Marine Heatwaves
Marine Heatwaves Marine heatwaves are periods of extremely high temperatures in the ocean.These events are linked to coral bleaching, seagrass destruction, and loss of kelp forests, affecting the fisheries sector adversely. The most common drivers of marine heatwaves include ocean currents which can build up areas of warm water and air-sea heat flux, or warming through the ocean surface from the atmosphere. The most common cause of marine heat waves are ocean currents which can build up areas of warm water and air-sea heat flux, or warming through the ocean surface from the atmosphere. Normally, sunlight passes through the atmosphere and heats the surface of the ocean. If there are weak winds this warm water doesn’t mix with the cooler waters below. It sits on top and continues to heat leading to marine heat waves. According to a study, the Western Indian Ocean region experienced the largest increase in marine heatwaves at a rate of about 1.5 events per decade, followed by the north Bay of Bengal at a rate of 0.5 events per decade. From 1982 to 2018, the Western Indian Ocean had a total of 66 events, while the Bay of Bengal had 94 events. The marine heatwaves in the Western Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal increased drying conditions over the central Indian subcontinent. Correspondingly, there is a significant increase in the rainfall over south peninsular India in response to the heatwaves in the north Bay of Bengal. Read Also Cyclone Nivar
Coal Gasification and Liquefaction
Coal Gasification and Liquefaction India aims for 100 million tonnes (MT) coal gasification by 2030 with investments worth over Rs. 4 lakh crores. For encouraging use of clean sources of fuel, the government has provided for a concession of 20% on revenue share of coal used for gasification. This will boost production of synthetic natural gas, energy fuel, urea for fertilisers and production of other chemicals. Coal Gasification It is the process of producing syngas, a mixture consisting of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), natural gas (CH4), and water vapour (H2O). During gasification, coal is blown with oxygen and steam while also being heated under high pressure. During the reaction, oxygen and water molecules oxidize the coal and produce syngas. Transporting gas is a lot cheaper than transporting coal. Help address local pollution problems. Has greater efficiency than conventional coal-burning because it can effectively use the gases twice: the coal gases are first cleansed of impurities and fired in a turbine to generate electricity. The exhaust heat from the gas turbine can be captured and used to generate steam for a steam turbine-generator. Read Also Lithium Mining Coal Liquefaction It is an alternative route to produce diesel and gasoline and makes economic sense only in a world of high crude oil prices,Also called Coal to Liquid (CTL) technology. The process involves gasification of coal, which in turn will produce synthetic gas (a mix of CO+H2). The synthetic gas can be liquefied to its fuel equivalent in presence of cobalt/iron-based catalysts at higher pressure and temperature. However, liquefied coal emits twice as much CO2 as burning oil. It also emits a large volume of SO2. The CO2 emissions are more readily and cheaply captured from CTL plants than from conventional coal-fired power stations. The captured CO2 can be transported and injected into underground storage reservoirs (a procedure known as “carbon capture and storage”—CCS—or “geosequestration”). Read Also Explore utilisation of fly ash in cement plant: NGT Coal Liquefaction It is an alternative route to produce diesel and gasoline and makes economic sense only in a world of high crude oil prices,Also called Coal to Liquid (CTL) technology. The process involves gasification of coal, which in turn will produce synthetic gas (a mix of CO+H2). The synthetic gas can be liquefied to its fuel equivalent in presence of cobalt/iron-based catalysts at higher pressure and temperature. However, liquefied coal emits twice as much CO2 as burning oil. It also emits a large volume of SO2. The CO2 emissions are more readily and cheaply captured from CTL plants than from conventional coal-fired power stations. The captured CO2 can be transported and injected into underground storage reservoirs (a procedure known as “carbon capture and storage”—CCS—or “geosequestration”). Read Also Explore utilisation of fly ash in cement plant: NGT
Nuclear Fusion Technology
Nuclear Fusion Technology A team at the Joint European Torus (JET) facility near Oxford in central England generated 59 megajoules of sustained energy during an experiment in December, more than doubling a 1997 record. This is a new milestone in producing nuclear fusion energy, or imitating the way energy is produced in the Sun. The energy was produced in a machine called a tokamak, a doughnut-shaped apparatus. Besides, the JET site is the largest operational one of its kind in the world. The record and scientific data from these crucial experiments are a major boost for ITER. Nuclear fusion Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles. The difference in mass between the reactants and products is manifested as either the release or the absorption of energy. Energy by nuclear fusion is one of mankind’s long standing quests as it promises to be low carbon, safer than how nuclear energy is now produced and, with an efficiency that can technically exceed a 100%. A kg of fusion fuel contains about 10 million times as much energy as a kg of coal, oil or gas. Deuterium and tritium, which are isotopes of hydrogen, are heated to temperatures 10 times hotter than the centre of the sun to create plasma. This is held in place using superconducting electromagnets as it spins around, fuses and releases tremendous energy as heat.
Lassa Fever
Lassa Fever The Lassa Fever-causing virus is found in West Africa and was first discovered in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria. The fever is spread by rats and is primarily found in countries in West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria where it is endemic. Human beings can transmit the virus to each other through contact with infected bodily fluids. The best way to avoid getting infected is to avoid contact with rats. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, has been used to successfully treat Lassa fever in patients. Mild symptoms include slight fever, fatigue, weakness and headache. Serious symptoms include bleeding, difficulty breathing, vomiting, facial swelling, pain in the chest, back, and abdomen and shock. Death can occur from two weeks of the onset of symptoms, usually as a result of multi-organ failure. Read Also Nanomicelles
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis It is a disease caused by a flavivirus that affects the membranes around the brain. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is also a major cause of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in India. The disease is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes of the Culex species. These mosquitoes breed mainly in rice fields and large water bodies rich in aquatic vegetation. Migratory birds along with pigs in the community also play an important role in the transmission of JE from one area to other areas. Most people infected with JE do not have symptoms or have only mild symptoms. However, a small percentage of infected people develop inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), with symptoms including sudden onset of headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors and convulsions. There is no antiviral treatment for patients with JE. Treatment, available, is supportive to relieve symptoms and stabilise the patient. Safe and effective JE vaccines are available to prevent the disease. In India, mass vaccination with JE vaccine was started in a phased manner subsequent to the major outbreak in 2005. JE vaccination is also included under the Universal Immunization Program of the Government of India.
Chintamani Padya Natakam
Chintamani Padya Natakam It is a stage play penned by social reformer, writer and poet Kallakuri Narayana Rao about 100 years ago. In the play, the writer explains how people neglect their families by falling prey to certain social evils. It was aimed to create awareness on the Devadasi system and how the flesh trade was ruining many families at that particular period. Subbisetty, Chintamani, Bilvamangaludu, Bhavani Shankaram, and Srihari are some of the characters in the play. The play is named after the main character, Chintamani, a woman born into a family involved in the flesh trade. The play focuses on how she attained salvation after repentance. Subbi Shetty, a character in the play, loses his wealth to Chintamani and his character is utilised in a way that engages the audience. Chintamani play is popular across the state. It has been performed at thousands of places. The play continues to engage the audience even today and has become a must stage play in villages during Dasara celebrations. The Andhra Pradesh government has brought the curtains down on the popular Telugu play ‘Chintamani Padya Natakam’, . Began as a social sermon, this play has been increasingly vulgar. Subbi Shetty, who resembles a person of a transgender community, is used to portray the social group in a bad way. Obscene dialogues are added to the play in the name of creativity. Read Also Tala Maddale
Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference has developed into the most important independent venue for international security policy decision-makers to exchange ideas during the last four decades. Every year, it brings together over 350 top officials from over 70 countries to engage in a discussion on various security concerns. Heads of state, international organizations, and governments as well as members of parliament, ministers, high-ranking military representatives, civil society, science, the media, and business are among those expected to attend this conference. The conference takes place every year in February in the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany. The conference arose from Ewald-Heinrich von Kleist-Internationale Schmenzin’s Wehrkundebegegnung / Münchner Wehrkundetagung, which he created in 1963. The Stauffenberg circle of resistance fighters advocated for the prevention of future military confrontations such as the Second World War and gathered together leaders and professionals in security policy to do so. Henry Kissinger and Helmut Schmidt were among the 60 people who attended the inaugural meeting. Von Kleist headed the meetings until 1997 when he was succeeded by politician and business manager Horst Teltschik, who led them from 1999 to 2008. Wolfgang Ischinger, a veteran diplomat, has led the conference since 2009. This conference has been cancelled twice, once in 1991 because of the First Gulf War and again in 1997 due to Kleist-Schmenzin’s retirement. The Security Conference started in the year 1999 under Teltschik’s leadership for military, political, and business leaders from Eastern and Central, as well as India, the People’s Republic of China and Japan. Senior politicians, diplomats, military and security experts from NATO and the European Union, as well as other countries such as India, China, Japan, Iran and Russia, are invited to discuss current issues in defence and security policies at this conference, which is themed peace through dialogue. The conference’s goal is to address current major security concerns and evaluate major security difficulties, all while sticking to the concept of networked security. The discussions of ideas on the future of transatlantic relations, as well as European and global security in the twenty-first century, are a focal feature of the conference. Since the conference is privately organised, it is not a government-sponsored event. It is just used for debate; there is no authorization for binding intergovernmental decisions. The high-level meeting is also used for private conversations among the attendees.
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice GS 3 -Test 20
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice GS 3 -Test 20 Check All Mains Questions 1. Improving the quality of workforce and social security measures are important components of inclusive growth in the country. In light of this statement, explain the measures taken by the government in this regard. (150 Words) (10 Marks) 2. Openness to trade and private enterprise usually has positive effects on growth. However, it can also promote inequality and lack of inclusiveness. Examine. (150 Words) (10 Marks) 3. Labour reforms will support the formalisation of India’s labour market and improve its flexibility, with positive efficiency gains. Discuss. (150 Words) (10 Marks) 4. Food processing industry holds potential not just for increasing farmer’s income but also for ensuring sustainability and nutritional security. Examine. (10 Marks) (150 Words) 5. Do you think Zero Budget Natural Farming is the panacea for the problems faced by marginal and small farmers in the country? Justify. (10 Marks) (150 Words) 6. Strategic disinvestment in India has been guided by the basic economic principle that the government should not be in the business to engage itself in manufacturing/producing goods and services in sectors where competitive markets have come of age. In light of this statement, critically examine the relevance of the shift in the disinvestment policy of the government. (250 Words) (15 Marks) 7. Explain how increasing protectionism and formation of regional trading blocs impact India’s international trade? How do you think India can harness the economic opportunities created by increasing conflicts between large economies? (250 Words) (15 Marks) 8. Examine the role of investments in promoting economic growth and employment in the country. How far have the recent measures taken by the government helped in boosting investments in the country? (250 Words) (15 Marks) 9. Ensuring better returns for the farm produce has been the goal of successive governments since independence. In light of this statement, explain the importance of agricultural marketing and the measures taken by the government to improve agricultural marketing in India. (15 Marks) (250 Words) 10. Public distribution system evolved as a system of management of scarcity through the distribution of food grains at affordable prices. Do you think the Public Distribution System was able to meet its objectives? Suggest measures for improving the system. (15 Marks) (250 Words) Answers 1. Improving the quality of workforce and social security measures are important components of inclusive growth in the country. In light of this statement, explain the measures taken by the government in this regard. (150 Words) (10 Marks) APPROACH:●Brief introduction about inclusive growth●Mention how inclusive growth and social security measures help to build inclusive growth in India.●List out measures taken by the government to ensure it. ANSWER: Inclusive growth is a concept that ensures equitable opportunities for economic participants during economic growth with benefits incurred by every section of society. Improved quality of workforce and social security measures are sine qua non for the inclusive growth in India due to: ●Demographic Dividend: India is the youngest country in the world with 64 percent of its population in the working age.●Work in Informal Sector: More than 8 in every 10 Indian workers are informally employed or work in informal sectors, excluded from employment rights, benefits and social protection.●Low productivity works: Employment growth remains concentrated in low-productivity sectors like the construction sector.●New technology tapping: NITI Aayog aims to leverage artificial intelligence for high productivity-high end jobs for economic growth, social development and inclusive growth.●Skill development: Sustained investments in skills development and fostering opportunities for decent job creation through entrepreneurship. Currently only 5% workers are formally skilled in India leading to inequitable growth.●Poverty Alleviation: Social security measures will be helpful to the 90% total labour force in the informal sector and help to raise the current 22% population lying below the poverty line. Measures to improve quality of workforce and social security: ●Productivity and skill development:○Promote entrepreneurship amongst women through Mahila e-Haat, Stand Up India etc.○Self-Employment and Talent Utilization, Skill India Mission, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana for skill enhancement.○Promoting innovations through increased R&D expenditure.●Technological Upgradation and Human Capital Development:○Occupational mobility of workers from the agriculture sector to non farm jobs.○Improved vocational education through SANKALP, STRIVE schemes.○Labour Market Information System for identifying skill shortages, training needs and employment created○National Strategy for AI to tap the benefits of new technologies.●Legislative reforms:○Simplify and modify labour laws applicable to the formal sector to introduce an optimum combination of flexibility and security. Eg: Industrial Relations Code 2020, Social Security Code 2020 etc.○The National Policy for Domestic Workers needs to be brought in at the earliest to recognize their rights and promote better working conditions○Adherence to Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 to increase Female Labour Force Participation Rate.○Expand the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to cover all jobs. Economic Survey 2020 envisions India to become a $5 trillion dollar economy by 2025. It should be on the basis of inclusive sustainable development. 2. Openness to trade and private enterprise usually has positive effects on growth. However, it can also promote inequality and lack of inclusiveness. Examine. (150 Words) (10 Marks) APPROACH:●List out the positive effects of growth through openness to trade and private enterprise.●Examine how it perpetuates income inequality and inclusiveness issues.●Conclude with measures to address the issue. ANSWER: After the advent of New economic policy in 1991, India has transformed into an open economy with overall trade as a percentage of GDP around 40%. Positive effects of openness to trade and privatisation:●Export Potential: The International Trade Center estimates India’s untapped export potential at around USD 201.4bn.●Employment Generation: India can generate adequate well paid jobs for 13 million new workers added every year.●Wealth Generation: Economic Survey 2020 mentions that the privatisation of firms can help to create wealth generation.●Spillover effects: Privatisation can help to create efficiency gains, increased profitability, improved return on assets and service to customers. Issues with openness to trade and privatisation:●Domestic Concerns: The indigenous manufacturers, farmers etc. will lose their profit margins due to high trade liberalisation. Eg: Dairy farmers protest during RCEP negotiations, Electronic
India- West Asia Relations
India- West Asia Relations West Asia is a part of India’s extended neighbourhood. India has enjoyed exceptionally close historic and civilizational ties with West Asia. Centuries old bilateral trade had benefited both sides greatly as it enhanced their knowledge and understanding of each other. The Arabs acted as a conduit to the West taking Indian knowledge like numerals and traded Spices, foodstuffs jewellery, textiles and muslin and other goods flowed from India toward the Arab region, while pearls and dates were exported from the Gulf region. India-West Asia Relations – Background For decades, India was a passive player in West Asia – a beneficiary of good relationships with multiple actors. During the Cold War years, India maintained close economic cooperation with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, the rival poles in regional geopolitics. In the post-Soviet world, the bi-directional approach has been expanded to a tri-directional foreign policy to accommodate the three key pillars of West Asia – Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Israel. India adopted Look West policy in 2005. India has huge stakes involved in the region such as energy, trade, and safety of Indian community in the region. Significance of West Asia Energy security – 70% of India’s imported energy needs come from West Asia. Gateway to Central Asia – West Asia is also gate way to land locked and energy rich central Asia. Trade & Investment – The economic ties between India and the GCC countries are moving at a faster pace increasing the mutual interdependence UAE and Saudi Arabia are India’s third and fourth-largest trading partners respectively. Economic Growth – India is the largest recipient of foreign remittances from West Asia, which plays a significant role in India’s growth. Indian Diaspora – Six West Asian countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain) accounted for nearly 70% of all Indians who live abroad. Culture & Religion – India hosts the 3rd largest Muslim population in the world, which views Saudi Arabia as its important pilgrimage. Regional Connectivity – India has invested in Iran’s Chabahar port which is expected to a bridge of trade between India, Iran, and Central Asia along with Afghanistan. Defence – India has a strong defence and security partnership with Israel which is useful for its security and military modernization drive. Regional Stability – close cooperation is essential with west Asian nations to counter radicalization and rising terrorism in the region. Maritime Diplomacy – West Asia is an integral part of India’s Indo-Pacific maritime domain. Naval cooperation has already been gaining momentum with Oman giving berthing rights to Indian naval vessels to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Drawbacks in India-West Asia Relations Political constraints – India’s narrow bureaucratic approach towards the Gulf was incapable of a political engagement with the region’s interests. For example, India viewed gulf countries through the prism of Pakistan. Low Investments – Despite India’s growing stature in the Gulf, it has not been able to attract substantial Arab investment. FDI from the GCC countries between 2000 and 2014 has remained stagnant at $3.2 billion. There is a wide gap between the investments that the Gulf is ready to offer and India’s ability to absorb needs. In 2015, Abu Dhabi committed to invest $75 billion in India. Still, India is a long distance away from facilitating that scale of investments. China factor – China has made rapid inroads in the Gulf by having acquired equity stakes in the region’s upstream oil and gas sector and having successfully penetrated Arab markets. China is continuously making in road to west Asia through OBOR initiative. India’s incapacity to manage its own periphery, South Asia, has made Gulf Arabs more inclined to seek China as a better security partner, rather than India. Pakistan factor – India’s “trust deficit” with Pakistan has incapacitated India from advancing its commercial interests in West Asia, including the bringing to fruition of the Iran-India-Pakistan (IPI) and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline projects. Arab slowdown & Nationalization – the decline of oil and gas prices, along with the rising cost of “war conditions” has led to the slowing of Arab Gulf economies, resulting in salary cuts, layoffs, contracting employment opportunities, and nationalization of workforces at the cost of Indian expatriate community. Domestic Challenges within West Asia Political instability – The security situation in West Asia has been continuously deteriorating ever since the onset of the Arab Spring in December 2010. E.g., Syria, Yemen, and Iraq crises. The GCC-Iran rivalry, Shia-Sunni conflict, external intervention in the region, the fear of rise of religious radicalism etc. have further contributed to instability in West Asia. Involvement of global and regional powers – The involvement of extra-regional players such as the USA and Russia in the internal conflicts in West Asia has further aggravated the situation. Terrorism – Terrorism has emerged as the biggest security threat to the region. The rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is the most disturbing trend. Regional Conflicts – such as the Arab-Israel conflict, Israel-Palestine conflict and the Saudi-Iran rivalry create destabilizing effect in West Asia. US Sanctions on Iran: US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal and has threatened to impose economic sanctions on Iran. This may weaken the dialogue mechanisms, embolden conservatives, and may threaten regional stability even more. India also has significant oil trade with Iran and stakes in connectivity through Chabahar port and other projects. West Asia is one of the most volatile and sensitive regions in the world marked by historical injustices, intra-regional rivalries and competition for religious supremacy and loyalties. India treads its path very carefully and without prejudice. This has earned India the trust of almost all countries in the region and they look at India as an honest partner and friend. No Longer Exclusive Petro-States – The Gulf states have embarked on massive economic diversification and are investing in a variety of new projects including renewable energy, higher education, technological innovation, smart cities, and space commerce. Khaleeji Capitalism or Gulf Capitalism – Gulf has become the source of capital that has been built on the massive accumulation of oil revenues over the last few decades. For example, sovereign wealth funds in the Gulf dominate several regional sectors from banking and finance to infrastructure and logistics etc. Moving Towards Modernisation – Gulf countries, in the present times, seek to reduce the heavy
India European Union (EU) Relation
India European Union (EU) Relation The relationship between India and the European Union (EU) are based on shared values and principles such as democracy, rule of law, rules based international order and multilateralism. The ties are multifaceted and cover a broad spectrum of topics including trade, investment, climate change, science and technology, artificial intelligence, connectivity, agriculture and marine. India-EU Relations – Background India-EU bilateral relations date back to the early 1960s with India being amongst the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community in 1962 The Joint Political Statement signed in 1993 coupled with a Cooperation Agreement signed in 1994 opened the way for strengthening the bilateral ties A multi-tiered institutional architecture of cooperation has since been created, presided over by the India-EU Summit since 2000. The relationship was upgraded to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ in 2004. They adopted a Joint Action Plan in 2005 that provided for strengthening dialogue and consultation mechanisms in the political and economic spheres, enhancing trade and investment, and bringing peoples and cultures together. Areas of Cooperation EU and India remain close partners in the G20 and have developed a regular macroeconomic dialogue to exchange experience on economic policies and structural reforms. Trade & Investment – EU is India’s 3rd largest trading partner in 2020, next only to China and US. EU is India’s largest source of FDI. India and EU have also established an Investment Facilitation Mechanism (IFM) in 2017 under which Invest India has created a single window entry point for EU companies. Development Cooperation – Over €150 million worth of projects by EU are currently ongoing in India.. European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing loans for Lucknow, Bangalore, and Pune Metro Projects. India-EU Partnership for Smart and Sustainable Urbanization will support the Indian ‘Smart cities’ and ‘AMRUT’ initiatives to boost joint research and innovation. Defence & Security – EU and India have instituted several mechanisms for greater cooperation on pressing security challenges like counterterrorism, maritime security, and nuclear non-proliferation. Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region in New Delhi (IFC-IOR) has recently been linked up with the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) established by the EU Naval Force (NAVFOR). ICT Cooperation – EU and India aims to link the ‘Digital Single Market’ with the ‘Digital India’ programme. A new “Start-up Europe India Network” initiative was launched in 2016. An EU-India Cyber Security Dialogue has been set up that focusses on exchange of best practice on addressing cybercrime and strengthening cyber security and resilience. Environment & Water – EU and India also underline their highest political commitment to the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC despite US withdrawing from the same . India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership was agreed at the 2016 Summit – to promote access to and disseminate clean energy and climate friendly technologies and encourage R&D. Energy cooperation is now ongoing on a broad range of energy issues, like smart grids, energy efficiency, offshore wind and solar infrastructure, and research and innovation. EU and India also cooperate closely on the Indian Clean Ganga initiative and deal with other water-related challenges in coordinated manner. Science & Research – India-EU Science & Technology Steering Committee meets annually to review scientific cooperation. India and European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) signed a cooperation agreement in the field of fusion energy research in 2009. Both have official mechanisms in fields such as Digital Communications, 5G technology, Biotechnology, artificial intelligence etc. Space Cooperation – ISRO has a long-standing cooperation with the European Union, since 1970s. In 2018, the ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed an agreement on sharing data from the satellites (Copernicus Programme). People to People relations – India and the EU organize Festivals of culture (e.g., Europalia-India festival), exchanges on heritage such as yoga & Ayurveda etc. Over 50,000 Indian students currently studying in various European Universities. Migration and mobility – The EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM) is a fundamental cooperation agreement between India and EU . This agreement aims at a better organized regular migration and the fostering of well-managed mobility After the promising beginnings in 2000s, the EU-India partnership lost its momentum as it largely focused on trade and cultural matters, rather than broad strategic and political issues. Europe’s main focus earlier was on China as its key partner and market in Asia. Challenges in Relations India-EU BTIA – The negotiations for a Broad-based Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) were held between 2007 to 2013 but have remained dormant/suspended since then. India demands for ‘Data secure’ status (important for India’s IT sector) (relate with GDPR), to ease norms on temporary movement of skilled workers, relaxation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS), etc EU demands for significant duty cuts in automobiles, tax reduction on wines, spirits etc, a strong intellectual property regime, relaxation in India’s data localisation norms, etc. Trade imbalance – India accounts for only 1.9% of EU total trade in goods in 2019, well behind China (13.8%). Post Brexit situation – In the longer term of balancing of global powers, a smaller Europe without the key military and economic force UK, can be a weaker Europe in the face of an ambitious China and an increasingly protectionist US. India viewing EU primarily as a trade bloc – this has resulted in a lack of substantive agreements on matters such as regional security and connectivity.. Human Rights concerns of EU – The European Parliament was critical of both the Indian government’s decision to scrap Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019 and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. In the present complex international environment, India and the European Union, both “unions of diversity”, sharing values of democracy, rule of law and human rights, are equally convinced of the necessity to preserve the rules-based international order and effective multilateralism. India and the EU have a common interest in each other’s security, prosperity, and sustainable development. With a stronger cooperation, they can contribute jointly to a safer, cleaner, and more stable world. Need for Strengthening India-EU Relations/Opportunities under changing Geopolitical Developments Chinese Challenge – China’s increasing presence in Eurasia and South Asia is creating similar security, political and economic concerns for Europe and India. Both are driven by the need to diversify its partnerships and balance. Fall of the conventional Liberal Trade
