Current Affairs

Model Answer

Introduction

India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) share a long-standing relationship rooted in cultural, economic, and strategic ties. Recently, Indonesia’s participation in India’s Republic Day celebrations has highlighted the deepening of these relations amidst growing geopolitical challenges.

Historical Evolution

India’s engagement with ASEAN can be traced back to ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges, which were significantly influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism. Post-independence, India supported Indonesia’s fight against colonialism, marking the beginning of a strong partnership.

However, during the Cold War, India adopted a non-alignment policy that limited its engagement with ASEAN. The post-Cold War era saw a shift with the introduction of the Look East Policy in the 1990s, leading to India becoming a full dialogue partner in ASEAN by 2002.

Key Areas of Convergence

Several areas highlight the convergence of interests between India and ASEAN:

• Maritime Security: Both regions are concerned about China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, leading to enhanced naval cooperation.
• Trade and Economic Integration: ASEAN is India’s fourth-largest trading partner, with significant growth in trade and ongoing reviews of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to address imbalances.
• Connectivity: Major projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway aim to enhance physical and digital connectivity.
• Defense Cooperation: Joint military exercises and intelligence sharing have intensified due to mutual concerns over terrorism and regional stability.
• Energy Security: Collaborative efforts in renewable energy, aligned with India’s International Solar Alliance, reflect a commitment to sustainable development.

Key Areas of Friction

Despite these convergences, several frictions remain:

• Trade Imbalances: India faces a trade deficit of over $43 billion with ASEAN, exacerbated by its withdrawal from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) due to concerns over Chinese goods.
• Connectivity Delays: Key infrastructure projects have faced significant delays, impacting regional credibility.
• Divergent Security Priorities: ASEAN’s reluctance to counter China’s influence directly limits deeper defense engagement.
• Myanmar Crisis: India’s pragmatic ties with Myanmar’s junta contrast with ASEAN’s push for diplomatic engagement, creating friction among member states.
• Digital Trade Issues: Regulatory mismatches in data protection slow down fintech and e-commerce collaborations.

Measures to Strengthen Relations

To enhance India-ASEAN relations, several measures can be adopted:

• Fast-track Connectivity Projects: Accelerating the completion of key infrastructure projects will improve trade and connectivity.
• Revise the India-ASEAN FTA: Addressing trade deficits and non-tariff barriers can foster economic cooperation.
• Joint Development in Technology: Collaborating on AI and semiconductor fabrication can reduce dependencies on external markets.
• Defense Cooperation: Strengthening maritime security and encouraging defense exports can solidify ties.
• Cultural Exchanges: Boosting people-to-people interactions through educational programs and tourism can further enrich bilateral ties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India-ASEAN relations have evolved significantly, transitioning from historical ties to a strategic partnership. Addressing existing challenges while enhancing cooperation is crucial for regional stability and prosperity. A proactive approach from both sides can pave the way for deeper collaboration, making India and ASEAN key players in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Model Answer

Introduction

Nuclear energy is a pivotal component in addressing India’s escalating energy demands, providing a reliable alternative to fossil fuels. With the current energy crisis characterized by over-dependence on coal and volatile fossil fuel markets, the role of nuclear energy in diversifying the energy mix becomes increasingly crucial.

Current Role of Nuclear Energy

As of now, nuclear energy contributes merely 1.6% to India’s total energy generation. However, ambitious plans aim to increase this capacity from 7.5 GW to 100 GW by 2047, with the goal of supplying 25% of India’s electricity by 2050. This transition is essential for mitigating climate change impacts and ensuring energy independence, as nuclear power emits near-zero carbon dioxide.

Challenges Faced by the Nuclear Sector

Despite its potential, India’s nuclear sector grapples with several challenges. Firstly, its limited share in the energy mix highlights a sluggish expansion, with current capacities far below targets. Financially, nuclear projects require substantial capital investments, which deter private and foreign investments due to long gestation periods and regulatory bottlenecks. Additionally, reliance on imported uranium exposes the sector to geopolitical risks, while safety concerns stemming from past incidents like the Fukushima disaster fuel public opposition. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and outdated technology further exacerbate project delays, and the absence of a long-term radioactive waste disposal solution raises environmental concerns.

Policy Reforms Needed

To revitalize the nuclear sector, several policy reforms are necessary. Enhancing private sector participation by amending the Atomic Energy Act can facilitate investment and innovation. Fostering indigenous technology through public-private partnerships will reduce reliance on foreign technology while streamlining regulatory processes by establishing a National Nuclear Energy Authority can expedite project approvals without compromising safety. Financial support through Sovereign Green Bonds can alleviate high capital costs, while extensive public awareness campaigns can help build trust and reduce opposition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nuclear energy holds immense potential for enhancing India’s energy security and supporting sustainable development. By implementing comprehensive reforms to address the existing challenges, India can unlock the full potential of its nuclear energy sector, thereby contributing to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

मॉडल उत्तर

प्रस्तावना

भारत का रक्षा आधुनिकीकरण एक महत्वपूर्ण प्रक्रिया है, जिसका उद्देश्य राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा को सुदृढ़ करना और रक्षा उत्पादन में आत्मनिर्भरता हासिल करना है। आज भारत विश्व के चौथे सबसे बड़े रक्षा व्ययकर्त्ता के रूप में उभरा है, और आत्मनिर्भरता की दिशा में बढ़ते कदम इस प्रक्रिया को और आवश्यक बनाते हैं।

चुनौतियाँ

भारत के रक्षा आधुनिकीकरण में कई चुनौतियाँ हैं:

1. आयात पर निर्भरता: भारत दुनिया का सबसे बड़ा आयुध आयातक है, जो उसकी रणनीतिक स्वायत्तता को कमजोर करता है। उदाहरण के लिए, रूस-यूक्रेन युद्ध ने S-400 मिसाइलों की आपूर्ति में बाधा उत्पन्न की है।
2. खरीद में विलंब: रक्षा खरीद प्रक्रिया में प्रशासनिक अक्षमताएँ हैं, जिसके कारण महत्वपूर्ण उपकरणों की उपलब्धता में देरी हो रही है। तेजस हल्के लड़ाकू विमान का उदाहरण इस प्रक्रिया की जटिलता को दर्शाता है।
3. पुराना रक्षा माल: भारत की रक्षा सामग्री का एक बड़ा हिस्सा पुराना हो चुका है, जिससे युद्ध तत्परता प्रभावित हो रही है। T-72 टैंक और बोफोर्स हॉवित्जर जैसे उदाहरण इसकी पुष्टि करते हैं।
4. स्वदेशी विनिर्माण की कमी: आत्मनिर्भरता के प्रयासों के बावजूद, भारत की रक्षा विनिर्माण क्षमता विशेष रूप से महत्वपूर्ण प्रौद्योगिकियों में कमजोर है।
5. बजट का असंतुलन: रक्षा बजट का एक बड़ा हिस्सा वेतन और पेंशन पर खर्च होता है, जिससे आधुनिकीकरण के लिए सीमित धन रह जाता है।
6. साइबर सुरक्षा की कमजोरियाँ: भारत की बढ़ती डिजिटल निर्भरता महत्वपूर्ण रक्षा बुनियादी ढांचे को साइबर खतरों के प्रति संवेदनशील बनाती है।
7. संयुक्त कमान संरचना का अभाव: सेना, नौसेना और वायु सेना के बीच समन्वय की कमी है, जिससे संयुक्त संचालन में बाधा आती है।
8. अनुसंधान एवं विकास की कमी: भारत का रक्षा बजट अनुसंधान एवं विकास पर एक प्रतिशत से भी कम व्यय करता है, जो वैश्विक मानकों से काफी कम है।

उपाय

इन चुनौतियों से निपटने के लिए निम्नलिखित उपाय किए जा सकते हैं:

1. खरीद प्रक्रियाओं का सुधार: DAP को सरल बनाकर निर्णय लेने की गति बढ़ाई जानी चाहिए। एकल खिड़की प्रणाली लागू करने से प्रशासनिक अक्षमताएँ समाप्त हो सकती हैं।
2. बजट आवंटन में वृद्धि: आधुनिकीकरण के लिए अधिक बजट आवंटित करना आवश्यक है, ताकि महत्वपूर्ण प्रौद्योगिकियों को विकसित किया जा सके।
3. स्वदेशी विनिर्माण को बढ़ावा: मेक इन इंडिया और PLI योजनाओं को एकीकृत करके स्वदेशी उत्पादन को बढ़ावा दिया जा सकता है।
4. वैश्विक साझेदारी का विस्तार: तकनीकी सहयोग को बढ़ाने के लिए विकसित देशों के साथ साझेदारी करना चाहिए।
5. साइबर और अंतरिक्ष रक्षा क्षमताओं का विकास: साइबर सुरक्षा और अंतरिक्ष रक्षा के लिए समर्पित इकाइयाँ स्थापित की जानी चाहिए।
6. संयुक्त कमान का कार्यान्वयन: सेना, नौसेना और वायु सेना के बीच बेहतर समन्वय के लिए संयुक्त कमान का गठन करना चाहिए।
7. कौशल विकास में निवेश: कुशल कार्यबल तैयार करने के लिए प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रमों में निवेश करना चाहिए।
8. अनुसंधान एवं विकास पर ध्यान: अनुसंधान एवं विकास के लिए बजट का एक बड़ा हिस्सा आवंटित करना चाहिए।

निष्कर्ष

भारत का रक्षा आधुनिकीकरण आत्मनिर्भरता को सुदृढ़ करने और वैश्विक साझेदारी को अपनाने के बीच एक महत्वपूर्ण संतुलन को दर्शाता है। भविष्य में, इन चुनौतियों से निपटने के लिए उठाए गए कदम देश की सुरक्षा को और मजबूत करेंगे। आत्मनिर्भरता की दिशा में उठाए गए कदम राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा के लिए आवश्यक हैं।

Model Answer

Introduction

Export-led growth is a strategy that focuses on increasing a country’s exports to boost its economic development. For India, aiming to become a developed nation by 2047, achieving sustained economic growth through this model is crucial. It is essential to understand the significance of export-led growth, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities it presents.

Significance of Export-Led Growth

One of the primary benefits of export-led growth is job creation. By expanding labor-intensive sectors like textiles and pharmaceuticals, India can generate millions of jobs, particularly for its young workforce. Moreover, focusing on exports helps in reducing the trade deficit and enhancing foreign exchange reserves, making the economy more resilient to external shocks.

Integrating into global value chains (GVCs) facilitates access to advanced technologies and best practices, improving productivity and innovation. This integration is vital for sectors aiming to compete globally. For instance, the expansion of manufacturing hubs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities can decentralize economic activity, promoting regional development and reducing disparities.

Key Challenges

Despite its significance, export-led growth faces several challenges. High logistics costs and outdated infrastructure hinder India’s competitiveness in the global market. The logistics cost-to-GDP ratio remains high compared to global benchmarks, which affects export efficiency. Additionally, India’s export basket is concentrated in a few sectors, making it vulnerable to economic fluctuations.

Weak integration into GVCs due to inadequate supply chain networks and low R&D investments further limits growth potential. Trade protectionism and rising tariffs pose significant risks, particularly in developed markets. Additionally, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle to access affordable export financing, which restricts their ability to scale operations.

Opportunities

India has substantial opportunities to boost its export growth. Emerging sectors like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and high-value manufacturing present new avenues for expansion. Government initiatives, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the PM Gati Shakti plan, aim to enhance infrastructure and incentivize manufacturing.

The global shift towards digital trade and e-commerce also opens doors for Indian manufacturers to reach international markets. Strengthening trade ties through agreements with countries like Australia and UAE can further enhance export capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the export-led growth model holds significant potential for transforming India’s economy. While challenges exist, strategic focus on emerging sectors, technological advancements, and government policies can help overcome these hurdles. By effectively leveraging opportunities, India can achieve sustainable economic growth and work towards its goal of becoming a $20 trillion economy by 2047.