GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a 10-point plan at the 21st India-ASEAN Summit to strengthen India-ASEAN comprehensive partnership. 

What Is PM Modi's 10-Point Plan To Strengthen ASEAN-India Comprehensive Partnership?

1. The 10-point plan is focused on strengthening the India-ASEAN partnership and proposes to celebrate the year 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, for which India will make available USD 5 million towards joint activities.
2. It also includes doubling the number of scholarships at Nalanda University and providing new grants for ASEAN students at Agricultural Universities in India.
3. The plan proposed a celebration of the decade of Act East Policy through several people-centric activities including a youth summit, start-up festival, hackathon, music festival, ASEAN-India Network of Think-Tanks and Delhi Dialogue.
4. It also proposed to organise an ASEAN-India women scientists conclave under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.
5. Under the plan, India would make available USD 5 million for enhancing disaster resilience.
6. The plan proposes to initiate a new Health Ministers’ track towards building Health Resilience.
7. It also proposes the review of the ASEAN-India Trade and Goods Agreement by 2025.
8. Under the plan, a regular mechanism of the ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue will be initiated to strengthen digital and cyber resilience
9. It also proposes to organise a workshop on Green Hydrogen.
10. PM Modi also invited all ASEAN leaders to join the ‘Plant a Tree for Mother’ campaign towards building climate resilience.

Significance of ASEAN Countries

• PM Modi stressed that he believes that the 21st century is the ‘Asian Century’-- a century for India and ASEAN countries, and noted that India-ASEAN trade had doubled to over USD 130 billion in the past decade.
• India is celebrating a decade of its Act East Policy and ASEAN is its central pillar of the policy.
  • India-ASEAN cooperation began in the 1990s, driven by shared economic and strategic interests, particularly in response to China’s growing influence.
• India reiterated its full support for ASEAN Centrality, ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship’s  priorities and deliverables under their theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”.
• Trade and investment:India and ASEAN have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), significantly boosting trade and investment.
  • ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner.
• India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway:Towards its east, India is part of a push to develop a highway connecting the country to Myanmar and Thailand.
  • The 1,400-km highway, first proposed in 2002, is expected to link India to the two SEA nations by land.
• Potential market:ASEAN constitutes the 3rd largest market in the world. This can help India utilize its export potential.
• Convergence with Indo-Pacific strategy: ASEAN is a crucial component of India's "Act East" policy and its "Indo-Pacific" strategy, reflecting the convergence of interests in the region.
• Countering China’s influence: Strengthening relations with ASEAN countries can serve as a counterbalance to China's influence in the region.
• Connectivity with North East: Connectivity initiatives with ASEAN can boost economic development in India's northeastern states by positioning them as a hub for regional trade and commerce.
• Important for rule-based order: ASEAN plays a central role in promoting a rules-based security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region, which is essential for the region's stability and prosperity.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is taking a significant step toward improving agricultural practices in India by formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC). This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive framework for agricultural standards, similar to existing codes for buildings and electrical systems.

Why is the NAC Needed?

• Current Gaps in Agricultural Standards
  • While the BIS has set standards for agricultural machinery and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, many essential practices remain unregulated.
  • Areas such as field preparation, irrigation methods, and overall agricultural practices lack standardized guidelines, which can lead to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in farming.
• Need for a Comprehensive Framework
  • Policymakers have long recognized the necessity of a unified standards framework to enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
  • The NAC will provide guidelines covering the entire agricultural cycle, aiding farmers, agricultural universities, and officials.

Key Features of the NAC

• Structure of the Code: The NAC will consist of two main parts:
  • General Principles: Applicable to all crops.
  • Crop-Specific Standards: Targeting specific crops like paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
• Areas Covered: The NAC will encompass a wide range of agricultural practices, including:
  • Crop selection
  • Land preparation
  • Sowing and transplanting
  • Irrigation and drainage
  • Soil health management
  • Plant health management
  • Harvesting and post-harvest operations
  • Input management (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.)
  • Storage and traceability
• Inclusion of Emerging Practices: The code will address modern agricultural practices such as:
  • Natural and organic farming
  • Utilization of Internet-of-Things (IoT) in agriculture

Objectives of the NAC

The NAC aims to:

• Create a national code that considers agro-climatic zones and socio-economic diversity.
• Promote a quality culture in Indian agriculture by providing a reference for policymakers and regulators.
• Serve as a guide for the farming community to make informed decisions.
• Integrate Indian Standards with recommended agricultural practices.
• Address critical areas such as sustainability, traceability, and documentation.
• Support capacity-building programs through agricultural extension services and civil society organizations.

Proposed Timeline and Implementation

• The BIS has outlined a plan with working panels to draft the NAC, targeting completion by October 2025.
• Post-completion, training programs for farmers will be conducted to ensure effective implementation of the standards.

Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF)

• Purpose and Importance
• • In parallel to the NAC, the BIS plans to establish Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF) in selected agricultural institutes.
  • These farms will serve as experimental sites for testing and implementing agricultural practices based on Indian Standards.
• Collaboration with Agricultural Institutes
• • The BIS will collaborate with premier agricultural institutes, signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to develop these farms.
  • The initiative will provide financial support for the setup of SADFs, offering hands-on learning opportunities for farmers and industry professionals.

The NITI Aayog team commended the natural farming practices of Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) and its potential in transforming the lives of small and marginal farmers.

What is Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) Programme?

• The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme is a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting natural farming practices among farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
• Launched in 2016, the program seeks to alleviate the debt cycle faced by farmers due to high input costs associated with conventional agriculture.
• Objectives of the APCNF
  • Reduce Debt: Help farmers escape the financial burden caused by expensive chemical inputs.
  • Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage the adoption of natural farming techniques that enhance soil health and biodiversity.

Key Features

• The APCNF supports farmers in shifting from chemically intensive practices to natural farming through various techniques:
  • Organic Residues and Minimal Tillage: Improving soil health by using organic matter and reducing soil disturbance.
  • Indigenous Seeds: Reintroducing local seed varieties to enhance resilience and yield.
  • Crop Diversification: Encouraging the cultivation of a variety of crops, including trees, to enhance productivity and sustainability.
• Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) Model: The APCNF promotes the PMDS model, which allows farmers to cultivate three crops per year even in rainfed conditions, a significant improvement over traditional practices that typically yield only one crop annually.

Funding and Support

The programme receives financial backing from various central schemes, including:

• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
• Bharatiya Prakriti Krishi Padhati
• The recently announced National Mission of Natural Farming is also expected to provide additional funding.

The World Development Report 2024 (WDR), published by the World Bank, explores the phenomenon of the middle-income trap. This term refers to the stagnation of growth rates that occurs when economies reach a certain level of income but struggle to transition to high-income status. The report highlights that only 34 middle-income economies have successfully made this transition in the past 34 years.

What is the Middle-Income Trap?

• The middle-income trap is characterized by stagnation in income per capita when economies reach about 11% of U.S. per capita income.
• Current Status: Middle-income countries, defined as those with per capita incomes between $1,136 and $13,845, often face challenges in sustaining growth.
• Strategies to Escape the Trap: The WDR emphasizes a “3i” approach for countries aiming to overcome the middle-income trap:

1. 1. Investment: Capital must be allocated efficiently to foster growth.
   2. Infusion: Introduction of new global technologies is crucial.
   3. Innovation: Encouraging domestic innovation can drive progress.

Role of the State (Case Study)

Successful Models: Countries that have successfully escaped the middle-income trap, such as South Korea and Chile, demonstrate the importance of state intervention:

• South Korea:
• Utilized a heavily interventionist state to direct private sector activities.
• Supported successful companies with access to technologies and allowed underperformers to fail.
• Chile:
• The government actively supported natural resource sectors, such as the salmon industry, through targeted interventions.

Lessons for India

For India to break the middle-income trap, the government must:

• Act as a neutral facilitator among private enterprises.
• Base support on performance rather than political connections.
• Encourage powerful business entities to innovate and invest in new technologies.

Challenges Facing India

• Increased Power of Billionaires: The concentration of wealth can create barriers to equitable growth and investment.
• Stagnation in Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector has been underperforming, and many jobs are returning to low-productive agriculture post-pandemic.
• Wage Growth Issues: Despite an estimated GDP growth of 7%, real wages for workers have not kept pace, with nominal wage growth around 5-7% compared to an inflation rate of about 5%.
• Premature Deindustrialization: Many economies are experiencing a decline in manufacturing share of income at much lower GDP levels than before, raising questions about the potential of the service sector to lead growth.
• Democratic Concerns: Historical examples from South Korea and Chile show that growth can come at the expense of democracy. It is essential to ensure that India maintains its democratic ethos while pursuing state-led growth initiatives.

The Bonedi Bari Pujas, or Durga Pujas, conducted in Kolkata's aristocratic households, have gained renewed attention as cultural heritage and tradition face the challenges of modernization and economic pressures.

About the Puja

• Bonedi Bari Pujas are among the oldest Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, with origins dating back over 415 years.
  • Bonedi Bari is a Bengali term for the traditional homes of the upper class, aristocrats, and zamindars of Kolkata.
• These pujas are held in the grand houses of Kolkata's elite families (traditional Bengali houses)
• These rituals are deeply entwined with the history of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family (zamindarsof vast swathes of land in Mughal Bengal including the villages Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata which would later become Kolkata), among others.
  • In 1698, the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family was forced to sell these settlements to the British East India Company; and by 1805, the Company had converted these three settlements into a modern city of the 19th century — Calcutta.
  • The same Sabarna Roy Choudhury family is also credited with hosting the first public Durga Pujo in Kolkata in the 1600s. Supposedly over 400-years-old now, the Aat-chala Durga Puja of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family is said to be older than Kolkata itself.
• These celebrations are not only religious festivals but also a reflection of Kolkata's rich cultural tapestry.
  • Traditions such as using old molds for idol-making and maintaining relationships with long-serving artisans highlight the continuity of cultural practices through generations. The involvement of families in these rituals fosters unity and pride, even as many members reside outside the region.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved phase III of its Space Based Surveillance (SBS) mission for better land and maritime domain awareness for civilian and military applications. The project is being handled by the National Security Council Secretariat along with the Defence Space Agency under the integrated headquarters in the Defence Ministry.

About the Mission

• SBS 1 was initiated by the Vajpayee government in 2001, and involved the launch of four satellites for surveillance, Cartosat 2A, Cartosat 2B, Eros B and Risat 2.
• SBS 2 came in 2013 with the launch of six satellites, Cartosat 2C, Cartosat 2D, Cartosat 3A, Cartosat 3B, Microsat 1 and Risat 2A.
• SBS 3: The newly cleared SBS 3 shows that India will be launching 52 satellites in low earth orbit and geostationary orbit for surveillance within the next decade.
  • Costing Rs 26,968 crore, the proposal involves the construction and launch of 21 satellites by ISRO and the remaining 31 by private companies.
  • The three services will have dedicated satellites for their land, sea or air-based missions.

Recent research has revealed a significant increase in plant cover across the Antarctic Peninsula, indicating a dramatic transformation driven by rising temperatures. This study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, highlights how climate change is affecting even the most remote regions of our planet.

Key Findings of the Study

• Vegetation Growth: The study found that the extent of vegetation, primarily consisting of mosses and lichens, has increased 14 times over the past 35 years.
  • In 1986, vegetation covered less than 1 square kilometer of the Antarctic Peninsula, while by 2021, it had expanded to nearly 12 square kilometers.
• Rate of Greening: The rate of greening has accelerated, with an increase of over 30% between 2016 and 2021.
• Warming Trends: The Antarctic Peninsula is warming five times faster than the global average, with temperatures nearly 3 degrees Celsius higher than in 1950.
  • A 2023 study indicated that Antarctica is warming at a rate of 22 to 0.32 degrees Celsius per decade.

Implications of Increased Vegetation

• Positive Effects: The colonization of bare rock by mosses may enhance soil formation by adding organic matter, potentially improving soil quality.
• Concerns
  • Invasive Species: Increased plant life could attract non-native species, posing a threat to indigenous flora and fauna. These species might be introduced by eco-tourists or researchers.
  • Albedo Effect: A darker surface due to vegetation absorbs more solar radiation, reducing the Antarctic Peninsula's ability to reflect sunlight. This could further increase ground temperatures, contributing to a feedback loop of warming.
• Environmental Changes in Antarctica
  • Ice Loss: Antarctica has lost 280% more ice mass in the 2000s and 2010s compared to the 1980s and 1990s. This loss contributes to rising global sea levels.
  • Record Heatwaves: The continent has experienced unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures in some areas reaching 39 degrees Celsius above normal.

The historical and geopolitical significance of the Chagos Islands has resurfaced in discussions about sovereignty, historical ties to the Maldives, and marine conservation efforts. The islands, particularly Peros Banhos, are recognized for their cultural and ecological importance, prompting calls for collaborative management and protection.

Historical Ties to the Maldives

• Sultan's Claim: A 1560 letter from a Maldives Sultan identifies Peros Banhos as belonging to the Sultanate, highlighting historical claims to the Chagos Islands. This reference underlines the islands' long-standing connection to Maldivian history.
• Cultural Connections: The Maldivians refer to Peros Banhos as ‘FoaLhavahi’, indicating a linguistic and cultural link with the nearby FoaMulak Atoll. British historians have noted similarities in naming, suggesting deep-rooted connections between these atolls.
• Navigation Routes: Historically, navigators utilized routes linking FoaLhavahi to the Malay Peninsula, showcasing the strategic importance of these islands. The Arab navigator Ahmad Ibn Majid documented these maritime pathways, emphasizing their significance in regional navigation.

Colonial and Slave Trade History

• Colonial Sovereignty: The sovereignty of the Chagos Islands shifted during British-French conflicts, ultimately resting with the UK by 1965. The transfer to Mauritius during decolonization lacked justification considering the historical ties to the Maldives.
• Slave Trade Influence: In the 1700s, the islands were populated by slaves from Zanzibar, paralleling the Maldivian slave trade from Africa. This shared history likely means that the populations of the Maldives and Chagos have ancestral connections.
• Fishing Expeditions: Maldivian sultans historically used the islands for fishing expeditions, with expeditions marking their ownership. This practice established a traditional relationship with the islands, reinforcing claims of sovereignty.

Marine Conservation Importance

• Declining Fish Stocks: The Indian Ocean faces rapid depletion of fish stocks due to industrial fishing practices. Only the Maldives and Chagos currently enjoy full protection from such exploitative activities.
• Sustainable Fishing Practices: Maldivian fishermen utilize sustainable pole-and-line techniques, minimizing bycatch and preserving marine biodiversity. This sustainable approach contrasts sharply with industrial fishing methods employed by external nations.
• Collaborative Protection Efforts: To ensure marine conservation, Great Britain should engage with the Maldives regarding the Chagos Islands' protected status. Joint agreements among Indian Ocean nations, including the Maldives and Mauritius, are crucial for ongoing ecological preservation.

Practice Question

Q. Analyze the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of the Chagos Islands in relation to the Maldives. Discuss the implications of sovereignty disputes and the importance of marine conservation in the Indian Ocean.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's first bilateral visit to India marks an effort to mend ties after a period of tension rooted in his election campaign's anti-India stance. This visit highlights the evolving diplomatic relationship between the Maldives and India amid broader regional dynamics.

Historical Tensions

• Election Campaign Legacy: Muizzu's presidency was initially shaped by the "India Out" campaign, creating significant friction with India. His administration’s earlier rhetoric suggested a distancing from Indian influence in Maldivian affairs.
• Tourism Controversy: A campaign promoting Lakshadweep as a tourism alternative to the Maldives followed critical comments from Maldivian Ministers about Modi. This sparked a "Boycott Maldives" movement in India, further straining relations.
• Delayed Diplomatic Engagement: Muizzu's choice to visit Turkey, China, and the UAE before India raised concerns in New Delhi. This sequence of visits was perceived as a slight, fueling apprehensions about Maldivian alignment with China.

Diplomatic Engagements

• Bilateral Meetings: During their first formal negotiations, India and Maldives addressed key issues, including the status of Indian troops in the Maldives. India agreed to replace military personnel with technical staff for aircraft maintenance, easing some tensions.
• Economic Support Initiatives: India provided $100 million in SBI subscriptions to support Maldivian T-bills, aiding Male in managing its debt obligations. This assistance came at a critical moment when Maldives was facing potential defaults.
• Strengthened Economic Ties: India extended $400 million in financial support and established a ?3,000 crore currency swap arrangement to stabilize Maldivian currency reserves. Discussions on infrastructure projects and Free Trade Agreements were also initiated.

Future Prospects

• Tourism and Investment Appeals: In engagements in Mumbai and Bengaluru, Muizzu promoted the return of Indian tourists to the Maldives and encouraged investment opportunities. This effort aims to revitalize the Maldivian economy through Indian partnership.
• Diplomatic Strategy Shift: Muizzu's softened rhetoric and dismissal of critical Ministers signal a strategic shift towards improving relations with India. This indicates a recognition of the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with India.
• Geopolitical Relevance: The renewed focus on collaboration reflects India's role as a "first responder" in the Maldives, reinforcing historical ties and geographical proximity. This diplomacy emphasizes the need for cooperative regional security and economic stability.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the implications of President Mohamed Muizzu's recent visit to India on the Maldives-India relationship. Discuss the historical context of their diplomatic tensions and the potential for future collaboration in economic and security matters.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed court delays at the National Conference of the District Judiciary, coining the term "black coat syndrome" to describe public reluctance to engage in litigation due to perceived complications and inefficiencies in the judicial process.

Judicial System Pressures

• Case Management Issues: Delays are exacerbated by inconsistent implementation of Case Flow Management Rules. Judges face systemic pressures that force them to prioritize cases based on arbitrary deadlines set by higher courts.
• Resource Allocation: Higher court directives often disrupt district court scheduling, requiring disproportionate resource allocation to expedite certain cases. This misalignment leads to cascading delays in the overall court system.
• Performance Evaluation Concerns: Judges are incentivized to focus on simpler cases to accumulate performance "units," neglecting more complex cases. This skewed focus contributes to prolonged delays for cases requiring substantial judicial attention.

Lawyer and Litigant Dynamics

• Lawyers' Strategic Choices: Lawyers often handle multiple cases, making strategic decisions that lead to adjournments based on perceived court dynamics. This unpredictability complicates effective case management.
• Impact of Stay Orders: Litigants often view obtaining stay orders as a victory, reducing their motivation to expedite proceedings. This contributes to the growing backlog of pending cases.
• Witness Challenges: Unpredictable court schedules frustrate witnesses, who may need to disrupt their lives without knowing when they must testify. This unpredictability discourages participation and delays trials.

Need for Reform

• Holistic Approach Required: A comprehensive strategy is needed that goes beyond rules and focuses on incentivizing all judicial actors. This includes evaluating judges on managing complex cases rather than merely the number of cases disposed of.
• Technology Integration: Adopting technological solutions can improve case management by providing real-time updates and monitoring timelines. Data-driven approaches can identify scheduling bottlenecks to enhance efficiency.
• Encouraging Timely Resolutions: Courts should implement predictable scheduling and introduce penalties for delays while rewarding adherence to schedules. This encourages a culture of accountability and efficiency among legal practitioners.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the systemic challenges in the Indian judicial system that contribute to court delays. Suggest holistic reforms to improve case management and enhance the efficiency of the judiciary.