Content:
- Demise of Foreign Aid in India
- Shaping the Port of the Future
- EC Developing Common Digital Platform for Voters, Officials
- New NCERT Textbooks for Class 7 to Introduce Students to Traditional Games, Cultural Activities
- From Ploughs to Panels, Cultivating a Solar-Powered Future for Farmers
Demise of foreign aid in India
Context and Background
- India historically had an ambivalent stance on foreign aid—welcoming at times, suspicious at others.
- Peak foreign aid flow to India occurred between 1955-1965, primarily from Western nations.
- After 1990, Official Development Assistance (ODA) became insignificant due to India’s high growth trajectory.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Decline in Official Foreign Aid
- Western countries now perceive India as a self-reliant, emerging global power.
- Factors for reduced aid:
- Rising political and religious nationalism.
- Donor countries facing domestic constraints: economic slowdown, immigration backlash, geopolitical conflicts.
- US President Trump’s attack on USAID marked a global shift; EU countries may follow suit.
Decline in Private Aid
- Private foreign aid to NGOs has also been declining.
- Data (2017–2022): NGOs received ₹88,882 million, but actual foreign aid is believed to have dropped further.
- Implications:
- Potential unemployment in donor and recipient sectors.
- Wastage of unused aid resources like medicines/food.
- Reduced international collaboration in health and environment.
Regulatory Crackdown via FCRA
- Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) introduced in 1976; amended multiple times (2010, 2011, 2020, 2023, 2024).
- Justification: Alleged anti-national activities by NGOs (e.g., conversions, protests).
- Increasing stringency of regulations and cancellation of registrations have discouraged both donors and recipients.
- Targeting of donors like Soros Foundation signals further narrowing space for foreign philanthropy.
Role of Foreign Aid in NGO Functioning
- Foreign aid filled gaps where government funding was insufficient, rigid, or delayed.
- Enabled:
- Greater flexibility in project design and execution.
- Capacity building and exposure to global practices.
- A watchdog role against governmental or corporate overreach.
Consequences of Aid Withdrawal
- Risks include:
- Unemployment in the voluntary sector.
- Stalled or unfinished projects.
- Deterioration of service delivery in health, education, livelihoods.
- Weakening of dissent and accountability in democratic processes.
Self-Reliance vs. Strategic Myopia
- While Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) is an admirable goal, the blanket rejection of aid may be detrimental.
- Shunning foreign aid without viable alternatives risks hampering inclusive development and silencing civil society.
Shaping the port of the future
Historical & Strategic Context
- Vizhinjam was historically known as Balita and later Rajendra Chola Pattinam, indicating its prominence in early global maritime trade.
- Post-colonial neglect led to the decline of its status in favor of ports like Cochin and Madras.
- It is now revived as India’s first deep-water container transshipment port.
Relevance :GS 3(Infrastructure)
Port Features & Economic Significance
- Location advantage: Closest Indian port to international shipping routes (just 10 nautical miles away).
- Can handle Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) due to its natural 20-meter draft depth.
- Developed under a PPP model with ₹8,867 crore investment:
- Kerala Govt: ₹5,595 crore
- Adani Ports: ₹2,454 crore
- Union Govt (VGF): ₹817.8 crore
- Already exceeded TEU targets: 6 lakh TEUs handled in a year (vs. expected 1 lakh).
Operational Milestones
- Docked MSC Claude Girardet, largest cargo ship in South Asia.
- MSC Anna handled 10,330 containers—a record for Indian ports.
- MSC Irina, world’s largest container ship, expected to dock in May 2025.
- Semi-automated port with skilled women crane operators—a national first.
Geopolitical and Global Trade Impact
- Aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and Klang.
- MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Co.) has already included Vizhinjam in its major global shipping routes.
Future Expansion Plans
- Full completion advanced from 2045 to 2028.
- Second and third phases approved with ₹20,000 crore investment:
- TEU capacity to increase from 1 million to 4.87 million.
- Berth length to increase from 1,200m to 2,000m.
Infrastructure & Connectivity Challenges
- Delays due to inadequate associated infrastructure (e.g., 40-ship backlog in Feb).
- Pending approvals:
- Integrated Check Post (ICP) – vital for customs and crew change.
- Port Health Office – important for international operations.
- Key connectivity projects:
- NH-66 expansion, rail link to Balaramapuram, 63 km Outer Ring Road.
Allied Industrial Ecosystem & Local Economy
- Kerala government announced Vizhinjam Development Zone and plans for an economic corridor.
- Push for shipbuilding, ship repair, logistics, and green fuel (hydrogen, ammonia) hubs.
- Shipyard at Poovar and wave energy projects in pipeline.
Special Investment Region (SIR) & SEZ Potential
- Potential to emulate China’s Shenzhen model (from fishing village to tech hub).
- Vizhinjam Special Investment Region (SIR) Bill under proposal:
- Should include land pooling, fair compensation, and global best practices.
- May be referred to a select committee for detailed study.
Policy & Financial Concerns
- Union Govt’s VGF repayment clause could escalate to ₹10,000 crore – a financial burden on Kerala.
- Suggestion: Reconsider repayment terms due to the port’s strategic importance.
- Need for a Greenfield Port Policy (like Greenfield Airport Policy) to avoid nearby redundant ports (e.g., Colachel, 40 km away).
Conclusion: Way Forward
- Vizhinjam is a game-changing infrastructure project with immense potential.
- Its success hinges on:
- Timely infrastructure support,
- Smart regulatory decisions,
- Strategic global partnerships,
- Harmonious Centre-State-private collaboration.
EC developing common digital platform for voters, officials
ECINET is a new unified digital platform by the Election Commission of India, aimed at integrating over 40 electoral apps for streamlined, secure, and accessible electoral management. It seeks to enhance voter services, administrative efficiency, and digital governance.
Relevance : GS 2(Election Comission)
Key Features of ECINET
- Unified Platform: Integrates and reorients over 40 existing EC apps into one common interface.
- One-Stop Access: Will subsume major apps like:
- Voter Helpline
- Voter Turnout
- cVIGIL
- Suvidha 2.0
- ESMS
- Saksham
- KYC app
Objectives
- Simplify User Experience: Offers a unified login and interface, avoiding the need to switch between multiple apps.
- Enhance Accessibility: Available on both desktop and mobile platforms for broader reach.
- Improve Data Access: Allows users (voters, officials, parties, civil society) to access reliable electoral data easily.
Development Status
- Advanced Stage: The platform is undergoing rigorous trials for:
- Functionality
- User-friendliness
- Cybersecurity robustness
Data Integrity & Security
- Authorised Entry Only: Data can be entered solely by EC officials.
- Legal Priority: In case of data conflict, statutory forms will take precedence.
- Cybersecurity Focus: Designed with strong security measures to prevent data breaches or manipulation.
Expected Benefits
- Massive Outreach: Aims to benefit nearly 100 crore electors.
- Administrative Efficiency: Will aid the entire electoral machinery by reducing redundancy and improving coordination.
- Digital Governance Boost: Reflects a significant move towards e-governance in electoral management.
New NCERT textbooks for Class 7 to introduce students to traditional games, cultural activities
General Overview
- New Textbook Introduced: NCERT launches “Khel Yatra”, a physical education and well-being textbook for Class 7.
- NEP 2020 Alignment: The move is in line with the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes cultural rootedness and holistic development.
- Focus: Emphasises traditional Indian games, fitness, teamwork, and values like inclusion and gender equality.
Relevance : GS 2(Education )
Traditional Games in Focus (Chapters 1 & 2)
Chapter 1: Foundational Basis of Physical Education and Well-being
- Ghorpadiche Shepoot (Maharashtra/South India): Tag-based game resembling lizard’s tail chase; connected with Tanaji Malusare’s legend.
- Gidhada Gudkavan (Maharashtra): “Hawk and Chickens” game promoting agility, teamwork, and strategy.
- Nalugu Rallu Ata (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana): “Four Stones” game requiring strategic movement to collect stones while avoiding the denner.
Chapter 2: Physical and Motor Fitness
- Dhaan ki Bori: Sack race game where one player carries another on the back.
- Atya-Patya / Dariya Bandha: Tag-and-run agility game involving crossing lines without being tagged.
- Dapo Nyarka Sunam (Northeast Tribes): Bamboo wrestling game focused on balance, strength, and strategy.
- Madhu and Manu: Tag-based team game involving race to safety zones.
Standard Sports & Cultural Practices (Chapters 3–6)
- Chapter 3 & 4: Fundamentals of badminton and football.
- Chapters 5 & 6: Focus on kabaddi and yoga (including asanas and pranayama).
Broader Educational Themes
- Values-Based Learning: Textbook promotes physical activity along with values like:
- Inclusion
- Gender equality
- Cultural rootedness
- Experiential Learning: Encourages students to engage actively rather than passively learn.
Vocational Skills Textbook: Kaushal Bodh
- Introduces students to:
- Puppetry
- Tie-dye printing
- Gardening
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Blends heritage crafts with emerging tech skills.
Significance
- Pedagogical Shift: Moves from rote learning to hands-on, experiential, and culturally integrated education.
- National Integration: Showcases diverse regional games and promotes inter-state cultural appreciation.
- Holistic Development: Strengthens physical fitness, emotional well-being, and creative thinking among adolescents.
From ploughs to panels, cultivating a solar-powered future for farmers
Concept and Origins of Agriphotovoltaics (APVs)
- Origin: Introduced in 1981 by German scientists Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow.
- Core idea: Dual land use—elevate solar panels (~2m) to grow crops underneath, combining energy generation and agriculture.
- Benefit: Enhances land-use efficiency, reduces competition between food and energy production.
Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture , Technology)
APVs: Function and Economic Potential
- Design types:
- Interspace orientation: Crops grown between solar panel rows.
- Overhead-stilted orientation: Panels elevated, crops grown below.
- Income Model: Farmers can:
- Lease land to developers (e.g., ₹1 lakh/acre/year in Najafgarh).
- Earn from both lease and crop cultivation if negotiated.
- Income potential: From ₹41,000/acre/year (traditional) to ₹2.5 lakh/acre/year (APV with dual income).
Environmental and Agronomic Advantages
- Creates microclimate: Lowers water loss and reduces heat stress on crops.
- Supports shade-tolerant crops: E.g., turmeric, tomato, potato.
Challenges: Lack of Norms and High CapEx
- India lacks national APV standards, unlike:
- Japan: Max 20% crop yield loss, panel height ≥2m, periodic review.
- Germany: Yield retention ≥66%, land loss to solar ≤15%.
- Capital cost barrier:
- ₹2.7 crore for 1-MW ground-mounted plant.
- 11% higher cost for APV due to specialised structure.
- Viability tied to FiT (Feed-in Tariff):
- Current FiT (₹3.04/unit): ~15 years payback.
- Higher FiT (₹4.52/unit): ~4 years payback.
Recommendations and the Way Forward
- Incorporate APVs into PM-KUSUM scheme:
- Use Component-A (grid-connected plants) to scale dual-use models.
- Develop APV-specific guidelines:
- Include norms for panel height, land use, yield loss, removability.
- Encourage smallholder adoption:
- Use FPOs and cooperatives (e.g., Sahyadri FPO).
- Offer NABARD credit guarantees, grants, and training programs.
- Build capacity: Skill training for APV operation and maintenance.
Conclusion
- APVs offer triple benefits: energy, food, and farmer income security.
- Success depends on:
- Economic incentives (attractive FiTs, lease models).
- Farmer-centric policy framework (guidelines, support systems).
