October 2023
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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Lesser known facts about Lal Bahadur Shastri

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Lal Bahadur Shastri

Mains level: Not Much

Lal Bahadur Shastri

Central Idea

  • October 2 is a day of double celebration as India remembers the birth anniversaries of two iconic leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation,’ and Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister.
  • Both leaders made significant contributions to India’s freedom struggle and early years of nation-building.

Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Man of Humble Origins

[A] Rising from Modest Beginnings

  • Early Struggles: Born in 1904 in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, Shastri faced adversity early in life, with his father passing away shortly after his birth.
  • Simplicity: Raised in a lower-middle-class environment, he possessed only two kurtas and dhotis, symbolizing his humble beginnings.
  • A Change of Name: In a demonstration of his early social consciousness, Shastri dropped his birthname “Varma.” In 1925, he acquired the title of ‘Shastri’ (one who knows the Shastras) from the Kashi Vidyapeeth in Benaras, adding it to his name.

[B] Resignation and Accountability

  • A Serious Accident: While serving as the Union Minister for Railways and Transport in 1956, a tragic railway accident in Telangana resulted in the loss of 112 lives.
  • Owning Responsibility: Deeply affected by the tragedy, Shastri took moral responsibility and tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Nehru. Although Nehru initially did not accept it, Shastri resigned again after another railway accident in Tamil Nadu in November 1956, further solidifying his moral stature.

[C] Championing the Slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’

  • A Return to Cabinet: Shastri made a comeback to the Union Cabinet, serving in roles such as Home Minister and Commerce and Industry Minister.
  • Language Assurance: In response to concerns about Hindi domination, he assured the continued use of English as an official language alongside Hindi.
  • Economic Challenges: In 1965, faced with economic stagnation and growing food demand, Shastri called upon farmers to increase production, traders to maintain fair prices, and consumers to exercise restraint. He coined the famous slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan (Hail the soldier, hail the farmer!).’

[D] Leadership during the 1965 India-Pakistan War and Tashkent Agreement

  • Unforeseen Conflict: The 1965 war with Pakistan erupted as Pakistan launched attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, believing India to be vulnerable after the 1962 war with China.
  • Firm Response: Shastri approved an Indian counterattack, leading to hostilities on both sides.
  • Tashkent Declaration: Soviet Premier Aleksey Kosygin invited Shastri and Pakistan President General Ayub Khan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where they signed the Tashkent Declaration on January 10, 1966, committing to long-term peace.
  • Sudden Passing: Tragically, Shastri passed away due to a heart attack the following day in Tashkent, leaving behind speculation about the circumstances. However, available evidence suggests it was a natural death, dispelling doubts of external factors.

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Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

Minority Institutions need NOT provide Reservations: Madras HC

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Minority Institutions

Mains level: Not Much

Central Idea

  • Reservation exemption: The Madras High HC ruled that the concept of communal reservation for SC/ST/OBC citizens does not apply to minority institutions.
  • No government constraint: The judges held that the government cannot compel minority institutions to implement such reservation policies.

Key Highlights by Madras HC

  • Continued Status: The court emphasized that once minority status is granted to an institution, it will persist until the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) cancels it for valid reasons, such as a shift in its educational objectives.
  • Merit-Based Admissions: The court upheld the government’s right to stipulate that minority institutions can admit students from the respective religious and linguistic minorities up to 50% of the sanctioned intake based on merit.
  • Exclusion Clause: The judges clarified that students admitted on merit should not be counted within the first 50% of admissions allocated for minorities.

Case Background

  • Petitioner’s Argument: The petitioner challenged a Govt Order (GO) issued in November 2021. The GO denied the extension of religious minority status to the college due to its admission of 52% minority students in the academic years 2018-19 and 2019-20.
  • Advocate General’s Stand: Advocate General argued that such admissions violated a 1998 GO that restricted minority admissions to 50%.
  • College’s Position: It contended that minority educational institutions should receive permanent status without the need for periodic extensions. It also asserted that the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Seats in Private Educational Institutions) Act, 2006, should not apply to minority institutions.

Legal Analyis

  • Constitutional Provisions: The judges found support in Article 15(5) of the Constitution, introduced through the 93rd amendment in 2005, which specifically excludes minority institutions from the State Government’s authority to provide special provisions for reservations.
  • Definition of Private Educational Institution: They pointed out that Section 2(d) of the 2006 Act also excludes minority institutions established under Article 30(1) of the Constitution from its definition of ‘private educational institution.’ Thus, the State cannot impose reservation provisions on minority educational institutions.
  • Permanent Status: The court stated that the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutes Act, 2004, does not envision granting minority status for a temporary or restricted period. Instead, it continues until the Commission cancels it.

Conclusion

  • Ultimately, the court quashed the 2021 GO and directed the government to allow the petitioner institution to maintain its status as a minority institution, provided it complies with other requirements.

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Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

Bihar Caste Survey: Key Highlights

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Bihar Caste Census

Mains level: Issues with Caste Censuses

bihar

Central Idea

  • The Bihar government recently released the results of its caste survey, shedding light on the state’s demographic composition and caste dynamics.
  • This survey, the first of its kind since 1931, carries significant implications for politics, reservations, and electoral strategies in Bihar.

Bihar Caste Survey

  • Caste Demographics: The survey reveals the following caste composition in Bihar:
    1. Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) – 36.01%.
    2. Other Backward Classes (OBCs) – 27.12%.
    3. Scheduled Castes (SCs) – 19.65%.
    4. Scheduled Tribes (STs) – 1.68% (most STs are part of Jharkhand since 2000).
    5. “Unreserved” (Forward Castes) – 15.52%.
  • Population Increase: Bihar’s population, according to the survey, is 13,07,25,310, compared to 10.41 crores recorded in the 2011 census. Hindus make up 81.99%, while Muslims constitute 17.72%. Other religious denominations have minuscule populations.

Survey Process

  • Political Consensus: The decision to conduct the caste survey was made following an all-party meeting in June 2022, with a budget allocation of Rs 500 crore from the contingency fund.
  • Survey Phases: The survey occurred in two phases:
    1. The first phase involved counting households in January.
    2. The second phase, starting in April, aimed to collect caste, religion, economic, and family data.
  • Legal Challenge: The Patna High Court initially halted the survey, but it later resumed after the state clarified it was a “survey” and ensured data privacy.

Significance

  • Changing Political Landscape: The politics of identity tied to reservations and backward caste assertion has evolved. The BJP’s appeal to OBCs has transformed the political landscape.
  • Opportunities for Backward Classes: Survey results may provide an opening for parties like JD(U) and RJD to mobilize backward classes. The Opposition alliance could use this data to push for a nationwide caste census.
  • Increased Quotas: The survey could fuel demands for expanding OBC quotas beyond 27% and creating sub-quotas for EBCs. The recommendations of the Justice Rohini Commission are expected to influence this debate.
  • Reservation Ceiling Debate: The data may reignite discussions on the 50% reservation ceiling imposed by the Supreme Court in 1992, a contentious issue in various states.

Electoral Impact

  • Vote Bank Dynamics: EBCs, OBCs, and SCs, constituting over 82% of Bihar’s population, will be a crucial vote bank in upcoming elections.
  • Leadership Dynamics: Leaders like Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar have historically represented OBCs, EBCs, and Dalits. The BJP’s electoral strategy in Bihar will likely emphasize the Prime Minister’s OBC background.
  • Electoral Battles: Political parties will fiercely compete for the support of these influential caste groups, making Bihar a battleground state with complex caste dynamics.

Why discuss this?

  • Caste Data in Census: Since India’s independence in 1947, every census until 2011 has published data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Caste data was available in censuses before 1931.
  • 1941 Exception: In 1941, caste-based data was collected but not published due to World War II, as per M.W.M. Yeats, the Census Commissioner at that time.

Demand for a Caste Census

  • Recurring Demand: The demand for a caste census surfaces before almost every census, primarily driven by groups belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other deprived sections, while it faces opposition from upper-caste sections.
  • Contemporary Demand: In recent times, opposition parties, especially during Census 2021 delays, have vociferously called for a caste census, focusing on “social justice” as a common rallying point.
  • Political Support: Many politicians have advocated for the release of data from the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011. They also called for a caste census and the removal of the 50% cap on SC/ST/OBC reservations.

Centre’s Stand

  • Government Policy: The Indian government has consistently decided not to enumerate caste-wise populations, except for SCs and STs, as a matter of policy.
  • Policy Shift: However, in August 2018, following a meeting chaired by then-Home Minister, it was stated that data on OBCs would be collected during Census 2021.
  • RTI Response: When questioned about the meeting’s minutes, the Office of Registrar General of India (ORGI) claimed they did not maintain records of deliberations on this matter before the Ministry of Home Affairs’ announcement.

Conclusion

  • A caste-based census is against the idea of a casteless society envisaged by leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Constitution and will weaken ongoing efforts to create social harmony.
  • While proponents argue for better representation and targeted policies, opponents emphasize the importance of moving towards a casteless society.

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Nobel and other Prizes

Medicine Nobel Prize 2023 for mRNA Vaccine Discovery

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: mRNA Vaccines, Nobel Prize

Mains level: Vaccine development for COVID

nobel

Central Idea

  • Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman, the 2023 medicine Nobel laureates, have earned acclaim for their groundbreaking contributions to the field of mRNA technology.
  • Their work has transformed our understanding of mRNA’s interaction with the immune system, leading to the rapid development of vaccines, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

What is mRNA?

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded RNA (Ribo Nucleic Acid) molecule that is complementary to one of the DNA strands of a gene.
  • The mRNA is an RNA version of the gene that leaves the cell nucleus and moves to the cytoplasm where proteins are made.
  • During protein synthesis, an organelle called a ribosome moves along the mRNA, reads its base sequence, and uses the genetic code to translate each three-base triplet, or codon, into its corresponding amino acid.

What are mRNA vaccines?

  • Such vaccines make use of the messenger RNA molecules that tell the body’s cells what proteins to build.
  • The mRNA, in this case, is coded to tell the cells to recreate the spike protein of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19.
  • It is the spike protein — which appears as spikes on the surface of the coronavirus — that initiates the process of infection; it allows the virus to penetrate cells, after which it goes on to replicate.
  • A coronavirus vaccine based on mRNA, once injected into the body, will instruct the body’s cells to create copies of the spike protein.
  • In turn, this is expected to prompt the immune cells to create antibodies to fight it.
  • These antibodies will remain in the blood and fight the real virus if and when it infects the human body.

What are other types of vaccines?

(1) Vector vaccine:

  • In this type of vaccine, genetic material from the COVID-19 virus is placed in a modified version of a different virus (viral vector).
  • When the viral vector gets into your cells, it delivers genetic material from the COVID-19 virus that gives your cells instructions to make copies of the S protein.
  • Once your cells display the S proteins on their surfaces, your immune system responds by creating antibodies and defensive white blood cells.
  • If you later become infected with the COVID-19 virus, the antibodies will fight the virus.

(2) Protein subunit vaccine:

  • Subunit vaccines include only the parts of a virus that best stimulate your immune system.
  • This type of COVID-19 vaccine contains harmless S proteins.
  • Once your immune system recognizes the S proteins, it creates antibodies and defensive white blood cells.
  • If you later become infected with the COVID-19 virus, the antibodies will fight the virus.

Back2Basics: Ribo Nucleic Acid (RNA)

  • RNA is an important biological macromolecule that is present in all biological cells.
  • It is principally involved in the synthesis of proteins, carrying the messenger instructions from DNA, which itself contains the genetic instructions required for the development and maintenance of life.
  • In some viruses, RNA, rather than DNA, carries genetic information.
  • The type of RNA dictates the function that this molecule will have within the cell.
  • Aside from the coding region of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules that will be translated into proteins, other cellular RNA elements are involved in different processes.

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Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

Takeaways from Bihar caste survey

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Bihar Caste Census

Mains level: Bihar caste survey, rationale, Key findings, significance, issues and implications

caste

What’s the news?

  • The Bihar caste survey was released by the state government on October 2.

Central idea

  • The recent release of the Bihar caste survey results has unveiled a complex tapestry of demographics in the state, bringing to the forefront the intricate interplay of caste politics. With EBCs and OBCs cumulatively constituting more than 63% of the population, the dynamics of political representation and reservation are poised for transformation.

What is a caste-based survey?

  • A caste-based survey is a comprehensive data collection initiative launched by the Bihar state government in India.
  • The primary objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the living conditions and economic status of different communities, especially those that have historically faced marginalization and socio-economic disadvantage.

Key Findings of the Survey

  • Demographic Breakdown:
  • The survey reveals a diverse demographic landscape in Bihar.
  • The EBCs, comprising 36.01% of the population, emerge as the largest social group,
  • Followed by OBCs at 27.12% and
  • Scheduled Castes (SCs) at 19.65%.
  • Scheduled Tribes (STs) account for a mere 1.68%, primarily due to the bifurcation of Jharkhand in 2000.
  • The unreserved category constitutes 15.52% of the population.
  • Religious Composition:
  • Bihar’s population, according to the survey, stands at 13,07,25,310, compared to the 10.41 crore recorded in the 2011 census.
  • Hindus make up 81.99% of the population, while Muslims account for 17.72%. Other religious denominations have minuscule populations.

Survey Execution

  • The survey was undertaken following unanimous agreement among political parties in Bihar.
  • It was conducted in two phases.
  1. The first phase involved a household count from January 7 to 21.
  2. The second phase, initiated on April 15, aimed to collect data on castes, religions, economic backgrounds, and family size.
  • The survey faced legal challenges initially but was allowed to proceed after being labeled a survey rather than a census.

Significance of Survey Findings

  • Changing Political Landscape: The survey highlights the evolving political landscape, where identity politics based on reservation and backward caste assertion is losing its grip. This shift has been influenced by the BJP’s outreach to OBCs through Hindutva and welfare measures.
  • Opportunity for Opposition: The survey results could provide an opportunity for the JD(U)-RJD alliance and other opposition parties to mobilize backward classes, potentially pressuring the BJP to conduct a nationwide caste census.
  • Demand for Quotas: The survey data may fuel demands to increase the OBC quota beyond 27% and introduce a quota within a quota for EBCs, especially in light of the Justice Rohini Commission’s pending recommendations.
  • Reservation Ceiling Debate: The survey’s findings could reignite the long-standing debate over the 50% reservation ceiling imposed by the Supreme Court, which has hindered states from expanding reservations.

Impact on Upcoming Elections

  • The caste survey findings are likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha and Bihar Assembly elections.
  • With EBCs, OBCs, and SCs representing over 82% of Bihar’s population, these groups will be key electoral battlegrounds.
  • Leaders like Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar are still seen as primary representatives of these communities, while the BJP faces the challenge of navigating Bihar’s complex caste dynamics.

Rationale Behind a Caste Census

  • Incomplete Data: The standard Census focuses solely on SC and ST data, leaving a substantial void in comprehending the socio-economic aspects of OBCs and their subdivisions.
  • Targeted Policies: A lack of comprehensive data obstructs the creation of effective policies tailored to the distinct requirements of different caste groups.
  • Equitable Development: The caste census has the potential to reveal disparities within various castes, enabling customized development strategies for historically marginalized communities.
  • Historical and Contemporary Insights: With deep historical roots, the caste system’s evolution can be better understood through a comprehensive census that captures both historical and contemporary dynamics.
  • Constitutional Clarification: Legal scrutiny over caste surveys provides clarity on the authority to conduct such initiatives, delineating roles between state and central governments.
  • Evidence-Based Decision-Making: In a data-centric era, decisions grounded in concrete socio-economic data hold greater potential for equitable and effective governance.

Conclusion

  • The Bihar caste survey has unveiled a complex web of caste demographics that will shape the state’s political landscape. It has the potential to rekindle debates on reservation policies, mobilize backward classes, and influence electoral outcomes. As Bihar prepares for crucial elections, the survey’s impact on political strategies and alliances remains to be seen.

Also read:

The Caste Census and Mandal Politics: Analysis

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FDI in Indian economy

India’s rise is the big story. So where’s the FDI?

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Basic concepts

Mains level: India's growth prospects and decline FDI flows to India, concerns reasons and way forward

What’s the news?

  • The Indian economy grew at 7.8 percent in the first quarter of the ongoing financial year. There is a decline in FDI.

Central idea

  • Projections by experts, including the RBI and the IMF, indicate a prospective annual growth rate of 6–6.5 percent, reaffirming India’s status as a global growth powerhouse. However, beneath this optimistic narrative lies a concerning trend: foreign direct investment (FDI) in India has been steadily declining.

India’s growth prospects

  • India is likely to grow at around 6–6.5 percent over the full year.
  • Medium-term assessments, such as those by the IMF, peg growth at roughly 6 percent between 2023 and 2028.
  • This momentum positions India as a formidable player in global growth, potentially rivaling China.
  • Multinationals are increasingly eyeing India as an alternative investment destination, capitalizing on shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Declining trend in FDI in India

  • FDI Decline: FDI inflows into India have been declining. In the fiscal year 2022–23, FDI stood at $71.3 billion, which marked a 16 percent decrease compared to the previous fiscal year (2021–22). This trend of decline continued in the first four months of the current fiscal year, with a 26 percent drop in FDI inflows compared to the same period the previous year.
  • Equity Flows: A substantial portion of the decline has been in fresh equity flows. Equity flows decreased from approximately $59.6 billion in 2021–22 to around $47.6 billion in 2022–23. In the first four months of the current year, equity flows further plummeted to $13.9 billion, down from $22 billion the previous year.
  • Policy Uncertainty: One possible explanation for the decline in FDI is the presence of policy uncertainty in India. An uncertain business environment, an uneven playing field, and the fear of arbitrary changes to rules and regulations may be acting as deterrents to foreign investors.
  • Trade Agreements: India’s absence from major trading blocks, such as the RCEP agreement, and the lack of trade agreements with entities like the European Union can disadvantage India in the global manufacturing ecosystem. Comprehensive trade agreements with lower tariffs and other benefits can incentivize foreign investment.
  • Comparative Analysis: Despite rising interest rates in developed economies, countries like Vietnam and Indonesia have managed to maintain or increase their FDI inflows.

Key sectors affected by the decline in FDI

  • Automobile Industry: The decline in FDI has had an impact on the automobile industry in India. This sector plays a crucial role in the country’s manufacturing landscape and contributes significantly to both economic growth and employment.
  • Construction (Infrastructure Activities): Infrastructure development is essential for India’s economic growth. The decline in FDI may slow down construction and infrastructure activities, potentially affecting the country’s development.
  • Metallurgical Industries: Metallurgical industries, which include sectors like steel production, are also mentioned in the article as being affected by the decline in FDI. These industries are vital for various manufacturing processes and contribute to both domestic consumption and exports.

Areas that India might need to address to reverse this trend

  • FDI Decline in Multiple Sectors: The decline in FDI is not limited to a specific sector but has affected various industries, including technology, the automobile industry, construction, and metallurgical industries. This broad-based decline underscores the need for comprehensive solutions.
  • Navigating Policy Uncertainty: To attract foreign investors, India needs to provide a stable and predictable business environment, reduce regulatory uncertainty, and ensure a level playing field.
  • Global Investment Landscape: India’s FDI decline is notable when compared to countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, which have managed to maintain stable FDI inflows. This highlights the need for India to remain competitive in the global investment landscape.
  • The Trade Agreement Imperative: The absence of India from major trading blocks, such as the RCEP agreement, could be a factor contributing to the FDI decline. India may benefit from pursuing trade agreements that lower trade barriers and enhance market access.

Conclusion

  • The decline in FDI flows to India raises pertinent questions about the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination. While India’s growth story appears promising, investors seek stability, policy clarity, and access to global trade networks. Addressing these concerns and leveraging India’s potential as a China plus one option requires a comprehensive strategy to reinvigorate FDI inflows and capitalize on its growth prospects.

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BRICS Summits

Building BRICS for the future

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: 15th BRICS summit and key outcomes

Mains level: BRICS: Potential, Expansion and its Significance

What’s the news?

  • The recent BRICS summit held in South Africa introduced six new members to the grouping, drawing mixed reactions regarding its productivity.

“If things go right, in less than 40 years, the BRICS economies together could be larger than the G6 in U.S. dollar terms.” Goldman Sachs in 2003”

Central idea

  • The recent BRICS summit held in South Africa may not have yielded immediate tangible results, but it’s essential to view BRICS through its evolving dynamics rather than a single meeting’s outcomes.

Background: Economic Compulsion

  • BRICS, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, emerged primarily out of economic compulsion.
  • Unlike military alliances or security coalitions, BRICS focuses on economic cooperation and mutual benefit.
  • With a combined GDP representing 36% of the global GDP and a population projected to reach 47% of the world’s total by 2050, BRICS possesses immense long-term potential.
  • Furthermore, expanding its membership could challenge the dominance of the G7 countries.

The significance of BRICS as an economic powerhouse

  • Economic Size: The BRICS, composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, collectively represent 36% of the global GDP. This substantial economic size gives the group considerable influence in global economic matters.
  • Population: BRICS countries house nearly half of the world’s population, and this demographic advantage provides a significant consumer market and labor force, contributing to their economic significance.
  • Rapid Growth: Two BRICS members, China and India, are among the fastest-growing economies globally. They are expected to rank among the world’s top three economies by 2030, further enhancing the economic clout of the BRICS.
  • Investment Opportunities: BRICS nations are seen as attractive investment destinations, with governments encouraging both domestic and foreign investments. The growth prospects in these countries make them appealing to investors.
  • Infrastructure Development: BRICS countries are investing heavily in infrastructure development, including transportation, energy, and technology projects. These investments create opportunities for businesses and stimulate economic growth.
  • Collective Economic Initiatives: BRICS nations have established institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), aimed at enhancing financial cooperation and stability within the group.

China and India’s Role

  • Two BRICS members, China and India, collectively account for one-third of the world’s population. Both nations are rapidly growing economies, poised to become top-three global economies by 2030.
  • Despite occasional political tensions, their economic cooperation continues to flourish. Trade between India and China is evidence that economic interests often outweigh political differences, emphasizing the pivotal role of economics in international relations.

BRICS as an alternative to an increasingly polarized world

  • Global polarization:
  • Global polarization has led to concerns about the U.S.’s aggressive stance toward China. Many countries seek alternatives, including China.
  • Within the BRICS, China is a member but not the dominant player, providing a counterbalance with democratic countries like India, South Africa, and Brazil.
  • In an increasingly interconnected world, countries are looking for alternatives to mitigate their dependence on a single superpower.
  • Dollar Dominance and Digital Currencies:
  • The U.S. dollar has long been the dominant global currency, but the rise of digital platforms presents a shift toward digital currencies. India and China are leading in this transition, advocating for increased trade and investment in their own currencies.
  • Through BRICS, they can collectively promote their currencies as alternatives to the dollar, further converging their interests.
  • Diversified opportunities:
  • The search for alternatives extends beyond BRICS to movements like the Non-Aligned Movement, which offers a new approach to global challenges.
  • As BRICS expands, it will create numerous trade, business, and investment protocols, akin to other free trade arrangements and economic blocs, providing diversified opportunities for member nations.

Africa: The Continent of the Future

  • Africa is poised for significant economic growth in the 21st century.
  • The negative image of Europe, marked by interventions and migrant treatment, has driven Africans to explore China’s development more closely.
  • African countries aspire to have the freedom to choose their investment and trade partners, and BRICS, especially India, seeks to strengthen its ties with the African Union, recognizing the continent’s potential.

Conclusion

  • BRICS may not always make headlines, but each summit contributes to building a foundation for future networks and collaborations. As Goldman Sachs foresaw in 2003, “If things go right, in less than 40 years, the BRICS economies together could be larger than the G6 in U.S. dollar terms.” The future of BRICS lies in its ability to harness its economic might for the benefit of its members and the world.

Also read:

The implications of the expansion of BRICS

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