GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

The increasing prevalence of English as a language globally has led to the extinction of regional and native languages. Any loss of language is not only a loss of linguistic diversity but also a loss in terms of the associated cultural variations, opinions, views, and knowledge.

Importance of Language Diversity

• Unifying Force of English: English has historically connected diverse linguistic communities in India since British rule, but poses challenges in remote areas.
• The Quest for a Universal Language: Consideration arises on why a common global language is not adopted for simpler and stronger global communication.
• Biblical Tale of Tower of Babel: The narrative illustrates the power of a shared language. Language serves as a vital tool for transferring information and emotions.

Threat to Linguistic Diversity

• Projected Language Extinction: A mathematical model predicts that 40% of languages (with less than 35,000 speakers) may vanish within a century, shrinking diversity.
• Dominance of Major Languages: Half of the world's population primarily speaks just 10 languages. This trend endangers linguistic diversity worldwide.
• Impact of Migration: Migration prompts shifts towards dominant languages, eroding mother tongues over generations. Hindi vs. English dynamics in India reflect this phenomenon.

Preserving Endangered Languages

• UNESCO's Alarming Report: UNESCO identifies 42 endangered languages in India, predominantly spoken by tribal groups with less than 10,000 speakers.
• Language Diversity as Cultural Richness: Analogous to biodiversity, linguistic diversity is vital for preserving unique cultures, knowledge, and identities.
• Urgent Global Strategies Needed: Initiatives must be pursued to document, protect, and revitalize endangered languages. Other institutions should follow suit to curb language disappearance.
  
  

Context:

The recent trilateral meeting by South Korea-Japan-U.S. at Camp David gives New Delhi and Seoul a unique opportunity to enhance their strategic partnership.

New Beginnings in India-South Korea Relations

• Significance of the Camp David Summit: The Camp David Summit in August marked a turning point in relations between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.
• ROK's New Indo-Pacific Strategy: South Korea's shift towards a new strategic approach in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with American views on China, is notable.
• President Yoon Suk Yeol's Vision for South Korea: President Yoon Suk Yeol aims to position South Korea as a "global pivotal state," demonstrating renewed foreign policy vigor.

Republic of Korea (ROK)-India Partnership in Indo-Pacific

• South Korea & India in the Indo-Pacific: South Korea's proximity to China and its U.S. alliance makes it a valuable partner for India in the Indo-Pacific.
• Common Concerns & Apprehensions about China: Both nations share concerns over China's unilateral actions in reshaping Asian security dynamics.
• Evolving Dynamics: The ROK's role becomes pivotal with India's growing closeness to the U.S. and deepened apprehensions about China.

Focusing Areas of Collaboration

• Enhancing Political and Diplomatic Relations: Political and diplomatic ties could be strengthened through annual summits, 2+2 dialogues, and reciprocal visits by leaders.
• iCET and Multilateral Cooperation: Exploring initiatives like the South Korea-Japan-India-U.S. initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) is a promising avenue.
• Strengthening Defense and Technological Collaboration: Defense collaboration, especially under India's 'Make in India' program, and potential collaboration on Korean-built nuclear reactors hold substantial potential.

Context:

In the recent meeting of ASEAN countries, it is indeed commendable that ASEAN took a strong stand against the oppressive actions of the Myanmar junta.

ASEAN's Strong Stand on Myanmar Crisis

• ASEAN's firm stance on Myanmar: ASEAN, a group of 10 Southeast Asian nations, has taken a bold step by criticizing Myanmar's junta for violence and failure to implement the Five-Point Consensus.
• The Five-Point Consensus: The Consensus aimed to address the turmoil caused by the military coup in Myanmar, which ousted the democratically elected government.
• ASEAN's Decisive Actions: In its latest statement, ASEAN strongly condemns ongoing violence and calls on the armed forces to cease attacks on civilians. Myanmar's chairmanship for 2026 is revoked.
  

Escalating Pressure on Myanmar's Junta

• National Unity Government and Ethnic Support: Myanmar's military, facing opposition from democratic forces and civil war, now confronts a National Unity Government (NUG) supported by ethnic separatist groups.
• UN Report- Allegations of War Crimes Against Myanmar's Military: The military's actions have been criticized as war crimes, including mass executions and sexual violence, according to a UN report.
• Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds: Over two years of conflict have displaced two million people and left 18 million in need of humanitarian aid. The military's tactics have drawn global condemnation.

ASEAN's Isolation of Myanmar Military

• Myanmar's Increasing Isolation: While the impact of ASEAN's tough stance remains uncertain, it signifies Myanmar's growing isolation.
• ASEAN's Role: ASEAN should use its influence over Myanmar to urge the junta to end violence and engage in dialogue.
• Critical Path Forward: The ultimate solution to Myanmar's crises lies in the restoration of a legitimate, responsible, and responsive government.
  

Context:

There is a need to envision better ways for Parliament to write a fiscal responsibility law for lawmakers.

Challenge of Fiscal Responsibility Law

• Political Overspending: Ruling parties tend to overspend to secure future electoral victories, leading to fiscal issues down the line.
• Deferred Taxation: The practice of excessive spending today ultimately translates into increased taxes for citizens in the future.
• Global Models: Countries like Germany and the U.S. implement fiscal mechanisms (e.g., debt brake, debt ceiling) to restrict borrowing and effectively manage debt levels.
  

Flaws in India's Fiscal Responsibility Law

• FRBM Act's Introduction: Instituted in 2003, the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act aimed to rein in excessive deficits.
• Amendments Weakening Targets: Frequent legislative changes, facilitated through Finance Acts, erode the original fiscal targets set by the FRBM Act.
• Constitutional Barriers: The classification of the Finance Bill as a money bill grants the executive government the authority to modify FRL provisions, circumventing parliamentary scrutiny and debate.
  

Parliamentary Constraints and Solutions

• Anti-Defection Law's Limitations: MPs cannot vote against party wishes. Voting down the Finance Bill, vital for fiscal control, is a nuclear option.
• The Flawed Concept of Money Bill: Considered the ultimate escape clause, regardless of fiscal rule's design, hindering fiscal responsibility.
• Need for Fiscal Institution Building: Instead of an FRL as Parliamentary law, focus should be on robust fiscal institutions to ensure responsibility.