GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The Supreme Court of India recently ruled against caste-based discrimination in prisons, declaring several provisions in jail manuals unconstitutional. This landmark decision is aimed at addressing the long-standing practices that marginalize certain communities, particularly Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Denotified Tribes (DNT).

Key Points Made by the Supreme Court

• Violation of Fundamental Rights: The Court held that caste-based discrimination in prisons violates Articles 14 (equality before law), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and 21 (right to life with dignity) of the Constitution.
• Directive for Immediate Reforms: The Court directed all states and Union Territories to revise their prison manuals within three months to eliminate discriminatory provisions.
  • SC also directed Centre to make necessary changes to address caste-based discrimination in the Model Prison Manual, 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 within a period of three months.

• Critique of Caste-Based Labor Assignments: The Court condemned the practice of assigning menial tasks to marginalized communities, arguing that it perpetuates caste hierarchies and fails to aid in the reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners.
• Caste as a Basis for Discrimination: The judgment criticized the notion of categorizing inmates based on caste, asserting that this practice is an outdated remnant of colonial and pre-colonial systems designed to dehumanize individuals.
• Forced Labor and Human Dignity: The Court ruled that the selective assignment of menial jobs amounts to forced labor, violating the constitutional rights of marginalized communities.
• Specific Recommendations: The Court ordered the removal of caste-related references in prison records and manuals, emphasizing the need to provide an environment that respects equality and dignity for all inmates.
• Condemnation of Practices Against DNTs: The Court particularly targeted the systemic discrimination against Denotified Tribes, urging states to review classifications that treat them as habitual criminals.

Prevalence of Casteism in Jail

• Historical Context: Casteism in prisons has roots in colonial-era practices, where the British utilized caste divisions as a means of control. The persistence of these discriminatory practices reflects deep-seated societal biases.
• Discriminatory Labor Assignments: In many prisons, inmates from marginalized communities are assigned menial tasks, such as cleaning and maintenance, while higher caste inmates are given roles perceived as more respectable, such as cooking.
• Segregation and Isolation: Inmates from certain castes may face segregation within the prison system, exacerbating social hierarchies and reinforcing stigma even in confinement.
• Forced Labor Practices: Reports have documented instances where marginalized inmates are compelled to perform hazardous jobs, such as cleaning sewers, often under unsafe and degrading conditions.
• Stereotyping and Stigmatization: The classification of certain groups, particularly DNTs, as habitual criminals perpetuates negative stereotypes and social stigma, affecting their treatment both inside and outside the prison system.

Reasons Behind Caste-Based Discrimination in Prisons

• Colonial Legacy: The structure of Indian prisons is influenced by colonial practices that used caste as a means of control and subjugation, leading to entrenched biases that persist today.
• Societal Norms: The broader societal acceptance of caste hierarchies contributes to discriminatory practices within prisons, reflecting the stigmatization of certain communities.
• Lack of Oversight and Accountability: Inadequate monitoring and oversight of prison regulations allow for the continuation of discriminatory practices without accountability, often embedded in outdated legal frameworks.
• Insufficient Legal Protections: While there are laws prohibiting caste-based discrimination, enforcement is often weak, and many provisions are outdated or not aligned with contemporary human rights standards.
• Cultural Attitudes: Deep-rooted cultural attitudes regarding caste and social hierarchy contribute to the persistence of discrimination, affecting both prison staff and inmate interactions.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions regarding the alleged adulteration of ghee in the laddu prasadam of Lord Venkateswara, prompting Hindu organizations to renew their calls for the liberation of temples from government control.

How religious places are managed in India?

• While Muslim and Christian places of worship are managed by community-run boards or trusts, Hindu temples, alongside Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist sites, often fall under significant government control.
  • Hindu temples form the majority of the around 30 lakh places of worship in India (2011 census).
• In several Indian states, such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, temples are managed by government departments like the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), which oversee their administration, income, and expenditures.
• Several states — including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan— have enacted laws that give the government the power to administer temples, their incomes and expenditures.
• The erstwhile state of Jammuand Kashmir enacted The Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988, to manage, specifically, the Vaishno Devi Mata Shrine in Katra, Jammu.

How states derive their authority to regulate temples?

• The Indian Constitution which came into force on January 26, 1950, guarantees fundamental religious rights to its citizens under Articles 25 and 26.
  • Article 25 gives every individual the right to profess, practice or propagate his or her religion.
  • Article 26 is the fundamental right available to ‘every religious denomination’ to
    • maintain and establish religious institutions
    • decide religious matters without any external interference
    • own and acquire properties and administer such properties in a lawful manner
  • States derive their authority to regulate temples from Article 25(2) of the Constitution, allowing laws that govern economic activities associated with religious practices and promote social welfare.
  • Religious endowments and institutions are in List III (Concurrent List) of the Seventh Schedule, which means both the Centre and states can legislate on the subject.
  • However, almost every State Government in independent India has enforced special code or laws or Acts by which Hindu religious institutions viz. temples, mutts and charities (endowments) are controlled, if not fully administered, by the respective State Governments – leaving the Hindus and their communities, sects, etc to have no say in these matters.

Historical Context of Government Control

• The origins of temple control can be traced back to the Mauryan period, but significant government involvement began during the 19th century under British colonial rule. Key acts during this period include
  • Religious Endowments Act (1863): It allowed the British to interfere in temple administration
  • Charitable and Religious Trusts Act (1920): It established a framework for oversight of religious institutions.
• Following Independence, various states enacted specific laws to regulate temples.
  • The Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act (1951) was one of the first, creating a system for government supervision over temple finances and management.
  • Other notable acts include the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act (1997) and the Telangana Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act (1987), which similarly established frameworks for oversight.

The United Kingdom recently returned the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.

Key-details of the Agreement

• This agreement resolves a long-standing dispute that dates back over 50 years, primarily surrounding the forced removal of the indigenous Chagossian population and the establishment of a crucial U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
• The agreement allows Mauritius to implement a resettlement program for the Chagossians, supported financially by the UK.
• Operations at the Diego Garcia military base will continue for at least the next 99 years, with the UK providing annual payments and financial support to ensure the base's effective operation.
  • The U.S. military base on Diego Garcia is crucial for military operations in Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia. It serves as a staging ground for naval and air operations, making it a key asset in U.S. military strategy.
• The agreement aims to maintain regional security while addressing historical grievances.

About Chagos Archipelago

• The Chagos Archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 miles south of India.
• It is an isolated atoll of tiny islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, between Africa and Western Australia.
• The chain includes the Salomon Islands, Peros Banhos, Nelson's Island, Three Brothers Islands, Eagle Islands, Danger Island, the Egmont Islands and Diego Garcia, a strategically important US military base.
  • Diego Garcia is the largest island of the Chagos cluster and is also located on major international trade routes.
• Historical Background:
  • The islands were part of Mauritius until the UK separated them in the 1960s during Mauritius’s path to independence.
  • Prior to their eviction, the Chagossians lived on the islands for generations, relying on fishing and small-scale agriculture.
• Forced Eviction: The UK and U.S. established a military base on Diego Garcia in the 1970s, leading to the forced removal of over 1,000 Chagossians. The eviction process involved relocation to Mauritius and the Seychelles.
• Legal and Diplomatic Developments:
  • ICJ Ruling (2019): The International Court of Justice ruled against the UK’s control over the islands, stating that the forced evacuation was unlawful. It called for the UK to withdraw its presence.
  • UN Resolution: A UN General Assembly resolution demanding the UK’s withdrawal received support from 116 countries, indicating broad international condemnation of the UK’s actions.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) possesses sufficient spare oil capacity to offset a complete loss of Iranian oil supply, should Israel take action against Iranian facilities. However, the dynamics change dramatically if Iran retaliates by targeting oil installations in Gulf nations.

About OPEC+

• The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was formed in 1960by Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. The organization has since expanded to 13 members.
• OPEC+ is an expanded version of OPEC that includes OPEC member countries and additional oil-producing nations, primarily those not in OPEC (Russia, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Oman)
• In 2016, largely in response to dramatically falling oil prices driven by significant increases in U.S. shale oil output, OPEC signed an agreementwith 10 other oil-producing countries to create what is now known as OPEC+.
  • Among these 10 countries was the world’s third-largest oil producer in 2022, Russia, which produced 13% of the world total (10.3 million barrels per day [b/d]).
• The current members of OPEC are: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Venezuela.
• Non-OPEC countries in the global alliance of OPEC+ are represented by Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Brunei, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, South Sudan and Sudan.

OPEC's Spare Capacity

• OPEC+ has enough spare capacity to mitigate the shock of losing Iranian production.
• OPEC+ has cut production by a total of 5.86 million bpd to support oil prices amid sluggish global demand.
• Estimates indicate that Saudi Arabia could increase its output by 3 million bpd, while the United Arab Emirates has the potential to raise production by 1.4 million bpd.
• Despite OPEC's ability to compensate for Iranian losses, much of the spare capacity is concentrated in the Middle East Gulf, making it vulnerable to conflict escalation.
• The available spare capacity could be significantly reduced if attacks on energy infrastructure occur in the region. In such scenarios, the West may need to rely on strategic reserves to stabilize supply.
• Iran’s capacity: Iran, a significant OPEC member, produces approximately 3.2 million barrels per day (bpd), accounting for about 3% of global oil output.
  • Despite U.S. sanctions, Iranian oil exports have surged to nearly 1.7 million bpd, primarily driven by demand from Chinese refiners, which disregard unilateral U.S. sanctions.

The Central government launched the pilot phase of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, aiming to offer 1.25 lakh internship opportunities during the fiscal year 2024-25.

About the Scheme

• The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme was announced in the Union Budget2024-25.
• The scheme aims to address youth unemployment by providing internships to 1 crore young people over the next five years.
• These internships are intended to offer valuable workplace experience, making it easier for participants to secure jobs after completing the program.

• Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements can apply online through the official portal to benefit from the Prime Minister Internship Scheme. The online portal developed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
• Eligibility Criteria
  • Age range: 21 to 24 years
  • Should not be engaged in full-time employment
  • Individuals from families with government employees are not eligible
  • Graduates from prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, or those with qualifications such as CA or CMA are excluded
• The scheme is, however, open to youth trained at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Kaushal Kendras (skill centers).
• Selected participants will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 4,500 from the government, with an additional Rs. 500 provided by companies as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The ongoing conflict between the Union and Tamil Nadu governments over the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, has resulted in significant delays in funding for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). This situation has led to over 20,000 personnel in the State, including teachers and support staff, not receiving their salaries.

What is Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan?

• Launched in: 2018
• Samagra Shiksha is an integrated scheme for school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
• It is Government of India’s (GoI’s) school education programme extending from pre-school to senior secondary classes.
• The scheme was launched to ensure equitable and inclusive quality education.
• Three existing schemes Centrally Sponsored Schemes are subsumed within Samagra Shiksha:
  • Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
  • Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)
  • Teacher Education (TE)
• The scheme is in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal for Education (SDG-4). 
  • Goal SDG-4.1states that “By 2030, ensure that all boys and girls complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes".
  • GoalSDG 4.5 states that “By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of Education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations”

The Union Cabinet approved the status of 'classical language' for five additional languages: Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese.

About Classical Language

• The term "Indian classical languages" refers to a group of languages that have a long history and a rich, unique, and distinctive literary legacy
• The Indian government announced in 2004 that languages might hold the title of "Classical Language" of India if they fulfilled a number of certain requirements.
• It was established by the Linguistic Experts' Committee and the Ministry of Culture.
• To be designated as a classical language in India, a language must meet specific criteria:
  • High Antiquity: The language should have an ancient recorded history of 1,500 to 2,000 years.
  • Heritage Literature: There must be a significant body of ancient literature that is cherished by generations of speakers.
  • Diverse Textual Evidence: Knowledge texts, including prose and poetry, along with epigraphical and inscriptional records, should exist.
  • Distinct Historical Form: The classical form of the language may differ significantly from its contemporary iterations.
• The languages now recognized include widely spoken languages like Marathi, Bengali, and Assamese, alongside Pali, which is significant in Buddhist tradition and taught in universities.
• This decision increases the total number of recognized classical languages in India from six to eleven.
  • The currently recognised classical languages include Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
  • The new additions include Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

The Cabinet approved the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds), aimed at boosting domestic oilseed production and achieving self-reliance in edible oils.

About NMEO-Oilseeds

• The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) is a landmark initiative aimed at boosting domestic oilseed production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in edible oils.
• The Mission will be implemented over a seven-year period, from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
• The newly approved NMEO-Oilseeds will focus on enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops such as Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum, as well as increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources like Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils.
• The mission aims to increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
• Together with NMEO-OP (Oil Palm), the Mission targets to increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31 meeting around 72% of our projected domestic requirement. This will be achieved by promoting adoption of high-yielding high oil content seed varieties, extending cultivation into rice fallow areas, and promoting intercropping.
• The Mission will harness ongoing development of high-quality seeds by using cutting-edge global technologies such as genome editing.
• SATHI Portal: The mission will soon launch a portal called the ‘Seed Authentication, Traceability and Holistic Inventory (SATHI)’ to enable states to establish advance tie-ups with seed-producing agencies, including private seed companies for a steady supply of high-yielding oilseeds seeds.

The Union Cabinet has merged all centrally sponsored schemes for the agriculture sector into two umbrella schemes — the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and the Krishonnati Yojana (KY). The aim is to avoid duplication and ensure convergence. 

Merger of Agricultural Schemes

The Cabinet decided to consolidate various Central schemes in agriculture into two new programs:

• Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY):
  • Allocation: Rs 57,074.72 crore
  • This scheme aims to promote sustainable agriculture.
  • The PM-RKVY comprises of the following schemes:
    • Soil Health Management
    • Rainfed Area Development
    • Agro Forestry
    • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
    • Agricultural Mechanization including Crop Residue Management
    • Per Drop More Crop
    • Crop Diversification Programme
    • RKVY DPR component
    • Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups
  • Krishonnati Yojana (KY):
    • Allocation: Rs 44,246.89 crore.
    • It will address food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
  • The rationalisation of various schemes has been undertaken to avoid duplication, ensure convergence, and provide flexibility to states, and state governments will also be able to draw a comprehensive strategic plan suiting their requirements for the agriculture sector.

In a significant development for the commercial real estate sector, the Supreme Court of India has permitted the Input Tax Credit (ITC) on construction expenses for buildings intended for lease. This ruling is expected to boost investments in commercial real estate and alleviate financial pressures for tenants.

What is Input Tax Credit (ITC)?

• Input Tax Credit (ITC) is a provision under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system that allows businesses to claim a credit for the tax paid on inputs (goods or services) used in the course of their business.
• Essentially, it enables businesses to reduce their overall tax liability by offsetting the GST they pay on purchases against the GST they collect on sales.
• Ruling
  • The Supreme Court stated that if the construction of a building is essential for activities like renting or leasing, the building can be classified as "plant and machinery."
  • This classification allows businesses to claim ITC on the construction costs associated with such buildings.
  • The ruling suggests that this ITC will be available retroactively.
• Impact
  • Easing Financial Strain: The ruling is expected to alleviate the financial burden of rent on tenants occupying commercial spaces, making leasing more affordable.
  • Broader Applicability: The decision is not limited to commercial real estate; various industries, such as hotels, logistics, and infrastructure, will also benefit by claiming ITC on rentals for commercial properties.
  • Future Considerations: Tax experts are pondering whether this ruling will extend to factory buildings, jetties, storage tanks, and similar structures. There is also speculation about potential amendments to GST laws to clarify ITC eligibility for real estate players.

India plays a crucial role in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, and its efforts are vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Key Insights

• World leaders pledged to end the AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030.  India is also committed to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
• Progress in India: India has shown significant commitment and results in combating HIV, with annual new infections falling by 44% between 2010 and 2023—outpacing the global average.
• New Infections: In 2023, India recorded approximately 68,000 new HIV infections, averaging about 185 daily.
• Global Context: As of 2023, nearly 40 million people worldwide were living with HIV, with a person dying every minute due to lack of treatment.

A woman from Tianjin, China, has made history by becoming the first person to successfully reverse her type 1 diabetes through an innovative stem cell procedure.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

• Diabetes is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD)that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin, it produces.
  • Type 2 diabetesis age-related; it often develops at the age of 45 and beyond.
  • Type 1 diabetesis largely genetic in nature, while Type 2 depends on the lifestyle of the individual.
• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• This condition forces patients to rely on external insulin and immunosuppressants for management.
• Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with lifestyle factors, type 1 diabetes has no known cure, with the closest option previously being islet-cell transplants—a procedure limited by a shortage of donor cells.

The Innovative Stem Cell Procedure

• In this landmark case, Chinese researchers utilized the patient’s own stem cells, reprogramming them into insulin-producing islet cells. These reprogrammed cells were injected into the abdominal muscles, a novel approach that allows for real-time monitoring via MRI.
• Procedure Details:
  • Stem Cell Harvesting: Healthy stem cells were extracted from the patient’s bone marrow, blood, or cord blood.
  • Conditioning: The patient underwent chemotherapy or radiation to prepare for the transplant.
  • Transplantation: The stem cells were injected to replace the damaged cells.
  • Recovery: The patient was monitored for progress.
• Within just two and a half months post-treatment, the patient began producing sufficient insulin independently, eliminating the need for external insulin.

The Union Cabinet has approved the country's membership in the Energy Efficiency Hub, a global initiative aimed at enhancing the deployment of energy efficiency measures.

About the Energy Efficiency Hub

• The Energy Efficiency Hub was established in 2020 as a successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), of which India was a member.
• Hosting: The Hub is hosted at the International Energy Agency (IEA) in France.
• Members: As of July 2024, the Hub includes 16 member countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
• Objectives and Functions
  • Collaboration: The Hub aims to foster collaboration among governments, international organizations, and private sector entities. It serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions related to energy efficiency.
  • Global Impact: By joining the Hub, India will be able to collaborate with other member states, sharing its expertise while learning from international best practices.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the statutory agency in India, has been designated as the implementing body for the Hub.
• Benefits of Membership
  • Accelerating Transition: India’s participation in the Energy Efficiency Hub is expected to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and enhance energy security.
  • Climate Commitment: This move aligns with India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2022, where India committed to reducing emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
  • Long-term Strategy: India also outlined its long-term climate action strategy at COP27 in 2022, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070 and about 50% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity to come from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.

In Odisha, concerns over poaching and illegal wildlife trade have raised alarms about the declining leopard population. However, recent developments indicate a positive trend in their numbers, providing hope for conservation efforts.

Key Highlights

• Population Increase: The leopard population in Odisha has increased by 22%, rising from 568 in 2022 to 696 in 2024.
• Current Estimates: The All Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024 reports a population range of 668 to 724, with a median count of 696
• Comparison with Previous Census: The current population still lags behind the 2018 census conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which recorded 760 leopards.
• Monitoring Methodology: The estimation involved monitoring 47 forest divisions and utilizing camera traps to identify individual leopards based on their unique rosette patterns.
• Significant Findings: The report highlighted the discovery of melanistic leopards (black leopards) in Odisha's forests, adding to the diversity of the leopard population.
• Poaching Concerns: Despite the increase in numbers, poaching remains a significant threat. Between 2018 and 2023, 59 leopard skins were seized from wildlife smugglers, and overall, 116 leopards were killed.
• Protected Areas: The highest leopard abundance is found in protected areas, notably the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which is crucial for the leopard population's sustainability. Other key habitats include the Satkosia landscape and the Hirakud Wildlife Division.
• Future Plans: The Forest department plans to synchronize the All Odisha Leopard Estimation with the annual All Odisha Tiger Estimation, expanding data collection on both big cats and their habitats.

Italy and India are enhancing their collaboration in the Indo-Mediterranean Sea, focusing on mutual interests in trade, security, and cultural exchange amid global challenges.

Strategic Importance of the Indo-Mediterranean

• Vital Trade Route: The Indo-Mediterranean region is crucial for global trade, particularly for Italy, which ranks as the sixth-largest exporter globally.
• Digital Connectivity Initiatives: The upcoming Blue-Raman submarine data cables will connect Genoa with Mumbai, enhancing digital infrastructure between the two nations.
• Security Challenges: Joint efforts are essential to address piracy in the Red Sea, regional conflicts, and the impacts of Russia’s actions in Ukraine on agricultural and oil trade.

Enhanced Naval Cooperation

• Increased Naval Presence: Italy has boosted its naval engagement in India, participating in initiatives like the Information Fusion Centre of the Indian Ocean Region and deploying the patrol ship ITS Francesco Morosini.
• Training and Humanitarian Missions: The Italian Carrier Strike Group, including the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour, is conducting joint exercises and hosting humanitarian initiatives such as 'Operation Smile' for facial surgeries.
• Cultural Exchange Plans: Plans are underway to establish an ‘Italy village’ in India to promote cultural, fashion, and culinary events, strengthening people-to-people ties.

Defence and Development Collaboration

• Strengthening Defence Ties: A recent defence agreement signed in October 2023 lays the foundation for expanded cooperation in research, maritime awareness, and military education.
• Joint Ventures in Defence Production: Italian firms like Leonardo and Fincantieri are engaging in co-production and joint development initiatives aligned with India’s 'Make in India' strategy.
• Support for African Development: Italy and India are collaborating on the Mattei Plan to invest €5.5 billion in sustainable projects in Africa, reflecting their commitment to development in the Indo-Mediterranean region.

Practice Question

Q. Analyze the significance of Italy-India relations in the context of current geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Mediterranean region. What steps can be taken to enhance this bilateral partnership?

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is influencing global infrastructure financing, creating dependencies for participating nations. In response, the U.S. is seeking to provide a sustainable alternative through strategic investments and development partnerships.

The BRI's Impact and Risks

• China-Centered Development Model: The BRI promotes a model that emphasizes flexible cooperation without stringent terms regarding human rights or transparency, potentially compromising the host countries’ interests.
• Financial Dependencies: Participating nations often incur substantial financial obligations to China, leading to long-term debt and increased political leverage for Beijing, which can influence host countries beyond just economic terms.
• Challenges in Debt Management: China is more likely to renegotiate loans rather than forgive them, contrasting with institutions like the World Bank and IMF, which show greater willingness to alleviate debt burdens for poorer nations.

Case Study - Hambantota Port 

• Lease Arrangement: In 2017, Sri Lanka leased a 70% stake in Hambantota Port to China for 99 years, which provided immediate financial relief but did not resolve underlying economic issues.
• Economic Strain: The lease payments were used for short-term foreign debt repayments rather than addressing broader economic challenges, reflecting persistent trade deficits and low foreign investment.
• Sovereignty Concerns: The transfer of a strategic asset to a Chinese entity raises questions about Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and highlights the long-term implications of accepting Chinese loans.

U.S. Countermeasures and Future Strategies

• DFC's Strategic Investments: The S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has invested in projects like the West Container Terminal in Colombo, promoting private sector-led initiatives that align with strategic and economic interests.
• Transparent Development Model: Unlike China’s opaque lending practices, DFC focuses on transparency and high standards, offering an alternative that respects human rights and promotes sustainable growth.
• Future of U.S. Involvement: The reauthorization of the DFC is critical for sustaining U.S. engagement in global infrastructure development, emphasizing America’s commitment to transparent and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Practice Question

Q. Critically analyze the implications of China's Belt and Road Initiative on participating countries, using Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port as a case study. How can the U.S. provide a sustainable alternative to China's lending practices in global infrastructure development?

The increasing emphasis on global university rankings has significantly shaped the educational landscape in India, impacting teaching, research, and the overall mission of universities.

The Flaws of Ranking Systems

• One-Dimensional Focus: Global rankings prioritize research output over teaching quality, quantifying universities based on metrics like publication counts and funding rather than holistic educational impact.
• Impact on Visibility: Indian universities engage in the ranking race to enhance their visibility and attract international talent, often leading to policy adjustments aimed solely at improving ranks.
• Neglect of Essential Functions: The obsession with rankings undermines universities’ primary purpose of educating students, sidelining teaching and mentoring, especially for economically weaker sections.

Consequences for Faculty

• Research Over Teaching: The academic culture favors research accomplishments over teaching effectiveness, leading to hiring practices that prioritize publication metrics over pedagogical skills.
• Career Advancement Issues: Faculty promotions hinge on research outputs, neglecting teaching performance, which is difficult to quantify but crucial for student success.
• Publish or Perish Culture: This relentless pursuit of research metrics fosters misconduct and a decline in teaching quality, compromising the integrity of higher education.

A Call for Change

• Dual Tracks for Faculty: Universities should establish distinct tracks for research-focused and teaching-focused faculty to ensure that both roles are valued and not conflated.
• Societal Impact Over Metrics: Academic contributions should be evaluated based on societal relevance rather than mere journal impact factors, emphasizing the real-world implications of research.
• Paradigm Shift Needed: A cultural shift is required to recognize and reward both research and teaching efforts, ensuring that universities fulfill their mission as centers of higher learning.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the implications of global university rankings on the quality of higher education in India. How can universities balance the dual responsibilities of research and teaching?