GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently unveiled his “victory plan” in a significant address to parliament, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with Russia as it enters its third year.

What is the Victory Plan?

• Zelensky’s victory plan is centered around five primary goals designed to strengthen Ukraine’s position in the war against Russia:
  • Immediate NATO Membership Invitation: Zelensky is calling for NATO to extend an unconditional invitation for Ukraine to join the alliance, emphasizing that this is crucial for Ukraine’s defense and future security.
  • Strengthening Defense Capabilities: The plan advocates for increased military support from allies, including permission to use foreign-supplied weapons for strikes deep within Russian territory, which some nations are hesitant to allow due to fears of escalating conflict.
  • Comprehensive Non-Nuclear Deterrence: Establishing a deterrence strategy to protect Ukraine from Russian threats is a key focus, aiming to ensure long-term security.
  • Joint Investment Agreements: The plan includes proposals for agreements with foreign partners to invest in Ukraine’s natural resources, enhancing economic resilience.
  • Enhancing NATO Security: Zelensky aims to have Ukrainian troops contribute to NATO’s collective security and potentially replace some U.S. forces stationed in Europe.
• Additionally, Zelensky mentioned three “secret annexes” to the plan, including aspects related to the deterrence strategy.
• His plan is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's military position and encouraging NATO membership, amidst ongoing discussions about negotiations and peace.

Impact

Zelensky's victory plan aims to unify support within Ukraine and bolster international backing against Russia. If successful, it could:

• Strengthen Ukraine's Military Position: Increased military support and the prospect of NATO membership may enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities.
• Influence International Dynamics: The plan seeks to galvanize NATO allies and European partners, potentially leading to a reevaluation of their support strategies.
• Impact on Public Morale: By articulating a clear strategy, Zelensky hopes to rally public support amidst challenges and setbacks in the war.

However, the plan has drawn criticism domestically, with some lawmakers expressing concerns over Ukraine’s reliance on foreign support, suggesting that it may undermine national sovereignty.

Tensions between North and South Korea are escalating significantly. Recently, North Korea announced that over 1.4 million citizens applied to join the military, coinciding with the destruction of roads and railway lines along its southern border. This act was in retaliation for South Korea allegedly sending drones carrying anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets. The situation is becoming increasingly volatile, raising concerns about the potential for conflict.

Historical Background

The Korean peninsula has a complex history:

• Colonial Rule and Division: After being under Japanese control from 1910, Korea was divided into two separate states following Japan's surrender in 1945. The Soviet Union supported the establishment of a communist regime in the North (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), while the United States backed a democratic government in the South (Republic of Korea).
• Korean War (1950-1953): Tensions escalated into war in 1950 when North Korea invaded the South. The conflict saw major initial gains for the North but eventually led to a stalemate, resulting in an armistice in 1953. This established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), but no formal peace treaty was ever signed, leaving the Koreas technically still at war.
• Attempts at Reunification: Both Koreas have long sought reunification, with several diplomatic efforts made since the 1970s, including agreements in 2000, 2007, and 2018. However, these efforts have yielded little progress, particularly as North Korea has pursued nuclear weapons development, leading to international sanctions.

Genesis of Current Tensions

The roots of the current tensions can be traced back to several key events:

• Failed Diplomacy: In 2019, a summit between then-U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un failed to produce a meaningful agreement on denuclearization. This setback reportedly led to a breakdown in relations between North Korea and the U.S., prompting North Korea to restart its nuclear program.
• Shift in Attitude: In early 2024, Kim Jong Un publicly renounced any hopes for reunification with the South, declaring it the "primary foe." This marked a significant change in rhetoric and policy towards South Korea.
• Escalating Hostilities: North Korea has engaged in various provocations, including sending balloons carrying propaganda and trash across the border and fortifying its defenses. The recent destruction of infrastructure connecting the two Koreas signals a formal end to diplomatic ties.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has recently engaged the Five Eyes alliance—comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—in response to allegations regarding the involvement of Indian government agents in the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.

What is Five Eyes Alliance?

• Formation and Historical Background: The Five Eyes alliance traces its origins back to the aftermath of World War II.
• Initially established through the UKUSA Agreement of 1946, the alliance was created to enhance cooperation in signals intelligence (SIGINT) among its members.
• The United Kingdom and the United States were the founding nations, with Canada, Australia, and New Zealand joining the network in the 1950s.
• This coalition was initially focused on monitoring the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
• Membership and Structure: The alliance consists of five core member countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • While Norway, Denmark, and West Germany were temporarily included during the 1950s, the current membership solidified by 1955 remains unchanged.
  • Each member country contributes its intelligence capabilities, including human intelligence (HUMINT) and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), facilitating a comprehensive intelligence-sharing framework.
• Operational Mechanisms: The Five Eyes alliance operates through both formal and informal agreements among its intelligence agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the U.S. and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Canada.
  • The alliance is designed to provide a strategic advantage to its members by sharing a wide array of intelligence, including SIGINT, security assessments, and defense-related information.
  • Intelligence-sharing occurs through various channels, enabling the monitoring of electronic communications like phone calls, emails, and text messages.
• The Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council, also known as FVEY, comprises oversight bodies from each member nation, ensuring accountability and governance within the alliance.

The Indian Army is set to commence a month-long series of commemorative events from October 17 to November 14 to mark the 62nd Walong Day. This initiative honors the valiant soldiers who fought in the Battle of Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, highlighting their sacrifices and courage in defending India's eastern front.

About the Battle of Walong

• The Battle of Walong was a significant conflict fought between October 20 and November 14, 1962, during the Sino-Indian War.
• Located in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, near the Indo-China border, Walong held strategic importance due to its proximity to the McMahon Line (de facto border between India and China)
• Forces Involved:

• Indian forces, primarily comprising the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army.
• Opposing forces from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China.

• Indian troops utilized the rugged terrain to their advantage, conducting counterattacks and inflicting significant casualties on Chinese forces.
• Despite their determined defense, Indian forces were ultimately overwhelmed by the superior numbers and firepower of the Chinese army.
• Outcome: The battle concluded with a retreat of Indian troops, marking a challenging moment in India’s military history. Both sides suffered considerable casualties, with the Indian Army experiencing significant losses, including killed, wounded, and captured personnel.
• Legacy: The battle symbolizes bravery and resilience, becoming a poignant chapter in India's military history.
• Walong War Memorial
  • In honor of the soldiers who fought and lost their lives in this battle, the Walong War Memorial was established. It serves as a site of remembrance and tribute to the bravery of those who defended the nation.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which granted citizenship to immigrants who entered Assam before January 1, 1966. This verdict is part of an ongoing legal and social debate over the status of immigrants, the rights of indigenous communities, and the demographic changes in the state.

What is Section 6A?

• Section 6A was introduced to the Citizenship Act, 1955, as part of the Assam Accord signed in 1985. This accord aimed to address the concerns of local Assamese regarding the influx of migrants from Bangladesh.
• Provisions: The section specifically grants citizenship to individuals who migrated to Assam from Bangladesh before January 1, 1966, thus providing a different cut-off date for Assam compared to the rest of India.
• Purpose: It was designed to protect the rights of indigenous Assamese people while acknowledging the historical context of migration in the region. The provision was part of a broader effort to manage demographic changes resulting from the influx of migrants.

About Citizenship

• Articles 5-11 of the Constitution describe the various categories of persons who are entitled to citizenship. These were enforced on November 26, 1949, ahead of the commencement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. Article 11 empowers Parliament to regulate citizenship by law; the Citizenship Act was, therefore, passed in 1955. It has since been amended 1986, 2003, 2005, and 2015.
  • Article 5 provided for citizenship on the commencement of the Constitution: all those domiciled and born in India, either of whose parents was born in India, or anyone who had been ordinarily resident in India for at least five years preceding the commencement of the Constitution.
  • Under Article 6, anyone who migrated to India before July 19, 1948, from territory that had become part Pakistan, automatically became a citizen if either of their parents or grandparents was born in India. But those who entered India after this date needed to register themselves.
  • Those who had migrated to Pakistan after March 1, 1947, but had subsequently returned on resettlement permits, too, were included within the citizenship net (Article7).
  • Under Article 8, a person of Indian origin residing outside India who, or any of whose parents or grandparents, was born in India can register as an Indian citizen with the relevant Indian diplomatic mission.
• Rights of Citizen: The Constitution gives some fundamental rights to non-citizens —
  • the right to equality before the law (Article 14)
  • protection of life and personal liberty (Article 21)
  • freedom to manage religious affairs (Article 25)
• However, some other fundamental rights, such as prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (Article 15); equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Article 16); and the six basic freedoms of speech and expression, peaceful assembly, forming associations or unions, movement, residence, and profession (subject to reasonable restrictions, Article 19), are available only to citizens.
• Also, only a citizen has the right to vote in elections to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies (Article 326), become a member of these Houses (Articles 84, 191d), and assume certain high offices such as those of President, Vice-President, Governor, and a judge of the higher judiciary.

The Union Cabinet has recently approved new Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi crops for the 2025-26 marketing season. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about agricultural support and food security in India, especially as the country prepares for the upcoming crop cycle. The increase in MSP is aimed at providing better financial support to farmers, ensuring they receive fair prices for their produce, and encouraging the cultivation of essential crops.

Key Highlights

• Wheat MSP Increase: The MSP for wheat has been raised by Rs 150 per quintal, from Rs 2,275 to Rs 2,425.
  • This increase is expected to benefit farmers, particularly in northern India, where wheat is a staple crop.
• Mustard MSP Increase: The MSP for mustard has been increased by Rs 300, bringing it from Rs 5,650 to Rs 5,950 per quintal.
  • Mustard is a significant oilseed crop, and the higher MSP aims to boost cultivation and ensure better returns for farmers, especially in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Chana MSP Increase: The MSP for chana (a key pulse crop) has been raised by Rs 210, setting the new rate at Rs 5,650 per quintal.
  • This increase aims to promote chana production, which is vital for protein intake in the Indian diet, benefiting farmers in states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

About Minimum Support Prices (MSP)

• MSP is a government-set price at which it purchases certain crops from farmers, ensuring them a minimum profit for their harvest.
• The MSP aims to safeguard farmers against price fluctuations in the market and encourage them to cultivate certain crops deemed essential for food security.
• Crops under MSP: CACP recommends MSPs of 23 commodities, which comprise
• 7 cereals (paddy, wheat, maize, sorghum, pearl millet, barley and ragi)
• 5 pulses (gram, tur, moong, urad, lentil)
• 7 oilseeds (groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soyabean, seasmum, sunflower, safflower, nigerseed)
• 4 commercial crops (copra, sugarcane, cotton and raw jute)
• Types of Crops: India's agriculture is broadly divided into two seasons: Kharif and Rabi.
• Kharif Crops: These are sown in the monsoon season (June to September) and harvested in autumn. Examples include paddy, ragi, bajra, jowar, maize, and cotton.
• Rabi Crops: These are sown in winter (October to March) and harvested in spring. Examples include wheat, barley, gram, and mustard.

India and Canada have entered a diplomatic standoff following allegations by Canada that Indian diplomats were involved in the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in June 2023. The Canadian government has sought to investigate Indian diplomats, labeling them "persons of interest" in this case, leading to mutual expulsion of diplomats. This escalation in tensions comes amid accusations from India of Canada providing a safe haven for violent extremists.

Allegations and Diplomatic Fallout

• Canadian Accusations: Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has alleged that Indian diplomats may be linked to the killing of Nijjar and an Indian criminal network.
• Political Motivations: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed these charges as "preposterous," accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using the situation for political gain among a pro-separatist Khalistani voter base.
• Mutual Diplomatic Expulsions: In response to the escalating situation, both India and Canada expelled six diplomats, significantly reducing the diplomatic staff in each country.

Implications for India’s Foreign Relations

• Impact on Indian Diplomacy: The diplomatic rift poses risks not only to India-Canada relations but also affects India’s global image and its diplomatic operations.
• Investigation Necessity: It is crucial for India to investigate allegations against its intelligence agencies to ensure transparency and address any overstepping of boundaries.
• International Scrutiny: The involvement of figures like gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in this case and the U.S. urging India to cooperate with Canada indicate that India’s actions are under international scrutiny.

The Need for Accountability

• Dual Policy Concerns: India's differing approaches to the Nijjar case and other related incidents, such as the Pannun case in the U.S., raise questions about its consistency and transparency in dealing with such allegations.
• Call for Evidence: New Delhi must press Canada for verifiable evidence regarding the accusations or challenge the validity of these claims to protect its reputation.
• International Campaign: India should undertake a proactive international campaign to clarify its stance and demand accountability from Canada for the allegations made against its diplomats.

Practice Question

Q: Analyze the recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada regarding the allegations of involvement in the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. What are the implications for India's foreign relations, and how should India respond to uphold its diplomatic integrity?"

An recent article critiques the claims that colonial policies and international NGOs (INGOs) have fueled sex selection practices in India. The discussion is centered around the influence of American journalist Mara Hvistendahl's book, which links the spread of sex selection technologies to historical and contemporary socio-political factors.

Historical Context and Misinterpretations

• Colonial Policies: The authors argue that British colonial land and revenue policies inadvertently intensified female infanticide, a pre-colonial practice among certain Indian communities.
• Cultural Factors: They suggest that the cultural perception of "pride and purse" contributed to the humiliation surrounding unmarried daughters, further driving the practice.
• Misrepresentation of Data: DSS mistakenly use overall sex ratios instead of Child Sex Ratios (CSRs) to support their claims, leading to flawed conclusions about the timeline of sex selection practices.

Sex Selection Technologies and Their Spread

• Introduction of Technologies: The article clarifies that amniocentesis was introduced in 1975 but was not widely used for sex selection until ultrasound technology became available in the 1980s.
• Activism Against Abuse: Women's organizations and health activists played a critical role in banning sex determination tests, with significant legislative efforts beginning in the late 1980s.
• Complex Motivations: The push for sex selection is linked to economic pressures and the desire for smaller families, rather than solely traditional family values.

Accountability and Future Considerations

• Modern Family Dynamics: The contemporary Indian family faces pressures from economic development, state policies promoting small families, and societal expectations, leading to a preference for sons.
• Need for Further Research: There is a call for more nuanced research on the geopolitical implications of population control policies and the impact of international influences on Indian society.
• Policy Implications: The Prime Minister’s statement on population issues underscores the need for families to reflect on their responsibilities and aspirations in the context of India's demographic challenges.

Practice Question

Q: Critically analyze the factors contributing to the practice of sex selection in India, considering historical, cultural, and technological influences. How do these factors interact with contemporary family dynamics and state policies?

The recent Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson (AJR) highlights their influential research on the role of institutions in economic development, particularly in relation to historical events and colonial legacies. Their work sheds light on how the extractive institutions established during colonialism continue to impact economic growth and societal structures in formerly colonized regions.

Great Divergence and Institutional Impact

• Definition of Great Divergence: The term "Great Divergence" describes the widening economic and political gap between Western Europe and the East during the 17th and 18th centuries, largely attributed to industrialization in the West.
• Colonial Legacy: Institutions formed during colonial rule have long-lasting effects, influencing economic trajectories even after countries gained independence.
• AJR's Findings: Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson emphasize that extractive institutions benefit a small elite at the expense of broader societal development, contrasting with inclusive institutions that promote overall prosperity.

Research Methodology and Historical Evidence

• Natural Experiments: AJR's research employs natural experiments to identify causal relationships, allowing for comparisons of countries or regions based on their colonial experiences.
• Settler Mortality Rates: They explored how differences in settler mortality rates between tropical and temperate regions influenced the establishment of extractive versus inclusive institutions.
• Indian Studies: Their findings inspired significant studies in India, such as those by Abhijit Banerjee and Lakshmi Iyer, which reveal how colonial land tenure systems and governance structures have long-term negative impacts on agricultural productivity and infrastructure.

Political Power and Economic Institutions

• Political Power Dynamics: Economic institutions are shaped by political power, which can be either de jure (formal) or de facto (informal), affecting the implementation of reforms.
• Collective Action Challenges: AJR's research highlights the difficulties in reforming extractive institutions due to conflicting interests among powerful groups, who benefit from maintaining the status quo.
• Critiques of AJR's Framework: While AJR's work is foundational, critics argue that it overly emphasizes Western institutional models, neglecting the complexities of colonialism and the historical context of countries like China and the United States.

Practice Question

Q: Evaluate the significance of institutions in shaping economic development, drawing on the recent Nobel-winning research by Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson. How do historical legacies of colonialism impact contemporary economic institutions, particularly in formerly colonized regions?