20 Feb 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

Indian Express Editorial Analysis

20-February-2024

1. A wider viewfinder

Topic: GS2 – International Relations This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding India’s participation in international forums like the Raisina Dialogue and Milan Exercise provides crucial insights into India’s foreign policy objectives, strategic engagements, and diplomatic initiatives.

Context:

India’s diplomatic footprint has expanded notably this week, marked by three significant events: the annual Raisina Dialogue, the biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise (Milan), and a gathering of top intelligence officials from like-minded countries. Each event underscores India’s growing engagement on the global stage and reflects its evolving diplomatic strategies. This analysis will delve into each event, highlighting its importance and implications within the broader context of India’s diplomatic endeavors.

Raisina Dialogue: Fostering Global Discourse:

• The Raisina Dialogue, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of External Affairs, serves as a platform to promote India-centric global agendas.
• Bringing together ministers, officials, scholars, and policy researchers from across the world, this event facilitates discourse on pressing international issues.
• Its significance lies in its role in shaping narratives and fostering transnational networks, thereby enhancing India’s influence in global affairs.
• Moreover, the inclusion of intelligence officials on its margins underscores the emergence of “intelligence diplomacy” as a consequential aspect of India’s diplomatic engagements.

Milan Exercise: Strengthening Naval Diplomacy:

• The Milan Exercise, held biennially in the Bay of Bengal, serves as a crucial forum for naval leaders to engage in professional exchanges on maritime issues.
• Originating as a modest initiative in the early 1990s, it has evolved into a multilateral endeavor showcasing India’s strategic salience in the Indo-Pacific region.
• By actively participating in such exercises, India’s navy demonstrates its internationalist outlook and contributes to regional maritime security.
• The Milan Exercise complements India’s broader naval diplomacy efforts and underscores its commitment to collaborative security initiatives.

Intelligence Diplomacy: Enhancing National Security:

• The concept of “intelligence diplomacy” emerges as an essential component of India’s national security strategy amidst evolving security challenges.
• As international terrorism, cross-border criminal networks, and great power rivalry continue to shape global dynamics, intelligence cooperation becomes increasingly vital.
• India’s engagement in intelligence sharing networks with like-minded countries underscores its shift from isolationism to building productive partnerships.
• This aligns with India’s strategy of building regional and global coalitions to address contemporary security threats and modernize its intelligence agencies.

Conclusion:

• The events of this week highlight India’s multifaceted diplomatic approach, encompassing discourse diplomacy, naval engagement, and intelligence cooperation.
• By actively participating in international forums, exercises, and intelligence networks, India demonstrates its commitment to addressing global challenges and enhancing its role on the world stage.
• These initiatives reflect India’s evolving diplomatic strategies and its proactive efforts to shape international agendas in alignment with its national interests.

About Milan Exercise:

It is a biennial multinational naval exercise that was first conducted in 1995 and has grown to be the biggest exercise held in India. Milan Exercise 2024:  Location: Coast of Visakhapatnam, India. Participating Nations: US, Japan, Australia, France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It will feature large-force manoeuvres, advanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface drills. Significance: Expansion of the Navy’s Engagements:  It will underscore the Navy’s growing presence as a preferred security partner and first responder in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Mission-based deployments and other operational engagements have steadily increased the Indian Navy’s presence and operational reach.

PYQ: Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017) 1) Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy. 2) IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (b)

Practice Question:  India’s expanding diplomatic engagements, as exemplified by events like the Raisina Dialogue, Milan Exercise, and intelligence diplomacy, signify a paradigm shift in its foreign policy approach. Discuss the significance of these initiatives in the context of India’s strategic objectives, regional influence, and global partnerships. (250 words/15 m)

2. THE NEXT STEP FOR FARMERS

Topic: GS3 – Agriculture – Storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce, Food Security This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding India’s potential in horticulture and the strategies for enhancing F&V production.

Context:

India possesses immense potential to become a leading global source for fruits and vegetables (F&V), presenting opportunities for both export and domestic consumption. As the nation shifts towards a nutrition-centric diet, the demand for F&V is expected to rise significantly by 2030, driving an upsurge in horticulture production.

Disruption and Potential in Agri-Inputs:

• The increase in horticulture production signifies a transformation in farming practices and unlocks potential in the agri-inputs sector, particularly seeds, agrochemicals, and fertilizers.
• While seeds hold the highest potential for disruption in the long term, agrochemicals offer substantial realizable potential in the short term.
• With advancements in digital technology and a focus on bio-based and sustainable solutions, India is poised to address key challenges in horticulture value chains.

Empowering Smallholder Farmers:

• Horticulture farming not only promises higher incomes but also provides a steady revenue stream throughout the year, diverging from traditional subsistence farming.
• However, the viability of horticulture for smallholder farmers hinges on addressing the twin needs of productivity improvement and better price realization.
• Leading agri-tech startups have adopted an integrated value-chain approach, ensuring consistent prices for farmers through value-added, export-led businesses, and providing advisory and agri-inputs supply to improve yield.

Innovation in Seeds and Integrated Farming:

• Innovations in seeds, including agronomic and genetic advancements, have the potential to empower farmers to achieve higher output with fewer inputs.
• High-quality seeds can extend the availability window and geographical footprint for cultivation.
• Additionally, the 1.0-hectare model of integrated farming, piloted in various districts, offers a promising approach for climate-resilient agriculture.
• This model integrates multiple interventions such as solar-powered farming equipment, water conservation practices, and diversified cropping, enabling smallholder farmers to adopt horticulture with limited risk.

Tailored Approach and Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships:

• Success in the F&V sector necessitates a tailored approach to agri-inputs across India’s diverse agro-climatic zones.
• Affordability and accessibility of these inputs are crucial alongside technological advancements.
• Strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships among farmers, government, customers, industry, and academia/research is vital for achieving demand-backed production, high productivity, robust credit, and risk management, and market linkages.
• Collaboration and shared commitment are essential as India endeavors to become a global F&V hub, driving real income and livelihood growth for smallholder farmers.

What is Horticulture?

The area of agriculture known as horticulture deals with extensively cultivated plants that are utilised by humans for food, medicine, and aesthetic pleasure. Put more simply, it refers to the production, sale, and cultivation of exotic or attractive plants, fruits, flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Hortus (garden) and cultūra (cultivation) are the Latin terms from which the word horticulture is derived. M.H. Marigowda is regarded as the Father of Indian Horticulture, and L.H. Bailey as the Father of American Horticulture. Features of Horticulture in India Because it pays better than the agriculture industry (which mostly produces food grains), the horticulture sector has emerged as one of the main development drivers. Employment opportunities in the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors are offered by this sector. Fruits and vegetables grown for horticulture are more weather-resistant than other crops, and they help small and marginal farmers make more money. Smaller farms may do this since it uses very little water, reducing the chance of crop failure. In order to maximise fertiliser consumption and production, many crops are planted at the same time. The general population may now enjoy a varied and well-balanced food for a healthy lifestyle thanks to this sector. In several of the nation’s states, where the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Division of Horticulture plays a crucial role, it emerged as a major force behind economic development.

PYQ: Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018)

Practice Question:  Discuss India’s potential to emerge as a global leader in fruit and vegetable (F&V) production by 2030, focusing on the opportunities and challenges associated with harnessing this potential. (250 words/15 m)

For Enquiry

Phone


Whatsapp


Mail

Search


20 Feb 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis



19 Feb 2024 : Daily Current Affairs Quiz



19 Feb 2024 : Daily Answer Writing



19 Feb 2024 : Daily Current Affairs



19 February 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF



19 February 2024 : PIB Summary for UPSC



19 Feb 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis



17 Feb 2024 : Daily Current Affairs Quiz



17 Feb 2024 : Daily Answer Writing



17 Feb 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

Indian Express 20 Feb 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis Indian Express Editorial Analysis
20-February-2024
1. A wider viewfinder
Topic: GS2 – International…
Daily Quiz 19 Feb 2024 : Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19 Feb 2024 : Daily Quiz…
mains answer writing 19 Feb 2024 : Daily Answer Writing Mains Answer Writing
19-February-2024
Q1) “Judicial activism is an effective way to promote democratic…
Daily Current Affairs 19 Feb 2024 : Daily Current Affairs Daily Current Affairs
19-February-2024- Top News of the Day
1. New Lapwing observed at Warangal lake,…
Feb 2024 The Hindu 19 February 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
19-February-2024
1. A ruling that gives primary school teaching a new slate.
Topic:…
feb 2024 PIB 19 February 2024 : PIB Summary for UPSC PIB Summary for UPSC
19-February -2024
1. IAF CONDUCTS ‘EXERCISE – VAYU SHAKTI-24’…
Indian Express 19 Feb 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis Indian Express Editorial Analysis
19-February-2024
1. Income, not MSP
Topic: GS3 – Agriculture –…
Daily Quiz 17 Feb 2024 : Daily Current Affairs Quiz 17 Feb 2024 : Daily Quiz…
mains answer writing 17 Feb 2024 : Daily Answer Writing Mains Answer Writing
17-February-2024
Q1) “The Indian Independence Act 1947 changed the existing constitutional…
Daily Current Affairs 17 Feb 2024 : Daily Current Affairs Daily Current Affairs
17-February-2024- Top News of the Day
1. ED probe finds no FEMA violations in…