UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 24th October 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Madarsa Education Act

Source: Live Law

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has postponed its decision regarding appeals that challenge the Allahabad High Court's ruling, which deemed the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, unconstitutional.

What is the UP Madarsa Education Act of 2004?

• The UP Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 was established to create a regulatory framework for madrasas in Uttar Pradesh.
• Aim: The primary goal was to ensure quality education in madrasas while aligning with constitutional values.
• Key Provisions:
  • The Act established the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, responsible for setting curricula, conducting examinations, and certifying students in recognized madrasas.
• State Involvement:
  • The Act permitted government grants, regulated madrasa operations, and mandated inspections to ensure compliance with educational standards.
• Grounds for the Allahabad HC's Declaration of Unconstitutionality:
• Violation of Secularism:
  • The court concluded that the Act undermined the secular principle enshrined in the Indian Constitution by allowing state funding of religious institutions.
• Equality Before Law:
  • The Act was found to violate Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law, as it provided preferential treatment to madrasas, allegedly discriminating against other educational institutions.

Arguments Regarding the Constitutionality of the Madarsa Education Act Before the SC:

• For the Act’s Constitutionality:
  • Promoting Educational Rights: Supporters argued that the Act aimed to enhance educational quality by integrating modern subjects, thus fulfilling the state's responsibility under Article 21A (Right to Education).
  • Minority Rights Protection: Advocates contended that the Act protected the rights of religious and linguistic minorities to manage educational institutions as per Article 30.
• Against the Act’s Constitutionality:
  • State Involvement in Religious Education: Critics claimed that government regulation blurred the lines between state and religion, violating secular principles.
  • Discriminatory Approach: Opponents argued that the Act favored one community's educational institutions, which could lead to discrimination against others.
  • Alternative Educational Models: It was suggested that madrasa education could be provided through existing secular frameworks, making state regulation unnecessary.

Wider Implications of the SC's Decision on the Madarsa Education Act:

• Impact on Minority Educational Rights:
  • Upholding the Act could enhance minority rights to state support for educational institutions, while striking it down may limit state involvement in religious schools.
• Revisiting the Secularism Principle:
  • The ruling might prompt a reassessment of secularism, especially in how the state interacts with minority educational institutions.
• Implications for Other Religious Schools:
  • The decision could affect other religious institutions receiving government aid, potentially resulting in similar legal challenges.
• Integration of Madrasas into Mainstream Education:
  • If ruled unconstitutional, alternatives may need to be developed to integrate madrasa students into the formal education system while respecting their cultural and religious identities.

Way Forward:

• Reform the Act to Align with Secular Principles:
  • Amend the Act to focus on educational standards without direct state interference in religious matters, ensuring adherence to constitutional values.
• Promote Inclusive Educational Models:
  • Integrate madrasa education into the mainstream education system by introducing modern subjects while respecting cultural and religious contexts.

Mains PYQ:

• National Education Policy 2020 aligns with Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030) and aims to restructure India's education system. Critically analyze this statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)

GS3/Science and Technology

Boeing 737’s ‘defective’ Rudder System

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

Certain variants of the Boeing 737, equipped with a rollout guidance actuator, are currently under investigation due to concerns over a potential jammed or restricted rudder control system. In response to this situation, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued directives to Boeing 737 operators in the country.

What is a Rudder?

• The rudder acts as the airplane's steering mechanism.
• Located at the tail, it enables the aircraft to turn left or right, similar to a boat's rudder steering in water.
• It is crucial for executing turns, landing in windy conditions, and maintaining a straight course, especially if one engine fails.

What does a Rudder Rollout Guidance Actuator do?

• This specialized device aids the aircraft in controlling its direction during automated landings using autopilot.
• It is particularly beneficial in adverse weather and poor visibility, ensuring that the plane remains on the correct flight path autonomously.

Why are certain Boeing 737 Planes being checked?

• Some Boeing 737 planes are undergoing inspections due to potential issues with their rudder system, which is vital for steering during landing. 
• The concern arose after a United Airlines flight in February 2024 experienced a situation where the rudder became stuck during landing, requiring increased pilot effort to control the aircraft. 
• Investigations revealed that the rudder rollout guidance actuator might be affected by moisture and corrosion, which could lead to the rudder jamming. 
• This issue may impact a small number of Boeing 737 planes that rely on this system for automatic landings in challenging weather conditions. 

GS3/Environment

Biodiversity COP16

Source:The Guardian

Why in News?

As the Annual Climate Change meeting approaches, scheduled to occur in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 11, nations have convened in Cali, Colombia, for the biennial UN Biodiversity Conference.

What is the significance of COP16 in the context of Global biodiversity?

• COP16 marks the inaugural gathering following the endorsement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022, which established ambitious biodiversity conservation targets, including the initiative to conserve 30% of lands and oceans by 2030.
• The conference aims to elevate biodiversity discussions to a prominent level, akin to climate change negotiations, recognizing the intertwined nature of biodiversity and climate crises.
• COP16 seeks to enhance global commitments to halt biodiversity loss and aims to establish mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the GBF's objectives and targets, underscoring the urgency of reversing ecosystem degradation.

Key Agendas for COP16:

• 30 x 30 Targets: A primary focus will be on accelerating progress toward the 30 x 30 goals, which aim to designate at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas as protected, as well as initiating restoration efforts in at least 30% of degraded ecosystems.
• National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs): Countries will discuss and submit their NBSAPs, detailing time-sensitive actions to achieve the GBF targets. Currently, only 32 out of 196 countries have submitted their NBSAPs.
• Access and Benefit Sharing (Nagoya Protocol): Ongoing negotiations will focus on equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources, especially concerning the utilization of digital genetic information, ensuring fair profit distribution, particularly to indigenous communities.
• High Seas Treaty Alignment: Discussions will address agreements for conserving marine biodiversity beyond national borders, including the establishment of protected marine areas and equitable resource sharing.
• Financing Biodiversity Conservation: A significant topic will be mobilizing $200 billion annually by 2030, with $20-30 billion per year expected to flow from developed to developing nations.

How will countries align their NBSAPs with the Global Biodiversity Framework?

• Time-Bound Action Plans: NBSAPs will adopt a structure similar to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, establishing national goals aligned with the GBF's targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Nations must ensure their NBSAPs reflect the GBF's objectives and incorporate mechanisms for tracking progress, adapting strategies, and regularly reporting to the CBD Secretariat.
• Integrating Regional Priorities: NBSAPs will need to consider specific biodiversity challenges and regional ecological characteristics while aligning with the global targets set under the Kunming-Montreal Framework.

What role do various stakeholders play in achieving the objectives set out at COP16?

• National Governments: Tasked with developing and implementing NBSAPs, mobilizing financial resources, and formulating policies to align with the GBF's goals.
• Indigenous and Local Communities: Crucial for executing conservation initiatives, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions, and ensuring equitable sharing of benefits from traditional knowledge and resources.
• Private Sector and Corporations: Expected to contribute financially to biodiversity conservation, adopt sustainable practices, and support biodiversity credits and conservation projects.
• International Organizations and NGOs: Play a role in monitoring progress, offering technical support, advocating for biodiversity-friendly policies, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
• Scientific and Academic Institutions: Essential for conducting research, gathering data, and providing evidence-based recommendations to guide biodiversity conservation strategies and sustainable use of natural resources.

Way forward:

India must enhance its regulatory frameworks and develop robust monitoring systems to ensure effective implementation of biodiversity conservation objectives, including achieving the 30 x 30 targets and preventing ecosystem exploitation.

Previous Years Question:

Q). Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?
Q). Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first proposed in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

GS3/Environment

Lahore: The World’s most Polluted City

Source: Business Standard

Why in News?

Lahore has been identified as the world’s most polluted city, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 394, which is categorized as hazardous according to global standards. In comparison, Delhi ranks second with an AQI of 204, deemed "very unhealthy." Lahore’s AQI significantly exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline by over 55.6 times.

Primary Causes of Lahore’s Severe Air Pollution:

• Stubble Burning: Farmers in both Punjab, India, and Pakistan burn crop residues, particularly after the rice harvest in winter, to prepare for wheat cultivation.
• Vehicular Emissions: The increasing number of vehicles in Lahore, coupled with the use of low-quality fuel, results in elevated levels of PM2.5 emissions, a key factor in air pollution.
• Industrial Pollution: Factories and brick kilns surrounding Lahore release harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, exacerbating the city's already poor air quality.
• Geography and Weather Conditions: Lahore’s geographical positioning in a low-lying area and its surrounding hills create conditions for temperature inversion in winter, trapping pollutants and preventing their dispersion.
• Coal-Fired Power Plants: Large power facilities, such as the 1320MW Sahiwal coal-fired power plant in Punjab, part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emit sulfur and other pollutants, contributing significantly to smog and air pollution.

Who Ranks the Most Polluted Cities of the World and How?

• The Swiss air quality monitoring firm ranks cities based on real-time air quality data, focusing on PM2.5 particle concentration, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose serious health risks. Cities are ranked according to the AQI scale (0-500), with levels above 300 indicating hazardous pollution. IQAir utilizes data from government monitoring stations and low-cost sensors across different areas for real-time updates on air quality. This data is compared against WHO standards, which recommend PM2.5 levels below 5 micrograms per cubic meter for healthy air quality.

PYQ:

[2021] Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards?

GS3/Environment

Lake Erie

Source: Live Science

Why in News?

Research has shown that toxins from these bacteria called microcystin can make animals and people sick when they come into contact with infected water of Lake Erie.

About Lake Erie:

• Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the five Great Lakes in North America.
• The lake serves as a natural boundary between Canada (Ontario) to the north and the United States to the west, south, and east.
• Its main tributary rivers include the Detroit River (which carries water from Lake Huron), Huron River, and Raisin River from Michigan.
• At its eastern end, Lake Erie drains into the Niagara River.
• This lake plays a crucial role in the Lawrence Seaway, which is significant for navigation and trade.

What is Microcystin?

• Microcystin is a type of toxin produced by single-celled freshwater cyanobacteria that form colonies enveloped in mucilage.
• The genus Microcystis includes several species known for creating extensive blooms that release toxins.
• Microcystin is recognized as a potent liver toxin and a potential carcinogen for humans.
• This toxin disrupts essential cellular functions by inhibiting protein phosphatase-1 and protein phosphatase-2A, leading to the breakdown of the cytoskeleton and resulting in cell death.

GS3/Environment

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

The Karnataka Forest Department has been requested to decline the proposal for the Barachukki mini-hydel project, which requires the diversion of forest land within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary:

• The sanctuary is a designated protected area situated across the Mandya, Chamarajanagar, and Ramanagar districts.
• Established in 1987, it plays a critical role in conservation efforts.
• The Cauvery River flows through the sanctuary, adding to its ecological significance.
• Covering an area of 1027.535 square kilometers, it represents a diverse ecosystem.
• To the east and northeast, the sanctuary shares its borders with the state of Tamil Nadu.

Vegetation:

• The majority of the forests in the sanctuary are classified as South Indian dry deciduous type.

Flora:

• The dense forests predominantly feature teak and sandalwood trees, known for their valuable timber.

Fauna:

• The sanctuary is home to several mammal species including:
  • Elephants
  • Wild boars
  • Leopards
  • Dholes (wild dogs)
  • Spotted deer
  • Barking deer
  • Four-horned antelope
  • Chevrotain (mouse deer)
  • Common langur
  • Grizzled giant squirrel
• The river Cauvery also supports various reptilian species including:
  • Mugger crocodiles
  • Indian mud turtles
  • Different species of snakes
• Additionally, this sanctuary is one of the rare habitats for the mahseer fish, a significant species in freshwater ecosystems.

GS3/Environment

Spraying diamond dust to cool Earth

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

The recent study in Geophysical Research Letters explores geo-engineering, specifically solar radiation management, to mitigate global warming. It suggests spraying millions of tonnes of diamond dust into Earth's upper atmosphere to reflect solar radiation away from the planet, potentially cooling it.

• Geo-engineering
• Use of diamonds to cool down the Earth

What is geo-engineering?

Geo-engineering refers to large-scale interventions in the Earth's climate system aimed at combating the adverse effects of global warming. It encompasses two primary strategies: Solar Radiation Management (SRM) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR).

Need for geo-engineering

• Current efforts to mitigate global warming have proven inadequate, as global temperatures persistently rise and greenhouse gas emissions remain high.
• As of now, global temperatures are approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels, with projections for 2023 indicating a 1.45°C increase.
• The goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C, as outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, appears increasingly unattainable.
• Theoretical models suggest that achieving the 1.5°C target would require a minimum 43% reduction in global emissions from 2019 levels by 2030.
• However, current and anticipated actions are expected to yield only a 2% reduction by that deadline.

Main approaches of geo-engineering

• SRM strategies focus on reflecting incoming solar rays to lower Earth's temperature.
• These strategies may involve launching reflective materials into space to block solar radiation from reaching the planet's surface.

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Technologies

• CDR aims to eliminate excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through various technologies:
• Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS): This technology captures CO₂ emissions at the source and stores it underground.
• Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS): This involves reusing captured carbon for industrial processes while storing the remainder.
• Direct Air Capture (DAC): This method extracts carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere using large-scale "artificial trees." The captured CO₂ can either be stored or utilized, potentially addressing accumulated emissions over time.

Current State of Geoengineering Efforts

• Among the geoengineering methods, CCS is the only one currently in practical use, capturing emissions from industrial sources for underground storage.
• Experimental projects are underway to explore DAC and other advanced technologies, but widespread implementation is hindered by their complexity and high costs.

Challenges of Implementing Solar Radiation Management (SRM)

• While theoretically feasible, SRM faces considerable technological and financial hurdles.
• Large-scale manipulation of natural processes carries risks, including unpredictable impacts on both global and regional weather patterns.
• Ethical concerns arise, as altering sunlight could adversely affect agriculture, ecosystems, and biodiversity, potentially harming various species.

Limitations of Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)

• Although CCS is technically viable in certain contexts, studies indicate that relying heavily on CCS to meet climate goals is impractical.
• Overemphasis on CCS instead of renewable energy could escalate global costs by at least $30 trillion by 2050.
• Furthermore, there may not be an adequate number of suitable underground sites for safely storing large volumes of carbon dioxide.

Conclusion: The Inevitable Role of CCS and CDR Technologies

• Despite their limitations, CCS and CDR are essential components in any strategy aimed at combating climate change.
• Reaching the 1.5°C or 2°C targets is considered unfeasible without integrating these technologies, given the current levels of global warming.

GS2/Governance

SC upholds State legislatures’ right to regulate Industrial Alcohol as an ‘Intoxicant’

Source: Business Standard

Why in news?

A nine-judge Constitution Bench, with an 8:1 majority, affirmed the authority of State legislatures to regulate industrial alcohol. This ruling is significant as it establishes a broader interpretation of what constitutes "intoxicating liquor," extending beyond just consumable alcoholic beverages to include various forms of industrial alcohol.

Definition of Intoxicating Liquor:

• The Supreme Court clarified that "intoxicating liquor" in Entry 8 of the State List includes not only potable alcohol but also industrial alcohols such as rectified spirit, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), and denatured spirit.
• This interpretation broadens the traditional understanding of intoxicating liquor to encompass substances that can be abused.

Public Health Consideration:

• The ruling highlights that all forms of alcohol are harmful and can be misused, necessitating regulation to protect public health.
• Industrial alcohol can be misused for the production of illegal or harmful alcoholic beverages, thus requiring state oversight.

Legal Precedent:

• The Court referred to past judgements where "intoxicating liquor" was interpreted to include forms of alcohol that may pose health risks if misused.

Impact on Federal Balance:

• Strengthening State Autonomy:
  • The ruling reinforces the legislative power of States to regulate industrial alcohol, enhancing federalism and state autonomy.
  • This decision challenges the Centre's claim over industrial alcohol, which is listed under Entry 52 of the Union List.
• Restriction on Centre’s Authority:
  • The judgement delineates the limits of the Union government's authority, clarifying that Parliament's control under Entry 52 does not extend to total regulation of industrial alcohol.
• State Revenues and Public Health:
  • The ruling may enhance States' authority to impose taxes and fees on the production and sale of industrial alcohol, potentially increasing revenue from excise duties.
  • Greater regulatory control will enable States to combat the misuse of industrial alcohol and improve public health by reducing incidents of alcohol-related harm.
  • States may need to develop stronger policies to prevent the diversion of industrial alcohol for illicit purposes.

Way Forward:

• States should bolster regulatory frameworks to monitor and prevent the misuse of industrial alcohol, ensuring compliance with health standards.
• Collaboration between the Centre and States is essential to harmonize regulations, balancing state autonomy with national interests to safeguard public health.

Previous Year Question:

• A case study from UPSC CSE 2018 highlights the challenges of addressing illicit distillation in districts under prohibition, where socio-economic issues exacerbate the problem. The approach has been limited to law enforcement, which has not effectively curbed illicit activities. A new strategy focusing on comprehensive community development is needed to address underlying issues.

GS2/Governance

PM-YASASVI Scheme

Source: PIB

Why in news?

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).

About PM-YASASVI Scheme:

• The PM-YASASVI Scheme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities for students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT).
• This scheme consolidates and enhances multiple previous initiatives, including:
  • Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for EBCs.
  • Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for DNTs.
• These prior schemes were integrated into the PM-YASASVI program starting from the academic year 2021-22.
• The goal is to provide a more effective way to support the educational needs of socially and economically disadvantaged students.

Objective:

• The primary aim of the PM-YASASVI Scheme is to enhance educational empowerment among vulnerable groups.
• It seeks to help these students overcome financial challenges and successfully complete their education.
• Students can benefit from:
  • Pre-Matric Scholarships for students in grades 9 and 10.
  • Post-Matric Scholarships for higher studies after completing secondary school.

Eligibility:

• The Pre-Matric Scholarship is available for students in classes IX and X.
• Eligible students must be enrolled in government schools.
• Family income should be below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum.

Implementing Agency:

• The scheme is administered by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

GS3/Economy

Bihar gets its first Dry Port in Bihta

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

Bihar has inaugurated the state’s first dry port in Bihta, a town near Patna, to facilitate the export of goods produced in Bihar. The initial export consignment from the Bihta ICD was leather shoes sent to Russia.

What is a Dry Port?

• A dry port, also known as an inland container depot (ICD), is a logistics facility situated away from a seaport or airport.
• It provides essential services for cargo handling, storage, and transportation of goods, thereby simplifying the management of export and import processes.
• The first dry port in India opened in Varanasi in 2018.
• This facility serves as a crucial link between inland areas and international shipping routes via major gateway ports.

About Bihta ICD

• Bihta dry port is strategically located near Patna, the capital of Bihar.
• It operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• The port is fully commissioned and approved by the Department of Revenue under the Union Ministry of Finance.
• Management is handled by Pristine Magadh Infrastructure Private Limited in collaboration with the Bihar state industry department.
• It boasts excellent connectivity by rail, linking Bihar to various major ports across India, including:
  • Kolkata, West Bengal
  • Haldia, West Bengal
  • Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
  • Nhava Sheva, Maharashtra
  • Mundra, Gujarat
• This connectivity enhances the transportation of goods to and from eastern India, benefiting not only Bihar but also neighboring states such as Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.

How it can help the state?

• Boosts Exports: The dry port will enhance the export capabilities of Bihar’s key products, such as fruits, vegetables, garments, leather goods, and maize, through improved cargo handling and transportation.
• Reduces Costs: By managing customs processes locally and consolidating shipments, the dry port aims to lower transportation expenses for businesses in Bihar.
• Encourages Investment: The establishment of this infrastructure, in conjunction with the growth of the leather and garment industries in the state, is expected to attract more investors and foster economic development.
• Improves Connectivity: The dry port links to major railway networks that connect Bihar to significant seaports, thus enhancing logistical efficiency for export activities.
• Supports Neighboring States: The benefits of the dry port extend to nearby states like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, promoting regional trade in eastern India.

GS3/Economy

World Economic Outlook (WEO)

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

Global growth is projected to remain steady but modest, at 3.2% for both 2024 and 2025, according to the latest report from the IMF's World Economic Outlook (WEO).

About World Economic Outlook (WEO):

• It is a detailed report released biannually by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• Typically published in April and October, with updates in July and January.
• Includes IMF's estimates and forecasts related to global output growth and inflation.
• Covers real gross domestic product (GDP) growth, consumer prices, current account balances, and unemployment across the IMF’s 190 member countries, categorized by region and development status.
• Features several chapters focusing on urgent economic issues.
• Data is gathered through consultations with representatives from member countries and is included in the WEO database.

Highlights of the recent report:

• The global growth forecast stands at 2% for both 2024 and 2025.
• For India, the IMF has kept its GDP growth forecast at 7% for 2024, reducing to 5% for the following year.
• The decline in growth is attributed to the depletion of "pent-up demand" that built up during the pandemic.
• The United States, being the largest global economy, is expected to grow at 2.8% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025.
• China's economy is forecasted to grow at 4.8% in 2024 and 4.5% in 2025.
• The IMF's overall forecast for emerging and developing economies is stable, projected at around 4.2% and stabilizing at 3.9% by 2029.

GS2/International Relations

India – China Bilateral Relationship

Source: AIR

Why in news?

On October 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first formal talks in five years on the side-lines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. This meeting signals an important step toward recovery in India-China relations, which were severely damaged by the 2020 military clash in Ladakh. Both leaders emphasized the need for maturity, mutual respect, and efforts to ensure peace and stability in their ties. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of not allowing border-related differences to disturb peace and tranquility at the borders, while both sides welcomed the recent border agreements that resulted from sustained dialogues over the past few weeks. Modi and Xi stressed that a stable bilateral relationship between India and China would have a positive impact on regional and global peace. Diplomatic efforts have gained momentum in recent months, with talks focused on easing the border tensions. The discussions may also pave the way for potential Chinese investments in India, as India had made improving business ties contingent on resolving the border stand-off.

Historical Background:

• The relationship between India and China has a history spanning over two thousand years, characterized by rich cultural and economic exchanges, particularly via the Silk Road.
• Modern diplomatic relations began post-independence, with India being one of the first non-communist nations to acknowledge the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1950.
• However, the relationship faced a major setback following the Sino-Indian War of 1962, which resulted in a protracted border dispute, especially concerning Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Despite numerous negotiations, the border issue remains unresolved, continuing to overshadow bilateral ties.

Economic & Commercial Ties:

• Despite political differences, economic cooperation between India and China has expanded significantly.
• As of 2023, China is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $135.98 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23.
• India's imports from China primarily consist of electronics, machinery, and chemicals, contributing to a substantial trade deficit of $83.2 billion.
• Conversely, India's exports to China, including iron ore and cotton, are much lower, raising concerns about dependency on Chinese goods.
• In response, India has initiated measures to reduce this trade deficit and bolster domestic manufacturing through initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Strategic Cooperation:

• Despite existing tensions, India and China have collaborated on various international platforms.
• Both nations are members of organizations such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which signifies shared interests in global governance.
• India and China are also key players in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), although India has opted not to join due to concerns regarding Chinese trade dominance.
• Collaboration on climate change is another area where both countries advocate for developed nations to take more action while promoting the rights of developing countries.

Challenges in Relationship:

Despite robust economic and multilateral cooperation, the India-China relationship faces several significant challenges.

• Border Disputes: The primary challenge continues to be the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which saw escalated tensions in 2020 due to the Galwan Valley clash, resulting in casualties on both sides.
• Multiple military and diplomatic discussions have taken place, yet the situation remains precarious, with ongoing troop stand-offs along parts of the LAC.
• China-Pakistan Nexus: China's strong strategic and economic partnership with Pakistan, especially through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), presents a major point of contention for India.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): India has expressed concerns regarding China's BRI, viewing it as a threat to its sovereignty, particularly due to CPEC's route through disputed territories.
• The growing trade imbalance continues to be a significant issue for India, along with worries over China's trade practices and their effects on India's domestic industries.