INDIA’S UNEASY BALANCING ACT IN THE BAY OF BENGAL
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
India’s economic engagement in the Bay of Bengal entered a new phase after the signing of BIMSTEC Maritime Cooperation Agreement. Trade volumes through India’s eastern ports like Paradip, Visakhapatnam and Haldia have grown through steadily. However, India’s recent withdrawal of its trans-shipment facility granted to Bangladesh had been perceived as India’s reaction to Bangladesh’s growing closeness with China and politicization of trade access.
Re-invigoration of BIMSTEC – India as a regional integrator:
1. India has heavily invested in port infrastructure through Sagaramala Programme.
2. Policy changes such as GST cuts on bunker fuel and incentives for coastal shipping.
3. India’s cargo-handling capacity is expanding rapidly.
4. India has more developed coastal shipping and multimodal linkages than any of its neighbours.
Tensions amid reinvigoration:
1. Actions like rollback of Bangladesh’s trans-shipment facility introduce conditionality into neutral economic architecture.
2. Bangladesh’s growing diplomatic engagement with China is creating tensions in the maritime relationship between both the countries.
E.g.: India placed import restrictions on seven categories of products from Bangladesh
Way Forward:
The perception that India is recalibrating trade access to signal political displeasure should be cleared through diplomatic dialogue and engagement. Bay of Bengal has the potential to become a self-sustaining maritime corridor if geopolitical contests are detached from having repercussions on trade corridors.
About
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a regional organization comprising 7 member states as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It aims to foster multifaceted technical and economic cooperation among countries in the Bay of Bengal region.
Origin:
- It was founded in 1997 with the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration.
- Initially comprising 4 members, it was known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation). In 1997, Myanmar joined, and the grouping was renamed BIMST-EC.
- With the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan in 2004, the name was further changed to BIMSTEC.
Highlights of 6th BIMSTEC summit:
Theme: “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open”
Focus on shared growth amid global uncertainties.
The chairmanship of the regional grouping was handed over to Bangladesh.
India-led Initiatives:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a 21-point action plan.
Mitigation and Disaster Management:
Establishing the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India to cooperate in disaster management, relief and rehabilitation.
Fourth joint exercises between BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities to be held in India this year.
BODHI Program for skilling youth: BODHI [BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure] under which training and scholarships would be provided to professionals, students, researchers, diplomats and others.
300 youths from BIMSTEC countries in India every year.
Strengthen people-to-people linkages: India to host BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (this year).
First BIMSTEC Games in 2027
BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival.
Youth-focused initiatives: Young Leaders’ Summit, Hackathon, Young Professional Visitors program.
Pilot study on Digital Public Infrastructure, cancer care capacity building.
Proposal for BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and Business Summit.
Proposed establishing connectivity between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the payment systems of BIMSTEC member states.
Such integration would bring substantial benefits across trade, industry and tourism, enhancing economic activity at all levels.
Space Sector: Build nano-satellites for the BIMSTEC member nations and also explore the setting up of ground stations and promote the use of remote sensing data.
Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre: Proposed the establishment of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India to enhance coordination in capacity building, research, innovation and maritime policies.
Summit Outcomes:
BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030: It’s the first long-term plan to make BIMSTEC more prosperous, strong, and open by the year 2030.
The vision focuses on improving trade, transport links, and people’s safety and well-being
Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC: This sets clear rules for how BIMSTEC will work, helping the group to function more smoothly and efficiently.
Report by the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons’ Group: This report gives helpful suggestions for how BIMSTEC should move forward, in line with the 2030 vision.
Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation: A new agreement was signed to improve sea transport between South and Southeast Asia.
This will help reduce shipping costs, make trade faster, and make it easier for goods and people to move across the region
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Consider the following statements regarding BIMSTEC:
- BIMSTEC includes landlocked countries that do not have direct access to the Bay of Bengal.
- The BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- In the 5th BIMSTEC Summit, member countries adopted the BIMSTEC Charter formalizing the organization.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: While landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan are members, the phrasing is misleading since the primary focus is regional cooperation around the Bay of Bengal and not based on geographic access alone.
Statement 2 is correct: The Secretariat is located in Dhaka.
Statement 3 is correct: The 5th BIMSTEC Summit (2022) adopted the BIMSTEC Charter, giving the group a formal structure and identity.
HOW INDIA WILL CONDUCT CENSUS
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: INDIAN EXPRESS
The 16th Census of India, set for 2027, will be the country’s first digital Census. The exercise will occur in two phases: house-listing and population enumeration, with enumerators using a mobile app for data collection and a new coding system.
Conducting a Census
The Census will involve approximately 30 lakh enumerators, mostly schoolteachers, and over 1.2 lakh functionaries at district and sub-district levels. Around 46,000 personnel will train these enumerators.
The exercise is split into two phases:
- House-listing and house census
- Population enumeration
These phases are separated by months, with preparatory tasks such as boundary freezing and training carried out beforehand.
PHASE 1: House-listing
Enumerators visit homes to record characteristics of buildings and households. This includes:
- Type of building (residential/commercial)
- Construction material
- Number of rooms
- Amenities and services (e.g., drinking water, toilets, etc.)
This phase forms a foundational housing profile for the population. For the upcoming Census, it will be conducted from March 1 to September 30, 2026.
PHASE 2: Population Enumeration
In this phase, more granular individual-level data is collected, such as:
- Name, age, sex, date of birth
- Relationship to the head of household
- Marital status, education, occupation, religion, caste/tribe, disability, migration, and fertility
Every person in the country, including homeless individuals, will be counted. Technological innovations like a mobile app, GPS tagging, and area lists will enable real-time error correction and consistent, accurate data.
The upcoming Census will also enable gender identity recording for transgender individuals and include disability-related clarifications.
WHY THE CENSUS MATTERS
- National Mirror: The Census reflects changes in occupation, living conditions, family structures, and informs socio-economic policy design.
- Basis for Representation: Used to draw electoral constituencies and reserve seats for SC/STs.
- Central Grants: Allocation of funds for welfare and development depends on Census data.
POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS
- First Census since 1931 to gather caste-wise data, expanding socio-political understanding beyond SC/ST categories.
- Timing: The Census, held before the next delimitation, may influence the future allocation of parliamentary seats and electoral constituencies.
Enumeration Phase Includes
- Case Enumeration: Everyone is counted at the location they are found (e.g., students, travelers, homeless).
- Introduction of new categories:
- Identification of transgender persons
- Recognition of same-sex couples
- Digital Enumeration: Data will be collected using mobile apps and uploaded directly via internet/cloud.
Changes in Content
- A revised questionnaire was prepared in 2018 (after 2011 was used in 2019 pre-test).
- More details on caste, disability, occupation, and migration will be captured.
New Information Enumerators Will Collect
- Mobile numbers and Aadhaar availability
- Migration history
- Availability of mobile phones, computers, internet
- Disability and health status
- Status of water sources, solid waste management, etc.
Anticipated Challenges
- Digital Challenges: Enumerator training, mobile devices, and internet connectivity.
- Regional Issues: Resistance in certain regions, such as Nagaland, may arise over accuracy concerns.
- Political Sensitivity: The inclusion of caste and socio-economic data can lead to political and social tensions.
Conclusion:
India’s first digital Census marks a transformative moment in data collection, aiming to improve planning and equitable governance. However, its success will depend on technology use, local cooperation, and careful handling of sensitive data.
ANALYSING INTERNET ACCESS AND DIGITAL SKILLS IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU
The Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) 2022–23 by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) sheds light on the disparities in internet access and digital skill acquisition across different social groups in India. This is vital for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Digital Skills and SDG Goals
Two key SDG 4 targets are relevant here:
- Target 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with ICT skills.
- Target 4.4.2: Degree of proficiency in digital skills.
To meet these goals, it is essential to assess both the availability of ICT infrastructure and the capability of people to use them meaningfully.
Survey Overview and Key Indicators
The CAMS survey (July 2022–June 2023) is India’s first large-scale survey capturing granular data on digital access and usage. It covered:
- 3.02 lakh households
- 11 lakh individuals
Key indicator findings:
- 76.3% of India’s households had internet access.
- 84.3% had broadband connectivity.
- Significant gaps exist across caste groups:
- SCs: 69.1%
- STs: 64.8%
- OBCs: 77.5%
Digital Divide: Socioeconomic and Regional Disparities
1. Income-Based Inequality
- Chart 1 shows broadband connectivity rises with income.
- Only 28.4% of households in the poorest decile had broadband, compared to over 90% in the top decile.
2. Social Group Inequality
- Within social groups, OBC, SC, and ST communities still lag in broadband connectivity.
- Urban households fare better than rural ones.
Gender and Social Disparities in Device Usage
While mobile phones are widely used, their usage for internet access is limited, especially among disadvantaged groups.
Findings:
- Only 25.3% of general category rural women use mobile phones with active SIMs for internet.
- For SCs, STs, and OBCs, this figure drops further.
- Rural women are at a severe disadvantage compared to urban males.
Urban-Rural Gaps in Digital Literacy
Even among internet users, digital skill proficiency varies.
Findings:
Among 15+ aged users:
- Internet use: Urban – 80%, Rural – 61%
- Copy/paste skills: Urban – 60%, Rural – 34.4%
- Arithmetic in spreadsheets: Urban – 30%, Rural – 13.4%
- Online banking: Urban – 33.6%, Rural – 16.5%
This highlights the limited functional use of digital tools in rural areas.
Barriers to Effective Digital Inclusion
Key constraints include:
- Low digital skill levels
- Limited device ownership
- Gender gap in access
- Social discrimination
- Inadequate rural infrastructure
This is especially worrying as digital access is now critical for Education, Employment, Government schemes and Financial inclusion.
Conclusion and Way Forward
Despite significant strides in digital infrastructure, India faces a major challenge in bridging the digital divide—especially along caste, gender, income, and urban-rural lines.
Recommendations:
- Targeted digital literacy campaigns in rural and marginalised areas.
- Subsidised smartphone and data plans for low-income groups.
- School-level digital education reforms to ensure early skill acquisition.
- Gender-sensitive digital inclusion policies.
- Integration of digital skills into existing welfare schemes like Skill India, Digital India, and PMGDISHA.
Achieving true digital equity is essential not just for inclusive development but also for the realization of constitutional values of equality and dignity.
ESCALATION SPIRAL: THE URGENT NEED FOR DIPLOMACY IN WEST ASIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Israel’s unprovoked aggression against Iran has dragged West Asia into its gravest crisis since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The Israeli strike on June 13, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and assassinating key nuclear scientists and generals, has triggered a dangerous escalation and exposed the region to an unprecedented security calamity.
Israel’s Miscalculated Move
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear programme, much like Israel’s 1967 Six-Day War attack on Egypt. However, this recent move has backfired. Iran responded forcefully by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, hitting:
- A refinery in Haifa
- A research facility near Tel Aviv
- Residential zones
By Monday morning, 24 Israelis were dead, and over 500 were injured.
Iran’s Retaliation Strategy
Iran’s response demonstrates its intent to establish deterrence through strong retaliation. It launched missiles at military and intelligence assets within Israel. Although Israel retains air superiority, it has failed to eliminate Iran’s dispersed and buried nuclear infrastructure.
Each Israeli strike is met with an Iranian counterattack, trapping both nations in a cycle of escalation without resolution.
Wider Regional and Global Implications
This conflict endangers diplomatic efforts that were already fragile. Notably, the Israeli assault came just days before planned U.S.–Iran nuclear talks. Its consequences include:
- The near-collapse of diplomatic dialogue
- Raised concerns about Israel’s endgame: regime change in Tehran or dismantling Iran’s nuclear capability
- Risk of U.S. military involvement
If Iran retaliates against U.S. military assets or blocks the Strait of Hormuz, global oil supply routes would be endangered, leading to a global security and economic crisis.
The U.S. Dilemma and Trump’s Position
Although President Trump claims he is open to negotiation, his precondition—that Iran must fully abandon its nuclear enrichment—remains unacceptable to Iran. This stalemate worsens tensions, increasing the probability of direct U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Call for International Mediation
The need for immediate international mediation is urgent. Global powers must step in to:
- Halt the spiral of violence
- Prevent a full-scale war
- Reopen diplomatic channels
Countries like the United States, Russia, and particularly Israel’s ally, the U.S., must play a proactive role in brokering peace. If the objective is to stabilize the region, then restraint, not escalation, is the way forward.
Conclusion:
If President Trump genuinely wants peace in West Asia, this is the crucial moment to lead a coordinated global push for de-escalation. Only through dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation can the region be pulled back from the brink of a devastating war.
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Which of the following countries does Israel share borders with?
- Jordan
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Egypt
Select the correct answer from the codes below:
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 3 and 4
- 1, 2 and 4
- 2 and 4
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
AX-4 MISSION – ISRO AND AXIOM SPACE COLLABORATE ON CRUCIAL SPACE EXPERIMENTS
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Context
- The Ax-4 mission involving Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla is set to launch on June 19, 2025, to the International Space Station (ISS).
- The mission is being coordinated between ISRO and Axiom Space.
Objective
- Conduct time-sensitive microgravity experiments during a 14-day stay aboard the ISS.
- Refresh and validate experimental specimens ahead of launch.
Key Experiments (7 shortlisted by ISRO)
- Microgravity impact on edible microalgae
- Sprouting salad seeds in space
- Tardigrade survival, revival, and transcriptome analysis
- Muscle regeneration supplements under microgravity
- Human interaction with electronic displays in space
- Cyanobacteria response to urea and nitrate
- Microgravity effect on crop yield parameters
Future Plans
- ISRO and NASA to conduct five more experiments, focusing on human research.
Significance
- Enhances India’s presence in international space missions.
- Boosts research in space biology, agriculture, and human physiology under microgravity.
INDIA SUPPORTS PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF CYPRUS ISSUE
TOPIC: (GS2) IR: THE HINDU
Context
- During PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus, a joint statement reaffirmed India’s support for the “peaceful resolution” of the Cyprus question.
- The visit included Cyprus awarding its highest honour — Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III — to PM Modi.
Key Highlights
- India called for a “lasting settlement” of the Cyprus issue, supporting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Cyprus.
- India indirectly criticized Turkey for backing Northern Cyprus, which is not internationally recognized.
- India supports Cyprus’s efforts for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and expanded UN role in resolving the issue.
Geopolitical Significance
- Modi’s visit is viewed as a signal to Pakistan and Turkey, given their opposition to India’s position on Kashmir.
- The visit strengthens India’s bilateral ties with Cyprus, ahead of its EU Council Presidency in 2026.
Cyprus’s Support to India
- Backed India on Kashmir, UNSC permanent membership, and NSG entry.
- Opposed cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
NEW TECH PLATFORMS LAUNCHED FOR ENHANCED DISASTER MANAGEMENT
TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT: THE HINDU
Context
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched three major tech platforms to improve India’s disaster response and management systems.
Key Platforms Launched
- Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER)
- Enables real-time response to disasters using satellite data.
- Helps coordinate rescue operations across the country.
- National Database for Emergency Management Lite 2.0 (NDEM Lite 2.0)
-
- Offers granular-level data to help agencies tackle disasters effectively.
- Supports precise planning and response.
- Flood Hazard Zonation Atlas of Assam
-
- Provides real-time data on floods, their impact, and water levels.
- Aids in flood mitigation and preparedness in Assam.
Significance
- Integrates new-age technology for speed, accuracy, and coordination in disaster management.
- Enhances the agility of state and central agencies in managing diverse hazards.
FATF CONDEMNS PAHALGAM ATTACK, TO RELEASE REPORT ON STATE-SPONSORED TERRORISM
TOPIC: (GS3) ROLE OF EXTERNAL STATE AND NON-STATE ACTORS IN CREATING CHALLENGES TO INTERNAL SECURITY: THE HINDU
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global anti-terror financing watchdog, condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam (April 22, 2025), noting the role of terror financing and support networks.
Key Highlights
Rare Condemnation:
This is only the third time in a decade that FATF has officially condemned a terrorist attack, indicating the severity of the incident.
State-Sponsored Terrorism Report:
- For the first time, FATF will release a report that explicitly includes state sponsorship as a source of terror funding.
- This move is seen as aligning with India’s long-standing demand to highlight Pakistan’s role in financing cross-border terrorism.
Dossier Against Pakistan:
India had submitted a dossier to FATF advocating Pakistan’s inclusion in the ‘grey list’.
Terror Financing Risk Framework:
FATF has developed a Terror Financing Risk & Contextual Tool to guide member states on emerging threats and risks.
Upcoming Measures:
The report will be released in a month.
A public webinar will be hosted to improve awareness and alertness among the public and private sectors.
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION
Consider the following statements regarding the Financial Action Task Force (FATF):
- FATF is a specialised agency under the United Nations established to promote nuclear disarmament and counter terrorism.
- It was set up in 1989.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: FATF is an inter-governmental body, not a UN specialised agency, and it focuses on combating money laundering, terror financing, and related threats, not nuclear disarmament.
Statement 2 is correct: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established in 1989. It was created at the G7 Summit in Paris in that year.
The post Daily Current Affairs 17-June-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.