NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same.
Reference: Insights on India
Introduction
Industries based on cheap, bulky and weight-losing material (ores) are located close to the sources of raw material such as steel, sugar, and cement industries. Many industries benefit from nearness to a leader-industry and other industries. These benefits are termed as agglomeration economies.
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Agglomeration Economies as drivers of Economic Growth:
Agglomeration economies or external economies of scale refer to the benefits from concentrating output and housing in particular areas. If an area specializes in the production of a certain type of good, all firms can benefit from various factors such as:
- Good supply networks
- Supply of trained workers
- Infrastructure built specifically for the industry
- Good transport links.
Due to agglomeration economies, people and firms often concentrate in particular areas. For example, people tend to move to cities where is there is a greater choice of jobs, social activities and specialist services
Examples of Agglomeration Economies:
Silicon Valley. IT setups tend to cluster in similar regions, such as Silicon Valley California, and major cities, like London. The reason is that these areas attract highly skilled IT personnel and it is easier to recruit the right staff. Also, the support infrastructure will surround the areas. There will be a competitive market for designers, software engineers, and proof readers.
Chinese clothing manufacturers. China has seen a strong growth in manufacturing industries on the south-east coast. These areas have good transport links for exporting to the rest of the world. Also, the areas have attracted migrant flows from northern China, enabling wage costs to remain low
Factors responsible for the agglomeration of manufacturing industries in India:
- The most dominant factor of industrial location is the least cost.
- Cost of obtaining raw materials at site: Manufacturing activity tends to locate at the most appropriate place where all the raw materials of production are either available or can be arranged at lower cost.
- Cost of production at site: These are influenced by availability of labour, capital, power, etc. Thus industrial location is influenced by the costs of availability of these factors of production.
- Cost of distribution of production: The distance of industry from market influence the transportation costs. Transportation costs influence the cost of distribution of production.
- Raw materials
- Indeed, the location of industrial enterprises is sometimes determined simply by location of the raw materials.
- Finished product of one industry may well be the raw material of another. For example, pig iron, produced by smelting industry, serves as the raw material for steel making industry.
- Power
- Regular supply of power is a pre-requisite for the localization of industries. Coal, mineral oil and hydroelectricity are the three important conventional sources of power.
- The iron and steel industry which mainly depends on large quantities of coking coal as source of power are frequently tied to coal fields.
- Transport
- Transport by land or water is necessary for the assembly of raw materials and for the marketing of the finished products.
- The development of railways in India, connecting the port towns with hinterland determined the location of many industries around Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.
- Market
- The entire process of manufacturing is useless until the finished goods reach the market. Nearness to market is essential for quick disposal of manufactured goods.
- It helps in reducing the transport cost and enables the consumer to get
- Things at cheaper rates.
- Water
- Water is another important requirement for industries. Many industries are established near rivers, canals and lakes, because of this reason.
- Iron and steel industry, textile industries and chemical industries require large quantities of water, for their proper functioning.
- Site
- Site requirements for industrial development are of considerable significance. Sites, generally, should be flat and well served by adequate transport facilities.
- Climate
- Climate plays an important role in the establishment of industries at a place.
- Harsh climate is not much suitable for the establishment of industries. There can be no industrial development in extremely hot, humid, dry or cold climate.
- Capital
- Modern industries are capital-intensive and require huge investments. Capitalists are available in urban centers.
- Big cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai are big industrial centers, because the big capitalists live in these cities.
- Additional capacities are being planned to be installed in all the major manufacturing units.
- Government Policy
- Government activity in planning the future distribution of industries, for reducing regional disparities, elimination of pollution of air and water and for avoiding their heavy clustering in big cities, has become no less an important locational factor.
- A public procurement policy has been proposed incorporating technology along with common facility centers while the Khadi Mark steps has been launched to promote Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.
- Banking Facilities
- Establishment of industries involves daily exchange of crores of rupees which is possible through banking facilities only. So the areas with better banking facilities are better suited to the establishment of industries.
- Insurance
- There is a constant fear of damage to machine and man in industries for which insurance facilities are badly needed.
Conclusion:
Policies in the form of taxation concession, stable policy, cheaper land, administrative ease and good governance facilitates the development of Industrial clusters. In pursuance to this GOI passed the Special Economic Zones Act, in 2005. Further Government has established National Investment and Manufacturing Zones for increasing the manufacturing share in country’s GDP from 16 percent to 25 percent by 2022. Governments adopt ‘regional policies’ to promote ‘balanced’ economic development and hence set up industries in particular areas.
Reference: Indian Express
Introduction
In June 1975, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi invoked Article 352 to impose National Emergency, curtailing democratic rights. This move followed a Supreme Court stay on a verdict nullifying her election and barring her from parliamentary proceedings.
The imposition of Emergency is one such dark episode that continues to guide present and future generations, given its implications for democracy and the right of citizens to live with dignity.
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Impact of the Emergency:
- Suppression of Civil Liberties:
- During the 21-month Emergency, civil liberties were suspended. Fundamental rights like freedom of speech, assembly, and movement were curtailed.
- Media faced strict censorship, stifling dissent and critical voices.
- Opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan, were arrested, leading to a concentration of power in the hands of the ruling government.
- Threat to Judicial Independence:
- The Emergency saw an assault on judicial independence. The judiciary faced pressure to conform to the government’s agenda.
- The infamous “Habeas Corpus” case (ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla) upheld the government’s right to detain individuals without trial, undermining the judiciary’s role as a check on executive power.
- Press Freedom Under Siege:
- The media bore the brunt of censorship. Newspapers were forced to toe the government line or face shutdown.
- Journalists faced intimidation and self-censorship, compromising their role as watchdogs of democracy.
Measures Taken After the Emergency:
- Restoration of Democracy:
- The Emergency ended in 1977 after general elections were called. The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, came to power.
- Political prisoners were released, and civil liberties were gradually restored.
- Strengthening Safeguards:
- The 44th Amendment to the Constitution (1978) aimed to prevent misuse of emergency powers.
- It restricted the duration of a proclaimed emergency to six months unless ratified by Parliament.
- The amendment also restored the right to move courts for enforcement of fundamental rights even during emergencies.
- Lessons Learned:
- Eternal Vigilance: Citizens and institutions must remain vigilant to protect democracy. The Emergency highlighted the need for robust checks and balances.
- Press Freedom: A free press is essential for democracy. Safeguarding media independence ensures transparency and accountability.
- Judicial Independence: Upholding the judiciary’s autonomy is crucial to prevent executive overreach.
Conclusion
The Emergency serves as a stark reminder that democracy is fragile and requires constant nurturing. It underscores the importance of civil liberties, judicial independence, and press freedom in safeguarding our democratic fabric. The need of the hour is to learn from history and uphold these values for a resilient democracy.
Reference: Indian Express
Introduction
Article 93 of the Constitution provides for the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. The constitutional office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is more symbolic of parliamentary democracy than some real authority. There is no need to resign from their original party though as a Deputy Speaker, they have to remain impartial.
With the Opposition’s increased strength in Lok Sabha, its members are hoping to get the post of Deputy Speaker. There was no Deputy Speaker for the entire duration of the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24).
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Election of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha:
- The Constitution neither sets a time limit nor specifies the process for election of Deputy Speaker.
- It leaves it to the legislatures to decide how to hold these elections.
- In Lok Sabha and state legislatures, the President/Governor sets a date for the election of the Speaker, and it is the Speaker who decides the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker.
- Usually, the Deputy Speaker is elected in the first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the General elections from amongst the members of the Lok Sabha.
- It is by convention that position of Deputy Speaker is offered to opposition party in India.
Importance of post of deputy speaker in Lok Sabha:
- The post of the Deputy Speaker is not ceremonious but constitutionally mandated by Article 93 of the Indian Constitution
- The Deputy Speaker is the second highest ranking legislative officer of the Lok Sabha.
- According to Article 95(1), the Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker if the post is vacant.
- The Deputy Speaker has the same general powers as the Speaker when presiding over the House.
- All references to the “Speaker” in the Rules are deemed to be references to the Deputy Speaker as well for the times when he or she presides.
- A Deputy Speaker also presides when a Speaker is not there or when the Speaker’s office is vacant on account of resignation, or illness, or death or any other reason, thereby ensuring the continuity of the Speaker’s office.
- When the Speaker’s post falls vacant, it is the Deputy Speaker who assumes all the powers of the Speaker and exercises both legislative powers and administrative powers
- A Deputy Speaker is also the ex-officio chairman of some committees by virtue of his position.
- The Deputy Speaker has an important role in ensuring that the “varied functions” of the Parliament are discharged effectively and that the business of the House is conducted in a manner befitting the needs of India’s representative democracy.
- In addition, when a resolution for removal of the Speaker is up for discussion, the Constitution specifies that the Deputy Speaker presides over the proceedings of the House.
- It is thus a matter of grave importance that the post of Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha lying vacant for over two years now, which amounts to flouting of the parliamentary norms by the government.
- Keeping the post of deputy speaker vacant is a violation of Article 93 of the Indian constitution.
Conclusion
The Constitution does not specify a time frame for making the appointments. It is this gap in the provision that allows governments to delay or avoid appointing a Deputy Speaker. However, constitutional experts have pointed out that both Article 93 and Article 178 use the words “shall” and “as soon as may be” – indicating that not only is the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker mandatory, it must be held at the earliest.
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Introduction
The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data recently reported a decline in India’s unemployment rate in urban areas to 6.6% during April-June 2023 against 7.6% a year ago period. The 19th Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) noted that the unemployment rate (UR) for persons aged 15 years and above in Urban areas was 7.6% in April-June 2022. It was 6.8% in January-March 2023, 7.2% in July-September 2022 as well as October-December 2022.
In a jobless growth economy, unemployment remains stubbornly high even as the economy grows. This tends to happen when a relatively large number of people have lost their jobs, and the ensuing recovery is insufficient to absorb the unemployed, under-employed, and those first entering the workforce. Jobless growth of the Indian economy is a “5C” problem: a Complicated Condition Created by Combinations of Causes.
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Causes of unemployment in India
- Jobless growth: There is mounting concern that future growth could turn out to be jobless due to de-industrialization, de-globalization, the fourth industrial revolution and technological progress. As per the NSSO Periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18, India’s labour force participation rate for the age-group 15-59 years is around 53%, that is, around half of the working age population is jobless.
- Asymmetric demography:The growth in the working-age ratio is likely to be concentrated in some of India’s poorest states and the demographic dividend will be fully realized only if India is able to create gainful employment opportunitiesfor this working-age population.
- Lack of skills:Most of the new jobs that will be created in the future will be highly skilled and lack of skill in Indian workforce is a major challenge. India may not be able to take advantage of the opportunities, due to alow human capital base and lack of skills.
- Low human development parameters:India ranks 130 out of 189 countries in UNDP’s Human Development Index, which is alarming. Therefore, health and education parameters need to be improved substantiallyto make the Indian workforce efficient and skilled.
- Informal nature of economy in Indiais another hurdle in reaping the benefits of demographic transition in India.
Public sector employment as a remedy: Critical analysis
- The latest data showed that there were 86 lakh vacant jobsamong all central government civilian posts as of March 2020.
- The government recently announcedAgnipath scheme for youth as a contract employment of four years.
- But even this measure would be ameliorative in the real economy that continues to remain distressed, a consequence ofeffects of the pandemic in the last few years.
- The country cannot afford to squander more years in its race to reap the benefits of its demographic dividend, and the push to provide jobs for those seeking to enter the labour force, even if belated, will help ease matters for the medium term.
- Real jobs in manufacturing, industries, MSME’s are the key to reaping demographic dividend. Skill development will also help in youth getting jobs in high paying services sector.
Measure needed and way forward
- Building human capital:Investing in people through healthcare, quality education, jobs and skills helps build human capital, which is key to supporting economic growth, ending extreme poverty, and creating a more inclusive society.
- Skill developmentto increase employability of young population. India’s labour force needs to be empowered with the right skills for the modern economy. Government has established the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with the overall target of skilling/ up skilling 500 million people in India by 2022..
- Education:Enhancing educational levels by properly investing in primary, secondary and higher education. India, which has almost 41% of population below the age of 20 years, can reap the demographic dividend only if with a better education system. Also, academic-industry collaboration is necessary to synchronise modern industry demands and learning levels in academics.
- Establishment of Higher Education Finance Agency (HEFA)is a welcome step in this direction.
- Health:Improvement in healthcare infrastructure would ensure higher number of productive days for young labourforce, thus increasing the productivity of the economy.
- Success of schemes like Ayushman Bharatand National Health Protection scheme (NHPS) is necessary. Also nutrition level in women and children needs special care with effective implementation of Integrated Child Development (ICDS) programme.
- Job Creation:The nation needs to create ten million jobs per year to absorb the addition of young people into the workforce. Promoting businesses’ interests and entrepreneurship would help in job creation to provide employment to the large labourforce.
- India’s improved ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Indexis a good sign.
- Schemes like Start-up Indiaand Make in India , if implemented properly, would bring the desired result in the near future.
- Urbanisation:The large young and working population in the years to come will migrate to urban areas within their own and other States, leading to rapid and large-scale increase in urban population. How these migrating people can have access to basic amenities, health and social services in urban areas need to be the focus of urban policy planning.
- Schemes such as Smart City Mission andAMRUT needs to be effectively and carefully implemented.
Conclusion
India is on the right side of demographic transition that provides golden opportunity for its rapid socio-economic development, if policymakers align the developmental policies with this demographic shift.
To reap the demographic dividend, proper investment in human capital is needed by focussing on education, skill development and healthcare facilities.
Value-addition
Steps taken by government in recent times
- Dedicated Shram Suvidha Portal:That would allot Labor Identification Number (LIN) to units and allow them to file online compliance for 16 out of 44 labor laws.
- Random Inspection Scheme:To eliminate human discretion in selection of units for Inspection, and uploading of Inspection Reports within 72 hours of inspection mandatory.
- Universal Account Number:Enables 4.17 crore employees to have their Provident Fund account portable, hassle-free and universally accessible.
- Apprentice Protsahan Yojana:Government will support manufacturing units mainly and other establishments by reimbursing 50% of the stipend paid to apprentices during first two years of their training.
- Revamped Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana:Introducing a Smart Card for the workers in the unorganized sector seeded with details of two more social security schemes.
- The National Career Service is being implemented as a mission mode project to provide various job-related services information on skills development courses, internships etc
Reference: The Hindu
Introduction
India, with its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, faces critical environmental challenges. Balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability is crucial for achieving long-term development goals.
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Major Environmental Issues in India:
- Climate Change:
- India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally.
- Emissions intensity reduction targets are essential to combat climate change.
- India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
- Air Pollution:
- Urban centers suffer from severe air pollution due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction.
- Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) poses health risks.
- India needs stringent regulations and cleaner technologies.
- Water Pollution:
- Rivers and groundwater face contamination from industrial effluents, sewage, and agricultural runoff.
- Health costs related to water pollution are estimated at billions of dollars annually.
- Deforestation and Habitat Loss:
- Rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and agricultural expansion lead to deforestation.
- Protecting forests and promoting afforestation are critical.
- Waste Management:
- Improper waste disposal contributes to land and water pollution.
- India needs efficient waste management systems, recycling, and waste reduction strategies.
Need for Green Policies:
- Sustainable Development:
- India must balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
- Policies should prioritize green infrastructure, renewable energy, and circular economy practices.
- Eco-friendly Technologies:
- Promote electric vehicles (EVs) powered by clean energy.
- Invest in green hydrogen, battery storage, and carbon capture technologies.
- Afforestation and Reforestation:
- Strengthen forest conservation efforts.
- Restore degraded ecosystems and enhance green cover.
- Circular Economy:
- Encourage recycling, reduce waste, and promote sustainable consumption.
- Implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs.
- Public Awareness and Education:
- Create awareness about environmental issues.
- Foster a culture of responsible consumption and conservation.
Conclusion
India’s path to sustainable development lies in integrating environmental considerations into policies, investments, and daily practices. By prioritizing green initiatives, adopting innovative technologies, and engaging all stakeholders, India can achieve a resilient and eco-friendly future.
Reference: Indian Express
Introduction
Nalanda, the ruins of one of the world’s most prestigious seats of learning, is located 95 kilometres from Patna, the capital of Bihar, and 110 km from Bodh Gaya, the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Declared a Word Heritage Site in 2016, Nalanda is seen as the world’s most ancient university, flourishing much before Europe’s oldest university, Bologna, came into being in the 11th-12th century.
Contemporary sources, however, describe the site as a mahavihara, a great monastery. Nalanda, therefore, functioned as a premier monastic-cum-scholastic establishment in ancient and early medieval India. Today, one can see there the remains of temples, monastic dwellings, votive structures and art works in stucco, bronze and stone dating from the 5th century C.E. to the 12th century C.E.
Recently, the campus of Nalanda University was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India.
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Significance of Nalanda
- Nalanda attracted students from across Eastern and Central Asia.
- Subjects included medicine, logic, mathematics, and, most importantly, Buddhist principles.
- The Gupta monarchs, though Hindus, supported Buddhism and intellectual fervor.
- Nalanda blended intellectual Buddhism with diverse knowledge fields.
- Nalanda taught Ayurveda, which later spread across India.
- Its design influenced other Buddhist institutions, and its stucco artistry left a mark in Thailand, Tibet, and the Malayan peninsula.
Notable Scholars Associated with Nalanda:
- Nagarjuna:
- Renowned Buddhist philosopher who propounded the Madhyamaka school of thought.
- Aryadeva:
- Influential Buddhist philosopher known for his work on emptiness.
- Dharmakirti:
- Logician and epistemologist who contributed significantly to Buddhist thought.
- Xuanzang:
- Chinese pilgrim who visited Nalanda and left detailed accounts of its grandeur.
Observations of Foreign Travelers:
- Xuanzang:
- Detailed descriptions of Nalanda’s academic rigor, library, and diverse student body.
- His accounts shaped perceptions of India among the Chinese clergy.
- Yijing:
- Another Chinese pilgrim who visited Nalanda and contributed to cross-cultural interactions.
- His travel records shed light on long-distance travel, commercial exchanges, and pilgrim-merchant relationships.
Legacy of Nalanda:
- Mathematics and Astronomy:
- Nalanda’s achievements in these fields left a lasting impact.
- Transmission of Knowledge:
- Its library housed nine million books, influencing Asian culture and thought.
- Texts carried by pilgrims like Xuanzang spread Buddhist doctrines to China.
- Cultural Reach:
- Nalanda’s teachings, stucco art, and architectural design influenced art and practices across Asia.
Decline of Nalanda
- The two major theories that explain the decline of Nalanda both talk about a possible destruction of the mahavihara and of a somewhat sudden or cataclysmic decline.
- The most common theory for the decline of Nalanda says the site was ransacked and destroyed by BakhtiyarKhalji.
- The second theory broadly locates the decline in the context of the animosity between Brahmins and Buddhists. It finds expression in the writings of historians such as D.N. Jha, B.N.S. Yadava, R.K. Mookerji and SukumarDutt.
Conclusion
Nalanda University transcended geographical boundaries, fostered global exchange of knowledge, and remains an enduring symbol of intellectual excellence.
Reference: Indian Express
Introduction
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 is a significant landmark in the evolution of grassroot democratic institutions in the country. It transformed the representative democracy into participatory democracy. It is a revolutionary concept to build democracy at the grassroot level in the country.
However, after decades of this historic amendment, Panchayati Raj Institutions have remained laggard in the developmental process.
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Success of Panchayati Raj
Gandhiji’s dream of Gram Swaraj and Oceanic Circles of Power were realised through the Panchayati Raj System.
- The PRIs are the local self-governing bodies that ensure the opportunity for people’s participation and involvement in the formulation and implementation of rural development programmes.
- The main objective of Panchayat System in India is to strengthen the base of democracy at the grass root level.
- It was introduced as a real democratic political apparatus which would bring the masses into active political control from below, from the vast majority of the weaker, poor sections of rural India.
- They play the role of a catalytic agent in integrating development of tribal masses in rural areas.
- Plan documents of both the central and state governments and various committees have emphasised the importance of these bodies in the polity. Five-year plans have also laid special emphasis on the role of Panchayats in rural developments.
- Rural Development includes measures to strengthen the democratic structure of society through the PRIs.
- PRIs have been used to improve the rural infrastructure, income of rural households and delivery systems pertaining to education, health and safety mechanisms. These institutions are to be galvanised to become effective instruments of social and economic change at the local level.
- Reservation for women (33%) has increased their presence in the public life.
Failures of democratic decentralisation especially in Panchayats
- Overwhelming dependency on government funding: Panchayat’s own resource base to raise finances is low and the financial resources are tied to certain schemes and initiatives. When Panchayats do not raise resources and instead depend on external funding, people are less likely to enforce social audit and efficacy of the schemes.
- : In case of Urban local bodies, majority of municipalities have not increased property tax since many years and have not leveraged the municipal bonds for betterment of city infrastructure.
- Creation of Parallel Bodies: Parallel Bodies have usurped the legitimate space of local bodies. For instance, Smart City scheme is being implemented in major cities through Special Purpose Vehicles, squeezing the limited space of urban local governance in municipalities.
- Lack of adequate Devolution: Many states have not devolved the 3F’s of function, funds and functionaries, to enable local bodies to discharge their constitutionally stipulated functions.
- Excessive control by bureaucracy
- In many Gram Panchayats, Sarpanches have to spend an extra ordinary amount of time visiting block Officers for funds and/or technical approval. These interactions with the Block staff office distort the role of Sarpanches as elected representatives.
- Multiple institutions like parastatals, development authorities, public works departments, and ULBs themselves report to different departments of the state government and have been entrusted with overlapping responsibilities.
- Poor Infrastructure: It is found that nearly 25% of Gram Panchayats do not have basic office buildings. Capacity building of elected representatives is another hindrance in the grass roots democracy. In case of urban local bodies, Mayor position is merely ceremonial.
Measures Need to strengthen Panchayats
- Central Government has started the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan.The campaign is undertaken under the name of“Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas”.
- It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs)in the country and place them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government’s flagship schemes.
- Gram Panchayats have been mandated for the preparation of GPDP for economic development and social justiceutilizing the resources available to them.
- Government of India formulated E-Panchayat Mission Mode Project for e-enablement of all the Panchayats, to make their functioning more efficient and transparent.
- Social Audit: The power of social audit was proven by Jan Sunwai in Rajasthan. Transparent, third party Social Audit can enable people to hold the representatives accountable.
- Citizen Participation: In case of Gram Sabhas, their functions and roles must be clearly defined as in the PESA Act, to enable to function effectively.
Conclusion
The need of the hour is to bring about a holistic change in the lives of people among the villagers by uplifting their socioeconomic and health status through effective linkages through community, governmental and other developmental agencies. People’s demands for the sustainable decentralisation and advocacy should focus on a decentralisation agenda. The framework needs to be evolved to accommodate the demand for decentralisation.
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Introduction
As Russia and India both desire a multi-polar world, they are equally important for each other in fulfilling each other’s national interests. However, due to the changing geopolitical scenario, Russia is growing closer to China and becoming anti-west, while it is vice-versa for India.
Despite the changing dynamics, Indo-Russia ties have stood the test of times especially in defence sector. Russia has approved a draft logistics agreement with India, ending years of delays. Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) is an administrative arrangement between India and Russia to enhance military cooperation. RELOS streamlines military logistics support, making joint operations more efficient and cost-effective.
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Significance of RELOS
- Sustained Operations: Facilitates replenishment of supplies, providing berthing facilities for troops, warships, and aircraft during both wartime and peacetime missions.
- Strategic Advantages: Enables smoother use of host nation’s logistics networks, swift crisis response, and reduces overall mission costs.
- Expanded Military Reach: Enhances India’s maritime influence and awareness, and improves information exchange about maritime activities.
- Balancing Quad Agreements: Balances India’s logistics agreements with Quad countries and Russia’s non-Quad stance, countering US and Chinese regional influence.
- Scientific Interconnections: Supports India’s Arctic research, focusing on links between Arctic Sea ice melt and Indian monsoon systems.
potential impact on India’s relations with the U.S
- The U.S. may view this as strengthening India’s military capabilities, potentially impacting regional dynamics.
- The U.S. closely monitors India’s strategic partnerships. Closer ties with Russia may raise questions about alignment in the Indo-Pacific.
- While the U.S. seeks to counter China’s influence, India’s collaboration with Russia could be seen as a balancing act.
- The Arctic is a contested region. India’s scientific exploration aligns with global climate concerns but may be noted by the U.S.
Conclusion
While RELOS strengthens India-Russia ties, it also warrants careful observation by the U.S., considering the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Introduction
India is wedged between the world’s two largest areas of illicit opium production, the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle. This proximity has traditionally been viewed as a source of vulnerability, since it has made India both a destination and a transit route for opiates produced in these regions. the lockdown restrictions during Covid-19 have accelerated drug trafficking using the Internet. The drug trafficking scenario in India is largely attributed to various external and internal factors.
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Background
- According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), opium production in Afghanistan has crossed 6,000 tonnes for the fifth consecutive year.
- The reported rise in global opium prices has resulted in the exponential production of opiates increasing by 8%.
- The Taliban, cash-strapped and still looking to establish a semblance of order in the country they captured in August 2021, could indeed be looking to generate revenue from the illegal cash crop, as cases of smuggling and seizures of large consignments of drugs in India have started increasing, indicating a turn towards this trend.
Implications of Drug trafficking in India
- Challenges in the Northeast
- Indo-Myanmar border encounters non-conventional security challenges as it provides a secure channel for the movement of insurgents, narcotics trafficking, gunrunning, smuggling of wildlife etc.
- Proxy-wars: In the context of the proxy war in J&K, Pakistan’s ISI has been using the narcotics trade to
- Generate funds to sustain militancy.
- Erode the vitality of the populace in the border belt.
- Win over the local youth, as informers.
- Increase the level of criminal activity.
- Narco-terrorism: Terrorism and militancy in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, waged by Islamist extremist groups based in and supported by Pakistan. This is mainly funded by trading narcotics illegally.
- Drug Abuse on rise: The easy availability of drugs in Indian market is increasing drug abuse cases, particularly amongst the youth.
- According to a report by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, around 2.1% of Indians use opioids like opium, heroin, and non-medical sedatives.
- Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram have the highest prevalence of this opioid use.
- Drug-peddling is taking place over the Dark Web eluding the scrutiny of enforcement officers.
- Endangering lives: The illicit drug cultivation causes environmental damage in the form of river pollution.
- Toxic chemical wastes generated are stealthily dumped into rivers flowing in the region.
- Militancy: The nexus between Pakistan ISI and Pakistan Army with the drug mafia is a well-documented and established fact.
- This brought in a lot of easy money to the Pakistan’s ISI.
- With time, this money had been increasingly diverted towards fomenting, sustaining and exalting militancy in the peaceful paradise state of J&K in India.
- Funds Naxalism: The region is near the Naxal affected areas who exploit the corridor for expanding their revenues and arms smuggling.
- Due to lack of infrastructural development, they illicitly grow opium and cannabis providing them ready money.
- Socio Economic impact:
- The Covid-19 crisis has pushed more than 100 million people into extreme poverty, and has greatly exacerbated unemployment and inequalities, as the world lost 255 million jobs in 2020.
- Mental health conditions are also on the rise worldwide. Such socioeconomic stressors have likely accelerated demand for the drugs.
Measures taken by the government
Government of India has devised a well laid out strategy to ensure inter agency coordination and revamp the prosecution mechanism to end the menace of drug trafficking.
- There is zero tolerance policy followed by Government of India against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances trade.
- Strong Legislation: Accordingly, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) was enacted in 1985.
- Under this act, cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, export and import of all narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances is prohibited except for medicinal and scientific purposes and as authorised by the government.
- The Act provides for rigorous punishment for any person violating this act and if a person is caught peddling drugs for the second time, death penalty could be awarded to the offender.
- In addition, the government of India has also enacted the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in 1988, which allows detention of persons suspected to be involved in illicit trafficking of drugs.
- The Government has taken several policy and other initiatives to deal with drug trafficking problem.
- It constituted Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in November, 2016 and revived the scheme of “Financial Assistance to States for Narcotics Control”.
- In 2017, the government approved new Reward Guidelines with increased quantum of reward for interdiction or seizure of different illicit drugs.
- Global Cooperation: For effective coordination with foreign countries, India has signed 37 Bilateral Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding.
- Narcotics Control Bureau has been provided funds for developing a new software i.e. Seizure Information Management System (SIMS) which will create a complete online database of drug offences and offenders.
- The government has constituted a fund called “National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse” to meet the expenditure incurred in connection with combating illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs; rehabilitating addicts, and educating public against drug abuse, etc.
- The government is also conducting National Drug Abuse Survey to measure trends of drug abuse in India through Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment with the help of National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of AIIMS.
- Pro-active border patrol: For instances, in 2009, the BSF seized 23 kg of heroin along with 12 pistols and several rounds of ammunition in Punjab. In the same year, consignments of 58 kg of heroin, 10 kg of hashish as well as pistols and RDX were seized by the BSF along Rajasthan border.
- Cooperation with neighbours: India is a signatory to the SAARC Convention on Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic substances, 1993.
- India is also a party to the Pentalateral Cooperation on Drug Control, which focuses on the prevention of illicit trade of precursor and other chemicals used for the manufacture of heroin.
Way Forward:
- Combating misinformation on the impact of the use of cannabis products is crucial.
- Awareness-raising and communication efforts that disseminate scientific information without stigmatizing people.
- Increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to address drug trafficking over the darknet remains a priority.
- Joint responses by Governments and the private sector can involve controlling and removing advertisements and listings of illegal drugs on the Internet.
- Continuously update scientific standards to keep abreast of the acceleration of Internet-based services.
- Prevention and solid support are the ways in which drug abuse can be dealt with.
- Prevention programmes involving families, schools and the immediate communities are important in this regard.
- Government must notify minimum standards for running de-addiction centres.
- Fast track courts.
- Integrating drug de-addiction centre’s with rehabilitation centres.
- Unlicensed centres and those committing human rights violations must be liable to closure.
- A chapter on the impact of drug abuse should be included in school curriculum so that children understand how addiction destroys lives of people.
- Focused sensitisation programmes on drug abuse in schools and a substance abuse policy could go a long way in curbing the menace.
- Parents must consult specialists in case there is change in behaviour of their children as it could be signs of drug abuse.
Conclusion
Prevention of drug trafficking has to be accorded greater priority. At present it forms part of the larger mandate of the border guarding forces to ‘prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity’. Special measures need to be formulated to check trafficking of drugs through the borders. Various domestic laws enacted for the control of drug trafficking should be implemented stringently and severe punishments should be accorded to drug stockists.
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India.
Introduction
The UN Global Principles for Information Integrity aim to address the harms caused by misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres unveiled the Global Principles for Information Integrity, a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the escalating threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in the digital realm.
Body
UN Global Principles for Information Integrity
- Societal Trust and Resilience:
- Foster trust in information sources by promoting transparency, accountability, and fact-checking.
- Encourage media literacy and critical thinking to empower individuals against misinformation.
- Strengthen resilience to disinformation through education and awareness campaigns.
- Independent, Free, and Pluralistic Media:
- Safeguard media independence and diversity to ensure accurate reporting.
- Support investigative journalism and protect journalists from threats and violence.
- Promote media literacy to discern reliable sources.
- Healthy Incentives:
- Encourage platforms and advertisers to prioritize quality content over sensationalism.
- Reward responsible behavior and penalize harmful practices.
- Foster collaboration between tech companies, governments, and civil society.
- Transparency and Research:
- Promote transparency in algorithms and content moderation.
- Invest in research to understand the impact of misinformation and hate speech.
- Share findings openly to inform policy and practice.
- Public Empowerment:
- Educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities in the digital age.
- Encourage active participation in countering disinformation.
- Support fact-checking initiatives and promote reliable information.
Legal Measures to Curb Hate Speech
- Hate Crime Legislation:
- The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act prohibits physical harm based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and other characteristics.
- Striking a balance between free speech and preventing hate crimes remains challenging.
- First Amendment Protections:
- The U.S. Constitution allows broad free speech, even for hate speech.
- Exceptions exist for specific threats and incitement to imminent lawlessness.
- True Threats Doctrine:
- Statements that communicate a serious intent to commit unlawful violence fall outside free speech protections.
- Courts evaluate context and specificity to determine if a threat is genuine.
- Emergency Principle:
- Hate speech that poses an immediate threat can be punishable under U.S. law.
- Balancing protection and prevention remains crucial.
Way Forward
- Education and Awareness:
- Promote media literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship.
- Equip individuals to discern reliable information and combat hate speech.
- Collaboration:
- Governments, tech companies, and civil society must work together.
- Transparency, research, and responsible incentives are key.
- Balancing Rights:
- Uphold freedom of expression while preventing harm.
- Courts should continue evaluating hate speech cases contextually.
Conclusion
Addressing misinformation and hate speech requires a multifaceted approach.
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