Author: admin

  • SSC CHSL Exam 2024:

    SSC CHSL Exam 2024:

    A Comprehensive Guide:

    The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the SSC CHSL exam annually to recruit candidates for various Ministries/Departments/Organizations of the Government of India. The SSC CHSL, or Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination, offers opportunities for positions such as Postal Assistants (PA)/Sorting Assistants (SA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)/Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (Grade A).

    Salary Structure: The salary structure varies for different posts under the SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level exam, ranging from Pay Level 2 to Pay Level 5. For instance, LDC/JSA positions offer a salary in the range of Rs. 19,900-63,200, while DEO positions have a salary scale of Rs. 25,500-81,100 for Pay Levels 4 and 5.

    SSC CHSL Notification 2024: The official notification for SSC CHSL 2024 will be released to recruit vacancies for LDC/JSA, PA/SA, and DEO positions. Candidates can download the official recruitment notification in PDF format from the official website once it’s released.

    Exam Summary: The SSC CHSL exam is a national-level exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. It is open to Indian citizens who have passed the 12th grade. The selection process involves Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams, and the mode of examination is online.

    Important Dates for SSC CHSL 2024: The detailed notification and application forms will be released on the official SSC website by the end of the 1st week of April 2024. The last date to apply online will be 1st May 2024. The Tier 1 exam is scheduled to be held in June-July 2024.

    Application Fee: General category candidates are required to pay an application fee of Rs. 100, while female candidates, SC, ST, Physically Handicapped, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempt from the fee.

    Syllabus: The SSC CHSL exam comprises three levels, each with its own syllabus. The Tier 1 exam consists of four sections: General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill), and English Language (Basic Knowledge).

    Prepare yourself thoroughly for the SSC CHSL 2024 exam by understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and important dates. Success awaits those who are diligent and well-prepared. Good luck!

    Top of Form

    Are you gearing up for the SSC CHSL 2024 exam? Look no further! Edusprint Academy is proud to announce the launch of our special batch tailored specifically for SSC CHSL 2024 aspirants.

    What sets our batch apart? We’re bringing in experienced staff members from various working departments to provide you with unparalleled guidance and insights. With their expertise and firsthand knowledge, you’ll receive invaluable tips and strategies to ace the SSC CHSL exam with confidence.

    At Edusprint Academy, we believe in being your success key for 2024 competitive exams. Our comprehensive approach to exam preparation ensures that you’re equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. From detailed study materials to rigorous practice sessions, we leave no stone unturned in your journey towards success.

    Join our special batch for SSC CHSL 2024 and unlock your potential with Edusprint Academy. Let’s embark on this journey together and make 2024 your year of triumph!

    Stay tuned for more updates and announcements regarding our special batch. Your success awaits at Edusprint Academy!

  • Editorial 4 April 2024:

    Editorial 4 April 2024:

    Dangerous Game:

    On Patanjali Ayurved’s Claims:

    In February this year, the Supreme Court of India issued a contempt notice against Patanjali Ayurved for publishing misleading advertisements that were in direct violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and its Rules despite the company’s assurance to the Court in November last year that it would not do so. On Tuesday, the apex court turned up the heat by threatening Patanjali’s co-founder Baba Ramdev with perjury proceedings in addition to contempt. The two-member Bench again came down heavily on the government, this time for turning a blind eye when the company was promoting its products as a panacea during the COVID-19 pandemic, in blatant violation of the Act. While the Court has asked the government to file an affidavit to dispel the impression that it was complicit, the fact is that the government did almost nothing to inform the people that Coronil was not a “cure” for COVID-19 — as claimed by the company in June 2020 — but only a “supporting measure in COVID-19”. In February 2021, the presence of Harsh Vardhan, then Union Health Minister, along with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, at a press conference organised by Patanjali to promote Coronil, made the company’s claims sound very credible.

    Emboldened by the absence of penal action by the courts or the government for the false claim that Coronil could cure COVID-19, the company went on an advertisement spree in 2022 claiming that its products could cure many non-communicable diseases and conditions. The advertisements also denigrated and derided evidence-based medicine (allopathy). On November 21, 2023 the Court warned the company not to advertise permanent cures and threatened to impose a penalty of ₹1 crore on every product for which such claims were made. But, in absolute defiance, the company held a press conference the next day to defend its products. In December last year and January 2024, cocking a snook at the Court, the company again issued newspaper advertisements, compelling the Court to issue a contempt notice in February. It is highly unlikely that the company could have continued to act this way in the absence of at least tacit support from the government at the Centre and in Uttarakhand, where the company is based. Independent of the Court, the absence of any restraining order by the government to stop the company from freely advertising highly misleading claims only strengthens the suspicion. In matters related to health and medicine, the government playing favouritism can be extremely dangerous and harmful. Allowing commercial interests to override public health and safety can be perilous.

    Meaning of important Words:

    contemptrefers to a feeling or attitude of disdain, scorn, or disrespect towards someone or something.
    perjuryrefers to the act of deliberately lying or making false statements while under oath or affirmation, typically in a court of law or in a legal document such as an affidavit.
    panaceais a term that refers to a remedy or solution that is believed to cure all ailments or problems.
    Emboldenedis an adjective that describes someone or something that has been given courage, confidence, or determination
    denigratedis the past tense form of the verb “denigrate.” It means to criticize or speak derogatorily about someone or something, often with the intention of damaging their reputation or diminishing their value.
    deridedis the past tense form of the verb “deride.” It means to ridicule, mock, or express contempt for someone or something in a scornful or disrespectful manner.
    defianceis a noun that refers to the act of openly resisting or challenging authority, rules, norms, or expectations.
    tacitis an adjective that describes something that is understood or implied without being explicitly stated.
    suspicionis a noun that refers to a feeling or belief that someone or something is possibly guilty of wrongdoing, dishonesty, or harmful intentions, often without sufficient evidence or proof.
  • Editorial 3 April 2024:

    Editorial 3 April 2024:

    A Reform Window:

    On the GST Trajectory:

    The financial year 2023-24 appears to have ended on a high on the revenue front. Net direct tax collections rose 19.9% by mid-March to hit 97% of revised Budget targets, while the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has yielded a robust ₹20.18 lakh crore. Gross GST revenues in March, for transactions undertaken in February, crossed ₹1.78 lakh crore, the second highest tally since the rollout of the indirect tax six and a half years ago. The only month when collection stood higher was in April 2023, aided by year-end compliances. There is a good chance the same compliance effects will lift this month’s tally past ₹2 lakh crore, marking a fresh high. Average monthly collections have grown 11.6% in 2023-24 to over ₹1.68 lakh crore. The growth may be lower than the previous year’s 21.8% uptick but establishes a new normal for revenues that the coming year can build on. This should settle the Centre’s concerns that the GST has not yielded expected returns. Central GST collections in 2023-24 have overshot revised estimates presented in the interim Budget and the Finance Ministry may have to revise its 2024-25 targets when it presents the full Budget as those can now be achieved even if growth slips below 10%. Some of the increase in collections may well stem from tax demands raised for past years and tightening the screws on known evasion routes such as fake invoices and fraudulent input tax credits. Yet, an uptick in growth of net GST revenues, which the government has started revealing since last month, and the rise in gross collections from domestic transactions (17.6% compared with 13.6% in February) suggest economic activity has been busy in the last quarter of 2023-24. Perhaps, the only worry is a 5% decline in GST on goods imports during March, from an 8.5% rise in February, which may signal some cutbacks in discretionary consumption. Yet, the overall GST trajectory should give the next government comfort to focus on much-needed reforms to the tax. This must include retrieving the plan to rationalise its multiple rates from deep freeze, expanding it to excluded items such as electricity and petroleum products, and reducing high levies on key products such as cement and insurance. The GST Compensation Cess, now being used to repay the COVID-19 pandemic-era borrowings made to recompense States, raked in ₹1.44 lakh crore last year, and it is likely possible to wind it down earlier than the extended March 2026 deadline. It is critical to resist the temptation to replace it with a new levy except for truly demerit goods such as tobacco. Taxing hybrid vehicles over 40%, for instance, makes no sense, either for India’s green goals or boosting consumption and spurring private investments

    Meaning of Important Words:

    compliancerefers to the act of conforming to rules, regulations, laws, or standards set forth by a governing body, organization, or authority. It involves adhering to established guidelines, policies, procedures, or specifications in order to ensure that certain requirements are met and that behavior or activities are in line with expectations or norms.
    trajectoryrefers to the path followed by an object moving through space or time under the influence of forces acting upon it.
    Recompenserefers to compensation, repayment, or reward given to someone for their efforts, work, or losses.
    temptationrefers to the urge or desire to do something, especially something that is considered wrong or forbidden, despite knowing that it may have negative consequences.
    spurringrefers to the act of stimulating, encouraging, or motivating someone or something to take action or to move forward. It can be used in various contexts

  • Editorial 27 march 2024:

    Open season:

    On Odisha politics:

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), principal rivals in Odisha, nearly formed an alliance, and then pulled back to remain rivals. Even by the current standards of political morality, these moves were astonishing. The State unit of the BJP publicly opposed the move but the party appeared willing to give up 15 years of an anti-BJD campaign that gained it the status of the principal Opposition in Odisha. What could have been the mother of all opportunistic alliances was pursued with the goal of securing all 21 Lok Sabha seats in the State for the BJP, and BJD leader and State Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik continuing into yet another term in office without much of a contest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tribute to Mr. Patnaik’s father, Biju Patnaik, on his 108th birth anniversary on March 5 and steered clear of attacking the State government. This was a reversal of the party’s strategy until now. In 2019, the BJD had won 12 Lok Sabha seats and 43% votes while the BJP won eight seats and 39% votes. In the Assembly election that was held simultaneously, the BJP got 33% of the votes. The BJD and the BJP were allies until 2009, with the Congress as their main rival.

    Mr. Patnaik is managing age-related constraints and trying to effect a transition to ensure that his political legacy continues. The BJP sees this as its best opportunity yet to win power. Parties that are dependent entirely on a single charismatic leader can face a crisis in their absence. Both parties could have achieved their immediate goals in the event of an alliance though it would have diminished them in the eyes of voters. In the general election in 2019, the Congress got only 13.4% votes in the State, a distant third behind the BJD and BJP. The party won Koraput and was runner-up in the Nabrangpur seat. This time, the party is hoping to cash in on the confusion created by the failed talks between the BJD and BJP. Along with former Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s push for a caste census, it is hoping to draw dividends in a State where 50% of the population is from the backward community. Over the years, the party’s organisation has weakened and the journey from rhetoric to reality could be a tough one. The alliance that did not happen shows that it is open season in Odisha.

    Meaning of the words:

    Rivalsrefers to individuals, groups, or entities that compete with each other for the same objective, such as a prize, position, or achievement.
    Moralityrefers to principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong behavior. It encompasses the values, beliefs, and standards that guide an individual or society
    Astonishingis an adjective that describes something that causes great surprise, wonder, or amazement.
    Opportunisticis an adjective used to describe someone or something that takes advantage of opportunities as they arise, often with a focus on personal gain or benefit, sometimes at the expense of others or without regard for ethical considerations.
    Steeredis the past tense of the verb “steer.” It refers to the action of guiding or directing the movement or course of something, such as a vehicle, a conversation, a project, or a decision.
    Constraintsrefer to limitations or restrictions that restrict or confine someone or something. In various contexts, constraints can be physical, such as a lack of resources, space, or time, or they can be more abstract, such as social norms, rules, or regulations.
    Charismaticis an adjective used to describe someone who possesses a compelling charm or attractiveness that inspires devotion and enthusiasm in others.

  • Editorial 26 march 2024:

    Sordid scheme:

    On the electoral bond scheme, electoral financing:

    Following the Supreme Court of India-ordered release of the final tranche of data from the State Bank of India, it has now been possible to get a nearly complete picture of electoral financing, which was once an opaque route. The SBI had to release data of the unique numbers for electoral bonds purchased by corporate and individual donors and later encashed by political parties. That the SBI had to be prodded twice by the Court to release these chunks of data — in the first instance they were without the unique numbers that could connect donors with parties — is an indictment of the bank which had initially sought an extension till June 30, 2024, well after the general election, to release the information. On the other hand, it took only a few hours for news organisations to perform a simple data-matching exercise to connect the two sets of information — on the companies that had purchased the bonds and on the parties that had encashed them. A cursory look at the data reveals the inefficacy of the argument for the need for opacity of electoral bonds that had been propounded by the Union government, but one soundly rejected by the Court. For one, there seems to be a clear correlation between large donations being made to certain political parties and bond purchasers receiving high-value infrastructure contracts. In some cases, there is strong correlation between entities being subject to actions or facing probes by the Enforcement Directorate and the Income-Tax Department, and later these entities or their representatives purchasing bonds. This is especially so for many donors who purchased these bonds that were later encashed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    That the top 19 firms — based on the cumulative size of donations made — went on to invariably fund the BJP, besides other parties, from mid-2019 to February 2024 (22 firms donated ₹100 crore or more in this period) also suggests that the bonds were a device used to curry favour with the establishment. The presence of a unique identifier for these bonds in the hands of the SBI, which could allow it to keep an audit trail of transactions, and that the Finance Ministry had allowed certain bonds to be encashed even after their expiry date (within 15 days of the purchase date) showed that the scheme had also created undue advantage for the ruling party. It is clear that the bonds had skewed campaign and party financing heavily in the favour of the ruling party, besides putting a veil over the unscrupulous motivations for the donations. It is now incumbent upon civil society to enlighten the electorate about the scheme and to raise questions about the skewed nature of donations. This will just be the first step to cleansing the system.

    Meaning of the words:

    tranchetypically refers to a portion or slice of something, often used in financial contexts. In finance, a tranche usually refers to a specific portion of a larger financial arrangement, such as a loan or a bond issue, that is divided into smaller parts with different characteristics or terms.
    opaqueis used to describe something that is difficult to understand or see through, either physically or metaphorically.
    proddedmeans to poke or jab someone or something gently, often with a pointed object or with one’s finger, to encourage action or to draw attention to something.
    indictmentis a formal accusation or charge brought against someone by a grand jury or other competent authority, typically for a serious crime.
    opacityrefers to the quality or state of being opaque, which means the inability to see through or understand something clearly.
    Cumulativerefers to the accumulation or addition of something over time or in a gradual manner. It implies that items are being added together progressively to form a total or aggregate.
    undueis used to describe something that is excessive, unwarranted, or not justified by the circumstances
    unscrupulousdescribes someone who is dishonest, lacking in moral principles, and willing to do things that are considered unethical or immoral in order to achieve their goals.
    incumbentIncumbent can also mean something that is necessary as a duty or obligation. For instance, it could be said that it is incumbent upon citizens to pay taxes or to obey the law.
  • Editorial 2 April 2024:

    Editorial 2 April 2024:

    Solar Surge:

    Moving Away from Imported solar panels:

    The new financial year has begun with the government finally bringing into effect a policy that will discourage solar power project developers from relying on imported panels. The Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019, requires module makers to submit to an inspection of their manufacturing facilities by the National Institute of Solar Energy. Being on the list as an ‘approved’ manufacturing facility certifies a company as legitimately manufacturing solar panels within its premises and not importing modules. The major advantage is eligibility to compete for the government’s tenders for its flagship solar energy programmes. This includes the recently announced PM solar rooftop scheme.

    The creation of such a list was also aimed at restricting imports from China, which controls nearly 80% of the global supply, amid the downturn in diplomatic relations. India has ambitious plans of sourcing about 500 GW, nearly half its requirement of electricity, from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. This would mean at least 280 GW from solar power by that year or at least 40 GW of solar capacity being annually added until 2030. In the last five years, this has barely crossed 13 GW though the government has claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic affected this trajectory and the country was on track to add between 25 GW-40 GW annually. The difficulty is that meeting the targets requires many more panels and component cells than India’s domestic industry can supply. In recent years, a significant fraction of India’s solar installations has been met by imports. This affects the interests of domestic panel manufacturers who have to pay the government to be certified while at the same time losing out on orders to the cheaper Chinese panels. To meet demand, the Centre, which has kept postponing the implementation of the approved list, has now decreed that this will take effect from April 1. The yardstick of success is when India meets its 2030 commitment while also ensuring that solar power is affordable to most Indians. This means that domestic manufacturers should be subject to stringent quality checks and not be allowed to compromise on cost and quality merely on nationalistic grounds. While the Indian solar industry must grow and gain a reputation for being a high quality exporter, it should not forget that this is a road with no easy shortcuts.

    Meaning of the words:

    legitimatelytypically refers to something being done or achieved in a lawful, proper, or morally acceptable manner.
    downturnrefers to a period of decline or decrease in economic activity, typically characterized by reduced production, sales, and employment.
    ambitiousdescribes someone who has a strong desire and determination to achieve success, often in a particular field or endeavor.
    trajectoryrefers to the path that an object follows as it moves through space or the course of development or progress of a situation over time.
    decreedrefers to something that has been officially ordered, commanded, or pronounced by someone in authority, such as a ruler, a judge, or a governing body.
    yardstickis a long, straight, usually wooden stick or rod that is typically one yard (or three feet) in length, used for measuring or as a standard of comparison.
    Stringentrefers to something that is strict, precise, or rigorously enforced. When rules, regulations, standards, or requirements are described as stringent, it means they are demanding and leave little room for leniency or deviation.
    nationalisticrefers to a strong sense of loyalty, pride, or devotion to one’s nation or country.
    reputationrefers to the overall perception or estimation of someone or something based on past actions, behavior, or characteristics. It is the collective assessment of a person, organization, product, or brand by others, often based on their experiences, interactions, or observations.

  • Editorial – March 29, 2024

    Editorial – March 29, 2024

    Title: Easily provoked: On India’s internal affairs and foreign comments

    New Delhi and Washington appear to be squaring off for a fight over the U.S. expressing its concerns about the Modi government’s actions ahead of the general election. After the U.S. State Department spokesperson first made a comment on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the acting Deputy Chief of the U.S. mission in Delhi and sternly called on the U.S. to desist from interfering in India’s internal affairs. A dressing down was also handed to a German diplomat for a similar statement by Germany. However, while the German government appeared to tone down its remarks subsequently, the U.S. administration seems to have doubled down — repeating statements on the need for “fair, transparent, timely legal processes”, and adding the freezing of the Congress Party’s accounts during the election campaign amongst its concerns, prompting yet another rebuke. The U.S.’s statements, galling for the government, are not new, and its concerns over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, farmers’ protests, actions against NGOs, and legal action against Opposition politicians have been growing. The Modi government may wish to introspect about whether any of these interventions are valid concerns, and it may be of significance to probe whether this brinkmanship is a symptom of a larger problem in the India-U.S. relationship. Since the U.S. announced an indictment into an alleged assassination plot against a Khalistani separatist and India critic, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, claiming a link to a top Indian national security official, the quality of public engagement appears to have suffered a setback, even though trade, technology sharing, and military and strategic cooperation remain strong. The decision by U.S. President Joe Biden to decline India’s invitation as Republic Day chief guest and to attend the Quad summit, and the cancellation of U.S. NSA Jake Sullivan’s visit, even as the post of Indian Ambassador to Washington lies vacant, merit close examination.

    Given the kerfuffle over Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest, New Delhi has a few choices: it can choose to continue this high-decibel, public and unseemly spat; it can pay the U.S. back in the same coin by commenting on its internal developments; or it can refuse to be provoked. The last option may seem the least attractive to this government, which has made a habit of pugilistic public diplomacy, but in fact would come from a place of strength and security. Global leadership, of the kind that India aspires to, requires broad shoulders, and a thick skin when it comes to criticism, along with a quiet confidence that its democratic record should speak for itself.

    Meaning of the words

    spokesperson 

    is an individual designated to represent and speak on behalf of an organization, company, group, or individual.

    introspect

    refers to the process of examining, reflecting on, or analyzing one’s own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

    interventions

    refer to actions or strategies implemented to modify, change, or influence a situation, behavior, or outcome.

    indictment

    An indictment is a formal accusation or charge brought against an individual or organization, typically by a legal authority such as a grand jury or a prosecutor.

    provoked

    typically refers to being stimulated or incited to a particular action, emotion, or response as a result of some external stimulus or trigger.

    pugilistic

    is an adjective derived from the noun “pugilism,” which refers to the sport or practice of boxing. When something is described as pugilistic, it typically means it is related to or resembles the actions, characteristics, or techniques of boxing.

    brinkmanship

    refers to a diplomatic or strategic approach in which one party pushes a situation to the brink of disaster or conflict in order to achieve a favorable outcome.

  • Editorial – March 28, 2024

    Editorial – March 28, 2024

    Editorial – March 28, 2024

    Title: On the discourse in politics and women politicians

    Congress social media in-charge Supriya Shrinate’s denigrating post on actor Kangana Ranaut, now deleted, is unconscionable. It is unacceptable that instead of apologising, her defence, through a video post, was that many people have access to her Facebook and Instagram accounts, and that someone made an “extremely inappropriate post”.

    Ms. Ranaut, who is set to contest her maiden election from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket, took to X to castigate Ms. Shrinate, pointing out that women must be freed from “shackles of prejudices” and no one should use the challenging lives of sex workers or their circumstances as “some kind of abuse or slur”.

    Ms. Ranaut expressed her hurt, and a political storm has erupted over Ms. Shrinate’s needless, pejorative comments ahead of a crucial general election when there are many issues at stake — from the electoral bonds scam, rising unemployment, distress of the poor, shrinking space for freedom of expression and so on. By blaming others for what appeared on her handle, Ms. Shrinate has gone against everything she vouches to stand for, particularly on women.

    Her colleague Pawan Khera’s clarification that she “can never resort” to such talk also does not cut ice because the “objectionable language” did appear under her name.

    By being on the receiving end, Ms. Ranaut too should refrain from equally disparaging remarks such as those she had made in the past against a fellow woman actor who had got an election ticket. For women, challenges persist at home and in the workplace.

    They face a long road to gender equality which remains frustratingly out of reach. India finally passed a law last year to reserve 33% of seats for women legislators, but there has been no deadline set for its implementation. In the absence of such a commitment, it remains a wish on paper. The initial candidates’ lists show that even the BJP, under whose watch the legislation came into place, is nowhere close to reaching the 33% mark, a key factor that can immediately have a positive outcome for women’s empowerment.

    When the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023 was passsed, about 14% of the Lok Sabha legislators were women, far below the global average of 26.5%; Himachal Pradesh has only one woman Lok Sabha MP. Women should have a voice in how their lives should be run, and becoming an elected representative is one step towards ensuring policies are made and implemented with them in mind. Women should work towards removing barriers to their advancement, not make the path more difficult.

    Meaning of the words

    denigratingis an adjective that describes something as belittling, disparaging, or derogatory. When something is denigrated, it is criticized or portrayed in a negative light, often with the intention of diminishing its value, reputation, or importance.
    unconscionableis an adjective used to describe actions, behavior, contracts, or decisions that are considered morally or ethically unacceptable, unfair, or unreasonable to such an extreme degree that they shock the conscience.
    pejorativeis an adjective that describes a word, phrase, or expression that conveys a negative or derogatory connotation, often intended to belittle or disparage someone or something.
    inappropriateis an adjective used to describe something that is not suitable, proper, or fitting for a particular context or situation.
    disparagingis an adjective used to describe remarks, comments, or actions that belittle, criticize, or speak negatively about someone or something.
    persistmeans to continue to exist or endure over a period of time, often despite obstacles, challenges, or opposition.
    frustratinglyis an adverb that describes an action or situation characterized by causing feelings of frustration or annoyance.

  • Editorial – March 25, 2024

    Editorial – March 25, 2024

    Title: Unbreakable: On India-Bhutan ties

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan last week, while productive, was largely symbolic. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s lengthy bilateral with Mr. Modi a week earlier in Delhi, obviated the need for such a second back-to-back visit.

    The announcement of India’s doubling of support for Bhutan’s Five Year Plan, from ₹5,000 crore to ₹10,000 crore, was significant, but has been under discussion, and could have been made later, post the elections as well. The highlight of the visit, of Bhutan’s King conferring Bhutan’s highest civilian award on Mr. Modi, had been announced in 2021 for India’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also need not have been done right now.

    The fact that Mr. Modi went ahead with the visit, despite India’s electoral Model Code of Conduct in place, his campaign schedule, and inclement weather in Bhutan nearly derailing the programme, indicates how important it was. The symbolic messaging was three-fold: first, that India is fully committed to Bhutan’s development, particularly the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City, a project likely to benefit from India’s increase in financial support to its neighbour.

    Second, Bhutan is an integral part of India’s infrastructure initiatives for road, rail, integrated check points, and also for energy exchanges on India’s grid, both of which are pushing sub-regional trade and travel among India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Third, that India is mindful of Bhutan’s increased engagement with China, for the boundary agreement they hope to forge soon, but that it does not intend to give Beijing space in areas of engagement such as trade and investment, where China has made inroads with India’s other close neighbours.

    As a result, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra may have feigned disinterest when he brushed aside a question on the China-Bhutan boundary talks, but they are important.

    China-Bhutan talks about the possible swap of land at Doklam to Bhutan’s west are, in fact, seen as a threat to India’s Siliguri Corridor, whereas China’s claim to areas on Bhutan’s east could imperil India’s border connectivity projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

    Recent reports, which the Ministry of External Affairs has not denied, indicate that Bhutan may have even asked India to go slow on those projects until its boundary talks with China are complete. As a result, the most important message from Mr. Modi’s sojourn was one of a united front at a time of change. Accepting his award, Mr. Modi called India-Bhutan ties “unbreakable”.

    India and Bhutan will need to emphasise that lock-step even more in the days ahead to retain the permanence of their ties in the face of economic and social turmoil within their countries, as well as the challenge in the neighbourhood.

    Meaning of the important words

    WordsMeaning
    symbolicmeaning refers to the significance or representation of something beyond its literal interpretation.
    obviatedIt means to eliminate or avoid something, typically a problem, difficulty, or need, by taking effective action in advance.
    derailingtypically refers to causing something to veer off course or deviate from its intended direction or purpose. T
    mindfulis an adjective that describes being attentive, aware, and conscious of one’s thoughts, feelings, actions, and surroundings in the present moment.
    feignedis an adjective that describes something that is simulated, pretended, or not genuine.
    emphasiseis a verb that means to give special importance, attention, or prominence to something.
    permanencerefers to the quality or state of being permanent, enduring, or lasting indefinitely. It describes something that remains unchanged or continues to exist over a long period of time without alteration or cessation.
  • Editorial – March 22, 2024

    Editorial – March 22, 2024

    Editorial – March 22, 2024

    Title: New Capabilities: India and the Agni-V with MIRV

    On March 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used social media to announce India’s entry into a small club of countries capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads on a single missile. This was accomplished with the maiden flight test of Agni-V, India’s longest range ballistic missile with a range of over 5,000 kilometres, with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology under ‘Mission Divyastra’ by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

    Since its first test in April 2012, Agni-V has undergone several tests and developments including canisterisation to improve its ease of handling and operation. The MIRV system’s indigenous avionics systems and high accuracy sensor packages ensure that the re-entry vehicles reach the target points accurately. The DRDO said the mission accomplished the designed parameters.

    The test also comes five years after India’s maiden anti-satellite (ASAT) test under Mission Shakti. On March 27, 2019, a live satellite in the low earth orbit of around 300 km was shot down using a modified interceptor of the Ballistic Missile Defence system.

    This is a significant technological breakthrough that furthers India’s nuclear weapons programme and strengthens second strike capability. This is particularly important given India’s nuclear doctrine based on a no-first-use policy, credible minimum deterrence and massive retaliation in case of a first strike, which was espoused in 2003, after the nuclear tests of 1998.

     The choice of the MIRV on Agni-V, a three-stage solid fuelled engine, is significant as it is focused towards China given its range and multiple warheads give it the ability to defeat missile defences. India completed the nuclear triad when Mr. Modi declared in November 2018 that the country’s first nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant had finished its first deterrence patrol.

    The MIRV is the next technological threshold in this direction and it is now only logical and a matter of time before the MIRV is deployed on submarine-launched ballistic missiles. China, which is fast expanding its nuclear arsenal, has already deployed MIRV technology — first deployed by the U.S. in 1970. Pakistan claims to have tested it as well. In this regard, the other side of this development is the factor of escalation dynamics that is going to accelerate in the region with China and Pakistan.

    This spiral race of one-upmanship is only going to deepen, get more technology-intensive and turn out to be an expensive endeavour as well.

    Meaning of the important words

    WordsMeaning
     CanisterisationCanisterization typically refers to the process of packaging or storing items, typically goods or substances, in canisters or containers.
    InterceptorIn aviation, an interceptor is a type of fighter aircraft designed to intercept and engage enemy aircraft, particularly bombers, before they can reach their targets.
    Credible“Credible” refers to something that is believable, trustworthy, or reliable.
    DeterrenceDeterrence refers to the strategy of preventing undesirable actions or behaviors by instilling fear of the consequences associated with those actions
     RetaliationRetaliation refers to the act of responding to an action or injury with a similar or corresponding action.
    EspousedThe term “espoused” typically refers to something that is professed, claimed, or advocated by an individual or group
    ArsenalThe term “arsenal” typically refers to a collection or stockpile of weapons and military equipment, often belonging to a particular military force, nation, or organization.
    One-Upmanship “One-upmanship” is a term that refers to the practice of trying to outdo or surpass others, often in a competitive or boastful manner, in order to assert dominance or superiority.