TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: After a drop in 2021, India’s HDI value increases from 0.633 to 0.644 in 2022, placing the country in the medium human development category.

India has been ranked 134 out of 193 countries in Human Development Index.

EXPLANATION:

• The Human Development Index is published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• The Human Development Index (HDI) is a summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and having a decent standard of living.
• The HDI is the geometric mean of normalized indices for each of the three dimensions.

More specifically, these three dimensions are measured with four indicators:

• A long and healthy life: measured by life expectancy at birth.
• Knowledge: measured by expected years of schooling (for children of school entering age) and average years of schooling (for adults aged 25 and older)
• A decent standard of living: measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
• The index is then calculated by normalizing and aggregating these three indicators. First, the indicators are brought onto the same scale, ranging from 0 to 1. This is done by setting minimum and maximum values for each indicator, and a country at or below the minimum value receiving a score of 0, and a country at or above the maximum value receiving a score of 1.
• Second, the indicators are combined. This is done by calculating the arithmetic mean of the knowledge indicators and then calculating the geometric mean across the three dimensions.
• The resulting HDI scores each country on a spectrum from 0 to 1. It covers almost all countries since 1990.

Highlights of the report:

• With a Gender Inequality Index value of 0.437 in 2022, India has shown progress and fares better than the global average of 0.462 and the South Asian average of 0.478.
• Global HDI is projected to reach record highs in 2023. However, this progress is uneven. Rich countries are experiencing record levels of human development, while half of the world’s poorest countries remain below their pre-crisis level.
• This uneven progress is leaving the poorest behind, exacerbating inequality, and stoking political polarization on a global scale. The result is a dangerous gridlock that must be urgently tackled through collective action.
• The report stated that while India ranked 135 in 2021, it had moved up to 134 in 2022. A total of 193 countries were ranked in 2022 and 191 countries in 2021.
• India’s southern neighbour Sri Lanka has been ranked much ahead at 78, while China is ranked 75, both categorised under the High Human Development category.
• India also ranks below Bhutan that stands at 125 and Bangladesh, which is in the 129th position.
• India, Bhutan and Bangladesh are all in the Medium Human Development category. Switzerland has been ranked number one.
• Nepal (146) and Pakistan (164) have been ranked lower than India.
• India’s life expectancy at birth has slightly improved from 67.2 years in 2021 to 67.7 years in 2022.
• There is an overall increase (5.88%) in expected years of schooling (EYS) from 11.9 years to 12.6 years, leading to an improvement of 18 places when the EYS aspect was considered.
• The Gross National Income (GNI) per capita also improved from $6,542 to $6,951

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-ranks-134th-in-global-human-development-index-says-undp-report/article67951875.ece

TAG: GS 3: AGRICULTURE

THE CONTEXT: Spiti Valley, situated amidst the majestic Himalayas, faces unique agricultural challenges due to its cold desert climate and geographical isolation. Despite these hurdles, farmers in Spiti exhibit resilience and innovation in their agricultural practices.

EXPLANATION:

Challenges Faced by Spiti Valley Farmers:

• Shallow Soil and Water Scarcity: Shallow soil with low water holding capacity coupled with declining snowfall poses challenges for irrigation and crop cultivation.
• Labour Intensity: Agriculture in Spiti Valley is labor-intensive, compounded by the rugged terrain and small field sizes, limiting the use of modern machinery.
• Geographical Remoteness: Spiti Valley’s isolation from major markets hampers access to quality planting materials and agricultural inputs.
• Market Access: Limited market access due to mountainous terrain and unreliable transportation routes increases dependence on intermediaries and traders, impacting farmers’ profitability.
• Climate Variability: Extreme temperatures and short growing seasons restrict crop diversity and yield potential.

Innovations and Adaptations by Spiti Valley Farmers:

• Diversification to Cash Crops: Adoption of cash crops like apples and field peas has boosted farmers’ incomes and resilience to climate variability.
• Terrace Farming: Terrace farming conserves water resources and minimizes erosion, vital for sustainable agriculture in the region.
• Women’s Participation: Women play a significant role in agricultural tasks, contributing to household incomes and community resilience.
• Natural Farming Practices: Minimal use of fertilizers and reliance on organic manure position Spiti Valley as a potential hub for natural farming.
• Micro-Irrigation: Despite challenges, farmers are exploring micro-irrigation techniques to improve water efficiency, albeit at a slow pace due to technical constraints.

Opportunities for Agricultural Sustenance in Spiti Valley:

• Natural Farming Promotion: Government support for transitioning to natural farming practices can enhance marketability and premium pricing for Spiti’s produce.
• Introduction of New Crops: Cultivation of exotic fruits and vegetables with distinct maturity times presents opportunities for diversification and higher returns.
• Food Processing Ventures: Processing apples, sea buckthorn, and apricots into value-added products aligns with the “Vocal for Local” initiative and enhances farmers’ incomes.
• Agri-Tourism Development: Leveraging Spiti’s scenic beauty and traditional farming practices for agri-tourism can generate additional income streams and promote sustainable tourism.

Spiti Valley:

• It is a cold desert mountain valley located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh.
• It is located in the rain shadow region of the Greater Himalayan ranges.
• The name Spiti or Piti, as it is known among the locals, means ‘The middle land’ that is the land between India and Tibet.
• The valley is bounded by the districts of Kinnaur in the southeast, Kullu in the south, and the valleys of Zanskar & Ladakh in the north.
• In the east, Spiti shares its boundary with Tibet.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/agriculture/agriculture-in-the-cold-desert-of-spiti-valley-is-difficult-but-there-are-ways-to-make-it-easier-95024

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The Indian government has taken a significant step towards combating cybercrime by designating the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) as an agency of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

EXPLANATION:

• It will notify law enforcement agencies about unlawful activities in cyberspace, as per the provisions of the Information Technology Act-2000.

Establishment of I4C:

• The I4C was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs with the primary objective of providing a structured framework and ecosystem for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to address cybercrime in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
• Its creation reflects the government’s recognition of the growing challenges posed by cyber threats and the need for a centralized mechanism to combat them effectively.

Legal Basis:

• The designation of I4C as the agency of the MHA for notifying unlawful activities in cyberspace is based on the powers conferred by clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 79 of the Information Technology Act 2000.
• This legal provision empowers the Central Government to designate an agency for performing specific functions under the Act.

Official Notification:

• An official notification issued by the Central Government outlines the designation of I4C as follows:
  • “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 79 of the Information Technology Act 2000, Central Government being the appropriate government hereby designates the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), to be the agency of the Ministry of Home Affairs to perform the functions under clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 79 of Information Technology Act, 2000 and to notify the instances of information, data or communication link residing in or connected to a computer resource controlled by the intermediary being used to commit the unlawful act.”

Implications:

• This designation empowers I4C to notify law enforcement agencies about instances of information, data, or communication links residing in or connected to a computer resource controlled by intermediaries and being used to commit unlawful acts in the cyber world.
• By centralizing this function under I4C, the government aims to enhance coordination and information sharing among LEAs, thereby strengthening efforts to combat cybercrime effectively.

SOURCE: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/govt-designates-i4c-as-agency-of-mha-to-notify-unlawful-activities-in-cyber-world/articleshow/108501675.cms?from=mdr

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The Ram Nath Kovind panel, tasked with examining the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections for various levels of governance in India, submitted its comprehensive report after extensive consultations and research spanning 191 days.

EXPLANATION:

• The committee emphasized the necessity of restoring the tradition of simultaneous elections, which had been disrupted over the years, causing logistical challenges and burdens on stakeholders such as the government, businesses, judiciary, political parties, and civil society.

Key takeaways from the report:

• Restoring simultaneous elections:
  • The committee emphasised the need to restore the cycle of simultaneous elections, which was disrupted after the initial decades of India’s independence.
  • They noted that holding multiple elections every year places a significant burden on various stakeholders, including the government, businesses, workers, courts, political parties, candidates, and civil society.
• Two-step approach:
  • The committee recommended a two-step approach to holding simultaneous elections.
  • In the first step, elections to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies should be synchronized.
  • In the second step, elections to Municipalities and Panchayats should be synchronized with the elections to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies.
• Notification by the President:
  • The committee proposed that the President of India issue a notification on the date of the first sitting of the House of the People after a General election, designating it as the Appointed date for the synchronization of elections.
• Tenure of state legislative assemblies:
  • The committee recommended that the tenure of State Legislative Assemblies should end with the subsequent General elections to the House of the People after the Appointed date.
• Implementation group:
  • An Implementation Group should be constituted to oversee the execution of the recommendations.
• Constitutional amendments:
  • Certain amendments to the Constitution, including the introduction of Article 324A for simultaneous elections in Panchayats and Municipalities and amendments to Article 325 for a Single Electoral Roll and Single Elector’s Photo Identity Card, were proposed.
  • These amendments would require ratification by the States.
• Handling emergencies:
  • In the event of a hung House, no-confidence motion, or any such event, fresh elections should be held to constitute the new House.
  • Constitutional Amendment Bills would be introduced for necessary amendments without requiring ratification by the States.
• Logistical planning:
  • The Election Commission of India and State Election Commissions should draw up plans and estimates in advance for logistical arrangements, including the procurement of equipment like EVMs and VVPATs, and deployment of polling personnel and security forces.
• Single electoral roll and identity card:
  • Recommendations were made to amend Article 325 to enable the creation of a Single Electoral Roll and Single Elector’s Photo Identity Card, which would require ratification by the States.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/one-nation-one-election-key-recommendations-ram-nath-kovind-panel-made-in-its-report-to-president-murmu-101710398544141.html

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: The Darien Gap is a hazardous stretch of dense jungle spanning across northern Colombia and southern Panama, approximately 60 miles wide. It lacks paved roads and is characterized by muddy, wet, and unstable terrain, making it a formidable obstacle for migrants.

EXPLANATION:

Darien Gap

• The Darien Gap is a stretch of densely forested jungle across northern Colombia and southern Panama. Roughly 60 miles (97 kilometres) across, the terrain is muddy, wet and unstable.

• Topography:
  • The journey involves traversing mountains, fast-flowing rivers, and muddy paths, often lasting from four to 10 days.
  • Migrants, including young children, must carry all their belongings through the rugged terrain.
• Criminal Activity:
  • Criminal organizations control the area, demanding payment for passage and sometimes extorting migrants for more money.
  • There are reports of armed groups ambushing migrants, leading to theft, extortion, and even mass sexual assault.
• Environmental Hazards:
  • The jungle’s extreme conditions contribute to the danger, with risks of slipping, falling, drowning in rivers, and suffering from dehydration, vector-borne diseases, and fungal-related illnesses.
• Mortality:
  • The challenging environment leads to fatalities, with bodies often left along the path, marking the perilous nature of the journey.
  • Reported deaths are likely underestimated due to the difficulty in recovery and reporting.

Recent Surge in Crossings:

• Drivers:
  • Violence, insecurity, and instability in migrants’ home countries prompt them to seek safer havens, driving the increase in migration.
  • Limited legal immigration options, such as travel visa restrictions, force migrants to seek alternative routes.
• Impact of Policy Changes:
  • Policy shifts, like Mexico’s requirement for Venezuelans to carry travel visas, redirect migration flows, pushing more individuals towards the perilous Darien Gap route.

Demographics of Migrants:

• Nationalities:
  • In 2023, Venezuelans constituted the majority of migrants, followed by Haitians, Chinese, Afghans, Nepali, Cameroonians, and Angolans, reflecting the global nature of human migration.
• Gender and Age Diversity:
  • Migration demographics include a diverse range of ages and genders, with adult men comprising over half of migrants, adult women accounting for 26%, and children under 18 constituting 20% of the population, with half being under the age of 5.

Government Responses and Challenges:

• Limited Options:
  • Government policies restricting legal immigration channels exacerbate the reliance on dangerous routes like the Darien Gap.
• Humanitarian Concerns:
  • Governments have been hesitant to support humanitarian groups aiding migrants, potentially increasing the risks faced by migrants.
• Regional Coordination:
  • Initiatives like the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection aim to enhance regional cooperation in managing migration, but challenges persist in ensuring access to legal pathways for all migrants.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/governance/what-is-the-darien-gap-and-why-are-more-migrants-risking-this-latin-american-route-to-get-to-the-us–95020

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Bhutan’s King has unveiled the ‘Gelephu Smartcity Project,’ a mega international city near the Indian border covering 1,000 square kilometres. Bhutan’s plan for a regional economic hub at Gelephu, a town bordering Assam in India, are high on its agenda in the meeting in Delhi which is going to be held recently.

GELEPHU: THE MEGA PROJECT

• The plan was launched by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in December 2023 during the 116th National Day address at Changlimathang Stadium, Thimphu.
• It aims to build a “Gelephu Mindfulness City” (GMC) with a unique Bhutanese architectural blueprint across 1,000 square kilometres, as a special administrative zone with separate, investor-friendly laws.
• It is envisioned as an “economic corridor” connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia via India’s northeastern states to countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.

SIGNIFICANCE:

• Employment and skilling: It aims to be an economic and social hub on Bhutan’s southern border, designed to benefit the entire South Asian region by providing local employment and skilling opportunities. It is likely to bring considerable benefits to Bhutan, necessitating key investments in public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airports, the primary goals of the initiative are to attract investments, boost trade and create jobs.
• Health and wellness hub: As a carbon-neutral city, Gelephu would include only non-polluting industries mainly IT, education, hotel and hospital sectors, and would be promoted as an investment destination and health and wellness hub in the middle of the region.
• Address youth migration: The growing “outmigration” of Bhutanese youth in search of jobs abroad is another challenge, and the government hopes a mega project such as Gelephu will address that. It aims to address economic challenges and reverse youth migration trends. The project is expected to generate economic opportunities for domestic Bhutanese as well as those in abroad. It is aimed at creating opportunities for the private sector and facilitating demand for goods and services.
• Foreign investment: The ambitious project would be a “Special Administrative Region” that would be governed under different laws to open the door for more foreign investment. The project will attract “quality investment” from “specially screened” international companies.
• Connectivity: The proposed land connection from Gelephu, traversing Assam and West Bengal, will over time reportedly give Bhutan access to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore. The project also includes building an international airport at Gelephu, the second such airport in Bhutan.
• Cultural influences: The plans for Gelephu involve developing it as a “mindfulness city”, “fostering conscious and sustainable businesses inspired by Bhutan’s Buddhist spiritual heritage and unique identity”.
• In sync with India’s projects: It would also lie at the crossroads of India’s “Act East” plans for connectivity to Myanmar, and on to Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Indo-Pacific region as well as the new India-Japan connectivity plans between India’s north-eastern States through Bangladesh to the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.
• Stable border: Gelephu offers Bhutan a way to open itself up in a controlled manner to the rest of the world, while also continuing negotiations with Beijing for a stable border.

ISSUES:

• Economic constraints: The Gelephu project is facing economic challenges as there is lack of investment and finances available to the project.
• Geographical issues: With warmer temperatures than in the mountains, Gelephu gets high amounts of rainfall during a monsoon season that lasts several months, leading to considerable flooding each year. Also, the surrounding forests and wildlife populations place Gelephu right in the middle of elephant corridors.
• Chinese concern: Countering China is Bhutan’s most pressing geopolitical concern. Bhutan faces pressure from China to conclude a boundary resolution deal and to establish diplomatic ties.
• Insurgencies in Assam: Insurgencies in Assam and the northeastern States and just across the Indian border in Myanmar have been an area of great concern in the past leading to a major military operation (Operation All Clear) by Bhutan in 2003.
• Landlocked: As Gelephu is landlocked, it is dependent on other countries, primarily India, to provide the infrastructure for trade and transport out of the special administrative region.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Support from India: The Gelephu project will require a major support from India. For example, the first part of the Gelephu project involves scaling up the Gelephu airport and tarmac to international standards, which will need financing and expertise from India.
• Scale up tourism: Apart from hydropower, tourism is Bhutan’s strength, but the kingdom has always discouraged mass tourism, preferring instead a “high value, low volume” motto to ensure sustainability. However, to increase the revenues, Bhutan must scale up its capacity to take in more tourists and visitors.
• Countering China: Both Bhutan and India need to cooperate together to counter Chinese influence in the project. There should be no repeat of missing opportunity as of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota a decade ago, which caused unsustainable debt.
• Strengthening relationship: India and Bhutan have built a strong relationship, based on a understanding between every Bhutan’s king and Indian Prime Minister over the past 75 years. There is a need to continue the goodwill generated by India’s generous support.
• Future project: The conditions for a mega-smart city with no immediate returns from the investment envisioned for the GMC, are not optimal at present. However, as the global setting grows more polarised and countries increasingly opt for foreign policies that draw more from traditional allies in their respective neighbourhoods, India too must find its wlly in the region that shares language, faith, culture, geography and climate.

THE CONCLUSION:

The Gelephu project is a huge gamble for Bhutan but can be a gamechanger for the region, with the support from India. The mega project offers a chance for the region to create opportunities and build connectivity in the region.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. (2015)

Q.2 Discuss the political developments in the Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? (2013)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 Analyse the significance of recently proposed Bhutan’s Gelephu project. Discuss the issues faced by the project and India’s role to address the challenges to ensure connectivity in the region.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/bhutans-opening-move-its-gelephu-gambit/article67951801.ece#:~:text=The%20plan%2C%20launched%20by%20Bhutan’s,separate%2C%20investor%2Dfriendly%20laws.

THE CONTEXT: A committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind has recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. The report assumes that simultaneous polls are in the “national interest.”

ISSUES:

• Composition of the Committee: The committee comprised members who were perceived to align with the government’s views on simultaneous elections, raising questions about the impartiality of the report.
• Terms of Reference: The terms of reference presumed that simultaneous elections are in the “national interest,” indicating a bias towards this proposal.
• Consultation Process: The committee claimed to have invited suggestions and comments from various stakeholders, including political parties, legal experts, and economists. However, the depth of these consultations is questioned.
• Lack of In-depth Research: Despite claiming to consider all constitutional and legal objections and studying relevant literature, the report is criticized for lacking in-depth research and analysis.
• Unitary Character vs. Federal System: Concerns are raised that simultaneous elections could impose an artificial unitary character on India’s federal system, diminishing regional diversity and local governance effectiveness.
• Criticism Dismissal: The report is accused of dismissing valid criticisms from political parties and dissenting voices like Tamil Nadu Election Commissioner V Palanikumar, who highlighted potential drawbacks of One Nation One Election (ONOE).
• Political Diversity Impact: There are fears that One nation one election could diminish political diversity by favoring national parties over regional ones, potentially hindering regional representation and governance effectiveness.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Constitutional Concerns: Address the concerns by clarifying that simultaneous elections do not impinge upon fundamental constitutional features like free and fair elections, rule of law, or citizens’ rights under Part III.
• Democratic Principles: Emphasize that simultaneous elections can enhance governance by reducing the role of financial resources, curbing populist measures, and allowing governments to focus on long-term development.
• Hung Parliament/Assembly: Implement recommendations from bodies like the Sarkaria Commission to address scenarios of a hung Parliament/Assembly, ensuring mechanisms for forming a stable government.
• Law Commission Report 2018: The Law Commission recommended exploring the feasibility of simultaneous elections to reduce the frequency of polls and associated costs. The Law Commission suggested that simultaneous elections could enhance voter participation by reducing voter fatigue and increasing engagement. Even NITI Aayog Paper also highlighted the need for holding simultaneous elections to streamline the electoral process and reduce disruptions in governance.
• International Examples: South Africa Conducts national and provincial legislature elections simultaneously for five years, enhancing efficiency and reducing election-related disruptions. Sweden Holds elections for the National Legislature and Local Bodies on fixed dates, ensuring better governance and resource utilization.
• Governance Focus and Cost Reduction: Simultaneous elections can significantly reduce the financial burden of conducting multiple elections each year, leading to cost savings. By streamlining election cycles, governments can focus more on governance rather than being constantly in election mode.
• Political Consensus and Public Awareness: Achieving consensus among political parties is crucial to formulate a workable plan for simultaneous elections, ensuring smooth implementation and addressing concerns effectively. Educating the public about the benefits of simultaneous elections, such as reduced campaign expenditure and less disruption, can garner support for this electoral reform.

THE CONCLUSION:

The panel’s report should not be the final word on a proposal with far-reaching consequences beyond political and ideological lines. In the coming days, the valid concerns of those who disagree should be respectfully heard and considered.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q.1 Simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections has recommended holding polls for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats concurrently. Critically analyze the key points raised in the committee’s report, discussing the potential benefits and challenges of implementing simultaneous elections in India.

SOURCE:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/express-view-on-stock-market-volatility-irrational-exuberance-9214696/