PUPPETRY
1. Context
Some communities, including in West Bengal, Odisha and in Delhi, are struggling due to lack of state support and patronage and simply because they could not upgrade their skills in keeping with the times
2. What is Puppetry
Puppetry is a form of artistic expression and storytelling involving puppets, objects or figures manipulated by puppeteers to convey characters and narratives. It is an ancient art form that has been practised in various cultures around the world for thousands of years
Believed to be more than 3,000 years old, puppetry across India is performed in 18 different traditions, including ‘Chamadyache Bahulya’ (leather puppets) of Maharashtra, ‘Beni Putul’ (glove puppets) of West Bengal, ‘Tholu Bommalata’ (shadow puppets) of Andhra Pradesh, ‘Tholpavakoothu’ (shadow puppetry) of Kerala and the traditional ‘Kathputli’ of Rajasthan
3. Key takeaways
- India boasts a rich heritage of puppetry, with different states showcasing their unique puppetry forms.
- For example, Rajasthan is renowned for its Kathputli, string puppets made from wood and cloth.
- The puppeteers skillfully manipulate the puppets, accompanied by folk music and storytelling, to depict tales from epics and folklore.
- Kathputli puppetry has gained recognition both within India and internationally, with performances being held at festivals and cultural events
- Similarly, the ancient art of shadow puppetry, known as Togalu Gombeyaata, thrives in Karnataka
- This form uses intricately designed leather puppets to cast shadows on a screen, creating enchanting visuals accompanied by traditional music and narration
- Togalu Gombeyaata performances continue to enthrall audiences, preserving the cultural heritage of the region
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Marionette Puppetry: Marionettes are string puppets suspended and controlled by strings or wires attached to various parts of the puppet's body. Puppeteers operate marionettes from above, manipulating the strings to create lifelike movements.
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Shadow Puppetry: Shadow puppetry uses flat, cut-out figures made from materials like leather, cardboard, or paper. These puppets are held between a source of light and a screen, casting shadows that are visible to the audience. The puppeteer manipulates the puppets behind the screen, creating silhouettes that depict characters and actions.
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Rod Puppetry: Rod puppets have long rods attached to their bodies, which puppeteers manipulate to control their movements. The rods are often hidden beneath the puppets' clothing or scenery, allowing for precise control and expressive gestures.
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Bunraku Puppetry: Originating in Japan, Bunraku involves large puppets operated by multiple puppeteers. The puppeteers are visible on stage, dressed in black, and work together to manipulate different parts of the puppet, including the head, hands, and feet.
6. Way forward
In conclusion, World Puppetry Day celebrates the rich and diverse puppetry traditions in India.
While some puppetry forms thrive and continue to captivate audiences, others face numerous challenges in the modern era.
Economic constraints, changing audience preferences, and limited support hinder the sustainability and growth of these art forms
However, through the efforts of passionate puppeteers, collaborations with contemporary artists, and the utilization of digital platforms, Indian puppetry can be revitalized and preserved for future generations
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For Prelims: Puppetry, types of puppetry, puppetry in all states
For Mains: 1. What is puppetry? Discuss types of poetry across India. explain the challenges faced by artists especially when technology has evolved so much.
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Source: indianexpress
FINANCE COMMISSION
1. Context
The government will appoint a Finance Commission in the next few months to determine how much of the Centre's tax revenue should be given away to States (the vertical share) and how to distribute that among States (the horizontal sharing formula).
2. Evolution of India's Fiscal Federalism: Pre-Reform vs. Post-Reform
2.1 Pre-Reform Period:
- Finance Commission recommendations held less significance.
- Centre had alternative methods to compensate states and show favoritism.
- Plan financing and PSU investments are used as tools for compensation and favoritism.
2.2 Post-Reform Period:
- Fresh PSU investments were reduced significantly.
- Planning Commission was abolished in 2014, shifting greater responsibility to the Finance Commission.
- Finance Commission is now the primary architect of India's fiscal federalism.
- Increased responsibility and influence of the Finance Commission in shaping fiscal policies.
3. Challenges in Horizontal Distribution Formula in India's Fiscal Federalism
- Proportion of Tax Pool: Centre currently allocates 41% of its tax pool to the states. States may demand an increase in this proportion. Limited room for a further increase due to the Centre's expenditure needs and borrowing constraints.
- Population Figures: Contentious issue in the previous Finance Commission (2017). Terms of reference mandated the use of 2011 population figures instead of 1971 figures. Southern states, which had successfully stabilized population growth rates, protested this change as a "penalty for good performance".
- Revenue Deficit Grants: Finance Commission awards revenue deficit grants to states in deficit after tax devolution. Intended to ensure a minimum level of service provision. Concerns raised about it becoming a perverse incentive for states to rely on compensation rather than rising revenues independently.
- Balancing Fiscal Incapacity and Irresponsibility: Finance Commissions historically struggled to distinguish between fiscal incapacity and irresponsibility. Attempted to tweak the distribution formula to support deficit states without penalizing responsible states. Criticisms of every formula as inefficient or unfair due to the inherent challenge of giving more to one state without giving less to another.
4. Increasing Cesses and Surcharges
- Centre's reliance on levying cesses and surcharges instead of raising taxes has grown.
- Tamilnadu Government's white paper revealed that the proportion of cesses and surcharges in the Centre's total tax revenue nearly doubled from 10.4% in 2011-12 to 20.2% in 2019-20.
- The Centre benefits from this practice as it can retain the entire revenue raised through surcharges, unlike sharing taxes with states.
- Since the constitutional amendment in the year 2000, understanding has been breached, which intended limited use of cesses and surcharges.
- States perceive this as a denial of their rightful share of national tax revenue.
5. Addressing the Issue:
- The forthcoming Finance Commission should utilize its leverage to address this concern.
- Establish guidelines for reducing routine usage when cesses and surcharges can be levied.
- Propose a formula to cap the amount raised through cesses and surcharges.
- Ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of revenue among the Centre and states.
6. Government spending on Freebies
- Issue of Freebies: Government spending on freebies is a significant concern, with all political parties engaging in it to varying degrees. Blaming specific parties for this practice is unproductive; addressing the issue is the priority.
- Considerations for Poor Country: In a poor country like India, it may seem harsh to argue against safety nets for the poor. However, the country's economic constraints necessitate caution regarding freebies.
- Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act: The FRBM Act was intended to limit populist spending but has been bypassed through creative debt-raising methods. Defining freebies is challenging, and any attempt to regulate them can be seen as infringing on the elected governments' sovereignty.
- Guidelines for Freebie Spending: The forthcoming Finance Commission should take decisive action for long-term fiscal sustainability. Lay down guidelines to regulate spending on freebies, considering the country's financial well-being. Such measures are necessary to ensure restraint and avoid bankruptcy risks.
- Prime Minister's Stance: After the Karnataka election, the Prime Minister expressed concerns about unsustainable guarantees offered by political parties. The Prime Minister should lead by example in state assembly elections, prioritizing good governance over the allure of freebies. This will provide confidence to the Finance Commission to establish mechanisms for restraining freebies and promote responsible governance.
7. Finance Commission
- The Finance Commission is a constitutional body in India that is appointed by the President every five years. Its primary function is to make recommendations on the distribution of financial resources between the central government and the state governments.
- The Commission assesses the needs and requirements of both levels of government and recommends the sharing of tax revenues, grants-in-aid, and other financial resources. The Finance Commission also addresses issues related to fiscal federalism, including the principles governing the distribution of resources, the allocation of grants to states, and measures to improve fiscal management.
- It takes into account various factors such as population, income disparities, tax efforts, infrastructure requirements, and socio-economic indicators while formulating its recommendations.
- The recommendations of the Finance Commission are crucial in ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of resources, promoting balanced regional development, and addressing the financial needs of the states.
- The Commission's reports and recommendations are submitted to the President, who then lays them before both houses of Parliament for consideration and implementation.
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For Prelims: Finance Commission, Fiscal Federalism, Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, Cesses, Surcharges, Freebies, Populus Schemes, and Revenue deficit grants.
For Mains: 1. How does the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act aim to address populist spending, and why has it been ineffective? (250 words)
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Previous year Question
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1. With reference to the Finance Commission of India, which of the following statements is correct? (UPSC 2011)
A. It encourages the inflow of foreign capital for infrastructure development.
B. It facilitates the proper distribution of finances among the Public Sector Undertaking.
C. It ensures transparency in financial administration.
D. None of the statements (a), (b), and (c) given above is correct in this context.
Answer: D
2. With reference to the Fourteenth Finance Commission, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2015)
1. It has increased the share of States in the central divisible pool from 32 percent to 42 percent.
2. It has made recommendations concerning sector-specific grants.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
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Source: The Hindu
EL NINO AND MONSOON
1. Context
India has had four consecutive years of good monsoons, which has led to a significant increase in agricultural production.
The farm sector has grown by an average of 4.3 per cent per year during this period, compared to 3.2 per cent during the previous five years.
2. Key points
- The monsoon rains have helped to improve crop yields, which has led to higher production and incomes for farmers.
- This has also helped to reduce food prices and improve food security in India.
- The monsoon rains are a welcome respite for India, which has been hit by several droughts in recent years.
- The good rains have helped to improve the lives of millions of farmers and their families and have boosted the Indian economy.
3. La Nina Brings Bountiful Rainfall to India
- La Nina is a climate pattern that occurs every few years when the central and eastern Pacific Ocean cools.
- This cooling leads to changes in the atmosphere, including stronger trade winds and increased evaporation.
- These changes can lead to increased rainfall in India, which is why the country has experienced four consecutive years of good monsoons since 2019.
- La Nina is caused by a natural cycle of ocean and atmospheric changes. The cycle is called the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
- During La Nina, the trade winds blow stronger than usual, which pushes warm water away from the western Pacific Ocean and towards the east. This leaves the eastern Pacific Ocean cooler than usual.
- The cooler water in the eastern Pacific Ocean leads to increased evaporation, which creates more clouds and rain.
- The monsoon rains have helped to improve crop yields and boost agricultural production in India.
- This has led to higher incomes for farmers and reduced food prices for consumers.
- The good rains have also helped to improve food security in India by reducing the risk of drought and famine.
- The La Nina event that occurred from July-September 2020 to December-February 2022-23 was one of the longest ever.
- It brought copious rains to India, just as two previous “strong” La Ninas in 2007-08 and 2010-11, followed by one “moderate” episode in 2011-12, had done.
- The most recent Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) value, which is a three-month running average of sea surface temperature (SST) deviation from the normal in the east-central equatorial Pacific, was minus 0.4 degrees Celsius for January-March 2023.
- Since La Nina is characterized by a negative ONI exceeding or equal to minus 0.5 degrees, it means that the so-called ENSO (El Nino-Southern Oscillation) cycle has entered a “neutral” phase.
- It is important to note that La Nina is a natural climate pattern and its effects can vary from year to year.
- However, the good monsoon rains that India has experienced since 2019 are a clear sign of the benefits that La Nina can bring to the country.
4. El Nino effect on India's Monsoon
- While La Nina brings good rainfall to India, the opposite "warm" phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle poses a threat.
- During El Nino, the trade winds weaken or reverse, causing warm water masses to shift towards the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.
- This results in increased rainfall in western Latin America, the Caribbean, and the US Gulf Coast, while Southeast Asia, Australia, and India experience reduced convective currents.
6. Forecasts and Implications
- The Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a 50% chance of El Nino development later in 2023, which is double the normal likelihood.
- Warmer sea surface temperatures (SSTs) have already emerged in parts of the eastern tropical Pacific.
- The India Meteorological Department is scheduled to release its first long-range forecast for the 2023 southwest monsoon.
7. Historical Impact of El Nino on Indian Agriculture
- Drought years and monsoon failures in India have been closely associated with El Nino events of varying intensity since Independence.
- The only exception was 1966-67, while the preceding year experienced a "strong" El Nino. However, not all El Nino years have resulted in agricultural decline.
- Examples include 1982-83 and 1997-98, which saw only marginal decreases in foodgrain output.
- Positive agricultural GDP growth was observed in 1951-52, 1963-64, 1968-69, and 1994-95, coinciding with "moderate" El Nino events.
8. Outlook for 2023
- There is a high statistical probability that 2023 could break the streak of good rainfall years since 2019.
- The likelihood of this outcome remains high, regardless of the presence or strength of El Nino. However, even if El Nino occurs, it may manifest as a "weak" event.
9. Implications and Challenges
- In light of the potential decrease in monsoon rainfall, policymakers and industries, including tractor companies that have experienced record-high sales in recent years, must prepare for a subpar monsoon season.
- The associated political challenges are also significant, given the upcoming national Lok Sabha polls in April-May 2024, heightening the importance of managing the situation effectively.
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For Prelims: El Nino, La Lina, GDP, Rainfall, sea surface temperatures, El Nino Southern Oscillation, Monsoon, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Oceanic Nino Index,
For Mains:
1. What is El Nino? Explain El Nino Threat to India's Monsoon and discuss its impact on Indian Agriculture. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news. In this context, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010)
1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in the Eastern Pacific ocean.
2. Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
2. La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? (UPSC 2011)
1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
2. El Nino has an adverse effect on the south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on the monsoon climate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
3. Consider the following statements: (MPSC 2017)
a. La Nina is a little girl.
b. During the time of La Nina cold water in the ocean rises to the surface.
c. La Nina strengthens the Indian monsoon.
d. During the time of El Nino, trade winds weaken, and warm water moves east in the ocean. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. Only a and b B. a, b and c C. Only b and c D. All of the above
Answer: D
4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country is (SSC CGL 2022)
A. Total value of tradable goods produced in a year.
B. Total value of monetary and non-monetary goods and services within a year.
C. Total value of economic transactions done within a country within a year.
D. None of the above
Answer: D
5. With reference to India economy, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade. 2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
6. With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2020)
1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March.
2. OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
7. With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an EI Nino's impact on the monsoon.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
8. "EL Nino" refers to a temperature anomaly in the ________ ocean. (NTPC 2017)
A. Indian B. Pacific C. Southern D. Atlantic
Answer: B
9. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? (UPSC 2012)
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
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Source: The Indian Express
TRANSGENIC CROPS IN INDIA
1. Context
Three States, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana have deferred a proposal, approved by the Centre's Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), to test a new kind of transgenic Cotton seed that contains a gene, Cry2Ai, that purportedly makes cotton resistant to pink bollworm, a major pest.
This conflict shows that a broad acceptance of genetically modified crops continues to be elusive.
2. Transgenic Crops in India
- India has a long history of research in transgenic crops, but the commercialization of these crops has been slow.
- To date, only one transgenic crop, Bt cotton, is being commercially cultivated in India.
- In 2022, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the apex technical body charged with evaluating proposals for testing genetically modified (GM) seeds, approved the environmental release of Mustard Hybrid DMH-11 and its parental lines. This is one step away from full commercial cultivation.
- However, the GEAC approval does not guarantee that DMH-11 will be commercially cultivated.
- There is long-standing litigation in the Supreme Court on the permissibility of allowing transgenic food crops in farmer fields.
- The petitioners in this case argue that GM crops are unsafe for human consumption and that they could harm the environment.
- The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on this case, so the future of GM crops in India is uncertain.
- The GEAC approval for DMH-11 is a positive step for the development of GM crops in India.
3. The status of transgenic crops in India
- Only one transgenic crop, Bt cotton, is currently being commercially cultivated in India.
- The GEAC has approved the environmental release of Mustard hybrid DMH-11, but this does not guarantee that it will be commercially cultivated.
- There is long-standing litigation in the Supreme Court on the permissibility of allowing transgenic food crops in farmer fields.
- The future of GM crops in India is uncertain, but the GEAC approval for DMH-11 is a positive step.
4. Regulating Transgenic Crops in India
- The process of regulating transgenic crops in India involves multiple safety assessments by committees before they are cleared for further tests in open plots of land.
- These trials take place at agricultural universities or plots controlled by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Transgenic plants must demonstrate superiority over non-GM variants in specific parameters, such as drought tolerance or insect resistance, without causing harm to other cultivated species in the vicinity.
- Open field trials are conducted across different crop seasons and geographical conditions to assess suitability in different states.
5. State Responses to GEAC
- Recommendations Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana have rebuffed recommendations by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the apex technical body for evaluating GM seeds.
- The Cry2Ai cotton seed, developed by Bioseed Research India to resist pink bollworms, was recommended for field testing in Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana.
- While Haryana granted permission, Telangana declined trials for the current cropping season, and Gujarat rejected the proposal without providing reasons.
6. Efforts to Address State Approval Challenges
- In response to the differing attitudes of states towards GM crops, the GEAC is considering a proposal by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to declare certain regions as "notified testing sites."
- There are 42 proposed sites across India, and if approved, companies conducting trials at these locations would not require state permissions.
- This initiative aims to streamline the regulatory process and address challenges associated with state approvals.
7. Criticisms and Future Changes
- Activist groups have raised objections to the GEAC's request for reasons from states regarding disapproval of testing, perceiving it as biased lobbying.
- To address these concerns, the GEAC has requested the DBT and ICAR to organize capacity-building activities to inform state governments about the technology and regulatory framework related to GM crops.
- The regulation of transgenic crops in India involves rigorous safety assessments, open field trials, and state approvals.
- Efforts are being made to establish notified testing sites and enhance communication between regulatory bodies and state governments to facilitate the evaluation of GM crops.
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For Prelims: GM crops, Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, Mustard Hybrid DMH-11, Department of Biotechnology, Bt cotton,
For Mains:
1. What are Genetically modified crops? Discuss the different processes to regulate transgenic crops in India. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that given the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
2. Genetically modified (GM) crops contain modified genetic material due to: (CDS 2016)
1. Introduction of new DNA
2. Removal of existing DNA
3. Introduction of RNA
4. Introduction of new traits
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only B. 1, 2 and 3 C. 3 and 4 D. 1, 2 and 4
Answer: D
3. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the (UPSC 2015)
A. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
B. Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
C. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
D. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Answer: C
4. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of (UPSC 2021)
A. clonal propagation of crop plants
B. developing genetically modified crop plants
C. production of plant growth substances
D. production of biofertilizers
Answer: B
5. Bt cotton is (UPTET 2013-14)
A. a hybrid plant B. a transgenic plant C. a natural plant D. a medicinal plant
Answer: B
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Source: The Hindu
UN PEACE KEEPING MISSION
1. Context
Two BSF personnel who were part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was among five people killed during a protest in an eastern town near the border with Uganda. A total of 175 Indian peacekeepers have so far died while serving with the United Nations. India has lost more peacekeepers than any other UN Member State.
2. United Nations Peacekeeping
- 71 Field Missions conducted by UN Peacekeepers since 1948.
- Currently, 13 peace operations are led by UNDPO with approximately 81,820 personnel.
- Nine-fold increase in personnel since 1999.
- 119 countries have contributed military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping.
3. India's Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
- India has the highest contribution to UN Peacekeeping.
- Over 2,53,000 Indians have served in 49 missions since 1948.
- Currently, around 5,500 Indian troops and police are deployed, ranking fifth in troop-contributing countries.
- India provides eminent Force Commanders for UN Missions.
4. India's Role and Achievements
- India's peacekeeping history began in the 1950s with participation in the UN operation in Korea.
- India mediated in resolving the Korean War's prisoners-of-war stalemate.
- India chaired the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission and supervised the repatriation process.
- Indian armed forces entrusted with subsequent peace missions in the Middle East, Cyprus, and the Congo.
- India served as Chair of international commissions for supervision and control in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
5. India's Contribution to Women in UN Peacekeeping
- India deployed the first all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission in 2007.
- The Formed Police Unit in Liberia conducted guard duty and night patrols in Monrovia.
- Women officers contributed to restoring security in Liberia and increasing women's representation.
- Their presence helped build the capacity of the Liberian police force.
- India's initiative showcased the importance of women's participation in peacekeeping efforts.
6. Indian Peacekeepers: Providing Medical Support and Services
- Indian Formed Police Unit in Liberia and organized medical camps for communities with limited access to healthcare.
- Indian Peacekeepers offer medical care and specialized services in their missions.
- Indian veterinarians in South Sudan provided support to cattle herders, addressing malnutrition and disease.
- The Indian contingent in South Sudan also offered vocational training, medical assistance, and road repair work.
- In response to an urgent request, India deployed medical teams to Goma (DRC) and Juba (South Sudan) in 2020.
- The Indian Hospital in Goma, Operational since 2005, has a staff of 90, including 18 specialists.
7. Indian Peacekeepers: Recognitions and Contributions
- UN Medals of Honour awarded to the Indian contingent in the Upper Nile Region, including the Indian Battalion, Horizontal Mechanical Engineering Company, Level II hospital, Petroleum Platoon, and Force Signal Unit.
- India has provided 17 Force Commanders, two Military Advisers, One Female Police Adviser, and one Deputy Military Adviser to the Secretary General of the UN.
- India was the first country to contribute to the Trust Fund on sexual exploitation and abuse established in 2016.
8. India's Perspective on Contemporary Peacekeeping
- India emphasizes the need for the international community to understand the rapid changes in the nature and role of peacekeeping operations.
- Security Council mandates for UN Peacekeeping should align with ground realities and be supported by adequate resources.
- Troop and police-contributing countries should have active involvement in all stages of mission planning.
- There should be increased financial and human resources dedicated to peace-building in post-conflict societies where UN Peacekeeping operations are deployed.
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For Prelims: UN Peacekeepers, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UNDPO, Middle East, Cyprus, Upper Nile Region.
For Mains:1. Discuss India's contribution to promoting women's participation in UN Peacekeeping, including the deployment of the first all-women contingent. (250 words)
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Source: The Indian Express
