GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals alarming rates of violence against women in India, highlighting its intersection with mental health conditions and homelessness.

Findings of Relevance:

• Interplay of Violence, Mental Health, and Homelessness: A significant proportion of women in India experience physical and sexual violence, with subsequent mental health conditions often leading to homelessness. Studies corroborate the complex relationship between violence against women, mental health issues, and homelessness.
• Personal Narratives and Impact: The conditions of homelessness, often stems from traumatic experiences of violence within familial or intimate relationships. These narratives shed light on the profound impact of childhood trauma, intimate partner violence, and societal marginalization on individual mental health and housing stability.
• Madness as Resistance and Coping Mechanism: Some women perceive their experiences of madness as a form of resistance against societal norms and violence, providing a means of escape or empowerment.

Comprehensive Solutions and Policy Implications:

• Addressing Structural Barriers: Solutions to combat violence against women necessitate a multifaceted approach, including recognition of unpaid labor, creation of supportive networks, and economic empowerment through access to basic income and housing.
• Educational Interventions: Embedding gender-sensitive curriculum in education systems can challenge harmful gender norms and foster egalitarian values.
• Inclusive Research and Policy Development: A holistic approach to addressing homelessness, mental health, and violence against women requires diverse perspectives, innovative research, and meaningful involvement of individuals with lived experiences.

Context:

India's policy focus shifts back to the Indian Ocean amid escalating tensions in the region, marking a departure from its previous emphasis on the Indo-Pacific.

Policy Shift:

• Maldives-China Relations: Maldives shows signs of aligning with China despite India's efforts. In contrast, Sri Lanka demonstrates sensitivity to India's security concerns by imposing restrictions on foreign research ships in its ports. India's SAGAR policy yields positive outcomes, strengthening ties with Mauritius through infrastructure development in the Agaléga Islands.
• Geostrategic Significance: Both the Western Indian Ocean and the Northern Indian Ocean witness increased activity, impacting regional dynamics. The Israel-Hamas conflict regionalizes, affecting international shipping through the Suez Canal.
• China-India Strategic Contestation: China's efforts to expand its naval bases and influence in the Indian Ocean pose a direct challenge to India's security interests. India, alongside the U.S., emphasizes cooperation in addressing strategic competition with China, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

India's Response and Options:

• Strategic Partnerships: India asserts its commitment to prioritizing the Indian Ocean region while acknowledging its Indo-Pacific responsibilities.
• Regional Mechanisms: India advocates for a critical evaluation of existing regional frameworks like IORA and the Colombo Security Conclave.
• Strengthening Naval Power: India aims to bolster its naval capabilities to counter emerging security challenges.

Context:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful test of the Agni-5 ballistic missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs), marking a significant development in India's nuclear deterrent capabilities.

Strategic Significance of Agni-5 MIRV Test:

• Enhanced Nuclear Deterrent: The Agni-5 missile, with integrated MIRVs, represents a significant advancement in India's nuclear deterrent. MIRVs allow for multiple warheads to be delivered simultaneously, increasing the potency and effectiveness of India's nuclear arsenal.
• Comparison with China: India's development of MIRV technology places it among a select group of nations possessing such capabilities. China has invested in ballistic missile defense systems, but India's MIRV-equipped Agni-5 provides a counterbalance by enhancing India's nuclear striking power and resilience against potential missile defenses.
• Technical Challenges and Achievements: Developing MIRV-capable ballistic missiles entails meeting demanding technical criteria, including warhead miniaturization, precise re-entry vehicle configuration, and guidance accuracy.

Implications and Future Prospects:

• Strategic Deterrence against China: The successful test of Agni-5 MIRV missile signals India's readiness to counter China's advancements in missile and missile defense capabilities.
• Continued Advancements: India's success opens avenues for further advancements in its nuclear arsenal, including the testing of long-range Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs).
• Regional Security Dynamics: The Agni-5 MIRV test underscores India's commitment to maintaining regional stability and safeguarding its national security interests.