GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved an updated version of Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which outlines when Russia may use its vast nuclear arsenal. This update comes amid rising tensions with the West, particularly because of US military aid to Ukraine. The new doctrine suggests that long-range missiles provided by the US to Ukraine could trigger a nuclear response from Russia.

Key Changes in the Nuclear Doctrine

• The new policy document declares that Russia "takes all necessary efforts to reduce the nuclear threat and prevent aggravation of interstate relations that could trigger military conflicts, including nuclear ones".
• Nuclear deterrence is aimed to ensure that any potential adversary realises the inevitability of retribution in case of an aggression against Russia and its allies.
• Russia views nuclear weapons as a last resort to protect its sovereignty and territory.
• The doctrine articulates Moscow could use nuclear weapons "in response to the use of nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction" against Russia or its allies.
• Conditions for Nuclear Use: The new doctrine makes it easier for Russia to use nuclear weapons.
• Main situations where Russia might consider using them:
  • Nuclear or Mass Destruction Weapons Attacks: If Russia or its allies are attacked with nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction.
  • Conventional Attack on Russia or Allies: If there is an aggression using conventional (non-nuclear) weapons that threatens Russia’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
  • Attack on Key Military or Government Targets: If an enemy attacks critical Russian military or government facilities, weakening Russia’s ability to retaliate.
  • Imminent Threats: If Russia detects an incoming missile or aircraft that poses a significant threat to its territory or allies.
  • Support from Nuclear Powers: If a non-nuclear country attacks Russia, but is supported by a nuclear-armed country (like the US), Russia will treat it as an attack by the entire military bloc.
• Focus on Nuclear-backed Attacks: One important change is that the new doctrine treats attacks by non-nuclear countries supported by nuclear powers (e.g., US-supplied weapons to Ukraine) as a joint attack, meaning Russia could target not just the attacker but also the nuclear power backing them.
• Goal of Deterrence: The core purpose remains the deterrence of aggression. The doctrine aims to ensure that potential adversaries understand the inevitable retaliation they would face if they attack Russia or its allies.

Why Did Russia Update Its Nuclear Doctrine?

• The new version of the nuclear doctrine was approved shortly after Ukraine used ATACMS missiles, supplied by the US, to strike Russian territory.
• Such missile strikes, especially from NATO-backed Ukraine, could trigger a nuclear response according to the new doctrine.

Global Security Concerns and Policy Implications:

• Dangerous Precedent:Russia’s actions may embolden other nations like Iran and North Korea to consider or flaunt nuclear capabilities as a deterrent in conventional conflicts. This could lead to an increase in nuclear arsenals globally and undermine efforts toward nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
• Erosion of Non-Proliferation Efforts:The war has highlighted the vulnerabilities of non-nuclear states, potentially motivating them to seek nuclear capabilities. The Budapest Memorandum, where Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal for security assurances, now appears ineffective, potentially discouraging future disarmament agreements.
• Shift in Nuclear Deterrence:The traditional clear distinction between nuclear and conventional warfare is being blurred. Russia’s signaling suggests that nuclear weapons might be considered for coercion in lower-stakes conflicts, thereby altering the global nuclear deterrence landscape.

Challenges and Future Implications:

• Increased Proliferation Risk:Smaller states in conflict-prone regions may pursue nuclear capabilities to secure asymmetric advantages in conventional warfare, increasing regional and global proliferation anxieties.
• Undermining Global Stability:The potential for tactical nuclear weapon use in conventional conflicts poses severe risks to global stability, threatening to replace the deterrent effect with an escalatory spiral.
• Need for Revised International Policies:The international community must reassess and strengthen nuclear non-proliferation treaties and mechanisms to address the emerging threats posed by such nuclear posturing and to ensure global security.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, India and Italy have launched a landmark four-year (2025-29) joint strategic action plan to boost partnership in 10 sectors. 

Key-highlights

• The action plan 2025-29 identified 10 specific pillars for advancing bilateral engagement that included economic cooperation and investments, energy transition, space, defence, security, migration and mobility, people-to-people exchanges.
• The outcome was a set of initiatives designed to enhance collaboration over the next five years.
• India and Italy also agreed to cooperate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
  • This corridor has the potential to significantly improve regional trade links and boost economic activity.
• The two sides will focus on sustainable transport and maritime infrastructure, with plans to finalize agreements related to port cooperation. Strengthening these trade routes will benefit not only India and Italy but also the broader region.

India's maritime sector is growing rapidly and playing an important role in the country's economic rise. In 2023, India contributed 16% to global economic growth and is expected to become the third-largest economy soon. As India’s global influence increases, its maritime sector (shipping, ports, etc.) is becoming a key part of its economic and strategic plans.

More on News

• The importance of India’s maritime sector was highlighted during the first edition of ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue’ held in New Delhi.
• The 'Sagarmanthan' event was organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Observer Research Foundation.
• It was aimed to encourage dialogue on sustainable development and the future of the maritime sector.

About India’s Maritime Sector

• India has a 7,500-kilometer coastline, with 12 major ports and over 200 minor ports, making it a key player in global shipping. About 95% of India’s trade by volume is handled through its ports, and 70% by value.
• Global Position: India ranks as the 16th-largest maritime nation in the world and is located along the world's busiest shipping routes. Many ships traveling between East Asia, America, Europe, and Africa pass through Indian waters.
• Growing Fleet: India has a fleet of 1,530 ships (as of 2023), making it a major player in global shipping. It is also the third-largest in the world for ship recycling, contributing to sustainable maritime practices.
• Port Infrastructure: The cargo-handling capacity of Indian ports has grown by 87% from 2014 to 2023. This is essential for supporting the nation’s expanding trade and economy.
• Government Role: The Indian government has supported growth in the maritime sector through initiatives like:
  • 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for port projects.
  • Tax holidays for port enterprises to encourage private investment.

Key Developments and Initiatives

• Port Efficiency: Indian ports have improved their efficiency. For example, in 2023-24, major ports reduced their container turnaround time to 57 hours, beating global benchmarks.
• New Shipping Fleet: India plans to create a new shipping company to expand its fleet by at least 1,000 ships in the next decade, which will help reduce foreign freight costs and increase trade.
• Paradip Port: This port became India’s largest by cargo volume in FY24, handling 38 million tonnes of cargo.
• Future Investments: The government plans to invest $82 billion in port infrastructure by 2035. A new port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, with an estimated cost of $9.14 billion, is a key project.
• Green Shipping: The government is pushing for eco-friendly shipping practices. For example, the Green Tug Transition Program aims to replace traditional fuel-powered tugs at major ports with cleaner, sustainable options.

Major Government Schemes in Maritime Sector

• Sagarmala Programme: A key initiative to improve ports, enhance connectivity, and develop coastal areas. It focuses on port modernization, better roads and railways to ports, and increasing coastal trade.
• Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030: A plan to make India a global maritime leader. It covers over 150 initiatives across 10 areas, including ports, shipyards, and inland waterways, to boost growth in the next decade.
• Inland Waterways: The government is working to develop 26 new national waterways to ease transportation and reduce congestion on roads and railways.

India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 faces significant challenges, including balancing economic growth with climate action, managing resource constraints, and addressing global inequities in climate responsibility. The outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election could also influence global climate efforts and financing, particularly for developing countries like India.

What is India’s Target?

• India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, but this target is seen as long-term and difficult due to challenges like financial constraints and resource limitations (land, water, etc.).
• India's per capita emissions are among the lowest globally, but the richest 10% in India have emissions 20 times higher than the poorest 10%. Climate change disproportionately impacts the poor, worsening inequality.
• Global Carbon Budget:
  • To limit global temperature rise to 5°C above pre-industrial levels (the goal set by the Paris Agreement), the world has a limited carbon budget of about 400-500 billion tonnes of CO?.
  • Current global emissions are around 40 Gt (gigatonnes) of CO? per year, which means emissions must drop significantly to stay within the carbon budget.
• This means net global emissions must drop drastically to stay within the carbon budget. Several countries have announced net-zero targets, but we also really need a sharp decline in total emissions.

Progress Made So Far (2021 to Mid-2024)

• India, the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has seen its annual emissions reach approximately 3 billion tonnes, with an 8% year-on-year increase from pandemic levels. However, significant efforts have been made to decarbonize various sectors, primarily under the Panchamrit Action Plan, which includes key initiatives to reduce emissions across critical sectors through subsidies, frameworks, and mandates.
• Energy Sector Decarbonization: India aims to increase its non-fossil fuel capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and meet 50% of consumer demand through renewables.
• Key Initiatives:
  • The government prioritizes the domestic production of photovoltaic modules under the PLI scheme.
  • Building resilient transmission infrastructure for renewable energy via the Green Energy Corridor Initiative.
  • Offering heavy subsidies for solarizing irrigation pumps through the PM-KUSUM scheme.
  • To address grid stability challenges arising from intermittent renewable energy, the Ministry of Power is promoting the development of pumped storage and small hydel projects.
• Green Hydrogen Development:India has doubled efforts to produce green hydrogen to decarbonize energy-intensive industries and transportation. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India aims to become a global hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Battery Storage:To make EVs financially viable, the GOI has introduced a Battery Swapping Policy and the PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC), focusing on reducing battery costs (which account for about 40% of vehicle costs).
  • As of recent data, EVs account for nearly 5% of total vehicle sales, with the 3-wheeler segment seeing 50% penetration, driven by strong demand from last-mile EV operators and ride-hailing providers.
• Carbon Sequestration and Urban Green Spaces:The Ministry of Environment has also planned to enhance carbon sequestration through natural carbon sinks, aiming to create up to 1,000 Nagar Vans (urban forests) across India.380 Nagar Vans are already sanctioned.
• Renewable Energy and Carbon Markets:India is fourth globally in total renewable capacity, demonstrating an impressive 400% growth over the last decade. The government has also made strides in carbon credit markets, allowing non-obligated companies to voluntarily participate and reduce their carbon footprints.

What challenges are faced by India?

• Equity in Climate Action: The developed world, which caused the majority of historical emissions, is expected to lead in cutting emissions and provide financial support to developing countries. However, this hasn’t happened at the required scale. Developing countries like India face the dilemma of balancing development goals (poverty alleviation, economic growth) with the need for climate action.
• India’s Growing Power Demand:India’s power demand is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades, potentially 9-10 times by 2070, due to economic growth, urbanization, and electrification of sectors.
  • Meeting this demand solely with renewable energy (solar, wind) will be difficult, requiring massive expansion in solar (5,500 GW) and wind (1,500 GW) power capacity, far beyond current levels.
• Land and Resource Constraints:Meeting renewable energy targets will lead to land-use trade-offs. For instance, to achieve over 3,500 GW of solar and 900 GW of wind would require large amounts of land that could affect food security, biodiversity, and other natural resources.
  • India needs to carefully manage its land for renewable energy, agriculture, and forests to avoid unsustainable trade-offs.
• Balancing Development and Sustainability:India faces a tough balancing act: improving the quality of life for its population while achieving climate goals.The goal should not be to replicate the high consumption lifestyles of developed countries, but instead to focus on "sufficiency consumption", where growth is balanced with sustainability.

What measures should be adopted?

• Demand-Side Measures for Sustainability:To meet climate goals, India must focus on both supply-side (renewable energy, nuclear power) and demand-side measures:
  • Energy-efficient buildings, better construction materials, and passive designs to reduce the need for air-conditioning.
  • Public transport, non-motorized transport (walking, cycling), and mindful consumption patterns (e.g., local food, reducing long-haul freight).
  • Use of alternative fuels in industries and electrification of sectors like transportation and agriculture.
• Energy Diversification and Nuclear Power:India also needs to diversify its energy mix, including further investment in nuclear power to provide a low-carbon baseload and complement intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind.Nuclear energy can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels while meeting growing electricity demands.
• Global Climate Targets Are Tightening:As the world moves towards net-zero emissions, the window for delaying climate action is closing. Every year of delay will make it harder to meet climate targets.While global politics (like U.S. presidential elections) may affect progress, India and other countries must continue to take action where they can.

High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) are gaining attention as a sustainable solution to address rising energy consumption, resource scarcity, and climate resilience, with examples like Infosys campuses showcasing their potential to reduce energy use, water consumption, and environmental impact. As urbanization increases and climate change intensifies, HPBs are becoming central to achieving sustainable development and meeting global climate goals.

What Are High-Performance Buildings (HPBs)?

• High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) and green buildings are terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct objectives:
  • Green Buildings: Green buildings focus on reducing environmental impacts and energy consumption, often certified through established programs that assess sustainability across various categories, such as energy efficiency and water conservation.
  • High-Performance Buildings: HPBs aim for exceptional efficiency in all aspects, from energy and water use to occupant health and comfort. They utilize advanced technologies and smart design strategies to achieve results beyond local regulations, continuously tracking performance metrics.

Key Features of HPBs:

• Integrative Design: HPBs are created using an integrative design process, where architects, engineers, and other experts collaborate early to set specific performance goals. These might include maximizing natural light or optimizing cooling efficiency.
  • Digital modeling is used to simulate the building's performance before construction, helping to refine strategies for energy savings and comfort.
  • Passive design strategies like using natural sunlight and materials that store heat (thermal mass) help reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling.
• Sustainable Materials: HPBs use materials with low embodied carbon (the emissions produced during manufacturing) and high recycled content. This reduces their environmental impact.
  • Life-cycle assessments are done to evaluate materials' environmental impact over time, helping to select the most sustainable options.
  • Low-emission interior materials improve indoor air quality by reducing harmful substances that can evaporate into the air.
• Energy Efficiency: Buildings consume around 40% of global energy. HPBs reduce this demand through both passive and active strategies.
  • Passive strategies: Use natural light, optimize building orientation, and leverage thermal mass to reduce reliance on artificial lighting, heating, and cooling.
  • Active strategies: Use energy-efficient systems like HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), smart lighting controls, and automated sensors to optimize energy use.
• HPBs aim for net-zero energy, meaning they generate as much energy (e.g., via solar panels) as they consume, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• The Infosys Hyderabad campus is an example of an HPB that uses radiant cooling and daylighting controls to minimize energy use.

• Water Conservation: With water scarcity becoming a major issue, HPBs focus on water conservation and reuse.
  • Efficient fixtures like low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets reduce water consumption.
  • Rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater for non-drinking purposes like irrigation.
  • On-site wastewater treatment systems recycle water, with some buildings like Infosys campuses in India recycling 100% of their wastewater.
• Performance Monitoring:
  • To ensure HPBs are operating efficiently, performance monitoring systems track energy usage, water consumption, and indoor air quality in real time. This data helps identify inefficiencies and make corrections.
  • The IIHS campus in Bengaluru uses smart devices and AI to optimize energy and thermal performance.
• Climate Resilience:
  • HPBs are designed to withstand extreme weather, such as floods and heatwaves. This is done through:
    • Careful site selection to avoid flood-prone areas.
    • Durable materials and backup renewable energy systems to ensure the building remains functional even during power outages.
  • An example is the Infosys Crescent building in Bengaluru, which uses advanced cooling systems to drastically reduce energy use compared to typical office buildings.

Overall Impact:

• HPBs are setting the standard for sustainable and resilient buildings in the 21st century. They reduce energy costs, enhance climate resilience, and improve indoor comfort, while contributing to sustainability goals.
• As more buildings adopt HPB principles, the goal is for all buildings to eventually follow these standards, improving environmental impact, operational costs, and real estate value.

2024 marks Salil Chowdhury’s (a legendary musician) 100th birth anniversary.His contributions to Indian film music, especially in Malayalam cinema, continue to be celebrated.

About Salil Chowdhury

• Salil Chowdhury was born on November 19, 1925, in West Bengal, India. He was a versatile musician and composer, known for his work in Bengali, Hindi, and Malayalam cinema.
• Musical Training and Influences: Chowdhury was trained in Hindustani classical music and was deeply influenced by Bengali folk traditions. He was also well-versed in Western classical music, which he blended with other musical styles in his compositions.
• Career: Chowdhury’s career began in the 1940s, and he became a leading figure in Indian film music, especially in Bengali and Hindi cinema. He was also a member of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), where he composed revolutionary songs.
• His Work
• Impact on Malayalam Cinema: Salil Chowdhury's work in Malayalam cinema began when he composed the soundtrack for Chemmeen (1965). His music for this film was a turning point, not just in the film but in Malayalam cinema as a whole.
  • Revolutionizing Music Composition: Before Chowdhury, the common practice in Malayalam films was for lyricists to write lyrics first, and composers would then create tunes based on those lyrics. Chowdhury changed this process by composing the music first and fitting the lyrics into the melody later. This approach is now more common in modern Malayalam music composition.
  • Chemmeen's Musical Influence: The music of Chemmeen became iconic, with songs capturing the essence of Kerala’s coastal life. Chowdhury blended Bengali folk music with Western orchestration, creating a distinct sound that resonated deeply with Malayalam audiences.
• Notable Collaborations: Chowdhury’s most significant collaboration in Malayalam cinema was with lyricist O.N.V. Kurup, with whom he composed 45 songs. He also worked with other famous lyricists like Vayalar Rama Varma and SreekumaranThampi.
• Famous Songs: Some of Chowdhury’s most memorable Malayalam songs include:

• SaagarameSanthamakanee (Madanolsavam)
• OruMukhamMaathramKannil (EthoOruSwapnam)
• Keli Nalinam (Thulavarsham)
• Kaadaarumasam (EzhuRathrikal)
• Sourayoodhathil (Swapnam)
• PooviliPooviliPoonanamayi (Vishukkani)
• Onappoovepoove (EeGanamMarakkumo)

• Legacy and Influence: Chowdhury's music continues to be influential in Malayalam cinema, with his distinctive style still being admired by modern composers and musicians. He also introduced famous singers like LataMangeshkar (KadhaliChenkadhali) and Manna Dey (Manasa Maine) to sing in Malayalam films.
• Last Composition: His last Malayalam song was KaathilThenmazhayayi from ThumboliKadappuram (1994), nearly 30 years ago. Despite this, his music remains fresh and relevant in Malayalam culture.

For the first time, the Union Rural Development Ministry has introduced self-surveys to identify beneficiaries in the second phase of Pradhan MantriAwasYojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). This allows potential beneficiaries to register themselves through a mobile application, Awaas+, designed for data collection.

About the Initiative

• Pradhan MantriAwasYojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) is a flagship rural housing scheme initiated by the Indian government in 2016.
• The scheme is aimed at providing affordable housing to rural households that lack proper housing facilities, focusing particularly on economically disadvantaged sections of the population.
• PMAY-G is designed to ensure that every rural family has a pucca house with basic amenities like sanitation, water, and electricity.
• The first phase of the scheme focused on constructing around 95 crore houses, based on the beneficiary list derived from the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC).
  • After the success of the first phase, the second phase of the scheme was launched with a revised target to construct 2 crore houses.
  • The Union Cabinet allocated a total outlay of ?3,06,137 crore for the second phase in August 2024. This phase also aims to enhance the scope and inclusivity of the scheme.

Progress So Far

• First Phase Completion: Out of the original target of 95 crore houses, about 2.67 crore houses have been completed successfully. This marks a significant achievement in providing housing for rural households.
• Chhattisgarh’s Lagging Progress:Chhattisgarh is the only state that has been unable to meet the target for beneficiaries listed under the SECC 2011, but the state is expected to catch up in the coming months.
• Beneficiaries from SC and ST Communities: Around 5 crore houses out of the completed 2.67 crore are for beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• Second Phase Target: The government is focusing on completing the survey and beneficiary identification by November 30, 2024 to meet the targets for the second phase.

Following a spike in chikungunya cases in Telangana, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a ‘Level 2’ travel advisory for U.S. travellers returning from Telangana. 

What is Chikungunya?

• Chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread through the bite of infected Aedesaegypti mosquitos. These mosquitos also carry and spread dengue and the Zika virus.
• This viral disease is caused by the Chikungunya virus. It belongs to the Togavirus
• The virus can be found in many parts of the world, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
• The virus belongs to a group of viruses called Other alphaviruses causing a similar disease include Mayaro virusand Ross River virus.
• Common symptoms include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. While most individuals recover within a week, severe joint pain can persist for months or even years in some cases.
• People at higher risk of severe illness include newborns, older adults and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.

The study TOPSPIN (Treatment Optimization for Blood Pressure with Single-Pill Combinations in India), conducted over two years with collaboration between All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi and Imperial College, London, aimed at finding an effective and easy way to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) in India.

Key Findings of the Study:

• The study looked at the effectiveness of combining two blood pressure (BP) drugs into a single pill that can be taken once a day. This is a simpler approach for people who need different BP medications at different times of the day.
• It found that two-drug combinations of three widely used medicines used in patients with high blood pressure (BP) are far more effective in controlling the condition than single medicines.
• The TOPSPIN Study evaluated three two-drug combinations—
  • Amlodipine + Perindopril
  • Amlodipine + Indapamide
  • Perindopril + Indapamide
• All three combinations were equally effective at reducing BP. After six months, the average reduction in BP was around 14/8 mmHg for ambulatory BP (measured throughout the day) and 30/14 mmHg for office BP (taken at the doctor's office).
• 70% of participants achieved BP levels below 140/90 mmHg, which is the target for BP control. This was a fivefold improvement compared to the current BP control rates in India.
• Safety: The study found excellent safety for all drug combinations, with less than 3% of participants discontinuing the drugs due to side effects.
  • The combination pills have fewer side effects compared to taking two separate medicines at full doses.

Why is this Important?

• This is the first randomized study to test the best drug combinations for controlling BP specifically in Indians and South Asians, a group that makes up about 25% of the world’s population.
• India has over 300 million people suffering from hypertension, and currently, less than 15% of hypertensive patients in India manage to control their BP effectively.
• This study shows that using combination pills once a day could significantly improve BP control and is a practical approach to managing hypertension in India.

The Netflix series Heeramandi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, explores the lives of courtesans in pre-Independence India, shedding light on the challenges faced by sex workers under British colonial rule. The series brings to the forefront the mental health struggles of these women, reflecting broader, ongoing issues related to sex work globally, where mental health concerns often remain neglected.

Mental Health Issues Among Sex Workers

• Psychological Distress: Sex workers suffer from various mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders, exacerbated by violence, stigma, and exploitation.
• Impact of Stigma: Societal stigma, ostracisation, and criminalisation of sex work prevent sex workers from accessing basic health services, contributing to worsening mental health and psychological distress.
• Violence and Trauma: The prevalence of physical, emotional, and sexual violence faced by sex workers, from clients, pimps, and law enforcement, leads to trauma and PTSD, intensifying their mental health problems.

Economic Pressures and Substance Abuse

• Economic Insecurity: Many sex workers are financially driven into the profession, with chronic economic stress and lack of alternative opportunities leading to anxiety and insecurity.
• Coping Mechanisms: Substance abuse, often as a coping mechanism for trauma and stress, compounds mental health issues, leading to addiction and further isolation.
• Isolation and Support Deficit: The social isolation faced by sex workers prevents access to support systems, worsening feelings of hopelessness and exacerbating mental health problems.

Lack of Specific Mental Health Interventions

• Gap in Mental Health Services: While India has focused on HIV prevention for sex workers, there is a significant lack of mental health services designed to address their unique needs.
• Targeted Initiatives: The Sonagachi mental health database project in Kolkata demonstrates the need for data-driven, targeted interventions for the mental health of sex workers.
• Comprehensive Interventions Needed: There is a call for comprehensive interventions that include legal protection, access to mental health services, and policies to combat stigma and improve economic opportunities for sex workers.

Practice Question

Q. What are the mental health challenges faced by sex workers in India? What measures can be taken to address these challenges and promote their well-being?

India's approach to its South Asian neighbours has come under scrutiny, particularly after a recent visit to Nepal. Several countries in India’s vicinity have shown signs of discontent with India's influence, and there are concerns that the government's “muscular” foreign policy may be counterproductive, damaging relationships in the region.

Strained Relations with South Asian Neighbours

• Nepal's Growing Anti-India Sentiment: Nepal has expressed dissatisfaction with India's interference in its internal politics, especially regarding the 2015 blockade and India’s support for specific political factions. These actions have led to widespread distrust of India across Nepalese political spectrum.
• China as a Strategic Counterbalance: Countries like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan are increasingly seeking closer ties with China, using it as a counterbalance to India's influence. This shift has reduced India's dominant role in its immediate neighbourhood, with Maldives in particular opposing Indian military presence.
• Impact of "Muscular" Diplomacy: India's assertive foreign policy, characterised by pressure tactics and interventionism, has failed to achieve long-term stability in the region. This approach has alienated key neighbouring countries, making it harder for India to be both respected and loved in South Asia.

Historical Context of Tensions

• India's Inconsistent Role in Nepal’s Transition: India's fluctuating position during Nepal’s transition from monarchy to a republic has created lingering mistrust. At times, India labelled Maoist rebels as terrorists, while at others, it backed their inclusion in the new political setup, causing confusion and resentment.
• The Legacy of the 2015 Blockade: The 2015 border blockade, perceived by many in Nepal as an Indian tactic to force political compliance, remains a key source of tension. It caused significant hardship in Nepal, deepening anti-India sentiment in the country and damaging long-standing bilateral ties.
• Questionable Impact of India's Political Interventions: India’s support for specific political factions in Nepal has often been counterproductive. While interventions were meant to influence political outcomes, they have instead undermined India's image, with many Nepalese viewing these actions as interference rather than assistance.

Rethinking India's South Asia Policy

• Need for a Respect-Based Foreign Policy: India should consider shifting from a "muscular" policy to one based on mutual respect and non-interference in its neighbours' affairs. A more conciliatory approach, focusing on trust and sovereignty, would be more beneficial for long-term regional stability.
• The Limitations of the "Neighbourhood First" Policy: While the "Neighbourhood First" policy is intended to prioritise India's relationships with its immediate neighbours, its implementation often favours India’s strategic interests over the concerns of the neighbouring states. This imbalance has led to resentment and a sense of encroachment in countries like Nepal and the Maldives.
• Prudence Over Power Projection: India must question whether its current policy of assertive power projection in the region is truly in its national interest. A focus on diplomacy and accommodating neighbours' needs, rather than flexing muscles, could be a more effective strategy for long-term peace and cooperation.

Practice Question

Q. India's current neighbourhood policy has led to growing discontent among its South Asian neighbours. Critically examine the effectiveness of India's ‘muscular’ approach to foreign policy in the region and suggest alternative strategies for enhancing regional cooperation.

The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (EU-CBAM) has sparked significant concern, especially from India, regarding its potential negative impact on developing countries’ international trade. The mechanism aims to impose carbon costs on imported goods, which may disproportionately affect India’s exports. This issue is currently being discussed at COP29 in Baku, with India strongly criticizing the EU's approach as "discriminatory."

EU-CBAM Overview and Implications

• Carbon Tax on Imports: The EU-CBAM mandates that imports to the EU reflect the carbon emission costs borne by domestic products, requiring exporters to buy certificates to match emissions.
• Impact on Indian Exports: India’s exports to the EU, particularly iron and steel, are at risk, as 25.7% of these exports are impacted by CBAM, threatening India’s significant trade relationship with the EU.
• India’s Criticism: India has called CBAM "discriminatory" and argues that it unjustly shifts the responsibility of emission reductions to developing countries, thereby hindering fair trade practices.

Developing World’s Diverse Perspectives on CBAM

• Complex Perceptions: Not all developing nations share India's concerns, as their economic aspirations and vulnerability to climate change vary, influencing their stance on CBAM.
• Export-Driven Emissions: Developing countries are often held responsible for emissions from goods exported, even though these products are not consumed domestically, raising fairness concerns.
• Trade and Cultural Ties: Bilateral and multilateral relations influence the way developing nations respond to CBAM, complicating the issue of coordinated resistance against it.

India’s Arguments and Alternative Proposals 

• Preparation Time: India questions whether the EU's CBAM allows developing economies adequate time to adapt to emission reduction standards, noting that the EU's own targets were set over a long timeframe.
• Revenue Sharing: India challenges the EU’s decision to keep the revenues generated from CBAM, arguing that this money should be shared with non-EU trading partners to support capacity building and technology transfer.
• Equity-Based Accounting (EBA): India proposes an alternative approach to emission reduction responsibilities based on Equity-Based Accounting, which considers per capita GDP, emissions, and trade impacts, aiming for a fairer distribution of emission reduction duties among trade partners.

Practice Question

Q. Critically analyze the implications of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for developing economies, particularly India. How can India’s stance and proposed alternatives contribute to a more equitable approach to climate responsibilities?