Context: Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul recommended the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir in his concurring but separate opinion on the abrogation of Article 370.

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• The Commission to investigate and report on rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1980s by both State and non-state actors and recommend measures for reconciliation.

What is a Truth and Reconciliation Commission?

• Definition: It is an official mechanism to acknowledge and reveal the wrongdoings committed  by state and  non-state actors or combatants to a population in times of conflict so that matters of the past can be addressed and resolved.
• Aim: To facilitate debate and dialogue amongst the community,
• Focus: It  focused on putting together information and evidence from both the victims and the perpetrators of violence, rather than on prosecution and punishment for crimes.
• Characteristics:
  • It Is a temporary body, officially authorized or empowered by the state under review with the aim of concluding with a final report.
  • Unrevealing Truth: To uncover evidence of oppression and violence in societies that are torn apart by long and bitter conflicts.
    • Investigates a pattern of events that took place over a period of time and Is focused on the past, rather than on ongoing events.
  • Prevents Denialism: Gives both the victims and preparators a platform to speak about their motives and truth with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. 
    • Engages directly and broadly with the affected population, gathering information on their experiences.
  • Foster Dialogue: It would encourage dialogue and could help resolve the distrust and tension that has been built up in J&K over decades. 
• Notable Examples: 
• • South Africa: Set up by the Nelson Mandela government at the end of apartheid 1995, South Africa TRC  was led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It  used large, televised public meetings to hear from victims and oppressors, capturing worldwide attention. 
  • Canada: Set up to uncover the truth of the Indian Residential Schools system — in which some 150,000 Indigenous children were removed from their families and communities to attend residential schools. 

Must Read: Supreme Court Verdict On Abrogation Of Article 370

News source: Livemint

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Context: A boat carrying over 60 Europe-bound migrants, including women and children, capsized off the coast of Libya.

Migrant vessel capsizes off Libya

• The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the shipwreck occurred near the town of Zuwara on Libya’s western coast.
• The IOM estimates that more than 2,200 people have drowned till December 2023 this year, making it one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world.
• Libya is among the main departure points for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean and enter Europe.

About Libya

• Libya, a predominantly desert nation with significant oil reserves, gained independence in 1951.
• Geography and Population: Libya, situated in North Africa, primarily consists of the vast Sahara desert. 
• The majority of its population resides along the coastal areas, where key cities like Tripoli and Benghazi are located.
• Libya is geographically defined by its boundaries:
• • North: Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea.
  • East: Shares a border with Egypt.
  • South: Shares boundaries with Niger and Chad.
  • West: Bordered by Tunisia and Algeria.
• Capital: Tripoli
• Language: Arabic

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Context: The fourth unit of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-4) in Gujarat, with 700 MWe capacity, started controlled fission chain reaction and thus became critical.

About Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP)

• Kakrapar Atomic Power Project is built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a public sector undertaking of the Department of Atomic Energy.

• These reactors are Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as coolant and moderator.
• Coolant: A substance circulated through a nuclear reactor to remove or transfer heat. 
  • The most commonly used coolant in the is water. 
• Moderator: A material, such as ordinary water, heavy water, or graphite, that is used in a reactor to slow down high-velocity neutrons, thus increasing the likelihood of fission.

About Criticality and Nuclear Fission

• A reactor achieves criticality, when each fission event releases a sufficient number of neutrons to sustain an ongoing series of reactions.
  • The first criticality is the start of a controlled fission chain reaction.
  • This is what KAPS-4 achieved. After the fission, the heat is used to make steam that turns a turbine and produces electricity.
• Process: When a neutron (a particle with no electric charge) hits an atom like Uranium-235, and splits it into smaller atoms. This process is called nuclear fission, and it releases a lot of heat that can be converted into energy. 
• Fissile Choice: Uranium-235 is chosen for nuclear power due to its ease of splitting.
• Regulatory Approval: The criticality test was approved by India’s nuclear regulator, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Significance:

• Signifies a crucial step in the operational readiness of the nuclear power plant.
• Efficient and continuous production of electricity through nuclear fission.

Also Read: Nuclear Power Plants In India 2023, here.

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Context: Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), the world’s largest center for international diamond and jewellery business. 

About Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB)

• Location: Surat Diamond Bourse  is a building with 15 floors, built on an area of 66 lakh sq ft at DREAM (Diamond Research and Mercantile) City, in Surat, Gujarat.
• Facilities: 
  • Feature a state-of-the-art ‘Customs Clearance House’ for Import – Export.
  • It includes jewellery mall, international banking facility and a safe vault. 
• Significance: 
  • Surat Diamond Bourse will attract buyers from national and international background.
  • Aimed at shifting the diamond trading business from Mumbai to Surat, which is the hub of diamond cutting and polishing with thousands of factories across the city.

Status of Diamond Industry in India

• Capability: India is home to almost 90% of the world’s cutting and polishing of diamonds.
• Employment: This industry provides employment to two million Indians.
• Status: Low global demand has led to a pile-up of inventory, and thus the imports have been temporarily halted till 15th December. It has resumed since then.
• Supply Chain: India imports rough diamonds from De Beers, Rio Tinto and Russia’s Alrosa.
  • In Surat Diamond Bourse, raw diamonds are cut and polished. Then they are exported to the US, Hong Kong and Belgium.

Crisis in Diamond Industry

• The diamond industry is passing through its worst crisis due to global economic slowdown and G7 countries’ tough stand on Russian diamonds.
• Trade Restrictions: G7 countries have announced direct import restrictions on Russian-origin diamonds and Russian diamonds processed by third countries like India. 
  • After Sept 2024, diamonds sized half a carat or more will be banned and a new system to trace origin of the stones will be introduced.
• Global Economic Slowdown: Post the Covid-19 Pandemic, the demand for luxury products in the domestic and global market has not come back yet.
• Surat’s Role:  In Surat, the Russian diamonds of less than 0.5 carats are cut and polished. 
• Value of Diamond Exports: The export value of polished diamonds fell to Rs 10,495 crore in October 2023 from Rs 15,594 crore in the same month the previous year, (32% drop). 

Source: The Hindu

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Context: In a recently released report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said that the global coal demand is expected to decline by 2026. 

Key Highlights of IEA Report on Global Coal Demand

• Reasons for Decline: Due to structural changes like shift towards renewables and plateauing demand from China, the largest coal-using country. 
• Delay in Decline: However, till 2026, the demand for coal will be rising. The global demand for coal will be rising by 1.4% in 2023. 
  • India is expected to remain the “driving force” for the fuel until 2026. 
• Regional Inequality: Demand in the European Union and United States is expected to drop 20% each and demand is expected to rise 8% in India and 5% in China in 2023. 

Factors Influencing Decline in Global Coal Demand 

• Rise in Renewable: A steep upward trend in low-cost solar photovoltaic deployment is expected to aid renewable power generation.
  • Nuclear generation is also set to see moderate increases, especially in China, India, and the European Union. 
• Change in Climate: Expected La Nina conditions in 2024-26 is expected to translate to greater hydropower output. 
• Progress in COP: Reducing use of ‘unabated’ coal, or coal-burning without technologies to capture carbon, is among the explicit agreements of latest COP28. 
• Prior Declines: Temporary declines due to Collapse of the Soviet Union or Covid-19 have taken place in the past; this time decline is more structural, driven by  clean technologies and international obligations. 

Global Coal Use

• Demand: The global demand for coal rising by 1.4% in 2023, surpassing 8.5 billion tonnes for the first time. Currently, a little over half the world’s coal demand comes from China. 
• Production: China, India, and Indonesia – the three largest coal producers globally – are expected to break output records in 2023, pushing global production to a new high in 2023. 

Predicted Future of Coal Use

• With a major expansion of renewable energy, a 2.3% fall in global coal demand by 2026 is expected. 
• Decline in Developed Economies: Demand in the European Union and United States is expected to drop 20% each,
• Increase in Developing Economies: It is expected to rise 8% in India and 5% in China in 2023 due to demand for electricity and diminished electrical generation from hydropower.

Must Read: World Energy Outlook 2023

Source: IEA ; The Hindu

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Context: A top state-run Chinese think-tank Chinese Academy of Sciences has warned that China might go into a potential “middle-technology trap”. 

Is China stuck in a middle-technology trap?

• The report pointed out that China’s manufacturing sector is in the downstream of the global value chains, and it might get stuck at the low and mid-end of the supply chain. 
• Downstream supply chain involves the movement of finished goods from a business to its customers. These operations include distribution, order fulfillment and delivery.

What is a Middle-Technology Trap? 

• Definition: It is a scenario in which developing countries that had earlier benefited from outsourcing due to their low cost advantage, face long term economic stagnation because the core technologies have been retained by the developed nation.
• Limitation: These countries face the challenge because they lack original technology advances, since they employ technology importation, imitation, absorption, and tracking. 
• Challenge with China: Due to the Middle-Technology Trap, the Chinese manufacturers are finding it difficult to move up value chains.
• Solution: Open doors for new investment, scientific innovation and skilled human resources to deal with the challenge. 

About China-USA Tech War

• AI Based: UA and China, the two largest economies, are both pursuing AI to get an advantage over the other. 
• Semiconductor Industry: In an attempt to slow down Chinese AI progress, the US has recently banned semiconductor exports to China.  
  • Semiconductors needed for the training of advanced artificial intelligence models.
• Huawei and 5G: The US alleged that Huawei’s 5G technology poses a national security risk due to potential government monitoring and banned the use of its equipment in 5G architecture. 
• USA’s Stand: The USA has reasoned that the export controls are aimed at preventing the use of American-made powerful chips in China’s military.  
• Chip 4 Alliance: Comprises the US, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea with the goal of building a more resilient and secure semiconductor supply chain. 

Source: Business Standard

Must Read: India’s Supply Chain Opportunity

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Context: Odisha is to host a grand event in Puri from January 15-17 for the inauguration of the beautification drive of the  Jagannath temple corridor.                                                                                                                                                          

About Jagannath Temple Beautification Project

• The Shree Mandira Parikrama Project (SMPP): It Includes the Meghanada Pacheri (stone boundary around Jagannath Temple)  has a 7-meter green buffer zone and a 10-meter pedestrian-only inner circumambulation (parikrama) zone.
• Objective: Develop  Jagannath Temple as a modern-day pilgrim center with all Modern amenities. 
• Events: There will be a recitation of Vedas at all four gates of the temple (Rigveda for the eastern gate, Yajurveda for the south, Samaveda for the west and Atharvaveda for the north).
  • Lokarpan Yagna (a ritual performed before the sacred fire) will be performed for all the 3 days.
• Odisha also launched a dedicated scheme for the renovation of temples across villages named,” Ama Odisha Nabeen Odisha”

About Jagannath Temple

• Location: Jagannath Temple is situated on the Sacred Mahodadhi (Bay of Bengal) in the Puri state of Odisha.
• It is one of the 4 Dhams (Holiest of the holy places in Hinduism) i.e., Puri, Dwarika, Badrinath & Rameswar.
• Deities: Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, sister Devi Subhadra, and elder brother Mahaprabhu Shri Balabhadra are being worshiped here. The deities are seated on the Bejeweled Pedestal (Ratna Simhassana). 
• Nabakalebara: It is a process whereby  the image of Jagannath made of wood  is ceremoniously replaced every twelve or nineteen years by an exact replica.
• Built by: The  Ganga Dynasty king  Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva dating back to the 12th century in Kalinga style architecture, with a height of 65 meters on an elevated platform.
• Sri Jagannath Festivals:  The most important festivals are the World famous Rath Yatra & Bahuda Yatra along with other celebrations including  Snana Yatra, Netrotsava, Sayan Ekadasi, Chitalagi Amabasya, Srikrushna Janma, Dussehra, etc.

About Kalinga/Odisha Temple architecture

• Style:  The temples of Odisha constitute a distinct substyle within the Nagara architecture.
• The main architectural features of Odisha temples are classified in three orders, i.e., Rekhapida, Pidhadeul and Khakra. 
• The shikhara called rekhadeul or deul  in Odisha, is vertical and it suddenly curves sharply inwards at the top. 
• Deuls are preceded by mandapas called Jagamohana in Odisha. 
• The exterior of the temples are lavishly carved and their interiors are plain.
• Ground plan:  The ground plan of the main temple was square. Panchratha (Five chariots) consists of two anurathas, two konakas and one ratha.
• There was no use of pillars on the porch. Iron girders were used instead to support the roof.
• The Temple stands in the center of an inner courtyard on an elevated stone platform that usually has boundary walls.
• Notable  Examples: Sun Temple of Konark, Jagannath temple at Puri, Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar, etc.

News Source: Hindustan Times

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Context: A case of Covid Subvariant JN.1 are spreading in the US and China, was discovered in Kerala.

Increase in COVID Subvariant JN.1 Cases in Kerala

• Detection as Part of Routine Surveillance: The case was detected in an RT-PCR positive sample as part of INSACOG’s (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium) ongoing routine surveillance.
• Influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms: The patient healed after experiencing moderate ILI symptoms.
• Increase in COVID Subvariant JN.1 cases in Kerala: There has been an increasing trend of COVID-19 cases from Kerala over the last few weeks. 
  • This has been linked to an increase in the number of samples from ILI cases being referred for testing. 

About Covid Subvariant JN.1

• Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 or Pirola: The Covid subvariant JN.1 is a close relative of the BA.2.86 variant, commonly referred to as Pirola.
  • It carries just one additional mutation in the spike protein as compared to its relative. 

• • Origin of Sequences: Majority sequences uploaded to the global database, originated from the United States, Canada, and various European countries.
• Vaccine Preventable: As per the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),  the updated vaccines available in the country can effectively block Pirola infections and therefore can protect against JN.1 as well.

Covid subvariant JN.1: Symptoms

• Upper respiratory symptoms, fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

Covid subvariant JN.1: Prevention

• Role of Ancestral Spike Protein: It is expected to provide protection against newer variants. 
• Neutralization by Human Serum: Both Pirola and JN.1 were efficiently neutralized by human serum from individuals who had experienced the infection and vaccination. 
• Cumulative Impact of Infection and Vaccination: Serum from animals that only received the vaccine, without natural infection, did not exhibit the same neutralizing effect. 
  • Thus,  cumulative impact of immunity through both infection and vaccination in humans is necessary for prevention.

News Source: Indian Express

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Context: The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has recently released the “LEADS Report 2023 (Logistics Ease Across Different State)”

LEADS Report 2023: Key Findings 

• Performance Improvement: The 5th edition of the LEADS report 2023, provides insights into improvement of logistics performance at State/UT level. 
  • A positive shift is visible in States’ performance across the key pillars viz. Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services and Operating and Regulatory Environment. 
• Digital Reforms: Reforms such as PM GatiShakti, Logistics Data Bank, Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), GST are propelling growth in India’s logistics sector.
• Logistics Policies: 23 States/UTs have also notified their State Logistics Policies to align with the National Logistics Policy.
• Status of Logistics Sector: 16 States/UTs have given industry status to logistics.

About LEADS Report

• LEADS report is an annual assessment of logistics performance across States and UTs, undertaken annually since 2018.
• Pillars for measuring logistics performance:
  • Objective assessment:
    • Support provided by State / UTs for policy & process improvement of Logistics eco- system.
    • Enablers of Logistics – stock of physical infrastructure.
  • Perception assessment:
    • Logistics Infrastructure.
    • Logistics Services.
    • Operating and Regulatory Environment.
• Origin: LEADS was conceived on the lines of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) of World Bank in 2018.
  • While the LPI relies entirely on perception-based surveys, LEADS incorporates both perception as well as objectivity.
• LEADS 2023 Report: This report is based on a pan-India primary survey, conducted between May and July 2023 across 36 States/UTs. 

Achievements of LEADS

• Align State objective with National priorities
• Greater awareness among States on ground feedback from stakeholders for logistics improvement
• Encouraged competition among States, driving better infrastructure, services, and regulatory environment
• Raising awareness about logistics efficiency encouraging States to prioritize its improvements

Also Read: Logistics Cost in India: Assessment and Long-Term Framework: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

News Source: FE

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Context: Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam at Namo Ghat, Varanasi.

2nd Edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam: Key Updates

• The connection between the two centres of knowledge (Kashi and Kanchi) is evident in the similar themes in literature and the presence of the name Kashi in every village in Tamil Nadu.

About Kashi Tamil Sangamam

• It is part of the government’s ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Yuva Sangam programme.’
• Aim:  To celebrate the many aspects of the historical and civilisational connection between India’s North and South.
  • The broader objective is to create an understanding of shared heritage and deepen the people-to-people bond between the North and South regions.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education,  in collaboration with other ministries like Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, I&B, etc, and the Govt of Uttar Pradesh.
• Implementing agencies: IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University.
• It encompasses lectures covering literature, ancient texts, philosophy, spirituality, music, dance, drama, yoga, and Ayurveda.
• Significance: The endeavor is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge.
• The first phase of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam was organized from 16th November to 16th December 2022.

Learn more about the SANGAM AGE: THE HISTORY OF SOUTH INDIA, here. 

News Source: Indian Express

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Context: PM participated in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme at Barki Gram Sabha of Sewapuri development block in Varanasi.

Key Updates on Viksit Bharat Sankalp

• Nearly 2 crore individuals have taken Viksit Bharat Sankalp and over 2 Crore beneficiaries of Central Government Schemes have shared their experiences under ‘Meri Kahani Meri Zubani’ initiative.

About Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

• Objective: To raise awareness about and track the implementation of flagship central schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, PM Suraksha Bima, and PM SVANidhi.
• Key Aims:
• • Targeted Outreach to the Vulnerable: Reach out to eligible individuals under various schemes who have not yet availed benefits.
  • Information Dissemination and Awareness Generation: Spread information and create awareness about government schemes among the target audience.
  • Beneficiary Interaction through Personal Stories: Engage with beneficiaries by capturing and sharing their personal stories and experiences with government schemes.
  • Enrollment of Potential Beneficiaries: Collect details and facilitate the enrollment of potential beneficiaries during the Yatra for effective scheme participation.

Learn more about the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY), here. 

News Source: The Hindu

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Context: The Lok Sabha passed the Post Office Bill 2023 to replace the Indian Post Office Act of 1898. 

• The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on August 10 during the Monsoon Session before being passed by the upper house on December 4.

About the Post Office Bill 2023

• Aim: To provide a simple legislative framework for post offices, facilitating their evolution into a network for citizen-centric services.
• Postal services come under the Union List of the Constitution.   
• Appointment of Director General of Postal Services:  The Director General of Postal Services will be appointed to head India Post with powers to make regulations on various matters, including tariffs for services and supply of postage stamps.

Why has the new legislation been introduced?

• Modernizing Postal Legislation: The Post Office Bill 2023 replaces the Indian Post Office Act 1898 as the law mainly addressed regular services such as delivery of letters and similar functions. The new bill reflects the evolution of the Post Office into a hub for various citizen-centric services such as banking beyond traditional mail.
  • For Example: There are more than 26 million accounts that have more than USD 200 billion in deposits in post office savings services.

Post Office Bill 2023: Key Features 

Post Office Bill 2023: Concerns

• Conflict of Interest: The Post Office Bill 2023 exempts India Post from liability for lapses in postal services.  
  • Liability may be prescribed through Rules by the central government, which also administers India Post.  This may lead to a conflict of interest.
• Right to Privacy: The Bill does not specify any offenses and penalties.  
  • For instance, there are no consequences for the unauthorized opening of postal articles by a postal officer.  This may have adverse implications for the right to privacy of consumers.
• Lack of Procedural safeguards: The Post Office Bill 2023 does not specify procedural safeguards for interception of articles transmitted through India Post.   
  • Lack of safeguards may violate freedom of speech and expression. 
• Vagueness in Terminology:  The grounds for interception include ‘emergency’, which may be beyond reasonable restrictions under the Constitution.

Conclusion:

• The introduction of the Post Office Bill 2023 is an important step toward modernizing the functioning of the Indian Post Office.
•  By addressing contemporary postal services and empowering the Director General and the Central Government to regulate and manage various aspects, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency, security, and relevance of the Post Office in the digital era. 

News Source: The Indian Express

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Context: This article is based on the news “PM Modi, Oman’s Sultan adopt vision document, discuss Gaza” which was published in the Indian Express. The Sultan of Oman recently visited India marking the first State visit from Oman to India in the last 26 years. 

India-Oman Vision Document: Key Outcomes

• India-Oman Vision Document: India and Oman adopted a vision document titled ‘A Joint Partnership For The Future’ rooted in Oman’s ‘Vision 2040’, its national development blueprint, and India’s development vision of ‘Amritkaal’
  • The India-Oman vision document covers several sectors vital for upgrading the relationship including digital connectivity, medical tourism, maritime security, hospitality, agriculture, and food security.
• Focus on CEPA: Both pushed for finalizing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA).
  • A CEPA is a free trade agreement between two countries and provides immediate and progressive duty reductions on imported goods and transparency in customs procedures for preferential treatment of imported goods.
• Third Tranche of Oman-India Investment Fund: Both announced the third tranche of Oman-India investment fund worth USD 300 million (around Rs 2,500 crore) for channelising investment into the fastest growing sectors of the Indian economy. 
  • The fund was established as a 50:50 joint venture between the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Oman Investment Authority.
  • The initial tranche amounting to USD 100 million, succeeded by an additional USD 200 million.
• Cooperation Agreements: Agreements were signed on cooperation in the field of information technology, combating financial crimes, culture, and the establishment of a Hindi chair of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations in Oman.
  • The Ministry of Culture decided to recreate the maritime voyage of a stitched ship which is expected to sail from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat during 2025 to ‘26.
• Digital Payment Cooperation: Discussion on the possibility of Oman leveraging India’s UPI digital payment system with a corresponding Omani platform, along with discussions on trade in Rupee was held.
• Space Collaboration: India and Oman have engaged in discussions regarding space cooperation, in various sectors including space-based systems, data services, and information exchange.
  • The focus areas included remote sensing, satellite launch, communication, and the practical applications of space technology.

About India-Oman Relations

• Historical Ties between India and Oman: People-to-people Connect between India and Oman can be traced back 5,000 years. 
  • Makran coast into the Gulf of Oman was an important trade route for the Indus region known as Meluha during ancient times.
• Geographical Proximity: Oman is the closest neighbor to India in the Arabian Gulf region.
  • Oman emphasizes its commitment to keeping the Straits of Hormuz open.
• Strategic Relations between India and Oman: Diplomatic relations were established in 1955 and the relationship was upgraded to a Strategic partnership in 2008 based on twin pillars of mutual trust and shared interests.
  • Essential Strategic partner: Alongside Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman forms a trio of essential strategic partners for India in the Gulf region.
  • Oman’s Diplomatic Balancing Act: The nation has balanced its strong ties with Western powers and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries while adopting a pragmatic approach to its neighbor Iran. 

• • Oman As Crucial Pillar of India’s West Asia Policy: The multi-faceted engagement between the two countries has increasingly taking a more strategic shape in recent decades. Oman as an integral part of all important groupings in the region: 
  • The GCC, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League.
  • Oman was one of the few countries to have been invited by India to its G-20 presidency as a guest nation earlier this year.
• Defence Ties between India and Oman:  Regular exchange of visits by Defence Ministers of both sides. 
  • Oman is the only country in West Asia with which all three services of the Indian Armed Forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and service-level staff talk.
  • Oman is India’s closest defense partner in the Gulf region and defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and Oman.
• Security Cooperation between India and Oman:  Both the countries held a joint military drill ‘Al-Najah’ and naval exercises named Eastern Bridge and Naseem-al-Bahr respectively.
• Maritime Security: In recent years, both countries have cooperated in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
• • Operation Sankalp: It was launched during the Persian Gulf crisis in June 2019 to ensure the safe passage of Indian flagged ships operating off the coast of Oman.
  • MoU on Duqm Port: India signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Duqm Port, which gives Indian naval ships operating in the area access to basing facilities and other logistical support.
• Trade Ties between India and Oman: Trade and commerce forms an important pillar of the bilateral engagement. 
  • Bilateral trade between India and Oman during FY 2022-23 was $12.388 billion.
  • There are over 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures in Oman, with an estimated investment of over $7.5 billion.
  • Port of Duqm SEZ: It is earmarked to be the Indian Oceans largest deep sea port where an Indo-Oman Joint V enture, Sebacic Oman is undertaking a $ 1.2 billion project for setting up the largest Sebacic acid plant in the Middle-East.

• • The South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE), a private consortium based in India, has suggested laying a 1,400 km deep-sea pipeline from Oman to India for gas transfer. 
  • India was the second largest market for Oman’s crude oil exports for the year 2022 after China. 
  • In October 2022, India and Oman launched the Rupay debit card in Oman, a key footprint of India’s initiative of promoting digital public infrastructure (DPI) in the world.
  • Oman played a significant contribution to the Iran nuclear deal in July 2015.
• Cultural Ties:
  • The vibrant Indian expatriate community in Oman regularly hosts cultural performances and invites celebrity artists and singers from India. 
  • A MoU for cultural cooperation was signed between the two countries in 2010. 
  • National Archives of India and the National Records and Archive Authority of Oman (NRAA) actively cooperate under the MoU.
• Indian Diaspora: The presence of an Indian community of almost seven lakh people has contributed to the constantly evolving vibrant relations.

India-Oman Relations: Challenges 

• Security: Security challenges in the region have a ripple effect on India and, thus, any instability in the region has a direct bearing on the safety and security of the Indian diaspora, India’s energy security and its steadily growing trade relations. 
• Volatile Oil Economy: Oman’s economy is extremely vulnerable because of its heavy reliance on oil exports, which account for more than 90 percent of exports. 
  • This can negatively impact India’s energy interests.
• Slow Progress of Iran-Oman-India Pipeline:  India has been considering constructing an underwater natural gas pipeline via Oman, the Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP) also known as the Iran-Oman-India pipeline. 
  • The Project aims to transport Iranian natural gas to India through Oman but it faces delays due to technological, sanction, and diplomatic Hurdles.
• China Angle: China has identified Oman as a key country in the region and has been enhancing defence ties with it steadily.
  • China has fostered strong relations with Oman, and Oman holds the distinction of being the first country to supply oil to China.
• The Duqm Factor:  India access to the Port of Duqm is a strategic move for India but the move could be perceived as a geopolitical maneuver, potentially leading to increased tensions in the region.
• Backing  Rebellious Groups: A number of interest groups have accused Oman of backing Saudi Arabia interests and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. 

Way Forward

• Joint Exploration of Rare Earth Metals: An agreement on joint exploration of rare earth metals, vital to modern electronic equipment will add strength to the partnership. 
• Role in IMEEC Infrastructure: Oman may play a significant role in the proposed  India-Middle-East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEEC) infrastructure project, aiming to connect India to Europe through West Asia. 
•  The IMEEC  corridor will include a shipping route connecting Mumbai and Mundra (Gujarat) with the UAE, and a rail network connecting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan with the Israeli port of Haifa to reach the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. 
• India’s Gateway to West Asia: Both countries consider themselves as ambassadors of peace and enjoy goodwill across ideologies in the world. Oman is, therefore, India’s gateway to West Asia. 
  • With the ongoing Israel-Hamas war testing the region to its limits, the visit of Oman’s Sultan is timely and very important for India and the region. 
• Broadening Cooperation:  India needs to broaden areas of cooperation with Oman, which has enormous business opportunities in shipping, transport, infrastructure building, mining, logistics and tourism.
• Monitoring China Influence: Although India and Oman enjoy unquestioned trust and mutual respect, slow and steady ingress of China into the equation needs to be closely monitored. 
  • China has been known to slowly influence state systems and make them financially dependent before exerting its total supremacy.
• Joint Collaboration for an Open and Peaceful Indo-Pacific: India needs to work closely with Oman to strengthen India’s Indo-pacific vision and find shared solutions to challenges faced in the region.

Must Read: West Asia: India’s Geopolitical Opportunity And Challenge

Conclusion:

India-Oman Vision Document marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, encompassing economic, strategic, and cultural dimensions.

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Context: This article is based on the news “Homegrown benefit: Why ‘desi’ should be the catchword for India’s dairy sector” which was published in the Down to Earth. The Indian dairy sector needs to shift from exotic and crossbred to indigenous cattle breeds to help the sector stay profitable and sustainable.

About Cattle Breeds in India

• India has 50 Indigenous Bovine Breeds (37 Cattle and 13 Buffaloes). 
  • Milch Breeds: Milch cattle are breeds specifically raised for milk production. Five of these viz. Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, and Rathi are known for their milking prowess. 
  • Milch and Draught Breeds: Draught cattle are employed for heavy labor purposes, aiding in agricultural activities such as plowing and transportation. Breeds such as Kankrej, Ongole, and Hariana, belong to dual breeds that have both milch and draught qualities (they are good plough animals).
• Since 1970, the Union government has promoted high-yielding breeds, such as Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, Brown Swiss, and Red Dane, under the dairy development program‘ Operation Flood’. 
• Specialty of Indian Cows:
  • Hump: The hump is an exclusive characteristic of the Indian Desi bulls and cows and facilitates them to carry loads without effort, while the foreign breeds do not have a hump.
  • Dewlap: It is a fold of loose skin hanging from the neck of an animal. The Indigenous Cattle have a high heat resistance by virtue of their extensive Dewlaps below the ear, which their foreign counterparts lack.
  • Dung: The dung of Indian breeds of cows is used in agriculture, medicine, etc., whereas the dung of foreign breeds is of no use.

Reasons for Adopting Indigenous Cattle Breed Over Exotic Breeds

• Affordability: Unlike indigenous cattle, the purchase and maintenance of exotic or crossbred cattle is expensive. They need a richer diet, regular baths, fans, and separate enclosures. 
  • According to research by the Centre for Science of Environment (CSE), Delhi, in a warming world, dairy farmers no longer find the upkeep of exotic breeds cost-effective. 
• Adaptability: According to CSE, the exotic breeds, adapted to temperate regions, struggle in heat and humidity. In contrast, indigenous breeds like Gir, Lakhimi, etc. are more adaptable to weather changes as they have been an integral part of Indian agriculture for centuries. Native animals exhibit heat tolerance, disease resistance and ability to thrive in extreme climates.
  • For example, milk production of Jersey cows generally reduces in summer because of heat stress whereas indigenous cows rarely get sick and can easily be treated with traditional home remedies.
• Disease Resistance: Global warming is likely to increase the incidence of animal diseases in Crossbred and Exotic animals with a lesser impact on Indigenous Breeds. 
• • According to a study published in the Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research in 2023, indigenous breeds are renowned for their resistance to illnesses including vector-borne trypanosomiasis, and tick-borne babesiosis, and theileriosis.  
• Long-Term Gains: Exotic and crossbred cattle were introduced to boost milk production. But unlike indigenous breeds, production drops quickly for crossbreds as they lose the improved function due to cross-breeding. 
  • According to a study conducted by ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in 2020, Karan Swiss, a cross of Brown Swiss and Sahiwal developed at the institute, excelled in milk production by 56% in the first generation but this dropped by 24.5% in the second.

• Emission Reduction: According to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s Third Biennial Update Report (BUR), indigenous dairy cattle account for only 28±5 kg of methane emissions a head per year, whereas a crossbred dairy cattle releases 43±5 kg of methane in a year. 
• Inclusive Development: Promoting indigenous breeds supports the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers who may not have the resources to manage exotic breeds effectively. 
• Cultural and Social Importance: Indigenous cattle breeds have cultural and religious significance in India as many communities value and prefer the use of indigenous breeds for various agricultural and religious practices.

Must Read: Credit Guarantee Scheme for Livestock Sector

What challenges are associated with Indigenous Cattle Breeds?

• Low Milk Productivity: Indigenous breeds generally have lower milk yields compared to high-yielding exotic breeds leading to low income from milk production.
• Limited Access to Technology: Small and Marginal Farmers may lack access to modern technologies such as  improved feeding practices, and advanced healthcare for cattle. This can hinder the improvement of indigenous breeds’ genetic potential and overall productivity. 
• Market Demand and Preferences: Shifting consumer preferences and establishing market demand for products from indigenous breeds can be a challenge.
• Declining Population: As per the 20th Livestock Census, the population of total indigenous breed of cattle is declining.
  • As per the National Breed-wise Census, populations of some breeds like Tharparkar, Sahiwal, Deoni, Red Sindhi, etc. require attention while breeds like Punganur and Vechur are under extinction.
• Shortage of Germplasm: India faces a shortage quality Germplasm of in indigenous cattle breeds. As of 2019-20, the country has 56 semen stations. But most semen stations cater to the demand for buffalo semen and the germplasm of exotic or crossbred cattle.
  • Of the 37 indigenous cattle breeds known for milk production, the semen stations provide germplasm for only nine breeds that are in demand under state breeding policies.

Also Read: Centre To Depute National Level Monitors (NLMs) to Oversee Livestock Schemes

Way Forward

• Improving Product Demand: Increased focus is needed to improve the demand for indigenous cattle milk. 
  • While demand for desi cow’s milk is rising, dairies prefer crossbred cattle for their milk quantity and high-fat content. Establishing milk co-operatives to promote desi cow milk could improve demand. 
• Awareness and Education: Conduct awareness programs and educational campaigns to highlight the benefits of indigenous breeds and their products. This includes workshops, seminars, and extension services to reach out to farmers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders.
• Research and Development: Invest in research and development programs focused on indigenous breeds to improve their productivity, disease resistance, and other desirable traits. This can involve collaborations between research institutions, agricultural universities, and the private sector.
• Livestock Extension Services: Strengthen these services to provide farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills for the management and breeding of indigenous cattle. This includes training programs and on-the-field support.
  • For instance, leveraging Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) to reduce the time lag between the generation of technology at the research institution and its application to farmer fields for increasing production, productivity, and net farm income.
• Indigenous Breeds in Dairy Development Programs: Integrate indigenous breeds into national and state-level dairy development programs, ensuring that they receive equal attention and support as exotic breeds.
• Financial Assistance to Small and Marginal Farmers: Provide financial incentives and subsidies to farmers who adopt or maintain indigenous breeds including subsidies on inputs, equipment, and healthcare for indigenous cattle.
  • For instance, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)  is continued under Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna for all cattle and buffaloes of India, especially for  small and marginal farmers. 

Conclusion:

Prioritizing indigenous cattle breeds over exotic crossbreeds in India’s dairy sector is essential for sustainability, economic viability, and preserving cultural significance, requiring concerted efforts in awareness, research, and inclusive development initiatives.

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