Context:

• Recently, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the government’s scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful.

About Rwanda:

• Location: The Central/Eastern African country of Rwanda is a landlocked nation that lies in the Southern (located a few degrees south of the Equator) and Eastern Hemispheres of the Earth.

• It is part of the Great Rift Valley region of Africa. 
• Bordering Countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Notable Lakes: Burera, Cohana, Ruhondo, Muhazi, Rweru, and Ihema.
• 80% of Rwanda drains into the Nile through Lake Victoria while the remaining 20% drains into the Congo via the Rusizi River.

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Context:

• The Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs has suggested that adultery should be re-instituted as a crime in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

What is Adultery?

• Meaning of Adultery: Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person, man or woman, and someone other than that person’s current partner. 
• Background: Until 2018, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) contained Section 497, which defined adultery as a criminal offense that attracted up to five years in prison, or a fine, or both. 
  • However, only men could be punished under Section 497, not women. It was violative of Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution which protects the fundamental rights to equality, non-discrimination, and life respectively.
  • In Joseph Shine vs Union Of India, a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously struck down Section 497 of the IPC on grounds that included discrimination.

What are the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee?

• Reinstate as a Criminal Offence: Adultery should be reinstated as a criminal offense, but it should be made gender-neutral with both men and women punished for it.
• Reason: The Committee is of the view that the institution of marriage is considered sacred in Indian society and there is a need to safeguard its sanctity.

News Source: Indian Express

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Context:

• India will host the second Voice of Global South Summit with a focus on sharing with the members the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings during India’s presidency of the grouping.

What is the Global South Summit?

• The Global South Summit will serve as a platform to discuss ways to sustain the momentum for the common aspiration of the member countries of a more inclusive, representative, and progressive world order.
• Focus: Sharing the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India’s Presidency with the countries of the Global South. 
  • The challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed. 
  • Discuss ways to sustain the momentum generated toward the common aspiration of a more inclusive, representative, and progressive world order. 
• First edition of the Voice of Global South Summit: It was hosted by India in virtual format in January 2023. 
  • The Global South Summit brought together 125 countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform.

What is the Global South?

• Brandt line: Global South is an imaginary boundary running from the Rio Grande into the Gulf of Mexico, across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Mediterranean Sea, and over the vast expanses of Central Asia to the Pacific Ocean.
  • It separated countries with comparatively higher GDP per capita concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere and the majority of the poor countries concentrated in the south of the line. 
• Global South: It denotes a mix of political, geopolitical, and economic commonalities between nations and it is not geographical as the two largest countries (China and India) lie entirely in the Northern Hemisphere.
• They’re primarily considered developing countries, but also include China and several wealthy Gulf states.

News Source: Economic Times

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Context:

• The Union Home Ministry has suggested that States may use tracking devices on prison inmates when they are released on parole. 

Tracking Devices on Prison Inmates Released on Parole

• The suggestion is part of the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023. 
  • Prisons are a State subject and bringing any new legislative instrument in this regard is in the jurisdiction of the State governments.
• Prisoners may be granted prison leave on the condition of their willingness to wear electronic tracking devices for monitoring the movement and activities of such prisoners. 

Difference Between Parole And Furlough: Parole and furlough are two provisions that are covered under Section 432 of the Criminal Procedure Code 1973.

Parole: 

• A conditional release of a prisoner who has served part of the term for which he was sentenced to prison. 
• It is a temporary release granted on account of contingency and after the period of parole is over the convict has to report back to prison to undergo the remaining part of the sentence.

Furlough:

• It is similar to parole, but with some significant differences. It is given in cases of long-term imprisonment.
• The period of furlough granted to a prisoner is treated as remission of his sentence.
• Unlike parole, furlough is seen as a matter of right for a prisoner, to be granted periodically irrespective of any reason, and merely to enable the prisoner to retain family and social ties, and to counter the ill effects of prolonged time spent in prison.

News Source: The Hindu

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Context:

• Several laborers have been trapped after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. 

Under-Construction Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapsed 

• The tunnel is located on the Yamunotri National Highway near Silkyara and was being constructed under the Chardham Highway Project.
• Accident spot located near Main Central Thrust of the Himalayas and this area is extremely sensitive to earthquakes and frictional shear rocks are present in this area.
• Experts raised questions on geological and geotechnical surveys for the project and said that mainly two types of incidents occur during tunnel construction in Uttarakhand — 
  • Sudden release of large amounts of water and 
  • Unexpected encounter of sheared rocks (worn by rubbing against each other). 

Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel in Uttarakhand

• Silkyara Tunnel: It is around a 4.5 Km long two-lane Bi-Directional tunnel with an escape passage on Dharasu –Yamunotri.
• Significance: 
  • This tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Yamunotri, encouraging regional socio-economic development, trade, and tourism within the country. 
  • It will reduce the travel distance from Dharasu to Yamunotri by about 20 km and travel time by about an hour.

Char Dham Highway Project

• The project aims to enhance road connectivity and ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims traveling to Uttarakhand’s 4 major shrines viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
• The project involved widening and upgrading existing roads, constructing new roads, and implementing measures to make the journey smoother and safer. 

News Source: Down To Earth

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Context:

• India’s Prime Minister (PM) launched the PM-PVTG Development Mission, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (JANMAN) on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

What is the PM-PVTG Development Mission?

• Aim: Overall development of around 28 lakh people from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). 
  • To bring critical infrastructure like power, water, road connectivity, housing, education, and healthcare to the PVTG communities living in remote villages.
  • The government had allocated ₹24,000 crore for the scheme, about 11 interventions like the PM-Gram Sadak Yojana, PM-Gram Awaas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and others will be taken to these target villages.

Other Initiatives

• Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: There will be concerted efforts in the PVTG villages to ensure saturation of schemes like PM-Jan Arogya Yojana, Sickle-Cell Elimination Campaign, TB elimination campaign, 100% immunisation, PM Surakshit Matritva Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Poshan, PM Jan Dhan Yojana and others.
• JANMAN: Prime Minister launched PM JANMAN which aims at comprehensive development of PVTG.
  • Objective: Preserving and cultivating tribal communities on the cusp of extinction. 
  • Significance: It focuses on the welfare and development of these vulnerable groups, many of whom inhabit remote jungles. 
  • The PM-Janman has identified 75 tribal communities and primitive tribes, underlining the extensiveness of the operation.

About PVTGs: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are more vulnerable among tribal groups. 

• In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a separate category, which are less developed among the tribal groups. In 2006, the Government of India renamed the PTGs as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). 
• Criteria for identification of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups:
  • Pre-agricultural level of technology
  • Low level of literacy
  • Economic backwardness
  • A declining or stagnant population.
• Population: According to the 2011 Census, there are 2.8 million Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups belonging to 75 tribes across 22,544 villages in 220 districts across 18 states and Union Territories in India.
  • Odisha has the largest population of PVTGs. It is followed by Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana).
  • The largest PVTG is Odisha’s Saura community, numbering 535,000.
• Characteristics: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups have some basic characteristics -they are mostly homogenous, with a small population with zero or negative growth and extremely low level of literacy, relatively physically isolated, social institutes cast in a simple mold, absence of written language, dependency on hunting, gathering for food and having a pre-agriculture level of technology, etc.

News Source: The Hindu

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Context:

• According to the Ministry of Commerce, India has signed a supply chain resilience agreement with the US and 12 other Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) members. 

Agreement with IPEF Members

• IPEF Supply Chain Resilience Agreement: IPEF partners seek to provide a framework to build their collective understanding of significant supply chain risks, improve crisis coordination and response to supply chain disruptions, facilitate cooperation, mobilize investments, promote regulatory transparency in sectors and goods critical to national security and public health and safety. 
  • The member countries would identify the critical sectors.
• Potential Benefits of the Agreement: An attempt by  Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity member nations to decrease their dependency on China and mitigate risks of economic disruptions from supply chain shocks.
  • For instance, it aims to prevent future supply chain disruptions, as witnessed during the COVID outbreak, as most countries depended on China for various products.
• Other benefits: These include shifting production centers in critical sectors, Supply chain diversification, mobilization of investments, deeper integration of India in global value chains, support to MSMEs, and creation of a seamless regional trade ecosystem.
•  Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Supply Chain Council: It would be set up to implement and monitor the agreement. The council will meet every year and all the members would have to report on the agreement’s implementation progress.
  • The block would also set up The  Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Supply Chain Crisis Response Network and The IPEF Labour Rights Advisory Board.

What is IPEF?

• In May 2022, the United States launched the IPEF and the 14 IPEF partners represent 40% of global GDP and 28% of global goods and services trade.
• Members:  14-Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and United States.
• The framework is structured around four pillars relating to trade, supply chains, clean economy, and fair economy (issues such as tax and anti-corruption). 
• India has joined all the pillars except the trade.
• Aims and Objectives: 
  • This framework will advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in these economies. 
  • IPEF partners aim to contribute to cooperation, stability, prosperity, development, and peace within the region.  

• • To offer tangible benefits that fuel economic activity and investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and benefit regional workers and consumers.  

News Source: Mint

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Context:

• The 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting began in San Francisco (the United States) on November 11. From the Indian side, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry is to attend the APEC meeting.

Key Highlights of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation 2023:

• According to the Reuters report, the US has chosen the theme “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All” for APEC 2023. 
  • It aims for an “interconnected, innovative, and inclusive” region and “to advance a free, fair, and open economic policy agenda that benefits US workers, businesses, and families.”

What is Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation?                                               

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum that was established in 1989. 
• Aim: To “leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific and create greater prosperity for the region’s people through regional economic integration.” 
• Its 21 member economies are home to around 2.95 billion people, representing approximately 62 percent of world GDP and 48 percent of world trade in 2021.
• Function: It operates based on non-binding commitments with decisions reached by consensus and commitments undertaken voluntarily.
• Membership: Australia, Brunei, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong (as part of China), the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Chile.
• India is not a Member.
• The 21 members of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation are termed “economies” (rather than countries or member states) because trade and economic issues are the focus of the grouping. 
  • For Example: In reflecting the idea, Taiwan and Hong Kong attend APEC meetings as distinct entities, even though China says they are parts of China and not independent entities.

India’s Candidature at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

• India had requested to join the grouping in 1991, which saw the introduction of liberalisation and entirely changed the shape and trajectory of the Indian economy.  
  • While most members favor India’s inclusion, some have opposed it, citing the country’s record on economic reforms and claiming that it has’ protectionist instincts’.
• Another reason India was not included in the grouping was a membership freeze, which was in force since 1997 but was not extended in 2012.

What are the reasons for India to join the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation?

• Promotion of Closer Economic Relations: Becoming an  Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation member would bring several benefits such as promoting closer economic relations, facilitating trade and investment flows, and opening market access to major economies.
• Boosting Exports and Attracting Foreign Direct Investment: Aligning with APEC by simplifying and harmonizing trade procedures and regulations could boost India’s exports, attract foreign direct investment, and support domestic initiatives like ‘Make in India‘.

News Source: Hindustan Times

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Context:

• The Prime Minister paid tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary.

About  Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru:

• Born to Motilal Nehru and Swarup Rani on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
• Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, often referred to as Pandit Nehru, was the first Prime Minister of independent India. 
• November 14, is celebrated in India as Children’s Day in his honor.
• 1912: Nehru returned to India in 1912 and became an advocate but he didn’t enjoy practicing law. 
• 1916: In 1916, he joined Annie Besant’s Home Rule League.
• 1920: He met Mahatma Gandhi and entered the freedom struggle at the national level during the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• 1929-31: In the 1929 Lahore session, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru sought complete independence for India. 
  • In 1929-31, He drafted a resolution called Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy.
  • The resolution was ratified by the Congress party during the Karachi Session in 1931
• 1936: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress
• 1940: He participated in a limited civil disobedience campaign launched by Gandhi and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. 
• 1942: Gandhi designated Nehru his political heir in 1942.
• 1947: He became the first Prime Minister of Independent India.
• 1955:  He was conferred the Bharat Ratna.
• 1964: he passed away on May 27, 1964 

Contributions:

• Literary Work: The Discovery of India, Glimpses of World History, and his autobiography Toward Freedom,  Letters from a Father to His Daughter.
• Education: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru established institutions of higher learning including IITs, AIIMS, and IIMs. 
  • He even included free and compulsory primary education for all children in his five-year plan.
• Industrial Development: He established heavy industries including Iron and Steel plants in Durgapur, Rourkela.
• Institutions:  Nehru laid the stepping stone for the foundation of the National Defence Academy and the Atomic Energy Commission. 
• Foreign Policy: He initiated the non-aligned movement. 
  • In 1954, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru signed with China the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, known as the Panchsheel. 
  • He held the external affairs portfolio and is credited as the architect of India’s foreign policy. 
• Governance: In 1953, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru appointed the States Reorganisation Commission for the creation of states on linguistic lines.

News Source: HT

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Context:

• Officials indicated that India and Germany are looking to expand cooperation into Benin and Ethiopia in climate change-related programmes.

Indo German Development Plans For Countries Facing Development Challenges

• Objective: To build on individual strengths and experiences in development cooperation and offer sustainable, viable, and inclusive projects to third countries in addressing development challenges and achieving SDGs and SDG-related climate targets.
• In 2022, India and Germany established a programme for work on sustainability and agriculture in four countries: Peru, Malawi, Ghana, and Cameroon. 
• The existing projects include agri-business among women in Malawi to potato production in Cameroon. 
  • Ethiopia, which is a key partner for India in the African continent, has opted for increased engagement after the conclusion of its civil war in November last year.

News Source: Livemint

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Context:

• India has signed a deal with the US to boost its startup ecosystem through greater cooperation in critical technologies.

India-US Collaborate to Boost Startup Ecosystem

• The memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ‘’enhancing innovation ecosystems through an innovation handshake’’ under the framework of the India-US Commercial Dialogue was signed on November 14 in San Francisco. 

About MoU

• Objective: It will connect the two sides’ dynamic startup ecosystems, address specific regulatory hurdles to cooperation, share information and best practices for startup fundraising, and promote innovation and job growth, particularly in critical and emerging technologies (CET) as identified under India -U.S. initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
• It signals a joint commitment to strengthen the startup ecosystem in deep tech sectors and promote cooperation in Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET). 

India-US Commercial Dialogue (CD): It is a cooperative undertaking at the Ministerial level, to facilitate regular discussion to deepen ties between business communities, encompassing regular government-to-government meetings to be held in conjunction with private sector meetings.

• Aim: to facilitate trade, and maximize investment opportunities across a broad range of economic sectors.
• The 5th India-U.S. Commercial Dialogue: It was held on 10th March 2023; At the meeting, the Commercial Dialogue was re-launched with a strategic focus on supply chain resiliency, climate and clean technology cooperation, advancing inclusive digital economy, and facilitating post-pandemic economic recovery, especially for SMEs and startups.
• It included the launch of a new Working Group on Talent, Innovation, and Inclusive Growth (TIIG) under the Commercial Dialogue. 
• This Working Group would also support the efforts of Startups working towards the goals of iCET.

News Source: TOI

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Context:

• This article is based on the news “Navy Chief Flags Fragile Situation in South China Sea” Which was published in the Indian Express.
• The “Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023” (IPRD-2023), the three-day annual apex-level regional strategic dialogue of the Indian Navy recently commenced in New Delhi.

Rising Tensions in the South China Sea

• Concerns over stability: At the IPRD, the Indian Navy Chief reiterated that the fragile situation in the South China Sea along with violations of the code of conduct (CoC) poses a danger to order and discipline at sea.
  • Owing to the increased presence of multinational forces, and differing interpretations of international laws,  the region’s global commons’ can change to contested seas’. 
  • This contestation at sea can have adverse physical, social as well as economic consequences for security.

About the South China Sea

• Geographical extent: It encompasses a portion of the Pacific Ocean stretching roughly from Singapore and the Strait of Malacca in the southwest, to the Strait of Taiwan (between Taiwan and mainland China) in the northeast. 
• Features: There are two major clusters of land features in the Sea. 
  • Paracels:  These consist mainly of islands and reefs. 
    • Reefs are chains of rocks or coral at or near the surface of the water. 
  • Spratlys:  They have some islands but are mostly reefs and rocks that may not even appear above water at high tide.
• Topography: Most of these islands are not arable, do not support permanent crops, and have no meadows, pastures, or forests. 
  • However, the surrounding water areas are abundant in oil, natural gas, minerals, and seafood.

What is the strategic importance of the South China Sea?

• Global shipping lane: It is a crucial waterway for global trade, with more than $3 trillion in trade passing through its waters annually.
  • More than 50% of world trade passes through the Strait of Malacca, the Sunda Strait, and Lombok Strait over the islands and waters of the South China Sea  amounting to around $5 trillion.
• Fishing ground: It is home to rich fishing grounds that provide for the livelihoods of millions of people across the region. 
  • More than half of the world’s fishing vessels operate in this area.
• Energy reserves: It has proved oil and gas reserves, so the sovereignty of the disputed islands involves legal rights to exploit its resources. 
  • From a strategic perspective, whoever has dominance over it, dominates the future of East Asia.
• Energy routes: It covers the most crucial energy routes for East Asian countries to transport oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf. 
  • Therefore, it has geopolitical and geostrategic importance for the energy and economic security of China and East Asian countries as well as the USA.
  • $1.2 trillion of U.S. trade moves through the waters. 

Also Read: South China Sea Dispute

What is the strategic importance of the South China Sea for India?

• Economic Significance:
  • Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs): Nearly 55% of India’s trade transits through the South China Sea, making it a crucial lifeline for the country’s economy. 
  • Energy Resources: India seeks to explore and potentially exploit vast reserves of oil and natural gas to meet its growing energy demands.
  • Maritime Connectivity: The South China Sea is a key link in India’s Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia. 
    • Ensuring a stable and secure maritime environment is essential for India’s engagement in the region.
• Security Significance:
  • Freedom of Navigation: India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, a principle that is vital for its security interests. 
    • China’s militarization of the region and its expansive maritime claims pose a challenge to this principle.
  • Countering China’s Expansionism: China’s growing military presence and its assertiveness in the South China Sea is a major concern for India. 
    • India seeks to balance China’s influence by strengthening its own maritime capabilities and deepening its ties with regional partners.
  • Protecting Indian Ocean Interests: The South China Sea is a critical maritime chokepoint that connects the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. 
    • Maintaining a stable and rules-based order in the South China Sea is crucial for safeguarding India’s interests in the Indian Ocean region.
• Geopolitical Significance:
  • Emerging as a Regional Power: India’s proactive engagement in the South China Sea signals its growing stature as a regional power with a vested interest in shaping the Indo-Pacific order.
  • Strengthening Alliances: India has forged closer ties with the US, Japan, Australia, and ASEAN countries, forming a network of partners that share common concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea.
  • Promoting a Rules-Based Order: India advocates for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, where international law and norms govern maritime interactions. \
  • This approach aligns with India’s interests in a stable and predictable regional environment.

Other Recent developments in the South China Sea region:

• 10-dash line: China recently published a new standard map for 2023, often referred to as the 10-dash line,’ which extends its territorial claims far beyond its recognized EEZ.
  • The map showed the entire State of Arunachal Pradesh, the Aksai Chin region, and the South China Sea as Chinese territory, drawing protests from India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. 
• Building artificial islands: China continues the world’s largest island-building campaign, in complete disregard of international law.
• Gray zone activities: A Chinese coast guard vessel (CGV) fired a water cannon at a Philippine supply boat, as part of its “gray-zone” tactics in the South China Sea. 
  • These gray zone activities are a form of low-intensity conflict that China has increasingly employed over the last year to assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
  • Vietnam and the Philippines are frequently the targets of such activities. 

Concerns with China’s expansion/Challenges in the South China Sea region:

• Fishing ban: It has been arbitrarily imposed by China since 1999 under the pretext of promoting sustainable fishing and improving marine ecology. The ban includes waters 12 degrees north of the equator and includes parts of Vietnam’s 200-mile EEZ and the Paracel Islands.
• Legal actions:   Article 22  of the Coast Guard Law promulgated in January 2021 in China enables the China Coast Guard (CCG) to use weapons against foreign organizations and individuals that infringe on China’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction at sea.
• Proxy warfare:  Actions conducted by Chinese maritime militia with support from the CCG aimed at swarming, ramming foreign vessels, and blocking their access to disputed areas. 
  • This was evident in the recent friction between China and the Philippines.
  • The CCG utilized a ‘military-grade’ laser against a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, disrupting a rotation and resupply mission near Second Thomas Shoal, and engaging in dangerous maneuvers to impede the mission.
• Raising questions on maritime diplomacy: The publication of China’s ’10-dash line’ map has raised questions about China’s adherence to international law and diplomacy. 
  • The dispute has implications for regional stability and broader U.S.-China relations, as the United States and its allies respond to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea region. 
• Tracking militia vessels: China’s militia vessels usually turn off or manipulate their automatic identification system (AIS) or have a short-range transmitter so it is hard for them to be located. 
  • In a May incident in Vietnam’s EEZ, despite having their AIS activated and being detected by open-source tracking tools, their pattern of behaviors and activities was hard to decipher.
• Managing China-US military and paramilitary competition:  With China’s expansion in the region, US military involvement in the area has largely increased leading to the militarisation of the region.
  • The US has expanded the scale of military exercises with allies in Southeast Asia, increased the frequency and intensity of its ‘freedom of navigation operations’ (FONOPs), deployed larger amounts of advanced weapons, and strengthened military ties with regional states.
  • It has also dispatched CGV to conduct operations in the South China Sea region. 

Way Forward:

• Diplomatic Engagement and Dialogue: ASEAN is the key for India to secure its geopolitical interests in Southeast Asia. 
  • ASEAN Centrality: India should consistently uphold ASEAN’s centrality in the South China Sea and support its efforts to maintain a rules-based order in the region.
• Code of conduct:  India should actively participate in negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea that is legally binding, comprehensive, and effective. It will help create a rules-based order in the region. 
• Maritime Cooperation: The Southeast Asian nations with South China Sea claims vulnerable to China’s coercive actions should develop their minimal deterrence capabilities. It is critical for preserving peace in the region. 
  • Capacity Building: India should assist ASEAN countries in enhancing their maritime security capabilities through training, joint exercises, and equipment provision.
  • Defense Cooperation: India should strengthen defense cooperation with regional partners, such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, to deter aggression and maintain a stable maritime environment.
• Defence Cooperation:
  • India can increase its bilateral defence ties by offering indigenously designed, manufactured, and modified equipment. 
  • This will help India to cater to the needs of its neighbour by replacing China and its supply of defence equipment. 
  • Indigenously manufactured/modified weapons will give India a chance to train the officials of the country at the receiving end about its usage and benefits. 
• Economic cooperation:
  • Free Trade Agreements: India should explore the possibility of negotiating free trade agreements with ASEAN countries to deepen economic ties and promote mutual prosperity. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework would be key in this regard.
  • Investment Opportunities: India should encourage Indian businesses to invest in infrastructure and development projects in countries bordering the South China Sea, creating economic opportunities and strengthening partnerships.
• Humanitarian aid: India’s continued presence in the South China Sea for providing humanitarian aid and relief packages will help in building mutual trust and friendship.
• Role of science and technology:  It has the potential to transform the definition of bilateral relations.
  • Sharing the technology behind a sustainable practice or a data collection methodology or even the modified version of the end product will help both parties to discover mutually beneficial products.

Conclusion:

India’s approach to the South China Sea has been characterized by a balance between upholding its interests and avoiding direct confrontation with China. India has consistently emphasized the need for freedom of navigation and overflight, a peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, and the importance of a rules-based order.

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Context:

• This article is based on the news “The price of persistent federal frictions” Which was published in the Hindu. In recent years, disputes between the Centre and States over economic policies have intensified, evolving into persistent frictions in Indian federalism.

Issues in India’s Fiscal Federalism 

• In recent times, three issues have emerged as major discussion points in India’s fiscal federalism, leading to back-and-forth exchanges between the Centre and States. 
• First is a set of issues related to Goods and Services Tax (GST) such as the rate structure, inclusion and exclusion of commodities, revenue sharing from GST, and associated compensation. 
• Second, State-level expenditure patterns are especially related to the welfare schemes of States. 
  • GoI spends only a fifth of its total expenditure on the social sector. State governments, conversely, devote a higher share to social sector spending. 
  • In FY 2020-21, 41% of states’ expenditure was on the social sector.
• Third, the conception and the implementation of central schemes.
  • Two States, West Bengal and Odisha, and the Union Territory of Delhi are still not on board the Ayushman Bharat scheme leading to a conflict between the centre and States. 

About Indian Federalism

• Indian Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. 
• Usually, a federation has two levels of government. 
  • One is the government for the entire country which is usually responsible for a few subjects of common national interest. 
  • The others are governments at the level of provinces or states that look after much of the day-to-day administering of their state. 
• Both these levels of government enjoy their power independent of the other.

What are the characteristics of Indian federalism?

• Dual Nature of the Indian Constitution: Federal with Unitary Features
  • Federal Features: Two governments, division of powers, written Constitution, the supremacy of Constitution, the rigidity of Constitution, an independent judiciary, and bicameralism.
  • Unitary Features: Strong Centre, single Constitution, single citizenship, flexibility of Constitution, integrated judiciary, appointment of state governor by the Centre, all-India services, emergency provisions, etc.
• Absence of the Term ‘Federation’ in the Constitution: ‘Union of States’ Concept
  • The Constitution avoids using the term ‘Federation.’
  • Instead, Article 1 describes India as a ‘Union of States.’
  • Implies that the Indian Federation is not a result of state agreement, and no state has the right to secede.
• Descriptions of the Indian Constitution: Balancing Act
  • Described as ‘federal in form but unitary in spirit.’
  • Coined as ‘quasi-federal’ by K C Wheare, ‘bargaining federalism’ by Morris Jones, and ‘cooperative federalism’ by Granville Austin.

Reason for Conflict: 

• Resource sharing: 
  • Continuing economic reforms since 1991 have led to the relaxation of many controls on investments, giving some room to States, but the autonomy regarding public expenditure policies is not absolute as State governments depend on the Centre for their revenue receipts.

• Centralizing Impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST):
  • The introduction of GST, replacing state-level sales taxes, gave the Centre significant control. The GST Council’s structure, with the Centre holding one-third of voting rights, effectively grants it veto power, undermining the promised cooperative federalism.
• Neglect of Inter State Council:
  • Despite the Government’s commitment to revive the Inter State Council for fostering state cooperation, it was convened only once during the first term of the NDA government, indicating a lack of emphasis on inter-state collaboration.

• Preference for Centrally Sponsored Schemes:
  • The current government resented the centrally sponsored schemes initiated by its predecessor, but supports the ones it initiated.
    • Centrally Sponsored Schemes are the schemes that the Centre and states jointly fund.
    • Funding Pattern – 60:40 (Centre: State), 90:10 for 8 North-Eastern and 2 Himalayan States 
  • Example: It shows a positive inclination towards the scheme such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana.
  • These Schemes are closely associated with the PM’s image display in promotional materials. The issue arises as these initiatives may be perceived as centrally driven, limiting the autonomy of states in shaping their own developmental agenda.
• Lack of Consultation on Major Decisions:
  • Decisions on critical matters, such as demonetization and the initial COVID-19 lockdown, were made without consulting chief ministers, showcasing a tendency towards unilateral decision-making by the Centre.
• Control Over Opposition-Ruled States:
  • The Centre’s restrictions on Opposition-ruled states, such as denying permission for foreign aid in the Kerala floods and obstructing Delhi CM’s visit to Singapore, demonstrate a pattern of exerting control over states with political differences.
• Politicization of the Office of Governor:
  • The office of the governor, meant to establish a “living connection” between states and the Centre, has witnessed increased politicization.
  •  Instances like the controversial appointment of a BJP-led government in Goa despite Congress having more MLAs indicate a departure from the constitutional mandate.

Consequences of Centre’s Dominance:

• Crowding Out State Investments:
  • Central incursions lead to the Center overshadowing States in investments, evident in infrastructure development where State flexibility is curtailed, impacting capital expenditure.
  • Example: The Centre’s expansion of activities, exemplified by initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, centralizes planning for infrastructure projects. 
    • States, while mandated to align with a national master plan, face reduced flexibility in their own planning. 
    • Consequently, the capital expenditure of 16 major States on roads and bridges plummeted to 0.58% of the gross state domestic product, while the Centre’s expenditure surged at a compound annual growth rate of 32.3%, concentrating spending in a few large States.
• Inefficiencies from Parallel Policies:
  • Federal tensions induce a scenario of ‘parallel policies,‘ where either the Centre or States duplicate each other’s initiatives. 
  • The case of pension reforms, exemplified by the National Pension System (NPS), sees States initially joining but later rolling back due to a trust deficit. 
  • The emergence of such parallel schemes is mainly due to the trust deficit prevailing in the federal system, the fiscal costs of which have long-run consequences on the economy.
• Political Partisanship:
  • Mutual distrust and electoral competition among rival parties at both the Centre and the states hinder political dialogue and consensus-making, impeding seamless federal cooperation.
• Underutilized Inter-Governmental Institutions:
  • Despite the presence of institutions like the Inter-State Council, GST Council, NITI Aayog, and Zonal Council, political divide and suspicion limit their effectiveness in resolving crucial Centre-state and inter-state governance issues.

Steps Taken to Strengthen Cooperative Federalism in India:

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) Implementation:
  • GST is a unified tax system that replaced various state-level taxes, creating a common market across the country. 
  • The GST Council, consisting of representatives from the central and state governments, is responsible for making decisions related to the tax system. 
  • It enhances economic integration, streamlines taxation, and fosters cooperation between the Centre and States.
• National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog):
  • NITI Aayog, dedicated to fostering cooperative federalism and promoting good governance in India, serves as a  platform for the Government by uniting States as ‘Team India’ for national development. 
  • Steps taken include regular meetings between the Prime Minister/Cabinet Ministers and Chief Ministers and subgroups on crucial national subjects. 
  • NITI Aayog promotes cooperative federalism through initiatives like Development Support Services to States and Union Territories (DSSS) and the Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital (SATH) program.
• Inter State Council Reinvigoration:
  • Recently, the Inter State Council has been reconstituted with the Prime Minister as Chairman and Chief Ministers of all States, and six Union ministers as members.
  • The government has also reconstituted the standing committee of the Inter State Council with the Union Home Minister as Chairman.

Also Read: Strengthening Cooperative Federalism for State Development Goals 

Way Forward for Strengthening Indian Federalism:

• Reassess the Role of Governors:
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of the governor’s role to ensure it aligns with the principles of Indian federalism, avoiding interference with states for central interests.
• Optimal Utilization of Inter-state Council:
  • Ensure effective use of the Inter state Council as an institutional mechanism for fostering political goodwill between the Centre and states, particularly on contentious policy issues.
• Legal Guarantee for Fiscal Capacity:
  • Legally guarantee the gradual expansion of states’ fiscal capacity without diminishing the Centre’s share, providing financial autonomy and balanced resource distribution.
• Electoral Reforms for Political Equity:
  • Implement necessary electoral reforms to create a level playing field for regional political parties and leaders, fostering healthy competition between national and regional political forces.
• Empowerment of Local Self-Governments:
  • Politically empower local self-governments, the third level of Indian federalism, to ensure their active participation and contribution, forming a crucial component for the overall strength of the Indian federalism structure.

Conclusion:

Addressing persistent frictions in Indian federalism requires a comprehensive approach, it’s crucial to work on issues like fiscal policies, institutional mechanisms, and political empowerment, ensuring a more cooperative federalism and effective governance system.

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