17th March 2025-Current Affairs

by Raman Academy | Mar 17, 2025 | Current Affairs

1. North East Center for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) – Science and Technology

Why in News?

The Union Minister of Science and Technology has laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the North East Center for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.
NECTAR is a technology-driven initiative aimed at enhancing development in the northeastern region of India.
Established under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India in 2012, it was formed by merging:
- National Mission for Bamboo Application (NMBA)
- Mission for Geospatial Applications (MGA)

Key Objectives:

Promotes sustainable development through technology-based interventions.
Supports local industries, biodiversity, and disaster management.
Provides tech-assisted decision-making for NE state governments.

Focus Areas of NECTAR

Biodiversity Conservation & Watershed Management
- Supports ecological projects in the region, particularly for forest conservation and river basin management.
Infrastructure Planning & Development
- Uses remote sensing and geospatial mapping for urban planning, disaster risk reduction, and infrastructure projects.
Telemedicine & Health Technology
- Develops telemedicine solutions to improve healthcare access in remote areas of the Northeast.
Horticulture & Agriculture Advancement
- Helps farmers adopt new agricultural technologies for better productivity and income generation.
Tele-Schooling & Digital Education
- Implements technology-driven education for students in remote areas.
- Supports online learning models to bridge the educational gap in the Northeast.
Skill Development & Employment Generation
- Uses local resources like bamboo for sustainable employment opportunities.
- Provides technology training for youth and local entrepreneurs.

Technology Solutions Used by NECTAR

MESHNET Solutions – A technology-driven approach that connects various local stakeholders through digital networks to improve employment and skill development.
Geo-Spatial Decision Support Systems – Helps state governments in the Northeast plan and monitor developmental activities more efficiently.
GIS & Remote Sensing Technology – Used for mapping terrains, disaster-prone areas, and ecological zones for better resource management.

Operational & Institutional Setup

Current Headquarters:

NECTAR operates from the Survey of India Campus in Shillong.
Additional branch offices in Delhi and Agartala support its regional technology missions.

Institutional Role:

Works as a partnership model by assisting state governments in leveraging technology.
Ensures real-time monitoring of projects using data-driven approaches.

Significance of NECTAR for Northeast India

Enhancing Regional Development:
- Bridges the technological gap in health, education, and infrastructure.
Strengthening Disaster Management:
- Uses GIS & Remote Sensing for flood prediction, landslide monitoring, and disaster preparedness.
Sustainable Economic Growth:
- Focuses on bamboo-based industries, horticulture, and agro-processing to promote local employment.
Digital Connectivity & Smart Solutions:
- Facilitates e-governance, digital education, and smart health solutions for remote communities.
Boosting India’s Act East Policy:
- Helps integrate the Northeast with the rest of India and ASEAN using advanced technologies.

Relevance for Exam

GS (Governance & Policy Implementation)

Government initiatives for regional development.
Technological interventions in governance.

GS (Science & Technology, Environment & Economy)

Technology-driven solutions for Northeast India.
Role of GIS & remote sensing in sustainable development.
Economic growth through tech-based skill development.

GS (Regional Development & Disaster Management)

Impact of telemedicine & digital education in remote areas.
Disaster management strategies using geospatial technology.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

Which of the following statements about NECTAR is correct?
a) It was established under the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change.
b) It was formed by merging NMBA & MGA under the Department of Science & Technology. ✅
c) It focuses only on the bamboo industry in the Northeast.
d) It is a private-public partnership project.
Which of the following is NOT a focus area of NECTAR?
a) Infrastructure planning
b) Nuclear energy research ✅
c) Biodiversity conservation
d) Tele-schooling

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

Discuss the role of NECTAR in promoting sustainable development in Northeast India. How does it contribute to skill development and employment generation?
How do geospatial technologies and telemedicine contribute to regional planning and healthcare in remote areas? Explain with examples from NECTAR’s initiatives.
Examine the challenges and opportunities in integrating technology with governance in the Northeast. How can NECTAR enhance development outcomes in the region?

Final Takeaway

NECTAR is a key initiative for Northeast India’s technology-driven development.
Focuses on biodiversity, telemedicine, infrastructure, digital education, and employment generation.
Uses GIS, remote sensing, and digital platforms for smart planning & governance.
Plays a major role in supporting India’s Act East Policy & regional connectivity.

2. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and Its Reach – International Relations

Why in News?

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was flown to the Netherlands on March 12, 2025, to face crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC has accused Duterte of individual responsibility for mass killings related to his anti-drug campaign (2011-2019), which allegedly resulted in 30,000 deaths.
Key Legal Debate:
- The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, but the ICC maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal.
- This case tests ICC’s authority and its ability to hold world leaders accountable for human rights violations.

About the ICC

Established: 2002 (under the Rome Statute of 1998)
Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
Jurisdiction: Prosecutes genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression
Membership: 125 countries are signatories to the Rome Statute
Key Principle:
- States must voluntarily comply with ICC rulings.
- The ICC does not have its own enforcement mechanism and relies on Interpol and member nations to arrest suspects.

Major Challenges in ICC’s Enforcement

1. Lack of Enforcement Power

The ICC relies on member states to execute arrest warrants. If a nation refuses, the ICC cannot force compliance.
Example: Russia ignored ICC’s warrant against Vladimir Putin for war crimes in Ukraine.

2. Selective Enforcement & Political Bias

Criticism: The ICC has been accused of targeting African and Asian leaders, while powerful Western nations remain untouched.
Example: Out of 46 cases filed by the ICC, 35 involve African leaders.

3. Geopolitical Resistance

The U.S., China, Russia, and India are NOT ICC members, reducing the court’s global influence.
Example: The U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC officials investigating alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan.

4. National Sovereignty Issues

Some governments refuse to recognize ICC jurisdiction, arguing that domestic legal systems should handle crimes.
Example: Israel rejects ICC investigations into war crimes in Palestine.

Importance of Duterte’s Case for ICC

Rare Success for ICC
- Duterte’s indictment proves that even high-ranking political leaders can be held accountable for human rights violations.
Legal Precedent for Withdrawn States
- Establishes that withdrawal from the ICC does not shield leaders from prosecution for past crimes.
Strengthening International Law
- Reinforces the idea of global accountability, ensuring that leaders cannot commit crimes without consequences.
Political & Human Rights Implications
- The case may pressure other leaders accused of human rights abuses, such as those in Myanmar, Sudan, and Israel-Palestine conflicts.

What Happens Next? (Legal Process)

Pre-Trial Hearing:

ICC Prosecutors will present evidence against Duterte.
Duterte’s defense can argue for case dismissal or interim release.

Full Trial (if charges are upheld):

If the Pre-Trial Chamber confirms charges, Duterte will face a full ICC trial.

Possible Outcomes:

Conviction (sentencing by ICC judges)
Acquittal (lack of sufficient evidence)
Dismissal (case dropped due to jurisdictional issues)

Relevance for Exam

1. GS Paper 2 (International Relations & Global Governance)

Role of ICC in international justice
India’s stance on ICC membership
Human rights violations & international accountability

2. GS Paper 3 (Internal Security & Legal Reforms)

Challenges in global law enforcement
Impact of ICC on sovereignty & national security

3. GS Paper 1 (Ethics, Human Rights & Justice)

Crimes against humanity & moral responsibility of world leaders
Case studies of international war crimes trials

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

Which of the following statements about the ICC is correct?
a) The ICC is a judicial body under the United Nations.
b) The ICC has its own police force to execute arrest warrants.
c) The ICC prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. ✅
d) The ICC has jurisdiction over all countries, including non-signatories.
Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the ICC?
a) India ✅
b) France
c) Germany
d) Japan

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

Discuss the role of the International Criminal Court in global justice. What are the challenges it faces in enforcing its mandates?
Examine the implications of Duterte’s trial for international law and accountability of world leaders.
India is not a member of the ICC. Analyze the reasons behind India’s stance and discuss whether India should reconsider joining the ICC.

India’s Stance on ICC

India has NOT signed the Rome Statute due to three key concerns:

Sovereignty Issues – ICC jurisdiction may interfere with India’s internal judicial processes.
Political Bias – ICC has disproportionately targeted African and Asian leaders.
National Security – Potential misuse against Indian military personnel in Kashmir or Northeast conflicts.

Way Forward: India can advocate for UN reforms to ensure fairer global justice mechanisms without compromising sovereignty.

Final Takeaway

The ICC plays a critical role in global justice but faces enforcement challenges.
Duterte’s trial is a major legal milestone, testing ICC’s jurisdiction over withdrawn states.
India remains cautious about joining the ICC due to sovereignty concerns and selective prosecution.

3. Rationale for Creating India’s Latest Tiger Reserve – Environment

Why in News?

Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh has been designated as India’s 58th tiger reserve, as announced by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
Madhya Pradesh now has nine tiger reserves, the highest among all Indian states.
The designation strengthens India’s tiger conservation efforts under Project Tiger.

Comparison with Other States:

Madhya Pradesh: 9 tiger reserves (Highest in India)
Maharashtra: 6 tiger reserves
Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu: 5 each

Importance of the New Tiger Reserve

Enhancing Tiger Conservation:

Tiger reserves create safe habitats for tigers and other wildlife, reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Strengthening Ecological Corridors:

Madhav National Park acts as a corridor between Panna and Ranthambore Tiger Reserves, allowing for natural tiger movement.

Boosting Eco-Tourism & Economy:

Tiger reserves attract tourism revenue and create employment opportunities for local communities.

Protecting Biodiversity:

Madhav National Park is home to leopards, deer, wild boars, and diverse bird species, making it a vital ecological zone.

Strategic Wildlife Management:

Establishment of core and buffer zones helps balance conservation and sustainable development.

Decline in India’s Tiger Population

Early 20th Century:

Estimated 40,000 tigers in India.

By 1960s:

Poaching and habitat destruction reduced tiger numbers to 2,000-4,000.

1969:

Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL) recommended banning wild cat skin exports.
IUCN classified tigers as endangered and called for urgent protection measures.

1973: Launch of Project Tiger

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi initiated Project Tiger on April 1, 1973, starting at Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Structure of Tiger Reserves in India

Core & Buffer Zones:

Core Zone: Strictly protected, no human activities allowed.
Buffer Zone: Allows regulated human activity for sustainable conservation.

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) (2006):

Governs tiger reserves through scientific management plans.
Ensures monitoring, funding, and law enforcement for conservation.

Funding Model:

General Cost-Sharing: 60% Centre – 40% State.
For Northeastern & Himalayan States: 90% Centre – 10% State.

Relevance for Exam

1. GS Paper 3 (Environment & Biodiversity)

Tiger conservation policies & Project Tiger.
Role of protected areas in wildlife conservation.
Impact of ecological corridors on biodiversity.

2. GS Paper 1 (Geography & Ecology)

Geographical distribution of tiger reserves.
Man-animal conflicts & habitat destruction.

3. GS Paper 2 (Governance & Policy Implementation)

Government conservation efforts & funding mechanisms.
Role of NTCA & state governments in wildlife protection.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

Which of the following is NOT a function of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)?
a) Monitoring tiger population
b) Approving new tiger reserves
c) Enforcing international wildlife trade laws ✅
d) Managing Project Tiger funds
Which Indian state has the highest number of tiger reserves?
a) Madhya Pradesh ✅
b) Karnataka
c) Maharashtra
d) Rajasthan

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

Discuss the rationale behind the designation of Madhav National Park as India’s latest tiger reserve. How do tiger reserves contribute to biodiversity conservation?
Examine the role of Project Tiger in reversing the decline of India’s tiger population. What challenges remain in tiger conservation today?
What are the ecological and economic benefits of tiger reserves in India? How can human-wildlife conflicts be minimized in protected areas?

Final Takeaway

India’s 58th tiger reserve at Madhav National Park strengthens tiger conservation efforts.
Madhya Pradesh remains the top state with 9 tiger reserves.
Project Tiger & NTCA play a crucial role in managing reserves & protecting tigers.
Tiger reserves contribute to eco-tourism, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

4. Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID – Election Commission’s High-Level Meeting – Polity

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is holding a high-level meeting with officials from the Union Home Ministry, Law Ministry, and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to discuss linking Aadhaar with Voter ID (EPIC).
The initiative aims to prevent electoral fraud and eliminate duplicate voter registrations.
Opposition parties have raised concerns over irregularities in electoral rolls, especially cases of identical EPIC numbers across states.

Key Objectives of the Meeting:

Address concerns regarding electoral roll discrepancies.
Discuss the voluntary nature of Aadhaar-EPIC linking.
Strengthen the credibility of voter data in India.

What is the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)?

Introduced in: 1993
Issued by: Election Commission of India
Purpose: Identification document for registered voters
EPIC Number Format:
- A unique 10-digit alphanumeric code
- Contains voter details such as photo, constituency, and polling station

Note: Holding an EPIC does not grant voting rights unless the individual’s name is on the electoral roll.

Why Link Aadhaar with Voter ID?

Eliminating Duplicate Voter Registrations
- Prevents cases where the same person is registered in multiple constituencies.
Enhancing Electoral Integrity
- Ensures that only legitimate voters participate in elections.
Curbing Electoral Fraud
- Reduces the risk of bogus voting and impersonation.
Improving Accuracy of Electoral Rolls
- Helps in cleaning up outdated and incorrect records.

Opposition’s Concerns & Legal Challenges

Duplicate Voter IDs:

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and other Opposition parties allege that identical EPIC numbers exist across states, leading to voter manipulation risks.

Data Privacy & Surveillance Fears:

Critics argue that Aadhaar-Voter ID linking could be used for mass voter profiling and political surveillance.

Risk of Voter Disenfranchisement:

There are concerns that voters without Aadhaar could face difficulties in voting, despite the process being officially voluntary.

Legal Standpoint:

The Supreme Court’s Puttaswamy Judgment (2018) ruled that Aadhaar cannot be mandatory for basic rights, making forced voter ID linking legally questionable.

Election Commission’s Response:

The EC acknowledged duplicate EPIC numbers and committed to correcting errors within three months.
The Law Ministry clarified that Aadhaar-EPIC linking is voluntary and voters can declare the non-availability of Aadhaar.

Relevance for Exam

1. GS Paper 2 (Governance & Electoral Reforms)

Electoral roll management & voter fraud prevention.
Role of UIDAI and Election Commission in voter verification.

2. GS Paper 3 (Cyber Security & Privacy Concerns)

Data protection issues in Aadhaar-based verification.
Surveillance risks and ethical concerns in digital governance.

3. GS Paper 4 (Ethics & Democracy)

Balancing electoral transparency with privacy rights.
Ethical concerns over voter profiling & political misuse of data.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

Which of the following statements about the Aadhaar-Voter ID linkage is correct?
a) Aadhaar linkage to Voter ID is mandatory for all voters.
b) The Election Commission has no role in linking Aadhaar with EPIC.
c) Aadhaar-Voter ID linkage is voluntary and aims to prevent duplicate voter registrations. ✅
d) The Election Commission has the power to delete a voter’s name if Aadhaar is not linked.
Which of the following organizations oversees the issuance of the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)?
a) UIDAI
b) Election Commission of India ✅
c) Ministry of Home Affairs
d) National Informatics Centre (NIC)

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

Discuss the advantages and challenges of linking Aadhaar with Voter ID. How can India balance electoral transparency with data privacy?
Critically examine the concerns regarding Aadhaar-Voter ID linkage. Should it be made mandatory for electoral reforms?
How does Aadhaar-EPIC linkage enhance electoral integrity? Suggest measures to address the privacy and disenfranchisement concerns associated with this initiative.

Final Takeaway

Aadhaar-Voter ID linking aims to prevent voter fraud and ensure fair elections.
Concerns over privacy, surveillance, and disenfranchisement remain key challenges.
The Election Commission is taking steps to correct duplicate voter records.
Legal and ethical debates continue over the voluntary nature of Aadhaar-based voter verification.

5. What is PM-YUVA 3.0? – Governance

Why in News?

The Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education has launched PM-YUVA 3.0 (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors).
The scheme aims to train and mentor young authors under 30 years of age.
It focuses on promoting reading, writing, and authorship in India.
50 young authors will be selected for this mentorship program.

Key Themes of PM-YUVA 3.0:

Contributions of the Indian diaspora.
Indian Knowledge System and traditional wisdom.
Makers of Modern India and their impact.

Objectives of PM-YUVA 3.0

Developing New Writers:

Encourages young authors to explore Indian history, culture, and future narratives.

Enhancing Literary Talent:

Provides training, mentorship, and financial support to budding writers.

Strengthening the Writing Ecosystem:

Aims to build a vibrant community of Indian writers representing diverse perspectives.

Promoting Indian Literature Globally:

Books published under this scheme will be translated into multiple Indian languages to foster cultural exchange.

Encouraging Reading Culture:

Supports the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat vision by highlighting India’s rich literary traditions.

Submission Requirements

To apply, contestants must submit:

Synopsis: 2000-3000 words.
Chapter Plan: A structured breakdown of the book.
Sample Chapters: 7000-8000 words.
Bibliography & References.

Selection Process

Conducted by: National Book Trust (NBT).
Selection Committee: A panel of experts will review and finalize the participants.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to Indian citizens under 30 years.
- Applicants from PM-YUVA 1.0 & 2.0 cannot apply.

Benefits & Financial Support

Scholarship:

Each selected author will receive ₹50,000 per month for six months (total ₹3 lakh).

Publication & Translation:

Books will be published by the National Book Trust (NBT), India.
Selected works will be translated into various Indian languages.

Royalty for Authors:

Authors will receive a 10% royalty on published books.

Mentorship Opportunities:

Authors will interact with renowned writers and literary experts.
Participation in literary festivals & workshops.

Relevance for Exam

1. GS Paper 1 (Indian Heritage & Culture)

Role of literature in preserving India’s cultural heritage.
Contribution of authors in shaping India’s intellectual history.

2. GS Paper 2 (Government Schemes & Policies)

Education & skill development policies under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Government’s role in promoting creative industries like publishing.

3. GS Paper 3 (Innovation & Digital Economy)

The impact of digital platforms on the writing and publishing industry.
Encouraging creative entrepreneurship through literature.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

What is the primary objective of PM-YUVA 3.0?
a) Providing scholarships for engineering students.
b) Mentoring young authors and promoting a culture of writing in India. ✅
c) Supporting digital startups in the publishing industry.
d) Creating a nationwide book donation drive.
Which organization is responsible for selecting participants under PM-YUVA 3.0?
a) Ministry of Education
b) Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
c) National Book Trust (NBT), India ✅
d) University Grants Commission (UGC)

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

Discuss the role of PM-YUVA 3.0 in promoting literary talent among young Indians. How does it contribute to the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’?
Evaluate the significance of government-supported literary mentorship programs in shaping India’s intellectual and creative landscape.
What are the potential challenges in implementing PM-YUVA 3.0, and how can they be addressed for greater impact?

Final Takeaway

PM-YUVA 3.0 is a key initiative to promote young Indian writers and foster a reading & writing culture.
It provides financial support, mentorship, and publishing opportunities to 50 talented authors.
The scheme contributes to preserving India’s knowledge systems and enhancing global recognition of Indian literature.
Aligns with NEP 2020 goals & the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ vision.

6. What is Foreign Exchange Reserve? – Economy

Why in News?

India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $15.267 billion, reaching a total of $653.966 billion—the largest increase in over two years.
This rise highlights the strength of India’s external financial position.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) manages India’s Forex reserves.
Globally, China holds the largest foreign exchange reserves.

Key Purpose of Forex Reserves:

To ensure liquidity for foreign transactions.
To stabilize the Indian Rupee during currency fluctuations.
To manage balance of payments deficits.
To boost investor confidence in India’s economy.

What are Foreign Exchange Reserves?

Definition:
Foreign Exchange Reserves (Forex Reserves) are foreign currency assets held by a country’s central bank, such as the RBI in India.

Why Are They Important?

They act as a buffer against external economic shocks.
Used by central banks to stabilize currency value.
Provide confidence to investors in the country’s economic stability.
Help in managing imports, external debt, and trade balance.

Components of India’s Forex Reserves

1. Foreign Currency Assets (FCA)

Largest portion of Forex reserves.
Includes major global currencies like:
- US Dollar (USD)
- Euro (EUR)
- Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)

2. Gold Reserves

A stable asset in uncertain economic conditions.
Acts as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations.

3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)

An international reserve currency created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Allows India to access additional financial support in crisis situations.

4. Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) with the IMF

Represents India’s quota in the IMF that can be accessed for liquidity support.
Used when India needs emergency financial assistance from the IMF.

Role of Forex Reserves in the Indian Economy

1. Stabilizing the Rupee (₹) Exchange Rate:

If the Indian Rupee depreciates, the RBI sells US dollars in the market to stabilize the exchange rate.
Conversely, when the Rupee appreciates, the RBI buys US dollars to maintain competitiveness.

2. Managing Balance of Payments (BoP):

Forex reserves cover trade deficits when imports exceed exports.
Used for repayment of foreign debt and managing external financial obligations.

3. Boosting Investor Confidence & Credit Ratings:

High Forex reserves reduce borrowing risks and increase investor trust in India’s financial health.
Attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and promotes economic stability.

4. Crisis Management:

During economic crises (e.g., global recessions, oil price shocks), Forex reserves provide financial security.
Helps in avoiding currency collapses like the 1991 Balance of Payments crisis.

5. Import & Export Regulation:

Ensures that India has sufficient foreign currency to pay for essential imports like crude oil, food, and raw materials.

Recent Trends in India’s Forex Reserves

As of March 2025:

India’s Forex reserves stand at $653.966 billion.
Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) remain the largest component of reserves.
RBI has been actively managing reserves to control Rupee fluctuations.

Comparison with Previous Years:

Forex reserves peaked at $645 billion in 2021, followed by a decline in 2022-23 due to global inflation and rising interest rates.
The recent increase reflects economic recovery, rising capital inflows, and RBI’s intervention strategies.

Relevance for Exam

1. GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy & Financial Management)

Monetary Policy & Role of RBI.
Foreign Exchange Management.
Balance of Payments & Trade Policies.

2. GS Paper 2 (Governance & International Relations)

India’s position in the global economy.
Role of IMF & Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).
India’s trade partnerships & FDI policies.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

Which of the following is NOT a component of India’s foreign exchange reserves?
a) Foreign Currency Assets (FCA)
b) Gold Reserves
c) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ✅
d) Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
Which institution manages India’s Forex reserves?
a) Ministry of Finance
b) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ✅
c) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
d) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
What is the primary objective of maintaining high Forex reserves?
a) To fund public infrastructure projects
b) To provide direct cash transfers to citizens
c) To stabilize the currency and manage trade deficits ✅
d) To increase domestic stock market returns

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

Discuss the importance of foreign exchange reserves in maintaining India’s financial stability. What steps can the government take to further strengthen Forex reserves?
Explain the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in managing India’s Forex reserves. How does Forex reserve management impact the Indian economy?
India’s Forex reserves have seen a sharp increase in recent years. Analyze the factors responsible for this rise and discuss its implications for economic growth and monetary policy.

Final Takeaway

Forex reserves are essential for India’s financial security, trade stability, and currency management.
RBI actively manages reserves to stabilize the Rupee & control inflation.
Recent rise in India’s Forex reserves strengthens global investor confidence.
Key for HAS exam – linking Forex reserves to economic stability & global trade policies.

7. Key Facts about Raisina Dialogue – International Relations

Why in News?

The Raisina Dialogue 2025 is set to be held in New Delhi, attracting global leaders, foreign ministers from 18+ nations, corporate executives, and policy experts.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand and other high-profile delegates are expected to attend.
The conference has gained prominence as India’s premier geopolitical and geo-economic forum.

Key Highlights:

Annual global conference on international affairs.
Hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, India.
Modeled after global summits like the Munich Security Conference and Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue.
Encourages discussions on foreign policy, defense, trade, and international security.

About Raisina Dialogue

Origins & Establishment:

First held in 2016, the Raisina Dialogue has become India’s flagship international affairs conference.
It serves as a platform for policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, and scholars to discuss pressing global issues.

Global Significance:

Provides India with a diplomatic stage to engage with global partners.
Encourages strategic partnerships, trade collaborations, and multilateral cooperation.
Features heads of state, cabinet ministers, security experts, and CEOs.

Institutional Support:

Organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
Supported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
Receives backing from think tanks, academic institutions, and industry experts.

Theme of Raisina Dialogue 2025

Theme: “Kalachakra: People. Peace. Planet.”

The term “Kalachakra” (Wheel of Time) signifies cyclical change and transformation.
Focuses on the interplay between human security, sustainable development, and geopolitical shifts.
Encourages collaborative policymaking to tackle global crises, climate change, and conflict resolution.

Key Focus Areas in 2025

1. Global Geopolitics & Security

Indo-Pacific Strategy & India’s role in maritime security.
Counterterrorism and cybersecurity measures.
Impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle East tensions.

2. Economic & Trade Policies

Strengthening multilateral trade agreements.
Discussions on India’s G20 leadership & global economic reforms.
Addressing supply chain resilience & digital economy policies.

3. Climate & Sustainability

Advancing India’s commitment to green energy.
Carbon neutrality goals & climate finance mechanisms.
Strengthening India’s leadership in climate diplomacy.

4. Emerging Technologies

AI, quantum computing, and digital governance.
Role of 5G and cybersecurity in national security.
Space technology & defense innovation partnerships.

5. Global Health Diplomacy

Post-pandemic recovery strategies.
Equitable vaccine distribution & pandemic preparedness.
Strengthening healthcare infrastructure & medical research cooperation.

India’s Strategic Interests in Raisina Dialogue

Diplomatic Leadership:

Strengthens India’s role as a key global player in geopolitics.
Positions India as a leading voice for Global South & emerging economies.

Economic Diplomacy:

Encourages bilateral trade partnerships.
Showcases India as a hub for investments & technology.

Security & Defense Alliances:

Enhances military and defense cooperation with Quad nations & Indo-Pacific allies.
Strengthens intelligence-sharing & counterterrorism efforts.

Relevance for Exam

1. GS Paper 2 (International Relations & Governance)

India’s role in global forums.
Multilateral diplomacy & foreign policy initiatives.
Strategic alliances & global security policies.

2. GS Paper 3 (Economic & Security Issues)

India’s G20 leadership & economic policies.
Trade agreements, cybersecurity & emerging technologies.
Climate change commitments & energy security.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

Which organization is responsible for hosting the Raisina Dialogue?
a) NITI Aayog
b) Ministry of External Affairs
c) Observer Research Foundation (ORF) ✅
d) World Economic Forum
Which of the following themes is associated with the Raisina Dialogue 2025?
a) “Kalachakra: People. Peace. Planet.” ✅
b) “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Family, One Future”
c) “Sustainable Growth & Global Development”
d) “Indo-Pacific Cooperation & Security”
Which of the following statements about the Raisina Dialogue is incorrect?
a) It is India’s flagship geopolitical and geo-economic conference.
b) It is hosted annually in New Delhi.
c) It is organized by the World Economic Forum. ✅
d) It is modeled after the Munich Security Conference.

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

Discuss the significance of the Raisina Dialogue in shaping India’s foreign policy and global diplomatic engagements.
How does the Raisina Dialogue strengthen India’s leadership in global affairs? Explain with examples.
India has positioned itself as a voice for the Global South. Analyze the role of forums like Raisina Dialogue in advancing this agenda.

Final Takeaway

Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier international conference on foreign policy & geo-economics.
It enhances India’s global standing & strengthens diplomatic ties.
The 2025 theme – “Kalachakra: People. Peace. Planet.” focuses on sustainable development & security.
Crucial for HAS exam – links to international relations, economic diplomacy & security policies.