Decoding World Affairs

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/changing-contour-of-reservation-policy-in-india/

Popular Essays (2024)

1. Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/forests-precede-civilizations-and-deserts-follow-them/)

2. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/the-empires-of-the-future-will-be-the-empires-of-the-mind/)

3. There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/there-is-no-path-to-happiness-happiness-is-the-path/)

4. The doubter is a true man of science. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/the-doubter-is-a-true-man-of-science/)

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A very Happy New Year to all family members of Decoding World Affairs. May this year unfold like a beautiful story - each day brighter, each moment sweeter.

💫 Let’s embrace the surprises, the challenges, and the blessings that come our way with open hearts and endless gratitude. 🌼 Here’s to chasing dreams, spreading kindness, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzCEoMpVTfg

History will indeed be kinder to you Sir.
#ManmohanSingh

Find solved essay 2024 in proper format...

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/social-media-is-triggering-fear-of-missing-out-amongst-the-youth-precipitating-depression-and-loneliness/

Solved Essay 2024 in a proper format...

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/the-empires-of-the-future-will-be-the-empires-of-the-mind/

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/nearly-all-men-can-stand-adversity-but-to-test-the-character-give-him-power/

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/the-empires-of-the-future-will-be-the-empires-of-the-mind/

Popular Essays (2023)

1. Visionary decision making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.  (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/visionary-decision-making-happens-at-the-intersection-of-intuition-and-logic/)

2. Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/education-is-what-remains-after-one-has-forgotten-what-one-has-learned-in-school/)

3. Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/girls-are-weighed-down-by-restrictions-boys-with-demands-two-equally-harmful-disciplines/)

4. A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/a-society-that-has-more-justice-is-a-society-that-needs-less-charity/)

5. Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposition (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/thinking-is-like-a-game-it-does-not-begin-unless-there-is-an-opposite-team/)

6. Not all who wander are lost (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/not-all-who-wander-are-lost/)

7. Mathematics is the music of reason (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/mathematics-is-the-music-of-reasons/)

8. Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/inspiration-for-creativity-springs-from-the-effort-to-look-for-the-magical-in-the-mundane/)

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https://decodingworldaffairs.com/visionary-decision-making-happens-at-the-intersection-of-intuition-and-logic/

Challenges in Simultaneous Elections

[1] Erosion of Federalism: India is a federal polity with states having distinct political and governance cycles. Simultaneous elections might undermine this autonomy by requiring states to align their election schedules with the Lok Sabha.

[2] Practical Challenges: Implementing simultaneous elections requires constitutional amendments to synchronize terms of both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, which may be politically contentious and logistically complex.

[3] Impact on Regional Issues: Simultaneous elections could dilute the focus on state-specific issues, as national-level narratives might overshadow local concerns during campaigns.

[4] Administrative Overload: Conducting elections across the country simultaneously would require a vast mobilization of resources, possibly stretching the administrative machinery.

[5] Voter Behavior Influences: Simultaneous elections might blur the distinction between national and state-level issues for voters, leading them to prioritize central leadership over local governance, affecting the balance of political representation.

Advantages of Simultaneous Elections

[1] Cost Efficiency: Conducting elections at different times involves substantial costs related to logistics, security, and election personnel.

[2] Reduced Disruption to Governance: Frequent elections disrupt normal governance due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which restricts new policy announcements.

[3] Increased Administrative Efficiency: Simultaneous elections would simplify the management of election logistics, such as deploying security forces and election officials, reducing administrative strain.

[4] Focus on Developmental Issues: Constant election cycles often lead to populist measures and short-term decision-making.

[5] Reduced Voter Fatigue: Voters currently face multiple elections within a short span, leading to possible apathy or disengagement

Decoding World Affairs pinned «Popular Essays (2024) 1. Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/forests-precede-civilizations-and-deserts-follow-them/) 2. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind. (Link: https://…»

Popular Essays (2024)

1. Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/forests-precede-civilizations-and-deserts-follow-them/)

2. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/the-empires-of-the-future-will-be-the-empires-of-the-mind/)

3. There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/there-is-no-path-to-happiness-happiness-is-the-path/)

4. The doubter is a true man of science. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/the-doubter-is-a-true-man-of-science/)

5. Social media is triggering ‘Fear of Missing Out’ amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/social-media-is-triggering-fear-of-missing-out-amongst-the-youth-precipitating-depression-and-loneliness/)

6. Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/nearly-all-men-can-stand-adversity-but-to-test-the-character-give-him-power/)

7. All ideas having large consequences are always simple. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/all-ideas-having-large-consequences-are-always-simple/)

8. The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing. (Link: https://decodingworldaffairs.com/the-cost-of-doing-wrong-is-less-than-the-cost-of-doing-nothing/)

Find solved essay 2024....

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/social-media-is-triggering-fear-of-missing-out-amongst-the-youth-precipitating-depression-and-loneliness/

This judgement is in contrast to recommendations of Kundu Committee because it lacks constitutional basis.

Reason
[1] Article 15 (3): The state may provide any particular provisions for women and children.

[2] Article 15 (4): The state is permitted to make any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) of citizens or for the SCs and STs.

[3] Article 15 (6): The state is empowered to make any special provision for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of citizens.

Solved essay 2024 in a proper format.

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/nearly-all-men-can-stand-adversity-but-to-test-the-character-give-him-power/

Solved essay 2024 in a proper format.

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/the-empires-of-the-future-will-be-the-empires-of-the-mind/

Why has India accused Canada of acting as a safe haven for Khalistani sympathisers?

[1] Safe haven for Khalistan extremists: India’s long-held complaint has been that Canada acts as a safe haven for Khalistani separatists/extremists.

[2] Lack of support against extremism: Its biggest grouse has been Canada’s failure in preventing the 1985 Air India bombing (perpetrated by Canada-based Khalistani extremists) and the lack of support in subsequent investigations. The bombing killed 329 people (including children), the biggest airline terrorist act before 9/11.

[3] Political clout: Sikhs constitute only 2% of Canada’s population but their political clout is far disproportionate because of geographic concentration. At one point, there were four Sikh ministers in the Trudeau cabinet. Most of the Sikh MPs are from Trudeau’s Liberal Party.

[4] Passive support to extremism: Mr. Trudeau and other party leaders attending Sikh community festivals which featured Khalistan flags and the glorification of Talwinder Parmar, the Air India bombing mastermind; and also drawing support from known Khalistani sympathisers.

[5] Insecurity in next election: In surveys, 54% of Sikhs in Canada intend to vote for the Conservative Party and 21% for Trudeau’s party in the next elections.

I wrote this article this case was filed in supreme court. Yesterday, the supreme court has given judgement on this.

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/amu-a-central-university-or-minority-institution/

How Chinese BRI is loosing its charm?

[1] One of the reasons the BRI’s charms have dimmed is China’s own slowing economy and Beijing’s unwillingness to be as generous with its loans in the second half of the decade, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

[2] Another is the discomfort in many countries over the terms for the loans, which involve hiring Chinese companies and engaging Chinese workers, while often demanding heavy collateral, as Sri Lanka found out after losing control of the Hambantota port.

[3] The U.S.’s heavy lobbying against the BRI has also had some effect: Italy’s Giorgia Melloni announced in December 2023 that it would not renew the BRI MoU.

[4] The Brazilian Foreign Adviser’s statement follows a visit by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai who asked Brazil to think carefully through an “objective lens” before signing on to the BRI. The remarks raised a protest from the Chinese Embassy in Brasilia which called them “disrespectful” of Brazil’s sovereign right to choose its partners.

A good article on the paradox of American power, political dysfunction and strategic resilience

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/should-india-abrogate-indus-water-treaty-as-a-response-to-cross-border-terrorism/

One of the best example of how migration shapes internal politics.

These people are in shackle are the original inhabitants of Australia. The person standing is a British officer. The picture is from the first decade of the 20th century.

Those who promised to teach civilization to the world have been scattered from Australia to South Africa and India due to the cruelty of Europe.

Wishing you a very happy Diwali to everyone. 💐

Significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) for India

[1] Thwart to China’s BRI: IMEC is seen as a potential counter to China's BRI in the Eurasian region. It can serve to counterbalance China's growing economic and political influence. It would help India in balancing China efficiently without much investments.

[2] Exploring West Asia: After economic liberalization in 1991, India largely explored East Asia through Look East policy followed by Act East policy. Now, it is providing opportunity to extend cooperation beyond balancing west Asia.

[3] Potential strategic Role in Africa: The corridor's model could be extended to Africa, aligning with the US and EU's plan to develop a Trans-African corridor. It signifies India's intent to strengthen its engagement with Africa.

[4] Deepening relations with USA: It dispels the notion that India and the United States may collaborate in the Indo-Pacific but not in the Middle East. The project showcases how India and the U.S., along with Israel and the UAE, can partner in developing joint economic projects through forums like the I2U2.

[5] Bypassing neighbourhood syndrome: It would help in bypassing Pakistan’s veto over India’s overland connectivity to the Central Asia. It is so because Jabel Ali port in UAE is near to Chahbahar port developed in Iran with India's assistance. It may help in further connecting central Asia.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

Read this beautiful article

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/changing-contour-of-reservation-policy-in-india/

What is Carbon credit?

The green-coloured piece of paper printed by the Reserve Bank of India and circulated by the government is worth 20 rupees. The person who possesses it can buy a packet of biscuits by transferring that value to the seller.

There are different ways to acquire such pieces of paper. For example, people do different kinds of jobs to earn money. Carbon credits are similar. Just like possessing the green note means you possess 20 rupees of value, possessing one carbon credit gives you a licence to emit 1,000 kg of carbon dioxide (or equivalent).

You can earn a carbon credit by removing 1,000 kg of carbon dioxide from the environment and submitting the proof to a government or suitable certifying agency. Once they sign off, you can sell your credit to potential buyers. Governments around the world have decided which types of work can earn carbon credits, who can certify them, and who can buy them.

Such projects include most renewable energy installations, certain forests, and carbon capture facilities. The Paris Agreement set up an international carbon market as part of helping countries meet their emissions targets.

An important problem with carbon credits is that the certifying agencies struggle to verify whether sellers have actually removed 1,000 kg of carbon dioxide. How countries can fix this problem is an important agenda item at the COP29 climate talks in Baku in November.

Source: TH

Is it fair to grade civil servants on the basis of attracting investment? Give your opinion below.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rONCfFVVXFA

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/unravelling-the-dynamics-of-de-hyphenation-policy-and-two-state-solution/

https://youtube.com/shorts/6Y3JVxNNq58

Militants who conducted attack in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district killing 6 were carrying M6 carbines. Meaning the gun came from the swathes of weapons left behind by US in #Afghanistan. The M6 is made by LWRC Intl from Maryland.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cctv-footage-of-valley-attack-militants-had-m4-carbine-ak-47-at-camp-for-7-mins-9635572/

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/why-do-indian-cities-witness-frequent-flood/

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/changing-contours-of-indian-foreign-policy-in-the-world-politics/

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/mikhail-gorbachev-the-last-man-of-the-soviet-leadership/

What are concerns related to Uttarakhand’s UCC scheme of things?

[1] Exception to tribes: UCC was brought for bringing uniformity in codes. But It applies to all residents of Uttarakhand except the tribal community which constitutes 2.9% of the State’s population. The community has been averse to a UCC from the very beginning.

[2] Regulating live in relationship: The Registrar has to be kept informed about live in relationship. In case either of the partners is less than 21 years old, the declaration will also be sent to their parents or guardians.

[3] Restricting polygamy: One of the conditions stipulated for a valid marriage is that neither party should have “a spouse living at the time of the marriage” thus prohibiting practices such as bigamy or polygamy. It is deemed as transgressing into cultural sphere of some community.

[4] Extra-territorial jurisdiction: The Bill imposes an obligation on all heterosexual couples (irrespective of whether they are residents of Uttarakhand or not) to register their live-in relationships by submitting a “statement” to the concerned Registrar.

[5] Violating fundamental rights: Section 28 prohibits the initiation of divorce proceedings unless one year has elapsed since the date of marriage.

One of the benefits of maintaining close ties with China. China provided a space through SCO to start negotiation between India and Pakistan and breaking the ice that has been building since 2008 Mumbai attack.

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/israel-palestine-conflict-the-roots-of-jews-muslims-clashes/

Kautilya says that King should not punish any culprit directly. Instead, culprit should be punished through subordinates. In the same fashion, the US doesn't directly threaten any state. Instead, she uses her allies like Canada, Pakistan etc to pressurize India.

Very good analysis. Must read it...

India-Canada relations is witnessing new low.

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/unravelling-the-dynamics-of-de-hyphenation-policy-and-two-state-solution/

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/inspiration-for-creativity-springs-from-the-effort-to-look-for-the-magical-in-the-mundane/

UN findings over Israel-Hamas clashes

On this note, India provided passive support to Israel by not signing letter.

What India should keep in mind while looking at policy options in Myanmar?

[1] Cross border terrorism: The inflow of refugees into Mizoram and Manipur has risen. There is also greater activism of Myanmar-based anti-India insurgents indulging in illegal activities along the border.

[2] Establishing communication link: Communication links with certain components of the resistance such as the Chin National Army, Arakan Army and the NUG need to be established, as they gain the upper hand in battles against the military in areas bordering India.

[3] A strong message for democratic spirit: A strong message of the need for cessation of violence and restoration of normalcy should be relayed to both the government and the resistance.

[4] Conveying peace conclave: India should consider convening a Peace Conclave of senior officials from the member states of the Quad and the ASEAN Troika comprising Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia. The conclave can make a dispassionate evaluation of the situation and offer Myanmar a blueprint and practical assistance.

[5] Freedom for Aung San Suu Kyi: Seeking immediate freedom for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from her unjustified solitary confinement should be a key element in the calculus of the conclave. Ms. Suu Kyi, who is still the most popular leader, holds the key to unlocking a better future.

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Happy Dussehra to all family members of Decoding World Affairs

Ms. Kamboj presented the ‘G4 model’ on behalf of Brazil, Germany, Japan and India for debate, dialogue and finally negotiations. The proposals elicited strong support from wider UN members.

(1) The G4 model proposes that the Security Council’s membership increase from the current 15 to 25-26, by adding six permanent and four or five non-permanent members.

(2) Among the six new permanent members, two each are proposed to be from African states and Asia Pacific states, one from Latin American and Caribbean states; and one from Western European and Other states.

https://decodingworldaffairs.com/thinking-is-like-a-game-it-does-not-begin-unless-there-is-an-opposite-team/