- India trying to be part of solution to world’s problems. (The Tribune)
- AI offers a rare opportunity to transform our economy. (Livemint)
- The IPC in the mirror of history (The Tribune)
INDIA IN A NEED OF NEW ECONOMIC POLICY
Introduction: India’s Changing Role on Independence Day
- India’s celebration of Independence Day this year is marked by a notable shift in its external responsibilities.
- In contrast to past celebrations, where India was often perceived as part of global challenges, it is now actively striving to be a contributor to solutions.
- A significant example of this is India’s role in combating climate change.
- This transformation is not without its challenges and setbacks, as highlighted by instances like India’s abrupt exit from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2019.
- However, India’s history of global involvement and its growing engagement on international platforms, like the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference and G20 summit, suggest a changing narrative.
Climate Change: From Problem to Solution
- India’s stance on climate change has evolved from being a stumbling block in global efforts to a proactive participant.
- The Paris Climate Accord of 2015, a crucial international agreement, owes its progress to India’s altered attitudes towards climate issues.
- This transition was necessary for the international community to address the challenge effectively.
Key Role in International Conferences: COP28 and G20
- The United Arab Emirates’ Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, recognized India’s significance by choosing it as his first destination after being appointed President-Designate of the COP28 conference.
- With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support, Al Jaber aims to make COP28 a transformative event that balances economic growth and climate considerations.
- Additionally, India’s upcoming hosting of the G20 summit highlights its increasing role on the global stage.
- With over 75% of the world’s Gross World Product and international trade represented by the G20 nations, India’s leadership role in this forum reflects a newfound pride in its foreign policy.
Historical Context: From Founding Member to Decolonization Advocate
- India’s history as a founding member of the United Nations and its early commitment to decolonization established its prominence on the global stage.
- India’s active role in addressing apartheid in South Africa and its leadership as the first Chair of the UN’s Decolonisation Committee showcased its dedication to global causes.
Missed Opportunities and Delusions of Grandeur
- Despite its early promise, India’s approach to foreign relations took a different turn.
- India’s aversion to joining organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) limited its potential growth and engagement.
- Indira Gandhi’s perception of ASEAN nations as dictatorships and a lack of vision prevented India from capitalizing on opportunities for regional and global economic integration.
Reviving National Consensus: G20 Presidency and Public Diplomacy
- Recent efforts, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are revitalizing India’s role on the global stage.
- The G20 summit in India, with its wide-ranging meetings and a mass participation approach, fosters a sense of national pride and ownership in India’s foreign policy.
- By building a broad-based consensus, India is looking to reclaim its historical role as a promoter of global solutions.
Conclusion: A Shifting Narrative of India’s Global Engagement
This year’s Independence Day marks a significant turning point in India’s global responsibilities. India is transitioning from being a part of global problems to becoming a proactive contributor to solutions.
Its active participation in international conferences, such as COP28 and the G20 summit, underscores this new approach. While historical missed opportunities have hindered India’s potential, the current leadership’s efforts to reengage on the global stage are reinvigorating the nation’s sense of responsibility and pride.
The future of India’s global role will depend on effectively managing public diplomacy and reestablishing a national consensus on foreign affairs.
Question: How is India’s shift from global problem contributor to solution seeker, as seen in its climate change approach and participation in COP28 and the G20, influencing its historical legacy, economic integration strategies, and efforts to rejuvenate its foreign policy and national identity? |
Source: The Tribune
AI offers a rare opportunity to transform our economy
Introduction: A Catalyst for Growth and Transformation
- The smartphone revolution significantly impacted communication and commerce in India, and now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to accelerate economic growth by adding substantial value to the country’s GDP.
- Beyond economic benefits, AI offers solutions to pressing social challenges, ranging from healthcare access to disaster management and financial inclusion.
India’s Favorable Landscape for AI Advancement
- India possesses the essential elements for AI success: a vast talent pool, supportive government policies, robust academic institutions, and cutting-edge research facilities.
- The nation’s diverse population also provides a wealth of data for innovative AI applications.
- The upcoming wave of generative AI is anticipated to be more transformative than any previous technological innovation.
Opportunities Across Core Sectors
- Agriculture: AI-powered agritech solutions empower farmers with crop yield predictions, pest outbreak warnings, and optimized resource management.
- Manufacturing: AI enhances supply chain efficiency, demand forecasting, and product quality inspection, propelling India’s $1 trillion manufacturing exports target.
- Healthcare: AI aids early disease diagnosis through deep learning algorithms, while wearables monitor patient treatment response, revolutionizing patient care.
- Retail: AI predicts customer needs and delivers personalized service, potentially making AI as pervasive as electricity across industries.
Reshaping Work and Employment
- Generative AI’s Impact: India’s young population can benefit from generative AI, automating repetitive tasks and enabling more creative, fulfilling careers.
- Shift in Demand: Jobs requiring critical thinking, communication, data science, digital transformation, and security will rise, demanding upskilling and reskilling efforts.
- Government Initiatives: Programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 aim to train in coding, AI, robotics, and other skills, fostering a skilled workforce.
Bridging Socio-Economic Gaps
- Healthcare Access: AI-based diagnostic tools empower laypeople in rural areas to capture health data for remote diagnosis, addressing the scarcity of medical infrastructure.
- Financial Services: AI-driven credit models, utilizing alternative data sources, extend credit access to marginalized communities, such as farmers.
- Digital Divide: Addressing internet and smartphone access disparities is crucial for effective deployment of AI applications in underserved areas.
Enabling Smarter Governance
- Traffic Management and Public Safety: AI supports smart traffic signals, real-time street monitoring, and crowd management, enhancing governance effectiveness.
- Customized E-Governance: AI augments platforms like IndiaStack for tailored local solutions, while AI-led language translation improves information dissemination.
- Ethical AI Implementation: Ensuring unbiased algorithms, transparent functioning, and responsible technology usage remain pivotal for AI integration.
Collaborative Efforts for a Transformative AI Landscape
- Incentivizing AI Research: Public and private sectors must financially support startups and academic institutions developing AI solutions for the public good.
- Retaining AI Talent: Investing in education, infrastructure, competitive pay, and opportunities is essential to prevent brain drain.
- Scaling AI Education: Expanding education and training programs, along with free online courses, bridges AI skill gaps at scale.
- Ethical Considerations: Establishing safeguards against algorithmic biases, transparency improvements, and responsible AI use must be prioritized.
Conclusion: A Transformative Path Forward
AI’s responsible integration holds the potential to positively impact millions of lives in India, catalyzing economic growth, addressing social disparities, and fostering innovation across various sectors.
Collaborative efforts between businesses and governments are crucial to fully harness AI’s capabilities and drive the nation’s progress.
Question: Illustrate the transformative opportunities that AI offers across core sectors in India. Provide examples of how AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.
THE IPC IN THE MIRROR OF HISTORY
Context:
- The Indian Penal Code (IPC), enacted in 1861 under British colonial rule, has undergone minimal changes in over a century and a half.
Genesis of the IPC: A Colonial Legacy:
- The British colonial rulers centralized governance in 1833, establishing a central Legislative Council to formulate laws for their territories in India.
- Under the leadership of Thomas B Macaulay, a Law Commission was formed in 1835 to draft a comprehensive penal law based on English common law.
- The hastily prepared draft underwent thorough revisions by successive members, including Drinkwater Bethune and Barnes Peacock, before being introduced to the Legislative Council in 1856. It finally came into effect as the Indian Penal Code on January 1, 1862.
Language and Transformation:
- Originally written in Victorian English, the IPC’s language has become outdated and linguistically hybrid due to subsequent additions and modifications.
- The IPC’s 23 chapters were expanded to 25, with the addition of chapters on criminal conspiracy and election-related offenses.
- The IPC has since undergone multiple amendments, adding 61 new sections while repealing 21. This has resulted in a confusing and complicated legal document.
Colonial Vestiges and Contemporary Challenges:
- Certain sections of the IPC, such as Section 124A (sedition), harken back to the colonial era, aimed at suppressing nationalist rebellion.
- These provisions clash with the principles of a sovereign, democratic republic.
- The criminalization of consensual homosexuality (Section 377) and the decriminalization of adultery (Section 497) have sparked judicial concerns and debates.
- Section 494, which criminalizes bigamy only if prohibited by applicable family law, requires reconsideration.
- The misuse of Section 498A, addressing cruelty to women, necessitates urgent attention.
The Call for Reforms:
- Given the archaic elements and contemporary challenges, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive overhaul of the IPC.
- The move by the current political administration to introduce a new penal code is a commendable step.
- In conjunction with the IPC, the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973 are also slated for replacement.
- Revising the CrPC, enacted in 1861 and revised in 1898, is comparatively less daunting.
- However, any new legislation must uphold strict secular principles, avoiding bias towards any particular ideology.
Conclusion:
The Indian Penal Code, born out of British colonialism, has navigated through time with minimal modifications. As India evolves socially and culturally, the IPC must adapt to reflect contemporary values, concerns, and sensibilities.
A comprehensive reform effort that encompasses the IPC, the Indian Evidence Act, and the CrPC will pave the way for a just and relevant legal framework in the modern Indian context.
Question: Considering the intertwined history of the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, discuss the importance of simultaneously revising all three legislations to create a comprehensive and relevant legal framework for the 21st century India.
