Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: Governance

Topic: the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations

Context: In January 2024, the Fo Guang Shan Cultural and Educational Centre, a Taiwan-based Buddhist monastic order in Delhi, received FCRA clearance.

Issue: FCRA grant for NGO’s.

Synopsis:

• The clearance allows Fo Guang Shan to receive foreign funds for its “religious, cultural, economic, educational, and social” programs.
• In the first month of 2024, a total of 30 NGOs and associations obtained FCRA registration.
• In 2023, a record 1,111 NGOs were granted FCRA permission, marking the highest since 2014.
• FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs to receive foreign donations, requiring a defined cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social program.
• Ministry data reveals that 13,520 associations received foreign contributions totaling ₹55,741.51 crore in the financial years 2019-2022.
• As of January 10, 2024, there are 16,987 active FCRA-registered NGOs in India.
• Nearly 6,000 NGOs saw their FCRA registrations become inoperative from January 1, 2022, as the Ministry refused renewal or NGOs didn’t apply.

Background:

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Context: The World Employment and Social Outlook Report warns that weak productivity and inflation lead to inequality.

Issue: Global Labour Market

Synopsis:

Highlights of the Report:

• The report warns of a global unemployment increase in 2024.
• Despite falling joblessness and jobs gap post-pandemic, growing social inequalities and stagnant productivity raise concerns.
• The global macroeconomic environment deteriorated in 2023 due to geopolitical tensions and inflation, leading to aggressive central bank moves.
• China, Türkiye, and Brazil’s slowdowns had adverse effects on global industrial activity, investment, and trade.
• Real wages declined in most G20 countries; only China, Russia, and Mexico saw positive growth. India and Türkiye also experienced positive growth, but data refers to 2022.
• Concerns arise that labour market imbalances are structural rather than cyclical. Job retention schemes were crucial in preventing skill loss.
• ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo expresses worry about falling living standards, weak productivity, and persistent inflation fostering greater inequality. Emphasizes the importance of quality employment for sustainable development and social justice.

Background:

International Labour Organisation:

Conclusion: Global labor market faces rising unemployment, widening inequalities, and structural imbalances, requiring urgent attention for sustainable development and social justice.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-II;

Subject: Governance

Topic: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.

Issue: Republic Day Tableaux.

Context: The Defence Ministry has introduced a new plan for the Republic Day parade tableaux selection, aiming for equitable distribution among States and Union Territories (UTs).

Synopsis:

• Under this agreement, each State and UT will showcase their tableaux once in three years.
• The proposal comes after repeated controversies and complaints over non-inclusion.
• A three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been proposed, with 28 States signing it.
• To encourage fresh talent, the Ministry of Culture empanelled 30 agencies for tableau design and fabrication.
• The 2024 Republic Day parade includes 16 States and UTs, with those not selected invited to Bharat Parv.
• The Expert Committee selected tableaux, while recent complaints from Punjab and Karnataka highlight ongoing tensions.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-II;

Subject: International Relations

Issue: India-U. K Relations.

Synopsis:

• The UK Navy will deploy its Littoral Response Group to the Indian Ocean, and the Carrier Strike Group is scheduled to visit India in 2025 for joint operations and training with Indian forces.
• This announcement follows discussions between UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a significant step in bilateral security ties.
• Both nations plan to conduct more complex military exercises, aiming for a landmark joint exercise by 2030.
• The collaboration extends to defense industry partnerships, with a focus on electric propulsion systems and complex weapons.
• New joint initiatives include the launch of Defense Partnership-India and agreements on logistics exchange, international cadet exchange, and defense collaboration in research and development.
• The move underscores shared security challenges and commitment to a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Background:

Conclusion: These joint exercises play a crucial role in fostering military-to-military cooperation, and building trust and understanding between the armed forces of India and the United Kingdom. They also contribute to the overall strategic partnership, addressing shared security concerns and promoting regional and global stability.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: Effects on industrial growth

Issue: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Context: The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to be implemented in 2026, imposes carbon emission tariffs on certain imports, including iron, steel, aluminum, and cement.

Synopsis:

• CBAM transition began on Oct 1, 2023, requiring India and other exporters to share sensitive trade data with the EU.
• Concerns in Indian sectors (steel, oil, cement) about compromising trade secrets and losing competitiveness.
• India exports 15% ($75B in 2022-23) to the EU; slowing exports and crises add to worries.
• EU’s data collection aims to boost local manufacturing, reduce trade deficits; concerns raised at WTO and TTC.
• TTC discussions involve CBAM challenges, data privacy, seeking concessions, and a longer transition for MSMEs.
• Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan, and Thailand share data privacy concerns related to CBAM.
• Global worry about trade secrets at risk due to extensive CBAM data collection.
• CBAM solutions discussed in EU-FTA negotiations; final details pending.
• Indian officials seek relief, including a longer transition and MSME concessions, in FTA talks with the EU.

Top of Form

Conclusion: CBAM raises global concerns. Indian exporters seek relief in FTA talks. Data privacy and competitiveness issues persist. Ongoing negotiations are crucial.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-II;

Subject: International Relations;

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: Amid a diplomatic row with India, Maldives signs 20 agreements with China, strengthening ties, tourism, and economic cooperation.

Synopsis:

• Elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
• The agreements cover areas such as disaster risk reduction, the blue economy, digital economy investment, and support for the Belt and Road Initiative. China will also provide grant assistance to the Maldives, although the specific amount was not disclosed.
• Muizzu, considered a pro-China leader, is seeking increased Chinese tourism to compensate for Indian cancellations.
• Despite the diplomatic tensions, Muizzu affirmed China as one of the Maldives’ closest allies and praised President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.
• Additionally, Muizzu emphasized the commitment to implementing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with China in 2014, describing it as a symbol of the close commercial ties between the two countries.
• China-Maldives bilateral trade in 2022 amounted to USD 451.29 million, with China’s exports dominating the trade relationship. Muizzu also sought Chinese investments for 11 projects at the Maldives Investment Forum.

Impact On India:

• Strained diplomatic relations and a decrease in Indian tourist arrivals, which historically constituted the largest number of visitors to the Maldives. The elevated partnership with China and the signed agreements may further shift the geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Background:

Conclusion: The evolving dynamics between Maldives and China, fueled by diplomatic tensions with India, raise significant concerns. The impact on Indian tourism, potential geopolitical shifts, and economic implications underscore the need for vigilant diplomacy and strategic recalibration in the region.

Source: Indian Express