International Relation

Kashmir Saffron gets GI Tag and its Significance | UPSC – IAS

kashmiri saffron gi tag upsc

kashmiri saffron gi tag upsc

Significance of Geographical Tag of – Kashmir saffron

Kashmir saffron is a very precious and costly product. With the GI tag, Kashmir saffron would gain more prominence in the export market and also stop adulteration prevalent in the trade of Kashmir saffron.

As Iran is responsible for 90–93% of global production, with much of their produce exported. High-grade Kashmiri saffron is often sold and mixed with cheaper Iranian imports; these mixes are then marketed as pure Kashmiri saffron, a development that has cost Kashmiri growers much of their income.

Uses of Kashmir Saffron | UPSC – IAS

  • Kashmir saffron is renowned globally as a spice (Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world). It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.
  • The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are its longer and thicker stigmas (thread-like structures, or stigma), natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavour, chemical-free processing.

Uniqueness of Kashmir Saffron

  • It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m AMSL (above mean sea level), which adds to its uniqueness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available the world over.
  • Location – It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes.

Types of Kashmir Saffron | UPSC – IAS

The saffron available in Kashmir is of three types —

  • Lachha Saffron – with stigmas just separated from the flowers and dried without further processing;
  • Mongra Saffron – in which stigmas are detached from the flower, dried in the sun and processed traditionally; and
  • Guchhi Saffron – which is the same as Lachha, except that the latter’s dried stigmas are packed loosely in airtight containers while the former has stigmas joined together in a bundle tied with a cloth thread.

Benefits of Kashmiri Saffron

  • Kashmir saffron rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes.
  • There is also growing evidence that saffron may help improve mood and be a useful addition to treatment for depression.
  • Saffron is high in antioxidants, which may help kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. However, more human research is needed.
  • Both eating and smelling saffron appears to help treat PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings, pain, and anxiety.
  • Improved heart disease risk, blood sugar levels, eyesight, and memory. However, more studies are needed to draw stronger conclusions.
  • Antioxidants help fight against oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. The main active antioxidants include:
    • Crocin
    • Picrocrocin
    • Safranal

List of Important International Organizations and Reports for UPSC – IAS

List of Important International Reports for UPSC - IAS
No. Organizations Reports
1 The Energy Report & Living Planet Report WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
3 World Intellectual Property Report (WIPR) WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)
4 Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) WEF (World Economic Forum)
5 Global Energy Architecture Performance Index Report WEF (World Economic Forum)
6 Global Environment Performance Index 2016 WEF (World Economic Forum)
7 Global Gender Gap Report WEF (World Economic Forum)
8 Global Information Technology Report WEF (World Economic Forum)
9 Global Risks Report WEF (World Economic Forum)
10 Human Capital Index WEF (World Economic Forum)
11 Network Readiness Index WEF (World Economic Forum)
12 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report WEF (World Economic Forum)
13 World Power Language Index WEF (World Economic Forum)
Inclusive Development Index WEF (World Economic Forum)
14 Global Slavery Report Walk Free Foundation ( Australia-based human rights group )
15 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
16 World Drug Report UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
17 World Wildlife Crime Report UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
18 World Happiness Report United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network
19 World Risk Index United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft in cooperation with the University of Stuttgart in Germany.
20 e-government readiness index(EGDI) United Nations Public Administration Programme (UNPAP)
21 E-Participation Index United Nations Public Administration Programme (UNPAP)
22 Global Assessment Report UNISDR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction)
23 Industrial Development Report UNIDO(United Nations Industrial Development Organization)
24 Reports on Counterfeiting and Organized Crime UNICRI (United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute)
25 Report on Regular Resources UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund )
26 The State of the World’s Children report UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund )
27 The Global Report/Global trends Report UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees )
28 World Cities Report UN-Habitat
29 State of world population UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)
30 Global education monitoring Report UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
31 Actions on Air Quality UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme )
32 Global Environment Outlook UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme )
33 The Rise of Environmental Crime UNEP & INTERPOL
34 Education Development Index UNDP(United Nations Development Programme)
35 Gender Inequality Index UNDP(United Nations Development Programme)
36 World human development report UNDP(United Nations Development Programme)
37 World Investment Report UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development)
38 Levels and Trends in Child Mortality Report UN Inter-agency Group
39 Global Corruption Report (GCR) (Both C. Barometer and Perception Index) Transparency International
40 World Press Freedom Index Reporters Without Borders
41 Report card of Swachh Bharath Mission Quality Council of India- also conducts Swachta Pakhwara
42 OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries )
43 World Oil Outlook OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries )
44 Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index NITI Aayog
45 School Education Quality Index (SEQI) NITI Aayog
National Index for performance on Health Outcomes NITI Aayog
India Innovation Index NITI Aayog with WIPO, Cornell University, World Bank, DIPP etc
46 Southeast Asia Energy Outlook International Energy Agency
47 World Energy Outlook (WEO) International Energy Agency
49 Global talent competitiveness Index INSEAD business school in partnership with Adecco Group and the Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore
70 Global Innovation Index Cornell University INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
50 Global Financial Stability Report, Since 2009 one new report started called Fiscal monitor IMF (International Monetary Fund)
51 World Economic Outlook IMF (International Monetary Fund)
52 Global Wage Report
ILO (International Labour Organization)
53 World Employment and Social Outlook ILO (International Labour Organization)
54 World of Work Report ILO (International Labour Organization)
55 World Social Protection Report ILO (International Labour Organization)
56 Global Hunger Index report IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute)
Global Food Policy Report IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute)
57 Safety Reports ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)- CORSIA
58 Ease of Doing Business IBRD (World Bank)
2 World Logistics Performance Index (every 2 years) IBRD (world bank )
59 Ease of Living Report IBRD (World Bank)
60 World Development Report IBRD (World Bank)
61 Global Economic Prospect (GEP) report IBRD (World Bank)
62 Remittance report IBRD (World Bank)
Service trade restriction Index IBRD (World Bank)
63 Technical Cooperation Report IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)
64 Nuclear Technology Review IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)
65 State of Global Air 2017 Report Health Effects Institute, Boston
66 Global Wind Power Installed Capacity Index Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).
67 Change the World List Data Fortune
68 India State of Forest Report Forest Survey of India
69 Global Money Laundering Report FATF (Financial Action Task Force)
71 National Air Quality Indices (AQI) Central Pollution Control Board
72 Global Financial System Report BIS (Bank for International Settlements)
73 Asian Development Outlook ADB (Asian Development bank)
74 Status of the Global Climate in 2016 report World Meteorological Organisation

Jaipur gets UNESCO World Heritage Tag | UPSC – IAS

Jaipur gets UNESCO World Heritage Tag | UPSC - IAS

Jaipur gets UNESCO World Heritage Tag | UPSC - IAS

Jaipur gets UNESCO World Heritage Tag | UPSC – IAS

A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which is selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance, and is legally protected by international treaties. The sites are judged important to the collective interests of humanity.

To be selected, a World Heritage Site must be an already classified landmark, unique in some respect as a geographically and historically identifiable place having special cultural or physical significance (such as an ancient ruin or historical structure, building, city, complex, desert, forest, island, lake, monument, mountain, or wilderness area). It may signify a remarkable accomplishment of humanity, and serve as evidence of our intellectual history on the planet

UNESCO World Heritage Tag and Jaipur | UPSC – IAS

The announcement was made after the 43rd Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, underway at Baku (Azerbaijan) from June 30 to July 10, examined the nomination of the Walled City of Jaipur for inclusion in the World Heritage list.

  • The fortified city was founded in 1727 by the Kach­waha Rajput ruler of Amber, Sawai Jai  Singh II.
  • The city was established on the plains and built according to a grid plan  interpreted in the light of Vedic architecture.
  • The city’s urban planning shows an intermingling of ideas from ancient Hindu, modern Mughal  and western cultures.

Significance of UNESCO World Heritage Tag | UPSC – IAS

  • It will boost tourism, benefit the local economy and help to improve the infrastruc­ture.
  • It brings international attention to the need for the preservation and conservation of the site.
  • It brings tourism to the site, with its accompanying economic benefits to the host country and local area.
  • It promotes national and local pride in the natural and man-made wonders of the country.
  • It promotes close ties with the United Nations system and the prestige and support it provides.
  • It provides access to global project management resources.
  • It facilitates creating partnerships between government, the private sector, and NGOs to achieve conservation goals.
  • The site is protected under the Geneva Convention against destruction or misuse during wartime.

Global Action Plan of the Decade of Family Farming | UPSC – IAS

Global Action Plan of the Decade of Family Farming UPSC - IAS

Global Action Plan of the Decade of Family Farming UPSC - IAS

Global Action Plan of the Decade of Family Farming | UPSC – IAS

United Nations Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028), was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The UN Decade of Family Farming aims to shed new light on what it means to be a family farmer in a rapidly changing world, the important role they play in eradicating hunger and shaping our future of food. Family farming offers a unique opportunity to ensure (particularly in rural areas) :-

  • Food security,
  • Improve livelihoods,
  • Better manage natural resources,
  • Protect the environment and
  • Achieve sustainable development, 

The Decade of Family Farming provides an extraordinary opportunity for the United Nations to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an inclusive, collaborative and coherent way.

  • A Global Action Plan was also laid out to boost support for family farmers, which provides detailed guidance for the international community on collective and coherent actions that can be taken during 2019-2028.
    Family Farming: Concept and Significance
  • As per the FAO, “Family farming is a means of organizing agricultural, forestry, fisheries, pastoral and aquaculture production which is managed and operated by a family and predominantly reliant on family labour.”
  • Provide healthy, diversified and culturally appropriate foods. They represent over 90 per cent of all farms globally, and produce 80 percent of the world’s food in value terms.
  • Generate on and off-farm employment opportunities as they spend their incomes mostly within local and regional markets thus helping rural economies grow along with wider women’s participation.
  • Ensure the succession of knowledge and tradition from generation to generation, and promote social equity and community well-being.

Some Key Facts on family farming | UPSC – IAS

  • More than 80 percent of all farms globally are below two hectares.
  • Family farms occupy around 70-80 percent of farmland and produce more than 80 percent of the world’s food in value terms.
  • Women perform nearly 50 percent of farm labor but hold only 15 percent of farmland.
  • 90 percent of fishers are small-scale operators, which account for half of the capture fisheries production in developing countries.
  • Up to 500 million pastoralists rely on livestock rearing to make a living.
  • Mountain farming is largely family farming.
  • Family farmers include forest communities. Around 40 percent of the extreme rural poor live in forest and savannah areas.
  • Traditional indigenous territories encompass up to 22 percent of the world’s land surface and coincide with areas that hold 80 percent of the planet’s biodiversity.

Challenges to Family Farming in the developing countries | UPSC – IAS

  • Socio-economic challenges: Although family farmers produce most of food, they, paradoxically face poverty in developing countries with women farmers facing greater constraints. Rural youth are also highly vulnerable due to a lack of incentives for on-and off-farm employment opportunities.
  • Shrinking land holding, as more than 80 percent of all farms globally are below two hectares therefore unable to reach economy of scale.
  • Lack of access to resources, credit, infrastructure and technology to support the food production and marketing.
  • Climate change as the environmental conditions on which they rely are under threat which necessitates adoption of climate resilient agricultural practices.

Actions include | UPSC – IAS

  • Developing and implementing an enabling policy environment that support family farming at local, national and international levels;
  • Supporting rural youth and women by enabling them to access productive assets, natural resources, information etc.
  • Strengthening family farmers’ organizations and their capacities to generate knowledge and link traditional knowledge with new solutions;
  • Improving family farmers’ livelihoods and enhancing their resilience to multiple hazards though access to basic social and economic services.
  • Promoting sustainability of family farming for climate-resilient food systems

Conclusion | UPSC – IAS

Family and farm represent a unity that continuously co-evolves, fulfilling economic, environmental, social and cultural functions of the wider rural economy. Hence the Decade of Family Farming aims to create a conducive environment that strengthens their position, and maximizes their contributions to global food security and nutrition, and a healthy, resilient and sustainable future.

Arms Trade Treaty its loopholes, Origins and USA | UPSC – IAS

What is Arms Trade Treaty its Origins and USA UPSC - IAS

What is Arms Trade Treaty its Origins and USA UPSC - IAS

arms trade treaty upsc

Arms Trade Treaty its loopholes, Origins and USA | UPSC – IAS

The Arms Trade Treaty is a multilateral treaty that regulates the international trade in conventional weapons. It entered into force on 24 December 2014. The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is an attempt to regulate the international trade of conventional weapons for the purpose of contributing to

  • International and regional peace;
  • Reducing human suffering; and
  • Promoting cooperation, transparency, and responsible action by and among states.

The roots of what is known today as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) can be traced back to the late 1980s, when civil society actors and Nobel Peace Prize Laureates voiced their concerns about the unregulated nature of the global arms trade and its impact on human security.

  • It is the first legally binding international agreement to regulate the global trade in conventional arms by establishing common international standards for member countries.
  • It has 102 states parties (Lebanon joined last month) and an additional 34 signatories, including the United States, which had signed but did not formally ratify the treaty. Countries who neither signed nor ratified included Russia, China, India, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Syria.
  • It was endorsed by the UN General Assembly in April 2013, and entered into force on December 23, 2014.
  • It regulates ammunition or munitions fired, launched, or delivered by the conventional arms covered under the treaty.
  • It requires states to monitor their arms exports, and to ensure their weapons sales do not break existing arms embargoes.
  • Nations also need to ensure the weapons they export do not end up being used for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes or terrorist acts. If they do find out the arms will be used for any of these, they need to stop the transfer.

Conventional Arms which ATT covers

  • Battle tanks
  • Armoured combat vehicles;
  • Large-calibre artillery systems
  • Combat aircraft
  • Attack Helicopters
  • Warships
  • Missiles and missile launchers
  • Small arms and light weapons

Origins of Arms Trade Treaty | UPSC – IAS

The ATT is part of a larger global effort begun in 1997 by Costa Rican President and 1987 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Óscar Arias. In that year, Arias led a group of Nobel Peace Prize laureates in a meeting in New York to offer the world a code of conduct for the trade in arms. This group included Elie Wiesel, Betty Williams, the Dalai Lama, José Ramos-Horta, representatives of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Amnesty International, and the American Friends Service Committee.

The original idea was to establish ethical standards for the arms trade that would eventually be adopted by the international community. Over the following 16 years, the Arias Foundation for Peace & Human Progress has played an instrumental role in achieving approval of the treaty.

Arms Trade Treaty and USA | UPSC – IAS

USA President Trump has announced that he will withdraw his country from the International Arms Trade Treaty.

  • The Arms Trade Treaty will be opened up for amendment in 2020.
    • USA cannot support certain proposed amendments like gun control measures which is viewed as threat to America’s second amendment right to bear arms.
  • US has said that treaty “fails to truly address the problem of irresponsible arms transfers” because other top arms exporters – including Russia and China – have not signed up to it.
  • Also, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the US arms industry accounted for 57 percent of the total Top 100 arms sales in 2017.

loopholes in Arms Trade Treaty | UPSC – IAS

The Amnesty International website “loopholes” include shotguns marketed for deer hunting that are virtually the same as military/police shotguns and rifles marketed for long range target shooting that are virtually the same as military/police sniper rifles. Amnesty International advocates that the civilian guns must be included in any workable arms trade controls; otherwise, governments could authorize export/import of sporting guns virtually the same as military/police weapons in function.

It must be workable and enforceable. It must:

  • Provide guidelines for the treaty’s full, clear implementation;
  • Ensure transparency – including full annual reports of national arms transfers;
  • Have an effective mechanism to monitor compliance;
  • Ensure accountability – with provisions for adjudication, dispute settlement, and sanctions;
  • Include a comprehensive framework for international cooperation and assistance.

NGOs are also advocating that the ATT must reinforce existing responsibilities to assist survivors of armed violence, as well as identify new avenues to address suffering and trauma.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project | UPSC – IAS

“Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project | UPSC – IAS” is locked Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) one belt one road essay for upsc ias initiative

“Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project | UPSC – IAS” is locked Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) one belt one road essay for upsc ias initiative

Belt and Road Initiative BRI Project | UPSC – IAS

The Belt and Road Initiative is a global development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in 152 countries and international organizations in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

  • “Belt” refers to the overland routes for road and rail transportation, called “the Silk Road Economic Belt“; whereas “road” refers to the sea routes, or the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.The BRI announced in 2013, is made up of a “belt” of overland routes and a maritime “road”, which aims to connect Asia, Europe and Africa.
  • It was known as the One Belt One Road (OBOR) and the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road until 2016 when the Chinese government considered the emphasis on the word “one” was prone to misinterpretation.
  • The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road designed to provide an impetus to trade from China to Europe through the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and from China through the South China Sea towards the South Pacific.

The Chinese government calls the initiative “a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future”. Some observers see it as a push for Chinese dominance in global affairs with a China-centered trading network. The project has a targeted completion date of 2049, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

one belt one road countries list and Participant | UPSC IAS
Belt and Road Initiative Participant Map

Significance of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project | UPSC – IAS

  • In the wake of the global slowdown, BRI offers a new model of development to China to maintain its economic growth. OBOR envisions building networks of roadways, railways, maritime ports, power grids, oil and gas pipelines, associated infrastructure projects which helps Chinese economy.
  • BRI has domestic and international dimension: as it visualises a shift from developed markets in the west to developing economies in Asia, Africa And a shift in China’s development strategy concentrating on provinces in central and western China instead of the developed east coast region.
  • Strategically important as China utilizes its economic clout to build it soft power.

Criticism and Issues with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project | UPSC – IAS

  • Debt-trap diplomacy of China where BRI projects are pushing recipient countries into indebtedness and do not transfer skills or technology. For instance, Hambantota port, where Sri Lanka was forced to lease the port to China for 99 years. Also, there has been rethinking of projects in Malaysia, Maldives, Ethiopia and even in Pakistan.
  • BRI represents political and economic ambitions of China making countries like the US, Japan, Germany, Russia, and Australia unhappy about the impact of Beijing’s moves on their own economic and political interests.
  • China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an important component of BRI, passes through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, is the main reason for India signaling its displeasure over BRI and not participating in both the BRFs.

Other concerns raised include:

  • operational problems
  • lack of information transparency
  • lack of evaluation on the impact of regional social culture
  • Over-expansion of the scope of the types of BRI projects,
  • Environmental concerns stemming from China’s infrastructure buildout

Why India should join Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project ? | UPSC – IAS

  • India as a participant of Asian era: Projected as Project of the century, BRI signals the political end of the old order where the G7 shaped the economic agenda. BRI involves 126 countries and 29 international organizations covering half of world’s population, and India may be isolated from this new economic order.
  • Shaping global economic rules: BRI is evolving standards of multilateralism, including linkages with the United Nations SDGs. The IMF described it as a “very important contribution” to the global economy and is collaborating with the Chinese authorities on sharing the best international practices, regarding fiscal sustainability and capacity building. Being part of it, India can also shape new economic global rules.
  • A platform for voicing Indian concerns: Italy, a member of the G7, also joined BRI, and Japan also sent special envoy, despite its reservations over project. India could also have raised concerns by joining the BRF.
  • India should provide alternatives and solutions– rather than merely criticizing the project. India should improve its implementation performance so as to provide a viable option to other countries.

Why India is boycotting Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project ? | UPSC – IAS

  • CPEC violates India’s sovereignty as it passes through the part of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that belongs to India and no country can accept a project that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • India also raised concerns regarding unsustainable debt trap, environmental concerns, and transparency in assessment of project costs, and skill and technology transfer to help long term running and maintenance of the assets created by local communities.
  • India is too big to be isolated and India’s continued objection will make China to consider its core concerns.

A Way forward | UPSC – IAS

  • India should highlight its territorial concerns to China and seek appropriate response recognising India’s sovereignty.
  • India should give a South Asian character to the two BRI corridors on India’s western and eastern flanks, by linking them with plans for connectivity in the ASEAN and SAARC region.
  • India can cooperate with like-minded countries like Japan, US, Australia to provide alternatives to BRI, e.g. Asia-Africa Growth Corridor etc.

Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope Project | UPSC – IAS

Square Kilometre Array India UPSC - IAS

Square Kilometre Array India UPSC - IAS

Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope Project | UPSC – IAS

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a radio telescope project proposed to be built in Australia and South Africa. If built, it would have a total collecting area of approximately one square kilometre. It would operate over a wide range of frequencies and its size would make it 50 times more sensitive than any other radio instrument. It would require very high performance central computing engines and long-haul links with a capacity greater than the global Internet traffic as of 2013. It should be able to survey the sky more than ten thousand times faster than before.

On 12 March 2019, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) was founded in Rome by seven initial member countries, with several other expected to join in the future. This international organisation is tasked with building and operating the facility, with the first construction contracts scheduled to be awarded in late 2020

Location: – South Africa’s Karoo region and Western Australia’s Murchison Shire were chosen as co-hosting locations for this project.; Built Year: – 2024 – 2030.

Square Kilometre Array India UPSC - IAS Countries that participated in the preparatory phase of SKA
Countries that participated in the preparatory phase of Square Kilometre Array

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a global project with eleven member countries that aims to answer fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of the Universe. In the early days of planning, China vied to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), proposing to build several large dishes in the natural limestone depressions (karst) that dimple its southwestern provinces; China called their proposal Kilometer-square Area Radio Synthesis Telescope (KARST). In April 2011, Jodrell Bank Observatory of the University of Manchester, in Cheshire, England was announced as the location for the project headquarters.

More About Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project | UPSC – IAS

  • Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project is an international effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope, with eventually over a square kilometre (one million square metres) of collecting area.
  • It will use 1000s of dishes and up to a million low-frequency antennas that will enable astronomers to monitor the sky in unprecedented detail and survey the entire sky much faster than any system currently in existence.
  • Karoo will host the core of the high and mid frequency dishes and Murchison will host the low-frequency antennas.
  • Recent Developments – MeerLITCH is the world’s first optical telescope linked to a radio telescope launched in South Africa.
  • The device forms part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project and will be linked to MeerKAT, a radio telescope located 200km away.
  • Scientists at Cambridge have finished designing the data processor of SKA’s telescopes.

Golan Heights Dispute | U.S, Israel & Syria | Significance | UPSC – IAS

Golan Heights Issue | U.S and Israel Dispute | Significance | UPSC - IAS

Golan Heights Issue | U.S and Israel Dispute | Significance | UPSC - IAS

Golan Heights Dispute | U.S, Israel and Syria | Significance | UPSC – IAS

The Golan Heights, or simply the Golan, is a region in the Levant, spanning about 1,800 square kilometres. as a geopolitical region, the Golan Heights is the area captured from Syria and occupied by Israel during the Six-Day War, territory which Israel effectively annexed in 1981. This region includes the western two-thirds of the geological Golan Heights and the Israeli-occupied part of Mount Hermon.

Golan Heights Issue

Recently, United states of America, President Donald Trump has announced that the US may recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The U.S. will be the first country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan and marks a dramatic shift in U.S. policy.

Timeline of the Golan Heights dispute | UPSC – IAS

  • The Golan Heights were part of Syria until 1967.
  • In 1967, Israel occupied the Golan Heights, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 (most of the area) in the Six Day War.
  • Syria tried to regain the Golan Heights during the 1973 Middle East war. Syria was defeated in its attempt and all the effort was thwarted.
  • Both countries signed an armistice in 1974 and a UN observer force has been in place on the ceasefire line since 1974 and the Golan had been relatively quiet since.
  • In 1981, Israel permanently acquired the territory of the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem (which was not recognized Internationally).  An armistice line was established and the region came under Israeli military control.
  • After annexing the Golan Heights, Israel gave the Druze population the option of citizenship, but most rejected it and still identify them as Syrians.
  • In 2000, Israel and Syria held their highest-level talks over a possible return of the Golan and a peace agreement. But the negotiations and subsequent talks failed.
  • The area remained under rebel control until the summer of 2018.
  • Assad’s forces are now back in control of the Syrian side of the Quneitra crossing which reopened in October 2018.

International Recognition of Golan Heights | UPSC – IAS

  • The European Union said its position on the status of the Golan Heights was unchanged and it did not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the area.
  • The Arab League, which suspended Syria in 2011 after the start of its civil war has said the move is “completely beyond international law”.
  • Egypt, which made peace with Israel in 1979, said it still considers the Golan as occupied Syrian territory.
  • India has also not recognized Golan heights as Israel territory and has called for the return of Golan Heights to Syria.
  • The international community regards as disputed territory occupied by Israel whose status should be determined by negotiations between Israel and Syria.
  • Attempts by the international community to bring Israel and Syria for negotiations have failed.

Significance of Golan Heights Dispute | UPSC – IAS

  • The Golan Heights topography provides a natural buffer (Protection against attack) against any military attack from Syria.
  • Golan Heights Natural resources – key source of water for an arid region. Rainwater from the Golan’s catchment feeds into the Jordan River.
  • Naturally fertile soil  and the volcanic soil is used to cultivate vineyards and orchards and raise cattle.

Analysis of Golan Heights Issue | U.S and Israel | UPSC – IAS

U.S. WILL BE THE FIRST COUNTRY TO RECOGNIZE ISRAELI SOVEREIGNTY OVER THE GOLAN

  • U.S. President Donald Trump’s has already recognised as Israel’s capital Jerusalem, a city it captured in parts in the 1948 and 1967 wars and which is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians.
  • Israel captured Golan, a strategically important plateau beside the Sea of Galilee, from Syria in the 1967 war. Among the territories it captured in the war, Israel has returned only the Sinai Peninsula, to Egypt.
  • It annexed East Jerusalem and Golan Heights and continues to occupy the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
  • In 1981, as it passed the Golan annexation legislation, the Security Council passed a resolution that said, “the Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is null and void and without international legal effect
  • Unlike Egypt in the 1970s, Syria has had neither the military ability nor the international clout to launch a campaign to get its territory back.
  • President Bashar al­ Assad tried to kick­start a United states­ mediated peace process with Israel during the Obama presidency, but it failed to take off.
  • And now, the Syrian government, after fighting eight years of a civil war, is debilitated and isolated, and the United States move is unlikely to trigger any strong response, even from the Arab world.
  • But that is the least of the problems. Mr. Trump’s decision flouts international norms and consensus, and sets a dangerous precedent for nations involved in conflicts.
  • The decision also overlooks the wishes of the in­habitants of the territory. Most of the Druze population that has been living in Golan for generations has resist­ ed Israel’s offer of citizenship and remained loyal to Sy­ria.
  • Mr. Donald Trump is making the possibility of any future peaceful settlement difficult by recognising Israel’s sovereignty, just as he made any future Israeli­ Palestinian settlement complicated with his decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
  • The modern interna­tional system is built on sovereignty, and every nation­ state is supposed to be an equal player before interna­tional laws irrespective of its military or economic might.

Removedebris Satellite Mission | UPSC – IAS

Removedebris Satellite Mission UPSC - IAS

Removedebris Satellite Mission UPSC - IAS

Removedebris satellite Mission | UPSC – IAS

RemoveDEBRIS was launched aboard the SpaceX Dragon refill spacecraft on 2 April 2018 as part of the CRS-14 (Commercial Resupply Service mission), arriving at the International Space Station on 4 April. Deployment of the satellite from the station’s Kibo module via robotic Canadarm-2 took place on 20 June 2018. At approximately 100 kg, RemoveDEBRIS is the largest satellite to have ever been deployed from the International Space Station.

About RemoveDebris Satellite Mission

RemoveDEBRIS is a satellite research project intending to demonstrate various space debris removal technologies. The satellite’s platform was manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and is a variant of the SSTL X50 series.

Rather than engaging in active debris removal (ADR) of real space debris, the RemoveDEBRIS mission plan is to test the efficacy of several ADR technologies on mock targets in LEO (low Earth orbit). In order to complete its planned experiments the platform is equipped with:-

  • A net,
  • A harpoon,
  • A laser ranging instrument,
  • A dragsail, and
  • Two CubeSats (miniature research satellites)

Space debris encompasses both natural (meteoroid) and artificial (man-made) particles. Meteoroids are in orbit about the sun, while most artificial debris is in orbit about the Earth. Hence, the latter is more commonly referred to as orbital debris.

  • The term Kessler syndrome is associated with Space Debris, which is used to describe a self-sustaining cascading collision of space debris in LEO (Low Earth Orbit).

The RemoveDebris satellite platform will showcase four methods for release, capture and deorbit two space debris targets, called DebriSATs:

  • Net capture: It involves a net that will be deployed at the target CubeSat.
  • Harpoon Capture: Which will be launched at a target plate made of “representative satellite panel materials”
  • Vision-based navigation: Using cameras and LiDAR (light detection and ranging), the platform will send data about the debris back to the ground for processing.
  • De-orbiting process: As it enters Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft will burn up, leaving no debris behind. The mission will demonstrate key Active Debris Removal (ADR) technologies in orbit, which will have significance for future missions as well.

As part of the space junk cleanup, a new device named space harpoon that captures junk has been tested successfully. It is part of the RemoveDEBRIS satellite project, a multi-organization European effort to create and test methods of reducing space debris

Space Harpoon

The harpoon is meant for larger targets, for example full-size satellites that have malfunctioned and are drifting from their orbit. A simple mass driver could knock them toward the Earth, but capturing them and controlling descent is a more controlled technique.

About Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee

  • It is an international governmental forum for the worldwide coordination of activities related to the issues of man-made and natural debris in space.
  • It aims to exchange information on space debris research activities between member space agencies, to facilitate opportunities for cooperation in space debris research, to review the progress of ongoing cooperative activities, and to identify debris mitigation options.
  • ISRO is also a member of this committee.

Why Space Debris is a concern?

  • Increase the cost of missions- Various space agencies have to manoeuvre their space programme in light of increasing space debris thus adding to extra economic and human resource on space programme.
  • Debris is bound to increase– Space-scientists concern about the inexpensive, tiny satellites called CubeSats, which are going to add space junk around 15% in next 10 years.

Obstruction to various space endeavors

  • NASA estimates that there are about 500,000 pieces of debris larger than half an inch across in low orbit, posing a potential danger to the 780-odd satellites operating in the area.
  • Space junk travels at speeds up to 30,000 km an hour, which turns tiny pieces of orbital debris into deadly shrapnel that can damage satellites, space shuttles, space stations and spacecraft with humans aboard.

Role of Space Technology in Border Management | UPSC

Role of Space Technology in Border Management UPSC IAS science and Technology UPPSC

Role of Space Technology in Border Management UPSC IAS science and Technology UPPCS

Role of Space Technology in Border Management | UPSC IAS

Sealing the entire border is a significant challenge mainly due to variations in the terrain and topography like mountain ranges, sea, tropical forest or climate factors, including desert or thinly populated regions. Space technology provides one of the more effective means to overcome it.

Significance of Space Technology

  • Timely Information: The information received through various satellites are used by various agencies including the security establishment. For instance, weather satellites can provide timely information about topographic features and weather conditions, which are critical to military and para-military operations.
  • Intelligence inputs and Surveillance: through Remote sensing satellites, radar satellites and satellites with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors which are capable of providing day and night all-terrain and all-weather inputs.
  • Checking infiltration: by using low earth orbit surveillance satellites, which would in turn enable the blocking of infiltrators through suitable force deployment. In this regard, the active deployment of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs will improve India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
  • Defending the invisible: Earth observation satellites provide detailed images of hot spots where border crossings peak. India uses the RISAT and Cartosat spacecraft to capture still images as well as high-resolution video of the nation’s disputed borders.
  • Coordination between agencies: While defence forces already use space technology, border forces depend on intelligence shared by central agencies like IB, RAW and National Technical Research Organisation. They also face poor communication issues in areas like Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir Valley. With satellite technology border security authorities can exchange information or access critical data from headquarters, border checkpoints or on the-move border patrol units.
  • Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in remote areas will be also coordinated through satellite communications. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)-based GPS will provide navigation facilities for operational parties in high altitude, remote and difficult borders, and Maoist-affected areas.

Military Satellites in India

  • GSAT 7 is the first dedicated military communication satellite built by ISRO that provide services to the Indian defence forces with the main user being the Indian Navy.
  • GSAT-7A is an advanced military communications satellite meant primarily for the Indian Air Force with Indian Army using 30% of capacity.
  • Other military satellites are -Microsat-R, Cartosat 1 and 2 series, Risat-1 and Risat 2.

Climate Change and International Security Issue | UPSC

Climate Change and International Security Issue UPSC IAS PCS Gk today

Climate Change and International Security Issue UPSC IAS PCS Gk today

Why Climate Change is a security issue? | UPSC IAS

Many Scholars declared Climate Change as Warming War which requires intervention of United Nation Security Council as per its mandate under article 39 of UN charter. The Warming War is a metaphor (like Cold War) which conveys how climate change acts as a driver of such conflict, as its impacts accumulate and multiply to threaten the security of human life on earth.

Article 39 of UN charter – The Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression and shall make recommendations, or decide what measures shall be taken to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Climate Change as a Security Issue | UPSC IAS

  • Earth’s limited resources are under pressure as demand for food, water, and energy is increasing. Widespread unemployment, rapid urbanization, and environmental degradation can cause persistent inequality, political marginalization, and unresponsive governments leading to instability and conflict.
  • In above context United Nation Environment Program has identified seven factors where climate change acts as threat multiplier to security and peace of states and society.
  • Local resource competition: As pressure on local resources is increasing, competition can lead to instability and even violent conflict in absence for proper dispute resolution.
  • Livelihood insecurity and Migration
    • Climate change will increase the insecurity of farmers who depend on natural resources for livelihood. It could push them to migrate and turn to informal and illegal source of income.
    • As per World Bank estimates by 2050, about 140 million people will be forced to leave their place of origin in South Asia, Africa and Latin America.
  • Extreme weather events and disasters: Disasters will exacerbate fragile situation and can increase people vulnerabilities and grievances especially in countries affected by conflict.
  • Volatile food price
    • Climate change is likely to disrupt food production in many regions, increase prices, market volatility and heightening risk of protest, rioting and civil conflicts.
    • As per IPCC assessment by 2080 there will be 770 million undernourished people by 2080 due to climate change.
  • Transboundary water management
    • It is a frequent source of tension. As demand grows and climate impact affects availability and quality, competition over water use will likely exert pressure at local, regional and global level.
    • According to recently released Hindu Kush-Himalayan Assessment report with current emission level two-third of glaciers in the region will be lost by 2100 and cause water crisis for 2 billion people.
  • Sea level rise and coastal degradation
    • Rising sea level will threaten the viability of low lying areas even before they are submerged, leading to social disruption, displacement and migration. Also, disagreement over maritime boundaries and ocean resources may increase.
    • As per IPCC 5th assessment report sea level rise can be 52-98 cm by 2100.
  • Unintended effects of climate change: As the climate adaptation and mitigation policies are more broadly implemented, the risks of unintended negative effects-particularly in fragile regions will also increase. In countries with poor institutional capacity and governance, this may lead to immense political pressure and ultimately civil war.

Reason for support of UNSC intervention | UPSC IAS

  • If the UNSC declares the impacts of climate change an international threat then military and non-military sanctions could be invoked.
  • The sanctions would be available to the council in the event of states not meeting their Paris Agreement obligations. Economic sanctions could also be placed upon corporations that currently operate with relatively little international scrutiny.
  • Supporters of such declaration cites slow and ineffective progress of climate negotiations (under UNFCCC) and demand a rapid response to decreasing GHG emissions to stop temperature rise below 2°C. It’ll bring element of coercion in climate agreements.
  • These measures could include the deployment of peacekeeping forces and increased humanitarian assistance surrounding direct and indirect climate induced crises.

India’s Space Diplomacy UPSC – IAS | NASA

India's Space Diplomacy UPSC - IAS NASA Gk Today The Hindu

India's Space Diplomacy UPSC - IAS NASA Gk Today The Hindu

What is Space Diplomacy ? | UPSC – IAS | NASA

Space Diplomacy is the art and practice of using space to conduct International Relations and furthering National Interest. Space has emerged as new arena for competition and cooperation for global powers to compete and establish supremacy. Space technology being highly complex gives any nation international recognition, status and projects its soft-power.

As part of its space diplomacy, India will set up five ground stations and more than 500 terminals in five neighboring countries –

  • Bhutan,
  • Nepal,
  • Maldives,
  • Bangladesh and
  • Sri Lanka.

The infrastructure is being created as an extension of the South Asia Satellite launched in 2017. It will help put in place applications ranging from television broadcasting to telephony and internet, disaster management and telemedicine. This move also helps India in putting our strategic assets in the neighborhood.

Indian initiatives in Space Diplomacy | UPSC – IAS | NASA

  • India has also allowed SAARC countries to use its regional positioning system NAVIC.
  • India has also collaborated with other countries, example- NISAR.
  • India collaborated with NASA during its Chandrayan Mission which found water on the moon.
  • Data from Indian satellites is frequently shared with friendly countries for astronomical research which furthers goodwill and enhances relations.
  • The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) operates three international stations in Brunei, Indonesia and Mauritius.
  • The ISRO also established the India-Myanmar Friendship Centre for Remote Sensing in 2001
  • South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9 is a Geostationary Communication satellite launched by ISRO to provide various communication applications over South Asian countries. Some other applications include: Tele-medicine, Disaster Management, Banking, e-governance etc.

Concerns associated with space diplomacy|UPSC – IAS | NASA

  • Lack of legal agreements: Space is one of the areas where few or no International treaties exist for its peaceful use. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs works to promote peaceful use of outer space but there are no binding agreements like NPT or CTBT to prevent weaponization of space.
  • Perpetuates Global inequality between Nations: Because only a few nations have space technology, it makes other underdeveloped and developing nations dependent on developed nations to make use of space.
  • Misuse of resources: There is also a concern that developing countries might overspend on space programs rather than addressing basic needs of its citizens. For example – North Korean has a space program too while its citizen suffers from famine and starvation.
  • Lack of uniform definition of Space boundary: There is no international agreement on the vertical extent of sovereign airspace.
  • Space-weaponization: Weaponization of space may become a new tool in the hands of nations in the future as a part of their space diplomacy. The space-weapons could be hundred times more lethal than current weapons and have a potential to wipe-out humanity.

Space as a tool in Indian foreign policy |UPSC – IAS | NASA

  • Furthering Neighborhood First Policy: The South Asian satellite is in line with India’s neighborhood first policy.
  • Enhancing Soft-Power of India: it will also enhance and project India’s soft-power and goodwill among foreign countries as we share the fruits of advancements in space technology with neighbors. India’s ISRO provides a cheaper alternative to developing nations to launch satellites compared to the American or European counterparts, thus bringing them closer to India.
  • Countering China: China has advanced satellite tacking center in Tibet which can not only track Indian satellites but also blind them. Ground Stations in the neighborhood will help India counter growing Chinese influence.
  • New Area of Cooperation: Space opens up new area of cooperation between India and other states which would further enhance bilateral relations with those countries.

Related International Bodies ( Space Diplomacy ) | UPSC – IAS | NASA

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)

United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is the forum for the development of international space law. The Committee has concluded five international treaties:-

  • • The “Outer Space Treaty” which regulates activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.
  • • The “Rescue Agreement”: on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space.
  • • The “Liability Convention“: Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects.
  • • The “Registration Convention”: Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space.
  • • The “Moon Agreement”: which governs the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. United

Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

  • It serves as the secretariat for Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
  • It is also responsible for implementing the Secretary-General’s responsibilities under international space law and maintaining the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO)

  • It is an intergovernmental organization operated as a non-profit independent body with full international legal status.
  • It is headquartered in Beijing, China.
  • Members include space agencies from: Bangladesh, China, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan, Peru and Thailand, and Turkey.
  • Indonesia is a signatory state and Mexico as observer state
  • It includes sharing data, establishing a space communication network, and tracking space objects.
  • India should consider forming an organization like this.

UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force | UPSC

UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force UPSC IAS UPPSC UPPCS PCS SSC THe Hindu Gk today

UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force UPSC IAS UPPSC UPPCS PCS SSC THe Hindu Gk today

About UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force | UPSC – IAS

Recently, UN launched a new framework “UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact”.

  • It is an agreement between the UN chief, 36 organizational entities, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and,
  • The World Customs Organisation, to better serve the needs of Member States when it comes to tackling the scourge of international terrorism.

Objective of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact | UPSC – IAS

  • To ensure that the United Nations system provides coordinated capacity-building support to Member States, at their request, in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and other relevant resolutions.
  • To foster close collaboration between the Security Council mandated bodies and the rest of the United Nations system.
  • The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Compact Coordination Committee will oversee and monitor the implementation of the Compact which will be chaired by UN Under-Secretary-General for counter-terrorism. o It will replace the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, which was established in 2005 to strengthen UN system-wide coordination and coherence of counter-terrorism efforts.

Why there is a need for global compact for counter terrorism ? | UPSC – IAS |PCS

  • Coordination: Given the number of players involved, the enormity of the task for Counter terrorism, and the limited resources available, effective coordination is crucial.
  • Porous borders: In recent years, terrorist networks have evolved, moving away from a dependency on state sponsorship and many of the most dangerous groups and individuals now operate as non state actors.
  • Taking advantage of porous borders and interconnected international systems—finance, communications, and transit—terrorist groups can operate from every corner of the globe.
  • Incapacity of countries to control terrorist threats: Multilateral initiatives bolster state capacity to build institutions and programs that strengthen a range of activities, from policing to counter radicalization programs.
  • Emerging challenges: Vigilance against misuse of emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, drones and 3D (three-dimensional) printing, as well as against the use of hate-speech and distortion of religious beliefs by extremist and terrorist groups.

Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted it in 2006 and it is a unique global instrument to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism.
  • UNGA reviews the Strategy every two years, making it a living document attuned to Member States’ counter-terrorism priorities.
  • The four pillars of the Global Strategy include:
    • Measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.
    • Measures to prevent and combat terrorism.
    • Measures to build state’s’ capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the United Nations system in that regard.
    • Measures to ensure respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis for the fight against terrorism.

Counter-terrorism – India’s involvement at UN | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • India has prioritised the adoption of an intergovernmental framework to combat terrorism.
  • India introduced the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in 1996 that defined terrorism and enhanced “normative processes for the prosecution and extradition of terrorists.”
  • Active participation in several counter-terrorism discussions, such as drafting a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in the General Assembly in 2006, serving as a founding members of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF), and supporting counterterrorism mechanisms established by UN Security Council Resolutions, such as Resolutions 1267, 1988, and 1989 related to sanctions against Al-Qaeda/Taliban, Resolution 1373 establishing the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and Resolution 1540 addressing the non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction to terrorist organisations.

Seabed 2030 Project – Bathymetric data map of Ocean Floor | UPSC – IAS

Seabed 2030 Project - Bathymetric data map of Ocean Floor UPSC - IAS PCS PIB the HIndu UPPCS UPPSC BPSC

Seabed 2030 Project - Bathymetric data map of Ocean Floor UPSC - IAS PCS PIB the HIndu UPPCS UPPSC BPSC

Seabed 2030 Project – Bathymetric data map of Ocean Floor | UPSC – IAS

The U.N.-backed project Seabed 2030 is pooling data from the countries and companies to create a map of the entire ocean floor.

About Seabed 2030 Project | UPSC – IAS

  • It aims to bring together all available bathymetric data (measures of depth and shape of the seafloor) to
    produce the definitive map of the world ocean floor by 2030 and make it available to all.
  • It is a collaborative project between the Nippon Foundation and General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO).
  • The project was launched at the United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference in June 2017 and is aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal #14 to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
  • Central to the Seabed 2030 strategy is the creation of Regional Data Assembly and Coordination Centres (RDACCs), with each having a defined ocean region of responsibility. A board will be established for each region consisting of local experts to identify existing bathymetric data, and to help coordinate new bathymetric surveys.

Significance Seabed Mapping Project | UPSC – IAS

  • Bathymetric data from the deep ocean is critical for studying marine geology and geophysics. For example, Bathymetric data obtained in 1950s and ‘60s led to modern understanding of Plate tectonics.
  • The shape of the seabed is a crucial parameter for understanding ocean circulation patterns as well as an important variable for accurately forecasting tsunami wave propagation.
  • Bathymetric data illuminates the study of tides, wave action, sediment transport, underwater geo—hazards, cable routing, resource exploration, extension of continental shelf (UN Law of the Sea treaty issues), military and defence applications.
  • In coastal regions, bathymetry underpins marine and maritime spatial planning and decision-making, navigation safety, and provides a scientific basis for models of storm surges, while also informing our understanding of marine ecosystems and habitats.
  • Detailed knowledge of bathymetry is a fundamental prerequisite for attaining an improved understanding of the subsea processes.

Challenges | UPSC – IAS

  • Even using the RDACC model, the goal of mapping the entire world ocean is a significant challenge, and can only be accomplished if new field mapping projects are initiated.
  • Crowdsourcing bathymetric data from fishing vessels and recreational small boats etc. represents one approach for gathering information in shallower water regions, but is less efficient in deeper waters due to depth limitations of standard echo sounders.
  • Deep water mapping remains a major challenge due to the cost involved and the limited number of available research vessels that are equipped with modern deep, water multibeam sonars.

A Way forward | UPSC – IAS

  • Reach out to the national and international funding agencies, to get adequate funding to support Seabed 2030 vision.
  • Keeping up with technology overtime to make sure that processes, products and services are forward looking and well-positioned to make use of new technologies as they become available.
  • Given the sheer size of the ocean the Seabed 2030 goals can only be achieved through international coordination and collaboration with respect to data acquisition, assimilation and compilation.

Climate Change COP24 – Katowice, Poland -An Analysis | UPSC IAS PCS

Climate Change (COP 24) - Katowice, Poland -An Analysis UPSC IAS PCS UPPCS SSC

Climate Change (COP 24) - Katowice, Poland -An Analysis UPSC IAS PCS UPPCS SSC

The 24th Session of the of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP24 was held in Katowice, Poland.

Agenda of COP24: The conference focused on three key issues:-

  • Finalization of guidelines/ modalities/rules for the implementation of Paris Agreement.
  • Conclusion of 2018 Facilitative Talanoa Dialogue (to help countries implement NDC by 2020)
  • The stocktake of Pre-2020 actions implementation and ambition

Key outcomes in Katowice | UPSC IAS PCS PIB

Accounting Guidance Rules to guide the countries for their Climate pledges (“nationally determined contributions”, NDCs), will make it easier to compare pledges and to add them up as a global aggregate.

  • All countries “shall” use the latest emissions accounting guidance from the IPCC, last updated in 2006, but now in the process of being reformed next year.
  • Market mechanisms: This provides for the trading of carbon credits i.e. overachievement of NDCs (cooperative approaches and internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs)), as well as individual projects generating carbon credits for sale. Following is the status on this front:
    • Accounting Rules to prevent “double counting” of emissions reductions by the buyer and seller of offsets could not be finalised.
    • The schemes and methodologies for the implementation of Sustainable Development Mechanism- SDM would be discussed in COP25. The SDM is intended to replace the Kyoto Protocol’s “Clean Development Mechanism” (CDM) for carbon offsets. o Overall Mitigation in Global Emissions (OMGE): It is a central and critical new element under the Paris Agreement, that takes carbon markets beyond the offsetting approaches of the existing markets like the CDM.
    • The primary purpose of OMGE is to deliver on cost-effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions, rather than creating carbon markets for their own sake.
  • Small island countries wanted a mandatory automatic cancellation or discounting for an OMGE applied to all the activities under market mechanism. However this option was removed from the COP decision and made voluntary.
  • Climate finance reporting: Developed country Parties shall biennially communicate indicative quantitative and qualitative information on programmes, including projected levels, channels and instruments, as available public financial resources to be provided to developing country Parties. Other Parties providing resources are encouraged to communicate biennially such information on a voluntary basis.
    • The UNFCCC secretariat to establish a dedicated online portal for posting and recording the biennial communications.
  • Global stocktake: Paris Agreement requires the CMA (Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement) to periodically take stock of the implementation of the Paris Agreement and to assess collective progress towards achieving the purpose of the Agreement and its long-term goals. This process is called the global stocktake.
    • The rules set the structure for the stocktake process, which is to be divided into three stages: Information collection, technical assessment and consideration of outputs.
  • Transparency: The purpose of the transparency framework is to provide a clear understanding of climate change action in the light of the objective of the Paris Convention. This includes clarity and tracking of progress towards achieving Parties’ individual NDCs, and Parties’ adaptation actions, including good practices and gaps, to inform the global stocktake.
  • Moreover, it provides clarity on support provided and received by relevant individual Parties in the context of climate change actions, and, to the extent possible, to provide a full overview of aggregate financial support provided, to inform the global stocktake.
    • The final rulebook applies a single set of rules to all countries, however with flexibility for “those developing country parties that need it in the light of their capacities”, reflecting CBDR-RC principle.
  • Loss and damage: Loss and damage caused by the unavoidable impacts of climate change was a touchstone issue for vulnerable countries, such as small island developing states. The rulebook mentions this issue, however, in a diluted version.
    • The global stocktake rules do add loss and damage clause. The stocktake rules now say it “may take into account, as appropriate, efforts to avert, minimise and address loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change”.
    • The transparency rules also say countries “may, as appropriate” report on loss and damage.
  • Other matters: Rules were finalised in a number of other areas, including how compliance with the Paris Agreement is to be monitored.
    • COP24 agreed to set up an expert compliance committee that is “facilitative in nature, non-adversarial and non-punitive”. It will not impose penalties or sanctions. The committee will be able to investigate countries that fail to submit climate pledges.
    • COP decided that the “adaptation fund” – a financial mechanism set up under the Kyoto Protocol – should continue under the Paris Agreement.
  • Talanoa Dialogue: The final text simply “invited” countries to “consider” the outcomes of the Talanoa dialogue in preparing their NDCs and in efforts to enhance pre-2020 ambition.
    • The text also “welcomes” the 2018 stocktake on pre-2020 implementation and ambition, and reiterates its decision to convene another stocktake next year.
    • Pre-2020: With respect to the “pre-2020” commitments –first agreed by developed countries in 2010 in Cancun – the COP called for developed countries to ratify the Doha Amendment so that it can enter into force. This would extend the Kyoto Protocol on developed country emissions till 2020.
    • The COP also “strongly urges” developed countries to increase their financial support in line with the promise to jointly mobilise $100bn per year in climate finance to poorer countries by 2020. It acknowledges that “the provision of urgent and adequate finance” will help developing countries in order to up their own pre-2020 action.
    • ‘Welcoming’ the IPCC 1.5°C report: Despite the majority of countries speaking in favour of the report, four countries – the US, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait – refused to “welcome” the report. The COP welcome its “timely completion” and “invited” countries to make use of the report in subsequent discussions at the UNFCCC.

Analysis of the outcomes | UPSC IAS PCS PIB

  • Provision of finance by developed countries: Rules on financial contributions by developed countries have been diluted making it very difficult to hold them accountable.
    • Now, developed countries have the choice to include all kinds of financial instruments, concessional and non-concessional loans, grants, aids etc, from various public and private sources, to meet their commitments.
    • The rules on ex-ante (forecasted) financial reporting and its review for adequacy has been significantly weakened.
    • Developed countries now have the freedom to decide the amount and the kind of financial resources they want to give to the developing countries and do this without any strong mechanism of accountability.
  • Loss and damage: The Warsaw International Mechanism, which has to deal with averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, has no financial resources to support vulnerable countries. With no financial provisions, the countries are now left on their own to address the impacts of climate change.
  • Global stocktake (GST):
    • The non- Policy prescriptive rulebook for GST ensures that the process will neither give any recommendation to individual countries or a group of countries, nor will it give any prescriptive policy to everyone. This would result in collection of a lot of technical information without any clear recommendation to increase ambition on mitigation or finance.
    • Also, equity has been mentioned in the text, but there is no mechanism to operationalize it.
  • Carbon market Mechanism:
    • There has virtually been no progress made on non-market mechanisms (sub-article 6.8 of Paris Agreement) to reduce emissions and enhance sinks in forests and land.
    • There is no firm decision on OMGE mechanism. Also, the rulebook has different rules for different markets, which is non-transparent and makes emissions reductions unverifiable. Trading is allowed for sectors which are not covered in a country’s emissions targets, which will dilute the overall mitigation effect.
    • Countries are on their own: The Paris Agreement had both bottom-up and top-down elements. Most of the top-down elements have been diluted in the rulebook. The Paris Agreement and its rulebook is now a totally ‘self-determined’ process. Countries are now on their own to mitigate, to adapt, and to pay the cost of climate impacts.

Effects of globalization on Indian Society | UPSC – IAS

Online education

What is Globalization and its Significance, Causes and Effects ? | UPSC - IAS

What is Globalization and its Significance, Causes and Effects ? | UPSC – IAS

(Brief Overview)

Globalization thrives on the world’s new, inexpensive transportation and communication facilities. It requires freedom of movement across borders of goods, services, capital, knowledge, and people. It also requires new institutions for negotiating rules and regulations across international borders.

  • With globalization, and the internet, billions of dollars of investment capital can move around the globe at the stroke of a key.
  • Globalization means increased trade among nations, as well as increased travel, world art, music, and literature, and new dimensions of economic investment.
  • New and different social and cultural forms have arisen. However, globalization has also led to increasing disparities of wealth between the rich and the poor, and this disparity has fostered movements opposing further globalization.
  • Globalization means integration of economies and societies through cross country flows of information, ideas, technologies, goods, services, capital, finance and people.
  • Globalization has made countries to realize that nations can no longer be cocooned in their own cultural or economic nests but invariably be part of the larger picture which takes into account the competencies, interests and the dependencies of economies world -wide.

Information Technology and Globalisation | UPSC – IAS

  • Globally use of the Internet increased phenomenally in the 1990s. In 1998 there were 70 million Internet users world-wide. Of these USA and Canada accounted for 62% while Asia had 12%. By 2000 the number of Internet users had risen to 325 million. India had 3 million Internet subscribers and 15 million users by 2000, thanks to the proliferation of cyber cafes all over the country.
  • The spread of multinational companies and the opportunities opened up by the information technology revolution has created in the metropolitan cities in India class of upwardly mobile professionals working in software firms, multinational banks, chartered accountancy firms, stock markets, travel, fashion designing, entertainment, media and other allied fields. These high-flying professionals have highly stressful work schedules, get exorbitant salaries and are the main clientele of the booming consumer industry.
  • It should also be noted that for the first time, mainly due to the information technology revolution, there has been a globalisation of finance. Globally integrated financial markets undertake billions of dollars worth transactions within seconds in the electronic circuits. There is a 24-hour trading in capital and security markets. Cities such as New York, Tokyo and London are the key centers for financial trading. Within India, Mumbai is known as the financial capital of the country.
  • With the advent of globalization, a nation’s economy became more connected with and dependent on those in other countries around the world. For example, when several Asian countries faced economic turmoil in the late 1990s, the economic impact was felt in Western nations at the corporate and individual levels.

Positive and Negative effects of Globalisation | UPSC – IAS

Negative effects of Globalization

  • Digital divide
  • Natural manure is replaced by synthetic fertilizers.
  • Greater threat of spread of communicable diseases
  • Global recession impact on Indian economy
  • Jobless growth
  • Westernization: valentine day, clothes (low-waist jeans) (can be – or +) no culture is bad
  • Threat to traditional knowledge system: Rudraksha and Basmati rice has highlighted the need for protecting the base of its indigenous knowledge system
  • Urbanization migration (rural to urban)
  • Rise of materialism leads to → Consumerism

Positive effects of Globalization

  • Cultural interaction has helped to overcome cultural barriers.
  • Tourism
  • Removal of orthodox obstacles → women empowerment
  • MNC’s BPO KPO → job creation
  • Human rights issues highlighted
  • Woman empowerment / issues highlighted
  • Gender equality
  • Increase competition → good product with cheaper rates
  • Economic development & economic independence of women → increase in self confidence

Debatable question – Different views on Globalization

  • In Economics we have views on pro-globalization by Jagdish Bhagwati etc. who build on the economic notion that free trade helps everybody and lift the poor out of poverty,
  • While we have the anti-globalization views -by the likes of Vandana Shiva, Arundhati Roy, etc.,who see globalization as a way for multinational corporations and multilateral institutions (World Bank, IMF) to change the rules all over the world to ensure better markets for the rich countries.

Conclusion  | UPSC – IAS

Process of globalization is not new. The globalization of the economic, social and cultural structures happened in all ages. Earlier the pace of such a process was so slow that we hardly noticed.

Relation between India and APEC | UPSC – IAS

Relation between India and APEC UPSC - IAS

Established in 1989 APEC is an inter-governmental forum for 21 Pacific Rim member economies. APEC aims for regional economic integration by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable growth.

Fact: India was allowed in APEC summit in 2011 as an observer state.

Although India has been attempting to join APEC since 1993, but still has not got the membership as:

  • India’s geographical location isn’t conducive for India’s membership in APEC as India does not border the Pacific Ocean.
  • Some APEC members have expressed concerns that India’s inclusion could shift the focus of the grouping away from its Pacific Rim.
  • India’s economic policies are generally considered as protectionist and inward which is considered against the liberalized and free market principles of APEC.
  • India’s record in trade negotiations, bilaterally as well as in the World Trade Organization (WTO), has made some APEC economies concerned that including India would slow momentum for achieving the forum’s objectives
  • In 1997 a moratorium on membership was put in place for a ten-year period which was extended further till 2010. However currently there is no moratorium on membership.

Why India belongs to APEC?

Economic angle:

  • Size of Economy: India is 6th largest economy of World and 3rd largest economy of Asia. Also as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India represents a significant long-term source of growth for the world economy. This mandates an economy based forum such as APEC to take cognizance of India.
  • Opportunities in India: India is projected to be the world’s third largest economy by 2030 and will need well over $1 trillion of investment in infrastructure over the next decade. Its burgeoning middle class, estimated to number 450 million in 2030, will offer huge opportunities for APEC countries which are experiencing sluggish growth.
  • Changed Conditions: At the time of inception of APEC (1989), India had not liberalized and was out of sync of APEC economic principles. However, India starting from 1991 has liberalized and India’s trade stands at 40% of GDP now. India even has extensive trade relations with all the APEC member economies.
  • Strengthening Economic Integration: Emerging trade regimes could create gaps between the standards and policies adopted by their members and those pursued by non-members. By including a key economy such as India, APEC can play a constructive role by helping bridge such gaps.
  • Alternative to China: For APEC members, greater integration with India could offer an alternative source for manufacturing goods. Also India’s large labor market (largest in the world by 2030), will help offset the impact of aging populations and shrinking work forces in APEC economies and offers advantages for sourcing services — in IT, financial services, etc.

Strategic angle:

  • Strategic Balance: Inclusion of India could bring a strategic balance and ease the tension within the grouping. India’s record of Non Alignment could bring confidence among the smaller members of APEC amid the impasse between USA and China. Especially, joint efforts of Japan, India and Australia could reduce tension between US and China.
  • Political counterweight to China: As a major power in the Indian Ocean, India could provide a balancing counterweight to China for smaller Asian countries that may be wary of the alternative hard stand provided by the US.
  • New Indo-Pacific policy of USA: USA under Trump regime has changed the view of Asia Pacific to Indo-Pacific. Inclusion of India in APEC is in coherence with the new approach of US in the region

Benefits to India (UPSC IAS)

  • Act East Policy: For further strengthening of economic ties of India East and Southeast Asia through higher trade volumes and greater physical connectivity, APEC membership streamlines the process by standardizing the trade related negotiations.
  • Creating Synergy: Through its processes and guidelines, APEC will facilitate India’s implementation of the economic reforms, boost competitiveness and the ease of doing business. APEC membership would also help India prepare for potential inclusion in emerging trade agreements such as TPP (now CPTPP), if India considers joining these in the future.
  • Economic Growth: India’s current economic program relies on greater access to foreign markets, investment sources, and value chains to bolster manufacturing and create jobs at home.
  • India-US Relations: Supporting India’s APEC bid would demonstrate an American commitment to help strategic partner India gain the greater role in institutions of global governance.

A Way forward (Important for UPSC IAS)

  • Diplomatic investment: To gain support of its candidacy of APEC, India needs to work diplomatically with key members like United States and Japan. Also, India could ask China, Korea, Australia, and Vietnam to provide vocal support and diplomatic resources to India’s cause.
  • Extensive Study before inclusion: APEC could commission studies assessing the benefits and costs of Indian accession which will help its members to develop consensus on the question of Indian membership.
  • Transitional membership: Before providing full membership of APEC a transitional membership could be provided. Transitional memberships could gradually integrate India in ways that satisfy current members and allow India to benefit from APEC’s processes and technical support.

India and United States of America – Trade International Relations UPSC

India and United States of America - Trade International Relations UPSC

India and United States of America - Trade International Relations UPSC

India and United States of America – Trade International Relations | UPSC –  IAS

What is Generalized System of Preferences ?

It is a non-reciprocal preferential tariff system which provides for exemption from the Most Favored Nation principle of World Trade Organization. It involves reduced MFN tariffs or duty free entry of eligible products exported by beneficiary countries (developed countries) to markets of donor countries (developing countries).

  • Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)  measure was adopted at UNCTAD Conference in 1968 and later enacted by General Agreement on Trade and Tariff (now WTO) in 1971.
  • The objective of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) was to give development support to poor countries by promoting capacity development and trade.
  • 11 Developed countries including the USA, EU, UK, Japan etc., extend GSPs to imports from developing countries.
  • U.S. has a particularly strong Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) regime, under Trade Act, 1974. India has been the largest beneficiary of the GSP. In 2017, India’s duty-free export to the US under the GSP was more than $5.6 billion.
  • Now, 50 products (out of a total of 94 products) from India have been removed from GSP particularly impacting handloom and agriculture sectors.

Impact of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) withdrawal on India

  • Impact on Current Account Deficit (CAD) and rupee: GSP withdrawal will cost India $70 million in raised duties from GSP benefits. It will reduce the trade surplus that
    India has against trade with US leading to higher CAD which also runs the risk of further weakening rupee.
  • Impact on MSME and agriculture: Small and medium size business could be impacted. Especially export of handloom made home textiles products are expected to be affected

India -USA International Trade Relations  

  • U.S. goods and services trade with India totaled an estimated $126.2 billion in 2017. (exports-$76.7 billion & imports- $49.9 billion, Trade deficit- $27.5 billion)
  • USA foreign direct investment (FDI) in India was USD $44.5 billion in 2017.

Major Impediments in trade relations | UPSC – IAS

Tariff issues

US under Trump regime has taken different position as compared to previous stands in trade negotiations. US President called India “the tariff king” and raised issues with India like:

    • Indian motorcycles imported into the US tariff free while US motorcycles imported to India face high tariffs.
    • Intellectual property rights: India has been placed in Priority Watch List of the USTR Special 301.

Subsidies issues:

    • Subsidies given by some US states to local renewable energy producers.
    • USA is against the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime of India and accuse India of violating WTO subsidies norms and limitations.

 Visa related tensions:

  • India is the largest beneficiary of H1-B visa scheme of US. But US in recent times has increased visa fees for H1B visa applicants and cut their quotas. This has been detrimental for the interest of Indian IT companies. India has raised concerns on this issue.

India – USA have been also engaged WTO in dispute resolution

  • India dragged the USA to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism over the imposition of import duties on steel and aluminium. Also, India and US are at loggerheads on subsidies and Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions to renewable energy sector in their respective countries.

A Way Forward | UPSC – IAS

Unlike USA-China there is no trade war between India and US but tension do exist in trade relations.

  • India is not in position to engage in tit-for-tat approach in raising tariffs like China. India needs cooperation of US in many other sectors like defense, technology transfers, regional security (strategic relationship).
  • USA has granted some relief to India in recent times. US has granted Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) status to India, giving India same access as NATO allies to latest technology. Also India is among the eight countries to get exemption from US in purchasing oil from Iran even though Trump administration has imposed its “toughest ever” sanctions against Iran This is an indication of US seeking deeper strategic ties with India.
  • India should stay the course in its current approach to trade negotiations while not reacting to rhetorical moves by US, preventing any escalations and also avoiding the spilling of friction in trade relations to other areas of relations.
  • India should continue negotiating for a trade package with the US, and demand a waiver on tariff hikes similar to the ones granted to Argentina, Brazil and South Korea.
  • India needs to boost exports and cut non-essential imports in the backdrop of its current account deficit (CAD) touching 2.4%.

India – Australia International Relations | UPSC – IAS

India - Australia International Relations UPSC - IAS

India - Australia International Relations UPSC - IAS

India – Australia International Relations | UPSC – IAS

Australia Prime Minister has announced implementation of “An India Economic Strategy to 2035”, a vision document that will shape India- Australia bilateral ties.

  • A three-pillar strategy- The focus of this report is on building a sustainable long-term India economic strategy. The report identifies 10 sectors and 10 states in an evolving Indian market where Australia has competitive advantages, and where it should focus its efforts. These are divided into a flagship sector (education), three lead sectors (agribusiness, resources, and tourism) and six promising sectors (energy, health, financial services, infrastructure, sport, science and innovation).

First Pillar – Economic Ties

India is already in the first tier of Australia’s diplomatic relations. It has been a high foreign policy priority for at least two decades. But the economic relationship is stuck in the second tier. This vision thus focuses on upgrading ties into full blown economic partnership.

  • Building on India’s Economic Rise- Over the past decade and a half, India’s economic growth, its appetite for resources, energy demand, skill development, technical know how and investments have made it an important trade partner and export destination for Australia.
  • Therefore, this strategic vision aims at capturing this rise of India economy. India’s growing economic weight makes it an unavoidable economic partner, despite the challenges in navigating its market. Australian exports to India are expected to grow from 14.9 billion dollars in 2017 to around 45 billion dollars in the next 20 year, and Australian investment to India rise from 10.3 billion dollars to over the 100-billion mark, reflecting a transformational expansion of the relationship. This investment will be spread over various sectors like resources, education, infrastructure etc.
  • The core of the trade ties are energy resources and now Australia is moving forward in providing assured Uranium supply under Civil Nuclear Cooperation agreement which is important for India’s energy security and economic growth.

Second Pillar-Geostrategic Engagement

  • Indo-Pacific – A global Strategic region- Recently there is a shift to Indo pacific which is becoming a centre of economic and strategic gravity. With a high volume of seaborne trade passing through the Strait of Malacca, the Straits of Singapore and the Gulf of Hormuz, the region has become a theatre of competing claims and power plays. India and Australia enjoy strategic position in Indo-pacific and therefore are natural allies in the region.
  • Preserving the status quo- Both Australia and India support a rules based international order which currently is under increasing threat. Its defenders are shrinking and its challengers growing.
  • Chinese revisionism- China is continuously revising its power in the region. Blatant disregard for international law, construction of artificial islands, an active defence strategy weaponizing capital and trade, and adoption of a military posture that seeks to keep other powers out from parts of the western Pacific is disturbing the balance of power in the. It provides India and Australia an opportunity to be net security providers thereby ensuring rebalancing.
  • Ambiguous American leadership- Though during the Indo-Pacific Business Forum US laid out a partnership based economic engagement in Indo pacific to reassure friends but still the countries have reservations about its America first policy.

Third pillar-Rethinking Culture-thrust on soft power diplomacy

  • In the last decade a large scale has been witnessed in the Indian Diaspora in Australia which now constitute 700,000 strong and the fastest growing large Diaspora in Australia. This Diaspora can play a big role to enhance the partnership by creating personal links, in business, arts, education, politics and civil society.

Concerns are as follows:-

  • Dichotomous Australian Foreign Policy- Historically, a key problem with Australia’s bilateral relationships has been the misalignment of Australia’s economic and political-security interests. While Australia is reliant on the US for its defence and security through the Australia-New Zealand-US treaty, its economy depends on China, which accounts for a huge share in bilateral trade and investment.
  • Challenges of Indian Economy- India is too complicated for its growth story to be linear. Canberra has skepticism about India’s economic progress which is constrained by the political compromises demanded by a diverse democratic federation, held back by thinly resourced institutions, burdened by a interfering bureaucracy, dented by corruption and shaped by a political tradition which puts much greater faith in government intervention than the efficiency of markets.
  • Trade implications for India- India and Australia are “too far apart” to conclude the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in the near term.
  • Perception of Indo pacific– There is no coherent Indo pacific strategy as countries do not have one definitive vision for the region. It is largely seen as global construct to arrest China’s rise.

A Way forward

  • India-Australia needs to formulate a comprehensive shared Indo pacific vision which ensures inclusivity, transparency, openness and a rule based order.
  • India has to remove various governance bottlenecks and ensure speedy engagement. CECA need to be concluded immediately in order to realize the untapped trade potential.
  • Both sides should share the benefits of increased cooperation equally.

India & European union Political International Relations | UPSC – IAS

India & European union Political International Relations UPSC

India & European union Political International Relations UPSC

India & European union Political International Relations | UPSC – IAS

The European Union has unveiled a ‘strategy paper’ outlining the broad roadmap for accelerating cooperation with India in a range of key sectors.

What does the strategy paper focus on?

Strategic Partnership

  • It focuses on developing military-to-military relations under which deploying an EU military advisor in the EU Delegation in New Delhi and vice-versa is being considered.
  • It will focus on negotiation of a broader contemporary Strategic Partnership Agreement supplanting 1994 EU-India Cooperation Agreement and intensify dialogue on Afghanistan and Central Asia.
  • Also supports strengthening technical cooperation on fighting terrorism, countering radicalization, violent extremism and terrorist financing.

Maritime cooperation-

  • Efforts will be made to identify common interests of both at policy and operational levels to enhance maritime security.
  • It will focus on working with India and other key regional players such as South Africa to help build the capacity of maritime nations in the Indian Ocean and East Africa

Renewed focus on trade

  • India and EU since 2007 are unable to strike a free trade agreement called Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) due to incoherent interest of both.
  • The European Union (EU) now is looking at reworking the proposed free trade pact with India called the Broad Based BTIA in a post-Brexit scenario.
  • Though the strategy paper did not mention BTIA, but it aims to negotiate a “balanced, ambitious and mutually beneficial” free trade agreement (FTA) with sufficient level of ambition to respond to each side’s key interests in trade and investment.

Political Partnership

This includes reinforcing cooperation on foreign policy, promoting effective multilateralism and building on common values and objectives.

Why this immediate thrust?

  • After the promising beginnings in 2000s, the EU-India partnership lost its momentum as it largely focused on trade and cultural rather than broad strategic and political issues.
  • Europe’s main focus earlier was on China as its key partner and market in Asia while India viewed Europe largely as a trade bloc.
  • But now the new strategic and power realities have pushed the two towards each other.

Chinese Challenge

    • China’s increasing presence in Eurasia and South Asia is creating similar security, political and economic concerns for Europe and India. Both are driven by the need to diversify its partnerships and balance.

BREXIT- a new opportunity

  • Both EU and India can seize an opportunity to work without Britain. Brexit is pushing India to look for new ‘gateways’ to Europe, as its traditional partner leaves the union. A renewed trade and political cooperation are the need of the hour.
  • Fall of the conventional Liberal Trade Order-
    • Trade war, crumbling WTO and break down of TPP etc has made EU understand the economic importance of India.
    • Also for India, EU is one of the largest trading partner (13.5% of India’s overall trade with the world in 2015-16), well ahead of China (10.8%), USA (9.3%), UAE (7.7%) and Saudi Arabia (4.3%).
    • India is the EU’s 9th trading partner in 2016 (2.2% of EU’s overall trade with the world), after South Korea (2.5%) and ahead of Canada (1.9%).
    • With the rise of protectionism by USA, both have opportunity to increase the trade.

Conclusion

  • The EU sees a larger role of India in the regional (Asian) and global security- economic architecture therefore is working on a new strategy with respect to India.
  • Indian multi-alignment approach has made room for reviving India-EU partnership while rebalancing power relations in Eurasia has pushed Europe to carve out its own Asia policy. Hitherto Europe-India partnership was all about trade but now it is finally shifting to a strategic one.