Talk about how important the ASEAN bloc is to India’s Act East strategy and SAGAR project.
The UPSC marathon requires mental fortitude alongside intellectual muscle. Here's how aspirants can stay motivated and well: Fuel the Mind and Body: Prioritize quality sleep (7-8 hours) for focus and memory. Eat a balanced diet to keep energy levels high. Schedule regular exercise to combat stress aRead more
The UPSC marathon requires mental fortitude alongside intellectual muscle. Here’s how aspirants can stay motivated and well:
- Fuel the Mind and Body: Prioritize quality sleep (7-8 hours) for focus and memory. Eat a balanced diet to keep energy levels high. Schedule regular exercise to combat stress and improve concentration.
- Structure and Breaks: Create a realistic study plan with achievable goals. Break down the syllabus into manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Take short breaks every 45-60 minutes to prevent mental fatigue. Step away from books and unwind with activities you enjoy.
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small wins and milestones. Reward yourself for completing tasks to maintain motivation. Track progress in a journal to visualize your journey.
- Mindfulness and Support: Practice meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage stress and anxiety. Connect with fellow aspirants for support and share experiences. Talk to friends and family who believe in you. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
- Focus on the Why: Remind yourself of your purpose for pursuing the UPSC dream. Visualize the impact you can make as a civil servant. Keep the bigger picture in mind during challenging moments.
The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam. Located at the intersection of the Indo-Pacific region, Southeast Asia finds itself at the centre of the emerging great power competitiRead more
The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam. Located at the intersection of the Indo-Pacific region, Southeast Asia finds itself at the centre of the emerging great power competition. In that context, the concept of ASEAN Centrality has emerged, which means:
India’s focus on a strengthened and multi-faceted relationship with ASEAN is an outcome of the significant changes in the world’s political and economic scenario since the early 1990s. At present, India accepts ASEAN centrality in its Act East policy and SAGAR initiative.
The centrality of ASEAN bloc in India’s Act East Policy can be understood in following terms:
India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine is linked to maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region to counter China’s 21st Century Maritime Silk Route, which has both commercial and military implications in the form of String of Pearls strategy. It x also embraces the concept of ASEAN centrality:
The Prime Minister in his keynote address at Shangri La dialogue 2018 had stressed on the centrality of ASEAN as a key element of India’s conception of the Indo-Pacific. Thus, a cohesive and responsive ASEAN is essential for India’s Act East policy and SAGAR initiative. However, ASEAN is itself struggling to retain its internal coherence today. There have been serious differences on how to deal with the military coup in Myanmar. The land-based states such as Cambodia and Laos are indebted towards China and want a softer policy. India’s withdrawal from RCEP and its joining with QUAD is being considered as a potential threat to the ASEAN centrality. In that context, India needs to look beyond ASEAN or make its strategies more transparent.
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