Context:

• Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy triggered a debate recently when he said youths should work 70 hours a week, however, Indians are already the sixth most hardworking out of 163 countries in the world.

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Working Hours:

• According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) data (April 2023), the ranking is based on taking the average number of hours per week for each employed person in India, which works out to 47.7 hours.

• This figure shows that Indians work longer than workers in China (46.1 hours), Vietnam (41.5 hours), Malaysia (43.2 hours), the Philippines (39.2 hours), Japan (36.6 hours), the United States (36.4 hours) and the United Kingdom (35.9 hours).  
• But Indians work less than in smaller countries with small populations such as Bhutan, the Congo, Lesotho, and Gambia.

Productivity:

• The issue, as many industrialists who engaged with Murthy in the debate, is not hours but productivity.
• India is ranked at 131 out of 189 countries based on GDP per hour worked (GDP constant at 2017) for 2021, adjusted for purchasing power parity. 
• Based on this parameter, India is pegged at $8.47 dollars, lower than Vietnam ($10.22), the Philippines ($10.07), Indonesia ($12.96), China ($13.35), Mexico ($20.23) and Malaysia ($25.59) – countries with which India either competes for exports or woos for investment.
• India’s annual growth rate of output per worker was up by only 3.1 percent in 2022, much lower than Vietnam (4.8 percent), China (3.4 percent), Cambodia (3.6 percent) and even Bangladesh (4.1 per cent).   
• For some perspective, while India’s output per worker fell in both 2019 (by 2.9 percent) and 2020 (minus 2 percent) to recover by 3.5 percent in 2021, China saw massive growth in these two years of 6.4 percent and 6 percent, respectively, slowing down to 3.6 percent in 2021.  Vietnam recorded a similar trajectory for the same period.

Wages:

• According to Morgan Stanley Research, manufacturing wages in India are $0.8 per hour. 
• In China, they are eight times higher, in Malaysia almost six times higher and in Vietnam twice as high. Only Indonesia at $1 per hour was the closest to India out of the competing countries.

Source: Business Standard

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Context: 

• Seventh edition of annual coordination talks between India-Nepal Border Forces Begin in Delhi.
• These talks have been conducted annually since 2012, as part of bilateral cooperation in managing border security and trans-border issues.
• Example: Currently, India and Nepal have border disputes over Kalapani – Limpiyadhura – Lipulekh trijunction between India-Nepal and China and Susta area (West Champaran district, Bihar).

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• These talks discuss measures to curb trans-frontier crimes and timely sharing of intelligence inputs.

Key Points:

• Key Participants: Sashastra Seema Bal (India) & Armed Police Force(Nepal)Objectives
  • Strengthening mechanisms for collaboratively combating trans-border crimes.
  • Facilitating the prompt exchange of crucial information between the forces.

Open Border Between India and Nepal

• Treaty of Peace and Friendship
  • The “open” border between India and Nepal is established under the Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed by the two countries in 1950.

• Equal Rights for Citizens
  • The treaty provisions grant citizens of both India and Nepal equal rights concerning:
    • Residence
    • Acquisition of property
    • Employment
    • Movement in each other’s territory.
• Visa-Free Crossings
  • As per these provisions, citizens of India and Nepal can cross their shared borders without passport and visa restrictions.

News Source: The Hindu

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Context: 

• Recently, the PM extended Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for five more years.

About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):

• Background of PMGKAY
  • Introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Finance
  • Provides 5 kg of free foodgrains to eligible ration card holders under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).
    • The NFSA, introduced in 2013, entitled beneficiaries to receive subsidised foodgrains (at Rs 3, Rs 2 and Rs 1 per kilogram of rice, wheat and coarse grains, respectively) through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
• Scope of PMGKAY
  • Covers two types of ration card holders under NFSA: Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH).

• • NFSA encompasses approximately 20 crore families, with a total of 81.35 crore beneficiaries.
  • The AAY households receive 35 kg of foodgrains per month, while PHH households receive foodgrains based on family size (5 kg per family member per month).
• Allocation of Foodgrains
  • Since its introduction in 2020, the government has allocated 1,118 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains at a cost of Rs 3.9 lakh crore.

• Merge with NFSA
• • In January,2023, PMGKAY was merged with the NFSA, providing free ration for AAY and PHH families, eliminating additional provisions introduced during the pandemic.
  • The total food security bill in 2022-23 rose to about Rs 2.87 lakh crore with the additional outgo.

News Source: BS

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Context: 

• NITI weighs discontinuing a key water report that was launched 5 years ago.

Composite Water Management Index (CWMI)

• Launched by:  NITI Aayog in June 2018.
• The CWMI report is a critical assessment of states’ water management.
• Collaboration of Ministries
  • Three ministries: Water Resources, Drinking Water & Sanitation, and Rural Development, worked together to create the CWMI report.
• Current Status
  • In May, 2023, NITI Aayog sought the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti’s perspective on the Index’s “use and applicability.”
  • The Ministry has yet to respond, and the third and fourth editions of the report await release.

Importance of CWMI

• Provides insights into India’s water management challenges by ranking states based on their water management efficiency across various parameters.
• Raises awareness about the water crisis in the country and fosters “competitive and cooperative federalism.”
• Promotes effective water resource management and collaboration among states.
• Establishes benchmarks for state-level water management performance, aiding progress measurement and improvement initiatives.

Recent Report Findings (2019-20)

• Top-Performing States
  • Gujarat Leads
    • The report for 2019-20 reveals that Gujarat is the top-performing state, consistently improving year by year.
    • Following closely are Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh in terms of water management performance.
• State Performance Changes
  • Rajasthan’s Remarkable Leap
    • Rajasthan made a significant leap, advancing nine positions upward from 2017-18 to the fiscal year 2019-20.
    • On the other hand, Goa dropped from the fourth position in 2017-18 to the tenth position in 2019-20, and Punjab also experienced a decline in its ranking during this period.

News Source: Indian Express

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Context:

• More than 150 partners, including health officials, experts, and organizations, gathered in Senegal in November 2023 for the inaugural meeting of GONE initiative.
• The primary goal was strengthening collaboration among countries and partners working toward onchocerciasis elimination.

GONE Initiative – Global Onchocerciasis Elimination Network

• GONE initiative is a country-driven initiative supported by WHO, emphasizing being pragmatic, flexible and solutions-oriented to meet the needs of national programs.
• Launch:Gone Initiative launched in January 2023 by WHO, Member States, and partners.
• Goal: Empower countries to accelerate progress towards onchocerciasis elimination targets.
• Key Focus Areas of GONE Initiative
  • Strengthening Communication and Partnerships
  • Empowering Countries to Achieve Onchocerciasis Targets for 2030
• Global Prevalence: Affects at least 244 million people in 31 countries, with Africa bearing 99% of the burden, and 1% in the border area between Brazil and Venezuela.
  • Four countries have been verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating transmission of the disease: Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico.

Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)

• Global Impact
  • Second leading infectious cause of worldwide blindness.Classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by WHO.
• Affected Populations
  • Affects people in isolated and underserved rural communities.
  • Concentrated in some of the world’s poorest regions.
• Transmission and Effects
  • Caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus.
  • Spread by black flies near fast-flowing rivers.
  • Symptoms: Severe skin irritation, itching, and irreversible blindness.

News Source: WHO

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Context:

• Recently, The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has released its Ecological Threat Report for 2023, revealing alarming findings about the increasing ecological threats faced by countries around the world. 

Key Findings of the Ecological Threat Report 2023:

• Escalating Ecological Threats
  • Rising Numbers: By 2050, the number of people in countries facing severe ecological threats will surge from 1.8 billion to 2.8 billion.
  • Hotspot Regions: Over half of these countries are located in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Vulnerability and Resilience
  • Wide Analysis: The ecological threat report encompasses 221 countries and 3,594 sub-national areas, covering 99.99% of the global population.
  • Growing Vulnerability: The number of countries with low resilience facing severe ecological threats has increased to 30, with sub-Saharan Africa most affected.
• Hotspot Countries
  • Prominent At-Risk Nations: Ethiopia, Niger, Somalia, and South Sudan are identified as some of the most at-risk countries, with Ethiopia and Niger emerging as new hotspots. Myanmar has also been added to the list of countries facing severe ecological threats.
• Regional Comparisons
  • Europe and North America: These regions are the exceptions with no countries currently facing severe ecological threats, offering a contrast to other parts of the world.
• Key Ecological Threat Categories:
  • Food Insecurity: 42 countries experience severe food insecurity, with the majority in sub-Saharan Africa.
    • A 25 per cent increase in food insecurity, as measured by the ecological threat report, increases the risk of conflict by 36 per cent.
  • Natural Disasters: Natural disasters contribute to ecological threats, with a 25% increase in natural disasters increasing the risk of conflict by 21%.

• • Demographic Pressure: The ecological threat report underscores the significance of demographic pressure as a threat factor.
  • Water Risk: Critical globally, with 2 billion lacking access to clean water. A 25% increase lack of clean drinking water raises the risk of conflict by 18%.

News Source: DTE

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Context:

• This article is based on the news “Work starts on shaping first national security strategy, long wait ends” Which was published in the Indian Express. India has set the ball rolling to bring out a National Security Strategy after years of discourse and deliberations within the military and the strategic community.

National Security Strategy – A Holistic Approach to India’s Security Challenges

• The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is in the process of collating inputs from several Central ministries and departments to stitch together the draft of the strategy before seeking the final cabinet approval for it.
• The exact contours of the strategy being drafted are not known. Still, it will likely include the entire range of newer challenges and modern threats facing India, including non-traditional ones such as financial and economic security, food and energy security, and information warfare.
• The comprehensive document will consolidate and put together the challenges and threats unique to India and develop strategies to address them in the immediate and near future. This could include earmarking resources, considering the existing internal and global situation.

About National Security Strategy (NSS)

A National Security Strategy lays down the security objectives of a country, defines its internal and external challenges, and provides guidance on how to achieve its national objectives.

• It defines traditional non-traditional threats and opportunities while introducing accountability of agencies tasked with implementing such responsibilities.
• In a nutshell, a national security strategy would guide the military as well as critical defense and security reforms with strategic implications, providing a holistic view of the overall national security, the threats, and the roadmap to address them.

Why does India need a National Security Strategy?

• Need for Formal Security Policies and Frameworks: Not having formal policies increases the risk of making mistakes in our handling of security-related incidents and provides space for an adversary like Pakistan to exploit apparent gaps in our security framework in the misperception that it is unlikely to face due punishment. 
  • For Example: Concept of Jointness in Indian Military: The  Concept of Jointness in Indian Military was universally supported, but each one seems to have a different idea of what it should mean.
    • Some use it as only meaning integration of the uniformed services, others also include jointness between civilians and uniformed personnel. Both are essential and lacking in our present arrangements. 
• Important for military modernization: India needs an NSS to ramp up the pace of military modernization and bring theater commands.  Defense reforms are not taking off because India does not have a National Security Strategy and therefore, no guidance. 
• The Two-Front Threat:  Historically, ever since the late 1960s, from the time China and Pakistan started developing a politico-economic-military relationship with anti-India overtones, there has been a national Security Strategy to tackle the threat.
• Fluid Neighborhood:  Afghanistan’ Taliban regime, Pakistan’s gradual slide towards becoming a ‘failed state’, Sri Lanka’s continued involvement in the vicious Tamilian insurgency and the Myanmar peoples’ nascent movement for democracy, are all symptomatic of an unstable and uncertain security environment in the Southern Asian region.
• National Security Strategy: A Comprehensive Framework for Diplomacy, Strategy, and Deterrence: NSS is the starting point to deal with all security-related matters across diplomacy, strategy, and foreign policy. It not only allows you to see future threats but also to send a message to other nations and deter aggression.
• Information Warfare and the Need for an Integrated Approach: Information warfare is another emerging threat through which, nation-states, non-state actors, individual terrorists, and even disgruntled elements within a state can play havoc with a nation’s telecom, banking, stock exchanges, power grids, besides military communications and networks. 
  • The prevention of large-scale damage through a complex cyber-security system requires  a National Security Strategy.

Also Read: Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2023

What are the challenges involved in drafting a National Security Strategy?

• Balancing Transparency, Deterrence, and Flexibility: According to Rajesh Rajagopalan, professor of international relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University, India’s hesitancy to release a National Security Strategy document would cause trouble with potential adversaries by revealing India’s position, and with partners by hurting strategic flexibility.
  • It will signal to both friends and foes where India stands on particular issues.
• Revealing  India’s Strategic Ambiguity: India shied from defining an NSS as the government wanted to “avoid having to respond in a specific manner.
• Impacting Bilateral Ties: If India were to state that it aimed to reduce its dependence on military imports from Russia as part of NSS, this would hurt New Delhi’s relationship with long-time ally Moscow. 
• Accountability: In addition, the Centre may fear the accountability this could bring since a national security strategy would identify the red lines, which, if breached, would necessitate action by the government. 
  • For Example, Amid the India-China military stand-off in 2020 along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, a military response would become unavoidable if an aggressor violates the limits of a scenario defined in the national security strategy.
  • If the strategy is defined, the government would be forced to act accordingly when a security contingency arises, which it may not be able to.
• Differing Views: Besides, framing a security doctrine may also be difficult considering the differing views held by various government departments.

Way Forward

• National Security Strategy Guidance: For Military-Related External Threats 
  • Maintain credible military deterrence against potential adversaries. 
  • Defend our national and territorial interests on land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.
  • Physical guarding and/or surveillance of land, air, and maritime borders, island territories, off-shore assets, and trade routes, especially disputed borders, for early detection of intrusions or any threats. 
  • Maintain a tri-service rapid response capability to respond to security challenges during war and peace. 
  •  Ensure a fool-proof and well-coordinated intelligence mechanism to provide early warning of threats, both external and internal. 
  • Prevent attacks in the cyber and information domains against own defense and civilian networks and capabilities.
• National Security Strategy Guidance: For Internal Security Threats
  • Maintain close surveillance and monitoring of the internal security situation in areas of heightened threat. 
  • Maintain rapid response capability against terror strikes/ hostage taking, involving multiple agencies, both police and military, including the National Security Guard (NSG) and Special Forces (SF).
  • Neutralize anti-Indian efforts/propaganda by potential adversaries/ inimical elements. ƒ Promote/protect diaspora interests in the region and the world.
  • Protect national interests against internal threats like terrorism (including nuclear terrorism), insurgency, and militancy to negate secessionist and related destabilizing efforts.

Also Read: India Army adoption of AI in defence for Comprehensive Surveillance and Strategic Security

Conclusion:

The formulation of India’s National Security Strategy is a crucial step towards addressing a spectrum of challenges, both traditional and non-traditional, providing a comprehensive framework to guide military, diplomatic, and security initiatives for the nation’s holistic defense and well-being.

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Context:

• This article is based on the news “World Food India 2023: Food sector has reached new heights, says Modi” Which was published in the Hindustan Times. Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) of India inaugurated the second edition of the World Food India 2023 at Bharat Mandapam.

PM inaugurates World Food India 2023 – Key Highlights

• During the World Food India 2023 event, the PM disbursed seed capital assistance to over 1 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) and inaugurated a “food street”.
• Importance: This event serves as a platform to showcase India’s global leadership in food production and coincides with the celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
• A total of 16 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and various companies 
  • These agreements amounted to a total investment of around ₹18,000 crore.

Significance of Indian Food Industry

• India’s Food Diversity: Having roots in the ancient Ayurvedic way of life, Indian food diversity is a dividend for investors across the world with its focus on ‘Ahara’ (diet) and ‘Anna’ (food) as a means of good life, health, and wellbeing. 
  • For example, Oriya cuisine is a gently spiced flavor where fish, crab, and prawns are prominent, whereas Gujarati cuisine is Prominently vegetarian, with popular dishes like oondhiya, patra, khandvi, and thepla. 
• Growing Food Processing Industry: Food processing industry has emerged as the sunrise sector in India and has attracted Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) of about ₹50,000 crore over the past 9 years. The share of processed foods in India’s agricultural exports has grown from 13% to 23 % in the last 9 years. 
  • Sunrise Sector: A sunrise industry is a business or business sector showing potential for substantial and rapid growth. 
• Pro-Industry and Pro-Farmer Policies: India’s food processing capacity has increased from a 12 lakh tonne to over 200 lakh tonne and India has witnessed 150% growth in exports of processed food in the last 9 years. 
• Significant Role of Women: Indian women have the natural ability to lead the food processing industry and play key roles in bolstering the sector and government support women in various ways, including Stree Shakti Package For Women Entrepreneurs, Mudra Yojana Scheme etc.
  • A seed capital of over 1 lakh was disbursed for the promotion of cottage industries and self-help groups for women on WFI program. 
• Promoting Consumption of Millets: On India’s initiative, an awareness campaign regarding millets has started in the world as United Nations recognised 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
  • India pitched for diversification of the food basket to create domestic and global demand and to provide nutritional food to the people. 
• Investment Opportunities and Cultural Exchange: The event attracts both domestic and international investors, offering them insights into the diverse investment opportunities within India’s food processing and agriculture sectors.
  • It allows for promoting Indian cuisine and cultural heritage, offering a platform for cultural exchange through food.

What are the challenges associated with the Food Industry in India?

• Supply Chain Issues: The industry is plagued by inefficient supply chains, inadequate storage and transport facilities, and a lack of access to credit and financing. 
  • Inefficiencies in the supply chain lead to significant wastage of food produce, and makes it difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter the market and compete with larger, more established companies.
  • Increasing Vulnerability to Climate Change: Changing weather patterns, erratic monsoons, and other effects of climate change can significantly impact agricultural production and food security. For instance, India recently suspended exports of non-basmati rice varieties after heavy monsoon rainfall damaged newly planted crops.
• Crop Losses: Food security and sustainable development are pressing global concerns as a growing population, changing climate patterns, and socio-economic disparities pose significant challenges. 
  • According to the Ministry of  Agriculture And Farmers’ Welfare, India lost 5.04 million hectares (mha) of crop area to cyclonic storm, flash floods, floods, landslides and cloudbursts in 2021.
• High post-harvest losses: As per a 2022 study, between harvesting and consumption, India lost 5-13% of its fruits and vegetables and around 3-7% of crops that included oil seeds and spices. 
  • While India saw an increase of over 23% grains production in FY23 than FY15, post-harvest losses have only reduced by less than 1% during the period.
• Limited technology adoption: Fusion of technology and taste will pave the way for the economy of the future but factors like a lack of trusted sources of information, poor literacy, inability to comprehend scientific messages, and a stubborn belief in traditional systems affect technological adoption. 

Also Read: State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2023 

Way Forward

• Reduce Post-Harvest Losses: Industry stakeholders need to focus on finding solutions to reduce post-harvest losses and promote sustainable packaging methods.
  • For instance, investments exceeding ₹50,000 crore have been made to set up post-crop harvest-related infrastructure projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. 
• Promoting Skill Development: Ensuring that the workforce is skilled and equipped with the necessary knowledge, especially in the technological aspects of food processing.
  • For instance, the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) is contributing to nation-building through Skill Development in Agriculture.
  • ASCI is a Not for profit concern working under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Investments in Food Processing Infrastructure: Investments in processing infrastructure in the fisheries and animal husbandry sector are needed.
  • Bringing farmers together and helping them partner with the right service provider like Farmers’ Producer Organisation can make unprecedented progress in helping farmers scale up the production of food.
• Implement Ancient Knowledge: There is a need for the food processing industry to implement ancient knowledge for global food security. 
  • Traditional wisdom and nutritional value of niche Indian food products, such as Indian variants of millets, fruits, rice, and oilseeds make them excellent export choices. 
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Ensuring sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutrition security, as highlighted in the G-20 Delhi declaration. Further, ensuring the development of sustainable packaging methods as a viable alternative to traditional plastic-dominated packaging is the need of the hour.
  • For Example: Climate smart agriculture, organic farming, agro-forestry etc.
• Ensuring Quality and Safety Standards: Over 95% of India’s farm produce is consumed domestically as quantity and quality of yield are still hampered by a lack of good farm inputs and equipment. 
  • There is a need to implement stringent food safety standards to boost consumer trust both within the country and overseas. Adhering to food safety standards is crucial to protect public health and prevent food-borne illnesses.

Conclusion:

World Food India 2023 reflects India’s commitment to showcasing its rich food culture, fostering global investments, and addressing challenges in the food industry, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and technological advancements for future growth.

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