Highlights US-India Space Cooperation

·          Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra, alongside Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, visited Houston, Texas, to assess the significant progress in US-India space co-operation , to strengthen bilateral ties, focused on key areas of space exploration, satellite technology, and human spaceflight.

A Milestone in Human Spaceflight: US-India Astronaut Collaboration

·         According to the Fact Sheet provided by the White House, one of the standout discussions during the visit was the preparation of two Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) astronauts training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

·         These astronauts are preparing for a ground breaking mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025.

·         This will mark the first-ever joint space mission involving both American and Indian astronauts, facilitated by Axiom Space, which is providing the mission services.

·         This collaboration signifies a new chapter in US-India space relations and demonstrates the growing synergy between both nations in space exploration.

NISAR Satellite: Collaborative Efforts to Tackle Global Challenges

·         Another key topic on the agenda was the joint NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite mission, scheduled for launch in 2025 from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Center.

·         The NISAR mission, which integrates radar systems from both NASA and ISRO, will map the Earth’s surface every 12 days, providing valuable data for monitoring environmental changes, hazards, and global infrastructure shifts.

·          This mission reflects the strength of US-India cooperation in advancing scientific research and addressing global challenges such as climate change and disaster management.

Commercial Space Innovation and Partnership

·         The Houston visit also explored new opportunities for expanding US-India collaboration in the commercial space sector.

·         Officials met with representatives from the private space industry to discuss avenues for cooperation in satellite technology, space launch services, and space situational awareness.

·         As both nations work to foster innovation, this partnership aims to build a robust commercial space ecosystem that encourages joint ventures and drives technological progress.

 Defense and Security Cooperation in Space

·         In addition to civilian space efforts, the US and India are also enhancing their defense-related space cooperation.

·         Discussions included ongoing collaboration under the US-India Advanced Domains Defense Dialogue, as well as India’s participation in US Space Command’s Global Sentinel exercise.

·         Moreover, the two countries are working on initiatives such as the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), which aims to improve space situational awareness and generate new opportunities for bilateral partnerships in space technology.

A Vision for the Future: Strengthening Space Partnerships

·         The visit also emphasized the ongoing development of a Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation between NASA and ISRO.

·         This framework will enhance interoperability, allowing for more joint missions and collaborative astronaut training programs in the future.

·         As US-India space cooperation continues to expand, both nations are committed to pushing the boundaries of space exploration, scientific research, and technological innovation.

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant: Safe and clean energy

·         Even now, with two power units in operation and four more under construction, Kudankulam nuclear power plant (NPP) is the biggest nuclear power plant in India, which provides clean electricity in safe and stable 24/7 manner.

·         Nuclear power today is extremely powerful and reliable as an energy source. However, a challenge of using this technology is dealing with the spent nuclear fuel it produces during NPP operation.

·         The main goal of a nuclear power plant is the generation of electrical power with undoubted priority of safety.

·         Thus, the design basis of Kudankulam NPP comprises the system of protection barriers which prevents release of radioactivity in the environment in all possible abnormal situations which could happen.

·         There are four protection barriers – the nuclear fuel matrix, fuel rod cladding, the system of the primary circuit and, finally, the reactor building (containment). One more barrier – biological protection, decreases radiation exposures for NPP personnel.

·         The containment prevents radioactive release into the environment during possible natural and technogenic disasters, including earthquakes, tornadoes or aircraft crashes.

·         To maintain integrity and the availability of protection barriers plenty of different safety systems are provided. The key feature of Kudankulam NPP is implementation of a combination of traditional active safety systems and passive ones, which could operate without personnel input and with no power supply at all. Multiple diagnostics systems are provided for permanent monitoring of equipment during operation to detect possible abnormalities on the early stage.

·         Radioactive waste (the main bulk of them is low level) produced during NPP operation are not released in the environment but treated in a special way to avoid any possible exposure for personnel and population in the NPP region.

·         Fresh nuclear fuel (uranium dioxide) has a very small level of radioactivity, so it could be handled with no special protection measures.

·         In contrast, spent nuclear fuel has rather high radioactivity due to nuclear fission by-products, so in this case specially designed equipment and techniques are needed. As usual, fuel is used in the reactor core for several years, after that it is considered as a spent fuel.

·          During refuelling outage, the spent nuclear fuel is unloaded from the reactor vessel and transferred to the storage pool. This storage pool is located nearby inside the same containment, so it is perfectly protected against any possible external threats.

·          The storage pool is always filled with pure demineralized and borated water which is constantly recirculated to cool down the spent fuel.

·          The pool is a high integrity concrete construction which is additionally lined with stainless steel sheets. Thus, a spent nuclear fuel could be stored in the storage pool for an extended period of time.

·         After interim storage in the NPP storage pool for several years, the spent nuclear fuel will be transported to a temporary disposal site. During transportation the spent nuclear fuel is extremely protected by using specially designed transport containers.

·         They are designed to minimize radiation exposure during transportation and to withstand very severe accidental occurrences which could happen, like fire, flooding, road accidents, etc.

·         All the time radiation conditions around the nuclear power plant are monitored in online mode by measuring units of the automated radiation monitoring system, so it is possible to ensure high efficiency of safety systems and radiation protection measures implemented in Kudankulam NPP.     

Sitharaman chairs 55th meeting of GST Council

·         The 55th meeting of the GST Council was chaired by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman in Jaisalmer on December 21.

·         GST Council recommends reduction in GST rate on Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK), classifiable under 1904, to 5%.

·         GST council also recommends to fully exempt GST on gene therapy

·         GST Council recommends exemption of GST on contributions by general insurance companies from third-party motor vehicle premiums for Motor Vehicle Accident Fund

·         GST Council recommends no GST on transaction of vouchers as they are neither supply of goods nor supply of services. The provisions related to vouchers is also being simplified.

·         GST Council clarifies that no GST is payable on ‘penal charges’ levied and collected by banks and NBFCs from borrowers for non-compliance with loan terms

·         GST Council recommends reduction of payment of pre-deposit for filing an appeal before the Appellate Authority in respect of an order passed which involves only penalty amount

Highlights of the GST Council meet:

·          The Council decided to levy an 18 per cent GST on margin value on sale of all old and used vehicles, including EVs by businesses and agreed to keep jet fuel (ATF) out of the ‘one-nation-one-tax’ regime.

·          It decided to clarify on taxability of popcorn, saying caramelised popcorn will continue to attract tax at the rate of 18 per cent. However, pre-packed and spiced popcorn will attract 12 per cent, while 5 per cent will be levied on unpacked and unlabelled ones. The Council postponed a decision on reducing taxes on health and life insurance.

·         The much talked about Group of Ministers (GoM) recommendation of rate rejig in 148 items was not tabled before the Council. A GoM examining the issue had recommended exempting insurance premiums paid for term life insurance policies from GST and premium paid by senior citizens for health insurance cover.

·          It had also suggested GST exemption on premium paid by individuals, other than senior citizens, for health insurance with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. Some members of the Council felt that more deliberations were required before a final decision could be arrived at with regard to insurance taxation.

·          The panel cut the tax rate on fortified rice kernels used for public distribution to 5 per cent from 18 per cent.

·          No GST will be payable on penal charges levied and collected by banks and NBFCs from borrowers for non-compliance with loan terms.

·          The panel deferred a decision on reducing the rate of tax on insurance premium, pending comments of the sector regulator.

Insertion of new provision for ‘Track and Trace Mechanism’

·          In a significant move to plug leakage, the GST Council approved a proposal to implement ‘Track and Trace Mechanism’ for specified evasion-prone commodities.

·          A unique mark will be affixed on such goods or packages to trace them throughout the supply chain.

·          This is to insert an enabling provision in CGST Act, 2017 through Section 148A so as to empower the government to enforce the Track and Trace Mechanism for specified evasion-prone commodities.

·         • The system shall be based on a Unique Identification Marking which shall be affixed on the said goods or the packages thereof. 

·         This will provide a legal framework for developing such a system and will help in implementation of mechanism for tracing specified commodities throughout the supply chain.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

·          The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in the country was a very significant step in the field of indirect tax reforms in India. By amalgamating a large number of central and state taxes into a single tax, the aim was to mitigate cascading or double taxation in a major way and pave the way for a common national market.

·          Before implementation of the GST regime in the country, the issue was deliberated in detail by the empowered committee of state finance ministers, select committee of Rajya Sabha and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

·          After detailed and prolonged deliberation, the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, after ratification by 50 per cent of the states, was assented to by the President on September 8, 2016.

·          Thereafter, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, Union Territory Goods and Services Tax (UTGST) Act, and Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act were enacted in order to achieve a successful rollout of the GST regime in the country from July 1, 2017.

·          With GST, India took a quantum leap towards the goal of establishing ‘one nation, one market’ by dismantling multiple taxes and unifying them into a single tax.

GST rate structure

·          The GST rates on goods and services were fitted into four slabs largely based on the pre-GST indirect tax incidence both of Centre and states, including the embedded taxes. 

·         They are:

·         i) 5 per cent

·         ii) 12 per cent

·         iii) 18 per cent

·         iv) 28 per cent. 

·         The GST rate structure has evolved with extensive deliberations in the GST Council and the four rate structure is a huge simplification over the multitude of taxes and cess with multiple state wise rates. GST rate structure has been further simplified after the roll out of GST. 

GST Council

·         Goods and Services Tax Council is a constitutional body for making recommendations to the Union and state government on issues related to GST. The GST Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister.

·          As per Article 279A of the amended Constitution, the GST Council, which will be a joint forum of the Centre and the states, shall consist of the following members:

·         a) The Union finance minister (chairperson).

·         b) The Union minister of state in charge of revenue or finance.

·         c) The minister in charge of finance or taxation or any other minister nominated by each state government.

·          As per Article 279A(4), the Council will make recommendations to the Union and the states on important issues related to GST, like the goods and services that may be subjected or exempted from GST, model GST Laws, principles that govern Place of Supply, threshold limits, GST rates including the floor rates with bands, special rates for raising additional resources during natural calamities/disasters, special provisions for certain states, etc.

India, Kuwait elevate ties to ‘Strategic Partnership’

·          India and Kuwait elevated their ties to a ‘Strategic Partnership’, inked a key pact on boosting defence cooperation and vowed to soon finalise an ambitious investment treaty as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other top leaders of the Gulf nation to broad-base the bilateral relations.

·         PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years.

·          The last Indian PM to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.

·          PM Modi held separate talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah with a larger focus on imparting a new momentum to the overall ties.

·         Highlights of the discussions:

·          Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.

·          The two sides also discussed ways to transform the existing ‘buyer-seller’ relationship in the energy sector to a comprehensive engagement with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors and agreed to explore the participation of Kuwait in India’s strategic petroleum reserve programme. Both sides directed each other’s concerned authorities to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the bilateral investment treaty.

·          To ramp up energy cooperation, the two sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining and engineering services and petrochemical industries.In their delegation-level talks, the two Prime Ministers discussed a roadmap to strengthen the strategic partnership in areas of trade, investment, energy, defence, security, health, education, technology, cultural and people-to-people ties.

·          The Indian side showed keen interest in intensifying its cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through Kuwait’s presidency of the influential grouping.

·         • The GCC is an influential grouping comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. The total volume of India’s trade with GCC countries stood at $184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23.

·         • The two Prime Ministers welcomed the recent signing of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC). Under the JCC, new joint working groups in the areas of trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security and culture have been set up in addition to the existing JWGs on health, manpower and hydrocarbons.

MoUs/Agreements

·         Four documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation.

·         i) MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence: This MoU will institutionalise bilateral cooperation in the area of defence. Key areas of cooperation include training, exchange of personnel and experts, joint exercises, cooperation in defence industry, supply of defence equipment, and collaboration in research and development, among others.

·         ii) Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029: It will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in art, music, dance, literature and theatre, cooperation in preservation of cultural heritage, research and development in the area of culture and organizing of festivals.

·         iii) Executive Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sports (2025-2028): It will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports between India and Kuwait by promoting exchange of visits of sports leaders for experience sharing, participation in programs and projects in the field of sports, exchange of expertise in sports medicine, sports management, sports media, sports science, among others.

·         iv) Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA): The International Solar Alliance collectively covers the deployment of solar energy and addresses key common challenges to the scaling up of use of solar energy to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories.

India-Kuwait Relations

·          India and Kuwait have enjoyed traditionally friendly relations, with links dating back to pre-oil Kuwait when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy.

·          India has been a natural trading partner of Kuwait and until 1961, Indian Rupee was a legal tender in Kuwait. 

·          Till the discovery and development of oil, Kuwaitʼs economy revolved around its fine harbour and maritime activities which included ship building, pearl diving, fishing and voyages to India on wooden dhows carrying dates, Arabian horses and pearls that were traded for wood, cereals, clothes and spices.

·          India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Kuwait following its independence from British Protectorate in 1961. Prior to establishment of diplomatic relations, India was represented by a Trade Commissioner. 

·          India-Kuwait relations have always had an important trade dimension. India has consistently been among the top trading partners of Kuwait. Total bilateral trade with Kuwait during FY 2023-24 was $10.47 billion.  Top five export items from India are aircraft parts, cereals, organic chemicals, vehicles and  electric machinery. 

·          During FY 2023-24, Kuwait was the sixth largest crude supplier with about 3 per cent of Indiaʼs total energy needs. The Indian community with a strength of over one million is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. There are 26 schools in Kuwait following CBSE curriculum with over 60,000 students, mainly Indians and some Arab and South Asian expats as well.

Experts claim latest govt data on India''s forests faulty, inflated

The ''India State of Forests Report 2023'' released on Saturday, after a delay of almost a year, said India''s total forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021, reaching 25.17 per cent

·         The ''India State of Forests Report 2023'' released on Saturday, after a delay of almost a year, said India''s total forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021, reaching 25.17 per cent of the total geographical area in 2023.

·         However, the forest cover grew by just 156 sq km and most of the gain (149 sq km) occurred outside the Recorded Forest Area (RFA), which refers to areas designated as forests in government records.

·         The increase in tree cover (1,289 sq km) is also mainly due to plantations of rubber, eucalyptus, acacia and mango, coconut, areca nut and shade trees in tea and coffee plantations.

·         Forest cover refers to all land that has a tree canopy density of more than 10 per cent and spans over an area of one hectare or more, regardless of the type of ownership or legal status. It includes natural forests as well as man-made plantations, orchards and tree patches in urban and rural areas that meet the size and canopy density criteria.

·         Tree cover is defined as patches of trees and isolated trees outside RFA that are less than one hectare.

·         The FSI also analysed forest cover changes in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats over the past decade and found an overall loss of 58.22 sq km in forest cover.

·         In this region, the Nilgiris reported the steepest decline of 123 sq km. The mountain range, spread across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, is known for its popular tourist spots.

·         The report showed a decrease of 327.30 sq km in forest cover in the northeastern region.

·         The country''s total mangrove cover stands at 4,991.68 sq km, a net decrease of 7.43 sq km since 2021, according to the report.

·         Moderately dense forest and open forest categories saw declines of 1,043.23 sq km and 2,480.11 sq km, respectively, over the last decade, despite gains in very dense forest.

·         Kerala has emerged as a leader in forest cover growth in India, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. The report marks that Kerala recorded increase in both forest and tree cover over the past decade.

·         This achievement is crucial in the context of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

·         Between 2013 and 2023, Kerala saw an increase of 133.42 square kilometres in total forest cover. This represents a growth rate of 19.99%.

·         The state ranks third in tree cover relative to its geographical area, with 7.48%. The recorded forest area in Kerala spans 11,522 square kilometres, making up 29.66% of its total geographical area.

·         Kerala boasts the second-highest per hectare growing stock in India, measuring 179.78 cubic metres. Growing stock refers to the total volume of living trees and is essential for sustainable forest management and timber production.

·         The state’s mangrove cover has seen a slight increase, now covering 9.45 square kilometres. The bamboo-bearing area has also expanded by 1.62%, reaching 2,443 square kilometres. These figures indicate a positive trend in specific forest categories despite challenges in other areas.

·         On a national scale, India reported a net gain of 156 square kilometres in forest cover since 2021. However, there was a complete loss of 3,656 square kilometres of dense forests during the same period. The government has noted that tree patches smaller than one hectare are classified separately as tree cover, which now spans 1,12,014 square kilometres.

·         India’s forests are classified into three categories based on canopy density – very dense forest (VDF), moderate dense forest (MDF), and open forest (OF). The report indicates that 294.75 square kilometres of VDF and 3,361.5 square kilometres of MDF transitioned to non-forest status between 2021 and 2023, denoting ongoing challenges in forest conservation.

·         The ISFR 2023 also noted that 21 states and union territories showed an increasing trend in tree cover, indicative of agroforestry promotion. Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh lead in this positive development, suggesting a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices

·         To address the loss of dense forests, India must enhance its conservation strategies. This includes improving forest management practices and promoting community involvement in forest preservation. Continued monitoring and research are vital for understanding the dynamics of forest ecosystems.

India Celebrates National Farmers Day .

·          Kisan Diwas 23 Dec 2024, the term Terms of Trade (ToT) came into focus, especially regarding the economic conditions of farmers and agricultural labourers in India.

·         Nation pays tribute to former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary, celebrated as National Farmers’ Day, honoring his legacy of rural empowerment and farmers welfare.

·         Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several Union ministers, paid heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary, observed annually as National Farmers’ Day (Kisan Diwas) on December 23.

·         National Farmers Day is dedicated to honouring the invaluable contributions of farmers and recognizing their pivotal role in the nation’s progress. The day commemorates the legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, a staunch advocate for the welfare of farmers and a visionary leader in rural development.

·         The Terms of Trade (ToT), which represents the ratio of prices received to those paid, reveals a significant trend: agricultural labourers have seen greater improvements in their ToT compared to farmers over the last two decades.

What are Terms of Trade (ToT)?

·         The Terms of Trade (ToT) is a way to measure the economic exchange between what you sell and what you buy. Specifically, it compares:

·         What you get for what you sell (e.g., the price you get for your agricultural produce or the payment you receive as a labourer).

·         What you have to pay for what you need (e.g., the cost of goods, services, or materials you need for your work or daily life).

·         Improved ToT means you''re getting more for what you sell, and the things you need to buy are cheaper. This increases your purchasing power.

·         Declining ToT means you''re getting less for what you sell, and the things you need to buy are more expensive. This decreases your purchasing power

·         If ToT improves, it means the purchasing power has increased for the individual or group.

·         Farmers’ ToT: The ratio of the prices farmers receive for their produce (IPR) to the prices they pay for inputs like fertilizers, fuel, and seeds (IPP).

·         Agricultural Labourers’ ToT: The ratio of the wages received by agricultural labourers (IPR) to the prices they pay for final consumption goods like food, clothing, etc.

·         The ToT for agricultural labourers has improved significantly, whereas farmers have faced a more challenging economic environment in recent years.

Farmers'' Terms of Trade:

·         Period 2004-05 to 2013-14:

·         Price Realization (IPR for Farmers): Between 2004-05 and 2013-14, the prices that farmers received for their crops (IPR) rose by 111.2%, from 62.4 to 131.7.

·         Price Paid for Inputs (IPP): During this period, the prices of products farmers bought (seeds, fertilizers, labor, fuel, etc.) increased by 88.2%, from 71 to 133.6.

ToT Improvement:

·         ToT for Farmers increased from 87.8% in 2004-05 to 98.6% in 2013-14, indicating a modest improvement in the economic conditions of farmers.

·         However, the ToT was above 1 (100%) in just two years (2009-10 and 2010-11), when farmers had favorable pricing power, and the prices they received for their produce outpaced the prices they paid for inputs.

Period 2013-14 to 2022-23:

·         Price Realization (IPR for Farmers): Between 2013-14 and 2022-23, the prices received for farmers'' produce increased by 56.3%, from 131.7 to 205.8.

·         Price Paid for Inputs (IPP): However, the prices of the goods farmers purchased rose by 58.4%, from 133.6 to 211.7.

·         ToT Decline: The ToT for farmers fell from 98.6% to 97.2% during this period, showing that despite some increase in prices received for their crops, the costs of inputs rose at a faster rate, squeezing farmers'' profitability.

Key Insight:

·         The rise in input costs, particularly in intermediate inputs like labor, fuel, and pesticides, has been the primary cause of the squeeze.

·         Farmers have not been able to fully pass on these rising costs in the form of higher prices for their produce.

Agricultural Labourers'' Terms of Trade:

·         Period 2004-05 to 2013-14:

·         Wages (IPR for Agricultural Labourers): Between 2004-05 and 2013-14, the wages of agricultural labourers increased by more than three times, from 49.1 to 151.4.

·         Price Paid for Consumption Goods (IPP for Labourers): The prices of goods agricultural labourers consume (food, clothing, etc.) increased by only 1.7 times, from 76.4 to 129.3 during this period.

·         ToT Improvement:

·         The ToT for agricultural labourers surged from 64.2% in 2004-05 to 117.1% in 2013-14.

·         This significant improvement reflects the growth in agricultural wages surpassing the increase in the prices of goods they needed to buy.

Period 2013-14 to 2022-23:

·         Peak ToT for Agricultural Labourers:

·         The ToT for agricultural labourers continued to rise until 2016-17, peaking at 134.4% and remaining above 130% till 2018-19.

·         However, since 2018-19, the ToT has decreased slightly to 111.7% in 2022-23, which reflects a stagnation in wage growth for rural workers in inflation-adjusted terms.

Key Insight:

·         The ToT for agricultural labourers has remained above 100% since 2010-11, indicating that agricultural wages have outpaced the inflation in essential goods.

·         This stands in stark contrast to the experience of farmers, whose ToT has stagnated or declined in recent years.

Political Economy Impact on Agricultural Labourers and Farmers:

·         Socio Economic Profile of Agricultural Labourers:

·         Position in Socioeconomic Ladder: Agricultural laborers have traditionally been at the bottom of India’s socio economic hierarchy, often coming from Dalit, Adivasi, and Most Backward Class (MBC) communities.

·         Economic Growth and Rural Labor Market Changes:

·         Economic Growth and New Opportunities: Since the early 2000s, India’s rapid economic growth has created alternative employment opportunities for agricultural labourers in sectors such as construction, urban informal services, and manufacturing.

·         MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act): The implementation of MGNREGA has helped improve labor market conditions, providing guaranteed rural employment, which has eased the dependence on agriculture for many families.

Welfare Programs and Cash Transfers:

·         Cash Transfers: Welfare programs, especially income support schemes targeted at women, have further impacted the labor supply in agriculture. States like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan now offer monthly cash transfers of ₹1,000-₹2,000, benefiting nearly one-fifth of India’s adult female population.

·         This has led to a reduction in the supply of available agricultural workers, forcing farmers to raise wages to attract labor. However, the available labour often demands higher wages and works fewer hours, increasing the cost of farm labor.

Impact on Farmers'' Costs and Agricultural Output:

·         Global Commodity Boom: From the mid-2000s to 2013-14, farmers enjoyed a favorable ToT due to a global commodity price boom, which helped offset rising costs of inputs. During this period, the FAO’s World Food Price Index rose sharply, from 58.1 to 120.1 (2003-2013).

·         After 2013-14: Since 2013-14, however, global agricultural commodity prices have fallen or remained stagnant, while input costs have continued to rise, putting significant pressure on farmers.

·         Fragmentation of Landholdings: The continuing fragmentation of landholdings, a rising climate-related risk, and the absence of major crop yield breakthroughs have contributed to farmers’ declining economic conditions.

Government Support and Challenges:

·         Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices: To buffer the rising costs, the government has provided subsidies on inputs like fertilizers, electricity, and crop insurance.

·         Additionally, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system has provided a safety net for some crops like paddy, wheat, and sugarcane, helping farmers maintain income stability.

·         However, despite these interventions, farmers'' ToT has remained stagnant or even declined, leading to growing dissatisfaction among rural communities.

·         The demand for reservation in government jobs and education has also been growing, reflecting farmers'' frustration with the agrarian economy.

·         Conclusion:

·         In recent decades, agricultural labourers have experienced a much more favorable Terms of Trade (ToT) than farmers in India. Labourers'' wages have grown significantly relative to the prices they pay for consumption goods, while farmers have struggled with rising input costs that have outpaced the prices they receive for their produce.

Key Government Schemes Supporting Farmers

·         To address the challenges faced by farmers and ensure their socio-economic upliftment, the Government of India has implemented several transformative initiatives.

·          These schemes provide financial assistance, risk mitigation, and infrastructure development, empowering farmers to adopt sustainable practices and achieve economic security.

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

·         Launched in February 2019, PM-KISAN aims to supplement the financial needs of landholding farmers. Under this scheme, farmers receive an annual financial aid of Rs 6,000 in three equal installments, directly transferred to their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). As of now, over 11 crore farmers have benefited from the scheme, with a total disbursement exceeding Rs 3.46 lakh crore.

2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

·         Introduced in 2016, PMFBY provides affordable crop insurance to farmers, covering risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages due to natural calamities. The scheme has insured over 68.85 crore farmer applications and disbursed Rs 1.65 lakh crore in claims, ensuring prompt and adequate compensation to farmers.

3. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

·         Launched in September 2019, PM-KMY offers a monthly pension to small and marginal farmers upon reaching the age of 60. Farmers aged 18 to 40 contribute a small amount monthly, matched by the government. The scheme has enrolled over 24.66 lakh farmers, providing financial security in their old age.

4. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)

·         The MISS scheme offers concessional short-term agricultural loans up to rs 3 lakh at a 7% interest rate. Farmers who repay on time enjoy an additional 3% interest subvention, effectively reducing the rate to 4%.

·         Since its inception, institutional credit flow to agriculture has tripled, reaching Rs 25.48 lakh crore by 2023-24.

5. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

·         Launched in 2020, the AIF aims to finance agriculture infrastructure projects, such as cold storage and processing units.

·         The scheme offers loans up to Rs 2 crore with interest subvention and credit guarantee fee reimbursement. As of November 2024, Rs 51,448 crore has been sanctioned for 84,333 projects across India.

6. Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

·         Introduced in 1998, the Kisan Credit Card scheme provides easy access to credit for agricultural needs. In 2019, the Reserve Bank of India extended this facility to animal husbandry and fisheries sectors.

·          As of March 2024, 7.75 crore KCC accounts are active, supporting farmers with timely financial assistance.

Other Initiatives for Modern Farming

·         The government has also introduced several innovative programmes to modernize agriculture:

·         Namo Drone Didi Scheme: Providing financial assistance to women self-help groups (SHGs) for using drones in farming.

·         Soil Health Card Scheme: Issuing 24.6 crore soil health cards to optimize fertilizer usage and enhance productivity.

·         Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Establishing 10,000 FPOs with a budget of Rs 6,865 crore to promote collective farming.

·         Clean Plant Programme: Ensuring disease-free planting materials for horticulture.

·         Digital Agriculture Mission: Supporting digital transformation in farming with an outlay of Rs 2,817 crore.

·         Kisan Kavach Bodysuit: Protecting farmers from pesticide exposure.

·         With comprehensive government initiatives such as PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and AIF, India is taking significant strides toward empowering its farmers, ensuring financial security, and fostering a resilient agricultural sector. By embracing innovation and providing robust support systems, the nation continues to honor its Annadatas and secure a prosperous future.

Jahaz Haveli

·         A ruined structure in Sirhind known as Jahazi Haveli which was built like the shape of a ship is attributed to be the mansion residence of Diwan Todarmal who performed the cremation of younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh and their grandmother following their martyrdom in December 1704/05.

·         Cunningham who visited in 1863/64 writes ‘The Haveli or dwelling house of Sahabat Beg, or Sandik Beg, is only worthy of notice as, perhaps, the largest existing specimen of the ugly domestic architecture of the wealthy Muhammadans of the Mogal Empire.”

·         Some repairs were done more than a decade ago and then stopped.

·         The Punjab government  recently now has pledged its support for restoring Jahaz Haveli, the historic residence of Diwan Todar Mal, in Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib district.

·         This initiative highlights Todar Mal''s extraordinary courage and sacrifice for the Sikh community, particularly in connection with the martyrdom of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh.

Who Was Diwan Todar Mal?

·         Diwan Todar Mal was a wealthy merchant and revenue official from Sirhind. Despite the oppressive rule of Wazir Khan, the Mughal governor of Sirhind, Todar Mal demonstrated exceptional bravery:

Claiming the Bodies:
After Sahibzada Fateh Singh (9) and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (7) were bricked alive on Wazir Khan''s orders, fear of retribution deterred others from performing their last rites.

·         Todar Mal stepped forward to claim the bodies of the Sahibzadas and their grandmother, Mata Gujri, who had died of shock after learning of their deaths.

Unprecedented Sacrifice:

·         Wazir Khan demanded Todar Mal buy the cremation land by covering it with gold coins placed vertically.

·         Todar Mal agreed, spending a fortune in what is considered one of the costliest land purchases of the era.

·         He then cremated the bodies with full honors and buried their ashes on the purchased land.

Legacy:

·         His selfless act has cemented his place in Sikh history as a symbol of courage, devotion, and humanity.

·         The Martyrdom of Sahibzadas: A Tragic Chapter in Sikh History

Why Were the Sahibzadas Executed?

·         The two younger Sahibzadas, along with their grandmother Mata Gujri, were captured after being separated from Guru Gobind Singh.

·         Wazir Khan pressured the boys to convert to Islam with offers of wealth and power.

·         When they refused, they were sentenced to death and bricked alive on 13 December 1704.

Different Accounts of Their Capture:

·         Koer Singh’s Gurbilas Patshahi Dasveen (1751):

·         Mata Gujri and the Sahibzadas were found in Chamkaur Garhi and taken to Sirhind by Mughal soldiers.

·         Rattan Singh Bhangu’s Panth Prakash (1810):

·         They were betrayed by a cook and handed over to Wazir Khan by local villagers.

·         Aftermath:

·         The Sahibzadas’ martyrdom caused widespread outrage.

·         Six years later, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur avenged their deaths by defeating Wazir Khan in the Battle of Chappar Chiri (1710).

Jahaz Haveli: Historical and Cultural Significance

·         Architecture:
Built in the 17th century, Jahaz Haveli is constructed with Nanakshahi bricks and resembles a ship, hence the name.

·         Preservation Efforts:

·         Over the years, the haveli fell into disrepair, despite its historic significance.

·         In 2009, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took charge of the site.

·         The Diwan Todar Mal Heritage Foundation Punjab is now leading efforts to restore the haveli to its original grandeur, guided by a 1911 photograph from the British Library.

Government Support:

·         Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan announced collaboration between the state government, SGPC, and the Tourism and Archaeology Department for its restoration.

·         In 2021, the road connecting Jahaz Haveli to the main road was renamed Diwan Todar Mal Marg.

Commemoration of Sahibzadas’ Martyrdom

·         Shaheedi Jor Mela:
Held annually from 25 to 27 December, this event in Fatehgarh Sahib honors the sacrifices of the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri.

·         Veer Baal Diwas:
In 2022, the Government of India declared 26 December as “Veer Baal Diwas” to commemorate the bravery and martyrdom of the Sahibzadas.

·         Historical Calendar Confusion:

·         The dates of their martyrdom vary in historical records due to differences between the lunar calendar used during their time and the Gregorian calendar.

Conclusion

·         The story of Diwan Todar Mal and the Sahibzadas embodies the values of courage, sacrifice, and devotion.

·         The restoration of Jahaz Haveli is not just an architectural project but also a tribute to their enduring legacy.

·         As Fatehgarh Sahib prepares for the annual Shaheedi Jor Mela, these efforts ensure that future generations remember this significant chapter in Sikh history.

Globalisation and India : Challenges

·         Globalisation, a complex phenomenon, is about the growth of interdependence across continents rather than just regions or within states. Further, the internet facilitated instant global communication.

·         Globalisation has survived financial crises, the worldwide Covid-19 health emergency, and political instability. Improved international collaboration has increased global capital flow

·         Global trade in goods and services has made a strong comeback after the pandemic, although recovery has been unequal across areas.  

·         Globalisation will also survive Donald Trump 2.0 and his mercantilist threats, but it also faces challenges from the economic and political upsets triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

·         For centuries, issues as varied as war, migration, and technological change have added layers of global connections. They did not take place in just one country or one continent. Chinese and Indian tea, spices, and handicrafts made their way into Europe centuries ago, long before the word globalisation was coined. 

·         At another, political, level, India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru stressed that post-colonial countries had a global role to play and had no intention of being ignored, passed by, or led by the nose by more powerful countries.

·          Indian independence and nonalignment meant that hundreds of thousands of Indians would no longer serve in the British-Indian armed forces, and that struck at the core of Britain’s global military power in the mid-20th century. 

·         And in the 21st century, emerging market economies, some of them former western colonies, want political choices and multiple trading partners to navigate an interdependent world. 

·         Military and economic rivalry does not augur the end of globalisation. The rivalries between the US and China or India and China will not end their economic linkages. An analogy can be drawn with Germany and Japan, which were among the US’ largest trading partners in the early 20th century. They fought the US in the Second World War but became its allies after 1945, creating a new international order. 

·         Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Russia has continually threatened a third world war and even nuclear strikes. But Russia’s most important strategic partner, China, recognises the link between economics, strategy, and great power in the 21st century, and may prefer the international peace essential for globalisation so that it can increase its economic clout worldwide, even as it claims the territories of most neighbouring countries. 

·         Authoritarian China’s economic rise makes it a strategic threat, so western democracies wish to reduce their dependence on China. But trade between them and China. and between India and China continues to grow, the latter despite a longstanding border conflict. 

·         Globalisation is continuous and spreading.  While China’s share of the US’ imports dropped from 21% to 17% between 2018 and 2022, US imports from Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Thailand rose by more than 80%. 

·         The section of India’s economy that benefited most from globalisation after the 1990s was computer software.  India’s trail-blazing software city, Bangalore, became a synonym for foreign jobs lost to outsourcing. 

·         Globalisation has also encouraged foreign investment in India, though it has never reached the heights of FDI in China. 

·         Unfortunately, FDI in India has fallen from net inflows of 3.6% of the GDP in 2008, 2.4% of GDP in 2020, 1.4% in 2021, and further down to a mere 0.8% in 2023.

·         India does need to make its business environment more investor-friendly if it is to remain securely and fruitfully on the rails of globalisation.  

·         With the recent deterioration of political relations between China and the West, some multinational corporations hoped to shift to India, but India has failed to take sufficient advantage of China’s relative economic sluggishness.   

·         India intends to achieve aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) to reduce imports. Aatmanirbhar Bharat is intended to produce goods for Indian as well as foreign markets.

·         Despite boasts about economic growth, India is simply not creating enough jobs. The labour participation rate is barely 40%, and the urban female participation rate is estimated at being below 6%. These rates, among the world’s lowest, also highlight the waste of India’s much-vaunted demographic dividend.

·         Last but not least, progress can celebrate ethnic and religious diversity as well as a capacity to become a global player.

·         In the 18th century, when India was ruled by a mix of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh dynasties, its share of the world economy was around 23%. In 2023, that was 7.93%.

·         That was much better than the 2% that existed when it achieved independence from British rule in 1947, but less than half of China’s, which was nearly 19% in 2023. 

World Malaria Report 2024:  India’s Progress.

·         Each year, the World malaria report serves as a vital tool to assess global progress and gaps in the fight against malaria.

·         This year’s report provides a critical and up-to-date snapshot of efforts to control and eliminate the disease in 83 countries worldwide.

·         The report also introduces, for the first time, a dedicated chapter emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and effective response, with a focus on reaching the populations most vulnerable to malaria.

·         Groups at high risk of a malaria infection include children under 5, women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, migrants, people with disabilities, and people in remote areas with limited healthcare access.  

·         The World Health Organization''s (WHO) World Malaria Report 2024 highlights India''s remarkable strides in combating malaria, particularly in its high-endemic states.

·         The report marks a significant milestone for India as it officially exits the High-Burden to High-Impact (HBHI) group, reflecting substantial progress in reducing malaria incidence and associated mortality.

Key Achievements

·         Reduction in Cases:

·         Malaria cases in India have decreased from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023, marking a 69% decline.

·         Decline in Mortality:

·         Malaria-related deaths reduced by 68%, from 11,100 in 2017 to 3,500 in 2023.

·         Exit from HBHI:
India has moved out of WHO''s HBHI group, which focuses on regions most severely affected by malaria.

Strategies Behind the Progress

·         Community Health Workers

·         Women-led community health initiatives have been pivotal in reaching remote areas and ensuring access to prevention tools, diagnosis, and treatment.

·         Government and International Efforts

·         Collaboration between the Indian government, international organizations, and community groups has driven malaria cases down significantly.

·         Targeted Initiatives

·         WHO''s HBHI strategy focused on high-burden states with tailored interventions.

·         Improved distribution of bed nets, antimalarial drugs, and diagnostic tools.

Global Context

·         Malaria’s Global Toll:

·         Almost 1 in 10 children worldwide dies from malaria annually.

·         The African continent accounts for 95% of global malaria deaths.

·         Intersection with Inequality:

·         The disease disproportionately affects the poorest and most marginalized, including women and girls who face barriers to accessing care.

·         UK’s Role:

·         UK-funded organizations, such as Zero Malaria and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are pivotal in providing malaria-fighting tools globally.

Looking Ahead: Malaria-Free India and Beyond

·         2030 Goal:
The global goal is to achieve a malaria-free world by 2030.

·         Upcoming Reports:
The Commonwealth Malaria Report, to be published in 2025, will further support malaria elimination strategies.

·         Continued Focus on Equity:
Stakeholders emphasize addressing socioeconomic and gender-related barriers to ensure equitable access to prevention and treatment.

Conclusion

·         India’s significant progress in reducing malaria showcases the impact of targeted health initiatives, community involvement, and international collaboration.As the world works towards eradicating malaria, India''s success offers a model for other nations, particularly in addressing health inequities and reaching vulnerable population