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Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma recently said that the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) is very big and both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are working together to complete it.

About Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP)

• The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), an ambitious drinking and irrigation water project, was announced by the state government in the state budget 2017-18. 
• The project will use surplus water from rivers in southern Rajasthan during the rainy season. 
  • The water will be used to address the water scarcity in the southeastern districts of Rajasthan. 
• It envisages intra-basin transfer of water within the Chambal Basin by utilising surplus monsoon water available in Kalisindh, Parvati, Mej and Chakan sub-basins and diverting it into water deficit sub-basins of Banas, Gambhiri, Banganga and Parbati.
• The project will increase irrigation facilities and provide drinking water to the following districts:
  • Jhalawar, Baran, Kota Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tok, Jaipur, Dausa, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur and Dholpur.
• Project was approved by the Central Water Commission in 2017 
• Jal Shakti Ministry of the central government is coordinating to solve the “inter-state issues” related to water sharing between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Disputes between the two States on interlinking of Rivers had been resolved.

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About Chambal River

• The Chambal River originates from the Singar Chouri peak in the northern slopes of the Vindhya Mountains near Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• It flows northward through Madhya Pradesh for about 346 km and then takes a north-easterly direction, covering 225 km through Rajasthan.
• The river enters Uttar Pradesh, flowing about 32 km before merging with the Yamuna River in the Etawah District.
• Basin and Drainage:
  • The Chambal is a rainfed river, with its basin bounded by the Vindhya Ranges to the south and the Aravalli Ranges to the northwest.
  • The river and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.
  • In Rajasthan, it passes through the Hadauti Plateau, situated to the southeast of the Mewar Plains.
• Major Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, Parbati.
• Important power projects and dams on the Chambal River include: Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, Kota Barrage
• It is one of the most pollution-free rivers in India.
• National Chambal Sanctuary:
  • The National Chambal Sanctuary is situated along the Chambal River at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is a haven for critically endangered species such as the gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle, and the Ganges river dolphin.

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Maritime East Asia has become a hotspot, with China pushing its claims over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands and the South China Sea, raising tensions and reshaping the region’s power dynamics.

The East China Sea The East China Sea borders China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. The East China Sea is primarily known for the territorial dispute between China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. The South China Sea The South China Sea is bordered by China, Taiwan, and five Southeast Asian countries: Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Indonesia. It has become one of the most critical flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific due to overlapping territorial claims. The most notable dispute involves China’s extensive claims demarcated by the “nine-dash line,” which conflicts with the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of other nations Significance of the East and South China Seas Strategic Maritime Trade Routes: Both seas are vital for global trade, with key maritime routes passing through them. The Taiwan Strait serves as a critical maritime choke point. Global Digital Economy: The region hosts important undersea cables essential for global communication and the digital economy. Energy Supply and Transport: In 2023, 10 billion barrels of petroleum and 6.7 trillion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas were transported through the South China Sea, highlighting its importance for energy supplies. Untapped Natural Resources: The seas hold vast reserves of untapped oil and natural gas, contributing to their strategic significance.

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Reasons For the Importance of the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) to China

• Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: China views the East and South China Seas as crucial to its sovereignty and national security.
  • The 2019 Chinese Defence White Paper declares the South China Sea islands and Diaoyu islands as “inalienable parts” of its territory.
• Historical and Nationalistic Claims: The islands in these seas are considered part of China’s “lost territories,” with the nation striving to reclaim them as a symbol of its rise as a regional hegemon.
• National Security and Strategic Defense
  • Historically vulnerable from the sea, China aims to secure its periphery by extending a ring of security around its maritime borders. 
  • The Diaoyu/Senkaku islands in the East China Sea (ECS) are seen as a defensive buffer against Japan and the U.S., allowing China to close security gaps.
  • Control over these waters is crucial for defending against perceived threats from Japan, the U.S., and other regional powers. 
• Natural Resources
  • Both the SCS and ECS are rich in natural resources, including hydrocarbons (oil and natural gas) and marine life.
  • The fishing industry, especially in the SCS, contributes to China’s economy and plays a vital role in global aquatic exports.
• Strategic Shipping and Trade Routes
  • The South China Sea is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
  • Control over vital sea lanes would enable China to safeguard its energy shipments and global trade while enhancing its maritime navigation capabilities and could also challenge U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

China’s Actions in the East and South China Seas

• Aggressive Territorial Claims: China is enhancing territorial claims by building military infrastructure and artificial islands while contesting regional nations’ claims. Examples:
  • In the South China Sea (SCS), it builds infrastructure and deploys defensive systems on islands and reefs. 
  • Similarly, in the East China Sea (ECS), China conducts regular patrols around the Diaoyu Islands to reinforce its sovereignty claims.
• East China Sea Controversies: China has faced crisis with Japan, such as the 2010 fishing boat incident and the 2012 nationalisation of the Senkaku Islands, leading to heightened tensions.
  • In 2023, Chinese Coast Guard activity around the Senkakus increased, indicating ongoing assertiveness.
• Escalation in the South China Sea: The South China Sea is a focal point for Chinese aggression, with the navy employing a Coast Guard and maritime militia using ‘grey zone’ tactics to alter the status quo without triggering outright war..
• Rising Tensions with the Philippines: The Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal have been the focus of China’s recent assertiveness.
  • The Philippines’ resupply missions to the grounded ship, BRP Sierra Madre, have been repeatedly disrupted by China and have become a point of contention. 
• Military Collaboration
  • China conducted naval exercises with Russia in July 2024 to assert its influence,  However, its claims in the South China Sea lack a legal basis, according to a permanent court of arbitration ruling in 2016.
  • China has rejected that ruling.

Response from the Regional Countries

• Increased Defence Spending: Defence spending has increased across the Indo-Pacific with regional countries trying to catch up with China. 
  • For example, by 2027, Japan wants to double its defence expenditure. 
  • Philippines has acquired the anti-ship, BrahMos missiles from India.
• Active Pushback Against China
  • Recently, the Philippines has shifted its strategy from minimising friction with China to actively publicising incidents of Chinese aggression.
  • It is utilising public diplomacy tools, including documenting and sharing encounters with Chinese vessels on social media and involving international journalists in resupply missions.
• Strengthening  Alliances with the U.S.
  • The  Philippines, Japan and South Korea are treaty allies of the U.S. and are strengthening their defence relationship with it. 
  • The United States, the Philippines, Australia, and Japan have formed a “Squad”  for enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • For the first time in history, the Defence Ministers of the United States, Japan and South Korea met in Japan in 2024. 
    • They strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.” and “stressed on respecting international law including the freedom of navigation and overflight.”

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Way Forward

• Upholding UNCLOS: Reinforce adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and promote its role in resolving maritime disputes. 
  • Countries should collectively call for compliance with international rulings, such as the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision.
• Defense Alliances: Countries in the region should strengthen defence alliances and security partnerships, such as the Quad (U.S., India, Japan, Australia) and trilateral arrangements among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, to deter aggressive actions.
• Multilateral Dialogues: Encourage multilateral dialogues involving China and Southeast Asian nations to address territorial disputes peacefully. 
  • Platforms like the ASEAN Regional Forum can facilitate discussions.

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India and the US have signed an agreement to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant.

India-US Ink Pact on Semiconductor Fabrication Plant

• It is the first project where the US Military has partnered with India on critical technology.
• India’s current annual import bill for these semiconductors is USD 1 billion, mainly for national security needs.

About Semiconductor Fabrication Plant

• A semiconductor fab (short for fabrication) is a manufacturing plant where raw silicon wafers are transformed into integrated circuits (ICs).
• The plant will manufacture infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide semiconductors.

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• Key Collaborations

  • The plant, titled “Shakti” (meaning power), will be developed with support from the India Semiconductor Mission and a strategic partnership between:
    • Bharat Semi
    • 3rdiTech
    • US Space Force

• Focus Areas

• • The fab will concentrate on three key areas critical for modern warfare and commercial use:
    • Advanced Sensing
    • Advanced Communications
    • High Voltage Power Electronics
  • These technologies are also important for sectors like railways, telecom infrastructure, data centres, and green energy.

Strategic Importance of India-US Semiconductor Fabrication Project

• Elevating India’s Semiconductor Capabilities

  • First-of-its-kind project: This is a significant milestone as it’s the first-ever India-US semiconductor fabrication project.
  • Beyond testing and assembly: This project focuses on actual manufacturing which  elevates India’s semiconductor capabilities. 
  • Joining the elite club: India is now among a select group of countries capable of manufacturing advanced semiconductors domestically.

• Strengthening India’s Supply Chain

  • Reliable supply chain: The project will help India become a reliable supplier of critical national security technologies.
  • Reducing dependence: It will reduce India’s dependence on foreign sources for semiconductors, ensuring a more secure and stable supply.

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• Significance in Technology Diplomacy

• • Landmark collaboration: The agreement represents a breakthrough in tech diplomacy between India and the US.
  • Overcoming barriers: It has shattered the “glass ceiling” in high-value semiconductor manufacturing collaboration.
  • Strengthening ties: This partnership will further strengthen the technological ties between the two nations.

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India was elected to the 15-member GlobE Steering Committee during a plenary session in Beijing after multistage voting.

About the GlobE Network

• Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) is an initiative launched under the G20 framework.
• It was Officially launched in 2021 during the UN General Assembly Special Session against Corruption (UNGASS).
• Objective: To combat international corruption and financial crime by enhancing cooperation and information sharing among anti-corruption law enforcement authorities.

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Key Features

• Membership: The GlobE Network includes 121 member countries and 219 member authorities.
• India’s Representation: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the central authority for GlobE Network in India.
• India is represented by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as member authorities.
• Secretariat:The secretariat of the GlobE Network is managed by the United Nations Office against Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• Functions: The network enables global agencies to exchange best practices, share criminal intelligence, and develop strategies to combat corruption.

Governance Structure

• Steering Committee: The Steering Committee serves as the managing body of the GlobE Network.
  • It Comprises Chair, Vice-Chair, and up to 15 country members selected for a three-year term.
• Plenary:All member authorities participate in the GlobE Plenary, which meets in-person at least once a year. 
  • Supported by a permanent UN Secretariat, the Plenary governs the Network in accordance with the GlobE Charter.

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Significance: The GlobE Network strengthens global cooperation in anti-corruption efforts, enabling law enforcement agencies to collaborate effectively against transnational financial crime. 

• India’s election to the Steering Committee enhances its role in shaping international anti-corruption policies.

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The Group of Four (G4) countries — India, Brazil, Germany and Japan called for the reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC).

More on News

• Other plurilateral groupings, such as the L69 and C-10 also voiced their support in favour of UNSC reforms.
• Both the L69 and the G4 reaffirmed their strong support to the Common African Position (CAP) based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

About UNSC

• The United Nation Security Council is a principal crisis-management body.
• It is empowered to impose binding obligations on the 193 UN member states to maintain peace.
• It has 15 members with 5 permanent members and 10 non- permanent members rotated among other UN members.
• Permanent Members are collectively called P5 comprising  China, France, Russia, UK and USA
• Exclusive powers of P5:
  • Veto Power: They Can block any UNSC resolution, even if all other members support it.
  • Initiate Discussions: Can call for UNSC meetings.
  • Place Items on Agenda: Can add topics to the UNSC’s agenda.
• Non-Permanent Members: they are  Elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms from remaining UN members.
• Voting Rights: They have equal voting rights with permanent members.
• No Veto Power: They can not block a UN resolution by their single vote against the resolution.
• Limited Influence: Have less influence than permanent members.

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Need of UN Reform

• Outdated Structure: The P5 structure reflects a post-WWII scenario which does not reflect the current global scenario.
• Lack of Representation: Many regions, such as Asia , Africa and Latin America, are underrepresented in the UN’s decision-making processes calling for reforms.
• Inefficiency: Bureaucratic red-tapism and duplication of efforts among specialised UN agencies slow down the organisation’s ability to address global challenges.
• Ineffectiveness: Recent failure of UNSC to achieve Intergovernmental Negotiations.
• Financial Stability: Dependence on voluntary funding and lack of diversity in source has been highlighted during the recent crisis.

G4 (Group of Four resolution)

• G4 members: Japan, Brazil, Germany and India.
  • All are aspiring to become permanent members of the UNSC.
• Group has proposed: Council’s membership shall be increased from 15 to 25, by adding six permanent and four non-permanent members.
• G-4 nations traditionally meet on sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session

G4 Countries v/s UFC (Coffee Club)

• Uniting for Consensus (UfC) : It emerged in the 1990s as a movement opposing the expansion of permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.
  • Counters the bids for permanent seats proposed by G4 Countries.
• Members: Most members are middle-sized states who opposed bigger regional powers grabbing permanent seats in the UN Security Council.
  • Prime movers of the club  are Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Argentina and Pakistan.
• Regional Rivalry: Consists of nations that are selectively opposed to the G4 Countries due to regional rivalry such as Pakistan against India, Italy against Germany, Argentina and Mexico against Brazil, etc.

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L69

• Members: It consists of 42 developing nations (including India) from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific (Small Island Developing States).
• Demand: For expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of UNSC to better reflect contemporary world realities, and achieve a more accountable, representative, transparent and relevant Security Council.
• Nomenclature: Based on  the draft document number “L.69”, tabled in 2007-08, which led to the initiation of the Intergovernmental Negotiation (IGN) process

C10 & “The Ezulwini Consensus”

• Common position of the African Union (AU) on Security Council reform known as  Ezulwini Consensus 
• It is based on the communiqué it adopted in Addis Ababa in March 2005
• The consensus calls for Africa to have at least two permanent seats with veto power on the UNSC
• AU’s Committee of Ten (C-10) : A group of ten African states that advocates internationally for the Ezulwini Consensus
  • Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Libya, Namibia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zambia

Sirte Declaration and AU

• The Sirte Declaration was a resolution adopted by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1999 at the fourth Extraordinary Session of the OAU Assembly of African Heads of State and Government, held in Sirte, Libya. 
• It focused on issues of peace and security on the African continent. 
• The Sirte Declaration led to the establishment of the African Union (AU) which was launched at the Durban Summit in 2002.

India’s Candidature as a Permanent Member of the UNSC

• World’s Largest Democracy: India is the world’s most populous democracy, with a robust political system that reflects democratic values. 
• Global Influence:India plays a crucial role in global governance, contributing significantly to peacekeeping, climate action, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). 
• Economic Power: India is the fifth largest economy in the world and  have great influence in the economic activities around the globe
• Peacekeeping Contributions: India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, demonstrating its commitment to global peace and stability.s.
• Commitment to Multilateralism:India has consistently supported a rules-based international order, advocating for reforms to enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of multilateral institutions like the UN.
• Geopolitical Importance:India’s strategic location in South Asia and its role in maintaining regional stability, particularly in counterterrorism and maritime security, are vital for global peace and security.
• Voice of the global South: As seen in recent global meets India has raised a collective voice for the underrepresented global south  on different issues.
• Support from Key UNSC Members: The US, Russia, France, and the UK have supported India’s candidature for permanent membership, acknowledging its pivotal role in global security.
• Representation for the Global South: India’s inclusion would provide better representation for developing countries, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as it advocates for their interests in global governance.

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Challenges

• Opposition from China: China remains a significant obstacle, consistently opposing India’s inclusion.
• Veto Power Concerns: Some member states are apprehensive about granting India veto power, fearing it could affect the balance of power and decision-making processes within the UNSC.
• Competition from Other Aspirants:Countries like Brazil, Germany, and Japan also seek permanent membership, which complicates the reform process and dilutes India’s chances.

India’s pursuit of a permanent seat is supported by many factors, but it faces significant geopolitical and procedural challenges, particularly from China and concerns around veto power.

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Karnataka joins many non-BJP ruled States in withdrawing general consent for the CBI in recent years.

• Cabinet decision came amid calls for a CBI investigation against Chief the alleged irregularities in allotment of 14 MUDA (Mysore Urban Development Authority) sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife.

Power of CBI

• CBI derives its authority from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946
• Provisions of DSPE Act: Primarily apply to the Union Territories and are extended to the states only with their consent.
  • Section 6 of DSPE Act : CBI needs the consent from the respective state government for conducting investigation in its jurisdiction.
• No need of Consent: Supreme Court and High Courts can order CBI to investigate such a crime anywhere in the country without the consent of the State
• Limited Jurisdiction: CBI’s position is different from the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
  • NIA is governed by The NIA Act, 2008, and has jurisdiction all over the country.
• Legal foundation of the CBI is  based on Entry 80 of the Union List :Allowing the extension of police powers to other States with their permission.

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Consent for CBI

• Types of Consent: Consent given by a state government can come in two forms; Case-specific OR ‘General’
• General consent : Allows the CBI to operate seamlessly within states.
  • With General Consent CBI is not required to seek fresh permission every time it enters that state in connection with investigation or for every case.
• Case Specific Consent: After Withdrawal of general consent CBI must obtain Case Specific consent to investigate in any case.

Implications of Withdrawing  General Consent

• Impact on power of CBI: CBI officers will lose all powers of a police officer as soon as they enter the state unless the state government has allowed them.
  • As ‘Police’ is Entry 2 in the State List under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
• Fresh Investigations: The CBI cannot initiate new investigations within states that have withdrawn consent unless they get state approval.
• Ongoing Cases: The agency can continue investigating cases registered before consent was withdrawn.

Recent Withdrawal of General Consent and reasons

• Mizoram: First state post Modi led government in 2014 to withdraw general consent for CBI in 2015 during Congress rule. It was restored  in December 2023 under the current government led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
• West Bengal: Withdrew general consent in November 2018 under Mamata Banerjee. The CM accused the BJP of using the CBI for political vendetta.
• Andhra Pradesh: N Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP government withdrew general consent in 2018  as a political move against alleged misuse of CBI by the central government. Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government restored consent in 2019.
• Allegations Against Central Government: States alleged that the central government was misusing the CBI to unfairly target opposition-ruled states and leaders.
• Supreme Court Concern: In November 2021, the Supreme Court expressed concern after the CBI reported that around 150 requests for sanction to investigate had been pending since 2018 in states that had withdrawn general consent.

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Prime Minister virtually launched three Param Rudra Supercomputing Systems under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).

PARAM Rudra Supercomputers Deployed in Pune

• PARAM Rudra Supercomputers are developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)
• The 3 supercomputers, developed indigenously at a cost of ₹130 crore, have been deployed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata

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Key Feature of PARAM Rudra Supercomputer

• Exceptional Processing Power:
  • Operates thousands of times faster than conventional computers.
  • Can complete tasks in minutes that would take ordinary computers 500 years.

• Massive Data Processing Capability:
• • Can handle vast amounts of data simultaneously, essential for complex simulations and scientific analysis.
• Diverse Research Applications:
  • Supports advancements in fields like climate modelling, environmental studies, and astrophysics.
  • Enhances analysis of astronomical events and natural phenomena.

Deployment of Super Computers

• Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune: It will utilize the supercomputer to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena. 
• Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi: It will advance research in fields such as material science and atomic physics.  S.N. Bose Centre in Kolkata: It will drive advanced research in areas including physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.

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About HPC Systems ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’

• The newly launched HPC systems will enable the development of high-resolution models to improve predictions related to:
  • Tropical cyclonesHeavy
  • precipitationThunderstorms
  • Hailstorms
  • Heat waves
  • Droughts and other weather phenomena

Significance

• Indigenous Development: These supercomputers have been developed indigenously under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) to advance scientific research in India.
• Self Reliance: This initiative aligns with the Centre’s efforts toward Atma Nirbharta (self-reliance) in supercomputing technology

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Supercomputers

• Definition: Supercomputers are high-performing mainframe systems capable of solving complex computations by splitting tasks into multiple parts and processing them simultaneously.
• Measurement of Speed (petaFLOPs): The processing speed of supercomputers is measured in petaFLOPs (floating point operations per second), where one petaFLOP equals a thousand trillion operations per second.
• Global Supercomputer Rankings:
  • China leads the world in the number of supercomputers, followed by the US, Japan, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the UK.
• India’s Supercomputing Journey:
• • First Supercomputer: India’s first supercomputer was PARAM 8000 developed in 1991.
  • First Indigenously Assembled Supercomputer: PARAM Shivay, installed at IIT (BHU).

Application of Supercomputers in Various Sectors

• Scientific Research: Complex simulations and modeling,Climate change studies, Drug discovery and development, Particle physics research,etc
• Engineering and Design: Aerospace engineering simulations, Automotive design and testing, Structural analysis and optimization.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Training large language models, Deep learning applications, Natural language processing
• Financial Modelling: Risk assessment and prediction, Portfolio optimization, High-frequency trading, etc
• National Security: Cryptography and code-breaking, Intelligence analysis and Cybersecurity
• Weather Forecasting: Accurate weather prediction and Climate modelling
• Healthcare: Genomics research, Medical image analysis and Drug discovery.

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A recent case of a tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, the 26-year old chartered accountant, working for Ernst and Young Pune due to excessive work pressure highlights the prevailing toxic work culture of the techno-corporate world.

• Also, Employees of SEBI in a letter to the finance ministry titled “Grievances of SEBI officers – A call for Respect,” has highlighted unprofessional behaviour and toxic work environment on part of the top management.

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About Toxic Work Culture

• A toxic working environment can be defined as negative attitudes, behaviour and practices that undermine an employee’s overall wellbeing (mental and physical), job satisfaction, and productivity of the company. 
• Work Culture In India:
  • Overworked Workforce: As per an International Labour Organisation Report, India has the most overworked workforce in Asia, with 50.5% of employees working over 49 hours weekly in 2023.
  • India’s Best Workplaces in Health and Wellness 2023 Report:
    • Workplace wellness scores have declined across industries in 2023 with a significant drop in mental health support, professional growth and development, and effective management and engagement.
    • Higher Rank: Construction, infrastructure and real estate industry and retail leads 
    • Low Ranked Industries: NGOs, education and training, and professional services have the lowest ratings.
• Attributes of Toxic Work Culture:
  • Non Inclusiveness: Inequities manifested by discriminating against LGBTQ, Diasabled, Caste, Religion, Gender, Age, Favouritism and Nepotism etc. 
  • Unethical Work Culture: Promoting Unethical conducts, Dishonesty, and Lack of regulatory compliance
  • Cutthroat Competition: Backstabbing behaviour and office Politics fomented by ruthless competition
  • No Recognition or Appreciation: Employees need to be valued and appreciated for their work and progress, a lack of which will result in the low level of productivity of both the company and employee.
  • High Turnover Rates: A revolving door of employees due to microaggressions and workplace politics etc. can cause absenteeism and higher turnover rates.
  • Corporate Donkeys: Indians corporate employees are considered as corporate donkeys because of the glorified ‘overwork-underpaid’ culture it imbibes.
  • No Work-Life Balance: A culture which discourage taking breaks or personal days and solely focuses on work can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
    • Example: Narayan Murthy asking youngsters to work 70 hours a week.
  • Culture of Blame: When employees are afraid of making mistakes, they become risk-averse and may miss opportunities for innovation and growth.
  • Micromanagement: When management doesn’t trust its employees to do their jobs it hinders their creative drive leading to Job alienation.
  • Discrimination and Harassment: Discriminatory behavior like gender bias, caste bias, verbal abuse, intimidation, or discrimination, is tolerated or ignored can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.
  • Unrealistic Expectations:Setting up unattainable goals or deadlines and promoting toxic positivity, dismissing valid concerns can create a stressful and unproductive work environment.
    • Example: SEBI employees complaining about unrealistic work deadlines and targets.

• Impacts

• A Toxic Work environment results in workplace ‘illnesses’ and as per the McKinsey Health Institute report published in 2022, more than 60 percent of negative workplace outcomes are due to toxic workplaces,
  • Physical Health: 
    • Headaches, fatigue, and physical discomfort 
    • Sleep disturbances and insomnia 
    • Burnout: It affects over 62% of Indian employees (three times the global average) as per ILO report.
    • Unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use 
  • Mental Health:
    • Increased stress levels and heightened anxiety, depression.
    • A pervasive sense of negativity, cynicism, and low morale 
    • Lack of enthusiasm and lower productivity 
    • Suicides: As per the National Crime Records Bureau data, suicides linked to professional stress in the age group of 18-30 accounted for 38.5% of the total cases  in 2022  
  • For Organisation: 
    • Higher absenteeism and turnover rates impacting Productivity
    • Damage to the organization’s reputation as well as good will of company.
  • On Social Behaviour:
    • Frequent conflicts and disputes among colleagues 
    • Decreased collaboration and strained interpersonal relationships 
    • Isolation or withdrawal from team activities 

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• Challenges of Work Place Culture

  • Resistance to Change: Every organisation has its ethos and working style which is the norm but these unspoken rules could also impede innovation, creativity,  hindering the ability to bring forth innovative and breakthrough ideas while devaluing team members. 
  • Rigid Hierarchies: communication breakdowns due to rigid hierarchies in an organization exist because organizations lack a cultural structure of trust and open lines of communication
  • Remote Work Culture: The Trend of  Remote work can bring challenges like isolation, communication difficulties, and trust-building and lack of interpersonal relationship between the employees affecting their mental heath.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Challenges with diversity and inclusion can lead to biases, inequity, and exclusion
  • High Turnover Rates: A high Attrition Rates for a company is a matter of accolade whereas if the company has a higher turnover rates its risk credibility and trust in the market. 

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• Components of Healthy Work Environment

  • Promote Open Communication: Workplaces need to ensure open and transparent communication by instituting regular feedback mechanisms and constructive concern-sharing sessions.
  • Work-life Balance: A healthy work-life balance can be ensured by offering flexible work hours, remote work options, paid time off and overtime, 5 day work week, mandatory ‘no meeting’ days etc. should be introduced.
  • Lead by Example: Leadership sets the tone for the workplace culture and It is important to cultivate loyalty and trust in one’s team by setting an example of positive behaviour and placing high value on employee development.
  • Establish Clear Policies and Code of Conduct: A well-defined and informed code of conduct like policies against bullying, harassment and discrimination and workplace Politics will provides a framework for addressing inappropriate conduct.
  • Employee Well-Being at Workplace: A healthy work environment comprising a physically safe and comfortable workspace, with opportunities for breaks and movement throughout the day and also access to mental health resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or mental health days is essential to address stress and burnout
  • Promote Interpersonal Trust: Companies must organise team-building activities or social events to foster camaraderie and a sense of belonging among employees.

• New Trends In Work Place Culture

• • Hybrid Workplace: Workplaces around the world have adapted to the hybrid nature office after the COVID 19 as now work from home and office is a common feature
  • AI Reshaping Work:  AI will lead jobs to be redesigned to include new responsibilities, such as interacting with GenAI tools and help employers minimise time to proficiency with advanced technologies and specialisations.
  • Decreasing Workweeks: More people are now demanding a reduction in the work week, which has already moved from a 6 day work week to 5 days. A 4 day work week in the future which is now regarded radical will be a routine no longer.
  • Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs): Major companies, including Google, Accenture etc have already removed many of their degree requirements from job postings to attract qualified talent without degree.

Way Forward

• Acknowledge Employee Feedback: Companies should work on swift, thorough, and compassionate responses to employee grievances taking all the reports of employee feedback seriously.
• Preventative Measures: Implement policies and programs to prevent future toxicity, such as anti-bullying training and clear communication channel
• Corrective Actions: Identify the source of the toxicity and take appropriate corrective action involving disciplinary measures, conflict resolution, or cultural training.
• Framework for Well Being: An engagement of all the stakeholders including legislators,  businesses, labour organisations, and mental health advocates should create a comprehensive framework promoting worker well-being. 
  • It includes revising labour laws to reflect modern realities, such as remote work, and establishing stricter penalties for companies that violate these regulations.
• Cultural Shift: The glorification of overwork by leaders in corporate India has set a benchmark that equates long hours with success which needs to be challenged and instead focus on the companies respecting the employees personal time.
• Stop Victim Blaming: The prevalent discourse that work stress is the responsibility of the employee and any mishap is not the organisation concern needs to be changed for a better conversation of the issue
  • Example: Trivializing Anna’s Sebastian death as lack of inner strength is a concerning discourse.

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