More rural households now ‘agricultural’: what data says, what this means
Why in News?
Despite high GDP growth, the farm sector’s employment share is rising in India, reversing decades of rural detachment from agriculture.
Introduction
The farm sector’s employment contribution is rising, reversing decades of rural India moving away from agriculture. Despite high GDP growth, recent data shows increasing reliance on agriculture, questioning the rural economy’s structure and dynamics.
Survey Insights (2021-22 All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey)
Rising Dependence on Agriculture
- 57% of rural households were classified as “agricultural” in 2021-22, a significant increase from 48% in 2016-17.
- Agricultural households, on average, earned a higher monthly income (₹13,661) compared to non-agricultural rural households (₹11,438).
Agricultural Income Contribution
Income from farming activities has grown across all land size categories.
- For agricultural households with more than 2 hectares of land, the share of income from farming rose from 58.2% in 2016-17 to 71.4% in 2021-22.
Post-Covid Impact
Agriculture-related activities were exempted from lockdowns during the pandemic, potentially leading to an increased share of agricultural income as non-agricultural sectors faced more disruption.
Reversal in Labor Force Trends
Agriculture’s share in employment, which had been declining for decades, began rising again post-pandemic, from 42.5% in 2018-19 to 46.5% in 2020-21.
Agriculture and Employment Paradox
Despite India’s economy expanding significantly, dependence on agriculture for employment remains high. While manufacturing and other sectors have failed to absorb surplus labor, rural workers continue to rely on agriculture for livelihood. This paradox highlights the lack of alternative employment opportunities, particularly in manufacturing, which has seen a drop in its share of employment.
States with Highest Agricultural Employment (2023-24)
- Chhattisgarh: 63.8%
- Madhya Pradesh: 61.6%
- Uttar Pradesh: 55.9%
- Bihar: 54.2%
States with Lowest Agricultural Employment (2023-24)
- Goa: 8.1%
- Kerala: 27%
- Punjab: 27.2%
Causes Behind the Shift
- Lack of Manufacturing Jobs: In 2023-24, manufacturing employed 11.4% of India’s workforce, as agricultural labor shifted to low-wage informal sectors like construction, trade, and services.
- Pandemic Impact: Covid-19 disrupted non-agricultural sectors more severely, while agriculture was exempted, causing a temporary shift back to farming as a livelihood.
Conclusion
Agriculture’s resurgence in rural India highlights employment challenges; despite strong GDP growth, limited labor absorption necessitates reforms and enhanced job creation.
What does the new ‘Lady Justice’ statue signify? | Explained
Why in News?
What is the symbolism behind the change? How many cases are pending before courts in India?
Introduction
The unveiling of the new ‘Lady Justice’ statue at the Supreme Court of India marks a significant shift from colonial symbolism to a more inclusive representation of justice. This change reflects India’s tradition, social diversity, and commitment to delivering nuanced justice.
Background
Lady Justice in Roman Mythology: Represents Justitia, the Roman goddess of justice.
Traditional Symbols
| Symbol | Traditional Meaning | Significance of the Change |
|---|---|---|
| Blindfold | Impartiality | Removed, symbolizing that law “sees” everyone and is aware of social diversity. |
| Scales | Balance of justice | Retained, emphasizing impartial weighing of evidence. |
| Sword | Power and authority of law | Replaced by the Constitution, highlighting its supremacy. |
Why the Change?
- Decolonization: The previous ‘Lady Justice’ statue was a colonial relic. The new statue, clothed in a saree, removes the blindfold and replaces the sword with the Constitution, reflecting the decoloniality and supremacy of the Indian Constitution.
- Indian Tradition: The saree symbolizes Indian culture, making the statue more relatable.
- Symbolic Shift: The removal of the blindfold suggests that justice in India is not blind but sensitive to the social, economic, and cultural diversity of the nation.
- Supremacy of the Constitution: Replacing the sword with the Constitution highlights that the highest law of the land is the Constitution, which governs justice.
Urgent Reforms Required in the Judicial System
Pendency of Cases:
India faces a massive backlog of over five crore cases across all courts. The Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea to mandate a three-year timeline for case resolution, stating it was impractical given the current flood of litigation.
Judicial Appointments:
- Memorandum of Procedure: The revised process for appointing judges is still pending for eight years.
- Social Representation: Less than 25% representation from backward classes, SCs, STs, and minorities in the higher judiciary; women make up less than 15%.
Conclusion
The new ‘Lady Justice’ statue embodies India’s aspiration to shed colonial symbols and embrace its Constitution.
Quad partners take part in back-to-back naval war games
Why in News?
‘Exercise Malabar’ concluded on Friday off the coast of Visakhapatnam; ‘Exercise Kakadu’ hosted by the Royal Australian Navy from September 9 to 20.
Context
The Quad countries—India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.—recently participated in back-to-back naval exercises, Exercise Malabar (held off the coast of Visakhapatnam) and Exercise Kakadu (hosted by the Royal Australian Navy). These exercises aim to deepen naval interoperability and address shared maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Exercise Overview
| Exercise | Malabar 2024 | Kakadu 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Visakhapatnam, Bay of Bengal | Northern Australia |
| Dates | October 8-18, 2024 | September 9-20, 2024 |
| Participating Nations | India, Australia, Japan, U.S. | 30 nations, including Quad members |
| Focus Areas | Anti-submarine warfare, interoperability | Maritime security, naval operations |
| Units | Surface, sub-surface, air warfare | Ships from 10 countries, aircraft from 5 countries |
Exercise Malabar 2024
- Objective: Enhance interoperability and mutual understanding to address shared maritime challenges, with an emphasis on anti-submarine warfare and undersea domain awareness due to increasing concerns over China’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
- Phases:
- Harbour Phase: Held in Visakhapatnam.
- Sea Phase: In the Bay of Bengal, including surface weapon firings, air defence, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and maritime interdiction operations.
- Participating Units:
- India: Indian Navy
- Australia: HMAS Stuart, an Anzac-Class Frigate
- Japan: JS Ariake, a Murasame-class destroyer
- U.S.: USS Dewey, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer
Exercise Kakadu 2024
- Objective: Strengthen regional maritime security and promote international partnerships.
- Participating Nations: Around 3,000 personnel from 30 countries, with ships from 10 countries and aircraft from five nations.
- Key Activities: Warfighting and humanitarian operations showcasing new naval technologies and tactics.
Analysis
The Quad’s recent naval exercises underscore its strategic focus on countering rising maritime security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Anti-submarine warfare has emerged as a critical domain due to concerns over the expanding Chinese naval presence. The P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft and MH-60R helicopters demonstrated the Quad’s advanced capabilities in undersea warfare. The exercises serve to strengthen operational synergy among Quad members, enhancing their ability to respond to threats in the region. This focus on interoperability ensures that these nations can collaboratively tackle various challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and regional tensions.
Additional Facts Needed
- China’s Naval Expansion: The increasing forays of China’s naval fleet into the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea are critical to understanding why anti-submarine warfare has become a key focus.
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: Broader analysis of how these exercises fit into each Quad country’s defense and strategic priorities within the Indo-Pacific framework.
- Technological Collaboration: The use of advanced naval technologies, like the P-8I and MH-60R, requires elaboration on how they enhance Quad’s maritime capabilities.
Conclusion
The back-to-back naval exercises involving the Quad nations highlight their commitment to ensuring maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. These exercises not only enhance military cooperation and interoperability but also demonstrate a collective resolve to counter regional challenges posed by geopolitical shifts, particularly China’s expanding influence in maritime domains.
India’s choices in a world becoming bipolar again
Why in News?
India cannot allow itself to be reduced to a pawn in the renewed contest between China and the U.S.
Introduction
The article examines India’s strategic choices in a bipolar world shaped by U.S.-China dynamics. Unlike the Cold War, current economic and diplomatic ties complicate India’s navigation of relationships with both powers while preserving its strategic autonomy.
Comparison of Bipolarity
| Aspect | Cold War (U.S.-USSR) | Present Bipolarity (U.S.-China) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Rivalry | Ideological (Capitalism vs. Communism) | Economic and Strategic (Hegemony, Trade, Technology) |
| Economic Ties | Minimal | Strong (Interconnected economies, trade, investments) |
| Alliances | U.S. and USSR had extensive alliances | China has no formal allies, only strategic partners |
| Global Ideology Spread | U.S. promoted democracy, USSR communism | U.S. tries to promote democracy, China focuses on hegemony |
| Emerging Powers | USSR and U.S. isolated from global economy | China deeply integrated into global supply chains |
India’s Strategic Choices
- Navigating Bipolarity: India must manage its relationship with China, particularly after strained relations post-Galwan (2020). Simultaneously, it has strengthened ties with the U.S. through partnerships like QUAD, aimed at countering China in the Indo-Pacific.
- Strategic Autonomy: India should pursue an independent foreign policy, engaging economically with China where necessary and reinforcing its defense mechanisms along the contested borders.
- Indo-Pacific Realignment: The Indo-Pacific has become a new arena for U.S.-China rivalry. India’s engagement in regional coalitions (QUAD, AUKUS) reflects its strategy to balance Chinese influence while safeguarding national security interests.
- China’s Military and Economic Rise: China has grown to rival the U.S. in military strength (largest navy, advanced technology like 5G) and economic might. This rise has forced the U.S. to adopt a strategy of “competitive coexistence” rather than complete decoupling.
- India’s Role: As a major Indo-Pacific power, India should not become a pawn in the Sino-U.S. rivalry. Instead, it must assert its sovereignty and strategic objectives, especially along the China-India border and in economic partnerships.
Conclusion
India must balance its strengthened U.S. ties with strategic autonomy amid U.S.-China tensions, safeguarding its interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Additional Facts
- QUAD: A security dialogue between India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia aimed at maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
- AUKUS: A trilateral security partnership (Australia, U.K., U.S.) focused on nuclear-powered submarine acquisition and Indo-Pacific security.
- China-U.S. Trade: The U.S. is the largest investor in China, and China is a leading holder of U.S. Treasury Bonds, showcasing deep economic interdependence.
How early humans evolved to eat starch, why that matters
Why in News?
In the 1960s, scientists discovered that some people produced extra amylase in their saliva. But it has only been in the past few years that researchers have been able to zero down on the amylase genes.
Introduction
The ability to digest starch has played a crucial role in human evolution, influencing dietary habits and health. Recent studies have shed light on how early humans adapted their amylase gene production in response to dietary changes, particularly with the advent of agriculture.
Key Terms
- Amylase: An enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch.
- Natural Selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Definitions
- Starch: A complex carbohydrate (polysaccharide) composed of numerous glucose units. It serves as a major energy source in the human diet.
- Polysaccharide: A carbohydrate whose molecules consist of a number of sugar molecules bonded together.
- Monosaccharide: The simplest form of carbohydrate, consisting of a single sugar molecule (e.g., glucose).
Types of Starch
- Amylose: A linear chain of glucose units, comprising about 20-30% of starch. Contributes to the gel-like consistency when cooked.
- Amylopectin: A branched chain structure that makes up about 70-80% of starch. More soluble and gelatinizes easily, contributing to the thickening of foods.
Sources of Starch
| Food Sources | Starch Content |
|---|---|
| Cereals (rice, wheat, corn) | High |
| Tubers (potatoes, yams) | High |
| Legumes (peas, lentils) | Moderate |
| Fruits (bananas) | Low to Moderate |
Health Implications
- Energy Source: Starch is a significant source of energy, providing 4 calories per gram.
- Dietary Fiber: Some starches are resistant to digestion, acting as dietary fiber that aids in gut health.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Rapid digestion of starch can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which is critical for individuals with diabetes.
Historical Context of Amylase Genes
Research indicates that the human lineage has undergone significant genetic adaptations, particularly concerning the production of amylase:
- Early Adaptations: Initial Wave: Occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago, likely linked to the controlled use of fire. Subsequent Wave: Followed the agricultural revolution around 12,000 years ago, as humans began domesticating starch-rich crops.
Research Findings
Studies published in Science and Nature reveal variations in the number of amylase gene copies among individuals. While some possess a single amylase gene, others may have up to 11 copies. In contrast, chimpanzees, our closest relatives, have only one amylase gene.
Evolutionary Implications
- Pre-Agricultural Era: Early humans, primarily hunter-gatherers, did not experience significant evolutionary advantages from amylase gene variation, as their diet was primarily meat-based with limited starch.
- Post-Agricultural Era: The advent of agriculture led to the domestication of crops like wheat, barley, and potatoes, resulting in increased amylase gene prevalence. Individuals with more amylase genes had better survival rates in starch-rich environments.
Modern Implications
Recent research suggests that variations in amylase gene counts may correlate with health issues such as diabetes in modern diets high in starch. Increased amylase production could lead to greater insulin secretion, impacting sugar absorption.
Conclusion
Understanding the evolutionary journey of human amylase production provides insights into dietary adaptations and their implications for modern health. This knowledge can inform future research on starch-related diseases and potential treatments.
As trade gap with UAE, ASEAN widens, India pauses talks with others
Why in News?
The Commerce Ministry is creating a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to establish consistent and streamlined procedures for negotiating future trade agreements.
What is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?
A standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions for performing a routine activity. SOPs should be followed the same way every time to guarantee that the organization remains consistent and in compliance with industry regulations and business standards.
Trade Deficit
The amount by which a country’s imports exceed its exports.
Calculation: Trade Deficit = Total Imports – Total Exports
Types of Trade Deficits
- Goods Deficit: Difference between the value of imported and exported physical goods.
- Services Deficit: Difference between the value of imported and exported services (e.g., tourism, consulting).
Causes of Trade Deficit
- Higher Domestic Demand: Increased consumer demand for foreign goods and services.
- Economic Growth: Rapid economic expansion can lead to increased imports.
- Currency Valuation: A stronger domestic currency can make imports cheaper and exports more expensive.
- Structural Issues: Lack of competitiveness in certain domestic industries.
Implications of Trade Deficit
- Economic Growth: A trade deficit can stimulate economic growth by allowing consumers access to a wider range of goods and services.
- Foreign Debt: Persistent trade deficits may lead to increased borrowing from foreign nations, potentially resulting in a reliance on external financing.
- Impact on Currency: A significant trade deficit may lead to depreciation of the domestic currency, making imports more expensive and exacerbating inflation.
- Employment: Certain sectors may suffer job losses if domestic industries cannot compete with cheaper imported goods.
Current Scenario
India has paused trade talks with countries like Oman and Peru due to concerns over widening trade deficits with major trade partners like the UAE and ASEAN countries. The Ministry of Commerce is developing a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline future trade agreements. The review of trade strategies arises from the recognition that earlier FTAs have benefited partner countries more than India, especially in terms of imports versus exports.
Key Concerns
- Widening Trade Deficit: India’s trade gap with the UAE and ASEAN is growing, primarily due to higher imports compared to exports. For instance, in FY24 (April-September), imports from the UAE surged by 52%, while exports increased by only 11.45%.
- FTA Criticism: India’s FTAs with the UAE and ASEAN have led to rapid import surges, and concerns about rules of origin violations have emerged. The ASEAN agreement, signed in 2010, has not yielded the expected export gains, and the trade deficit with the region has sharply risen.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Future FTAs
The Ministry of Commerce is working on an SOP to improve the consistency and emphasizing “bottom lines” for each party. It aims to standardize processes for launching and concluding trade negotiations, human resource mobilization, and negotiating team structure.
Analysis and Conclusion
India is reassessing trade policies due to a widening deficit, focusing on larger markets like the EU and UK, while exiting RCEP to avoid imbalanced agreements.
On climate finance to developing nations | Explained
Why in News?
Developing countries face greater climate vulnerability; climate finance is defined by UNFCCC; OECD figures are disputed; India requires climate financing.
Context
Climate finance remains a critical aspect of international climate negotiations, with the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan expected to focus heavily on financing mechanisms to support climate action, especially for developing countries. This article discusses the vulnerability of developing nations to climate change, the need for climate finance, and the current status and challenges of international commitments.
Concepts of Climate Finance
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Climate Finance | Local, national, or transnational financing from public, private, or alternative sources to support mitigation and adaptation actions addressing climate change. |
Mitigation
Actions to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.
Adaptation
Adjustments in natural or human systems to minimize the harm caused by climate change impacts.
NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal)
A future target under discussion at COP29 for financing climate action in developing countries post-2025, replacing the earlier $100 billion goal.
Why Are Developing Countries More Vulnerable?
- Geographical and Economic Factors: Many developing countries are more vulnerable due to their geographic location and high dependence on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture.
- Lack of Resources: Limited financial resources, technology, and human capital make it difficult for developing nations to adapt to or recover from climate-induced disasters.
- Emission Contributions: Despite contributing less to historical emissions, developing countries bear a disproportionate burden of climate impacts. Developed countries account for 57% of cumulative global emissions since 1850, as per the IPCC.
Why Climate Finance is Crucial for Developing Nations?
- Energy Access: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 675 million people in developing countries lacked access to electricity in 2021.
- High Capital Costs: Financing renewable energy is more expensive in developing countries. The cost of capital for solar technologies is approximately double that in developed countries.
- Balancing Development and Climate Action: To meet developmental goals and climate commitments, developing nations need significant external financing.
India’s Climate Finance Needs:
India’s ambitious climate targets necessitate large investments across various sectors:
- 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030
- 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen
- Electric vehicle adoption
- Long-term (2020-2070) for net-zero emissions
Issues with Climate Finance Reporting
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports on climate finance have faced criticism due to:
- Inflated Figures: Developing countries and observers like Oxfam argue that reported figures reflect commitments rather than actual disbursements.
- Reclassification: Existing aid is sometimes reclassified as climate finance, without being “new” or “additional.”
- Commercial Loans: A large proportion of climate finance comes in the form of loans (69.4% in 2022), which adds to the financial burden on recipient nations, rather than grants.
The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)
The NCQG, set to replace the $100 billion per year goal post-2025, is likely to:
- Focus on actual disbursements, not just commitments.
- Emphasize new and additional public capital.
- Include private capital mobilized by public funds, but not count organically flowing private investments.
According to an expert group convened by the COP26 and COP27 presidencies, developing countries (excluding China) will require about $1 trillion annually in external finance by 2030.
What do the Atlantic Ocean hurricane forecasts foretell for India?
Why in News?
Climate models forecast cyclones indirectly, based on metrics that indicate cyclonic activity and its potential intensity.
Overview
The 2024 hurricane season was anticipated to be significant due to the expected emergence of a strong La Niña. However, the season evolved without major hurricanes, causing meteorologists to reevaluate the connection between tropical cyclone formation and El Niño/La Niña phenomena. In India, the impacts of such Atlantic hurricane forecasts are indirect but vital for improving cyclone preparedness, forecasting, and climate resilience.
La Niña
La Niña is a climate phenomenon characterised by the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, often leading to significant weather patterns across the globe.
Characteristics
- Opposite of El Niño: La Niña represents a phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, with distinct impacts on weather systems.
- Ocean Temperature: It involves a decrease in sea surface temperatures (SST) in the central Pacific, typically by at least 0.5°C below the long-term average.
- Duration: La Niña events can last from several months to a few years.
Meteorological Impacts
Global Weather Patterns
- Generally leads to wetter conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Can cause drier conditions in parts of South America, particularly along the western coast.
- Influences Atlantic hurricane activity, often leading to increased hurricane frequency.
Indian Subcontinent
- Typically results in a stronger southwest monsoon, enhancing rainfall over India.
- May lead to above-average precipitation in the Indian Ocean region.
Socio-Economic Implications
- Agriculture: Improved monsoon conditions can boost agricultural output in India, particularly for rain-fed crops.
- Disaster Management: Increased rainfall can also raise the risk of flooding and landslides, necessitating effective disaster preparedness and management strategies.
La Niña and Hurricane Forecasts
Expectation vs Reality: A strong La Niña was expected to intensify the 2024 hurricane season, but the forecast underperformed due to uncertainties in weather patterns.
Cyclone Formation Challenges: Due to changing climate dynamics and the unprecedented warming of oceans.
Cyclone Trends and Intensification
- Global Trends: While the total number of cyclones has not increased, the number of strong cyclones has risen due to rapid ocean warming.
- North Indian Ocean: An increasing trend of cyclones in the Arabian Sea, although the region has experienced unusually quiet seasons recently.
- Rapid Intensification: Cyclones are intensifying rapidly due to the warming of upper ocean layers, making them harder to predict and prepare for.
Impact on India
- Vulnerability: India’s geography and socio-economic conditions make it vulnerable to both chronic (sea-level rise, heatwaves) and acute (cyclones, heavy rainfall) stressors.
- Forecasting Improvements: India has improved its cyclone forecasting and disaster management, reducing the loss of lives significantly.
- Mitigation Efforts: India is incorporating climate adaptation and mitigation into its fiscal policies by investing in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and disaster preparedness systems.
- Forecasting Challenges: Despite improved landfall predictions, there’s a gap in assessing cyclone damage, as post-landfall rainfall and winds cause significant property and infrastructure damage.
India’s Strategy
- Disaster Management: India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and its state-level counterparts have improved early warning systems, evacuation plans, and disaster response mechanisms.
- Hyperlocal Risk Maps: India needs to focus on hyperlocal forecasting to better predict cyclone risks and enhance resilience at the community level.
- Regional Cooperation: To mitigate the impacts of cyclones and other climate-induced disasters, India must lead efforts in South Asia to establish a regional weather and climate network for accurate and early warnings.
Facts and Data
Cyclone Trends
| Global | India (North Indian Ocean) |
|---|---|
| Total Cyclone Frequency | Slight increase in Arabian Sea activity |
| Strong Cyclones | Increasing globally |
| Arabian Sea cyclones intensifying |
India’s Climate Stressors
| Chronic | Acute | Examples | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising sea levels, longer heatwaves | Cyclones, extreme rainfall, flash droughts | Long-term infrastructure vulnerability | Immediate loss of lives, damage to crops, homes |
A major new report makes the case for water as a global common good
Why in News?
The Global Commission on Water recommends a global pact for conservation, urging countries like India to address local aquifer conflicts first.
Overview
A recent report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (2022) highlights a looming global water crisis. It calls for treating water as a global common good rather than an endlessly renewable resource. The report urges nations to adopt a global pact for water conservation but emphasizes the need for countries to adapt these recommendations to their specific contexts. For India, addressing internal water disputes, especially over aquifers, is vital before contributing to a global pact.
What Report says
| Aspect | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Water Demand vs Supply | Demand for freshwater will outstrip supply by 40% by 2030. |
| Impact on GDP | Global GDP could reduce by 8% by 2050; poor countries may face a 15% loss. |
| Impact on Food Production | Over half of global food production is at risk due to water mismanagement. |
| Child Mortality | More than 1,000 children die daily from lack of safe water access. |
| Wastewater Recycling | 80% of global industrial wastewater is not recycled. |
Water Crisis in India: A Local Perspective
India is already grappling with inter-state water disputes and groundwater depletion. The NITI Aayog’s 2018 report warned of a dire groundwater situation, but the findings have yet to significantly influence policymaking. For India to contribute to global water conservation efforts, internal challenges must be addressed first.
Some key aspects include
- Agricultural Water Use: Subsidies encourage overuse of water in farming, despite long-standing discussions on improving efficiency.
- Industrial Pollution: Industries contribute to water contamination but rarely face penalties, leading to poor water quality.
- Aquifer Conflicts: States must resolve internal water disputes before addressing transnational water management issues.
Global Governance and the Water Crisis
Despite the interconnected nature of water systems, there is no global governance framework for water. The UN has held only one water conference in 50 years, signaling a lack of global coordination on water issues. The report calls for a global water pact, but for this to be effective, countries need to reconcile the findings with their domestic water management practices.
Way Forward: India’s Priorities
For India to meaningfully contribute to a global pact on water, it must prioritize the following:
- Resolving Domestic Water Disputes: Developing mechanisms to handle interstate water conflicts, especially in aquifer management.
- Improving Water Use Efficiency: Enforcing stricter guidelines on water use in agriculture and industries.
- Groundwater Conservation: Implementing policies from NITI Aayog’s report and promoting sustainable groundwater use.
Essential business priorities in a changing world
Why in News?
In advanced and emerging economies, inclusive growth and development can become a reality if there is a focus on key policy actions that have been identified.
Introduction
The global economy is stabilizing after recent challenges, but geopolitical risks persist. As growth rates fluctuate across G-20 economies, businesses must prioritize key actions to align with global challenges and opportunities. Inclusive growth, food security, digital transformation, and sustainability are paramount as the world pivots toward a more equitable future.
Business Priorities for Inclusive Growth
| Priority Areas | Key Actions | Examples and Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Inclusive Development |
|
India’s Jan Dhan Yojana enabled over 530 million accounts, a model for financial inclusion worldwide. |
| Food Security |
|
Technology and digital tools can address the global food crisis and ensure equitable access to nutritious food. |
| Global Trade |
|
Fair trade policies are crucial for accelerating resilient trade flows amidst rising tariffs. |
| Digital Transformation |
|
Engaging youth and investing in STEM talent can address contemporary global issues. |
| Sustainability |
|
Climate policies must align businesses with net-zero targets, particularly for small and medium enterprises. |
Additional Facts
- Global South Agenda: Focus on South Africa’s leadership in the B-20 process and Africa’s inclusion in the G-20, emphasizing the importance of integrating emerging economies into global value chains.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Highlight the role of small and medium enterprises in the net-zero transition, focusing on biofuels, green hydrogen, and circular economy principles.
Conclusion
For inclusive growth and sustainable development to become realities, businesses in both advanced and emerging economies must align with global challenges.