DILRMP and Digitalisation of Land Records

 Source: TP 

• Why in News? 

As of 2024, 98.5% of rural land records have been digitized, marking a significant milestone in India's efforts toward land reforms and transparency.  

• This achievement is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), launched in 2008, which aims to digitize and modernize agricultural land records to enhance accessibility and reduce disputes.  

What is Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)? 

• About: The National Land Record Modernization Programme (NLRMP) was revamped and renamed as the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) in 2016 as a central sector scheme with 100% funding by the Centre. 
  • The NLRMP was a centrally sponsored scheme that was launched in 2008 with the aim to modernize the land records system in the country and implement the conclusive land-titling system with title guarantee. 

 

• Key Initiatives Under DILRMP: 
  • Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN): The ULPIN or "Bhu-Aadhar" provides a 14-digit alphanumeric code for each land parcel, based on its geo-coordinates.  
    • Implemented in 29 States/UTs, it helps streamline real estate transactions, resolve property disputes, and improve disaster management efforts. 
  • National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS): NGDRS or e-Registration provides a uniform process for deed/document registration across the country, allowing online entry, payments, appointments, and document searches.  
    • So far, 18 States/UTs have adopted it, and 12 others share data with the national portal. 
  • e-Court Integration: Linking land records with e-Courts aims to provide authentic land information to the judiciary, aiding in faster case resolution and reducing land disputes. Integration has been cleared in 26 States/UTs. 
  • Transliteration of Land Records: To overcome language barriers in accessing land records, the program is transliterating land documents into any of the 22 languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution.  
    • This is already in use in 17 States/UTs. 
  • Bhoomi Samman: Under this initiative, 168 districts across 16 States have achieved "Platinum Grading" for completing over 99% of the program's core components, including land record computerization and map digitization. 

 

Why does India Need a Digitized Land Record Management System? 

• About: 
  • The land is a vital resource for India because as per the Economic Survey 2023-24, more than 45% of India's workforce is employed in agriculture necessitating a modern and transparent land record management system.  
    • In 2008, the government launched the NLRMP, which was renamed DILRMP in 2016. 
• Need For Digitised Land Records: 
  • Ensure Equity: Transparent land records enable fair land reforms, benefiting the landless and marginalized.  
    • They also empower women and vulnerable groups by securing their land rights and access to related services. 
  • Reduce Litigation: Land disputes dominate court cases in India, consuming time and money. Transparent land record management can minimize disputes by ensuring clear, government-backed ownership rights. 
  • Promote Development: Land is a key asset for investment and growth. Streamlined land record systems reduce transaction risks, encourage investments, and help landowners leverage titles for credit and insurance. 
  • Improve Transparency: India's land records are often outdated and scattered. Digitizing and integrating them with spatial and other databases like Aadhaar can enhance accuracy and accessibility while also addressing the problem of benami properties. 
• Benefits of DILRMP (Digitisation of Land Records): 
  • Improve Land Records Quality: The DILRMP digitizes and updates land ownership and transaction records, making them accessible online to enhance accuracy, reliability, and transparency. 
  • Reduce Litigation and Frauds: The DILRMP aims to establish a conclusive land-titling system with government-backed title guarantees, ensuring undisputed ownership, indemnity against title defects, and reduced land disputes and frauds in India. 
  • Promote Development and Growth: The DILRMP facilitates efficient land markets, reduces transaction risks, enables credit access using land titles, and promotes investment, industrialization, and sectoral growth in agriculture, infrastructure, and housing. 

What are the Challenges Associated with Land Record Digitisation? 

• Language and Dialect Barriers: India's linguistic diversity can hinder rural populations' understanding of digitization, as farmers and landowners struggle with digital systems not available in their native languages, causing confusion and resistance. 
• Community Shareholdings:  In many northeastern states, community-based land ownership complicates digitizing and standardizing land records, as traditional practices often conflict with formal titling systems, leading to disputes. 
• Lack of Awareness: The DILRMP relies on active participation from stakeholders like landowners, buyers, sellers, and tenants, but lacks awareness and sensitization about its benefits and procedures among them. 
• Quality of Land Records: Unclear land titles and outdated cadastral maps hinder accurate records, which NITI Aayog emphasizes are crucial for effective planning and property rights clarity. 
  • Cadastral maps often don't show land subdivisions between families or villages because ownership changes aren't updated in revenue records, causing widespread issues. 
• Complexity of Land Management Systems: India's complex land management systems, involving multiple departments and regulations, hinder seamless digitization and stakeholder alignment. 
• Lack of Resources: The DILRMP faces challenges due to insufficient funds, staff, infrastructure, requiring enhanced resources and capacity-building to modernize land records effectively. 

 Way Forward 

• Integration of Land Records: Develop a unified platform linking land records with property registration, tax payments, and government subsidies for seamless access to land-related services. 
• Updation of Records: Ensure accurate and up-to-date land records through routine audits and technology-driven mapping with drones and satellite imagery. 
  • Involve local communities in surveying and updating land records through community-based initiatives where residents contribute to verifying land boundaries and ownership, ensuring accuracy and reducing disputes. 
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate farmers and landowners on ULPIN benefits and accessing digital land records using local media, community meetings, and social media platforms. 
• Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Land and property matters make up about two-thirds of all civil cases in India. 
  • Address land disputes efficiently and transparently by establishing dedicated online platforms where affected parties can submit grievances and track their resolution process. 
• Policy Framework: Develop a comprehensive policy framework that supports the integration of technology in land management, ensuring alignment with local needs and national goals. 
  • Focus on user experience in the design of digital platforms, ensuring they are intuitive and accessible to all demographics, including women and marginalized communities. 
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encourage collaboration between government agencies and private tech companies to leverage expertise in technology development and implementation. 
  • Partner with non-governmental organizations that focus on rural development to assist in outreach and education efforts regarding land digitization. 
• Research and Development: Invest in R&D to explore innovative technologies (e.g., blockchain for secure land transactions) that can enhance the reliability and transparency of land records. 
  • Conduct training workshops for government officials and land record officers to ensure effective proficiency in using digital tools and technologies.  

Drishti Mains Question:  What are the advantages and challenges associated with the digitalisation of land records in India?

2025 as Year of Reforms for Defence Force

 Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Ministry of Defence has decided to observe 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations. 

What are the Areas Identified for the ‘Year of Reforms’ in 2025? 

• Jointness & Integration: Strengthen cooperation among military services and promote the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs). 
  • Develop joint operational capabilities through inter-service cooperation & training. 
  • lTCs includes the China-focused northern command in Lucknow, the Pakistan-focused western command in Jaipur, and the maritime command in Thiruvananthapuram. 
• Emerging Technologies: Reforms should focus on new domains such as Cyber and Space, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Hypersonics and Robotics.  
  • Associated tactics, techniques and procedures required to win future wars should also be developed. 
  • Promote technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and public-private partnerships by improving ease of doing business between the defence and civil sectors. 
• Simplifying Acquisition: Acquisition procedures should be streamlined and time-bound to accelerate and strengthen capability development. 
• Defence Exporter: Position India as a credible exporter of defence products, fostering R&D and partnerships between Indian industries and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers. 
  • India's defence exports rose to over Rs 21,000 crore, up from Rs 2,000 crore in 2014. 
• Veteran Welfare and Indigenous Culture: Ensure the welfare of veterans while leveraging their expertise. 
  • Additionally, foster pride in Indian culture and confidence in achieving global standards through indigenous capabilities, while adapting best practices from modern militaries. 

Why Reforms in Defence Force Needed? 

• Lack of National Security Strategy (NSS): The absence of NSS creates a gap between political intentions and military operations, undermining the alignment of defense strategies with national policies. 
  • It has resulted in a lack of preparedness against emerging threats like those from China and Pakistan. 
• Rise of Cyberwarfare: Cyberspace is the 5^th domain of warfare, with state-sponsored actors and states themselves sabotaging key economic parameters and military installations. 
  • This was seen in Estonia and other conflicts, with the latest being the Ukraine-Russia cyber warfare. 
• Dependence on Imports: India remains the world's top arms importer for the period 2019-23 with imports having gone up by 4.7% compared to the period 2014-18. 
  • The slow indigenization pace and challenges in building a competitive domestic defense industry hinder self-reliance in defense production. 
• Cultural Resistance to Jointness: The Indian military's service-specific approach, with each branch (Army, Navy, Air Force) maintaining its autonomy has led to resistance in adopting an integrated model. 
• Insufficient Funding: Despite substantial allocation in absolute terms, it is only 1.9% of India's GDP which limits modernization of defence forces, particularly in areas such as technology, equipment, and infrastructure.  
  • In 2020, the FDI limit in defense was increased to 74% through the automatic route and up to 100% through the government route for access to modern technology. 
• Ad-hoc Procurement Processes: Post-Galwan clash 2020, the armed forces were granted exclusive powers for emergency procurements to address critical capability gaps, highlighting a lack of strategic readiness despite tactical necessity. 
• Short-term Policy: The Agnipath scheme has been criticized for its short 6-month training period, raising concerns about recruits' readiness for real combat. 
  • The 4-year service period risks losing experienced personnel, potentially impacting the army's capability and morale. 

Way Forward 

• Institutional Reforms: The establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is a positive step, but clearer responsibility distribution is needed.  
  • The CDS should lead military decision-making and bridge civilian-military gaps. 
• Integrating Technologies: Focusing on autonomous systems, cyber warfare, and AI can give India a technological edge in potential conflicts with China or Pakistan. 
  • Expanding drone capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strikes will boost operational flexibility. 
• Boost Domestic Defence Industry:  Public-private partnerships and foreign collaborations should be pursued to strengthen the domestic defense sector. 
  • A more efficient allocation of resources is necessary, prioritising technologies that offer asymmetrical advantages. 
• Maximise Defence Cooperation: Expanding defense cooperation with regional and global powers like India-US iCET initiative will boost India's strategic autonomy and security. 
• National Defence University (NDU): India should prioritize establishing an NDU for advanced training and research in defense strategies, policies, and technologies to develop a strong cadre of strategic thinkers and planners. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Discuss the reforms proposed in the Indian Defence Forces for 2025 and associated challenges.

Disintegration of the Soviet Union

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

Recently, 25^th December marked the anniversary of the day when the Soviet flag was taken down from the Kremlin (Russian government’s ‘power centre’), marking the end of the Soviet Union. 

• The Soviet Union, officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was a socialist federation from 1922 to 1991, consisting of multiple republics, governed by the Communist Party, with Russia as the dominant power. 

 

What Led to the Formation of the Soviet Union? 

• History (Tsarist Regime and Monarchy): The Soviet Union's roots trace back to the Russian Revolution of 1917, which ended the Romanov dynasty's 300-year reign (1613-1917).  
  • The Tsar wielded absolute power over governance, the military, and society. 
  • Rising inequality and economic hardship triggered dissatisfaction, setting the stage for revolution. 
• February Revolution 1917: Protests and strikes culminated in Tsar Nicholas II’s abdication, ending the monarchy. 
  • A Provisional Government replaced the Tsar but faced power struggles with the Petrograd Soviet, dominated by socialist factions like the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks. 
• October Revolution 1917: Lenin  and Trotsky led the Bolsheviks in the October Revolution, overthrowing the Provisional Government and declaring “all power to the Soviets.”  
  • This marked the establishment of Soviet rule and the start of communist policies like nationalization. 
• Russian Civil War 1918-1922:  The Red Army battled anti-Bolshevik forces (White Guards) during the civil war.  
  • The Bolsheviks emerged victorious, consolidating power and paving the way for a unified state. 
• Formation of the USSR (30th December 1922): The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was officially declared, becoming the  world’s first communist state.  
  • Lenin’s leadership introduced centralized economic planning and communist governance. 
  • Soviet leadership evolved from Lenin’s Bolshevik consolidation to Stalin's centralization, the Great Purge of 1936, and Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, followed by Khrushchev's reforms, Brezhnev's stability, and Gorbachev's restructuring efforts. 
• World War II and Lithuania- 1940s: The Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) were forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940 (World War II) following the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact.  
  • These Baltic states had gained independence in 1918, after the collapse of the Russian Empire 
  • Post-war, the USSR emerged as a superpower (Warsaw Pact), leading the socialist bloc and dominating Cold War geopolitics. 

How did Various Challenges Lead to the Dissolution of the USSR? 

• Economic Stagnation: By the 1970s, the Soviet economy lagged in productivity and technology, with overemphasis on military and satellite states draining resources. 
  • Citizens faced consumer shortages and rising dissatisfaction, despite state subsidies ensuring a minimum standard of living . 
• Gorbachev’s Reforms: Policies of Gorbachev like glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) aimed at reform but inadvertently weakened the Communist Party’s authority. 
  • Multi-party elections in 1990 and reduced censorship fueled nationalist movements in republics like Lithuania and Ukraine . 
• Collapse due to Cold War Pressures: The costly arms race with the US, the defeat in Afghanistan, and the Berlin Wall’s fall in 1989 undermined Soviet control. 
  • The USSR’s failure to compete with Western economic models magnified internal inefficiencies . 
• Nationalist Movements and Secession: Under leaders like Yeltsin, Russian nationalism weakened central control, while the Baltic states and Ukraine sought independence. 
  • By December 1991, the USSR dissolved into independent states, marking the end of a bipolar global order . 

 

How Did the Soviet Union's Collapse Reshape Global Power Dynamics? 

• Emergence of Unipolar World Order: The USSR’s collapse ended the Cold War, leaving the US as the sole superpower, reshaping global alliances. 
  • NATO expanded eastward, integrating former Soviet bloc countries like Poland and the Baltic states, reducing Russian influence . 
• Capitalism Gained Global Dominance: Western institutions like the IMF and World Bank directed economic transitions in former socialist states, promoting liberal democracy and free-market capitalism. 
  • Eastern Europe’s integration into the European Union reinforced US-led global hegemony . 
• Regional Power Shifts Strengthened Multipolarity: The collapse allowed China and India to assert themselves in global geopolitics. 
  • Central Asian republics emerged as strategic players, balancing ties with Russia, China, and the West. 

How Does the Legacy of the Soviet Union's Collapse Influence Contemporary Conflicts? 

• Nationalism And Unresolved Disputes: The disintegration left territorial disputes unresolved, including Crimea and Eastern Ukraine, fueling secessionist movements. 
  • Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the ongoing war in Ukraine reflect its effort to reclaim Soviet-era influence . 
• Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh stems from Stalin's 1923 decision to transfer the region to Azerbaijan, despite its majority Armenian population. 
  • This decision sowed the seeds of ethnic tensions, which escalated into conflict after the Soviet collapse, as Armenia and Azerbaijan competed for control 
• Kosovo-Serbia Dispute: Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia and several countries still refuse to recognize it.  
  • Ethnic tensions  persist, particularly in Serb-majority regions like Northern Kosovo, contributing to ongoing instability and complicating the Balkan peace process. 
• NATO Expansion Escalates Tensions: NATO’s eastward growth is perceived by Russia as a direct threat, exacerbating its security concerns. 
  • Also, this led to conflicts like that in Afghanistan, and its legacy continues to fuel geopolitical tensions and instability in Eastern Europe and beyond. 
  • The Russia-Ukraine war symbolizes broader contestation between Western powers and Russian ambitions . 
• Energy Resources And Geopolitics Intertwine: In absence of communist ideology and the USSR, Russia leverages its oil, gas, and defense equipment to exert influence, especially over Europe.  

How did the Soviet Union’s Collapse Affect India? 

• Economic Diversification And Liberalization: The collapse disrupted India’s trade with the USSR, necessitating economic liberalization in 1991 to attract foreign investment. 
  • India diversified its partnerships through the Look East policy (now Act East Policy) to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries and the recent Act West policy to enhance trade and strategic relations with Western nations. 
• Defence Ties Adapted To New Realities: India transitioned from being a mere importer of Russian military hardware to bridging the gap through joint production agreements, such as the  BrahMos missile, to meet mutual defense needs. 
  • India also expanded defense cooperation with the US, France, and Israel to reduce reliance on any single source. 
• Geopolitical Realignment For Strategic Autonomy: India balanced relations with Russia and the US, maintaining strong ties with Moscow while engaging in US-led initiatives like the Quad. 
  • India also joined other organizations like BRICS and SCO to strengthen its strategic autonomy, enhance multilateral partnerships, and promote a more balanced global order. 
  • Access to Central Asian resources, especially through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), remained a priority . 
• Cultural And Scientific Collaborations: Soviet-era cultural exchanges left a lasting legacy, with Indian films and literature enjoying enduring popularity in former Soviet states. 
  • Collaboration in space technology and nuclear energy continued, enhancing bilateral relations . 

Drishti Mains Question  How did the Soviet Union’s collapse transform the global power structure into a unipolar world?

India-Latin America Trade Relations

Source: FE 

 Why in News? 

The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region has become a key focus of India's foreign policy, with sustained growth and diversified ties across all 33 nations. Despite progress, India still lags behind China, which has a far stronger presence in the region.  

 

How is India's Relation with Latin America? 

• Historical Background:  
  • Rich Ties: India-Latin America relations have a rich history, marked by significant contributions from figures like Pandurang Khankhoje (an agricultural scientist who played a key role in the advancement of agricultural practices in Mexico) and M.N. Roy (a political activist, founded both the Indian and Mexican Communist parties).  
    • India and Latin America shared a vibrant exchange of literary ideas through poet-diplomats and authors like Octavio Paz, Rabindranath Tagore, and Victoria Ocampo, shaping mutual perceptions. 
    • India’s poet-diplomat Abhay K, has authored books of poetry on the Latin American region, such as The Alphabets of Latin America and The Prophecy of Brasilia.  
  • Early Engagements: High-level engagement began with Prime Minister Nehru's visit to Mexico in 1961, followed by Indira Gandhi's tour of eight Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) nations in 1968. 
  • Recent Developments: The relationship gained momentum with PM Modi's participation in the BRICS Summit in Brazil in 2014. 
  • Economic Liberalization: Post-1990s economic liberalization led to strengthened trade, investments, and renewable energy cooperation.  
    • India signed trade agreements with seven LAC nations and launched the FOCUS LAC Program in 1997 to enhance exports and economic collaboration. 
• Current Trade Landscape:  
  • Trade Figures: In 2023, India's imports from Latin America reached USD 22.93 billion, while exports stood at USD 20.09 billion, totaling a trade volume of USD 43.22 billion with a target of USD 100 billion by 2028. 
  • Key Trade Partners: Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia are India's primary trade partners in the region. 
  • Import Composition: Major imports include petroleum oils, gold (including gold plated with platinum), and soybean oil. 
  • Export Composition: Key exports consist of petroleum oils (excluding crude), motor cars, and other motor vehicles designed for transportation. 
  • Economic Positioning: Latin America is considered to be in the “goldilocks zone” for India—offering a balance between highly regulated markets like the US and Europe and less competitive markets in Africa.  

 

• Political and Bilateral Cooperation: 
  • Foreign Policy Priority: Historically, Latin America has been a low priority in India's foreign policy due to its limited geopolitical influence. However, recent developments indicate a significant shift in this approach.  
    • Notably, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar undertook a landmark visit to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic in April 2023, marking the first time an Indian foreign minister has visited these countries. 
  • Enhanced Engagements: In 2022, G20 members Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico were placed under the purview of India’s foreign minister instead of a junior minister. 
  • Brazil's Leadership Role: Brazil is recognized as having the most political linkages with India due to its active participation in multilateral forums such as BRICS, IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa), and the G20. 
  • Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs): The signing of PTAs between India and Chile as well as India and Mercosur reflects Latin America's commitment to strengthening economic relations with India. 
    • MERCOSUR, a Latin American trading bloc established in 1991, comprises six members namely,  Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, Venezuela, and Bolivia.  
    • Initially aimed at facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people, it became a customs union in 1995 and is now advancing towards a Common Market. 
  • Strategic Autonomy: Both regions have embraced a form of non-alignment termed ‘strategic autonomy’ by India and ‘Active Non-alignment’ (ANA) by Latin American countries, particularly evident in their shared positions regarding global issues like the war in Ukraine. 
• Cultural Ties: 
  • Literary Influences: Tagore's visit to Argentina in 1924 and his literary contributions have left a lasting impression on Latin American literature through translations by Mexican philosopher José Vasconcelos. 
  • Gandhi's Legacy: Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on non-violence resonate strongly in Latin America, celebrated by organizations like Palas Athenas in Brazil. 
• Trade Agreements/MoUs with LAC region: 
  • India – Chile PTA 
  • India – MERCOSUR PTA 
  • Trade Agreement between India and Argentina 
  • MoU on Economic Cooperation with Ecuador 
  • Trade Agreement between India and Cuba 

What is the Importance of Latin America for India? 

• Economic Opportunities: Latin America is rich in natural resources, including minerals like copper, lithium, and iron ore, which are vital for India’s growing industrial demands.  
  • The region's collective GDP exceeds USD 6 trillion, providing a substantial market for Indian exports and investments. 
• Energy Security: With a rising demand for energy, Latin America has emerged as a key supplier of crude oil to India.  
  • In recent years, Crude oil imports from Venezuela, Mexico, and Brazil accounted for 30% of India’s total import from LAC. 
  • Strategic Partnerships: The geopolitical landscape has shifted, prompting India to enhance its engagement with Latin America to counterbalance China's growing influence in the region. 
• Cultural and Educational Exchange: The cultural ties between India and Latin America have been bolstered through educational exchanges and collaborations in sectors like information technology and pharmaceuticals.  
  • Indian IT companies employ over 40,000 local professionals in the region, contributing to job creation and skill development. 
• Food Security: Latin America's vast agricultural landscape offers opportunities for India to secure food supplies, particularly in pulses and oilseeds, which are essential for food security.    

What are the Sectors in which India is Cooperating with Latin American Nations? 

• Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: India is recognized globally for its pharmaceutical industry, providing high-quality medicines at affordable prices.  
  • The top five destinations for these exports are the USA, Belgium, South Africa, the UK, and Brazil. 
• Energy Cooperation: India is exploring and extracting lithium deposits in Bolivia. In 2023, India’s Altmin Private Limited signed a strategic partnership agreement with Bolivia's state-owned lithium company.   
  • Bolivia also joined the International Solar Alliance.  
• Agriculture and Food Security: The LA region has vast agricultural resources that helps India in addressing its food security concerns.  
• Collaborations in food processing and agricultural research are being explored to enhance productivity and sustainability in both regions. 
• Infrastructure Development: Collaboration in developing modern infrastructure across LA nations, including railways, highways, and energy pathways. 
  • India values its development partnership with Bolivia under South-South Cooperation and has extended a USD 100 million Line of Credit to support development projects in sectors of Bolivia's choice. 

What are the Challenges in Deepening Engagement with Latin American Nations? 

• Lack of Regional Mechanisms: India has yet to develop a framework to engage Latin America as a region or with sub-groups like Central American Integration System (SICA), Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Mercosur, and the Pacific Alliance. 
  • Regional integration within Latin America remains incomplete, making bilateral ties more feasible in the short term. 
• Limited Trade Agreements: Existing Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with Mercosur and Chile are narrow in scope compared to India’s FTAs with South Korea, Japan, or ASEAN. 
  • Despite growing exports, Latin America faces economic challenges such as inflation, political instability, and low investment in infrastructure, impacting trade. 
• China's Dominance: India faces competition from China’s established trade presence, strategic investments, and free trade agreements (FTAs) with key Latin American countries. 
• Geographical Barriers: Despite positive developments in trade sectors and cultural ties, geographical distance and language barriers pose challenges for social interactions, including high travel costs and visa difficulties for Indians traveling to Latin America. 
  • Many Indians still view Latin American countries through outdated stereotypes, such as "banana republics" characterized by instability and drug trafficking. Conversely, Latin Americans often see India as merely a land of spiritualism and gurus. 
• Bilateral Synergies: The relationship is driven by bilateral cooperation on issues like climate change, trade, and security, though strategic sectors such as defense and space have seen limited engagement. 

What Strategies can India Adopt to Increase its Relations with Latin America? 

• Reactivating "Focus:LAC" Programme: This trade promotion programme can strengthen market access, improve institutional mechanisms, and develop economic infrastructure, creating a conducive environment for business. 
  • Increase selective trade where India have competitive advantage, like  
• Bilateral Agreements and Investment Promotion: India must pursue Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preferential trade arrangements with Latin American countries, focusing on sectors like technology, agriculture, and clean energy. 
  • Promoting People-to-People (P2P) and Business-to-Business (B2B) Connections between India and Latin American countries will facilitate cultural exchanges and enhance economic collaboration. 
• Diplomatic Engagement: Strengthening diplomatic ties through high-level visits, participation in regional trade summits, and fostering cultural exchange can pave the way for deeper economic collaboration. 
• Enhanced Export Promotion: Indian exporters need financial support and targeted efforts to penetrate the Latin American market.  
  • Export promotion councils and industry associations can play a pivotal role in this regard. 
• Advocating for Latin American Interests: India should actively raise its voice for Latin American nations such as Venezuela, Argentina, and Haiti in international forums.  
  • By doing so, India can strengthen its diplomatic ties and showcase solidarity with these nations, especially in addressing issues like economic instability and political challenges. 
• Services Trade Enhancement: Create a comprehensive database of non-tariff barriers in services sectors across FTA partners. 
  • Establish mutual recognition agreements for professional qualifications on priority basis. 
  • Develop a digital platform for service providers to report market access issues.  
  • For example, implement a system similar to the EU's Trade Barriers Reporting mechanism.  
  • Set up dedicated service export promotion councils with market-specific strategies. 

Drishti Mains Question  Discuss the challenges and opportunities in India’s trade relations with Latin America.

 

Decline of Private Members' Bills in Indian Parliament

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

In recent years, Private Members' Bills, crucial for Members of Parliament (MPs) independent expression, have been sidelined in India's Parliament due to limited time allocation.  

• The 17^th Lok Sabha (June 2019 to February 2024) saw a sharp decline in time spent on these bills, raising concerns about the diminishing role of individual MPs and the health of parliamentary democracy. 

What is the Private Members' Bill? 

• About: Private Members' Bills are proposed by MPs who are not Ministers (i.e., not part of the government), allowing them to introduce laws or amendments on issues important to their constituencies.  
• Key Features: Only non-government MPs can introduce these bills, offering a chance for independent legislative proposals. 
  • MPs can also introduce resolutions to call attention to specific matters. 
• Procedure:  
  • Drafting and Notice: MPs draft and submit bills with at least one month's notice. 
  • Introduction: Bills are introduced in Parliament, followed by initial discussions. 
  • Debate: If selected, bills are debated, typically in limited Friday afternoon sessions. 
  • Decision: Bills may be withdrawn or proceed to a vote. 
• Significance: These bills provide a platform for MPs to express themselves without party pressure, often on crucial or controversial matters. 
  • A historical example is the bill introduced by H.V. Kamath in 1966 after the death of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, seeking to amend the Constitution to make only Lok Sabha members eligible for the post of Prime Minister. 
  • Only 14 Private Members' Bills have been passed since independence, and none have passed since 1970. 
    • The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014, became the first private member's bill approved by the Rajya Sabha in 45 years but lapsed without reaching the Lok Sabha. 

 

Why is there a Decline in Private Members’ Bills? 

• Lack of Time and Attention: Data from PRS Legislative Research reveals that the 17th Lok Sabha allocated just 9.08 hours to Private Members' Bills, while the Rajya Sabha spent 27.01 hours, a fraction of total session hours. 
  • In the 18^th Lok Sabha's two sessions, only 0.15 hours were spent on such Bills in the Lower House and 0.62 hours in the Rajya Sabha, with minimal time on resolutions. 
  • Friday scheduling of Private Members' business limits discussion as many MPs leave for constituencies, shrinking its window further. 
  • The decline of these bills can be attributed to MPs' lack of seriousness, with many skipping discussions. 
• Revival of Private Members’ Bills: Shifting Private Members’ Bills to midweek could boost participation and discussions. 
  • Protect the constitutional space for individual parliamentary expression and encourage MPs to actively participate in their proposed bills. 

Brazilian Velvet Ant

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

 A study in the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology revealed that the Brazilian velvet ant (Traumatomutilla bifurca) has "ultrablack" body parts. 

• These parts absorb over 99.5% of visible light, making them nearly invisible. The discovery highlights unique biological nanostructures with potential applications in technology. 

What are the Key Facts About Brazilian Velvet Ant? 

• Taxonomy: Velvet ants  are not "ants," they are a species of wasp from the family Mutillidae. 
  • Velvet belongs to the Hymenoptera order, which also includes bees and other wasps. 
  • Some species, such as Traumatomutilla bifurca (Brazilian velvet ant), display distinct black and white markings, making them visually striking in tropical savanna and dry shrub deserts. 
• Ultrablack Property: Female velvet ants display an ultrablack color which was first observed in Traumatomutilla bifurca, which absorbs nearly all visible light. 
  • The unique color comes from special microstructures in the exoskeleton that trap light. Ultrablack pigmentation helps with camouflage, temperature control, and attracting mates. 
• Males vs. Females: Only female velvet ants display ultrablack coloration, while males have similar black markings but reflect more light. 
• Role in Ecosystem: Serves as a pollinator and contributes to maintaining ecological balance. 
• Evolutionary Significance: The ultrablack property highlights convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits.  
  • This adaptation is also observed in birds-of-paradise and deep-sea fish, aiding in camouflage and survival.  
• Potential Scientific Applications: The ultrablack property reveals insights into nanostructures and inspires advancements in stealth technology and solar panel efficiency. 

  

Advocates of Supreme Court

Source: IE 

Recently, concerns have been raised over the quality of newly designated Senior Advocates, with 116 joining the Supreme Court (SC) in 2024. 

• Senior Advocates: 
  • Designation: Awarded by the SC or High Courts based on legal acumen, standing at the Bar, and special knowledge after at least 10 years of experience. 
  • Role: They argue legal propositions but cannot take direct instructions from clients and are briefed by an Advocate-on-Record (AoR). 
    • Senior Advocates are key legal figures in the Supreme Court, handling high-stakes cases like death penalties, company liquidations, child custody, and bail applications. 
  • Restrictions: Senior Advocates cannot directly take clients or engage in certain legal tasks like drafting pleadings, drawing affidavits, or advising on evidence. 
  • 2017 Reforms: The SC established objective criteria for designating Senior Advocates following a public interest litigation by Indira Jaising, the first woman Senior Advocate of the Bombay High Court.  
    • These criteria include judgments, academic contributions, and experience, aiming to make the process more transparent and inclusive. 
• Advocates-on-Record: They are the only advocates authorized to file documents, represent parties, and file appearances in the SC. 
• Other Advocates: These advocates are listed on the State Bar Council rolls and can argue cases in the SC but cannot file documents (not involved in formal filings). 

Read More: BCI Allows Foreign Lawyers to Practice in India 

NPCI Extends Market Cap Deadline for UPI Apps

Source: LM 

Recently, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) extended the deadline for Third-Party App Providers (TPAPs) to comply with the 30% transaction cap on UPI transaction volumes till 31st December, 2026. 

• This decision impacts major TPAPs like PhonePe and Google Pay, which collectively hold over 80% of UPI transactions.  
  • To comply with the 30% cap, TPAPs exceeding the limit must halt onboarding new customers. 
• Background: In November 2020, NPCI introduced a cap of 30% on UPI transaction volumes per TPAP to mitigate concentration risks and ensure a balanced ecosystem. However, the deadline was extended in December 2022. 
  • The cap is based on the average UPI transaction volume over the past three months, with existing TPAPs exceeding the cap given two years to comply in phases. 
• NPCI: It was established by RBI and Indian Banks' Association under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.  
• TPAPs: They are entities that offer UPI-based financial services through mobile apps or platforms, acting as intermediaries between users and banks (referred to as sponsor banks).  
  • TPAPs are not part of banks or financial institutions. 

Read More: UPI Payments: Empowering Users, Challenging Banks 

Polar Sundial at VSSC

Source:TH 

Recently, a polar sundial designed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has been showcased in the 'Rocket Garden' at the Space Museum in Thumba, Kerala. 

• This sundial serves as an educational tool, demonstrating complex astronomical concepts in a visually engaging manner. 
• Key Features: 
  • The sundial features analemmatic correction, allowing it to accurately display Indian Standard Time (IST) and the date. 
    • Unlike conventional sundials, this sundial replaces straight hour lines with inverted analemma curves, automatically converting local solar time to mean solar time throughout the year. 
    • The analemma correction is based on the figure-eight pattern made by the sun in the sky over the course of a year, caused by Earth's tilt and elliptical orbit. 
• The sundial is designed with a polar configuration, where the sundial plate is aligned parallel to the Earth’s polar axis and affixed to a wedge-shaped structure based on the latitude of Thumba. 
• The sundial features a 1.6 ft tall, 3D-printed miniature of the Rohini series RH200 sounding rocket. 

 

Read More: Vikram Sarabhai Centenary Programme 

Mount Kanlaon

Source: BS 

Mount Kanlaon, a 2,435-meter active volcano in the Philippines, recently erupted, releasing ash and gases. 

• Mount Kanlaon is a stratovolcano in the north central part of the island of Negros.  
• The Philippines and Mount Kanlan is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high seismic activity, making it one of the most disaster-prone areas globally. 

Volcano: 

• A volcano (an endogenic process) is a weak spot in the earth's crust where gases, lava, ash, and steam are expelled during an eruption. 

 

Pacific Ring of Fire:  

• The Ring of Fire, or Circum-Pacific Belt, is a seismic zone around the Pacific Ocean known for active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes, caused by interactions between the Pacific Plate and surrounding less-dense plates. 
• The Ring of Fire spans about 40,000 kilometers, marking the boundaries of tectonic plates such as Pacific, Juan de Fuca, Cocos, Indian-Australian, Nazca, North American, and Philippine Plates. 

                    

Read More: Volcanism