GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

Amidst the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, understanding the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the various viewpoints surrounding it is crucial for assessing the current situation and prospects for peace.

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Origin and questions:

• Historical Context: The idea of a Jewish national home and its development since recorded history remain debated.
• Challenges to Established Myths: Historian Ilan Pappé challenged myths surrounding the origin and identity of contemporary Israel, highlighting issues such as the empty land myth and the displacement of Palestinians.
• Recent Political Assertions: Bilateral and multilateral efforts to seek a solution have faced challenges, with recent assertions by Israel's Likud Party supporting West Bank annexation.

Balance of forces:

• Impact of Historical Events: Former negotiator Prof. Itamar Rabinovich assessed the impact of the 1967 war on Israel-Arab relations, emphasizing the lack of a political settlement.
• Complexities of Peace Processes: Further regional turmoil, including the Intifada, led to the Madrid Conference of 1991, aiming for peace but facing complexities.
• Current Dynamics: Recent assessments indicate growing American support for Israel, but also a distancing of younger Jewish populations from Israel.

The players:

• Palestinian Aspirations: Palestinians seek recognition as a state with international rights, as outlined in the Palestinian Non-Paper of June 12, 2002.
• Israeli Stance: Israel aims to retain control over vital security areas while allowing Palestinian self-government.
• American Influence: The United States supports a two-state solution, emphasizing demilitarization and regional normalization.
• Arab States' Perspectives: Arab states seek a revitalized Palestinian state and may consider American suggestions of an Arab Mandate.

Context:

Amidst the ongoing general election in which 970 million Indians are exercising their franchise, scientists express their expectations and concerns regarding the incoming government. Supporting science and scientists is essential in India’s quest to become a major economic powerhouse.

 Increase Spending:

• Increase in Research Expenditure: Scientists urge for a substantial rise in the nation’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development, currently below 0.7% of GDP. They propose an increase by at least 50% year-over-year, aiming for nearly 4% of GDP at the end of the government's term.
• Private Sector Participation: Private players, contributing less than 40% of the current spending, need to increase their investment. One suggested avenue is through contributions to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), with a target of ?36,000 crore over five years.
• Mechanisms for Funding: Detailed plans and mechanisms, including escrow accounts, are required to ensure the implementation of increased funding. The skilled scientific workforce needs to be expanded to utilize funds effectively.

Focus on Merit:

• Transparent Hiring Practices: Scientists emphasize the need for transparent, merit-based hiring processes in educational and research institutions. The selection criteria should strictly follow global standards, and appointment processes should take no longer than six months.
• Global Norms in Hiring: The hiring process should align with established global norms to ensure the selection of the most suitable candidates free from external influences.
• Efficient Grant Management: A robust grant management system with minimal red tape is essential. Timely disbursal of grants and fellowships, autonomy in spending for researchers, and streamlined fund allocation are crucial for effective research.

Ensure Freedom:

• Academic Freedom: Scientists stress the importance of academic freedom, allowing them to speak and write based on evidence without interference. Full autonomy for scientists to form companies, hire staff, and spend research funds is necessary.
• Support for Innovation: An ecosystem supporting innovation and entrepreneurship is vital for scientific progress. The government should provide flexibility in administrative processes, hiring, and spending to foster innovation.
• Accountability and Quality: While ensuring freedom, scientists must be held accountable for the quality of their work. Accountability should be based on the quality of research, products, and knowledge dissemination.

Context:

The Indian agricultural sector, particularly small and marginal farming, requires robust support systems to facilitate various activities like accessing quality inputs, receiving timely crop advisories, and securing fair prices for produce. Co-operatives play a crucial role in providing this support and act as a link between private and public sector initiatives.

Importance of Co-operatives in Agriculture:

• Anchor for Agricultural Activities: Co-operatives serve as a crucial anchor in supporting small and marginal farmers by providing quality inputs, timely advisory services, and ensuring fair prices for their produce.They facilitate activities such as arranging seeds, fertilizers, and manure, thus contributing to the overall agricultural productivity.

Ministry of Co-operation Initiatives:

• The Ministry of Co-operation, formed in July 2021, initiated several path-breaking measures to strengthen co-operatives:
• Formulation of model bye-laws for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to undertake multi-purpose activities.
• Development of a National Co-operative Policy.
• Launching schemes for computerization of functional PACS, creation of a National Cooperative Database, and promoting multi-State co-operative societies for various agricultural activities.
• Inclusion of State Co-operative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs) as member lending institutions with CGTMSE.

Ways to Strengthen Rural Co-operatives:

1. Governance and Culture Improvement:

• Handholding Approach: State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) should mentor affiliated District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs), which in turn should mentor primary societies.
• Fair Elections: Establishing dedicated State Co-operative Election Commissions for fair and transparent elections is necessary.
• Leadership Development: Enhancing governance and leadership skills of elected board members should be systematically undertaken to ensure effective decision-making.

2. Technological Upgradation and Business Diversification:

• Financing Agri Value Chain: Rural credit co-operatives should lead in financing activities across the agricultural value chain, integrating production, processing, storage, transport, and marketing.
• Leveraging Technology: StCBs and DCCBs should offer digital services like internet/mobile banking, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), and others to attract customers and improve services.

3. Human Resource Development and Capacity Building:

• Recruitment and Training: Transparent recruitment policies and capacity building measures should be adopted to ensure quality manpower.
• Members' Education: Emphasis on educating members about co-operative principles, management, rights, and duties is essential.
• Encouraging Innovation: Promoting start-ups in the co-operative sector can bring fresh ideas and innovation, fostering growth and sustainability.

Policy Goals and Targets:

• Increase in Agricultural Credit Share: The aim should be to increase the share of rural co-operative banks in agricultural credit from 11% to 20% by 2030 and to 40% by FY 2047.