Forwarded from CSE EXAM ( UPSC prelims mains)
🔆Act East Policy :
✅ The Act East Policy was introduced in 2014 to replace the previous Look East Policy of the 1990s.
✅ Key Focus: The policy aims to promote economic, cultural, and strategic relations between India and Southeast Asian nations.
✅ Areas of Cooperation: Connectivity, trade, maritime security, people-to-people ties, development partnerships with ASEAN are key areas.
✅ Institutional Mechanisms: India participates in forums like the East Asia Summit, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, BIMSTEC etc. under this policy.
Limitations of Act East Policy :
✅ Slow Progress on Connectivity Projects: Projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand
trilateral highway and Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project have seen slow progress due to governance issues, lack of capacities and regulatory hurdles on the ground.
✅ Trade Deficit Persists: Despite trade agreements, India's trade deficit with ASEAN and other East Asian countries remains high. Domestic impediments hamper greater economic integration.
✅ Security Partnerships Yet to Mature: While India conducts naval exercises like SIMBEX with Singapore, defense partnerships are still evolving with most ASEAN states barring Vietnam.
✅ Overland Connectivity Deficits: Lack of direct overland connectivity with ASEAN hampers seamless physical connectivity. Progress on India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway can address this gap.
✅ Competition with China's Influence: China's deep economic ties and initiatives like Belt and Road Initiative appear to have greater traction in Southeast Asia relative to India's efforts.
✅ Domestic Reform Lag: Slow pace of port development, tax/tariff reforms, easing business regulations in India affects functioning of Act East Policy.
✅ Funding Constraints: India lacks financial capacity to match China's largescale investments in Southeast Asia.
This restricts India's development partnerships in the region.
✅Accelerate infrastructure and connectivity projects with ASEAN countries through dedicated project monitoring and financial commitment.
✅ Leverage India's software prowess to digitally integrate with Southeast Asian markets through cross-border digital economy partnerships.
✅ Diversify trade relations beyond China by concluding RCEP or bilateral FTAs with Southeast Asian nations.
✅ Expand security cooperation with ASEAN through intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, transfer of defense technology and joint military exercises.
✅ Resolve regulatory and capacity issues hindering seamless overland connectivity with Myanmar and Thailand.
✅ Promote greater tourism, academic exchanges and cultural linkages between
India and Southeast Asia through scholarships, events and visa facilitation.
✅ Collaborate with Japan, Australia and other Indo-Pacific nations to provide alternatives to BRI for infrastructure development in Southeast Asia.
✅ Deepen energy ties with Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia by attracting investments in India's oil and gas sector.
✅ Project India's software prowess, pharmaceutical industry and healthcare capacity for greater economic influence in Southeast Asia.
✅ Coordinate India's Act East Policy with Neighbourhood First policy to develop cross-cutting connectivity and development projects.
✅ Reform domestic regulations, taxation and business ecosystem to attract Southeast Asian companies to invest and manufacture in India.
#gs2
#ir
Join @CSE_EXAM
@upsc_4_ir
✅ The Act East Policy was introduced in 2014 to replace the previous Look East Policy of the 1990s.
✅ Key Focus: The policy aims to promote economic, cultural, and strategic relations between India and Southeast Asian nations.
✅ Areas of Cooperation: Connectivity, trade, maritime security, people-to-people ties, development partnerships with ASEAN are key areas.
✅ Institutional Mechanisms: India participates in forums like the East Asia Summit, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, BIMSTEC etc. under this policy.
Limitations of Act East Policy :
✅ Slow Progress on Connectivity Projects: Projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand
trilateral highway and Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project have seen slow progress due to governance issues, lack of capacities and regulatory hurdles on the ground.
✅ Trade Deficit Persists: Despite trade agreements, India's trade deficit with ASEAN and other East Asian countries remains high. Domestic impediments hamper greater economic integration.
✅ Security Partnerships Yet to Mature: While India conducts naval exercises like SIMBEX with Singapore, defense partnerships are still evolving with most ASEAN states barring Vietnam.
✅ Overland Connectivity Deficits: Lack of direct overland connectivity with ASEAN hampers seamless physical connectivity. Progress on India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway can address this gap.
✅ Competition with China's Influence: China's deep economic ties and initiatives like Belt and Road Initiative appear to have greater traction in Southeast Asia relative to India's efforts.
✅ Domestic Reform Lag: Slow pace of port development, tax/tariff reforms, easing business regulations in India affects functioning of Act East Policy.
✅ Funding Constraints: India lacks financial capacity to match China's largescale investments in Southeast Asia.
This restricts India's development partnerships in the region.
✅Accelerate infrastructure and connectivity projects with ASEAN countries through dedicated project monitoring and financial commitment.
✅ Leverage India's software prowess to digitally integrate with Southeast Asian markets through cross-border digital economy partnerships.
✅ Diversify trade relations beyond China by concluding RCEP or bilateral FTAs with Southeast Asian nations.
✅ Expand security cooperation with ASEAN through intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, transfer of defense technology and joint military exercises.
✅ Resolve regulatory and capacity issues hindering seamless overland connectivity with Myanmar and Thailand.
✅ Promote greater tourism, academic exchanges and cultural linkages between
India and Southeast Asia through scholarships, events and visa facilitation.
✅ Collaborate with Japan, Australia and other Indo-Pacific nations to provide alternatives to BRI for infrastructure development in Southeast Asia.
✅ Deepen energy ties with Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia by attracting investments in India's oil and gas sector.
✅ Project India's software prowess, pharmaceutical industry and healthcare capacity for greater economic influence in Southeast Asia.
✅ Coordinate India's Act East Policy with Neighbourhood First policy to develop cross-cutting connectivity and development projects.
✅ Reform domestic regulations, taxation and business ecosystem to attract Southeast Asian companies to invest and manufacture in India.
#gs2
#ir
Join @CSE_EXAM
@upsc_4_ir
A Qatar court rescinded the death penalty for 8 Indian nationals following discussions concerning their well-being between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Reports of a possible pardon on Qatar's National Day were negated, as officials clarified that a pardon is viable only after all appeal options are exhausted.
India may utilize the bilateral 'Transfer of Sentenced Persons' agreement signed with Qatar in 2015, to bring the men back to serve their sentences in India, once the legal process is concluded.
The detailed charges against the implicated individuals, including several commanders and a sailor, have not been disclosed to the public.
Reports of a possible pardon on Qatar's National Day were negated, as officials clarified that a pardon is viable only after all appeal options are exhausted.
India may utilize the bilateral 'Transfer of Sentenced Persons' agreement signed with Qatar in 2015, to bring the men back to serve their sentences in India, once the legal process is concluded.
The detailed charges against the implicated individuals, including several commanders and a sailor, have not been disclosed to the public.
Screenshot_20231229-162710~2.jpg
425.9 KB
🔆The possibility of a two state solution and india's stake in West Asia
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution stating that anti-Zionism is antisemitism, reflecting the enduring sympathy for Zionism within American establishment.
Zionism aims to establish a Jewish home in Eretz Israel, a concept rooted in biblical claims; however, its interpretation has led to the controversial occupation of Palestinian territories
Key historical documents such as the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and UN Resolution 181(II) of 1947 recognized Jewish claims to Palestine, paving the way for Israel's establishment on land that legally belonged to Turkey.
Contemporary anti-Zionism opposes Israel's policies and occupation of Palestinian territories, distinct from anti-Semitism which is hatred towards Jews.
The article suggests that the conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism is a misleading tactic to silence criticism of Israel's expansionist policies and actions.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Zionism aims to establish a Jewish home in Eretz Israel, a concept rooted in biblical claims; however, its interpretation has led to the controversial occupation of Palestinian territories
Key historical documents such as the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and UN Resolution 181(II) of 1947 recognized Jewish claims to Palestine, paving the way for Israel's establishment on land that legally belonged to Turkey.
Contemporary anti-Zionism opposes Israel's policies and occupation of Palestinian territories, distinct from anti-Semitism which is hatred towards Jews.
The article suggests that the conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism is a misleading tactic to silence criticism of Israel's expansionist policies and actions.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Forwarded from UPSC Editorial analysis
Recent drone attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels have heightened maritime security concerns, affecting global trade routes.
After Houthi rebels threatened maritime commerce connected to Israel, commercial shipping in the Red Sea has faced significant disruptions, with shifts in transit passage and re-routing of vessels.
The U.S. Navy is actively engaging in countermeasures, shooting down ballistic missiles and drones, while announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPS) to maintain security.
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have increased their presence and surveillance with destroyers, aircraft, UAVs, and other assets to counter piracy and drone threats.
The avoidance of Red Sea by vessels is leading to increased fuel and insurance costs and may affect revenue for the Suez Canal and operational dynamics of regional ports.
India plays a critical role in maritime security, with a significant percentage of international sailors being Indians
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
After Houthi rebels threatened maritime commerce connected to Israel, commercial shipping in the Red Sea has faced significant disruptions, with shifts in transit passage and re-routing of vessels.
The U.S. Navy is actively engaging in countermeasures, shooting down ballistic missiles and drones, while announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPS) to maintain security.
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have increased their presence and surveillance with destroyers, aircraft, UAVs, and other assets to counter piracy and drone threats.
The avoidance of Red Sea by vessels is leading to increased fuel and insurance costs and may affect revenue for the Suez Canal and operational dynamics of regional ports.
India plays a critical role in maritime security, with a significant percentage of international sailors being Indians
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆India Korea defence cooperation
✅India and South Korea are enhancing defence cooperation, focusing on a comprehensive defence framework for regional order.
✅Strategic goals in India-Korea relations should take precedence over the short-term gains of arms sales and weapon acquisitions.
✅Technological collaboration between the two nations aims to develop advanced defence systems and equipment.
✅Collaboration in space warfare, information warfare, and cybersecurity is crucial, with Korea's high-tech capabilities complementing India's needs.
✅Joint efforts in maritime security, peacekeeping, and disaster relief exercises can enhance regional stability.
✅Gen. Pande's visit to Seoul indicates an expansion of cooperation to aspects beyond naval engagements, encompassing broader defence strategies.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅India and South Korea are enhancing defence cooperation, focusing on a comprehensive defence framework for regional order.
✅Strategic goals in India-Korea relations should take precedence over the short-term gains of arms sales and weapon acquisitions.
✅Technological collaboration between the two nations aims to develop advanced defence systems and equipment.
✅Collaboration in space warfare, information warfare, and cybersecurity is crucial, with Korea's high-tech capabilities complementing India's needs.
✅Joint efforts in maritime security, peacekeeping, and disaster relief exercises can enhance regional stability.
✅Gen. Pande's visit to Seoul indicates an expansion of cooperation to aspects beyond naval engagements, encompassing broader defence strategies.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆Attack in Kerman in southern Iran
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly twin blasts near the burial site of slain military commander Qasem Soleimani in southern Iran.
ISIS considers the Shia branch of Islam to be heretical and has targeted shrines and religious sites in Iran previously.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly twin blasts near the burial site of slain military commander Qasem Soleimani in southern Iran.
ISIS considers the Shia branch of Islam to be heretical and has targeted shrines and religious sites in Iran previously.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
Forwarded from Study today ( UPSC prelims mains )
🔆Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
✅Indian Prime Minister hailed the inaugural run of vessel from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port to Sittwe Port Myanmar developed under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
✅Kaladan Project would link India and Myanmar via the Bay of Bengal.
✅It was jointly identified by India and Myanmar to create a multi-modal mode of transport for the shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar as well as to the North-Eastern part of India through Myanmar.
✅It is being constructed by India under the Grant in Aid Scheme.
✅Once completed, it will link Kolkata with the Sittwe seaport in Rakhine state in Myanmar, primarily over the Bay of Bengal – covering over 500 km.
#prelims
#Places_in_news
Join @studytoday1
@Mapping_prelims_mains
✅Indian Prime Minister hailed the inaugural run of vessel from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port to Sittwe Port Myanmar developed under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
✅Kaladan Project would link India and Myanmar via the Bay of Bengal.
✅It was jointly identified by India and Myanmar to create a multi-modal mode of transport for the shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar as well as to the North-Eastern part of India through Myanmar.
✅It is being constructed by India under the Grant in Aid Scheme.
✅Once completed, it will link Kolkata with the Sittwe seaport in Rakhine state in Myanmar, primarily over the Bay of Bengal – covering over 500 km.
#prelims
#Places_in_news
Join @studytoday1
@Mapping_prelims_mains
Indian Navy commandos successfully evacuated all 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the hijacked merchant vessel Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea.
Following a forceful warning from an Indian Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft and interception by destroyer INS Chennai, pirates abandoned the hijack attempt.
INS Chennai provided support to restore power and propulsion to MV Lila Norfolk to continue its voyage.
The Navy responded to the distress message from the bulk carrier which was 460nm off the coast of Eyl, Somalia, and secured the safety of the crew.
The vessel was en route to Bahrain from Brazil when intercepted. Post incident sanitisation, crew was evacuated from the ship's citadel, a secure room with communications.
This incident marks the second hijacking in the region, leading to an increase in the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance and augmented force levels in the Arabian Sea.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Following a forceful warning from an Indian Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft and interception by destroyer INS Chennai, pirates abandoned the hijack attempt.
INS Chennai provided support to restore power and propulsion to MV Lila Norfolk to continue its voyage.
The Navy responded to the distress message from the bulk carrier which was 460nm off the coast of Eyl, Somalia, and secured the safety of the crew.
The vessel was en route to Bahrain from Brazil when intercepted. Post incident sanitisation, crew was evacuated from the ship's citadel, a secure room with communications.
This incident marks the second hijacking in the region, leading to an increase in the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance and augmented force levels in the Arabian Sea.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial