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22nd August 2024 (11 Topics)

22nd August 2024

QUIZ - 22nd August 2024

5 Questions

5 Minutes

Mains Issues

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his three-day visit to Poland and Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Poland is the first visit of an Indian PM to Poland in 45 years since Morarji Desai’s Warsaw visit in 1979. The timing of this visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland.

India-Poland Relations (Chapters of history)

  • Chapters of history: During World War II, the Maharaja of Jamnagar (Jam Sahab Digvijay of Nawanagar) provided refuge to several hundred Polish women and children trying to reach the West, sheltering them on his estate in Gujarat for several months.
    • Jam Saheb, who is referred to as ‘Good Maharaja’ in Poland, had provided refuge in his kingdom at a place called
    • Similarly, a Polish camp was set up in Valivade in the Kolhapur Presidency (now in Maharashtra), ruled by Bhosale Chatrapati, during the war.
  • In 1944, Indian and Polish soldiers fought together in the Battle of Monte Cassino, Italy, against Nazi Germany. It was one of the toughest battles fought by Indian soldiers during the Second World War.

How are the relations in the present times?

  • India and Poland established diplomatic relations in 1954.
  • Education: Today, Polish universities educate thousands of students from India.
  • Tourism and business are growing in both directions, with Indian companies investing in Poland, particularly in the IT, biotechnology, electronics, and packaging sectors. In 2023, these companies employed about 10,000 Polish workers and invested over US$ 3 billion.
  • Poland is also home to a small Indian community. About 10,000 to 15,000 Indians work in IT, finance, business, and academic institutions in the European country
  • Economic Cooperation
    • Technological and Industrial Links: Southern Indian States of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are pivotal centers for modern technology and industry. Tycoons like Infosys and Wipro have established service centers in Poland, which significantly contribute to job creation and technology transfer.
    • Shipbuilding and Port Industry: South India also has a robust shipbuilding industry, with critical ports located in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, which is the economic and financial hub of India. Mumbai handles 90% of imports from European Union The Reliance Group has a long history of trade with Poland dating back to the 1970s.
    • Trade and Investment Growth: Indian companies from Gujarat and Haryana have established trade and investment cooperations with Poland, notably in the dairy and automotive industries.
    • Polish Investments in India: India is the second-largest market for Polish foreign direct investments in Asia.
    • Current Trade Relations: Trade between Poland and India has shown notable progress, although it has yet to reach its full potential.
      • In 2019, India was Poland’s 28th largest trading partner, ranking 40th in exports (0.3%) and 25th in imports (0.8%).
      • By 2021, bilateral trade reached USD 4.3 billion, a significant year-on-year increase of 57%. Exports from Poland to India reached EUR 1.5 billion, while imports totaled EUR 3.868 billion in the following year.
      • The EU is India's largest trading partner, accounting for €124 billion worth of goods trade in 2023, or 12.2% of total Indian trade, topping the USA (10.8%) and China (10.5%).

Why PM Modi’s Poland Trip Matters?

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Warsaw and Kyiv comes at a crucial time, amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
  • India, which has historically enjoyed friendly relations with Moscow, has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict. Modi’s notable declaration in 2022—“This is not an era of war”—emphasized India's commitment to diplomacy and dialogue.
  • Poland’s Strategic Role: Poland, a prominent member of the European Union (EU), has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine and is heavily investing in its military capabilities, with a planned expenditure of 4.12% of its GDP on defense this year, according to NATO estimates.
    • Poland's role in European security, particularly on NATO’s eastern flank, makes its strategic position significant for India.
  • Impact on Bilateral Relations: Modi's visit is expected to invigorate the historically dormant relations between India and Poland. This high-level engagement is anticipated to enhance bilateral ties, leveraging Poland’s strategic location and defense modernization efforts to benefit both nations.
  • The visit underscores India's heightened participation in matters involving Europe and the middle-east. In both the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel's war on Hamas, PM Modi has played the role of a peacemaker.
  • Shift in India’s policy: For decades, India's policy was to maintain distance from all countries. The situation has now changed. Today, India's policy is to maintain close ties with all countries and to connect with everyone.

Mains Issues

Context

In India, pornography and sex toys are regulated under a complex web of laws aimed at curbing obscenity and protecting public morals. While specific laws address the production and distribution of obscene material, sex toys fall into a legally ambiguous area, often regulated through broader obscenity and import restrictions. Judicial interventions have clarified some of these ambiguities, but challenges remain in balancing societal norms with legal regulations.

Regulation of Pornography

  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023: Sections 294 and 295 deal with obscene publications and materials. Obscenity is defined as content that is lascivious or appeals to prurient interests, or has a corrupting influence. The sale, hire, distribution, or public exhibition of such materials is punishable by imprisonment and fines. Section 295 specifically criminalises selling obscene materials to children, aiming to protect minors.
  • Information Technology (IT) Act 2000: Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Act regulate the transmission of obscene and sexually explicit content online.
    • Section 67: Prohibits the publication or transmission of lascivious material.
    • Section 67A: Criminalises the electronic dissemination of sexually explicit acts, with penalties including up to five years imprisonment and fines.
    • Section 67B: Targets child pornography, imposing severe penalties for offenses involving sexually explicit material featuring children.
  • Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012: Section 14 of the Act mandates strict punishment for anyone using children in pornographic material, with imprisonment ranging from five to seven years.
  • Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986: It criminalises indecent representation of women in media, including the production, publication, and distribution of obscene materials. This law aims to protect the dignity of women and prevent their objectification.

Legal Standing on Sex Toys

  • There are no specific laws directly regulating sex toys, these objects are considered obscene objects and their sale, display, promotion, import or export can be restricted.
    • Section 294 of the BNS: It is used to restrict the sale, exhibition, advertising, and import of sex toys on grounds of obscenity.
    • Customs Act: The Act allows the government to prohibit the import of goods deemed obscene or against public morals, which can include sex toys.
    • Patents Act 1970: In 2018, the Indian patents office rejected an application for a "sexually stimulating vibrator," citing concerns about public order and morality.
    • Online Sales and Marketing: The rise of online shopping has made sex toys more accessible, but e-retailers must navigate complex advertising regulations and customs laws to avoid legal issues.
  • Judicial Interventions:
    • Calcutta High Court (2011): It overturned a customs decision to seize imported sex toys, arguing that they were intended for adult use and did not constitute obscenity.
    • Bombay High Court (March 2024): It reversed a customs decision to confiscate body massagers, ruling they were not sex toys.

Mains Issues

Context

The discussion surrounding the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming Census has intensified recently. The Union government has yet to finalize its decision on conducting the next Census, but there is active discourse about expanding the data collection to include caste data beyond just Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

What is the Census and Its Significance?

  • The Census of India is a decadal process conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
  • It involves collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on the country’s population, covering demographic, economic, and social aspects.
  • The Census was last held in 2011. The National Population Register (NPR)is also to be updated simultaneously with the first phase of the Census.
  • While Census is a Union subject, the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 empowers States and even local bodies to gather the necessary statistics.
    So, individual States can always do Caste surveys like Karnataka (2015) and Bihar (2023) did. 

Significance:

  • Policy Making: It provides essential data for crafting policies and allocating resources effectively.
  • Welfare Schemes: It is crucial for identifying beneficiaries for various welfare programs, including the Public Distribution System (PDS), education, and health services. The following surveys/schemes need census data to determine their samples
    • Consumption survey
    • National Family Health Survey
    • PLFS
    • Household social consumption on education
    • National Food Security Act
    • National Social Assistance Programme
    • Delimitation of constituencies
  • Delimitation: It assists in the redrawing of electoral constituencies.
  • Socio-Economic Planning: It helps in planning and implementing socio-economic programs by providing a comprehensive overview of the population.

What is the Need for a Caste Census?

  • Social Necessity: Caste remains a significant factor in social interactions, marriage, and political decisions in India. Only about 5% of Indian marriages were inter-caste as of 2011-12.
    • Bihar was one of the first States to conduct and publish a caste census report in 2023.
  • Legal Necessity: Accurate caste data is crucial for implementing and monitoring reservation policies in education, employment, and political representation. Supreme Court rulings (Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992), M. Nagaraj v. Union of India (2006), J.K. Industries Ltd. v. Union of India (2007), State of Uttar Pradesh v. Pradhan Sangh (2008), Vikram Dev Dutt v. Union of India (2022)) have emphasized the need for detailed caste data to uphold and define backward class reservations.
  • Administrative Necessity: It helps prevent wrongful inclusion or exclusion of castes in reservation categories. It is needed for creating sub-categories within reservations and for assessing the creamy layer.
  • Moral Necessity: It addresses disparities and ensures that benefits and resources are distributed fairly, preventing the dominance of certain castes.

Arguments For Caste Census

Arguments Against Caste Census

Caste remains a significant social factor affecting various aspects of life.

The enumeration may exacerbate existing social divisions.

Necessary for implementing constitutional reservation policies effectively.

Managing enumeration of numerous state-specific castes can be complex

Helps in accurate allocation and avoids wrongful inclusions/exclusions in reservations.

May lead to increased and potentially arbitrary demands for reservations.

Addresses issues of equity and prevents disproportionate benefits to dominant castes

Caste was not enumerated post-Independence, and social changes may not necessitate its return.

Fact Box: India’s Caste System

  • India's caste system is among the world's oldest forms of social stratification surviving to this day.
  • There are four castes are the 
    • Brahmins (priests, teachers)
    • Kshatriyas (rulers, warriors)
    • Vaishyas (landowners, merchants)
    • Sudras (servants)
  • The 5th group is the group of the untouchables, called Dalits. 
  • India has 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, and each caste is associated with a specific occupation. 

Mains Issues

Context

The digital age of online shopping (which has become the norm), has brought countless benefits for the consumers, it has also impacted traditional retailers and the broader economy. The functioning of the E-commerce sector is eating into the small retailers (12 million kirana stores) by giving heavy discounts on products (predatory pricing).

What is Predatory Pricing?

  • Predatory pricing is a strategy where a company sets prices below cost to drive competitors out of the market.
  • Once the competition is eliminated, the company can raise prices to recoup losses and achieve higher profits.
  • This strategy poses challenges to small retailers and raises questions about market fairness and competition.

Impact on Small Retailers

  • Price Competition: E-commerce platforms often offer deep discounts and promotions that small retailers cannot match due to limited resources and higher operating costs. This aggressive pricing strategy can force small retailers to lower their prices unsustainably or exit the market.
  • Customer Attrition: Consumers attracted by lower prices on e-commerce sites may shift their spending away from local retailers, reducing their customer base and revenue.
  • Job Losses: As small retailers struggle or close down, there can be significant job losses in local communities. Small retail businesses are often major employers, and their decline can impact employment rates.
  • Economic Drain: Small retailers contribute to the local economy through taxes and local spending. Their closure can reduce local economic activity and tax revenue.
  • Community Erosion: Small retail shops often play a crucial role in community life, providing personalized services and contributing to the local character of neighborhoods. Their decline can erode community cohesion and character.

The earning gap

  • In India, there are about 12 million kirana stores, which generate over $800 billion in annual business, yet most of them do not have a digital footprint.
  • These sellers continue to depend on orders received over call and Whatsapp for their home delivery business which constitutes over 10% of their business — that's an $80 billion plus kirana led home delivery business that already exists today, in spite of availability of quick commerce.
  • Quick commerce at under $4 billion is a small fraction of the kirana home delivery business even today.

Required Measures

  • Antitrust and Competition Laws: Many countries have antitrust and competition laws designed to prevent monopolistic practices and ensure a level playing field. Regulatory bodies may investigate and address cases of predatory pricing if it is deemed to harm competition and consumer welfare.
  • Subsidies and Grants: Governments can provide financial support to small retailers through subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans to help them compete with e-commerce platforms.
  • Digital Transformation: Encouraging small retailers to embrace digital technologies can help them compete more effectively with e-commerce platforms. Initiatives to enhance digital literacy and provide e-commerce training can be beneficial.
  • There is need to help onboard kirana stores on the central government's Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network, helping them compete with e-commerce and quick service grocery retailers. ONDC is a freely accessible and inclusive platform that aims to democratise e-commerce.

Fact Box:

India's 
e-commerce landscape

  • India's e-commerce landscape is poised for a monumental gain by 2030. A substantial surge to $325 billion by 2030 has been forecasted.
  • Currently valued at $70 billion, India's online shopping makes up approximately 7 per cent of the country's total retail market.
  • The quick commerce market (Zomato, Swiggy) within India's hyperlocal mobility sector is forecasted to experience exponential growth, reaching a market size of USD 5.5 billion by 2025.

Factors responsible for growth

  • High internet penetration, low-cost internet services, and substantial increase in rural smartphone users.
  • With a staggering 881 million users, India boasts the world's second-largest internet user base, positioning itself to emerge as the third-largest online retail market by 2030, driven by the rapid expansion of its digital economy.
  • Government schemes such as Jan Dhan Yojana, BharatNet Project, and the implementation of Goods & Service Tax (GST) play instrumental roles in shaping India's digital economy

Mains Issues

Context

Employment in India has been a contentious issue, with recent claims by Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting that the country created "eight crore new jobs" in the last few years. This claim is based on data from the India-KLEMS database, which shows a rise in the number of workers from 56.6 crore in 2020-21 to 64.3 crore in 2023-24. This increase of 7.8 crore workers has sparked debate, especially given the stagnation or decline in employment-to-population ratios observed in other regions.

What is India-KLEMS?

  • The India-KLEMS project, initiated in 2009 and now hosted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), measures industry-level "total factor productivity" (TFP).
  • TFP gauges the efficiency of combining capital, labor, energy, materials, and services to produce output.
  • Employment Data: Employment figures are used as inputs for TFP modeling but are not the primary focus of the database. These figures are sourced from official surveys, not directly collected by the RBI.
  • Data Sources:
    • India-KLEMS uses the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) and multiplies it by population projections. However, recent population figures are not officially available due to delays in the decadal Census.
    • Projection Methods: For years up to 2019-20, India-KLEMS relied on population projections from the Economic Survey (ES) of 2021-22, which assumed constant growth rates from 2001-2011. For subsequent years, it used projections from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), which are based different demographic models.

Criticisms and Concerns

  • Methodological Issues: The projections used by India-KLEMS do not account for recent declines in fertility rates or varying growth rates between rural and urban areas. This likely leads to overestimates of the rural population and, consequently, the number of workers.Using outdated or inaccurate population projections contributes to questionable employment figures.
  • Employment Structure and Quality:
    • Worker Population Ratio Trends: PLFS data indicate that the WPR fell from 38.6% in 2011-12 to 34.7% in 2017-18 but rose to 41.1% in 2022-23, largely due to an increase in unpaid self-employment among rural women.
    • Unpaid Work: The rise in rural female WPR is attributed to increased unpaid family labor in agriculture, rather than meaningful paid employment.

SBI Report and Comparison with ASUSE

  • The State Bank of India (SBI) reported that the number of workers in the India-KLEMS database aligns with figures from the NSSO’s Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) for 2022-23.
  • However, ASUSE only covers unincorporated non-agricultural establishments, excluding sectors like agriculture and government.
  • The SBI report’s total of 56.8 crore workers includes estimates from sectors not covered by ASUSE, leading to inflated numbers without solid methodological backing.

Mains Issues

Context

NASA’s recent mission to test the Boeing Starliner crew capsule has hit unexpected snags, leading to a significant delay in the return of astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams from the International Space Station (ISS). Originally intended to be a straightforward eight-day mission, the test has now extended to an eight-month stay due to technical issues with the Starliner.

About the Mission

  • Initial Objective: Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were launched to test-fly the Boeing Starliner capsule, including its manual controls, and to dock with the ISS. They were expected to return to Earth within a week of their arrival.
  • Current Situation: The mission has been delayed due to problems with the Starliner’s helium leak and malfunctioning thrusters. As a result, Wilmore and Williams may not return until 2025, significantly extending their stay.
  • Current ISS Crew: As of now, nine astronauts are aboard the ISS, including Wilmore and Williams. The other members are Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub, Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Alexander Grebenkin.

What Went Wrong?

  • Technical Issues: The primary issue causing the delay is technical problems with the Starliner capsule. Specifically, the helium leak and malfunctioning thrusters have prevented the spacecraft from being used for the return journey.
  • Previous Delays: There have been historical instances of astronauts staying longer than planned due to technical or logistical issues, but the current delay is notable for its length and impact on the crew’s schedule.
  • Backup Plan
    • If the Starliner remains unfit for use, NASA has a backup plan involving the Crew 9 Dragon team. Scheduled for launch in September 2024, Crew 9 Dragon will potentially replace the current crew if necessary.
    • If needed, NASA might ground two crews and send only a two-member team for the return mission, allowing Wilmore and Williams to remain with the new Expedition 72 crew.

Fact Box: About Boeing Starliner

  • Starliner is a spacecraft that transports astronauts in space, after being launched there by a rocket.
  • It consists of a crew capsule and a service module.
    • Service Module: Provides power and propulsion.
    • Crew Module: Designed for astronauts. Includes a heat shield for protection during re-entry and a NASA docking system for connecting with space stations.
  • The crew capsule houses the astronauts; like others of its kind, it will be able to survive re-entry and return to the ground.
  • The service module consists of the equipment and systems the astronauts need to survive in space, including air and temperature control, water supply, sanitation, etc., plus the engines and fuel required to manoeuvre the spacecraft.
  • The service module won’t be reusable.
  • Starliner is more than 4 m wide and can house up to seven astronauts. It can be fit atop an Atlas V rocket, operated by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
  • In June 2024, an Atlas V rocket launched Boeing’s Starliner on its first crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS). 
  • Unlike SpaceX’s Dragon and Russia’s Soyuz, which land in the ocean, the Starliner is designed to land on solid ground. It uses parachutes and airbags to cushion the landing.
  • During re-entry, the service module separates from the crew module. The Starliner then uses parachutes and airbags to land safely on solid ground.
  • The Starliner is designed to be reusable for future missions, provided its systems remain intact after re-entry and landing.

Prelims Articles

Context

As a prelude to Mysuru Dasara, a 10-day festival observed on the tenth day in the Hindu calendar month Ashvina, ‘Dasara Gajapayan’ was held recently.

About Mysore Dasara

  • Mysore Dasara is a grand 10-day festival celebrated in Mysuru, Karnataka, during Navratri, culminating on Vijayadashami.
  • Known as the Royal Festival, it is a major cultural and religious event featuring vibrant processions, illuminated palaces, and numerous cultural activities. The festival draws thousands of visitors to experience the city’s historical and cultural splendor.
  • Origins: The Mysore Dasara festival began in 1610 with Raja Wadiya the First, marking the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon This mythological event symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The festival incorporates the Navratri celebration of the nine forms of Goddess Shakti, culminating in Vijayadashami on the tenth day.
  • The Wadiyars of Mysore have continued and enriched the festival's traditions over the centuries, introducing various cultural and artistic elements. The Mysore Palace, illuminated with over 100,000 bulbs, stands as a central attraction, showcasing the city’s royal heritage and grandeur.
  • Dasara Gajapayan: The Dasara Gajapayan is a traditional event held as a precursor to the Mysuru Dasara festival. It involves the ceremonial procession of ‘kumki’ elephants from the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve to Mysuru. These elephants are trained for the iconic Jamboo Savari procession, which is a central feature of the festival.

Prelims Articles

Context

A case of vaccine-derived polio (VDPV) has been confirmed in a two-year-old child from West Garo district, Meghalaya. Although polio was declared eradicated in India in 2011, the emergence of vaccine-derived polio in an immuno-deficient child (iVDPV) has raised concerns about the continued use of the oral polio vaccine (OPV).

What is Vaccine-Derived Polio?

  • Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to paralysis and even death.
  • It is caused by the poliovirus, which exists in three types: wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), type 2 (WPV2), and type 3 (WPV3).
  • India’s success in eradicating WPV1 and WPV3 is notable, but the presence of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) indicates ongoing risks.
  • VDPV arises from the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which contains a weakened form of the poliovirus.
  • While OPV has been crucial in reducing global polio cases, it carries a rare risk of causing vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) in approximately 1 in 2.7 million doses.
  • In immuno-deficient individuals, the weakened virus can persist and mutate into a form that may cause polio, known as
    • The recent case in Meghalaya is classified as iVDPV, a form of polio that occurs in individuals with primary immunodeficiency (PID), who cannot effectively clear the virus from their systems.

OPV vs IPV:

  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Administered orally, OPV induces immune responses in both the blood and the intestines. This dual immunity helps prevent the virus from spreading in communities with high vaccination coverage. However, in areas with low vaccination rates, the vaccine-derived virus can continue to circulate, mutate, and potentially cause polio.
  • Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): IPV, given via injection, contains inactivated poliovirus that cannot replicate. It generates a strong immune response in the blood, preventing paralysis. However, it is less effective at inducing immunity in the intestines, meaning individuals can still carry and potentially transmit the wild poliovirus.
    • The switch to IPV, which has been introduced in India since 2017, aims to mitigate the risks associated with OPV. IPV’s inability to cause VAPP or iVDPV makes it a safer alternative, though it may require higher coverage to achieve similar community immunity.

Fact Box: About Poliomyelitis (Polio)

  • Poliomyelitis, commonly called polio, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliomyelitis virus.  
  • It largely affects children under 5 years of age.
  • The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (e.g. contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis.
  • There are three wild-types of poliovirus that cause the disease:
    • Wild Poliovirus 1 (WP1)
    • Wild Poliovirus 2 (WP2)
    • Wild Poliovirus 3 (WP3)
  • Of the 3 strains, WP 2 was eradicated in 1999 and WP 3 was eradicated in 2020. As at 2022, endemic wild poliovirus type 1 remains in two countries:  Pakistan and Afghanistan.
  • Vaccination is the best way to prevent polio. There’s no cure for polio.
  • Key government initiatives for polio eradication in India:
    • Pulse Polio Immunization Campaigns
    • Universal Immunization Program (UIP)
    • Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) Introduction
    • Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Surveillance
    • Environmental Surveillance
    • Health Education and Community Engagement
    • Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Participation
    • National Policy on Polio Eradication
    • Legislative Support for Vaccination
    • Response to Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV)

Editorials

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Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Poland and Ukraine is a significant step in India's evolving foreign policy. This visit marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Poland since 1979 and to Kyiv since Ukraine's independence.

Strategic Significance of the Visit

  • Central Europe’s Importance: Modi's visit aims to address a previously neglected region in India’s European policy, underscoring the strategic importance of Central Europe in current geopolitical dynamics. This engagement reflects India's recognition of the shifting power balances in Europe.
  • Historical Context: The visit is significant as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland since 1979 and to Ukraine since its independence.
  • Long-term Engagement Strategy: The visit is not just about immediate diplomatic gestures but is part of a broader strategy to establish a sustained relationship with Poland and Ukraine.

Geopolitical and Economic Context

  • Impact of the Ukraine War: The ongoing war in Ukraine exemplifies the broader geopolitical shifts in Central Europe, which are influencing global stability.
  • Poland’s Rising Influence: Poland's rapid economic growth and strategic location make it a significant player in Central Europe. With its large population and economic potential, Poland is increasingly seen as a key partner for India in the region.
  • Ukraine’s Strategic Relevance: Despite the war’s devastation, Ukraine's potential for reconstruction and its role as a major agricultural producer enhance its strategic importance. India's engagement with Ukraine is also a recognition of its potential role in future European economic and security frameworks.

Broader European Engagement

  • Elevating European Ties: Modi’s visit is part of a broader effort to elevate India’s engagement with Europe beyond traditional partners.
  • Strategic Initiatives: India’s recent diplomatic efforts include reviving trade agreements, establishing technology and security collaborations, and launching new regional initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe corridor.
  • Regional Agency and Influence: Central and Eastern Europe now have greater agency in shaping their geopolitical futures compared to earlier eras of dominance by great powers.
Mains Question

Q. Analyze the strategic implications of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine. How does this visit fit into India's broader European policy, and what are the potential benefits and challenges of deepening ties with Central European nations in the current geopolitical climate?

Editorials

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Context

The effectiveness of “naming and shaming” as a strategy for enforcing human rights standards has been highlighted in recent discussions. The approach involves publicly condemning governments that violate human rights, with the aim of exerting moral pressure. While some authoritarian regimes have largely ignored such efforts, there have been notable instances where naming and shaming has led to improvements or reforms.

Effectiveness of Naming and Shaming

  • Historical Impact: Naming and shaming has proven effective in various contexts, such as Myanmar and Ethiopia, where it has pressured governments to release political prisoners and address human rights issues.
  • Policy Implications: In countries like Colombia and Argentina, shaming campaigns have led to policy changes aimed at improving human rights conditions. These campaigns demonstrate the potential of moral pressure to drive policy deviations and reforms.
  • Limitations: Despite successes, naming and shaming often fails to induce change in authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, and North Korea. In some cases, these governments resist or deny allegations, making moral pressure less effective.

Theoretical Insights

  • Strategic Contexts: Rochelle Terman’s study explores the conditions under which naming and shaming is successful. The effectiveness of this approach depends on the strategic context and the level of international scrutiny faced by the violating governments.
  • Challenges in International Law: The strategy of shaming, while spotlighting violations, does not always lead to tangible improvements, especially when military or economic sanctions are also ineffective. This highlights the limitations of moral sanctions in international law.
  • Need for Comprehensive Strategies: To overcome the limitations of naming and shaming, there is a need for integrating human rights into national and international legal frameworks. Advocates must focus on building democratic institutions and addressing the underlying social and political issues.

Future Directions

  • Moral and Institutional Reform: Human rights advocates should emphasize the development of democratic institutions and moral reform within states. This approach can help integrate human rights more deeply into national policies and legal systems.
  • Resistance and Legitimacy: In cases where states are reluctant to uphold human rights, resistance activism gains legitimacy. Such activism becomes a crucial defense mechanism against state persecution or indifference.
  • Broader Implications: The centrality of human rights must be reinforced in international relations and domestic policies. This involves aligning political ideologies with human rights norms to ensure compliance and justice.
Mains Question

Q. Discuss the effectiveness of “naming and shaming” as a tool for enforcing human rights standards. What are its limitations, and how can it be complemented by other strategies to ensure greater accountability for human rights violations?

Editorials

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Context

Sikkim has recently experienced a landslide that damaged six houses and a National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) building. This incident is the second major natural disaster impacting hydropower projects along the Teesta River, following last year's glacier outburst that severely affected the Teesta-3 project. The situation highlights ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding hydropower development in the region.

Recent Developments

  • Impact of Recent Landslide: On August 20, 2024, a landslide in Sikkim damaged six houses and an NHPC building at the Teesta-5 hydropower station. Unlike the previous disaster, this incident did not result in any casualties or injuries, but it underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in hydropower projects.
  • Previous Disaster: In October 2023, a deluge from the South Lhonak glacier caused the Chungthang dam to collapse, leading to severe impacts on the Teesta-3 power project. This project, initially a major power source, is now operational at only a fraction of its original capacity.
  • Ongoing Hydropower Challenges: The region has faced numerous issues with hydropower projects, with only five of the 47 proposed projects being operational. The remaining projects are mired in complications, including environmental and financial concerns.

Environmental and Structural Concerns

  • Environmental and Structural Risks: The Teesta-3 project’s failure has been partly attributed to cost-saving measures that led to the construction of a less durable concrete-faced rock fill dam rather than a more robust concrete gravity dam. This highlights the risks associated with compromising on structural integrity.
  • Need for Accurate Assessments: Comprehensive environmental impact assessments are crucial for hydropower projects in the region. Accurate assessments can help in understanding the true costs and risks, thereby improving public trust and ensuring environmental sustainability.
  • Balancing Interests: The development of hydropower projects along the Teesta River involves balancing environmental risks, public perception, and financial considerations. The challenges in this balancing act underscore the need for careful planning and risk management.

Mains Question

Q. Examine the challenges and implications of hydropower projects in the Teesta River basin. How do natural disasters and structural issues affect the viability of such projects, and what measures can be implemented to address these concerns effectively?

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