General Studies Paper-2

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

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

Background

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

Economic Implications

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

Defense and Security Challenges

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

Nuclear Deterrence:

• India’s nuclear deterrence strategy faces increasing challenges, as both China and Pakistan continue to enhance their nuclear capabilities.
• The evolving nuclear landscape in South Asia requires India to reassess its nuclear doctrine and develop robust countermeasures to ensure credible deterrence.

Diplomatic Considerations

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

Future Prospects

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

Government Schemes

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

Way Forward

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

Conclusion

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

General Studies Paper-2

Context: A study published in the Nature journal by the International Food Policy Research Institute suggests that the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has led to a significant reduction in infant deaths by improving sanitation.

About SBM:

• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched on October 2, 2014, to fulfil the vision of a cleaner India by October 2, 2019. The objective of the Mission was to eliminate open defecation, eradicate manual scavenging, and promote scientific solid waste management.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Infant and Child Mortality: The post-Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) period showed accelerated reductions in infant and under-five mortality rates.
• Toilet Coverage: Districts with over 30% toilet coverage under SBM saw a 5.3 lower Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and 6.8 lower Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR).
• Improved Health Outcomes: Higher SBM coverage corresponded with greater utilization of health programs such as antenatal care (ANC) and institutional deliveries.
• Reduced Diarrheal Deaths: WHO reported 300,000 fewer diarrheal deaths in 2019 compared to 2014 due to improved sanitation.
• Child Wasting: Non-ODF areas experienced 58% higher rates of child wasting (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation).
• Women’s Safety: 93% of women reported feeling safer at home with improved sanitation facilities (UNICEF).
• Education: Poor WASH facilities hinder student attendance and enrollment, particularly for girls.

Reasons for the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):

• Community Engagement: SBM combined toilet construction with community involvement, encouraging local ownership of sanitation efforts.
• Information, Education, and Communication (IEC): Substantial investments in IEC campaigns helped bring about behavioural changes by raising awareness of the importance of sanitation and hygiene.
• Capacity Building and Training: Extensive training programs for government officials, frontline workers, volunteers, and communities enhanced the implementation and sustainability of SBM.
• Waste Management Systems: Developed systems for waste segregation, collection, transportation, disposal, and treatment, including recycling centres for effective waste management.
• Citizen Engagement and Monitoring: Introduced mobile and web applications for active citizen participation, feedback, and monitoring of sanitation progress.
• National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS): Periodic assessment of progress through NARSS ensured accountability and data-driven decision-making in rural sanitation efforts.

Limitations of Swachh Bharat Mission:

• Low Toilet Usage: Despite achieving 100% sanitation coverage by 2019, only 85% of rural Indians utilize safe and hygienic toilets, indicating a usage gap.
• Quality and Infrastructure Issues: Problems such as malfunctioning facilities, unhygienic conditions, and structural defects like full pits or collapsing superstructures impede toilet usage.
• Water Scarcity Impact: Limited water access, particularly in rural areas like Gujarat’s Dahod district, contributes to increased non-usage of toilets.
• Behavioural and Social Norms: Cultural norms and behaviours influence toilet usage, with some households repurposing toilets for activities other than defecation.
• Caste-Based Variances: Toilet access and usage exhibit variations across castes, with surprising trends showing higher non-usage rates among upper castes.
• Challenges in Larger Households: Overcrowding and inadequate facilities pose challenges to toilet usage in larger households.
• Issues in solid waste management: While toilet construction has been successful, scientific collection, segregation and disposal of growing waste volumes remain an issue due to resource and capacity constraints of urban local bodies.
• Partial focus on plastic waste: The mission has focused mostly on toilet construction and solid waste. Effectively tackling and recycling plastic waste is still a gap area.
• Centralized approach and targets: The focus has been on meeting toilet construction targets in a centralized, top-down manner. Decentralized, community-driven efforts have been fewer.

Way forward:

• Greater focus on behaviour changes communication and public awareness campaigns, especially for hygienic toilet use, waste segregation and not littering. Engaging school children and youth groups can be highly impactful.
• The “Darwaza Band” campaign and community-level awareness programs have promoted positive sanitation norms.
• Innovations in Technology: Decentralized sewage treatment plants, as seen in Devanahalli, highlight technological advancements in sanitation.
• Strengthening capacities of urban local bodies for scientifically collecting, segregating, transporting and processing different types of waste. Mechanized sweeping, underground waste bins can be expanded.
• Linking with other programmes: Align sanitation initiatives with other related programs like the Jal Jeevan Mission for better outcomes.
• Developing localized waste management models through community participation, and public-private partnerships, so that solutions are tailored to local needs.
• Programs like the “Nirmal Gram Puraskar” foster community involvement and awareness in achieving open-defecation-free villages.
• Expanding solid waste processing infrastructure through bio methanation plants, material recovery facilities, composting units etc. across towns and cities.
• Improved monitoring for functionality and maintenance of public/community toilets through citizen oversight and social audits.
• Expanding coverage of toilets to include slums and public spaces like bus stops, and parks, through customizable, prefabricated toilet models.
• Incentivizing waste segregation, recycling and reuse through both regulatory policies as well as awareness programs on circular economy principles.

Other initiatives for sanitation:

• Central Rural Sanitation Programme (CRSP): Launched in 1986, it was India’s initial step towards improving rural sanitation with substantial subsidies.
• Total Sanitation Campaign: Started in 1999, this marked a shift to a lower subsidy, demand-driven approach.
• Phase II of SBM-G: Focuses on sustainability, promoting solid and liquid waste management, and covering households left out earlier.
• National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS): Conducted to assess rural sanitation coverage, showing 95% of rural India having toilet access.
• Rural Sanitation Strategy 2019 to 2029: The Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) has initiated a 10-year Rural Sanitation Strategy spanning from 2019 to 2029.

Conclusion

• The mission should transition from a toilet-construction-focused programme to a more holistic, decentralized, community-driven cleanliness model relying on public participation for sustainability. The aim should be to make Swachhata a national way of life.

General Studies Paper-2

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

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

Rain Water Harvesting

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

Significance

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

Government Initiatives to Tackle Shortage of Water in India

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

Suggestions for Water Conservation

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

General Studies Paper-2

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

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

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

Components

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

Ports Which are Part of IMEC

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

Israel: Haifa port.

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

Maritime security for India

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

Other Opportunities for India

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

Hurdle before IMEC

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

Way Forward

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

General Studies Paper-2

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

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

Background

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

Economic Implications

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

Defense and Security Challenges

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

Diplomatic Considerations

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

Future Prospects

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

Government Schemes

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

Way Forward

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

Conclusion

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

General Studies Paper-2

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

SAARC’s Dormancy

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

Reasons for SAARC’s Failures

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

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

Need for SAARC Revival

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

India’s Role and Contribution

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

Way Ahead

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

General Studies Paper-2

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

Major Highlights

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

 Significance of Micronutrients

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

General Studies Paper-2

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

Iran-US relations:

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

Historical Linkages

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

Previous Engagement

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

Impact:

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

Developments Favouring Iran:

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

Response of US and India’s Dilemma

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

Conclusion and Way Forward

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

General Studies Paper-2

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

About

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

Why Does Zero Hunger Matter?

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

Challenges Ahead

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

Achieving Zero Hunger

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

India’s Efforts

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

Way Forward (Road to Zero Hunger by 2030)

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

General Studies Paper-2

Context

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

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

Key Issues Pertaining to This

Low Fund Utilisation:

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

Construction Delays:

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

Faculty Shortages:

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

Fiscal Constraints at the State Level

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

Way Ahead

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

Conclusion

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