The Quad and The Security Scenario in The Indo-Pacific Region

The Quad Security Scenario in Indo-Pacific [Credit-The Diplomatist]

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a detailed speech on the Quad and the security scenario in the Indo-Pacific Region on 23 February 2024 during the Raisena Dialogue conference in New Delhi.

The Minister stated the Quad is a statement and that others cannot have a "veto" on the choices of like-minded, friendly nations. The coalition is here to stay, grow, and contribute to global prosperity. He gave the statement amid mounting global concerns over China's rising assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

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The Quad Overhead Light, Multipolar Order, and Multipronged Enterprise:

The External Affairs Minister said the Quad indicates the growth of a multipolar global order, while its central approach is collaborative and not unilateral. It has been focusing on bolstering cooperation to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific in the face of Chinese aggression.

In an address at a think-tank, he described the coalition of India, The US, Japan, and Australia as an 'overhead light. It is a creative, flexible, nimble, responsive, and open-mind enterprise.

Minister S Jaishankar said,

" All four governments have behaved differently....normally do. The Quad is an overhead light.... creative, flexible, nimble, responsive, and open-minded enterprise. There are no adjectives...... associated with the bureaucracy."

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Five Messages of the Quad and the Security in Indo-Pacific Region:

The Minister also said that the Quad has five important messages. First, the Quad indicates the growth of a multipolar world order. Two, it is a post-alliance and post-Cold War thinking. Third, it is against any spheres of influence. Fourth, it expresses the democratization of the global space and a collaborative, not unilateral, approach. Finally, fifth, it is a statement that in this day and age, others cannot have a veto on our choices.

Quad as an Overhead Light, Multipolar Order, and Multipronged Enterprise [Credit-Gonewsindia]

S Jaishankar elaborated that the Quad is facilitated by the emergence of the Indo-Pacific to propel a change in the global order that requires more and not less collaboration.

The Minister answered that the Quad is here to stay, the Quad is here to grow, and the Quad is here to contribute. He called to make it more contemporary, relevant, and impactful.

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Other Members in Quad Japan, Australia, and the US:

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who joined through virtual mode, said Quad stands for a region, that is, free from intimidation and coercion. Where competition is managed responsibly, and disputes are settled per international laws.

The Foreign Minister of Japan, Yoko Kamikawa, in a brief video message, said the world has been facing deep divisions. So, it is necessary to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Quad and the Security in Indo-Pacific Region [Credit-MyInd.net]

Yoko Kamikawa asserted that Japan, with its allies and like-minded countries, is working to further develop a free and open Indo-Pacific, and the Quad is one of the most important initiatives to this end. It has steadily implemented initiatives in maritime critical and emerging technologies, cyber, and counter-terrorism to move forward.

The Deputy Secretary of State US, Kurt Campbell, said the Indo-Pacific remains the world's most dynamic and rapidly evolving region. So, the strength of the Quad is its ability to harness the capabilities and resources of the four nations together to deliver concrete outcomes that benefit all.

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S Jaishankar said the Quad is not about forcing the region to choose between strategic competitors is about preserving and creating options so that communities, institutions, and countries can make decisions to benefit their people.

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Tamil Culture Icon Thiruvalluvar's Statue Unveiled in France

Tamil icon Thiruvalluvar's statue was unveiled in the French town of Cergy on Sunday in a major cultural and historical relation. Thiruvalluvar is considered a cultural icon by the Tamils. The statue was gifted by the Tamil Cultural Association of France. 

Tamil Icon Thiruvalluvar's Statue Unveiled in France [Credit-Times Now]

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the inauguration of the Thiruvalluvar statue implements an assurance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Paris for the Bastille Day Ceremony in July.

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Inauguration of Thiruvalluvar Statue in Cergy:

External Affairs Minister said the 'Statue' will be a guide to follow Thiruvalluvar's noble thoughts. It is yet another symbol of our long-standing cultural links, a key pillar in Indo-French relations.

India's envoy to France Jawed Ashraf also wrote on X about the inauguration of the Statue in Cergy town. He wrote, 

"Fulfilling an assurance given by PM........ Inaugurated Thiruvalluvar statue in Cergy near Paris, gifted ......Tamil Cultural Association France, with Mayor @ Jp_ jean don, Minister K Laxminarayan from Puducherry,..... Governor of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka."

About The Tamil Icon Thiruvalluvar:

Thiruvalluvar is popularly known as 'Valluvar'. He is a revered Indian poet and philosopher. He is renowned for his notable contributions to literature. Tirukkural is his most celebrated work that comprises couplets covering a wide array of life.

PM Shared Thiruvalluvar Statue [Credit-PM India]

These couplets cover many subjects like ethics, politics, economics, and love. His work is considered a masterpiece and regarded as high high-value and revered exceptional piece of Tamil literature. His couplets hold profound significance in the cultural and intellectual heritage of India.

Thiruvalluvar has reasonable as well as revolutionary ideas. However, most of his work has a reasonable tone. He has dismissed the cast system in his writing. Thiruvalluvar said, " One is not great because of one's birth in a noble family or one is not low because of one's low birth."

The great poet maintained that goodness is its reward and should not be regarded as a mere means to a comfortable afterlife.

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The India-US 2+2 Strategic Dialogue and Deepening Relationship

The India-US 2+2 Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi has 'great significance' regarding the 'volatile' global scenario. The meeting emphasized playing a critical role in upholding international law and providing humanitarian assistance by the world's biggest and grande democracies. 

The India-US 2+2 Summit [Credit-City Times]

India's Defence Secretary touched on the utmost importance points of the India-US partnership. He said peace and stability in the immediate neighborhood and the connected regions are on the priority list.        

The India-US 2+2 Strategic Dialogue Signs Depth in Relationship:

The India-US defense cooperation has become a 'Rock Solid Support.' It shows the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries. The meeting is attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with their US counterparts. 

The US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin addressed the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue at the Hyderabad House in the national capital.

The India-US 2+2 Strategic Dialogue Strengthen Defence Partnership:

The US Secretary of Defence Austin said the defense partnership between both countries has made tremendous forward strides in the past years including the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap. 

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said during a media briefing that the meeting underscored the 'potential collaboration' in emerging domains for civilian commercial use as well as for strategic use.

Mr. Rajnath Singh with Mr. Austin [Credit-TOI]

Mr. Singh said,

 "In essence, the defense cooperation has become a rock-solid support for the bilateral relations between the two countries. The potential collaboration in emerging domains for the civilian commercial... How the defense industries can intersect each other's interests and promote each other in this particular context of strong bilateral ties was also a matter of great focus." 

India's Defense Secretary recalled PM Modi's US visit this June. He said the visit initiated new steps between the two countries and called the 2+2 dialogue a 'Continuation of Important Steps.' He added that we shared our common and convergent interests with mutual goals.

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EAM Jaishankar said that PM Narendra Modi's state visit to the US had opened a new chapter in the India-US relationship. He also mentioned that President Biden's visit to Delhi in September contributed immensely to the positive trajectory of our ties.

President Biden with PM Modi During G20 Summit [Credit-India Today]

Mr. Jaishankar highlighted that the President's support was key to ensuring productive outcomes at the G20 summit. Today's agenda during the dialogue will be an opportunity to advance the vision of our respective leaders. We will focus on building a forward-looking partnership by constructing a shared global agenda. 

Official sources said that an investors meeting between the US and India held on Thursday had a 'very deep dialogue.' The investors and innovators have heart-to-heart talks under the direction of the US-DIU and the DiO of The Ministry of Defence India.

The meeting enabled them to become part of the global supply chain, contributing to the defense industry roadmap with a common vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rule-based global order throughout the seas.

The India-US 2+2 strategic dialogue at the Ministerial-Level is a diplomatic summit held every year since its inception in 2018. The Ministers of External Affairs and Defense from the Indian side and Secretaries of State and Defense from the US side participated.

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Elon Musk Got Node for Human Brain Implant Trials

Neuralink, Biotech Giant, Cleared Path for the First Human Trial: 

Neuralink, a brain chip startup by the tech giant and investor Elon Musk, got permission from the government authorities on September 20, 2023. Neuralink had been waiting for the ‘Yes’ for a  long time.

Biotech Start-up Neuralink [Credit-BBC]

It has started inviting proposals from interested candidates on its website link. Candidates, as per the node, who have paralysis due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are eligible for the trials.

Neuralink human brain implant project:

After the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] node in May 2023, an independent review board approved Elon Musk’s grand project in September 2023.

Neuralink Got Node for Human Trial [Credit-X]

The project is named “PRIME”. It stands for Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface. As per the project, the ‘Biotechnology Startup’ began the process for its first human trial of brain implants.

The testing would be performed on paralysis patients of cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS]. 

During the trial, robotic surgery will be conducted to implant a brain-computer interface [BCI] in the region of the brain that controls the intention part.

Neuralink says its initial goal is “to enable human beings to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone.” The chip installed in the brain would record and send brain signals to an app.

Musk's Neuralink Starts Human Trials [Credit-Yahoo]

The study will last for 6 years, where 18 months of at-home and clinic visits followed by follow-up visits over five years. The company, Neuralink, asked for 10 people for trial but it has not disclosed how many have been granted by the FDA.

Popular author Walter Isaacson writes in his new book about the passion or obsession of Musk for science fiction ‘Neural Lace.’ It is based on Iain Banks’s famous human-machine interface technology book.

 

Neuralink previous records:

The Biotech giants implanted BCI in animals successfully in the past. It showed a video chip-installed pig and his work in 2020. However, it is also under scrutiny after a monkey died in project testing in 2022 during an effort to get the animal to play Pong, a video game.

Musk's Start-up Neuralink [Credit-X]

The company has been trying to seek clearance from the FDA since 2019 for its human trials. However, the authority is concerned regarding the safety of the other parts of the brain or possible tissue damage during the implant of the chip.

Mask has grand wisdom for Neuralink. Once he said, “It would facilitate speedy surgical insertions of its chip devices to treat conditions like obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.”

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India Impressively Starts Brain Gain 'Vaibhav' Scheme Reversing The Brain Drain

India Impressively Starts Brain Gain 'Vaibhav' Scheme by Reversing The Brain Drain [Credit-ThinkWithNiche]

India took a critical move and started the 'Vaibhav' brain gain scheme by reversing the brain drain. Nearly 75 Indian diaspora scientists may return and serve in different projects in India over the next three years. 

Under the government's new fellowship scheme, multiple science and technology projects would be worth around Rs. 80 crore. As per government sources, the first batch of 22 fellows has already been selected. These candidates are expected to join the institutes in April this year.

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Vaibhav Scheme By the Department of Science and Technology:

The Department of Science and Technology [DST] government of India has launched a scheme named Vaibhav. Under the Vaibhav scheme, the DST has already completed its first call for proposals and initiated the second call. 

According to Dr. Charu Aggrawal from the DST, the call is being made to all scientists of Indian origin engaged in active research in recognized institutes abroad. They should have at least five years to collaborate with a reputed institute/university, including the IITs in India.

Vaibhav Scheme By the Department of Science and Technology [Credit-Civilsdaily]

Scientists have to be required to spend 1-2 months manually for a maximum of three years. They will be provided a grant of Rs. 4 lakh per year [$4800]. Scientists may take leave to come and work in India briefly but must submit a consent letter from their parent institute.

The fellowship under the Vaibhav scheme will also cover their international travel from the parent institute to India once a year. They will get fully-furnished local accommodation for two months and Rs. 1 lakh/year for research expenditure in India. They will also get entitlements for their domestic travel to institutes within India.

Science and Technology Ministry will also provide financial support up to Rs. 5 lakh per year for three years to the institute for facilitating fellow scientists for research work. While scientists have to spend just two months in a year, the respected institute will have to complete the project within three years and will connect online for the rest of the year. 

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Priority Sectors Under the Vaibhav Scheme:

The scientists will be selected based on a research proposal to be submitted by the host institute to collaborate with. All the funds would be released to the respective institute, which will disburse it to the fellow.

However, the fellowship under the Vaibhav scheme is open for all areas under the departments of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics as well as Medicine [STEMM]. Artificial Intelligence [AI], Machine Learning [ML], and Data Science will be among the priorities.

Dr. Charu Agrwal says,

"It is a good opportunity for our scientists working abroad to collaborate with their local counterparts......... value to both. The Indian diaspora has access to new innovations and futuristic technology.......share with the students here. It is like giving back to the country in a way and a win-win situation.....all."

Some areas are also being prioritized in line with the government's scientific missions launched recently. These are the National Quantum Mission, National Supercomputing Mission, Deep Ocean Mission, and the Plan to get the Indian diaspora to engage.

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Applications Submission Under the Vaibhav Scheme:

The DST Ministry has planned to shortlist as many as 75 scientists from countries across the globe based on their research proposals that will also benefit Indian research. The first call was made last year, of which, 302 proposals were received. 22 candidates have been selected across 18 different verticals.

Applications Submission Under the Vaibhav Scheme [Credit-Indoeuropean. eu]

The second call was made this January and will end by March 15 after scrutiny of their applications. Scientists from the US, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Singapore, Japan, and the UK have applied extensively. The maximum number of scientists are from the US and Canada who are keen to engage with local institutes.

The process of proposals examination is conducted by an Expert Review Committee with members from different ministers including The Earth Sciences, New and Renewable Energy, Health, Electronics, and IT.

The fellowship under the Vaibhav Scheme is open to all Non-resident Indians [NRIs], persons of Indian Origin [POI], and Overseas Citizens of India [OCI] currently employed abroad.

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India will be The Third Biggest Economy By 2028, Developed Nation By 2047

India's Economic Growth [Credit-I. Times] 

Renowned Global Market Intelligence, S&P, said in its latest issue [PMI] that the Indian GDP will take over Japan, the second largest economy in the Asia-Pacific region, by 2030. The world's 5th largest economy will beat Japan with a GDP of USD 7.3 trillion.

Indian economy performed well and showed rapid growth in 2021 and 2022. On a strong foundation basis, it continues to show sustained and strong growth during the 2023 calendar year and 2024.

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Assessment of GDP by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman exuded confidence that India will become the World's third-largest economy worth over $5 trillion by the 2027-28 financial year. She added that India will be a developed nation by 2047, with a GDP of $30 trillion estimated.

Sitharaman explained that during the 'Amritkal', which marks 100 years of India's Independence in 2047, the focus is being given to sunrise industries. The FDI policy of the Narendra Modi Government has attracted foreign investment of $595 billion in the last 9 years.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman [Credit-Mint]

She stressed that the people of India have met with the challenges post-COVID-19. The recovery is on a strong footing and Gujarat will be the engine of growth in India's march to become a developed nation in 'Amrit-Kal' [2022-2047].

Sitharaman said that India is on track to become an in-house producer of semiconductors, and EV adoption is happening at a vast level. India has attracted $ 919 billion in FDI of which $ 595 has come in the last 8-9 years only.

The FDI is coming not only in the manufacturing but also in the service sector as well. She took note of financial inclusion and said 80% of people have bank accounts. The number of bank account holders has increased to 50 crores from 15 crores in 2014.     

Trajectory of Indian GDP Over Japan:

India's gross domestic product (GDP) to take over Japan and is expected to grow 6.2-6.3 percent in the current fiscal year ending in March 2024. It will be the fastest-growing major economy this fiscal year. Asia's third-largest economy, India, grew by a stellar 7.8 percent in the April-June quarter.

S&P Global said in its MPI issue, "The near-term economic outlook is for continued rapid expansion during the remainder of 2023 and for 2024, underpinned by strong growth in domestic demand."

Indian Economy at the World Level [Credit-Entrepreneur]

 The issue further added that India's GDP, in USD terms, is forecast to rise from USD 3.5 trillion in 2022 to USD 7.3 trillion by 2030. This rapid pace of economic expansion will result in the size of the Indian GDP and will exceed the Japanese GDP by 2030.

Currently, the US is the world's largest economy with a GDP of USD 25.5 trillion, roughly a quarter of the world's GDP. China is in second position with a GDP size of about USD 18 trillion. Japan is far behind third with USD 4.2 trillion GDP, followed by Germany with USD 4 trillion GDP.

Key Factors of Indian GDP:

S&P Global stated several key growth drivers for the long-term outlook of the Indian economy.

1. An important and positive factor is the large and fast-growing middle class.  A strong foundation for helping to drive consumer spending. India set the path for rapid growth in the domestic consumer market and its large industrial sector. 

2. The digital transformation of India that is currently underway is another key factor in accelerating the growth of e-commerce. It has been changing the retail consumer market landscape over the next decade. 

3. India's strong FDI inflows have been boosted by large inflows of investments from global technology MNCs such as Google and Facebook. Investment policies have attracted India's large, fast-growing domestic consumer market and a strong upturn in foreign direct investment inflows from world-renowned manufacturing firms.

Indian Economy Positive Signals [Credit-The Economic Times]

India, overall, is expected to continue to be one of the world's fastest-growing big economies over the next decade. According to analysts and S&P reports, the Indian GDP will take over Japan by 2030 based on facts and figures. 

It will make India a trusted market for multinationals in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing industries such as autos, electronics, and chemicals to services industries such as banking, insurance, asset management, health care, and information technology.

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Global Warming and India's National Action Plan

 Climate Change and its impact on India:

The nation has prepared a wide India's National Action Plan to mitigate the menace of climate change. Climate change has become one of the major serious concerns for humanity. It is impacting both humans and ecosystems directly and indirectly.

National Action Plan on Climate Change [Credit-X]

It is affecting major natural resources like drinking water, food production, and human-related resources like manufacturing, sanitation, livelihood, and health security.

According to the 5th Assessment Report of IPCC in 2007 on vulnerability, “vulnerability to climate change broadly as the propensity to be adversely affected. Vulnerability encompasses a variety of concepts and elements including sensitivity to harm and lack of capacity to cope and adapt”. 

India's National Action Plan and Nation's Adaptation Policy:

According to Beernaet & Malone's report [2005], India is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. It has high physical exposure to climate-related disasters, like 65% drought-prone, 12% food-prone, and 8% cyclones.

NAPCC Adaptation [Credit-Slide Share]

It majorly depends on climate-sensitive sectors, like agriculture, forest, tourism, animal husbandry, and fisheries. The Government of India is serious about the climate change scenario.

Adaptation: 

The UNFCCC defines adaptation as” steps to protect countries and communities from the likely disruption and damage that will result from effects of climate change”. Simply, in the human system, adaptation states to moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities.

Stages of Adaptation Process:

The following are the adaptation steps that will remain the same at every administration level.

• Identifying the needs

• Identifying the options.

• Appraising the options.

• Planning and implementation.

• Monitoring and evaluation

India’s National Action Plan for Climate Change [NAPCC] :

India launched eight national missions to combat climate change under the National Action Plan on Climate Change [NAPCC] in 2008. These missions are solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, forestry, agriculture, Himalayan ecosystem, and strategic knowledge.

National Action Plan on Climate Change [Credit-X]

The NAPCC serves as a critical blueprint for India's climate action efforts, demonstrating the country's dedication to mitigating climate change and building a sustainable future. These missions are as follows;

1). National Solar Mission: 

The National Solar Mission aims to promote developing and deploying solar energy technologies. 

National Solar Mission [Credit-X]

It harnesses India's abundant solar resources to increase the capacity for solar power generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2). National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: 

This mission focuses on improving energy efficiency in various sectors, like industry, agriculture, and transportation. It seeks to reduce traditional energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through innovative technologies and work.

3). National Water Mission:

India is one of the most vulnerable countries to water scarcity. The Ganga national river plan is one to mitigate the climate change on water resources.

National Water Mission [Credit-X]

It aims to enhance water use efficiency and promote sustainable water management practices.

4). National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture:

Agriculture is a crucial sector in India. The aim of this mission is to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices. Soil Health Card is one such initiative to enhance the capacity of farmers and mitigate climatic conditions.

5). National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem:

This mission has been dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. It focuses on conserving biodiversity, improving forest cover, and reducing vulnerability to climatic change disasters.

6). National Mission for a Green India:

One of the most critical missions. It aims at increasing forest and tree cover, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting biodiversity conservation. 

National Green Mission [Credit-X]

National-level tree plantation drive is an example of sequestering carbon and enhancing ecological resilience.

7). National Mission for Sustainable Habitat:

As India is moving towards rapid urbanization, this mission seeks to promote sustainable urban planning and development. It emphasizes energy-efficient building design, public transportation, and waste management.

8). National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change:

This mission aims to enhance climate-related research, capacity building, and the development of indigenous technologies. It strengthens India's ability to assess and respond to climate change impacts

In addition to these missions, the NAPCC also includes measures for promoting sustainable forestry practices and encouraging public-private partnerships to support climate action.

The NAPCC reflects India's commitment to a low-carbon development pathway and its determination to address the challenges of climate change while simultaneously pursuing economic growth and poverty reduction.

National Action Plan on Climate Change [Credit-X]

It aligns with international efforts to combat climate change, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Since its launch, India has made significant strides in implementing the NAPCC, with various policies, programs, and initiatives geared towards achieving its objectives.

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