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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on October 24, 2024
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The Indo-Pacific: A strategic arena for India’s global influence
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
Context:
As the Indo-Pacific region evolves into a key driver of the changing world order, India is poised to play a major role. But in what ways can India's involvement in the Indo-Pacific contribute to an inclusive, cooperative and sustainable regional order?
Read about:
What is Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC)?
Key takeaways:
The Indo-Pacific has become a crucial geopolitical and strategic zone, with India reaffirming its strong dedication to maintaining a free, open, inclusive, and resilient region. India's vision, as a key actor in the Indo-Pacific, prioritizes collaboration with regional partners to ensure maritime security, freedom of navigation, and adherence to a rules-based international order.
Initiatives like the “Quad-at-sea Ship Observation Mission,” aimed at enhancing cooperation and maritime safety, have further spotlighted the Indo-Pacific as a significant geopolitical, economic, and security construct, especially in a dynamic global landscape.
Understanding the Indo-Pacific’s rise as a strategic concept requires examining its regional framework, key players, and the factors behind its growing importance.
What is the Indo-Pacific?
- The Indo-Pacific covers the vast areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as well as the nations bordering them, including essential maritime routes and resources. Critical chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca, Taiwan Strait, Bab-al-Mandeb, and the South China Sea are vital for global trade and energy supplies.
- However, the exact geographical boundaries of the Indo-Pacific differ by country. For instance, India views the Indo-Pacific as stretching "from the shores of Africa to the Americas," as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue address.
- Meanwhile, the U.S. defines it as the region from India's western coast to the western U.S., and Australia’s Foreign Policy White Paper describes it as spanning from the eastern Indian Ocean to the Pacific, encompassing Southeast Asia, North Asia, and the U.S. Japan’s "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" vision also extends to the eastern African coast and ASEAN countries.
These diverse perspectives reflect each nation's strategic and economic priorities, shaping how they approach the Indo-Pacific as an arena for both cooperation and competition in the 21st century.
From Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific
The idea of the Indo-Pacific as a strategic region has evolved throughout the 21st century, especially in the last decade, as seen in various security strategies and defense white papers. This shift from the "Asia-Pacific" to the "Indo-Pacific" highlights a broader, more inclusive approach driven by national, regional, and global factors. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was one of the early advocates for combining the Indian and Pacific Oceans into a single strategic space, which he discussed in his "Confluence of the Two Seas" speech at the Indian Parliament.
The U.S. policy shift, encapsulated in the "Pivot to Asia" strategy of 2011 under President Barack Obama, also marked the beginning of greater focus on the Indo-Pacific, aligning with the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the refocusing of U.S. interests toward the Pacific.
Shifting and Converging Strategic Interests
In recent years, shifting global priorities have required a change from the Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific framework. This has been crucial in addressing China’s growing assertiveness, threats to key maritime routes, and non-traditional security issues. India, as a rising power, has become integral to this strategy, particularly in collaboration with the U.S.
The convergence of India’s and the U.S.'s strategic interests, especially under former U.S. President Trump, further solidified the Indo-Pacific concept. The Trump administration's focus on a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” formalized this vision through the National Security Strategy of 2017 and the renaming of the U.S. Pacific Command to Indo-Pacific Command in 2018.
India’s SAGAR Policy
- As China's influence in the South China Sea grew, the need for a more comprehensive regional framework became apparent. India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean allows it to play a crucial role in balancing Chinese power.
- Through its “Act East” policy, India has enhanced its partnerships across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific, strengthening its role in the Indo-Pacific while countering Beijing’s influence.
- India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy, along with the shift from “Look East” to “Act East,” reflects this strategic vision. Prime Minister Modi has consistently emphasized an inclusive approach to the Indo-Pacific, ensuring that it remains open and not exclusionary, while recognizing ASEAN's centrality.
- Economically, the Indo-Pacific holds immense importance, contributing about 62% of global GDP and facilitating 50% of global trade. The region is also critical to India’s economy, with 90% of its trade and 80% of its strategic freight passing through these waters.
- The Indo-Pacific is not limited to addressing traditional security issues like military competition or territorial disputes. It also offers vast potential to tackle non-traditional challenges such as climate change, maritime piracy, illegal fishing, and cybersecurity threats.
- Moreover, the region is emerging as a hub for bilateral and multilateral engagements, encompassing economic, political, and security issues.
- Organizations like ASEAN, the Quad, and agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) underscore the Indo-Pacific’s role as a center for economic integration and cooperation.
- For India, the Indo-Pacific represents a critical strategic landscape. By actively engaging in Indo-Pacific affairs, India not only safeguards its interests but also contributes to building an inclusive, cooperative, and sustainable regional order as the global order continues to evolve
1.Consider the following statements regarding India's strategic approach towards the Indo-Pacific region:
- India's vision of the Indo-Pacific stretches from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas.
- The Indo-Pacific contributes approximately 62% of the global GDP and accounts for 50% of global trade.
- The Indo-Pacific region primarily addresses traditional security concerns such as military competition and territorial disputes, with limited focus on non-traditional security threats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
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Answer (a)
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- The agreement to resume patrolling along the previously recognized Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China in 2020 is a positive development, allowing Indian troops to access areas they patrolled before the 2020 standoff.
- The agreement reportedly involves disengagement in key conflict zones like the Depsang Plains and Demchok, which had previously been off the negotiating table for China. However, without more specific details, it's challenging to fully assess the agreement's implications.
- Several areas in Eastern Ladakh have become contentious as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian forces have made competing claims. Out of 65 defined patrolling points (PPs), 11 have been disputed since May 2020, primarily due to intrusions by either side.
- For example, in the Sirijap range on Pangong’s north bank, an agreement reached in February 2021 restored the status quo to its pre-April 2020 conditions. After India repelled China’s attempt to seize the Kailash Heights in September 2020, both sides agreed to de-escalate from Pangong Tso-Chushul, maintaining peace.
- In areas like the Galwan Valley, Changlung Nalla, Hot Springs, and Kongrung Nalla, where the PLA had previously restricted Indian movement, disengagement agreements from June 2020 have led to relative peace.
- However, the situation in Depsang and Demchok remains unresolved despite 21 rounds of military talks. The friction in Depsang dates back before 2020, with PLA offensive actions observed since 2009, including building a road in 2011 to project influence in the Depsang Plains.
- While the new agreement suggests the PLA will no longer block Indian patrols from reaching key points in the Depsang region, this outcome seems uncertain given the significant infrastructure China has developed there since 2020. Satellite images reveal new Chinese settlements in the Pangong area, making it unlikely they will dismantle their positions.
- In Demchok, Chinese forces have violated the LAC at Charding-Nilung Nalla since 2018, obstructing Indian patrols. It remains unclear whether the new agreement will allow Indian troops to resume patrolling up to Charding La Pass, as was done before 2020, or if the deal only involves symbolic adjustments in patrolling arrangements.
- Without complete disengagement, effective patrolling will be difficult, as it often involves asserting dominance over disputed areas. True peace along the LAC will require both sides to fully de-escalate, but given the extensive militarization and infrastructure built over the past four years, a complete military rollback in Ladakh seems unlikely without a clear strategic understanding. India's upgrades, such as the 260 km Shayok-DBO road and enhanced aviation infrastructure, have provided significant advantages, potentially influencing China’s shift in approach.
- Indian military responses since 2020 have thwarted China’s strategic objectives, forcing Beijing to reconsider its actions. While not a breakthrough, these developments reflect China’s recognition of the costs of its misadventures. Still, China is unlikely to easily relinquish territory or positions gained.
- Future patrolling without disengagement remains a difficult proposition, and more details may emerge after a potential Modi-Xi meeting. The goal is to restore the peace that existed before 2020 along the border, with de-escalation and demilitarization dependent on broader improvements in bilateral relations.
- The 2017 Doklam standoff was resolved before the BRICS summit, and similarly, the Galwan issue was addressed during the 2022 SCO summit. The recent announcement, appearing ahead of the BRICS summit, suggests efforts to set the stage for a Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan.
- While no true breakthrough has been achieved in India-China relations, both sides appear to be seeking a face-saving resolution. China may have gained tactical advantages in Ladakh, but India has effectively countered through diplomatic and strategic maturity.
- The new patrolling agreement likely includes modifications to norms, protocols, and coordination between military commanders. However, patrolling will cease with the onset of winter, giving both sides an opportunity to work on broader disengagement. Until then, tensions along the LAC will persist
1.The Line of Actual Control (LAC) separates (Karnataka Civil Police Constable 2020)
A.India and Pakistan
B.India and Afghanistan
C.India and Nepal
D.India and China
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Answer (D)
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de facto boundary that separates the territories of India and China. It is not clearly demarcated in certain areas, which has led to disputes and standoffs between the two countries.
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) established an independent Maratha kingdom from various Deccan states in the 17th century. He was the son of a general who had served different Deccan Sultans throughout his life.
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Shivaji aimed to transform his father's domain around modern-day Pune into a separate Maratha state. During this period, several Sultanates, such as Bijapur, Golkonda, and Ahmadnagar, as well as the Mughals, were vying for control of the Deccan region.
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As Mughal power increased, these Sultanates became tributaries to the Mughal Empire, with their rulers and clans receiving positions within the Mughal court. Despite this, they continued to be embroiled in internal conflicts.
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Shivaji's struggle against the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur began when he was just 16 years old. He dedicated the rest of his life to battling various opponents, ultimately laying the foundation for the Maratha Empire, which extended across much of the Indian subcontinent and continued into the 19th century.
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Shivaji's first direct confrontation with the Mughals occurred during Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns of the 1650s. As Aurangzeb moved north to pursue the Mughal throne, Shivaji was able to expand his territory further.
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In 1664, Shivaji attacked the port of Surat (now in Gujarat), plundering one of the wealthiest and busiest commercial centers of Mughal India while the local governor sought refuge in a nearby fort.
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Aurangzeb, observing Shivaji’s growing influence and legendary status, dispatched a 100,000-strong, well-equipped army under Raja Jai Singh I in 1665 to subdue him. Despite a fierce resistance, Shivaji was eventually besieged in the Purandar hill fort.
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In 1666, Shivaji was taken to Aurangzeb’s court in Agra. Although he presented gifts to Aurangzeb, he was displeased with his treatment and expressed his dissatisfaction publicly.
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Aurangzeb placed Shivaji under house arrest in Agra. Realizing the need to escape to protect himself and his territories, Shivaji began devising a plan to return home and continue his struggle against the Mughals.
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Shivaji’s escape became the stuff of legend. According to popular accounts, he orchestrated an elaborate plan by distributing alms to Brahmins in large, covered baskets from his residence in Agra.
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Over time, the Mughal guards grew lax about inspecting the contents of these baskets. Shivaji concealed himself in one basket and his young son, Sambhaji, in another. In this manner, Shivaji and his son managed to leave Agra undetected by the Mughal authorities.
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Aurangzeb chose not to engage in immediate conflict with Shivaji again. Instead, he offered Shivaji the title of Raja, acknowledging his authority over the Maratha lands, provided Shivaji recognized Mughal supremacy and maintained a truce.
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By 1669, Shivaji had reorganized and built an effective army. Employing his traditional guerrilla tactics, he made rapid strikes against static Mughal and Bijapuri strongholds, causing significant disruptions.
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During this period, Aurangzeb was preoccupied with Pathan revolts in the north-western part of his empire. Shivaji skillfully regained his lost positions along the Konkan coast and, in 1674, crowned himself Chhatrapati, formally establishing an independent Maratha kingdom.
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At the time of his death, Shivaji controlled around 300 forts across an area extending from Surat to near Goa along the Konkan coast, strategically protected by the Western Ghats
B) Torna Fort
C) Shivneri Fort
D) Pratapgad Fort
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Answer (B)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Torna Fort in 1646 at the age of 16. This marked the beginning of the expansion of his kingdom, which laid the foundation for the establishment of the Maratha Empire. Torna Fort is also known as Prachandgad, and its capture was a significant event in Shivaji's early military career. Raigad Fort later became his capital, and Shivneri Fort was his birthplace, while Pratapgad Fort is famous for the Battle of Pratapgad against Afzal Khan
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Copyright is a form of intellectual property law that grants the creator of original works exclusive rights to its use and distribution, usually for a limited time. This legal concept applies to a wide range of creative, intellectual, or artistic forms, such as:
- Literary works (books, poems, articles)
- Musical compositions (songs, lyrics)
- Visual art (paintings, drawings, photographs)
- Films and videos
- Software programs
- Dramatic works (plays, screenplays)
- Architectural designs
Exclusive Rights: Copyright holders have several exclusive rights, including the right to:
- Reproduce the work
- Distribute copies of the work
- Perform or display the work publicly
- Create derivative works based on the original (e.g., adaptations, sequels)
- License the work to others
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Answer (C)
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- The Mk1A includes enhanced avionics systems for better navigation, targeting, and communication
- It is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which offers superior detection and tracking capabilities compared to previous radars
- The Mk1A supports a wider range of weaponry, including both air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions
- It features an advanced electronic warfare system to improve its survivability in combat scenarios
- The Mk1A incorporates improvements to reduce maintenance requirements and increase operational reliability
Chetak and Cheetah
The Chetak and Cheetah are two variants of light utility helicopters developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for use in the Indian Armed Forces.
Chetak Helicopter
- Development: The Chetak is an upgraded version of the French Alouette III helicopter, which HAL began producing under license in the 1960s.
- Role: It is used for a variety of roles including transport, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.
- Features:
- Equipped with a single turboshaft engine.
- It has a maximum takeoff weight of around 3,000 kg.
- Can carry up to 6 passengers or 1,000 kg of cargo.
- Known for its reliability and versatility in various operational environments.
Cheetah Helicopter
- Development: The Cheetah is an improved version of the Chetak, incorporating several enhancements.
- Role: Like the Chetak, the Cheetah serves similar roles but with better performance capabilities.
- Features:
- Upgraded engine for improved power and performance.
- Enhanced avionics and systems.
- Can operate in more demanding conditions, including higher altitudes.
- Increased maximum takeoff weight and payload capacity compared to the Chetak.
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Answer (d)
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is primarily designed for roles such as anti-tank warfare, close air support, and airborne reconnaissance. However, it is not intended for airborne early warning duties. Correct Answer: (d) Airborne early warning |
Composition:
- The Commission consists of a Chairperson, who is a retired Chief Justice of India, and other members, including judges, former government officials, and experts in human rights matters.
- The current Chairperson and members are appointed by the President of India, based on recommendations from a committee that includes the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and leaders of the opposition in both Houses.
Functions and Powers:
- Inquiry: Investigates violations of human rights or negligence in preventing such violations by public servants.
- Recommendations: Suggests measures for the effective implementation of human rights protections and policies.
- Judicial Powers: Has powers of a civil court for certain functions like summoning individuals, requiring documents, and examining witnesses under oath.
- Awareness and Education: Promotes human rights awareness through seminars, publications, and collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Research: Conducts research and studies human rights issues and problems.
- Intervention in Court Cases: Can intervene in proceedings involving allegations of human rights violations.
Limitations:
- It can only make recommendations; it does not have the power to enforce its decisions.
- It cannot inquire into matters after one year from the date of the alleged violation.
1.Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? (UPSC CSE 2020)
- Preamble
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Duties
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (d)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948, outlines a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms. These rights are reflected in various parts of the Constitution of India, beyond just the Fundamental Rights.
Thus, all three parts—Preamble, DPSP, and Fundamental Duties—are reflective of the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights |
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
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