Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: Bilateral Relations

Issue: Sweden joining the NATO.

Context: Turkish Parliament approved Sweden’s bid to join NATO, clearing another hurdle in the Nordic country’s accession process in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year.

What softened Turkey’s stance on Sweden and Its Importance?

Sweden’s NATO bid faced Turkish opposition due to alleged ties with “terrorist” groups, impacting the alliance’s decision-making.

• Diplomatic Breakthrough: After a year of intensive negotiations and global lobbying, Turkey agreed to Sweden joining NATO.
• Swedish Concessions: Addressing Turkish concerns, Sweden amended its constitution, bolstered counter-terrorism cooperation, and resumed arms exports to Turkey.
• Trilateral Milestone: In 2022, a memorandum outlined Sweden’s commitments, leading to a new Security Compact and the establishment of a NATO Special Coordinator for Counter-terrorism.
• Erdogan’s Linkage: President Erdogan tied approval for Sweden’s NATO bid to Turkey’s EU membership, reviving talks suspended in 2016 over human rights concerns.
• Swedish Pledges: Sweden committed to supporting Turkey’s EU-related demands, including modernizing the EU-Turkey Customs Union and advocating for visa liberalization.
• S. Impact: President Biden’s announcement of F-16 transfers to Turkey post-NATO deal added weight to the diplomatic developments.
• NATO’s View: Sweden’s NATO membership aligns with alliance expansion plans, fortifying security and defense integration in the Nordic, Baltic, and Arctic regions.

Challenges:

Despite Turkey’s approval, challenges remain, including the ratification of Sweden’s Accession Protocol in Turkey’s Grand National Assembly, potentially facing opposition related to Kurdish concerns.

Background:

What is NATO?

• Formed in 1949 with the signing of the Washington Treaty, NATO is a security alliance of 30 countries from North America and Europe.
  • Recently, Finland joined the alliance as its 31^st
• NATO’s fundamental goal is to safeguard the Allies’ freedom and security by political and military means.
• It is a system of collective defensewhere independent member states agree for mutual defense in case of any attack by an external party.
• Headquarters – Brussels, Belgium.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-II.

Subject: Economic Development.

Topic: Infrastructure Development.

Issue: Renewable Energy Targets.

Context: India will witness a more than 83% increase in investments in renewable energy (RE) projects to about $16.5 billion in 2024 as the country focuses on energy transition to reduce carbon emissions.

Synopsis:

• This increase in investments aligns with India’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and its commitment to reducing overall power generation capacity from fossil fuels to below 50%.
• The Power Ministry estimates highlight a substantial increase in renewable energy capacity, with an anticipated addition of 25 GW in 2024, requiring an investment of ₹1,37,500 crore (around $16.5 billion).
• This marks a substantial rise from the 13.5 GW and ₹74,250 crore (nearly $9 billion) invested in 2023. The country’s growing focus on green hydrogen is also evident as part of its strategy to diminish reliance on fossil fuels, particularly diesel, with the National Green Hydrogen Mission approved in January.

Background:

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-II.

Subject: International Relations

Topic: Bilateral Relations

Issue: Agreements with Russia .

Context:  In a major boost to their time-tested partnership, India and Russia on Tuesday signed some “very important” agreements related to the construction of the future power-generating units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.

Agreements and Discussions:

• Signed crucial agreements for future power units at Kudankulam nuclear plant.
• Progress in bilateral cooperation areas: trade, finance, connectivity, energy, aviation, and nuclear.
• Russia is termed a “special partner” in defense, nuclear power, and space.
• Teams to meet by January for India-Eurasian Economic Zone free trade agreement.
• Efforts to resolve payment problems between Russia and India.
• Optimism about becoming 3rd largest economy, evolving impact on the world stage.
• Indian community praised for strengthening collaboration.
• Emphasis on self-reliant India deepening ties with Russia.
• 75-year Special Partnership stable and resilient.
• Jaishankar explored collaboration at Russian Industry and Trade exhibitionTop of Form.

Conclusion: 

The agreements on the Kudankulam nuclear project and the overall discussions reaffirm the enduring and strategic partnership between India and Russia across various domains, showcasing a commitment to mutual growth and collaboration.

Background:

• The Kudankulam power plant is located in the coastal Tamil Nadu.
• It is a Civilian Nuclear Power Plant, built by India in joint-collaboration with Russia.
• There are a total of 7 operating nuclear power plants in India, and all of these facilities are a n part of India’s Critical Information Infrastructure.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: Bilateral Relations

Issue: India’s maritime security discussion with Saudi Arabia .

Context: In the backdrop of an increased security threat to shipping vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held conversation with the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

Synopsis:

The discussion is significant in the context of the evolving West Asian situation and the recent Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The leaders shared their concerns regarding terrorism, violence, and the loss of civilian lives, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts for regional peace, security, stability, and the future of the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.

Maritime Security Emphasis:

• Importance of maintaining maritime security and ensuring the freedom of navigation.
• Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s long-standing and principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue.
• Called for continued humanitarian aid for the affected population in the aftermath of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
• Agreement to work together for peace, security, and stability in the region.
• The engagement reflects India’s proactive diplomacy in addressing regional challenges and fostering collaborative approaches to ensure peace and security.

Background:

Maritime Security of India:

• Covers national security, economic development, and environmental concerns in maritime domains. Addresses piracy, illegal activities, terrorism, and environmental issues.
• It is Crucial for India’s national security and trade through Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs).

India’s Initiatives:

• SAGAR Policy Aiming to be a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
• Committed to UNCLOS 1982, respecting nations’ rights.
• International Fusion Centre (IFC) for Maritime Domain Awareness.
• Active participation in UNSC-mandated operations against piracy off Somalia.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III

Source: Indian Express

Subject: Internal Security.

Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas.

Issue: INS Imphal induction into Indian Navy.

Context: INS Imphal (Pennant D68), the third of four warships of Project 15B, is set to be commissioned into the Indian Navy.

Synopsis:

• INS Imphal, the third ship of Project 15B and part of the Visakhapatnam class, was commissioned on December 26, 2023.

Technological Characteristics:

• Visakhapatnam-class destroyers are Propelled by a ‘combined gas and gas’ (COGAG) configuration, reaching a max speed of 30 knots and a range of 4000 nautical miles.
• Crewed by around 350 personnel with superior ergonomics and habitability.

Armament and Capabilities:

• Equipped with BrahMos and Barak-8 missiles for long-range engagement.
• Main gun, AK-630 guns for close-point engagement, torpedo launchers, and anti-submarine rocket launchers.

Strategic Significance:

• Visakhapatnam-class destroyers operate as independent offense platforms and offer strategic advantages in naval operations.
• Incorporates stealth features, making it difficult to detect, and a high indigenous component providing a strategic edge.

Naval Operations:

• Guided-missile destroyers play a crucial role in protecting fleets and carrier battle groups.
• Designed for anti-aircraft, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, contributing significantly to offensive naval operations.

Background:

What is Project 15 B?

• The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, commonly known as the P-15 Bravo-class destroyers or just P-15B, are a series of guided-missile warships currently under construction for the Indian Navy.
• The P-15 class is an updated version of its forerunner, the Kolkata class, with enhanced stealth, mechanization, and armament capabilities.
• Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) is building four ships as part of the Make in India project.
• INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao were commissioned earlier, and INS Surat is yet to be commissioned.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-III

Source: Indian Express

Subject: Indian Economy.

Topic: Growth & Development

Issue: Fiscal Deficit Breaching GDP target.

Context:  India faces a potential fiscal deficit exceeding the targeted 5.9% of GDP, reaching 6%, according to India Ratings and Research.  

Fiscal Deficit Projection:

• The main reason for exceeding the target is anticipated to overspend in revenue, surpassing the budget estimate by ₹2 lakh crore.
• Total spending for 2023-24 now stands at ₹6 lakh crore, Encompassing revenue and capital expenditures.
• Parliamentary approval was secured for the first supplementary demand for grants. Additional cash outgo of ₹53,378 crore.
• First supplementary demand aimed at priority areas: food, fertilizer, LPG subsidy, MGNREGS.
• Expectation of a second supplementary demand for grants with a potential increase in revenue expenditure to ₹1 lakh crore.
• Higher spending by specific ministries was identified as a key factor.
• Effort to recoup ₹28,000 crores to the Contingency Fund of India.

Conclusion:

Reflects challenges in maintaining fiscal discipline. Highlights the need for careful budgetary management strategies.

Background

Source: The Hindu