General Studies Paper -3

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved India to sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.

About

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences will spearhead the country’s implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
• The Agreement allows India to enhance its strategic presence in areas beyond the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).
• It would also contribute to achieving several SDGs, particularly SDG14 (Life Below Water).

What is the BBNJ Agreement?

• The BBNJ Agreement, or the ‘High Seas Treaty’, is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• It sets precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination.
• Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
  • High Seas (areas beyond national jurisdiction) are the global common oceans open to all for internationally lawful purposes such as navigation, overflight, laying submarine cables and pipelines, etc.

Implementation of BBNJ Agreement

• The BBNJ Agreement will be the third implementation agreement under UNCLOS if and when it enters into force, alongside its sister implementation agreements:
  • The 1994 Part XI Implementation Agreement (which addresses the exploration and extraction of mineral resources in the international seabed area) and
  • The 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement (which addresses the conservation and management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks).
• The Agreement was agreed upon in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting September 2023.
• It will be an international legally binding treaty after it enters force 120 days after the 60th ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
  • As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, and eight Parties have ratified it.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

• UNCLOS was adopted in 1982, and came into force in 1994.
• It lays down a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world’s oceans and seas establishing rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources.
• It establishes the International Seabed Authority to regulate mining and related activities on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.
• As of today, more than 160 countries have ratified UNCLOS.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: Prime Minister Modi paid an official visit to Russia for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Key Highlights

• PM Modi was conferred Russia’s highest national award “The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties.
• The award was announced in 2019.
• India will set up two new consulates in the Russian cities of Kazan and Yekaterinburg.
• Russia agreed to India’s demand to ensure early release and return to home of the Indian nationals working in the Russian military as support staff.
• India and Russia are working on the Eastern Maritime Corridor and the two countries were discovering each other through the Ganga-Volga dialogue.
  • The Eastern Maritime Corridor is a proposed sea route between Chennai, India, and Vladivostok, Russia, passing through the Sea of Japan, the South China Sea, and the Malacca Strait.
• Both the Leaders agreed to set the bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.

India- Russia Relations

• Political Relations: A watershed moment in relations between India and the Soviet Union was the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1971.
  • After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, India and Russia entered into a new Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1993.
  • In 2000, during the visit of President Putin to India, the partnership acquired a new qualitative character, that of a Strategic Partnership.
  • In 2010 the relationship was elevated to the status of a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
• Defense and Security Cooperation: BrahMos Missile System as well as the licensed production in India of SU-30 aircraft and T-90 tanks are examples of such flagship cooperation.
  • Both sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defense systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of a joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India.
  • The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually termed INDRA.
• Trade and Economic Relations: Both sides revised targets of increasing bilateral investment to US $50 billion and bilateral trade to US $30 billion by 2025. However, bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24.
  • Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, India has been buying large amounts of Russian oil at a discount to cushion the inflationary impact of rising crude prices.
• Intergovernmental Commissions: There is regular high-level interaction between the two countries.
  • The IRIGC (India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission): It is the main body that conducts affairs at the governmental level between both countries. Both countries are members of international bodies including the UN, BRICS, G20 and SCO.
  • Two Inter-Governmental Commissions: One on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), co-chaired by EAM and the Russian DPM, and
  • Another on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC- MTC) co-chaired by Russian and Indian Defence Ministers, meet annually.
• Nuclear Energy: Russia recognizes India as a country with advanced nuclear technology with an impeccable non-proliferation record.
  • Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is being built in India with Russian cooperation.

Way Ahead

• Over the years, as India has diversified its relationships in a multi-polar world, the India-Russia relationship has stagnated in some areas and atrophied in others.
• To further strengthen the relationship between Both the nations there is need for;
  • Providing a new basis for the existing defense cooperation;
  • The opportunity for Indian business conglomerates to explore the economic viability of the Siberian and Far East Region of Russia;
  • Strengthening geo-economic connectivity projects;
  • Enhancing technological cooperation between India and Russia.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suggested that India needs to focus on investing heavily in education and health to ensure that its growing, young population is adequately employed.

Understanding the Demographic Dividend

• It refers to the economic growth potential that results from shifts in a population’s age structure, mainly when the share of the working-age population (15 to 64 years old) is larger than the non-working-age population (14 or younger and 65 or older).
• The change in age structure is typically brought on by a decline in fertility and mortality rates.

Key areas where a country can find demographic dividends

• Savings — During the demographic period, personal savings grow and can be used to stimulate the economy.
• Labour Supply — More workers are added to the labour force, including more women.
• Human Capital — With fewer births, parents are able to allocate more resources per child, leading to better educational and health outcomes.
• Economic Growth — GDP per capita is increased due to a decrease in the dependency ratio.

Demographic Dividend of India

• India, with its large and young population, is currently experiencing a demographic dividend.
  • It is expected to last until 2055, providing India with a unique opportunity to boost its economic growth.
• India is expected to add another 183 million people to the working-age group between 2020 and 2050.
• This change in the age structure of the population can lead to a ‘demographic dividend’ of economic growth if it is accompanied by sustained investments in education and health, and policies that promote labour force participation.

Need for Investment in Education and Health

• According to the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, if India really wants to benefit from this population adding to the labour force, it has to invest big time in both education and health.
  • It emphasised that he would prioritise that much more so than other kinds of spending.
• The labour force needs to have the right skills, competing with AI and other such challenges.

Current Economic Scenario

• Growth in India was led by public investment and private consumption.
• While Public Capex spending (for example infrastructure) had a ‘very beneficial’ impact on growth, the issue was whether it had crowded in private investment.
• The IMF has projected a growth rate of 6.8% for India’s economy in FY 2024/25 notwithstanding the high rate of unemployment among youth, which according to some estimates was just above 40% in 2022-23.
  • According to the IMF, private investment is on the weaker side, and it is continuously improving and argued as good for the future.

Challenges and Associated Risks

• Lack of Job Creation: The World Bank has warned that South Asia, including India, is not making use of its demographic dividend as the pace of job creation in the region fell well short of the growth in the working-age population.
  • Even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, unemployment levels in India had hit a 45-year high.
• Low Human Capital Base and Lack of Skills: Poor human capital formation is reflected in low employability among India’s graduates and postgraduates.
  • According to ASSOCHAM, only 20-30% of engineers find a job suited to their skills. It is a big challenge as skilling and reskilling are vital in current times because of the increasing new fields and opportunities.
• The ongoing transformation of India’s economy from primarily agrarian to more non-agrarian presents two challenges:
  • Changing people’s skills to transit from the agricultural sector to either manufacturing or services, and;
  • Requiring workers to change location, as non-agricultural employment opportunities tend to be in urban centres far from rural India.
• Health Crisis and Macroeconomic Shocks: With its large population, India faces many challenges, including coping with today’s health crisis, creating more jobs, managing macroeconomic shocks and mitigating climate change.
• Gender Disparity: While gender inequality remains an issue in many parts of India, there has been significant progress in recent years toward gender equality.
  • It includes increasing levels of education and workforce participation among women, which can help to further increase the size and productivity of the workforce.
• Inadequate Investment in Education and Health: To reap the benefits of the demographic dividend, India needs to invest heavily in education and health.
  • It is crucial to equip the workforce with the right skills to compete in the modern economy.

Way Forward

• To reap the benefits of the demographic dividend, India needs to invest heavily in education and health.
• It is crucial to equip the workforce with the right skills to compete in the modern economy.
• Forward-looking policies incorporating population dynamics, education and skills, healthcare, gender sensitivity, and providing rights and choices to the younger generation are needed.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The Global E-waste Monitor 2024, brought out by United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Fondation Carmignac, a corporate foundation.

Key findings

• The world produced 62 billion kg of electronic waste (e-waste) in 2022.
  • That number is projected to rise to 82 billion kg in 2030
• The world’s generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling
• The report also highlighted the composition of the 62 billion kg of e-waste.
  • It contained 31 billion kg of metals, 17 billion kg of plastics and 14 billion kg of other materials (minerals, glass, composite materials, etc.)
• Region wise: Among regions, Europe has the highest rate of documented formal collection and recycling of e-waste at 42.8 percent.
  • Meanwhile, Africa generates the lowest rates of e-waste but struggles to recycle it.
  • Countries in Asia generate almost half of the world’s e-waste (30 billion kg) but have made limited advances in e-waste management; moreover, relatively few of them have enacted legislation or established clear e-waste collection targets.

Impacts and Challenges

• E-waste, any discarded product with a plug or battery, is a health and environmental hazard, containing toxic additives or hazardous substances such as mercury, which can damage the human brain and coordination system
• Challenges contributing to the widening gap include technological progress, higher consumption, limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, society’s growing electronification, design shortcomings, and inadequate e-waste management infrastructure.

Global policy

• On the policy front, 81 countries have adopted e-waste policy, legislation or regulation. Sixty-seven countries have legal provisions on EPR for e-waste.
• Another 46 have provisions on e-waste collection rate targets. Finally, 36 countries have provisions on e-waste recycling rate targets.

Status in India

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has comprehensively revised the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 and notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in November, 2022 and the same is in force since 1st April, 2023.
• These new rules intend to manage e-waste in an environmentally sound manner and put in place an improved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime for e-waste recycling wherein all the manufacturer, producer, refurbisher and recycler are required to register on a portal developed by the CPCB.
• The new provisions would facilitate and channelize the informal sector to the formal sector for doing business and ensure recycling of E-waste in an environmentally sound manner.
• Provisions for environmental compensation and verification & audit have also been introduced.

Suggestions

• Amidst the hopeful embrace of solar panels and electronic equipment to combat the climate crisis and drive digital progress, the surge in e-waste requires urgent attention.
• There is an immediate call for greater investment in infrastructure development, more promotion of repair and reuse, capacity building, and measures to stop illegal e-waste shipments.
• Concrete steps are urgently needed to address and reduce e-waste.
• Improved e-waste management could result in a global net positive of US $38 billion, representing a significant economic opportunity while addressing climate change and health impacts.
• We must seize the economic and environmental benefits of proper e-waste management; otherwise, the digital ambitions of our future generations will face significant risks.
• Monitoring the quantities and flows of e-waste is essential for evaluating developments over time, and to set and assess targets towards a sustainable society and circular economy.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: General insurance companies reduced their exposure to crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) during FY24 despite the government’s push to expand the insurance coverage in the farm sector.

About

• Gross direct premium underwritten by insurers declined by 4.17 per cent to Rs 30,677 crore during the fiscal as against Rs 32,011 crore in the previous year even as farmers faced crop losses due to floods, unseasonal rains and heatwaves.
• Crop insurance premium underwritten had risen by 8.66 per cent to Rs 29,465 crore in the previous fiscal (FY23).
• The decline is mainly due to the 32 per cent fall in premsium income underwritten by state-owned Agriculture Insurance Company (AIC) to Rs 9,890 crore during FY24 from Rs 14,619 crore a year ago,
  • Four government-controlled insurers — AIC, New India Assurance, Oriental Insurance and SBI General — reduced their exposure to crop insurance in FY24.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

• It was launched in 2016, aims to provide a simple, affordable, and comprehensive crop insurance product to Indian farmers.
• Covered Crops – Food crops (Cereals, Millets and Pulses), Oilseeds, Annual Commercial / Annual Horticultural crops.

Key Features

• Coverage and Benefits: It covers all non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest, ensuring financial support in the event of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, or disease
  • It also covers individual farms nationwide for localized disasters like hailstorms, landslides, floods, and wildfires, as well as post-harvest losses from cyclones, heavy rain, and hail.
• Premium Rates: The premium rates for PMFBY are significantly subsidized, making the insurance affordable for farmers. The premium rates are fixed at 2% of the sum insured for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops. For commercial and horticultural crops, the premium is 5%.
• Participation: The scheme is voluntary for farmers, but states are encouraged to achieve maximum coverage. It is mandatory for loanee farmers (those who have taken agricultural loans) to enroll in PMFBY.
• Sum Insured: The scheme ensures that farmers receive adequate compensation based on the area sown, type of crop, and extent of damage suffered. There is no upper limit on government subsidy, ensuring maximum benefits for the farmers.
• Technology Integration: PMFBY leverages technology for quicker assessment and settlement of claims. The use of smartphones, remote sensing, and satellite imagery helps in accurate estimation of crop losses, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

Benefits

• Financial Security: Farmers are assured of financial support in case of crop failure, reducing their vulnerability to economic distress.
• Risk-taking: Encouraging farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices
• Inclusive Growth: PMFBY promotes inclusive growth by covering small and marginal farmers who are often the most vulnerable to crop losses.
• Ease of Access: The simplified procedures and extensive use of technology make it easier for farmers to enroll and claim insurance.
• Ensuring flow of credit to the agriculture sector; which will contribute to food security, crop diversification and enhancing growth and competitiveness of the agriculture sector.

Challenges and the Way Forward

• PMFBY has been instrumental in providing relief to farmers, certain challenges persist.
  • Issues such as delayed claim settlements,
  • inadequate awareness among farmers
  • High financial liabilities in the States,
  • Unreliable loss & yield assessment.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• In a country where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, safeguarding the interests of farmers becomes paramount.
• By offering a comprehensive and accessible insurance product, PMFBY empowers farmers, improves agricultural practices, and contributes to the overall growth and stability of the Indian agricultural sector.
• PMFBY represents a significant step towards ensuring the financial security of farmers across the nation.
• There is a need for greater coordination among stakeholders including insurance companies, banks, and state governments to ensure effective implementation of PMFBY.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to Russia.

Key Highlights

• India and Russia are working on the Eastern Maritime Corridor and the two countries were discovering each other through the Ganga-Volga dialogue.
• The Eastern Maritime Corridor is a proposed sea route between Chennai, India, and Vladivostok, Russia, passing through the Sea of Japan, the South China Sea, and the Malacca Strait.
• India will set up two new consulates in the Russian cities of Kazan and Yekaterinburg.

India- Russia Relations

• Political Relations: A watershed moment in relations between India and the Soviet Union was the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1971.
  • After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, India and Russia entered into a new Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1993.
  • In 2000, during the visit of President Putin to India, the partnership acquired a new qualitative character, that of a Strategic Partnership.
  • In 2010 the relationship was elevated to the status of a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
• Defense and Security Cooperation: BrahMos Missile System as well as the licensed production in India of SU-30 aircraft and T-90 tanks are examples of such flagship cooperation.
  • Both sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defense systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of a joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India.
  • The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually termed INDRA.
• Trade and Economic Relations: Both sides revised targets of increasing bilateral investment to US $50 billion and bilateral trade to US $30 billion by 2025. However, bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24.
  • Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, India has been buying large amounts of Russian oil at a discount to cushion the inflationary impact of rising crude prices.
• Intergovernmental Commissions: There is regular high-level interaction between the two countries.
  • The IRIGC (India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission): It is the main body that conducts affairs at the governmental level between both countries. Both countries are members of international bodies including the UN, BRICS, G20 and SCO.
  • Two Inter-Governmental Commissions: One on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), co-chaired by EAM and the Russian DPM, and
  • Another on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC- MTC) co-chaired by Russian and Indian Defence Ministers, meet annually.
• Nuclear Energy: Russia recognizes India as a country with advanced nuclear technology with an impeccable non-proliferation record.
  • Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is being built in India with Russian cooperation.

Way Ahead

• Over the years, as India has diversified its relationships in a multi-polar world, the India-Russia relationship has stagnated in some areas and atrophied in others.
• To further strengthen the relationship between Both the nations there is need for;
  • Providing a new basis for the existing defense cooperation;
  • The opportunity for Indian business conglomerates to explore the economic viability of the Siberian and Far East Region of Russia;
  • Strengthening geo-economic connectivity projects;
  • Enhancing technological cooperation between India and Russia.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Recent paper leak incidents and nationwide protests gave the impetus and topic of discussion to bring back Education in India under the State List of the Indian Constitution.

Historical Background

• During British rule, the Government of India Act, 1935 established a Federal Structure in our polity, distributing legislative subjects between the Federal Legislature (now the Union) and the Provinces (now the States).
• Education, being an essential public good, was initially placed under the Provincial List.
• After independence, this arrangement continued, with education falling under the ‘State List’ in the distribution of powers.
• However, during the Emergency, the Swaran Singh Committee recommended placing ‘Education’ in the Concurrent List to facilitate all-India policies on the subject.

1. It led to the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976), which shifted ‘Education’ from the State list to the Concurrent List.

• 44th Constitutional Amendment (1978): The Janata Party government attempted to reverse the 42nd amendment by bringing ‘Education’ back to the State List, but it didn’t pass in the Rajya Sabha.

Key Constitutional Provisions Related to Education in India

• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It extends to educational institutions as well.
• Right to Education (Article 21A): The Constitution recognizes the right to education as a fundamental right. It guarantees free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)Article 41: It highlights the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for education and minimising inequalities.
• Article 45: The DPSP under Article 45 emphasises that the state shall endeavour to provide free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14.
• Article 46: Promotes the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised sections.

Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)

• Article 51A(j): Citizens are duty-bound to strive for excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, including education.
• Language and Education
• Article 350A: Ensures the right to instruction in the mother tongue at the primary level.
• Article 29: Protects the cultural and educational rights of minorities, including the right to establish and administer educational institutions.
• Autonomy of Educational Institutions
• Article 30: Grants religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
• Article 32: Provides the right to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights, including educational rights.
• Role of the State
• Article 41: The state shall make effective provisions for securing the right to work, education, and public assistance.
• Article 44: Encourages the state to promote a uniform civil code, which could impact personal laws related to education.

Arguments Favouring Education in Concurrent List

• Uniform Education Policy: Having ‘education’ in the concurrent list allows for a uniform education policy across the country.
• Improvement in Standards: Centralised policies can lead to better standards and quality.
• Synergy Between Centre and States: Collaboration between the central and state governments can enhance educational outcomes.

Arguments Against the Concurrent List of Education

• Diversity: India’s vast diversity makes a ‘one size fits all’ approach impractical.
• Corruption and Professionalism: Some argue that centralization has not necessarily addressed issues like corruption and lack of professionalism.
• Conflict and Repugnancy: The dual authority can lead to conflicts between central and state laws. When there is inconsistency or repugnancy, Article 254 of the Constitution provides a mechanism to resolve such conflicts.
• Complexity: Managing concurrent subjects requires coordination and harmonisation. Sometimes, overlapping laws can create confusion for citizens and administrators.
• Uniformity vs. Diversity: While uniformity is desirable in some areas (e.g., criminal law), India’s diverse cultural, linguistic, and regional contexts may necessitate state-specific approaches. Striking the right balance is challenging.

International Practices

• United States: State and local governments set overall educational standards, mandate standardised tests, and supervise colleges and universities.
  • The federal education department focuses on financial aid, key educational issues, and ensuring equal access.
• Canada: Provinces manage education entirely. Each province has its own policies and systems.
• Germany: Legislative powers for education are vested in the landers (equivalent to States).
• South Africa: The country has two national departments — one for schools and another for higher education.
  • Provinces also have their own education departments to implement national policies and address local issues.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Balancing centralization and decentralisation is crucial. While uniform policies are desirable, they must account for regional variations. Perhaps a hybrid approach, where certain aspects remain in the concurrent list while others are delegated to the States.
• There is a need to look on challenges like Access and Equity, Quality of Education, Teacher Training, Dropout Rates, and Skill Development etc ahead of education in India and the National Education Policy (2020) is the right step that focuses on Holistic Development, Multilingualism, Flexible Curriculum, Technology Integration, along with Professional Education.
• It requires thoughtful consideration of India’s unique context and the need for both national coherence and local flexibility.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand wants to join BRICS grouping

About

• Earlier, BRICS — an acronym that was originally used to refer to Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — decided to expand its membership, inviting Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to join the bloc.
• The name for the expanded group has not yet been officially announced, but it could be called “BRICS+.”
• China is a major trading partner for the region, and maintaining strong trade relationships with China is crucial. Joining BRICS could enhance these economic ties and provide additional trade benefits.

What are the key benefits of Joining BRICS?

• Strengthening Trade Ties with China: As China is a significant trading partner for Malaysia and Thailand, joining BRICS could further solidify and possibly expand these trade relationships.
  • The BRICS bloc “can help Malaysia’s digital economy grow faster by allowing it to integrate with countries that have strong digital markets and also take advantage of best practices from other members. And, Thailand would also be able to draw investments in important industries including services, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Geopolitical Influence: BRICS promotes a multipolar world order, challenging the dominance of Western powers. Southeast Asian nations can leverage this to enhance their autonomy and negotiate better terms in international relations.
• South-South Cooperation: BRICS emphasizes South-South cooperation, fostering collaboration among developing countries. Southeast Asian nations can learn from BRICS’ experiences in areas like poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and technological innovation.
• Diversifying Economic Partnerships: BRICS membership allows countries to engage with a diverse group of emerging economies, reducing over-reliance on traditional Western trade partners and opening new avenues for trade and investment.
  • By diversifying their economic partners, these Southeast Asian nations can increase their economic resilience against global market fluctuations.
• Aligning with BRICS Principles: BRICS emphasizes principles like respecting sovereignty and accommodating diversity, aligning with the values upheld by ASEAN. This resonance can foster strong international cooperation and policy support.
  • Being part of a collective that shares similar principles can lead to mutual support on international platforms, enhancing the countries’ geopolitical influence.

Significance for India

• The expansion of BRICS holds significance for India in terms of expanding partnerships and geopolitical influence, while also raising concerns about potential pro-China dominance within the alliance.

Challenges

Geopolitical Challenges:

• Balancing Act with Existing Alliances: Many Southeast Asian nations have strong ties with the US and other Western powers. Joining BRICS might strain these relationships, requiring a delicate balancing act to maintain existing alliances while pursuing new partnerships.
• Tensions within BRICS: The diverse geopolitical interests of BRICS members, particularly the rivalry between India and China, could create challenges for Southeast Asian nations in aligning their interests with the group’s broader goals.

Economic Challenges:

• Over-reliance on China: Joining BRICS could lead to increased economic dependence on China, potentially exposing Southeast Asian economies to vulnerabilities if relations sour or economic conditions in China fluctuate.
• Differing Economic Priorities: The diverse economic structures and development priorities of BRICS members could lead to conflicts of interest and challenges in coordinating economic policies.

Political Challenges:

• Domestic Opposition: Joining BRICS could face domestic political opposition from groups concerned about the potential negative impacts on existing alliances or the loss of policy autonomy.
• Compromising Values: BRICS’ approach to issues like human rights and democracy might not align with the values of some Southeast Asian nations, creating a potential conflict of principles.
• Limited Influence: Given the size and economic power of existing BRICS members, Southeast Asian nations might have limited influence within the group, potentially hindering their ability to shape its agenda.

Way Ahead

• Southeast Asian nations need to carefully assess the potential benefits and risks of joining BRICS. They should engage in thorough consultations with all stakeholders, including domestic political actors, civil society groups, and regional partners.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare plans to unveil a framework to promote climate-resilient agriculture located in climatically-vulnerable districts in India.

About the Climate-Resilient Farming in India

• Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture worldwide by affecting food production, crop yields, and overall agricultural sustainability.
• In India, where agriculture is a crucial sector supporting millions of livelihoods, building resilience against climate variability is essential.

Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

• Vulnerability: Indian agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and cyclones, disrupt crop cycles and lead to economic losses.
  • Between 1998 and 2017, disaster-hit countries experienced direct economic losses of approximately US$ 2908 billion, with 77% of these losses attributed to climate-related disasters.
• Temperature and Rainfall Patterns: India has witnessed an increase in temperatures by 0.6°C to 2.5°C between 1901 and 2018. These rising temperatures, coupled with shifts in monsoon patterns, directly impact crop productivity.
  • Seasonal changes significantly affect ecosystems and human livelihoods, making adaptation crucial.
• Projected Crop Yield Reduction: By 2100, productivity of most crops in India is projected to decrease by 10-40% due to increased temperatures, rainfall variability, and reduced irrigation water availability.
  • Major crops like rice, wheat, sorghum, barley, and maize are at risk.

Need for National Programme on Climate-Resilient Agriculture (NPCRA)

• It aims to enhance the resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change and vulnerability.
• Targeted Villages: The government plans to select 50,000 villages from 310 districts that have already been identified as climatically vulnerable. These districts span 27 states, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest number of districts (48), followed by Rajasthan (27).

Framework of NPCRA

• Promoting Resilient Crop Varieties: NPCRA aims to focus on promoting climate-resilient crop varieties.
  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed over 2,000 such varieties that can improve food production, which include both abiotic stress-tolerant and biotic stress-tolerant varieties.
• Water Conservation: Encouraging crops that are less water-intensive and implementing water conservation practices in the respective areas.
• Monitoring Fertiliser Inputs: Ensuring efficient use of fertilisers to minimise environmental impact.
• Duration and Funding: The program is expected to run for five years, with funding primarily coming from convergence with existing schemes.

Role of ICAR

• ICAR plays a pivotal role in climate-resilient agriculture. It has developed innovative technologies and practices to cope with abiotic stresses induced by climate variability. These efforts contribute to building resilience at both policy and farmer levels.

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA)

• It aims to address the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring sustainable food production.
• Increase Productivity and Incomes: CSA focuses on sustainable practices that enhance agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
• Adaptation and Resilience: CSA helps farmers adapt to changing climate conditions by promoting resilient crop varieties, efficient water management, and soil health improvement.
• Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions: CSA aims to reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture, contributing to climate change mitigation.
• Tolerant Breeds: Introducing drought-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties can mitigate yield losses due to climate stress.
• Conservation Agricultural Practices: Practices like soil organic carbon building and manure management improve soil health and create a favourable environment for plant growth.

Related Other Government Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): It aims to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture through efficient irrigation practices.
• Soil Health Card Scheme: It encourages farmers to adopt soil-friendly practices, enhancing soil fertility and resilience.
• Promotion of Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties: The government supports research and adoption of climate-resilient seeds.
• National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA): A network project by ICAR aims to enhance Indian agriculture’s resilience to climate change through research and technology demonstration.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Achieving sustainable agriculture and food systems requires an integrated approach that addresses climate change challenges. Climate-smart practices, including millets and other coarse grains, can help withstand climate variability.

By promoting resilient crop varieties, conserving water, and adopting smart practices, we can mitigate the impact of climate change on our farms, and by adopting sustainable techniques, improving soil health, and promoting resilient crops, we can build a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.

About

• Belarus joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), becoming its 10th member state.
• Belarus became a dialogue partner in the SCO in 2010 and an observer state in 2015.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• The SCO is an intergovernmental organization founded in 2001 with six members.
• Objective: To enhance regional cooperation for efforts to curb terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the Central Asian region.
• Members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran.
• Secretariat: Beijing
• Official languages: Russian and Chinese.
• Observer status: Afghanistan and Mongolia.
• The SCO has been an observer in the UN General Assembly since 2005.

Significance of SCO

• Security Focus: The SCO is one of the few international organizations that primarily deals with security issues in Asia. This includes combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which are major concerns for its member states.
• Regional Influence: China and Russia position the SCO as a counterbalance to Western-dominated international organizations.
• Expanding Membership: The recent inclusion of Belarus is seen as a move to enhance the organization’s international status and influence.
• Strategic Counterbalance: Along with the BRICS, the SCO is part of a broader effort by China and Russia to establish an alternative international order. This positions them against US and Western influence in global affairs.

Relevance for India

• Enhanced Cooperation with Central Asia: SCO membership provides India with a platform to strengthen its ties with Central Asian countries.
• Security Collaboration: The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is crucial for India’s counterterrorism efforts. RATS assists member states in preparing and conducting counterterrorism exercises, analyzing intelligence, and sharing information on terrorist movements and drug trafficking.
• Multilateral Engagement: Being part of the SCO allows India to engage in multilateral diplomacy, enhancing its role and influence in regional and global affairs.

Concerns

• The relevance of the organization comes into question given the difficulty in managing ties among the partners. India shares strained relationships with China and Pakistan at present.
• The New Delhi Declaration issued at the end of the leaders summit, 2023 saw India refuse to sign off on a paragraph supporting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
  • India’s opposition to the BRI comes from its constituent China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is proposed to pass through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Way Ahead

• The SCO needs more engagements with its observer states, dialogue partners and other regional and international organizations such as the United Nations, to uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.
• To contribute to high-quality and resilient economic growth of the region, there need to be collective efforts to scale up local currency settlement between SCO members, expand cooperation on sovereign digital currency, and promote the establishment of an SCO development bank.