27 August 2024

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS ANALYSIS

1 – 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog: Pathway to a Viksit Bharat by 2047: GS II – Government Policies and Interventions:

Context: Why in News?

• The 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, presided over by the Prime Minister, recently brought together leaders from 20 states and 6 union territories. The central theme of this meeting was “Viksit Bharat @2047,” aimed at charting a course for India’s transformation into a developed nation by the year 2047. This meeting underscored the collective vision and coordinated efforts required from all states and union territories to achieve this ambitious goal.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting:

Vision for a USD 30 Trillion Economy:

• India aspires to become the third-largest economy globally by 2047, with a projected GDP of USD 30 trillion.
• The focus is on sustained economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing global competitiveness.

State Visions for 2047:

• Each state and district has been encouraged to formulate their individual visions for 2047, aligning with the national objective of a developed India.
• The Prime Minister emphasized that the development of individual states is crucial for the overall development of the nation.

Zero Poverty Objective:

• A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion on eradicating poverty at the grassroots level.
• The concept of ‘zero poverty’ villages was introduced, aiming for comprehensive development starting from the grassroots.

Infrastructure and Investment:

• The importance of robust infrastructure, law and order, and good governance was underscored as essential factors for attracting investments.
• An ‘Investment-friendly Charter’ was proposed to foster an investor-friendly environment in states, with parameters to promote healthy competition.

Education and Skill Development:

• There was a strong emphasis on youth skill development, aiming to leverage India’s demographic dividend as a global hub for skilled resources.

Agricultural Productivity and Natural Farming:

• Discussions focused on enhancing agricultural productivity, diversifying crop patterns, and promoting natural farming practices.
• These measures are intended to improve soil health, reduce input costs, and enhance global market access.

Ease of Living:

The meeting reviewed recommendations from the 3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries, focusing on:

• Drinking water: Ensuring access, quantity, and quality.
• Electricity: Improving quality, efficiency, and reliability.
• Health: Enhancing accessibility, affordability, and quality of care.
• Schooling: Focusing on access and quality education.
• Land and Property: Improving accessibility, digitization, registration, and mutation processes.
• States were encouraged to develop Demographic Management Plans to address the challenges of an ageing population.
• The Prime Minister also urged states to undertake capacity building of government officials and collaborate with the Capacity Building Commission.

Cybersecurity and AI in Governance:

• The integration of technology in governance, particularly in addressing cybersecurity challenges and leveraging AI for efficient governance, was highlighted as crucial for future readiness.

What is the Governing Council of NITI Aayog?

About:

• The Governing Council is the apex body responsible for formulating a shared vision of national priorities, with active involvement from states, to shape the country’s development agenda.
• It embodies the principles of cooperative federalism, providing a platform for discussing inter-sectoral, inter-departmental, and federal issues to accelerate national development.

Members:

• The Governing Council comprises:
• The Prime Minister of India (Chairperson)
• Chief Ministers of states and Union Territories with legislatures
• Lieutenant Governors of other Union Territories
• Ex-Officio Members
• Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog
• Full-Time Members of NITI Aayog
• Special Invitees

Functions:

• The Governing Council Secretariat (GCS) coordinates the meetings of the Governing Council and manages activities of all Verticals, Divisions, and Units of NITI Aayog.
• GCS acts as the nodal division for coordinating the Annual Report of NITI Aayog for submission to Parliament and handles Parliament Questions, Standing Committee matters, RTI queries, and grievances related to GCS.

What is NITI Aayog?

About:

• NITI Aayog, established on 1st January 2015, replaced the Planning Commission, shifting towards a ‘Bottom–Up’ approach for maximum governance and minimal government, resonating with the spirit of cooperative federalism.

NITI Aayog operates through two key hubs:

• Team India Hub: Acts as a liaison between states and the central government.
• Knowledge and Innovation Hub: Builds the think-tank capabilities of NITI Aayog.

Key Initiatives:

• SDG India Index
• Composite Water Management Index
• Atal Innovation Mission
• SATH Project
• Aspirational District Programme
• School Education Quality Index
• District Hospital Index
• Health Index
• Agriculture Marketing And Farmer-Friendly Reform Index
• India Innovation Index
• Women Transforming India Awards
• Good Governance Index

Conclusion/Way Forward:

• The 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog laid down a comprehensive roadmap for India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047. The collective efforts of states and union territories, guided by the national vision, are essential in achieving this ambitious goal. By focusing on key areas such as economic growth, poverty eradication, infrastructure development, and technological integration, India is poised to emerge as a global leader. The journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ requires continued cooperation, innovation, and determination from all stakeholders.

Source – The Hindu

2 – Alarming Study by WHO on Adolescent Girls: A Global Concern: GS II – Health related issues:

Context:

• In a recent groundbreaking study by the World Health Organization (WHO), alarming statistics have emerged concerning violence against adolescent girls. Published in the prestigious Lancet medical journal, this research sheds light on the disturbing prevalence of physical and sexual violence experienced by girls aged 15-19 who have been in relationships. The findings emphasize the urgent need for global action to protect and empower young women.

Key Findings of the WHO Study on Adolescent Girls:

Prevalence of Violence:

• The study reveals that nearly 24% of adolescent girlswho have been in a relationship have suffered from physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence by the age of 20.
• About 16% of these girlsreported experiencing such violence within the past year, highlighting the ongoing nature of this issue.

Global Goal Shortfall:

• No country is on track to eliminate violence against women and girls by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (Goal 5)target date, signaling a significant global challenge.

Regional Disparities:

• Oceaniareports the highest prevalence, with 47% of adolescent girls experiencing intimate partner violence, including a staggering 49% in Papua New Guinea.
• Central sub-Saharan Africaalso shows high rates, with 40% overall and 42% in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• The lowest prevalence rates are found in Central Europe (10%)and Central Asia (11%).

Contributing Factors:

• Higher violence rates are linked to lower-income regions, areas with fewer girls in secondary education, and places where girls have weaker legal property ownership and inheritance rights.
• Child marriagesignificantly elevates the risk of intimate partner violence due to factors like power imbalances, economic dependency, and social isolation.
• The UN reports that 19%of young women globally were married as children in 2022.

Implications of Intimate Partner Violence:

• Victims face a heightened likelihood of injuries, depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections.
• Long-term impacts include severe physical and psychological consequences, hindrances in educational achievement, and challenges in future relationships and life prospects.

Steps to Empower Adolescent Girls:

WHO Recommendations:

• Strengthen support servicesand early prevention measures tailored specifically for adolescents.
• Implement school-based programsto educate both boys and girls on healthy relationships and violence prevention.
• Enforce legal protectionsand initiate economic empowerment programs for women and girls.
• Ensure secondary educationfor all girls and secure gender-equal property rights.
• Focus on eliminating harmful practices like child marriage.
• Support nations in measuring and addressingviolence against women and girls.

Additional Necessary Measures:

Access to Healthcare:

• Train healthcare providers to recognize and respondto signs of intimate partner violence.
• Offer mental health services and counselingfor affected girls.

Challenging Gender Norms:

• Work towards altering societal norms and attitudesthat perpetuate gender inequality and violence.
• Raise community awareness on the signs and consequencesof intimate partner violence and the importance of gender equality.
• Guarantee equal property ownership and inheritance rightsfor women and girls.

Continuous Monitoring:

• Regularly conduct surveys and studiesto monitor intimate partner violence prevalence and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs.
• Use data to shape and enhance policies and programsaimed at reducing intimate partner violence.

Global Collaboration:

• Partner with international organizations like WHO to exchange best practices and resources.
• Develop comprehensive national action plansthat integrate health, education, and legal sectors to tackle intimate partner violence.

India’s Initiatives to Support Adolescent Girls:

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): A national campaign aimed at improving child sex ratio, preventing gender-biased sex-selective elimination, and ensuring survival and education of the girl child.
• Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): Provides one-stop convergence support services for empowering rural women with opportunities for skill development, employment, digital literacy, health, and nutrition.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna (SSY): A savings scheme designed to ensure a bright future for the girl child by facilitating her education and marriage expenses.
• Nirbhaya Fund Framework: Established to support initiatives that work towards ensuring the safety and dignity of women.
• One Stop Centres (OSCs): Provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces.
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): A scheme to provide loans to small and micro enterprises, encouraging women to become self-sufficient and financially independent.
• Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023: Strengthens the legal framework to protect women’s rights and promotes gender equality.
• Gender Budgeting: Introduced in 2005, this initiative allocates funds specifically towards programs and schemes dedicated to women’s welfare.
• Vigyan Jyoti Programme: Encourages girls to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields, particularly in areas where female participation is traditionally low, to balance the gender ratio across these disciplines.

Conclusion/Way Forward:

• The WHO study underlines the pervasive nature of intimate partner violence among adolescent girls, a crisis that spans the globe with devastating effects. While progress has been made through various initiatives and programs, the data clearly shows that much more needs to be done. By implementing the WHO’s recommendations, enhancing education, and challenging harmful societal norms, we can create a safer environment for girls worldwide. Collaborative global efforts and continuous monitoring are essential to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that no girl or woman is left behind.

Source – The Hindu

3 – Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting: Key Takeaways: GS II – International Issues

Context: Why This is Significant:

• The recent Quad foreign ministers’ meeting held in Tokyo has underscored the alliance’s commitment to addressing pressing global issues. The participating nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—voiced their concern over the escalating violence in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar. They also expressed their intention to broaden the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) to encompass the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This meeting highlights the Quad’s ongoing role in fostering a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.

Introduction to the Quad:

What is the Quad?

• The Quad, formally known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is an informal strategic partnership involving Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. It is dedicated to supporting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
• Initially proposed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007, the Quad faced several challenges, including Australia’s temporary withdrawal due to Chinese pressure. It was re-established and formalized in 2017, bringing together India, Australia, the US, and Japan in a cooperative framework.

Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA):

Overview of IPMDA:

• Announced during the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo in 2022, the IPMDA initiative aims to enhance maritime security across the Indo-Pacific.
• The primary goal is to track “dark shipping” vessels that disable their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid detection. The initiative also focuses on monitoring tactical activities, responding to climate and humanitarian crises, and safeguarding fisheries vital to the economies of the region.

Significance for India:

• The IPMDA is a crucial effort to bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region of significant geopolitical interest. India’s Navy, which currently boasts over 140 ships and submarines, is projected to expand to 170-180 vessels by 2028, enhancing its maritime capabilities.

Understanding the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):

Geographical and Strategic Importance:

• The IOR spans over 36 littoral and island nations and is vital due to its strategic trade routes, natural resources, and geopolitical significance.
• Key maritime chokepoints include the Straits of Hormuz and Malacca, crucial for global trade. The region is also known for its rich marine biodiversity but faces challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and environmental degradation.

India’s Role:

• India plays a pivotal role in the IOR, working alongside China, the US, and regional organizations to address shared challenges and promote sustainable development in the region.

Other Relevant Groupings in the IOR:

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):

• IORA is an intergovernmental organization aimed at fostering economic cooperation and regional integration among the countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

AUKUS:

• Established in 2021, AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership involving Australia, the UK, and the US. It focuses on the Indo-Pacific and includes sharing US nuclear submarine technology with Australia. The partnership also emphasizes collaboration in emerging technologies like AI, quantum technologies, and undersea capabilities, and aims to counterbalance China’s influence in the South China Sea.

Conclusion: The Way Forward:

• The Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Tokyo has set the stage for enhanced cooperation and expanded initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region. The emphasis on the IPMDA and its extension into the Indian Ocean Region reflects a growing commitment to addressing maritime security challenges and fostering regional stability. Moving forward, the Quad’s collaborative efforts and the strategic groupings in the IOR will play a critical role in shaping the geopolitical landscape and ensuring a secure, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific.

Source – The Hindu

4 – Sardar Udham Singh: The Man Who Took a Stand for Justice: GS I – Modern Indian History:

Context/Why in News:

• Sardar Udham Singh is a revered figure in Indian history, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. His legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the sacrifices made in the struggle for independence. Singh’s actions are frequently referenced in discussions about India’s freedom movement and the fight against colonial oppression.

Introduction:

• Sardar Udham Singh, born on December 26, 1899, in Sunam, Punjab, is remembered for his courageous stand against British colonial rule. His life was marked by profound experiences that shaped his revolutionary ideals and determination for justice. Singh’s exposure to Sikhism and the revolutionary fervor of his time, including pivotal events such as the Komagata Maru incident and the Ghadar Party’s uprising, significantly influenced his anti-colonial stance.

Key Events and Actions:

• Impact of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Singh was deeply traumatized by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, where British troops mercilessly killed hundreds of unarmed Indians. This tragic event fueled his resolve for retribution.
• Vow for Revenge: Singh vowed to avenge the massacre by targeting Michael O’Dwyer, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab at the time, who had sanctioned the massacre. His commitment to justice drove him to take extreme measures.
• Joining the Ghadar Party: In 1924, Singh joined the Ghadar Party, an organization dedicated to overthrowing colonial rule. His revolutionary activities included illegal arms possession, leading to his arrest in 1927. He was sentenced to five years of imprisonment for these offenses.
• Assassination of Michael O’Dwyer: Singh’s quest for justice reached its climax in 1940 when he successfully assassinated Michael O’Dwyer during a public meeting at Caxton Hall in London. This dramatic act was a powerful statement against British colonial oppression.
• Trial and Execution: Following the assassination, Singh was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. He was executed by hanging on July 31, 1940, at Pentonville Prison in London.

Tribute and Legacy:

• In recognition of his sacrifice and dedication to the cause of Indian independence, a district in Uttarakhand, named Udham Singh Nagar, was established in his honor in 1995. Singh’s actions and sacrifice continue to serve as a potent symbol of the relentless pursuit of justice and freedom.

Conclusion/Way Forward:

• Sardar Udham Singh’s legacy is a testament to the profound impact of individual courage in the broader context of a nation’s struggle for independence. His life and actions remain a powerful reminder of the price of freedom and the importance of standing up against injustice. As we reflect on his contributions, it is essential to honor and remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for India’s independence, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations.

Source – The Hindu