India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, virtually took part in IPEF’s (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) 1st Ministerial meeting in 2024, along with other IPEF partners.
What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?
It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnerships among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The IPEF was launched in 2021with 12 initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
The IPEF is NOT a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.
Four main “Pillars” of IPEF
Tradethat will include digital economy and emerging technology, labor commitments, the environment, trade facilitation, transparency and good regulatory practices, and corporate accountability, standards on cross-border data flow and data localisations;
Supply chain resilience to develop “a first-of-its-kind supply chain agreement” that would anticipate and prevent disruptions;
Clean energy and decarbonization that will include agreements on “high-ambition commitments” such as renewable energy targets, carbon removal purchasing commitments, energy efficiency standards, and new measures to combat methane emissions; and
Fair Economy Agreement, with commitments to enact and enforce “effective tax, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery schemes in line with [American] values”.
Members Countries include:
Currently, India and 13 countries other located in the Pacific Ocean are its members: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.
How is IPEF different from other trade deals?
No market access or tariff reductions have been outlined in the IPEF, although experts say it can pave the way to trade deals.
It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it arrangement, like most multilateral trade deals are.
Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact, the members so far are not obligated by all four pillars despite being signatories.
Practice MCQ:
Regarding the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), consider the following statements:
The Prime Minister highlighted the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurating the first oil mill under this mission.
Why discuss this?
This results in a substantial outflow of $20.56 billion in foreign exchange, the need for self-reliance in edible oil production has become paramount.
Edible Oil Consumption in India: Key Facts
India, the world’s biggest importer of vegetable oils, is likely to buy 15.6 million metric tons of cooking oils in the 2023-24 oil year, down from 16.6 million in the current year to Oct.
With India imports 57% of its vegetable oil demand.
These imports have shown a declining trend in recent months.
This decline is attributed to various factors such as reduced availability of palm oil for edible oil requirements due to producers diverting it for biodiesel production.
Additionally, the import of soyabean oil from Argentinaincreased sharply in February 2024, while imports from Brazil declined.
The top three vegetable oil imports – palm, soybean, and sunflower seed oil.
India’s vegetable oil sector accounts for 13% of the Gross Cropped Area, 3% of the Gross National Product, and 10% of the value of all agricultural commodities.
A substantial portion of India’s edible oil requirement is fulfilled through palm oil imports from Indonesia and Malaysia.
Mission Palm Oil: A Catalyst for Self-Reliance
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2021 targeting a substantial increase in oil palm cultivation and crude palm oil production.
It has been introduced with a particular emphasis on the Northeast region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Objectives:
Expand oil palm acreage by an additional 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26
Increase crude palm oil production to 11.2 lakh tonnes by 2025-26, reaching up to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30.
Increase consumer awareness to maintain a consumption level of 19.00 kg/person/annum till 2025-26.
Focus Areas
(1) Fixing of Viability Price
Oil palm farmers currently produce Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs), from which the industry extracts oil.
Presently, FFB prices fluctuate with international Crude Palm Oil (CPO) prices.
The Government of India will now assure price stability for FFBs, known as Viability Price (VP), shielding farmers from international CPO price fluctuations.
A Formula Price (FP), set at 14.3% of CPO and adjusted monthly, will be established. Viability gap funding will be the difference between VP and FP, directly disbursed to farmers’ accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) when necessary.
(2) Input Assistance
The scheme’s second major focus is to significantly enhance input assistance/interventions, including:
Increasing assistance for oil palm planting material from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 29,000 per hectare.
Boosting support for maintenance and intercropping interventions.
Providing special assistance of Rs. 250 per plant for replanting old gardens to rejuvenate them.
Offering special assistance tailored for the North-East and Andaman regions, including provisions for half-moon terrace cultivation, bio-fencing, land clearance, and integrated farming.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2019:
Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years?
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Myanmar
(d) Vietnam
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements:
India is the world’s biggest importer of vegetable oils.
The top three vegetable oil imports include – soybean, palm and groundnut oil.
The Union Government has approved a scheme aimed at promoting India as a manufacturing destination for e-vehicles (EVs) with the latest technology.
The policy aims to attract investments from reputed global EV manufacturers to bolster the EV ecosystem in the country.
About E- Vehicle Manufacturing Policy
Access to Latest Technology: Indian consumers will gain access to the latest technology in EVs, aligning with the Make in India initiative.
Strengthening the EV Ecosystem: The policy aims to strengthen the EV ecosystem by fostering healthy competition among EV players, leading to high-volume production and economies of scale.
Reducing Import Dependency: By promoting domestic production, the policy aims to reduce imports of crude oil, lower the trade deficit, and curb air pollution, particularly in cities.
Key provisions of the Policy include:
Minimum Investment Requirement: A minimum investment of Rs 4150 crore (∼USD 500 million) is required to qualify for the scheme.
Timeline for Manufacturing: Manufacturers must set up manufacturing facilities in India within 3 years, start commercial production of e-vehicles, and achieve 50% domestic value addition (DVA) within 5 years.
Domestic Value Addition (DVA): Localization levels of 25% by the 3rd year and 50% by the 5th year must be achieved during manufacturing.
Customs Duty Incentives: A customs duty of 15% applies to vehicles with a minimum CIF value of USD 35,000 and above, subject to certain conditions.
Additional Provisions and Requirements
Limit on Duty Forgone: The duty foregone on imported EVs is limited to the investment made or ₹6484 crore, whichever is lower.
Annual Import Limits: A maximum of 40,000 EVs can be imported annually, subject to investment thresholds.
Bank Guarantee Requirement: Investment commitments must be backed by a bank guarantee, which will be invoked in case of non-achievement of DVA and minimum investment criteria.
Bank Guarantee Invocation: The bank guarantee will be invoked if companies fail to meet the DVA and minimum investment criteria outlined in the scheme guidelines.
Various Policy Moves for Promoting E-Vehicles
FAME scheme II (2019): Offers incentives such as subsidies, tax rebates, and preferential financing for EV manufacturers and buyers.
National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (2013): Aims to achieve annual sales targets of 6-7 million hybrid and electric vehicles by 2020 through fiscal incentives.
Amendments to the Model Building Bye-laws (2016): It requires 20% of parking spaces in residential and commercial buildings to be allocated for EV charging facilities.
National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage (2019): Aims to create an ecosystem for EV adoption and support the establishment of large-scale battery manufacturing plants.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme (2021): It incentivises EV and component manufacturing.
Vehicle Scrappage Policy (2021): It incentivizes the scrapping of old vehicles and the purchase of new EVs.
Ministry of Power’s guidelines: It mandates charging stations every 3 km along grids and every 25 km on highways.
Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2019:
Q. How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India?
The Department of Fisheries inaugurated the integration of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme onto the JanSamarth Portal, marking a revolutionary step in providing credit facilities to fishers and fish farmers nationwide.
JanSamarth Portal
It is a first-of-its-kind online platform for directly connecting lenders with beneficiaries. Citizens can avail loans under 13 Central government schemes under 4 loan categories.
The one-stop portal allows citizens to check eligibility, apply online and get digital approval.
About KCC Fisheries Scheme
The GoI, in the year 2018-19, extended KCC facility to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers to help them to meet their working capital requirements.
Bank authorities have been instructed to issue KCC within 14 days of receipt of the completed application from the fish farmers.
Benefits Include:
For the existing KCC holders the benefits of interest subvention and prompt repayment incentive will be admissible up to the credit limit of Rs. 3 lakhs including fisheries activities.
In the case of new card holders, the credit limit is Rs. 2 lakhs to meet their working capital requirements for fisheries activities.
In the KCC scheme @7% is the lending rate to farmers including @2% interest subvention per annum by GoI. Also, another @3% per annum is provided in case of prompt repayment as an additional incentive as per the existing guidelines.
This implies that the farmers repaying promptly as above would get a loan @ 4% per annum effectively for loan amount upto Rs 2 lakhs.
Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Scheme
The KCC scheme was introduced on the recommendation of R.V. Gupta of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
The scheme was launched in 1998to provide adequate and timely credit support from the banking system to the farmers.
It provides a single window with flexible and simplified procedures to the farmers for their cultivation and other needs like purchasing agriculture inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. and drawing cash for their production needs.
The scheme was further extended for the investment credit requirement of farmers viz. allied and non-farm activities in the year 2004.
In 2018-19, it was extended to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers.
Objectives include:
To meet the short-term credit requirement for cultivation
To manage post-harvest expenses
To meet the consumption requirement of farmer’s household
Working capital for maintaining the farm assets and activities allied to agriculture
Investment credit requirement for agriculture-allied activities
KCC scheme is implemented by:
Commercial banks
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
Small Financial Banks, and
Cooperative banks
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2020:
Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
Consumption requirements of farm households
Post-harvest expenses
Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 4 and 5
Practice MCQ:
The JanSamarth Portal often seen in the news is related to:
The Indian Army Aviation Corps inaugurated its first unit of AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters into its fleet at Jodhpur Air Base.
AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
The AH-64E Apache also known as ‘Apache Guardian’ is widely recognized as the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
It originates from the United States and is manufactured by Boeing.
In February 2020, India sealed a deal with Boeing for the acquisition of six AH-64E for the Army, with an additional six helicopters contracted subsequently.
Several countries have acquired the AH-64E, including India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and the UK.
Indigenous Push
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL), was established in 2016 to manufacture fuselages for the AH-64 Apache.
TBAL’s Hyderabad facility has been delivering AH-64 Apache fuselages since 2018.
The advanced manufacturing facility will eventually become the sole producer of AH-64 fuselages in the world, with 90% of parts sourced from Indian suppliers.
Combat Features
Engineered with an open systems architecture to integrate cutting-edge communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems.
Boasts enhanced thrust and lift capabilities, joint digital interoperability, improved survivability, and cognitive decision aiding.
Incorporates a new integrated infrared laser for simplified target designation and upgraded infrared imagery blending infrared with night vision capabilities.
Strategic Significance of the Induction
Enhancing Combat Capability: The induction of Apache helicopters marks a significant advancement for the Army Aviation Corps, providing formidable firepower and maneuverability in combat scenarios.
Complementing Indigenous Capabilities: The Apaches will complement the indigenous Light Combat helicopter (LCH), strengthening the Army’s aerial combat capabilities.
Replacing the ageing arsenal: The Apache fleet is set to will replace the Russian Mi-35 attack helicopters in service.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2018:
Q.What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea
Practice MCQ:
What is “AH-64E Apache Guardian “, sometimes seen in the news?
At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. [UPSC 2015]
Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss the merits of such terms and there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. [UPSC 2014].
Prelims:
Consider the following Statements regarding the DPSP/Directive Principles of State Policy: 1) The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country. 2) The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Note4Students:
Prelims: Bilateral Relations; European Countries;
Mains: Bilateral Relations; European Countries;
Mentor comments: Ireland and India celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting their shared history of fighting colonial oppression and growing connections in trade, education, and people-to-people ties. Despite global conflicts, Ireland maintains a principled stance, advocating for accountability and humanitarian assistance. Recently, Ireland has chalked out its Asia Pacific Strategy targeting EUROS 100 billion in trades with the region by 2025. We need to note here that the India-Ireland relationship extends beyond politics to encompass education, literature, and cultural exchanges.
Let’s learn.
—
Why in the News?
As Ireland commemorates St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), both India-Ireland emphasize the significance of supporting each other and nurturing lasting partnerships, especially through the engagement of young people.
Context:
India-Ireland relations have shared a bond strengthened by prominent figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Eamon de Valera, Rabindranath Tagore, and W.B. Yeats, who were instrumental in fostering ties between India and Ireland.
The Indian community in Ireland plays a significant role in enhancing bilateral relations by integrating well into Irish society and contributing positively.
Ireland’s initiatives and Stand on Conflicts:
Russian Brutality in Ukraine: Ireland condemns the unprovoked Russian brutality in Ukraine, advocating for accountability and supporting Ukraine’s path to European Union membership.
Hamas Attack on Israel: Ireland strongly denounced Hamas’s appalling attack on Israel, calling for the unconditional release of hostages in Gaza.
Humanitarian Assistance: Ireland advocates for upholding international humanitarian law, a humanitarian ceasefire, and providing sustained humanitarian assistance to over two million civilians in Gaza.
Factors that makes Ireland’s Stance for Global initiatives:
Its Historical Background: Ireland’s history of famine, poverty, forced migration, and conflicts like those in Northern Ireland have shaped its perspective on global issues.
Its Resilience and Empathy: Despite past challenges, Ireland’s experiences have cultivated resilience and empathy, influencing its approach to conflicts and humanitarian crises worldwide.
Ireland’s view for a Young Talent Pool:
The Irish government wants to further deepen its strong economic and cultural relationship with India as part of its renewed Asia Pacific strategy launched recently on various fields:
On Developing Sustainable future:
On Entrepreneurship: Ireland values enterprise and supports young entrepreneurs in bringing their ideas to the markets, fostering a culture of innovation.
On Innovation: Young people play a crucial role in addressing global challenges like the climate emergency and advocating for sustainable solutions.
On Development and Growth:
On Workforce: Ireland’s vibrant young talent pool attracts top companies in software and medical technology due to its economic stability, business-friendly environment, and access to a large market.
On Education: Irish universities attract students worldwide to a safe, welcoming environment, reinforcing Ireland’s position in the global economy.
On Global Perspective:
Citizenship: Despite facing challenges, Ireland’s high ranking in the top 10 countries for the UN’s Human Development Index underscores its commitment to progress, peace, human dignity, and equality as a responsible global citizen.
Advocacy for International Law: Youth globally demand respect for international law, multilateral institutions, and support for a rules-based order, sustainable development, and human rights.
Key areas for Indian Government (Opportunities for India):
Ireland aims to deepen its robust economic and cultural connections with India as part of its renewed Asia Pacific strategy.
Asia Pacific Strategy: Ireland highlights the importance of enhancing ties with India within the broader Asia Pacific strategy to drive future economic growth globally.
Ireland’s strategic approach: The target of EUR 100 billion in trade with the Asia Pacific region by 2025 has been reflecting the success of Ireland’s strategic approach.
Diplomatic Engagement: Ireland’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Asia Pacific region includes establishing a new Consulate General in Mumbai to strengthen its footprint.
Promoting Dialogue: Deputy PM Martin underscores the significance of upholding fundamental rights and engaging in constructive dialogue to address complex issues.
For example, in response to recent diplomatic tensions involving Canada and India, Ireland emphasizes the importance of dialogue and resolution between the two countries, refraining from direct arbitration.
Human Rights Focus: Ireland approaches international issues, including those concerning Manipur and Kashmir, through a human rights perspective, aligning with its upcoming election to the UN Human Rights Council.
Post Brexit: Ireland’s Indian immigrant population has grown 170% since 2016 due to Brexit and has seen a steady rise, especially among those pursuing higher education; according to the data by the Indian Embassy, 6,422 student visas were issued in 2022.
Conclusion:
Apart from booming economic benefits, job security, and work-life balance, Ireland offers multiculturalism for overseas students, helping them to merge into the new landscape. International students strive for personal growth, development, and a hospitable environment to sustain.
What did the Indian Constitution borrow from Ireland?
The makers of the Constitution of India were influenced by the Irish Home Rule Movement and other national movements of Ireland. Hence, the Indian Constitution borrowed the idea of Directive Principles of State Policy(DPSP) from Ireland. Part IV of the Indian constitution deals with the DPSP.
Mains PYQ Relevance: How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. [UPSC 2014]
Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. [UPSC 2016]
‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. [UPSC 2017]
Mentor comments: Bhutan’s Gelephu project, aims to create a “Gelephu Mindfulness City” as a carbon-neutral economic hub spanning 1,000 square kilometers. This initiative focuses on sustainable industries like IT, education, and healthcare, positioning Gelephu as an investment destination and health and wellness center. This project is aligned with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy, aiming to drive regional development and job creation responsibly. The project is crucial for Bhutan’s economic challenges, including the need to boost tourism revenues and address outmigration of youth seeking jobs abroad. Along this infrastructural learning, we need to align India’s involvement with its regional connectivity to emphasize the importance of land-based connectivity throughout Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Let’s learn.
—
Why in the News?
The recent project by Bhutan government of “Gelephu Mindfulness City” holds geopolitical significance, offering Bhutan a controlled way to engage globally while managing relations with China.
About the Gelephu Project:
The Gelephu Mindfulness City project in Bhutan is a significant initiative envisioned by His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to create a unique economic hub with a focus on sustainable development and cultural preservation.
This project involves the establishment of a Special Administrative Region (SAR) covering 1000 square kilometers, emphasizing conscious and sustainable businesses inspired by Bhutan’s spiritual heritage and values.
The SAR will have executive autonomy, legal independence, and will prioritize businesses that align with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy, aiming to drive regional development and job creation responsibly.
India’s involvement aligns with its regional connectivity plans, emphasizing the importance of land-based connectivity across South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
How are Bhutanese concerns aligned with India?
1) Geographical concerns:
Floods: 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.
Habitat and Conservation Issues: The surrounding forests and wildlife populations place Gelephu right in the middle of elephant corridors.
2) Geopolitical concerns:
China Factor: Pressure from its northern neighbor China to conclude a boundary resolution deal and to establish diplomatic ties.
Far away to the south, 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.
Security Issues: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.
This has led to a major military operation (Operation All Clear) by Bhutan’s former king in 2003, working with the Indian Army to drive out militant groups sheltering in the area.
Administrative Concern: As Gelephu is landlocked, it is dependent on primarily India, to provide the infrastructure for trade and transport out of the special administrative region.
3) Economic concerns:
Lag in Decision Making: Apart from hydropower, tourism is Bhutan’s mainstay, but the kingdom has always discouraged mass tourism, preferring instead a “high value, low volume” motto to ensure sustainability.
Bhutan needs to scale up its capacity to take in more tourists and visitors and land bigger planes in the narrow Paro valley.
Financial need for infrastructure: The Gelephu project involves scaling up the Gelephu airport and tarmac to international standards, which will need financing and expertise from India.
Employment issue: 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 stem that.
Prevailing India-Bhutan Relationship:
Officially, the diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India were established in January 1968. This Bilateral relationship is majorly guided by the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty.
Article 2 of the Treaty declares that India would not interfere in Bhutan’s administrative affairs and the latter would be guided by the former’s advice in its external relations.
Economic Cooperation:
Since 2014, India’s trade with Bhutan has almost tripled from USD 484 million in 2014-15 to USD 1422 million in 2021-22. This accounts for about 80% of Bhutan’s overall trade, with the balance of trade in India’s favor.
India is the leading source of investments in Bhutan, comprising 50% of the country’s total FDI. Interestingly, Bhutanese currency Ngultrum is officially pegged to the Indian Rupee.
Infrastructural Cooperation: India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan:336 MW Chukha HEP, 60 MW Kurichhu HEP and 1020 MW Tala HEP.These three plants are operational and export surplus power to India. Hydropower projects in Bhutan are an example of win-win cooperation, providing a reliable source of inexpensive and clean electricity to India, generating export revenue for Bhutan and cementing our economic integration.
Growth Cooperation: For the 12th Five-Year Plan of Bhutan, India is assisting Rs. 45 billion.
What needs to be India’s current interest w.r.t the recent escalating Geopolitics?
Climate Change: India’s plans for a South Asian power grid (throughSolar and Wind power generation projects) that would draw electricity from Nepal and Bhutan, with supply to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka would lend itself to more consistent power supplies needed for Gelephu.
Connectivity: Nearly decades of deteriorating ties with Pakistan have seen the Indian government virtually cut off any plans for land connectivity over India’s western border. The International North-South Transport Corridor, faces western sanctions, the IMEC and I2U2 initiative are challenged by Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Conclusion:
At the 7th Indian Ocean Conference 2024, External Affairs Minister highlighted the need for lateral land-based connectivity across the Indian Ocean region, which is essential to supplement and complement the maritime flows. The Gelephu project offers a chance for the region to conjure an imagination beyond the problematic present. Although it is a huge gamble for Bhutan, but also a potential game changer for the region, with help from India.
The United States is leading an effort at the United Nations to create rules for Artificial intelligence (AI).
Context-
The draft resolution, which recognizes the rapid acceleration of AI development and use, aims to close the digital divide between countries.
The United States initiated negotiations with all 193 UN member nations about three months before the statement.
It plans to make sure that nations have the necessary capabilities to take advantage of the technology when it comes to detecting diseases and predicting floods.
What are the provisions proposed through the New framework?
Encouragement for Regulatory and Governance Approaches: The resolution encourages various entities, including countries, organizations, communities, and individuals, to develop and support regulatory and governance frameworks for safe AI systems. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding against improper or malicious use of AI systems.
Global Movement Towards AI Regulations: Countries worldwide, including the U.S., China, and the EU, are working on AI regulations. The EU is set to finalize comprehensive AI rules, and other nations and groupings like the G20 are also developing AI regulations.
Assistance to Developing Countries: The U.S. draft resolution calls for helping developing countries access the benefits of digital transformation and safe AI systems. It stresses the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the lifecycle of AI systems.
Support for UN Development Goals: It particularly aims to support the UN’s 2030 goals, including ending hunger and poverty, improving health, and achieving gender equality.
Need Global support to pass the resolution:
For Principles: The resolution aims to garner global support for a set of principles for developing and using AI. It intends to guide the use of AI systems for beneficial purposes while managing associated risks.
If approved, the resolution is deemed a historic advancement in promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy AI on a global scale.
Consensus Support: After several drafts, the resolution achieved consensus support from all member states. It will be formally considered later in the month.
Non-Legally Binding: Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. However, they serve as important indicators of global opinion.
How it will positively impact the well-being of the Society all over?
AI can play a crucial role in both detecting diseases and predicting floods by leveraging various data sources, advanced algorithms, and computational power-
Disease Detection with AI:
Medical Imaging Analysis: AI algorithms can analyze medical images such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans to detect abnormalities or signs of diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, or pneumonia.
Deep learning models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have shown remarkable accuracy in identifying patterns in medical images.
Health Monitoring and Predictive Analytics: AI-powered health monitoring devices can continuously collect data such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels.
Machine learning algorithms can analyze this data to detect anomalies or early signs of diseases, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
Diagnostic Decision Support Systems: AI-based diagnostic systems can assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing diseases by analyzing patient data, symptoms, medical history, and laboratory test results.
These systems can provide accurate and timely recommendations, improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
Flood Prediction with AI:
Data Analysis and Modeling: AI algorithms can analyze various data sources such as weather patterns, topography, soil moisture, river levels, and historical flood data to build predictive models. Machine learning techniques, including regression, decision trees, and neural networks, can identify complex relationships between these factors and predict the likelihood and severity of floods.
Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery: AI can analyze satellite imagery and remote sensing data to monitor changes in land use, vegetation, and water bodies. This information can be used to assess flood risks and predict flood events in vulnerable areas.
Real-time Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: AI-powered sensors and monitoring devices can continuously collect data on rainfall, river levels, and water flow rates. Machine learning algorithms can analyze this data in real time to detect sudden changes or anomalies indicative of imminent flooding. Early warning systems can then alert authorities and communities, enabling them to take preventive measures and evacuate residents if necessary.
Conclusion-
In the way forward, global consensus on AI principles is vital. Continued efforts in developing regulatory frameworks and assisting developing nations are essential. AI’s role in disease detection and flood prediction underscores its potential for addressing global challenges effectively.
Mains Question for Practise-
Discuss the global efforts towards establishing regulatory frameworks for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in healthcare and disaster management. Examine the significance of international cooperation in ensuring the safe and beneficial deployment of AI technologies. (250 words)
Renewed clashes in eastern DRC between the Congolese army and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have raised global concerns.
Context:
The conflict exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the region, with increased fatalities, displacements, and food security risks.
The United Nations and several Western countries denounce the attacks and urge the M23 rebels to halt their offensive
What is the conflict?
Origin: Conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) stems from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in 1994, where extremist Hutus killed hundreds of thousands of minority ethnic Tutsis and Hutu moderates.
Refugee Crisis: Following the genocide, around two million Rwandan refugees fled to eastern Congo, leading to tensions between local Congolese and Rwandan emigrants.
First Congo War: Ethnic tensions escalated into the First Congo War, pitting Zairean soldiers against Tutsi militias and the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL), supported by Rwanda and Uganda.
Political Changes: The AFDL captured Kinshasa, leading to the renaming of Zaire as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1997.
Africa’s World War: The Second Congo War erupted in 1998, characterized as “Africa’s world war,” involving various armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed rebel group, the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD).
Despite multiple peace agreements, violence persists in the region, making it one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II.
Who are the M23 rebels?
Formation of M23 rebels: The March 23 Movement (M23) was formed in 2012 to defend Tutsi interests against Hutu militias, stemming from a 2009 ceasefire agreement. It broke away from the Congolese army, accusing the government of failing to integrate Tutsis.
Recent Resurgence: M23 resurged in 2022, citing attacks by Hutu militias. Recent attacks near Goma have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to protests urging Rwanda’s withdrawal of support.
Escalating Tensions: Violence has strained relations between the DRC and Rwanda, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of backing M23 rebels. Rwanda denies these allegations and attributes the escalation to Congo’s decision to send back regional peacekeepers.
Potential Regional Escalation: The worsening violence raises concerns about regional tensions and the involvement of more countries. Attacks on civilian settlements have caused significant casualties and forced health and aid workers to withdraw.
Measures to resolve these issues-
Regional Cooperation: Foster cooperation among neighboring countries to address cross-border security challenges and prevent the spread of violence. Establishing joint patrols and intelligence-sharing mechanisms can enhance security along shared borders.
Peacekeeping Missions: Increased peacekeeping efforts can help stabilize conflict-affected areas and create conducive conditions for peace talks.
Socio-Economic Development: Invest in socio-economic development initiatives in conflict-affected areas to address underlying drivers of instability and marginalization. Providing livelihood opportunities, access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure can help alleviate poverty and promote social cohesion.
Disarmament and Reintegration: Implement effective disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs which should include vocational training, psychosocial support, and community-based reconciliation efforts.
International Support: Mobilize international support and Regional organizations, donor countries, and civil society actors to provide timely and coordinated assistance to affected populations.
Conclusion:
The conflict in eastern DRC, fueled by historical grievances and ethnic tensions, requires diplomatic engagement, regional cooperation, peacekeeping missions, comprehensive peace agreements, socio-economic development, disarmament, international support to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Mains PYQ-
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. (UPSC IAS/2016)
A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind has proposed conducting simultaneous elections
Context
It has proposed conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as the initial step.
Subsequently, municipal and panchayat elections would be held within 100 days following the general elections.
What is Simultaneous elections?
Simultaneous elections, also known as “One Nation, One Election,” refer to the practice of holding elections for all levels of government – national, state, and local – simultaneously, or within a short period of time.
This means that voters would cast their ballots for parliamentary (Lok Sabha), state legislative assembly (Vidhan Sabha), and local government (municipalities, panchayats) elections on the same day or within a closely coordinated timeframe.
Article 83 (Duration of Houses of Parliament): Article 83 specifies the tenure of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament. It states that the Lok Sabha’s duration is five years from the date of its first sitting unless dissolved earlier. The President has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha before the completion of its five-year term, leading to general elections.
Article 172 (Duration of State Legislatures): Article 172 deals with the duration of the Legislative Assemblies in the states. It mandates that the Legislative Assembly of a state will continue for five years from the date of its first sitting unless dissolved earlier. Similar to the Lok Sabha, the Governor of a state holds the power to dissolve the Legislative Assembly before the completion of its five-year term, leading to fresh elections.
Recommendation as per Committee-
Synchronization Proposal: The committee proposed a method to synchronize elections by setting an ‘Appointed Date’ after the general elections. State Assemblies formed after this date and before the completion of the Lok Sabha’s term would conclude before subsequent general elections, enabling simultaneous polls.
Tenure and Fresh Elections: The committee suggested that if a hung House or a no-confidence motion occurs, fresh elections could be conducted. However, the tenure of the House would only last for the remaining term of the preceding full term.
Continuation of New Assemblies: In the case of fresh elections for Legislative Assemblies, the new Assemblies would continue until the end of the full term of the Lok Sabha unless dissolved earlier.
Constitutional Amendments: Amendments to Article 83 and Article 172 of the Constitution are recommended to facilitate these changes regarding the duration of Parliament and State legislatures.
Implementation of Changes: An implementation group is proposed to oversee the execution of the recommended amendments by the committee.
Examining the issue of Simultaneous elections:
Law Commission’s Action: The 22nd Law Commission, concurrently examining the issue of simultaneous elections, is anticipated to submit its report to the Law Ministry soon. It is likely to recommend simultaneous polls from the 2029 general election cycle.
Ratification by States-
Amendments to Constitution Articles: The committee recommends amendments to Article 324A to enable simultaneous elections in panchayats and municipalities. Amendments to Article 325 are suggested to empower the Election Commission of India (EC) to collaborate with state election authorities in preparing a unified electoral roll and voter ID cards.
Article 324A: This article pertains to the recommendations for amendments to enable simultaneous elections in panchayats and municipalities.
It implies that changes to Article 324A would empower the Election Commission of India (EC) to conduct elections for local bodies concurrently with state and national elections.
The proposed amendment aims to streamline the electoral process and reduce the frequency of elections, aligning with the broader goal of synchronizing all levels of elections.
Article 325: It deals with the right to vote and preparation of electoral rolls.
The suggested amendments to Article 325 would authorize the Election Commission of India (EC), in consultation with state election authorities, to prepare a unified electoral roll and issue voter ID cards.
This amendment seeks to establish a uniform and standardized voter registration process across different levels of elections, ensuring consistency and efficiency in voter identification and participation.
Significance of “One Nation, One Election”:
Governance Efficiency: Conducting elections at all levels simultaneously can streamline the electoral process, reducing the disruptions caused by frequent elections. This leads to more stable governance and allows elected representatives to focus on their duties rather than preparing for elections.
Cost Savings: Simultaneous elections can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with conducting multiple elections at different times. It helps in optimizing resources, cutting down on campaign expenses, and minimizing the overall cost to the exchequer.
Voter Engagement: Coordinating elections at all levels encourages higher voter turnout by consolidating electoral activities. It simplifies the voting process for citizens and promotes greater participation in the democratic process.
Policy Continuity: Simultaneous elections facilitate better policy planning and implementation by ensuring that elected governments at various levels have concurrent tenures. This continuity promotes stability and coherence in policymaking, leading to more effective governance.
Reduced Political Polarization: By aligning electoral cycles, simultaneous elections can mitigate the intense political polarization often witnessed during election periods. It fosters a more collaborative political environment and encourages constructive dialogue among political parties.
Conclusion:
The proposal for simultaneous elections requires constitutional amendments and careful implementation. Cooperation among states and the Election Commission is essential for its success.
Mains PYQ-
Q- Simultaneous election 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.( UPSC IAS/2017)
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