- JOBS INFLATION KEY ISSUES IN LS POLLS, FINDS SURVEY
- The CSDS-Lokniti pre-poll survey ahead of the 2024 general elections reveals key issues that concern citizens, along with the steps taken or perceptions regarding governmental actions to address these concerns:
- Unemployment and Price Rise – A major concerns for nearly half the electorate Over 60% of respondents across different demographics feel that securing jobs has become more difficult
- 71% stated that prices have risen (cost of living)
- Economic Distress The survey indicates a perception of economic distress among voters, regardless of the macroeconomic indicators presented by the government
- There’s a noted class divide The poor and lower middle classes are more adversely affected by economic challenges compared to those more economically well-off
- Government’s Role in Employment A significant portion of respondents believe that it is the Union government’s responsibility to expand job opportunities
- Price Rise Responsibility While the issue of rising prices affects a majority, there’s a belief that both the Union and State governments share responsibility
- However, a higher percentage of voters place the blame on the Union government compared to State governments
- Household Income and Quality of Life Respondents indicated changes in their ability to fulfill needs and save money, with a notable class divide in responses
- Close to half the respondents felt an improvement in their quality of life, though this perception varies significantly with economic status
- Concerns Over Corruption There’s an increased perception of corruption, with 55% of those surveyed stating it has risen
- The blame for corruption is distributed between the Centre and States, but more respondents blame the Centre
- Farmer Protests The legitimacy of farmers’ protests and their demands — such as MSP assurances and farm loan waivers — received significant acknowledgment
- 59% supporting the right of farmers to protest
- Public Expectations The findings suggest that citizens expect the government to intervene in the economy more assertively
- And challenge the notion of a market-driven liberal economy’s ability to regulate itself without State intervention
- Significance of the Survey These insights reveal a populace
- Acutely aware of their economic realities Showing clear expectations from their governments to address pressing issues like — unemployment, price rise, and corruption
2. INDIA TO SEND NEW DEFENCE ATTACHES TO SEVERAL MISSIONS IN AFRICA
- India Expands Military Diplomacy in Africa and Other Regions India decides to increase its focus on military diplomacy by sending defence attachés (DAs) to more countries Expansion in Africa: India plans to send DAs to several African countries for the first time
- This signifies a growing focus on military cooperation with African nations
- Specific Countries: Potential African recipients include: ○ One country in Francophone western Africa
- Three countries in eastern and southeastern Africa ○ Specific countries mentioned are Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Djibouti (though not confirmed placements)
- Other Regions:
- Poland: A new DA will be assigned to the Indian embassy
- Philippines and Armenia: These countries will receive their first-ever Indian DAs
- Russia: The number of DAs in the Indian embassy will be reduced due to project completions
- Rationale for Expansion: – Address dynamic situations in various regions (Indo-Pacific, Red Sea-Indian Ocean, Eurasia)
- Enhance defence production and cooperation with other countries
- Improve crisis management (e.g., hostage situations, piracy)
- Safeguard Indian interests in the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean (e.g., countering Houthi rebels)
3. WITH EYE ON CHINA U.S AND JAPAN VOW NEW SUCURITY COLLABORATION
- US-Japan Strategic Cooperation: President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida pledged a new era of collaboration on security matters
- Focus on China: The joint statement criticises China’s actions in the region, likely referring to its military activities
- Joint Projects: The US and Japan agreed on various projects
- Developing missiles together
- Collaborating on space exploration with a Japanese astronaut potentially landing on the moon
- Military Cooperation: The two countries plan to upgrade their military communication networks
- Establish a combined air defence system involving the US, Japan, and Australia to counter aerial and missile threats
- Improved Command and Control: The US and Japan will enhance their military command structures to facilitate better planning and operations during peacetime and conflict
4. UN CLIMATE CHIEF SAYS NEXT TWO YEARS ARE ESSENTIALS IN SAVING OUR PLANET
- Urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.
- The UN warns of limited time: There’s a narrow window (2 years) for governments and businesses to take significant action to curb emissions
- Emission reduction target: Scientists emphasise halving emissions by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C and avoid extreme weather events
- Current efforts falling short: Existing commitments show negligible emission reduction by 2030, highlighting the need for stronger national climate plans
- Focus on G20 nations: The Group of 20 major economies, responsible for 80% of emissions, are urged to step up their efforts
- Reforming UN climate summits: There is discussions about reducing the size of future COP meetings and prioritising concrete outcomes
5. AFTER CRUDE OIL, RUSSIAN DIAMONDS – INDIA RAISES CONCERN OVER SANCTIONS WITH EUROPE
- New EU-G7 Sanctions: Indian diamond exporters are facing significant challenges due to the implementation of new sanctions by the European Union and G7 countries, aimed primarily at Russia due to the war in Ukraine
- The sanctions include a phased ban on Russian diamonds
- It initially did not affect India directly
- But later extended to Russian diamonds polished in third countries
- This impacts India’s significant market share in diamond processing Mounting Losses and Delays: The sanctions have led to increased losses for Indian exporters and delays in consignment processing, disrupting the traditional flow of business
- Call for Separate Screening Process:
- Exporters are advocating for the establishment of a dedicated screening process within India
- This move aims to ensure smoother processing of exports to Western countries under the new sanctions regime
- International Coordination Against Russia: The sanctions are part of a globally coordinated effort by G-7 countries to cut off a crucial revenue stream for Russia, by banning the trade of Russian diamonds
- It is estimated at 4 billion Euros annually
- Impact on India’s Diamond Trade:
- India holds a 95% share of the market in diamond processing
- It is significantly affected by the second phase of the sanctions
- Demonstrating the complexities and far-reaching impacts of international sanctions beyond their immediate targets
ONE LINER
The 5th Meeting of India – Kazakhstan “Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held in Astana Kazakhstan.
