far-reaching consequences. Reduced groundwater levels can lead to decreased agricultural productivity, degraded soil quality, and long-term socio-economic challenges.
• The study calls for immediate action to address these issues and ensure sustainable water management practices.
• Environmental Implications: Rapid decline in groundwater reserves and contributing to India’s carbon emissions.
  • It has resulted in the Earth’s axis tilting nearly 80 cm to the east.
  • It is linked to land subsidence, which is an irreversible process.
  • Groundwater extraction has been linked to the climate crisis, and impacts the ecosystem and biodiversity.
• Socio-economic Implications: Groundwater extraction is the lowest since 2004, and came down by about 6 billion cubic metres in 2022 from 2020, causing the increased cost and adverse effects on food supply and communities.

Recommendations

• Rainwater Harvesting: Implementing rainwater harvesting systems can help recharge groundwater levels and reduce dependence on groundwater for domestic and industrial use.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting precision agriculture and efficient irrigation techniques can minimise water wastage and reduce the strain on groundwater resources.
• Policy Interventions: Stronger regulations and policies are needed to manage groundwater extraction and ensure equitable distribution of water resources.

Conclusion

• The study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, industries, and citizens alike. Ensuring sustainable water management practices is crucial to preserving groundwater reserves and securing the future of these states.
• By addressing the root causes of groundwater depletion, India can work towards a more sustainable and water-secure future.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: India is taking significant steps toward securing its energy future by embracing sustainable practices like ethanol blending.

About

• The practice of blending ethanol with petrol began in 2001 as a pilot project.
• The government’s proactive approach to ethanol blending is evident in its decision to advance the target of 20% ethanol blending from 2030 to 2025.

Ethanol

• Ethanol is an anhydrous ethyl alcohol having chemical formula of C2H5OH.
• It can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch content.
• In India, ethanol is mainly produced from sugarcane molasses by fermentation process.
• It can be mixed with gasoline to form different blends.
• Application: It is widely used not only as an alternative fuel source but also in various industries as a chemical solvent and in the synthesis of organic compounds.
• Ethanol also has medical applications as an antiseptic and disinfectant, adding to its versatile uses.

Ethanol Blending

• Ethanol blending refers to the practice of mixing ethanol with gasoline to create a fuel mixture that can be used in internal combustion engines.
• There are a few common blends:
• E10: This is a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. It is the most common blend and is used widely in many countries.
• E15: This blend contains 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline.
• E85: This is a high-ethanol blend, consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It’s used in flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on higher ethanol content.
• Significance: As the ethanol molecule contains oxygen, it allows the engine to more completely combust the fuel, resulting in fewer emissions and thereby reducing the occurrence of environmental pollution.
• Since ethanol is produced from plants it is also considered as renewable fuel.

Need

• As of March 2024, around 98% of the fuel used in the road transportation sector comes from fossil fuels, while only 2% is met by biofuels like ethanol.
• This dependency on fossil fuels presents challenges related to energy security, foreign currency outflow, and environmental impact.
• With ethanol blending, India has a promising opportunity to reduce its dependence on imported oil while addressing environmental concerns.

India’s Ethanol Blending Program

• The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was launched in 2003.
• The programme sought to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels and to reduce import dependency for energy requirements.
• Objectives
• Reduce Import Dependence: India aims to decrease its reliance on imported crude oil, thereby improving energy security.
• Environmental Benefits: Ethanol is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to gasoline, which helps in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Support for Farmers: The program supports the agricultural sector by providing a market for ethanol, which is often derived from sugarcane, corn, or other crops.
• Key Components
• Blending Targets: India has set specific targets for ethanol blending. For instance, the National Policy on Biofuels (2018) outlines a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025.
• Phased Implementation: The blending targets are being rolled out in phases, gradually moving towards higher blends like E20.
• Infrastructure Development: The government has been investing in the infrastructure necessary for ethanol production, storage, and distribution, including establishing more ethanol production facilities and blending units.
• Incentives and Support: Various financial incentives and support mechanisms are provided to encourage ethanol production and blending. This includes subsidies for ethanol producers and incentives for upgrading infrastructure.

Major Achievements of EBP

• In the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2023-24, the blending percentage surpassed 13% of ethanol blended.
• This underscores a significant increase in the overall ethanol blending percentage, rising from 1.53% in 2014 to an impressive 15% in 2024.
• After achieving 15% ethanol blending in 2024, the government set an ambitious target of achieving 20% blending by 2025.

Challenges

• Infrastructure: Developing the necessary infrastructure for large-scale ethanol production and blending can be complex and costly.
• Feedstock Availability: Ensuring a steady and adequate supply of raw materials for ethanol production, such as sugarcane, can be challenging, especially in the face of changing agricultural conditions and market fluctuations.
• Consumer Acceptance: Educating consumers and ensuring that vehicles can run efficiently on higher ethanol blends are also important for the program’s success.

Conclusion

India’s Ethanol Blending Program is a significant step towards a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future, aligning with broader goals of environmental protection and energy independence.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, addressed the 12th edition of the Traffic Infra Tech Expo.

• He emphasized the critical need to improve road safety and the adoption of advanced technologies in the transportation sector.

About

• India experiences around 5 lakh accidents each year, resulting in numerous fatalities.
• More than half of these casualties are in the age group of 18-36 years.
• The economic loss due to road accidents is estimated at 3% of the country’s GDP.
• The government has decided to appoint experts from the private sector to collaborate on developing technological solutions.
• It will evaluate proposals from startups and industry leaders, ensuring that the best ideas are implemented.
• The committee has been directed to finalize its evaluations within three months.

Use of Technology in Transport Sector

• Traffic Management: AI systems analyze real-time traffic data to optimize signal timings, reduce congestion, and improve overall traffic flow.
• This can lead to fewer accidents caused by gridlock or unpredictable traffic patterns.
• Predictive Analytics: By analyzing historical accident data, AI can identify high-risk areas and times, allowing authorities to implement targeted safety measures.
• Driver Assistance Systems: AI is integrated into vehicle systems to provide features like lane departure warnings, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control.
• Emergency Response: AI systems can optimize routes for emergency vehicles, ensuring quicker response times during accidents, which can be crucial for saving lives.
• Identifying traffic violations through AI can allow authorities to enforce penalties accurately.
• Upgrading toll collection methods, including the exploration of satellite toll systems would improve efficiency and ensure transparency in toll collection.

Challenges

• Infrastructure Limitations: Many areas lack the necessary infrastructure, such as reliable internet connectivity and adequate sensor networks, to support AI technologies effectively.
• Data Privacy Concerns: The collection and analysis of large volumes of traffic and personal data raise concerns about privacy and data security.
• Quality of Data: The quality of traffic and accident data in India varies significantly, making it difficult to develop reliable AI systems.
• Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating AI solutions with existing traffic management systems and regulatory frameworks can be complex and require significant investment.
• Skill Gaps: There is a shortage of skilled professionals in AI and data analytics within India.
• This limits the ability to develop, implement, and maintain AI systems effectively.
• Ethical Considerations: The deployment of AI in critical areas like traffic management raises ethical questions, such as bias in algorithms and accountability in case of failures or accidents.

Way Ahead

• Data Standardization: Establish standard protocols for data collection and sharing among various stakeholders.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions to leverage resources, expertise, and technology for developing AI solutions.
• Skill Development Programs: Implement training programs to build a workforce skilled in AI, data analytics, and machine learning.
• Pilot Projects: Launch pilot projects in select cities to test AI applications in real-world scenarios.
• Ethical Guidelines: Establish ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment, focusing on transparency, accountability, and bias mitigation to ensure fair treatment and public trust.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Create channels for public feedback on AI systems and road safety initiatives, allowing for continuous improvement based on user experiences and concerns.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund to support firms in the space technology sector.

Historical Developments

• India’s space programme has evolved over more than five decades, focusing on application-driven initiatives to serve the common man.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is advancing with missions to the moon and sun, and plans for space telescopes and manned missions.
• ISRO has partnered with both public and private firms like HAL, Antrix, and Godrej Aerospace to manufacture space components.
• Antrix Corporation (1992) was created to commercialize ISRO’s products internationally.
• ISRO’s growth is complemented by a burgeoning private space sector.
• ISRO is now one of the six largest space agencies globally, operating a significant fleet of GEO communication and LEO remote sensing satellites.

Private Sector Involvement

• The past few years have been significant for the growth of India’s private space sector.
• Over 200 start-ups have emerged since the early 2010s, focusing on satellite design, manufacturing, and launch services.
• Key start-ups include: Dhruva Space: Custom satellite design and ground stations.
• Skyroot Aerospace: Private launch vehicles and successful launches.
  • Skyroot Aerospace launched the first Indian private rocket, Vikram-S, in 2022.
• Agnikul Cosmos: Innovative mobile launchpad and propulsion systems.
• Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first rocket with a fully 3D-printed engine from its private launch pad in 2024.
• Manastu Space: Green technology for propulsion and satellite services.

Regulatory Framework:

• IN-SPACe: IN-SPACe is an autonomous agency under the Department of Space, established in 2020 to facilitate private sector participation in space activities.
• IN-SPACe has signed around 45 MoUs with NGEs and has implemented various supportive schemes like the Seed Fund Scheme and Technology Transfer initiatives.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation: This foundation aims to enhance public-private partnerships in scientific research, with a projected budget of ₹50,000 crore over five years, largely sourced from non-government funding.
• National Geospatial Policy (2021): Facilitates private access to geospatial data.
• Indian Space Policy (2023): Allows private companies to operate satellites and launch vehicles, enhancing market participation.
• FDI Policy: The Indian government allows 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the space sector, attracting overseas funding.
• Amendments: Centre amended its FDI policy, allowing up to 74% FDI for satellite manufacturing and operation, up to 49% FDI for launch vehicles, spaceports and associated systems and 100% FDI to manufacture components and systems/sub-systems for satellites, ground and user segments.
  • Beyond the above mentioned limits investment is allowed in these segments via the government route.
• New Space India Limited (NSIL): Established in 2019 to enhance indigenous production and support domestic customers.

Recent Developments

• IN-SPACe has proposed a Rs.1000 crore Venture Capital Fund to support the growth of India’s space economy, currently valued at 8.4 billion dollars , with a target to reach $44 billion by 2033.
• The fund will be deployed over five years, starting with ₹150 crore in the 2025-26 financial year, followed by ₹250 crore annually for the next three years, and ₹100 crore in 2029-30.
• It will serve as an Alternative investment Fund under SEBI regulations, providing early-stage equity to startups and enabling them to scale for further private equity investments.
• The proposed fund is expected to boost employment in the Indian space sector by supporting startups across the entire space supply chain—upstream, midstream, and downstream.
• It will help businesses scale, invest in R&D, and expand their workforce.

Future Prospects:

• Despite private sector growth, ISRO remains the key player, launching numerous foreign satellites and leading various significant missions.
• The goal is to grow India’s space economy from $8 billion to $100 billion by 2040, with continued leadership from ISRO and collaboration with private start-ups.
• The sector’s future success depends on robust policy implementation, supportive ecosystems, and seamless collaboration between the government, ISRO, and private entities to realize India’s space ambitions both domestically and globally.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Summit in Kazan, hosted by Russia, focused on Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.

Key Points of the Summit

• The Kazan Declaration, issued at the summit, is a comprehensive document that emphasizes the need for enhanced cooperation among the participating countries and presents the bloc’s unified stance on key global issues.
• The Kazan Declaration emphasized “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security” with commitment to fostering peace, ensuring a fairer international order, and promoting sustainable development.
• Russia emphasized a BRICS-led payment system against SWIFT, an international financial network that Russian banks were cut off from in 2022, as well as the escalating situation in West Asia.
• The BRICS nations agreed to explore initiatives, such as BRICS Grain Exchange and BRICS (Re)Insurance Company.
• The summit also endorsed the creation of a BRICS Partner Country category, which would allow other nations to collaborate with BRICS on various projects.
• BRICS R&D Vaccine Center was announced for fostering research in vaccine development.
• India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance was recognized during the summit.

What is BRICS?

• It is an acronym that refers to a group of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• Origin: The term BRIC was coined by British economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to represent emerging economies.
• The group began holding annual meetings starting in 2006 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), and its success led to formal summits.
• BRICS nations have met annually at formal summits since 2009.
• South Africa was inducted in 2010.
• Expansion of BRICS: Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are the six new additions to the BRICS.
• It brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing around 41% of the global population, around 24% of the global GDP and around 16% of global trade.

Significance of BRICS for India

• Strengthening South-South Cooperation: India views BRICS as a platform for fostering collaboration among developing countries, amplifying their voices in global institutions like the UN and World Bank.
• Balancing Global Power: BRICS serves as a counterbalance to Western-dominated alliances such as the G7. For India, this helps in diversifying its foreign relations and reducing dependency on Western powers.
• Trade Diversification: BRICS promotes economic cooperation, trade, and investment between member countries.
• New Development Bank (NDB): It provides BRICS nations with access to funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects, aligning with India’s growth objectives.

Challenges

• Varying Agendas: India’s concerns over terrorism and border security may differ from other members like China and Russia, who may prioritize their regional and geopolitical interests over these issues.
• Geopolitical Rivalry: China’s growing influence within BRICS, especially with the inclusion of countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia (which have strong ties with China), raises concerns about BRICS tilting towards a pro-China bloc.
• Balancing Middle Eastern Alliances: The inclusion of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE introduces complexities in India’s relationships within the Middle East.
• Trade Barriers: Intra-BRICS trade barriers such as tariffs, regulatory differences, and currency issues persist, limiting India’s ability to fully capitalize on trade opportunities within the group.

Way Ahead

• India’s participation in BRICS is crucial, both for advancing its national interests and for shaping global governance in an increasingly dynamic geopolitical environment.
• As one of the founding members, India has consistently played a key role in ensuring that BRICS remains a collaborative platform for emerging economies to assert their influence on the global stage.
• BRICS presents India with a unique opportunity to diversify its trade networks, attract foreign investments, and engage in joint infrastructure and development initiatives.
• In this context, India should strategically utilize the resources of the New Development Bank (NDB) to finance critical projects that align with its long-term growth goals.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: In a significant diplomatic development, India and China held their first bilateral talks in five years on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, marking a crucial step towards mending the strained relations between the two neighbouring countries, which have been marred by a prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Background

• The roots of the current standoff trace back to China’s aggressive manoeuvres along the LAC in 2020, which led to a prolonged military confrontation.
• The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, resulting in casualties on both sides, was the most severe conflict between the two nations in decades.
• Since then, both countries have engaged in numerous rounds of diplomatic and military talks to de-escalate the situation, but with limited success.

Agreement: Reviving Bilateral Ties

• India and China emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity at the border, underscoring that mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity should form the foundation of their relationship.
• The Indian Prime Minister highlighted that the restoration of peace in the border areas is essential for the normalisation of bilateral relations.
• The recent agreement, as reported, involves the restoration of patrolling rights in the Depsang Plains and Demchok in Ladakh, areas that have been flashpoints in the ongoing conflict.
• It is seen as a first concrete step towards restoring the pre-2020 status quo ante. Additionally, agreements have been reached in other sectors along the LAC, including Arunachal Pradesh.

Significance

• De-escalation and Stability: The disengagement process, though just the beginning, is crucial for reducing tensions and preventing further military confrontations. It sets the stage for a gradual de-escalation and de-induction of troops, which will require meticulous monitoring and sustained diplomatic efforts.
• Bilateral Relations: For India, this forward movement with China is vital not only for bilateral ties but also for its broader geopolitical strategy.
• It opens up diplomatic space for India as it navigates its relationships with major global powers, including Russia and the West.
• Political Engagement: A potential meeting between Indian Prime Minister and Chinese President on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit could further solidify this agreement and outline future political and economic engagements.

India-China Partnership and Global Potential

Challenges Ahead

• Implementation: The disengagement process must be followed by de-escalation and de-induction, which will be a slow and complex process requiring constant vigilance1.
• Trust Deficit: The relationship between India and China has been marred by a significant trust deficit. Building confidence and ensuring compliance with the agreement will be critical.
• Broader Issues: The border issue is just one aspect of the complex India-China relationship. Broader issues, including trade imbalances and geopolitical rivalries, need to be addressed to achieve lasting peace and stability.
• Since the 1980s, India and China have sought peaceful resolution of their boundary dispute. Informal summits between leaders, like those in Wuhan (2018) and Chennai (2019), emphasised strategic communication and cooperation.
• The unresolved boundary issue remains a point of contention, leading to occasional tensions.

Conclusion and Way Ahead

• The India-China agreement to restore patrolling rights and begin the disengagement process is a welcome step towards breaking the stalemate. It reflects the patience and fortitude of India’s diplomatic and security establishments.
• However, the journey towards lasting peace and stability will require sustained efforts, realistic expectations, and a commitment to dialogue and cooperation.