INDIA’S UNEASY BALANCING ACT IN THE BAY OF BENGAL
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
India’s financial engagement within the Bay of Bengal entered a brand new section after the signing of BIMSTEC Maritime Cooperation Settlement. Commerce volumes by means of India’s japanese ports like Paradip, Visakhapatnam and Haldia have grown by means of steadily. Nevertheless, India’s current withdrawal of its trans-shipment facility granted to Bangladesh had been perceived as India’s response to Bangladesh’s rising closeness with China and politicization of commerce entry.
Re-invigoration of BIMSTEC – India as a regional integrator:
1. India has closely invested in port infrastructure by means of Sagaramala Programme.
2. Coverage adjustments corresponding to GST cuts on bunker gas and incentives for coastal transport.
3. India’s cargo-handling capability is increasing quickly.
4. India has extra developed coastal transport and multimodal linkages than any of its neighbours.
Tensions amid reinvigoration:
1. Actions like rollback of Bangladesh’s trans-shipment facility introduce conditionality into impartial financial structure.
2. Bangladesh’s rising diplomatic engagement with China is creating tensions within the maritime relationship between each the international locations.
E.g.: India positioned import restrictions on seven classes of merchandise from Bangladesh
Manner Ahead:
The notion that India is recalibrating commerce entry to sign political displeasure must be cleared by means of diplomatic dialogue and engagement. Bay of Bengal has the potential to change into a self-sustaining maritime hall if geopolitical contests are indifferent from having repercussions on commerce corridors.
About
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Financial Cooperation) is a regional group comprising 7 member states as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It goals to foster multifaceted technical and financial cooperation amongst international locations within the Bay of Bengal area.
Origin:
- It was based in 1997 with the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration.
- Initially comprising 4 members, it was generally known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Financial Cooperation). In 1997, Myanmar joined, and the grouping was renamed BIMST-EC.
- With the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan in 2004, the title was additional modified to BIMSTEC.
Highlights of 6th BIMSTEC summit:
Theme: “BIMSTEC: Affluent, Resilient, and Open”
Focus on shared progress amid world uncertainties.
The chairmanship of the regional grouping was handed over to Bangladesh.
India-led Initiatives:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a 21-point motion plan.
Mitigation and Catastrophe Administration:
Establishing the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Catastrophe Administration in India to cooperate in catastrophe administration, aid and rehabilitation.
Fourth joint workout routines between BIMSTEC Catastrophe Administration Authorities to be held in India this yr.
BODHI Program for skilling youth: BODHI [BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure] beneath which coaching and scholarships can be supplied to professionals, college students, researchers, diplomats and others.
300 youths from BIMSTEC international locations in India yearly.
Strengthen people-to-people linkages: India to host BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (this yr).
First BIMSTEC Video games in 2027
BIMSTEC Conventional Music Pageant.
Youth-focused initiatives: Younger Leaders’ Summit, Hackathon, Younger Skilled Guests program.
Pilot examine on Digital Public Infrastructure, most cancers care capability constructing.
Proposal for BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Summit.
Proposed establishing connectivity between India’s Unified Funds Interface (UPI) and the fee techniques of BIMSTEC member states.
Such integration would carry substantial advantages throughout commerce, business and tourism, enhancing financial exercise in any respect ranges.
Area Sector: Construct nano-satellites for the BIMSTEC member nations and likewise discover the establishing of floor stations and promote the usage of distant sensing information.
Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre: Proposed the institution of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India to reinforce coordination in capability constructing, analysis, innovation and maritime insurance policies.
Summit Outcomes:
BIMSTEC Bangkok Imaginative and prescient 2030: It’s the primary long-term plan to make BIMSTEC extra affluent, robust, and open by the yr 2030.
The imaginative and prescient focuses on enhancing commerce, transport hyperlinks, and folks’s security and well-being
Guidelines of Process for BIMSTEC: This units clear guidelines for a way BIMSTEC will work, serving to the group to perform extra easily and effectively.
Report by the BIMSTEC Eminent Individuals’ Group: This report offers useful ideas for a way BIMSTEC ought to transfer ahead, in step with the 2030 imaginative and prescient.
Settlement on Maritime Transport Cooperation: A brand new settlement was signed to enhance sea transport between South and Southeast Asia.
It will assist cut back transport prices, make commerce quicker, and make it simpler for items and folks to maneuver throughout the area
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Think about the next statements concerning BIMSTEC:
- BIMSTEC consists of landlocked international locations that would not have direct entry to the Bay of Bengal.
- The BIMSTEC Secretariat is positioned in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Within the fifth BIMSTEC Summit, member international locations adopted the BIMSTEC Constitution formalizing the group.
How most of the above statements is/are right?
- Just one
- Solely two
- All three
- None
Reply: (b)
Clarification:
Assertion 1 is inaccurate: Whereas landlocked international locations like Nepal and Bhutan are members, the phrasing is deceptive because the major focus is regional cooperation across the Bay of Bengal and never based mostly on geographic entry alone.
Assertion 2 is right: The Secretariat is positioned in Dhaka.
Assertion 3 is right: The fifth BIMSTEC Summit (2022) adopted the BIMSTEC Constitution, giving the group a proper construction and identification.
HOW INDIA WILL CONDUCT CENSUS
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: INDIAN EXPRESS
The sixteenth Census of India, set for 2027, would be the nation’s first digital Census. The train will happen in two phases: house-listing and inhabitants enumeration, with enumerators utilizing a cellular app for information assortment and a brand new coding system.
Conducting a Census
The Census will contain roughly 30 lakh enumerators, largely schoolteachers, and over 1.2 lakh functionaries at district and sub-district ranges. Round 46,000 personnel will prepare these enumerators.
The train is cut up into two phases:
- Home-listing and home census
- Inhabitants enumeration
These phases are separated by months, with preparatory duties corresponding to boundary freezing and coaching carried out beforehand.
PHASE 1: Home-listing
Enumerators go to properties to file traits of buildings and households. This consists of:
- Kind of constructing (residential/business)
- Development materials
- Variety of rooms
- Facilities and providers (e.g., ingesting water, bathrooms, and so on.)
This section types a foundational housing profile for the inhabitants. For the upcoming Census, will probably be performed from March 1 to September 30, 2026.
PHASE 2: Inhabitants Enumeration
On this section, extra granular individual-level information is collected, corresponding to:
- Identify, age, intercourse, date of beginning
- Relationship to the pinnacle of family
- Marital standing, schooling, occupation, faith, caste/tribe, incapacity, migration, and fertility
Each particular person within the nation, together with homeless people, will probably be counted. Technological improvements like a cellular app, GPS tagging, and space lists will allow real-time error correction and constant, correct information.
The upcoming Census may even allow gender identification recording for transgender people and embrace disability-related clarifications.
WHY THE CENSUS MATTERS
- Nationwide Mirror: The Census displays adjustments in occupation, residing circumstances, household constructions, and informs socio-economic coverage design.
- Foundation for Illustration: Used to attract electoral constituencies and reserve seats for SC/STs.
- Central Grants: Allocation of funds for welfare and improvement is determined by Census information.
POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS
- First Census since 1931 to collect caste-wise information, increasing socio-political understanding past SC/ST classes.
- Timing: The Census, held earlier than the subsequent delimitation, might affect the long run allocation of parliamentary seats and electoral constituencies.
Enumeration Part Consists of
- Case Enumeration: Everyone seems to be counted on the location they’re discovered (e.g., college students, vacationers, homeless).
- Introduction of recent classes:
- Identification of transgender individuals
- Recognition of same-sex {couples}
- Digital Enumeration: Knowledge will probably be collected utilizing cellular apps and uploaded straight by way of web/cloud.
Modifications in Content material
- A revised questionnaire was ready in 2018 (after 2011 was utilized in 2019 pre-test).
- Extra particulars on caste, incapacity, occupation, and migration will probably be captured.
New Info Enumerators Will Accumulate
- Cellular numbers and Aadhaar availability
- Migration historical past
- Availability of cell phones, computer systems, web
- Incapacity and well being standing
- Standing of water sources, strong waste administration, and so on.
Anticipated Challenges
- Digital Challenges: Enumerator coaching, cellular gadgets, and web connectivity.
- Regional Points: Resistance in sure areas, corresponding to Nagaland, might come up over accuracy considerations.
- Political Sensitivity: The inclusion of caste and socio-economic information can result in political and social tensions.
Conclusion:
India’s first digital Census marks a transformative second in information assortment, aiming to enhance planning and equitable governance. Nevertheless, its success will rely on know-how use, native cooperation, and cautious dealing with of delicate information.
ANALYSING INTERNET ACCESS AND DIGITAL SKILLS IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU
The Complete Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) 2022–23 by the Nationwide Pattern Survey Workplace (NSSO) sheds gentle on the disparities in web entry and digital talent acquisition throughout totally different social teams in India. That is important for attaining Sustainable Improvement Aim (SDG) 4, which focuses on inclusive and equitable high quality schooling and lifelong studying alternatives for all.
Digital Expertise and SDG Targets
Two key SDG 4 targets are related right here:
- Goal 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with ICT abilities.
- Goal 4.4.2: Diploma of proficiency in digital abilities.
To satisfy these objectives, it’s important to evaluate each the supply of ICT infrastructure and the aptitude of individuals to make use of them meaningfully.
Survey Overview and Key Indicators
The CAMS survey (July 2022–June 2023) is India’s first large-scale survey capturing granular information on digital entry and utilization. It coated:
- 3.02 lakh households
- 11 lakh people
Key indicator findings:
- 76.3% of India’s households had web entry.
- 84.3% had broadband connectivity.
- Important gaps exist throughout caste teams:
- SCs: 69.1%
- STs: 64.8%
- OBCs: 77.5%
Digital Divide: Socioeconomic and Regional Disparities
1. Earnings-Primarily based Inequality
- Chart 1 reveals broadband connectivity rises with revenue.
- Solely 28.4% of households within the poorest decile had broadband, in comparison with over 90% within the high decile.
2. Social Group Inequality
- Inside social teams, OBC, SC, and ST communities nonetheless lag in broadband connectivity.
- City households fare higher than rural ones.
Gender and Social Disparities in System Utilization
Whereas cell phones are extensively used, their utilization for web entry is proscribed, particularly amongst deprived teams.
Findings:
- Solely 25.3% of common class rural ladies use cell phones with lively SIMs for web.
- For SCs, STs, and OBCs, this determine drops additional.
- Rural ladies are at a extreme drawback in comparison with city males.
City-Rural Gaps in Digital Literacy
Even amongst web customers, digital talent proficiency varies.
Findings:
Amongst 15+ aged customers:
- Web use: City – 80%, Rural – 61%
- Copy/paste abilities: City – 60%, Rural – 34.4%
- Arithmetic in spreadsheets: City – 30%, Rural – 13.4%
- On-line banking: City – 33.6%, Rural – 16.5%
This highlights the restricted practical use of digital instruments in rural areas.
Limitations to Efficient Digital Inclusion
Key constraints embrace:
- Low digital talent ranges
- Restricted machine possession
- Gender hole in entry
- Social discrimination
- Insufficient rural infrastructure
That is particularly worrying as digital entry is now crucial for Schooling, Employment, Authorities schemes and Monetary inclusion.
Conclusion and Manner Ahead
Regardless of vital strides in digital infrastructure, India faces a significant problem in bridging the digital divide—particularly alongside caste, gender, revenue, and urban-rural strains.
Suggestions:
- Focused digital literacy campaigns in rural and marginalised areas.
- Subsidised smartphone and information plans for low-income teams.
- Faculty-level digital schooling reforms to make sure early talent acquisition.
- Gender-sensitive digital inclusion insurance policies.
- Integration of digital abilities into present welfare schemes like Talent India, Digital India, and PMGDISHA.
Attaining true digital fairness is crucial not only for inclusive improvement but in addition for the conclusion of constitutional values of equality and dignity.
ESCALATION SPIRAL: THE URGENT NEED FOR DIPLOMACY IN WEST ASIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Israel’s unprovoked aggression in opposition to Iran has dragged West Asia into its gravest disaster because the 1973 Arab-Israeli battle. The Israeli strike on June 13, focusing on Iran’s nuclear services and assassinating key nuclear scientists and generals, has triggered a harmful escalation and uncovered the area to an unprecedented safety calamity.
Israel’s Miscalculated Transfer
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might have aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear programme, very like Israel’s 1967 Six-Day Struggle assault on Egypt. Nevertheless, this current transfer has backfired. Iran responded forcefully by launching tons of of ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, hitting:
- A refinery in Haifa
- A analysis facility close to Tel Aviv
- Residential zones
By Monday morning, 24 Israelis had been lifeless, and over 500 had been injured.
Iran’s Retaliation Technique
Iran’s response demonstrates its intent to determine deterrence by means of robust retaliation. It launched missiles at army and intelligence belongings inside Israel. Though Israel retains air superiority, it has didn’t get rid of Iran’s dispersed and buried nuclear infrastructure.
Every Israeli strike is met with an Iranian counterattack, trapping each nations in a cycle of escalation with out decision.
Wider Regional and International Implications
This battle endangers diplomatic efforts that had been already fragile. Notably, the Israeli assault got here simply days earlier than deliberate U.S.–Iran nuclear talks. Its penalties embrace:
- The near-collapse of diplomatic dialogue
- Raised considerations about Israel’s endgame: regime change in Tehran or dismantling Iran’s nuclear functionality
- Danger of U.S. army involvement
If Iran retaliates in opposition to U.S. army belongings or blocks the Strait of Hormuz, world oil provide routes can be endangered, resulting in a world safety and financial disaster.
The U.S. Dilemma and Trump’s Place
Though President Trump claims he’s open to negotiation, his precondition—that Iran should absolutely abandon its nuclear enrichment—stays unacceptable to Iran. This stalemate worsens tensions, rising the chance of direct U.S. involvement within the battle.
Name for Worldwide Mediation
The necessity for rapid worldwide mediation is pressing. International powers should step in to:
- Halt the spiral of violence
- Stop a full-scale battle
- Reopen diplomatic channels
Nations like the US, Russia, and notably Israel’s ally, the U.S., should play a proactive position in brokering peace. If the target is to stabilize the area, then restraint, not escalation, is the way in which ahead.
Conclusion:
If President Trump genuinely desires peace in West Asia, that is the essential second to steer a coordinated world push for de-escalation. Solely by means of dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation can the area be pulled again from the brink of a devastating battle.
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Which of the next international locations does Israel share borders with?
- Jordan
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Egypt
Choose the right reply from the codes beneath:
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 3 and 4
- 1, 2 and 4
- 2 and 4
Reply: (a)
Clarification:
AX-4 MISSION – ISRO AND AXIOM SPACE COLLABORATE ON CRUCIAL SPACE EXPERIMENTS
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Context
- The Ax-4 mission involving Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla is about to launch on June 19, 2025, to the Worldwide Area Station (ISS).
- The mission is being coordinated between ISRO and Axiom Area.
Goal
- Conduct time-sensitive microgravity experiments throughout a 14-day keep aboard the ISS.
- Refresh and validate experimental specimens forward of launch.
Key Experiments (7 shortlisted by ISRO)
- Microgravity affect on edible microalgae
- Sprouting salad seeds in area
- Tardigrade survival, revival, and transcriptome evaluation
- Muscle regeneration dietary supplements beneath microgravity
- Human interplay with digital shows in area
- Cyanobacteria response to urea and nitrate
- Microgravity impact on crop yield parameters
Future Plans
- ISRO and NASA to conduct 5 extra experiments, specializing in human analysis.
Significance
- Enhances India’s presence in worldwide area missions.
- Boosts analysis in area biology, agriculture, and human physiology beneath microgravity.
INDIA SUPPORTS PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF CYPRUS ISSUE
TOPIC: (GS2) IR: THE HINDU
Context
- Throughout PM Narendra Modi’s go to to Cyprus, a joint assertion reaffirmed India’s help for the “peaceable decision” of the Cyprus query.
- The go to included Cyprus awarding its highest honour — Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III — to PM Modi.
Key Highlights
- India known as for a “lasting settlement” of the Cyprus situation, supporting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Cyprus.
- India not directly criticized Turkey for backing Northern Cyprus, which isn’t internationally acknowledged.
- India helps Cyprus’s efforts for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and expanded UN position in resolving the problem.
Geopolitical Significance
- Modi’s go to is seen as a sign to Pakistan and Turkey, given their opposition to India’s place on Kashmir.
- The go to strengthens India’s bilateral ties with Cyprus, forward of its EU Council Presidency in 2026.
Cyprus’s Help to India
- Backed India on Kashmir, UNSC everlasting membership, and NSG entry.
- Opposed cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
NEW TECH PLATFORMS LAUNCHED FOR ENHANCED DISASTER MANAGEMENT
TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT: THE HINDU
Context
Union Dwelling Minister Amit Shah launched three main tech platforms to enhance India’s catastrophe response and administration techniques.
Key Platforms Launched
- Built-in Management Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER)
- Allows real-time response to disasters utilizing satellite tv for pc information.
- Helps coordinate rescue operations throughout the nation.
- Nationwide Database for Emergency Administration Lite 2.0 (NDEM Lite 2.0)
-
- Provides granular-level information to assist companies sort out disasters successfully.
- Helps exact planning and response.
- Flood Hazard Zonation Atlas of Assam
-
- Gives real-time information on floods, their affect, and water ranges.
- Aids in flood mitigation and preparedness in Assam.
Significance
- Integrates new-age know-how for pace, accuracy, and coordination in catastrophe administration.
- Enhances the agility of state and central companies in managing numerous hazards.
FATF CONDEMNS PAHALGAM ATTACK, TO RELEASE REPORT ON STATE-SPONSORED TERRORISM
TOPIC: (GS3) ROLE OF EXTERNAL STATE AND NON-STATE ACTORS IN CREATING CHALLENGES TO INTERNAL SECURITY: THE HINDU
The Monetary Motion Activity Power (FATF), the worldwide anti-terror financing watchdog, condemned the current terror assault in Pahalgam (April 22, 2025), noting the position of terror financing and help networks.
Key Highlights
Uncommon Condemnation:
That is solely the third time in a decade that FATF has formally condemned a terrorist assault, indicating the severity of the incident.
State-Sponsored Terrorism Report:
- For the primary time, FATF will launch a report that explicitly consists of state sponsorship as a supply of terror funding.
- This transfer is seen as aligning with India’s long-standing demand to spotlight Pakistan’s position in financing cross-border terrorism.
File In opposition to Pakistan:
India had submitted a file to FATF advocating Pakistan’s inclusion within the ‘gray record’.
Terror Financing Danger Framework:
FATF has developed a Terror Financing Danger & Contextual Instrument to information member states on rising threats and dangers.
Upcoming Measures:
The report will probably be launched in a month.
A public webinar will probably be hosted to enhance consciousness and application amongst the private and non-private sectors.
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION
Think about the next statements concerning the Monetary Motion Activity Power (FATF):
- FATF is a specialised company beneath the United Nations established to advertise nuclear disarmament and counter terrorism.
- It was arrange in 1989.
Which of the above statements is/are right?
- Just one
- Solely 2
- Each 1 and a couple of
- Neither 1 nor 2
Reply: (b)
Clarification:
Assertion 1 is inaccurate: FATF is an inter-governmental physique, not a UN specialised company, and it focuses on combating cash laundering, terror financing, and associated threats, not nuclear disarmament.
Assertion 2 is right: The Monetary Motion Activity Power (FATF) was established in 1989. It was created on the G7 Summit in Paris in that yr.
The put up Day by day Present Affairs 17-June-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.
