Context: The Arctic region has reported the first case of death of a polar bear due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Polar Bear Dies Due to Bird Flu for First Time

• The bear was found dead near Utqiagvik in Alaska’s northernmost community, as reported by the  Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
• HPAI was first detected in the Arctic region in the second week of April 2023 among birds and a fox.

Must Read: WOAH approves India’s declaration of freedom from avian influenza

About Polar Bear

• Scientific name: Ursus maritimus
• IUCN status: Vulnerable
• Habitat: Arctic Ocean, sea ice, and adjacent coastal areas
  • The Arctic sea ice is crucial to polar bears’ survival as they use it for  hunting seal and also for travelling, mating and resting.

• Prey base: Polar bears are Arctic region top predators with their main prey consists of ringed and bearded seals.
• They have a thick layer of body fat and a water-repellent coat that insulates them from the cold air and water.
• Significance of Polar bears: 
  • Top predator in the Arctic:  They play a major role in keeping  biological populations in balance, maintaining the food chain and health of the ecosystem.
  • Example:  Polar bear left overs serve as food resources for scavengers like Arctic foxes and Arctic birds. 
  • Overpopulation of  seals: It  could endanger the existence of crustaceans and fish that are an important food source for local human populations as well as other Arctic wildlife.

News source: Down to Earth

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Context: Recently, the Australia India FTA or Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, (AI-ECTA) completed one year of implementation. 

About Australia India FTA (AI-ECTA)

• Australia India FTA or AI-ECTA is a Free Trade Agreement between India and Australia that covers almost all the tariffs between India and Australia respectively.
• India Australia Trade Relations: India has become Australia’s fourth largest export destination. Australia is now India’s 10th largest export market. 
  • Australia and India’s two-way goods trade has grown by nearly 60 per cent over the last five years. 
• Trade Deficit: In the first six months of the Australia India FTA coming into force, the trade gap between Australia and India has shrunk by 15 percent.
  • This is the result of increased Indian exports of pharmaceutical goods, electrical machinery, and iron and steel products. 
  • Ninety-six per cent of Indian goods now enter Australia completely tariff-free.
• Positive Results: The early results of the Australia India FTA have been positive and could show Indian officials the merits of global trade through free trade agreements and tariff elimination
  • Shipping Volume: shipped more than Rs 2 trillion worth of goods between countries.
• Future Partnership Scope: 
  • The partnership can boost the supply chains for the critical minerals India needs to manufacture solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles for net-zero targets. 
  • Australia has the high-quality universities India needs to educate the roughly 70 million young Ind­ians looking for a tertiary qualification by 2030.

About India and Australia Relations

• Common Values: shared values of a pluralistic, Westminster-style democracies, Commonwealth traditions, expanding economic engagement and increasing high level interaction
• History of Ties: Ties between India and Australia started immediately following European settlement in Australia from 1788.
  • Formally begun with establishment of India Trade Office in Sydney in 1941
• Bilateral Relationship: Both the countries have signed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) from 2020.
  • High level participation between both the countries are also reflected in the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue and Raisina Dialogue.
• Key Initiatives: Both India and Australia are members of the Commonwealth, IORA, ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia Pacific Partnership on Climate and Clean Development, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Quad. 
• Trade Relations: India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (“IndAus ECTA”) has been signed in 2022 to address the tariff between both the countries. 
• Civil Nuclear Cooperation: A Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement between the two countries was signed in September 2014 to allow Australian uranium to India for civil use
• Military Exercises: AUSINDEX , PITCHBLACK,  MALABAR
• Critical Minerals: Co-Investment in Australian Critical Minerals Projects was signed between Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), India and Critical Minerals Facilitation Office (CMFO) Australia.
• Diaspora: Indian community in Australia continues to grow and importance, with the population of about 976,000 (Census 2021)

Continue To Read: India-Australia Bilateral Relations

Source: Business Standards

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Context: Classical dancer and choreographer Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari has been presented with ‘Nritya Kalanidhi’ award at the 17th Dance Festival of The Music Academy.  

• Ms. Narasimhachari is one of the foremost exponents of classical dance, and was associated with dance genres such as Kathakali and Odissi.

Kathakali Dance – The Classical Dance Drama of Kerala

• A Kathakali performance begins with the kelikottu, calling the audience to attention followed by the todayam. 
  • It is a devotional number performed where one or two characters invoke the blessings of the gods. 
• Key Aspects: It is a stylised art form with four aspects of abhinaya – angika, aharya,vachika, satvika
• Composition: It combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up to retells the great stories from Hindu epics like ‘Bhagavata Purans’, ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Ramayana’
• Expressions: The dancer expresses himself through codified hastamudras and facial expressions, closely following the verses(padams) that are sung. 
  • The weight of the body is on the outer edges of the feet which are slightly bent and curved.
• Use of Color: Make-up using color typifies the characters categorizing them as gods, goddesses, saints, animals, demons, and demonesses among others as per the tenets laid down in the Natya Shastra. 
• Characters: The characters in a Kathakali performance are broadly divided into satvika, rajasika and tamasika types. Various colors are used in the performance:
  • Green represents royalty, divinity, and virtue.
  • Red patches beside noses represent royalty.
  • Black used for evil and wickedness.
  • Yellow shows saints and women.
  • Complete red-painted face indicates evil.
  • White beard represents being with higher consciousness and divinity.
• Stage: A large oil-fed lamp is placed in front of the stage and two people hold a curtain called Tirasseela on the stage, the main dancers stand behind it before the performance.
• Instruments: Drums like the maddalam and chenda; the chengila (a bell metal gong) and ilathalam or cymbals.
• Music: Kathakali music follows the traditional sopana sangeet of Kerala. Kathakali music also uses Carnatic ragas. 
• Famous Proponents: Kavungal Chathunni Panicker, Kalamandalam Gopi. 

Must Read: Garba Of Gujarat Declared As Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO

News Source: The Hindu

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Context: Recently, a Royal Bengal tiger has been observed in West Bengal’s Buxa National Park.

• The previous sighting of Tiger was after 23 years on December 12, 2021. 

Potential Reasons for Tiger’s Comeback: 

• Increase in Prey Base of Tigers
• Expansion of the Grassland 
• Controlling Human Interaction
• Initiatives to curb infiltration and trespassing 

About Buxa Tiger Reserve

• Location: Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in North Bengal’s Alipurduar district. Its Northern boundary runs along the border with Bhutan. 
• Establishment: It was created in 1983 as the 15th Tiger Reserve of India and was declared as a National Park in January 1992.
  • In 2018, the “Tiger augmentation and monitoring project” was introduced in Buxa by the state forest department, Wildlife Institute of India and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
• Main Flowing Rivers: Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi, Phashkhawa, Dima and Nonani.
• Types of Vegetation: Moist Tropical Forest
• Few Available Species: Indian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) etc.

Conservation Status of Tiger 

• Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Endangered
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix I.

Read More: About All India Tiger Estimation 2022

News Source: The Indian Express

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Context: A two-year field experiment on the efficacy of nano urea has found a substantial decrease in Crop yields when compared to conventional nitrogen (N) fertilizer application. 

• A two-year field experiment on the efficacy of nano urea by scientists from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has found a substantial decrease in rice and wheat yields when compared to conventional nitrogen (N) fertilizer application. 

Key Findings on Efficacy of Liquid Nano Urea

• Decline in Yield: There was a 21.6 percent decrease in wheat yield and a 13 percent decrease in rice yields with nano urea. 
• Decrease in Grain Content: There was a 17 and 11.5 per cent decrease in grain N content of rice and wheat, respectively, with the combined application of nano urea and N to  soil. 
  • A decrease in grain N content reflected a lowered protein content. 
• Conventional Urea more efficient: According to the report, even if 100 per cent use efficiency is achieved by this nano formulation, the requisite nitrogen nutrient could not be provided to the growing crop compared to nitrogen provided by 45 kg of conventional urea
• Higher Cost: The cost of nano urea formulation was 10 times higher than that of granular urea and added to the cost of cultivation for farmers. 
• Decrease in Ground Mass and Root Volume: The PAU field experiments also revealed that the above ground biomass and root volume were reduced after nano urea application, thus resulting in less root biomass addition after the crop harvest.
  • The lower root volume indicated a decreased available root-surface area that can culminate to lowered N and other nutrient uptake processes by the root. 

News Source: DTE

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Context: Recently, a Chinese student who was the victim of “cyber kidnapping” has been discovered unharmed. 

• In the US, cyber kidnappers have been targeting Chinese foreign exchange students, and extorting huge amounts of money from parents.

About Cyber Kidnapping

• It refers to a crime where the ‘kidnappers’ convince their victim to hide, and then contact their loved ones for ransom.

How does Cyber Kidnapping work?

• The victim is made to send pictures that make it look like they are being held captive — showing them bound or gagged which are then shared with the family. 
• The ‘kidnappers’, though not physically present, monitor the victim online through video-call platforms.
• Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone. 
• Instead, through deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to pay a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart.

Prevention from Cyber Kidnapping:

• Strong passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for all accounts and enable multi factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
• Software updates: Regularly update operating systems, applications, and firmware to patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might exploit.
• Antivirus and anti-malware: Use reputable security software to detect and remove malicious software. Keep it updated for the latest threats.
• Phishing awareness: Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls, especially those requesting personal information or prompting urgent action. 

Continue To Read: Cyber Kidnapping

News Source: IE

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Context: The Central government is considering a proposal to provide interest-free loans to tobacco farmers of Andhra Pradesh impacted by Cyclone Michaung.

Interest-free Loans for Andhra Tobacco Farmers

• Terms of loan: The  interest-free loans, varying between ₹10,000 and ₹20,000, will be for a period of six months and will support replanting of tobacco.
• It will be provided to around  15,000 tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh who are impacted by cyclone Michaung (made a landfall in  Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on 5th december)
• The proposal is being  forwarded by the Tobacco Board.

About Tobacco 

• Production: India is the world’s second-largest tobacco producer after China with around 800 million kg of tobacco produced annually. 
  • Gujarat is the highest producer with 45% of total production, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
  •  India’s Major exporting Destinations:  Belgium, the UAE, Indonesia, Russia, Korea, the US, Yemen, Egypt, Singapore, Netherlands, Philippines, Turkey and Nepal.
• Cultivation: India has around 0.45 million hectares of area under tobacco cultivation accounting for (only 0.31% of net cultivated area in the country) and  10% of the total area globally. 
• Conditions for growth:
  • Temperature: It requires a temperature range between 20 and 30°C with a frost-free period of 90 to 120 days.
  • Rainfall:  A dry period is required for the ripening of the leaves. Excess rainfall results in thin, lightweight leaves.
  • The planting season starts at around November-end to mid-January. The harvesting period is from March to June.
  • Soil: The crop is sensitive to waterlogging and demands well-aerated and drained soils. The optimum pH ranges from 5 to 6.5.  Flue-cured, light tobacco requires light sandy soil while Air-cured, dark tobacco is grown in silty loam to clay loam.
  • Transplantation: Tobacco is sown on seed beds and is transplanted 40 to 60 days after sowing when the plants are about 15 cm tall.

News source: Livemint

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Context: The Indian Navy has deployed ships and aircraft to maintain enhanced surveillance and maritime security operations in the North/Central Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. 

Navy’s Ships, Aircrafts Continue To Monitor Security In Arabian Sea, Gulf Of Aden

• The Navy is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with national maritime agencies and is committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping and seafarers in the region.
• Deployed Warships:  INS Kochi, INS Mormugao, INS Kolkata and INS Chennai, in addition to a Talwar Class frigate.

Must Read: How Are Houthi Attacks On Ships In The Red Sea Affecting Global Economy?

About the Gulf of Aden

• The gulf is named after “Aden,” a port city on Yemen’s coast.
• Location: It is an extension of the Indian Ocean, located between the Arabian Peninsula (north) and the Horn of Africa (south). 
  • It is bounded to the south by Somali and the Socotra Islands, north by Yemen, east by the Arabian Sea, and west by Djibouti. 
  • It is connected to the Somali Sea to the south by the Guardafui Channel, and to the Red Sea to the west by the Strait of Bab el Mandeb.
• Connectivity: It connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea via the Strait of Bab el Mandeb.

• Major Harbors: Aden, Mukalla, Ahnwar, Balhaf, Berbera, Bosaso, and Djibouti City.
• Challenges: In recent years, the gulf has faced challenges of piracy, terrorism and refugee smuggling.
• Importance: 
  • The Gulf is also a critical part of the Suez Canal shipping route, which connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Must Read: Red Sea Region: Houthi Militants Pose Risks to Important Choke Points

News Source: The Hindu

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Context: 2024 promises to be an important year for space exploration with ambitious programs and numerous technological developments.

• Several new missions are lined up under NASA’s Artemis plan, Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, the Martian Moons eXploration mission, Europa Clipper and Hera, etc. 

Six Significant Space Missions in 2024

Here are six notable space missions scheduled for 2024:

• Europa Clipper
• Artemis II 
• VIPER Mission
• Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) Mission
• Hera Mission
• SIMPLEx, Lunar Trailblazer and PRIME-1 Missions:

• Europa Clipper:

• • Associated Space Agency: NASA 
  • Mission: It will explore one of Jupiter’s largest moons, Europa. 
  • Objectives: 

• • • To investigate whether Europa’s ocean could be a suitable habitat for extraterrestrial life.
    • The mission will also look for active geysers spewing out from Europa.
  • Launch: The spacecraft will launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and arrive at the Jupiter system in 2030.

• Artemis II Launch:

• • Associated Space Agency: NASA
  • About Artemis Programme: Named after Apollo’s twin sister in Greek mythology, Artemis is NASA’s plan to go back to the moon. 
    • The mission builds upon Artemis I, which sent an uncrewed capsule into orbit around the moon in late 2022.
  • Objectives of Artemis Programme: 
    • It will send humans to the moon for the first time since 1972, including the first woman and the first person of color. 
    • Artemis also includes plans for a longer-term, sustained presence in space that will prepare NASA for eventually sending people even farther to Mars.
    • Artemis II is the first crewed step in this plan, with four astronauts planned to be on board during the 10-day mission.

• VIPER Mission:

• • Associated Space Agency: NASA
  • Mission: To search for water on the moon.
  • About VIPER: VIPER stands for Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, is a robot that NASA will use to explore the moon’s south pole.
  • Objectives VIPER of Mission: 
    • To search for volatiles (molecules that easily vaporize like water and carbon dioxide) at lunar temperatures. 
      • These materials could provide resources for future human exploration on the moon.

• Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) Mission:

• • Associated Space Agency: Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
  • Mission: To study Mars’ moons viz. Phobos and Deimos.
  • Objectives of MMX Mission: 
    • To determine the origin of Mars’ moons. 
    • MMX will also land on Phobos’ surface and collect a sample before returning to Earth.

• Hera Mission:

• • Associated Space Agency: European Space Agency (ESA).
  • Objective:
    • To investigate the Didymos binary asteroid, including the very first assessment of its internal properties.
    • To measure in great detail the outcome of NASA’s DART mission kinetic impactor test. 

SIMPLEx, Lunar Trailblazer and PRIME-1 Missions:

• These are  small, low-cost planetary missions 
• Associated Space Agency: NASA
  • SIMPLEx: SIMPLEx, stands for Small, Innovative Missions for PLanetary Exploration. 
    • These missions save costs by tagging along on other launches also known as rideshare, or secondary payload.
  • Lunar Trailblazer: Lunar Trailblazer will orbit the moon for water, measuring the temperature of the surface and mapping out the locations of water molecules.
  • PRIME-1 Mission: It  will help scientists search for water at the lunar South Pole, and will be the first in-situ resource utilization demonstration on the Moon.

Must Read: ISRO To Launch Chandrayaan 4 Mission 

News Source: TH

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Context: For the first time, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch  GSAT-20 (renamed as GSAT-N2), a communication satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket.

NSIL to launch GSAT-20 satellite on SpaceX Falcon 9

• GSAT-20 (renamed as GSAT-N2) will be the second “demand-driven” satellite launch enabled by NSIL. 
• In June 2022, NSIL launched the 1st Demand-driven satellite mission, in the form of GSAT-24 whose entire capacity was bought by Tata Play, a Direct-To-Home broadcaster.

About GSAT-20 (Renamed as GSAT-N2):

• A High-throughput Satellite: It is a high throughput Ka-band satellite, which delivers high-speed broadband internet connectivity and digital video and audio transmission.
• Funded by: NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) 
• Specifications: It offers HTS capacity of nearly 48 gbps.

• Aim: To meet the broadband communication needs of the country.
• Significance: 
  • Provide high data transmission capability over the entire country.
  • Support In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) and cellular backhaul services across India.
  • Meet the requirements of remote and previously unconnected regions, bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.

About Falcon-9 Rocket

• A Reusable Rocket: It is the world’s first orbital class reusable, two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond.
  • It can carry over 8,300 kg (double that weight) to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). 
• Significance: Reusability allows SpaceX to re-fly the most expensive parts of the rocket, which in a result lowers the cost of space access.

Must Read: New Targets for ISRO

News Source: The Indian Express

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Context: The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal recently published a new study ‘Temporal patterns of cancer burden in Asia, 1990–2019: a systematic examination for the Global Burden of Disease 2019’.

Temporal Patterns of Cancer Burden in Asia: Key Highlights from the Lancet Report

• Cancer related Cases: China had the highest cancer burden in Asia in 2019 — 4.8 million new cases and 2.7 million deaths. India recorded 1.2 million new cases and 929,600 deaths.
  • Japan ranked third with 887,300 new cases and 437,700 deaths.
• Cancer as a Major Public Health Threat:  Cancer emerged as a significant public health concern in Asia witnessing 9.4 million new cases and 5.6 million deaths in 2019, marking a substantial increase from 2.8 million in 1990. 
  • Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer (both sexes), breast cancer (among females), colon and rectum cancer (both sexes), stomach cancer (both sexes), and prostate cancer (among males) were among top five cancers in most Asian countries.
• Cancer disability-adjusted life years (DALYs): The burden of cancers, measured in terms of DALYs, rose to 144.7 million in 2019, compared to 86.2 million in 1990.
  • The researchers examined cancer disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths attributable to 34 risk factors between 1990 and 2019.
  • Among the 49 countries surveyed in the Asian continent, 15 had a DALYs count exceeding 1 million, with China (67.3 million DALYs) and India (27.1 million DALYs) leading the list.
• Major Risk Causing Factor: Smoking emerged as the significant risk factor for both genders.
  • Smoking-related cancers caused 33.1 million DALYs. This was followed by alcohol use and then ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution in 2019.
  • Apart from tobacco smoking and ambient air pollution, high prevalence of smokeless tobacco such as khaini, gutkha, betel quid, and paan masala is a public health concern in South Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
• Lip and oral cavity cancer: India alone accounted for 32.9 percent of global deaths and 28.1 per cent of new cases of lip and oral cavity cancer in 2019. 
  • As per the global adult tobacco survey (GATS), 199.4 million adults in India consumed smokeless tobacco (SMT).
  • More than 50 per cent of the oral cancer burden is caused directly as a result of SMT, with the incidence growing in South Asia, including India. 

Must Read: Urgent Need To Control Use Of E-Cigarettes

News Source: DTE

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Context: India may pitch for Global South & Africa outreach as the External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India takes part in Non Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Uganda.

EAM Jaishankar to Represent India at Uganda NAM Summit

• NAM Summit: 19th edition of NAM Summit is scheduled from January 17 to 20.
• It will be preceded by a foreign ministers’ meeting from January 15. 
• EAM is also expected to hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines. 
• NAM Host: Uganda will be the chair of the NAM grouping during 2024-2027.
  • Uganda prepares to host two pivotal events in January 2024 i.e. NAM Summit and the 3rd South Summit organized under the Group of 77 and China. 

About Non Aligned Movement (NAM)

• Context and Concept of NAM: Shri V K Menon coined the term “non-alignment” during his 1953 United Nations speech. Later, Indian Prime Minister Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru incorporated it in his 1954 Colombo speech, outlining the Panchsheel (five restraints), which subsequently formed the foundation of the Non Aligned Movement.

The Historical Roots of Non Aligned Movement (NAM): Its Origin

• The basic concept for the group originated in 1955 during discussions that took place at the Afro-Asian Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia. 
  • The first summit of NAM took place in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1961. 
• Leaders who played Crucial roles were India’s PM  Jawaharlal Nehru, Yugoslavia’s President Josip Broz Tito, Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ghana’s President Kwame Nkrumah, and Indonesia’s President Sukarno.

Basis of Non Aligned Movement (NAM)

• The concept of non-alignment was based on the Third World desire not to become involved in the East-West ideological confrontation of the Cold War. 
  • Third World: A former political designation originally used to describe those states not part of the first world (capitalist states) led by the U.S. or the second world (communist states) led by the Soviet Union. 
• Focus: Third world wanted to focus on national independence struggles, the alleviation of poverty, and economic development. 

Member Countries of Non Aligned Movement (NAM)

• NAM comprises 53 countries from Africa, 40 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean, and one from Europe (Belarus). 
• Observers: There are 18 countries and 10 international organisations that are observers at NAM. 

Must Read: India To Host Second Global South Summit

India and Non Aligned Movement (NAM)

• Founding Member: India is one of the founding members of the NAM and hosted the 7th NAM Summit in 1983 in New Delhi. 
• Utility of NAM for India: It has provided a high profile and strong voice to India in international fora and affairs.  India can leverage initiatives like NAM to emerge as leader of the Global South. 
  • India’s Presidency of the G20 in 2023 has made the concerns of the Global South placed at the forefront of the G20 Leaders Agenda.
  • For instance, the Voice of the Global South Summit convened by India witnessed participation of about 130 countries. 

Current Relevance of Non Aligned Movement (NAM)

• Utility of NAM in the World Order: Given that more than half of the world still suffers from the issues relevant to NAM, it can be helpful in the following areas:
  • Restructure and democratise international organisations such as the UN, IMF and the World Bank. 
  • Foster cooperation in the areas of food cooperation, population, trade and investment.
  • Ensure equitable international flow of trade and transfer of technology. 
  • Oppose interventionism and imposition of economic conditions on developing countries. 
• Enhance South-South cooperation: Amid a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape (Post Cold War), the focus of the movement is turning towards promoting South-South cooperation.
  • Common problems faced by the Global South such as foreign debt and poverty are identified as priority areas. 
• Ensuring Access to 4Fs to the Developing World: NAM can play a significant role in ensuring availability of Food, Finance, Fuel and Fertilizers to the developing world with certainty, transparency, and equity.
• Coordinated, Inclusive and Equitable Response by the World to Crisis: NAM can promote international solidarity in the fight against the global crisis.
  • The Indian Prime Minister engaged in the online NAM Summit, themed “United against COVID-19,” addressing the pandemic crisis. The Summit aimed to foster global solidarity in combating COVID-19 and mobilize states and international organizations to collectively tackle the pandemic.
• Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes: NAM serves as a platform for negotiating and peacefully resolving disputes between developed and developing countries on various topics. It ensures fair decisions that favor each party involved.
• Platform for Deliberation: An important advantage of the NAM summits is the opportunity it provides to leaders of the movement to meet and deliberate with each other on issues of bilateral, regional, and international concern. 

What Challenges Are Associated with the Non Aligned Movement (NAM)?

• Losing Relevance for India: NAM is not so relevant to India today as India’s key national interest is to become one of the central pillars of global politics. 
  • For instance, the EAM of India recently said that NAM was an idea born in a particular temporality, and believes that India, taking the concept of independence of action from NAM, should move beyond it to respond efficiently to contemporary developments.
  • At the 2019 NAM summit in Azerbaijan, and the 2016 NAM Venezuela summits, India was represented at the Vice President level. This marked the second time in a row that the Indian Prime Minister missed the summit.
• NAM’s Purpose is Fulfilled: The main objective of the NAM was to keep the newly independent third-world countries out of the non-necessary issues that might suck them in if they chose either of the blocs. Since the cold war has ended the purpose of NAM no longer exists, so even the NAM should cease to exist. 
  • Further, the most crucial part of NAM’s agenda was that of pushing for the decolonization of all the colonized countries which is also been achieved.  
• Tool for Pushing Agenda: NAM has been criticized for sometimes deviating from its original purpose and being misused as a tool by member states to advance their individual agendas.  
  • For instance, the Azerbaijani Presidency of NAM pushed Pakistan’s agenda and also witnessed China trying to push its agenda as an observer to the grouping. 
• Toothless Organisation: Today, the second-largest international organisation of states after the UN is largely toothless. As NAM is not in a position to act even as a forum for displaying solidarity. 
  • The NAM has no charter and there are no strict rules on whether the member countries have to defend each other’s actions. 

Way Forward to the Non Aligned Movement (NAM)

• Tackling Rising Inequality: According to an Oxfam report, the richest 1% of the world population today holds more than 70% of global wealth. In the backdrop of rising inequalities between the North and South, between the rich and poor, and between the classes of capitalist and labour, NAM is more necessary today. 
  • NAM provides a platform for developing nations to collectively address economic disparities, promoting a more balanced and inclusive global order.
• Enlarging NAM’s Area of Interests: To be able to continue to have an impact on global politics, NAM urgently needs fresh topics and themes to concentrate on. NAM’s spectrum could be enlarged with many worldwide issues like greenhouse gas emissions, health concerns specially AIDS, drug trafficking, rising instances of poverty, food crisis and unemployment. 
• Pushing Reforms in International Order: The time is right for NAM to evaluate the past and formulate future policies for the Non-aligned countries to change the existing international order. 
  • None of the NAM countries can face these new realities alone. Hence, the countries of NAM must continue to stay and act together for common thought and action.
• India and NAM:India remains committed to the principles and objectives of the Non Aligned Movement, including the long-standing solidarity and support for the Palestinian cause.

Conclusion

While the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) faces challenges and debates over its relevance, it remains a crucial platform for developing nations, and India continues to affirm its commitment to NAM’s principles and objectives, emphasizing the need for collective action to address contemporary global issues.

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