India and Uzbekistan Signed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)
Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations
In News
- India and the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty in Tashkent.
About
- The signing of the BIT reflects both nations’ shared commitment towards enhancing economic cooperation and creating a more robust and resilient investment environment.
- The BIT is expected to pave the way for increased bilateral investments, benefiting businesses and economies in both countries.
- It will increase the comfort level and boost the confidence of investors by assuring a minimum standard of treatment and non-discrimination, while providing for an independent forum for dispute settlement through arbitration.
Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)
- A BIT is a reciprocal agreement between two countries to provide protection to investments made by nationals and companies of one country in the other. It aims to create a favorable investment climate and promote economic cooperation between the signatory nations.
- India’s BIT Framework: India adopted a new Model BIT in 2015, replacing the earlier version from 1993. The new text serves as the template for negotiating future BITs and the investment chapters of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Economic Partnership Agreements.
Key Features of India’s Model BIT (2015)
- National Treatment: Foreign investors are to be treated equally and fairly, similar to domestic investors, in all matters except in specific sectors where exceptions are mentioned.
- Protection from Expropriation: Limits the ability of the host country to expropriate (take over) foreign investments except for public purposes, in a non-discriminatory manner, and with adequate compensation.
- Fair and Equitable Treatment: Ensures fair treatment of foreign investors, but does not automatically guarantee broader rights like those found in older treaties.
- Full Protection and Security: Investments by foreign investors will be given full protection and security, consistent with the laws of the host country.
- Dispute Settlement: Exhaustion of Local Remedies: Investors must first attempt to resolve disputes within the legal framework of the host country, and only after exhausting all local remedies can they initiate international arbitration.
- Non-Discriminatory Treatment: Ensures protection from discrimination, particularly with respect to domestic investors, and guarantees Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) treatment.
| India -Uzbekistan Relations Historical Ties: – India and Uzbekistan have centuries-old ties dating back to the time of the Silk Road, where cultural, religious, and trade exchanges flourished. – The shared heritage between the two nations is evident in the cultural and historical similarities, including influences from Persian and Mughal eras. – India’s relationship with Uzbekistan grew stronger after the latter’s independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Political Relations: – Strategic Partnership: India and Uzbekistan elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to India in 2018. – Regular High-Level Visits: Both countries regularly engage in high-level visits to deepen political, economic, and strategic ties. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mirziyoyev have met on several occasions, underlining the importance of the bilateral partnership. – Multilateral Engagement: India and Uzbekistan collaborate in various multilateral forums, including the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the India-Central Asia Dialogue. Economic and Trade Relations: – Trade: India-Uzbekistan trade has witnessed growth over the years, though the potential remains largely untapped. The main exports from India include pharmaceuticals, machinery, electronic products, and textiles, while Uzbekistan exports items like fruits, fertilizers, and raw materials. – Bilateral Trade Agreement: Both nations have a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in place, which protects and promotes investments. They are also working on finalizing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to enhance trade relations. – Pharmaceuticals: Indian pharmaceutical companies have a significant presence in Uzbekistan, and there have been ongoing efforts to enhance this partnership further. India supplies about 25% of Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical needs.Information Technology: Uzbekistan is increasingly seeking India’s expertise in Information Technology and digital governance. Defense Cooperation: – Military Exercises: India and Uzbekistan regularly engage in joint military exercises such as DUSTLIK, aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation. – Defense Training: India provides military training to Uzbek armed forces through its various institutions, enhancing capacity-building efforts. – Security Cooperation: Both nations cooperate on counterterrorism, anti-radicalization, and intelligence-sharing, particularly in the context of growing security concerns in Afghanistan and Central Asia. Cultural Relations: – Cultural Exchanges: India and Uzbekistan have vibrant cultural exchanges that focus on arts, music, dance, and yoga. Hindi is also widely taught in Uzbekistan, and Bollywood is extremely popular. – People-to-People Ties: There is growing interest among the Uzbek population in India’s traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Yoga. Uzbekistan regularly participates in cultural festivals in India, and vice versa. Connectivity and Transportation: – Chabahar Port: India, Uzbekistan, and Iran are working on utilizing Chabahar Port to enhance connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. This would open up opportunities for trade and economic engagement between India and Uzbekistan. – International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Uzbekistan has shown interest in the INSTC, a project that aims to reduce the time and cost of transporting goods between India and Central Asia. Energy and Renewable Resources: – Energy Cooperation: Uzbekistan is rich in natural resources, and India has expressed interest in developing energy partnerships in areas like natural gas and renewable energy. – Nuclear Cooperation: Both countries signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement for peaceful purposes, focusing on the exchange of knowledge and technology in nuclear energy. India’s Developmental Assistance: – Lines of Credit: India has extended various lines of credit to Uzbekistan to help fund infrastructure projects like road construction, water treatment plants, and renewable energy projects. – Capacity Building Programs: Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, India provides training and capacity-building assistance to Uzbek professionals in various sectors, such as health, agriculture, and IT. Challenges – Geopolitical Concerns: Afghanistan’s instability remains a concern for both India and Uzbekistan, particularly after the Taliban takeover. Both nations are working to address common security challenges. – Trade Barriers: Despite the growing relationship, bilateral trade remains below potential due to connectivity issues, regulatory barriers, and lack of direct transportation links. Recent Developments – India-Central Asia Summit: India hosted the India-Central Asia Summit in January 2022, where both nations reiterated their commitment to strengthen ties, especially in trade, security, and energy sectors. – Afghanistan Issue: India and Uzbekistan have expressed common concerns over terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the importance of ensuring that Afghan territory is not used for terrorism. |
Source: TH
Karnataka Withdraws ‘general consent’ to CBI
Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance
Context
- The Karnataka government has withdrawn general consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases in the state, citing misuse of power and lack of communication.
About
- With this, Karnataka has joined the list of states (such as Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya) in withdrawing general consent for the CBI in recent years.
- Traditionally, almost all states have given CBI general consent. However, since 2015, several states have begun to act differently.
- In 2015, Mizoram became the first state to withdraw the general consent. Although the state restored it in 2023.
- At the time of withdrawing consent, all states alleged that the Union government was using the CBI to unfairly target the opposition.
What is general consent to the CBI?
- General consent is an approval given by a state government to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), allowing it to operate freely within the state without the need to seek permission every time the agency takes up a case or enters the state for investigation.
- The general consent is important because law and order are state subjects, and the CBI, being a central agency, needs state permission to exercise its jurisdiction within a state.
- Two Types of Consent:
- General Consent: Allows the CBI to conduct investigations within the state without requiring fresh approval for each case.
- Case-Specific Consent: When general consent is not given or is withdrawn, the CBI must seek consent from the state government for every individual case it takes up.
- Implications of General Consent:
- Seamless Operations: With general consent in place, the CBI can register cases and carry out investigations without the need to seek case-by-case approval.
- No Fresh Permission: The agency does not need to apply for consent every time it enters the state or takes on new cases.
- Withdrawal of General Consent:
- When a state withdraws general consent, the CBI cannot register any new cases involving state matters, central government officials, or private individuals without prior approval from the state government.
- Ongoing Investigations: The CBI can continue investigating cases that were registered before the withdrawal of general consent.
- New Cases: For any new case, the CBI will have to seek specific consent from the state government.
- State-Specific Consent:
- If general consent is withdrawn, the CBI must seek specific consent from the state government for each new investigation.
- Without specific consent, the CBI officers do not have the powers of police personnel within the state.
- Impact of Non-Consent:
- If a state does not grant either general or specific consent, the CBI’s investigative powers in that state become severely limited, and the agency cannot act independently within that jurisdiction.
Importance of General Consent
- General consent allows for smooth cooperation between the central agency and state governments, ensuring that the CBI can investigate corruption or other cases involving central government officials or cross-state matters.
- The withdrawal of consent can create complications, as the CBI may find it challenging to investigate cases involving central agencies, central schemes, or interstate operations without the cooperation of state governments.
| Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – CBI, functioning under the Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India, is the premier investigating police agency in India. – History: It was established by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in 1963. 1. The Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption recommended the establishment of the CBI. – It is also the nodal police agency in India that coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol member countries. |
Source:IE
Naming Arunachal Peak After the Sixth Dalai Lama
Syllabus: GS2/International Relations; GS3/Internal Security
Context
- Recently, a team of intrepid Indian mountaineers scaled an unnamed and unclimbed peak in Arunachal Pradesh, decided to name this majestic summit ‘Tsangyang Gyatso Peak’ after the 6th Dalai Lama.
- However, China expressed its long standing claim over the region, which it refers to as Zangnan, and considered any attempt by India as ‘illegal and null and void’.
Historical Background: India-China Boundary Issue
- India shares a 3,488-kilometre-long border with China, which runs along several states: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. This border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), has been a source of tension and occasional conflict between the two nations.
- 1962 Sino-Indian War: The most significant conflict occurred in 1962 when China invaded India across the Himalayan border. India suffered a military defeat, and the war left scars on bilateral relations.
- Post-War Diplomacy: After the war, diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the boundary issue began. However, progress was slow due to differing perceptions of the border alignment.
- Agreements and Disputes: Over the years, India and China signed several agreements to maintain peace along the border. These included the Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity (1993) and the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles (2005). Despite these agreements, disputes persisted.
Recent Developments
- Galwan Clash in Ladakh (2020): A violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops resulted in casualties on both sides. This incident significantly strained bilateral relations.
- Since then, both countries have engaged in disengagement talks to de-escalate tensions. These negotiations aimed to withdraw troops from contentious areas along the LAC.
- The External Affairs Minister of India mentioned that 75% of the disengagement issues had been sorted out. However, it’s essential to clarify that this progress pertains specifically to troop disengagement.
- The broader boundary issue remains unresolved.
- Tawang Region in Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang, strategically located between China and Bhutan, is a significant Indian territory. It lies within the unsettled India-China border.
- The Yangtse plateau within Tawang is crucial for both Indian and Chinese militaries. Its peak altitude of over 5,700 metres provides visibility over much of the region.
- India’s control of the ridgeline along the LAC allows it to prevent Chinese overwatch of roads leading to the Sela Pass — a critical mountain pass that serves as the only access in and out of Tawang.
- Territorial Claim of Arunachal Pradesh: China’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh have been a point of contention for years. Since 2017, China has been renaming places within the region as part of its strategy to assert control.
- India, on the other hand, firmly maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory, dismissing China’s renaming efforts as mere semantics.
- The naming of Tsangyang Gyatso Peak adds another layer to this complex geopolitical landscape.
India’s Stance
- India has consistently rejected China’s claims, emphasising that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its sovereign territory, and contends that assigning ‘invented’ names to geographical features does not alter the ground reality.
- For India, Arunachal Pradesh remains a vibrant state with its own cultural heritage, history, and people, regardless of the nomenclature imposed by external forces.
India’s Approach and Mechanisms
- Diplomatic Relations: India established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1950, becoming the first non-socialist bloc country to do so.
- Despite occasional tensions, both sides have engaged in dialogue to manage border issues.
- Mechanisms for Conflict Resolution: India has mechanisms in place to address ‘friction’ related to the international border with China in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Diplomatic channels and bilateral agreements are used to resolve disputes.
- Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC): It is an institutional framework established to facilitate communication, coordination, and management of border-related issues between India and China. It emerged as a response to the need for improved institutionalised information exchange regarding border matters.
- The discussion was ‘in-depth, constructive and forward-looking’, and both sides agreed to maintain the momentum through established diplomatic and military channels.
Challenges and the Way Forward
- India must promote honest discussions about the history of the boundary dispute and events leading to the 1962 conflict.
- Both countries need to find pragmatic solutions while respecting each other’s territorial integrity.
- India’s stance on the Indo-China border disputes involves a delicate balance of diplomacy, strategic infrastructure development, and safeguarding its territorial interests. As tensions persist, dialogue remains crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
- India and China’s parallel rise as major global players presents a unique challenge in international politics. Balancing competition and cooperation is essential for regional stability and global harmony.
Source: TH
Global Innovation Index 2024
Syllabus:GS3/ Science and Technology
Context
- India has risen to 39th position among 133 global economies in the Global Innovation Index 2024.
About
- The Global Innovation Index (GII) is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of the United Nations.
- It measures innovation based on criteria that include institutions, human capital and research, infrastructure, credit, investment, linkages; the creation, absorption and diffusion of knowledge; and creative outputs.
Global Innovation Index 2024
- Top performer: Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Singapore and the United Kingdom
- Fastest 10-year climbers: China, Turkiye, India, Viet Nam and the Philippines.
India’s Performance
- India has been on a rising trajectory, over the past several years in the Global Innovation Index (GII), from a rank of 81 in 2015 to 40 in 2023.
- India’s strengths lie in key indicators such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services exports (at 1st place, globally), venture capital received and intangible asset intensity.
- India’s unicorn companies also secure the country the 8th rank globally.
Initiatives taken by India
- The Atal Innovation Mission has played a major role in expanding the Innovation ecosystem.
- The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was established to foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) established by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is aimed at strengthening and empowering emerging biotechnology enterprises to undertake strategic research and innovation.
- National Research Foundation (NRF): Announced as part of the National Education Policy 2020, NRF aims to promote a culture of research and innovation in universities and higher education institutions by funding interdisciplinary research.
Challenges
- Fragmented Innovation Ecosystem: India’s innovation ecosystem lacks integration between academia, industry, and government. Collaboration across these sectors is weak, leading to poor commercialization of research outputs
- Skill Mismatch and Brain Drain: Despite a large pool of STEM graduates, many lack the skills required for cutting-edge innovation.
- Additionally, many skilled professionals seek better opportunities abroad, contributing to brain drain.
- Infrastructural Bottlenecks: Insufficient infrastructure, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, hinders the growth of innovative enterprises.
- Private sector participation in R&D remains limited in India. However in leading innovative economies where private enterprises play a significant role in R&D.
Way Ahead
- The consistent improvement in the GII ranking is owing to the knowledge capital and vibrant start-up ecosystem.
- However there is a need to encourage more private sector involvement in R&D and innovation in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Quantum Computing etc.
| World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – It is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, that serves the world’s innovators and creators, ensuring that their ideas travel safely to the market and improve lives everywhere. – Members: The organization has 193 member states including both developing and developed nations like India, Italy, Israel, Austria, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, Pakistan, the U.S. and the U.K. – In 1974, WIPO joined the United Nations (UN) family of organizations, becoming a specialized agency of the UN. – Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland |
Source: AIR
India Signs Agreement to Protect Marine Biodiversity on High Seas at UNGA
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
Context
- India has formally signed the Global Ocean Treaty, also known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
About
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences will spearhead the country’s implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
- The Agreement allows India to enhance its strategic presence in areas beyond the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).
- It would also contribute to achieving several SDGs, particularly SDG14 (Life Below Water).
What is the BBNJ Agreement?
- The BBNJ Agreement, or the ‘High Seas Treaty’, is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- It sets precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination.
- Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
- High Seas (areas beyond national jurisdiction) are the global common oceans open to all for internationally lawful purposes such as navigation, overflight, laying submarine cables and pipelines, etc.
Implementation of BBNJ Agreement
- The BBNJ Agreement will be the third implementation agreement under UNCLOS if and when it enters into force, alongside its sister implementation agreements:
- The 1994 Part XI Implementation Agreement (which addresses the exploration and extraction of mineral resources in the international seabed area) and
- The 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement (which addresses the conservation and management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks).
- The Agreement was agreed upon in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting September 2023.
- It will be an international legally binding treaty after it enters force 120 days after the 60th ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
- As of now, 101 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, and 10 Parties have ratified it.
| United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – UNCLOS was adopted in 1982, and came into force in 1994. – It lays down a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world’s oceans and seas establishing rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources. – It establishes the International Seabed Authority to regulate mining and related activities on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction. – As of today, more than 160 countries have ratified UNCLOS. |
Source: AIR
Sea Levels Rising
Syllabus: GS3/Environment
In News
- Antonio Guterres highlighted the threat of sea level rise to Pacific countries like Tonga, with severe global impacts on coastal communities.
Key Highlights
- Rate of Sea Level Rise: Global sea levels have risen over 20 cm since 1880, faster than any time in the last 3,000 years. The rate of rise has accelerated, with 2023 recording the highest sea levels.
- Unequal Rise: Sea levels are not rising equally across the globe; parts of the southwestern Pacific have seen rates nearly double the global average since 1993.
- Depending on climate action, sea levels could rise 38 cm by 2100 if global warming is limited to 1.5°C, or up to 56 cm with 2.7°C warming. Extreme cases predict up to 2 meters by 2100.
Causes of Sea Level Rise:
- Global warming caused by fossil fuel emissions.
- Thermal expansion as oceans heat up.
- Melting ice sheets and glaciers, particularly in Antarctica and Greenland.
- Groundwater pumping also contributes to rising sea levels.
Impact of Rising Seas:
- Every 2.5 cm of sea rise can result in 2.5 meters of lost beachfront, increased storm surge, and high tides.
- Each centimeter exposes an additional 6 million people to coastal flooding.
- Exceeding 1.5°C warming could lead to irreversible melting of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, significantly raising sea levels.
Vulnerable Regions:
- Low-lying islands (e.g., Fiji, Maldives, Tuvalu) face existential threats. Coastal cities, river deltas, and areas in tropical Asia (Bangladesh, India, China) are also highly vulnerable.
- Global Impact: Nearly 40% of the world’s population lives near coastlines, with major cities like Cairo, Mumbai, Lagos, and London at risk of severe impacts.
Measures
- Reducing emissions to prevent further rise.
- Adaptation strategies such as sea walls, storm surge barriers, and flood-resistant infrastructure.
- Nature-based solutions like regenerating mangroves and preventing coastal erosion.
- Relocating villages in low-lying areas or building floating cities in places like the Maldives and Tuvalu.
Source:IE
Long Range Rockets in India
Syllabus: GS3/Defense and Security
Context
- Recently, the Indian Army aims for long-range Rockets and futuristic ammunition, after building on the lessons from the Ukraine war and the offensive in Gaza by Israel.
About the Extended Range Rockets
- The Indian Army is looking at long-range rockets and looking to extend the range of the indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch System (MRLS) rockets up to 300 kms in coming times.
- Trials are underway for guided extended-range Pinaka rockets. These rockets promise improved accuracy and can cover distances of up to 75 kilometres and beyond.
- The Indian Army has approved the procurement of the Pralay tactical ballistic missiles (with a range of 400 km) and Nirbhay subsonic cruise missiles (with a range of 1000 km).
- DRDO was in the process of developing hypersonic missiles for the defence forces of the country.
Artillery Transformation
- The Indian Army has a roadmap to standardise all its artillery guns to the 155mm calibre. It streamlines logistics, maintenance, and training.
- The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), similar to what the US supplied to Ukraine, also uses guided rockets. The Indian Army is keen on adopting similar technology to maximise precision and effectiveness.
Source: TH
