India’s invitation as a Guest of Honour to the 46th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers’ Meet in 2019 marked a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics, particularly in terms of India’s relations with the Islamic world. This invitation was a pivotal moment in India’s diplomatic history, signaling growing recognition of its geopolitical importance and the evolving nature of its ties with the Gulf nations, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Key Points of the Invitation

• Historical Significance: The OIC, established in 1969, had historically excluded India due to pressure from Pakistan, especially on the Kashmir issue. India had been snubbed at an OIC summit in 1969, when Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, an Indian minister, was disinvited at Pakistan’s insistence​​.
• A Shift in UAE’s Stance: The UAE’s invitation in 2019 marked the first time India was invited to the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Meet, underscoring the UAE’s growing strategic relationship with India​. This move was seen as a correction of a “historic wrong” and was significant for enhancing India’s diplomatic stature in the Islamic world.

Geopolitical Dynamics and India’s Growing Influence

• India’s Increasing Clout: The invitation reflects India’s rising global influence, its robust economy, and its role as a strategic partner in the region. The UAE recognized India’s importance not only for its political and economic strength but also for its substantial Muslim population, which contributes to the pluralistic and diverse fabric of the country​.
• Strategic Relations with the Gulf: Over the past few years, India has cultivated strong economic, security, and cultural ties with the UAE and other Gulf countries. This has included significant cooperation in areas like trade, defense, and energy. The OIC invitation is a recognition of India’s central role in regional stability and development​.

Implications for India’s Foreign Policy

• Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The invitation was a diplomatic victory for India, which sought to deepen its ties with Gulf nations, moving beyond the historical baggage of Kashmir. It marked a shift towards focusing on areas of mutual interest, such as counterterrorism cooperation, economic growth, and energy security​.
• Broader Diplomatic Influence: This engagement opened new opportunities for India to present its views on regional and global issues at the OIC platform. It also allowed India to underline its policy of peaceful coexistence, its commitment to regional stability, and the importance of multilateral dialogue.

Conclusion

India’s inclusion in the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Meet as a Guest of Honour represents a new phase in its diplomatic efforts to strengthen relations with the Islamic world, particularly the Gulf states. It highlights a significant shift in regional geopolitics where strategic interests are increasingly outweighing historical conflicts. The UAE’s gesture marks the beginning of a new diplomatic era for India in the Middle East and the broader Islamic world, showcasing its growing global stature and commitment to multilateralism.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) emphasizes a multidimensional approach to well-being, focusing on various social, economic, and environmental factors. The network’s framework for well-being highlights several key variables that contribute to a person’s and society’s overall health, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Key Variables Supporting Well-being

1. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC):
  • Access to affordable healthcare is a critical pillar for well-being. The UN stresses the importance of ensuring that everyone, regardless of income or location, has access to essential health services.
  • For example, countries with comprehensive healthcare systems, such as Norway and Canada, show better health outcomes for their citizens.
• Mental Health:
  • Mental health is as important as physical health. The increasing recognition of mental health issues has led to global initiatives to reduce the stigma and provide adequate services.

Example: The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for mental health services integrated into primary health systems, acknowledging that the mental well-being of individuals is crucial to overall happiness.

2. Education

• Access to Quality Education (SDG 4):
  • Education is directly linked to well-being as it empowers individuals to make informed choices, improving life satisfaction and economic mobility.
  • For instance, Finland’s education system is often cited for its focus on both academic knowledge and emotional well-being, which results in better life outcomes for students.
• Lifelong Learning:
  • Ensuring opportunities for lifelong learning and skills development promotes economic stability and personal growth, which are important components of well-being.

3. Economic Stability

• Income Equality and Poverty Reduction (SDG 1):
  • Economic stability, with reduced income inequality, plays a significant role in enhancing well-being. The SDSN emphasizes the importance of achieving decent work and fair wages, which contribute to reducing poverty and increasing social mobility.
• Employment Opportunities:
  • Access to secure employment allows individuals to achieve financial independence and improve quality of life.

Example: Countries like Denmark and Sweden focus on reducing inequality through progressive tax systems, strong social safety nets, and universal access to healthcare and education.

4. Environmental Sustainability

• Climate Action (SDG 13):
  • A healthy environment is fundamental for sustaining human well-being. The UN promotes reducing environmental degradation, improving air quality, and addressing climate change to protect human health.
• Access to Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6):
  • Clean water, sanitation, and pollution control are essential to preventing diseases and enhancing quality of life.

Example: Iceland, with its focus on clean energy and environmental protection, leads by example in creating a sustainable environment that supports public health and well-being.

5. Social Inclusion and Equality

• Gender Equality (SDG 5):
  • Ensuring gender equality by addressing discrimination and empowering women contributes significantly to well-being. Equal access to resources and opportunities is crucial for building a fair and prosperous society.
• Social Protection:
  • Access to social protection systems (such as pensions, unemployment benefits, and disability support) promotes well-being by reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing economic security.

Example: In countries with strong social protection systems, like Germany, citizens experience a higher sense of security and well-being.

Analysis Beyond Income, Averages, and Present Conditions

The SDSN’s approach to well-being goes beyond income and material wealth, acknowledging the complexity of human flourishing:

1. Holistic Well-being:
   • Beyond GDP: The SDSN emphasizes that well-being is more than just economic output, as it includes factors such as health, education, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. For instance, Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index evaluates well-being through happiness rather than just financial success.
2. Intergenerational Perspective:
   • The SDSN stresses the importance of considering the long-term impact of present actions on future generations. For example, the effects of climate change and environmental degradation today will affect future generations’ health and opportunities.
3. Cultural and Social Factors:
   • Well-being is also shaped by social networks, cultural values, and community involvement. Countries with strong social cohesion, such as Japan, demonstrate that a sense of belonging and social participation contribute significantly to overall life satisfaction.

Conclusion

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) highlights a broad and multidimensional approach to well-being, focusing on health, education, economic stability, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. By integrating these diverse variables, the SDSN provides a more comprehensive understanding of well-being, moving beyond simple economic indicators like income or GDP.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report 2019, titled “Beyond Income, Beyond Averages, Beyond Today: Inequalities in Human Development in the 21st Century,” focuses on addressing inequalities in human development. It emphasizes how disparities in opportunities, rather than just outcomes, are reshaping societies and hindering progress.

Key Highlights of the Report

1. Beyond Income:
   • Traditional income-based metrics, like GDP, are insufficient to capture the complexities of inequality.
   • The report introduces a broader understanding of disparities, such as access to quality education, healthcare, and technological advancement.
2. Beyond Averages:
   • Averages often mask inequalities within populations.
   • For instance, while global life expectancy has improved, differences in access to healthcare lead to significant disparities across regions and demographics.
3. Beyond Today:
   • The report highlights new-generation inequalities that go beyond basic survival, such as access to technology, higher education, and climate resilience.
   • It emphasizes intergenerational inequality and its implications for future development.

How the Analysis Goes Beyond Income, Averages, and Present Conditions

1. Multidimensional Approach:

• The report introduces measures like the Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) and the Gender Inequality Index (GII) to assess disparities beyond income.
• These indices consider factors such as education, health, and gender-based barriers.

2. Focus on Capabilities:

• Inspired by Amartya Sen’s capability approach, the report examines how inequalities restrict individuals’ ability to lead fulfilling lives.
• For example, two individuals with similar incomes may have vastly different opportunities based on their access to education or healthcare.

3. Intergenerational Inequalities:

• The report addresses how inequalities today impact future generations, particularly in the context of:
  • Climate change: Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected.
  • Technology gaps: Limited access to digital tools creates long-term divides in skills and opportunities.

4. Spotlight on Gender:

• A significant part of the analysis focuses on gender inequalities, highlighting gaps in political representation, economic participation, and violence against women.

Critical Examination of the Report

Strengths:

1. Holistic Perspective:
   • The report goes beyond economic growth to assess human well-being comprehensively, reflecting real-life disparities more accurately.
2. Timeliness:
   • By addressing emerging inequalities like digital access and climate impact, the report is forward-looking.
3. Policy Relevance:
   • Its recommendations on reducing inequalities, such as progressive taxation and investments in education, offer actionable insights for governments.

Limitations:

1. Implementation Challenges:
   • While the report provides valuable data and insights, addressing deep-rooted inequalities requires significant political will and global coordination.
2. Over-reliance on Global Indicators:
   • The report’s use of universal metrics may not fully capture localized disparities or cultural nuances.
3. Limited Focus on Accountability:
   • While it identifies issues, the report does not emphasize mechanisms to hold governments and institutions accountable for addressing inequalities.

Illustrative Examples

1. Technology Gap:
   • In Sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 25% of people have internet access, creating educational and economic disadvantages compared to developed countries.
2. Gender Inequality:
   • In India, despite economic growth, the Gender Inequality Index highlights persistent disparities in female labor force participation and political representation.
3. Climate Resilience:
   • Island nations like the Maldives face existential threats due to rising sea levels, exacerbating inequalities linked to geography.

Conclusion

The UNDP Human Development Report 2019 is a comprehensive analysis that sheds light on the complex and interconnected nature of inequalities. While it provides a robust framework for understanding and addressing disparities, its success depends on the commitment of global and local policymakers to translate its insights into concrete action​.

Evolution of Indian Nationalism Since the Late 19th Century

The evolution of Indian nationalism from the late 19th century marks a significant chapter in India’s struggle for freedom. It reflects a dynamic movement influenced by socio-economic changes, political awareness, and cultural revival.

Early Stages of Nationalism (Late 19th Century)

• Factors Leading to Nationalism:
  • British Colonial Policies: Exploitation through the drain of wealth, commercialization of agriculture, and oppressive taxation fueled discontent​.
  • Western Education: Ideas of liberty and equality from European thinkers (Rousseau, Locke) influenced an educated middle class​.
  • Socio-Religious Reforms: Movements like Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj questioned colonial narratives and social evils, promoting self-respect​.
• Formation of Indian National Congress (1885):
  • Spearheaded by leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and A.O. Hume, INC provided a platform for political discussion and demands for reform​.

Moderate Phase (1885–1905)

• Strategies:
  • Constitutional methods like petitions, resolutions, and advocacy for administrative reforms were employed​.
  • Emphasis was placed on economic critiques of colonial exploitation, especially through Dadabhai Naoroji’s “drain theory”​.
• Achievements:
  • Pressured the British for greater representation of Indians in governance, leading to minor reforms like the Indian Councils Act of 1892.

Extremist Phase (1905–1920)

• Shift in Approach:
  • Frustration with British apathy led to a radical shift under leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal).
  • The Swadeshi Movement (1905) emphasized economic self-reliance by boycotting British goods​​.
• Partition of Bengal (1905):
  • British attempts to divide Bengal on communal lines backfired, uniting Indians across religious and regional divides.

Gandhian Era (1920–1947)

• Rise of Mass Movements:
  • Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movements mobilized millions across caste, class, and gender.
  • Gandhi’s focus on non-violence and Swaraj (self-rule) gained international attention​.
• Inclusion of Marginalized Groups:
  • Movements addressed social issues like untouchability and women’s rights, expanding the appeal of nationalism​.

Role of Literature and Press

• Newspapers like Kesari and The Hindu and works like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s Anand Math played pivotal roles in shaping nationalist thought​.

Conclusion

Indian nationalism evolved as a reaction to colonial exploitation and as an assertion of cultural identity. It transitioned from elite-led constitutional efforts to mass-based movements that united diverse groups under a common goal: freedom from British rule. This journey reflects India’s ability to integrate modernity with tradition, paving the way for its independence in 1947.

India’s Progress in Space Satellite Launching

India has made remarkable progress in space technology since its humble beginnings in the 1960s. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has become a global leader in cost-effective and efficient satellite launching.

Key Achievements:

1. Satellite Launch Vehicles:
   • The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has become India’s workhorse, successfully launching over 300 satellites for domestic and international clients.
   • The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) with indigenous cryogenic engines can place heavy satellites into higher orbits.
2. Notable Missions:
   • Chandrayaan Missions: Chandrayaan-1 discovered water molecules on the Moon, while Chandrayaan-3 achieved a successful soft landing near the lunar south pole.
   • Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): India became the first nation to succeed in its maiden attempt to reach Mars, and the mission was conducted at a fraction of the cost of similar missions by other countries.
   • Aditya-L1: This recent mission studies solar radiation and space weather.
3. Commercial Launches: India has emerged as a key player in launching satellites for other countries due to its cost-effectiveness, bringing significant foreign revenue.

Advantages of Launching Multiple Satellites:

1. Cost Efficiency:
   • Reduces overall launch costs by deploying multiple satellites in a single mission.
   • Example: In 2017, India launched 104 satellites in a single PSLV mission, setting a world record.
2. Enhanced Applications:
   • Facilitates simultaneous monitoring of multiple areas for disaster management, agriculture, and climate studies.
   • Promotes rapid deployment of communication networks.

Disadvantages:

1. Complexity and Risk:
   • Launching multiple satellites requires precise coordination to avoid collisions during deployment.
   • A failure affects all satellites onboard.
2. Space Debris:
   • Increased satellite launches contribute to the accumulation of space debris, which poses long-term risks to other missions.

Impact on India’s Economy

1. Revenue Generation:
   • The space sector contributed ₹20,000 crore to India’s GDP over the last decade, with revenues from foreign satellite launches and space services growing steadily​.
2. Job Creation:
   • Over 96,000 jobs have been created across the public and private sectors in space-related activities.
3. Boost to Startups:
   • India hosts over 200 space startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the aerospace sector.
4. Multiplier Effect:
   • Each dollar spent in the space sector adds $2.54 to the Indian economy, benefiting industries like IT, telecommunications, and agriculture​.
5. Global Recognition:
   • Low-cost space missions enhance India’s reputation, attracting foreign investments and partnerships, as seen in collaborations with the US and EU​.

Conclusion

India’s advancements in space technology have transformed it into a global hub for cost-efficient satellite launching. This not only strengthens the economy through job creation and foreign revenue but also enhances its strategic and scientific capabilities. With ambitious projects like Gaganyaan (human spaceflight) and a potential space station by 2035, India is set to solidify its role in the global space economy​.