14th September- The Hindu Newspaper Analysis
Page 01 GS II : International Relations
Context
At the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over the "weaponisation" of technology and critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements). Addressing global geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions, PM Modi urged member states to transition from intent to action, prioritizing concrete outcomes over ideas.
Key BRICS Initiatives Announced
Resilient Supply Chains: Agreement on the BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework to mitigate global trade shocks and secure access to critical materials.
Health & Disaster Readiness: Development of the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for infectious disease control, alongside unified Data Integration Guidelines for natural disasters.
Startup & Digital Ecosystem: Launch of the BRICS Incubator Network and proposal of a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to support scalable solutions for emerging businesses.
Digital Agriculture & MSMEs: Creation of the Network on Digital Agriculture—integrating AI, geospatial data, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for farmers—and the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal.
Sustainability & Energy Transition: Operationalization of the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Centres for Agro-Ecology to blend traditional knowledge with climate action.
Related UPSC Static Dimensions
1. International Relations (GS Paper II - BRICS & Global Governance)
Evolution: Formed in 2006 as BRIC; expanded to BRICS with South Africa in 2010.
Institutional Architecture: Supported by financial mechanisms like the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
Global South Alignment: Serves as a platform to reform multilateral institutions (UN, IMF, World Bank) and promote a multipolar world order.
2. Economic Geography & Security (GS Paper III - Critical Minerals)
Strategic Significance: Critical minerals (e.g., Rare Earth Elements) are indispensable for semiconductor manufacturing, defense systems, and clean energy tech.
Supply Chain Vulnerability: Concentration of mineral refining capacities creates single-point dependency risks, turning resource control into leverage.
Conclusion
The emphasis on weaponized access to technology and critical resources highlights the risks posed by supply chain monopolies. By introducing frameworks across health, digital agriculture, and climate adaptation, India's presidency positions BRICS as a action-driven platform designed to build structural resilience for the Global South.
UPSC Prelims Practice Questions Question: With reference to the BRICS grouping, consider the following statements: 1. BRICS was originally formed as BRIC before South Africa joined the grouping. 2. The New Development Bank was established to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects. 3. The Contingent Reserve Arrangement is intended to provide a framework for financial support during balance of payments pressures. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: d) UPSC Mains Practice Questions Question: “BRICS is increasingly seeking to move beyond political declarations towards institutional mechanisms for economic and technological resilience.” Discuss in the context of recent BRICS initiatives. (10 Marks, 150 Words) |
Page 05 : GS II : International Relations
Context
Addressing the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly criticized "unilateral sanctions," highlighting their detrimental impact on global food security and human welfare. Calling for a shift away from Western-centric economic systems, he advocated for trade in national currencies, strengthening the New Development Bank (NDB), and leveraging BRICS to build a balanced, multi-polar international order.
Key Highlights of the Iranian President's Address
Unilateral Sanctions & Welfare: Denounced economic sanctions for weaponizing financial access, causing direct harm to global food security, energy stability, and civilian livelihoods.
De-Dollarization & Local Currencies: Urged BRICS nations to expand cross-border trade settlements in national currencies to reduce exposure to Western financial dominance and political shocks.
Strengthening the New Development Bank (NDB): Called for reinforcing the NDB as a sovereign financial alternative to increase the economic resilience of member nations.
Protection of Infrastructure & Sovereignty: Condemned military aggression against civilian and energy infrastructure, citing regional repercussions and civilian costs in Gaza and Lebanon.
Technology for Empowerment: Stated that AI and emerging technologies should empower developing nations rather than serve as tools of political domination.
Related UPSC Static Dimensions
1. Strategic & Economic Autonomy (GS Paper II - International Relations)
De-dollarization & SWIFT Alternatives: Excessive dependence on the US Dollar and systems like SWIFT leaves developing nations vulnerable to secondary sanctions. Mechanisms like local currency trade settlement (e.g., Rupee-Rial/Rouble trades) promote economic sovereignty.
Reforming Multilateral Governance: BRICS acts as an alternative platform to advocate for structural reforms in Western-dominated institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and UN Security Council.
2. International Economic Institutions (GS Paper III - Economy)
New Development Bank (NDB): Established in 2014 (Fortaleza Declaration) with equal voting rights for founding members, funding infrastructure without political conditionalities.
Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): A framework providing liquidity protection to member states facing balance-of-payments pressures.
Conclusion
President Pezeshkian's address underscores the growing demand among Global South economies to insulate their welfare from unilateral geopolitical actions. By prioritizing national currency trade and institutional expansion through the NDB, BRICS continues to evolve into a vital counterweight for financial autonomy and inclusive global governance.
UPSC Prelims Exam Study Questions Question: With reference to the New Development Bank (NDB), consider the following statements: 1. It was established by BRICS countries to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. 2. Its headquarters is located in Shanghai. 3. It can provide financing in currencies other than the US dollar. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: d) UPSC Mains Exam Study Questions Question: “The increasing use of economic and financial instruments as tools of geopolitical pressure has made economic resilience an important component of strategic autonomy.” Discuss in the context of BRICS.10 Marks, 150 Words) |
Page 05:GS II : International Relations
Context
Following the postponement of the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) due to public health concerns surrounding an Ebola outbreak, India actively advanced its strategic engagements with African nations. On the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted broad-based dialogues with multiple African leaders to reinforce bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and joint Global South initiatives.
Key Engagements & Strategic Outcomes
India–African Union Dialogue: Hosted African Union Chairperson and Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye. Both leaders underscored the India-AU partnership as a core pillar of Global South cooperation, reviewed healthcare assistance during the Ebola crisis, and agreed on early scheduling for the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit.
India–Ethiopia Bilateral Talks: Met Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali to review cooperation in defense, security, capacity building, and digital public infrastructure (DPI).
India–South Africa Strategic Review: Held discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa to align multilateral policies. The Summit's New Delhi Declaration highlighted historical anti-colonial solidarity, African decolonization, and legal actions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Partner Country Interactions (Uganda & Nigeria): Engaged Vice Presidents Jessica Alupo (Uganda) and Kashim Shettima (Nigeria) on technology partnerships, agricultural modernization, investment facilitation, defense, and digital infrastructure.
Related UPSC Static Dimensions
1. Foreign Policy & Multilateral Alliances (GS Paper II - International Relations)
India-Africa Policy Framework: Guided by the 10 Delhi Principles for India-Africa Engagement (introduced in 2018), prioritizing demand-driven development, capacity building, and local ownership over conditional aid.
Institutional Alignment (G20 & BRICS): India played a pivotal role in granting permanent G20 membership to the African Union during its 2023 Presidency, further integrating African perspectives into global governance forums.
2. Economic & Security Cooperation (GS Paper III - Trade & Strategic Security)
Trade & Investment: Africa remains a key source for India’s energy imports, raw materials, and critical minerals, alongside serving as an expanding export market for Indian pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services.
Maritime Security (SAGAR Framework): Collaborative security mechanisms across the Western Indian Ocean region (e.g., anti-piracy operations, joint naval exercises, and capacity building for littoral African nations).
Conclusion
India’s multi-layered engagement with African leaders during the BRICS Summit demonstrates New Delhi’s sustained commitment to its partnership with the continent. By combining digital public infrastructure support, capacity building, and institutional representation in platforms like the G20 and BRICS, India continues to solidify its role as a key partner for Africa and a champion for the Global South.
UPSC Prelims Practice Questions Question: With reference to India-Africa relations, consider the following statements: 1. India’s engagement with African countries includes development partnership, capacity building and technology cooperation. 2. The African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s G20 Presidency. 3. India’s Africa policy is based exclusively on military and security cooperation. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: a) UPSC Mains Practice Questions Question: “India-Africa relations have evolved from a development partnership into a multidimensional strategic partnership.” Discuss.. (10 Marks, 150 Words) |
Page 10:GS II : International Relations
Context
Following the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, policy analysts advocate for India to leverage the New Development Bank (NDB) to maximize BRICS' economic potential. Given internal ideological splits—where Russia, China, and Iran view BRICS as "anti-West," while India, Brazil, and South Africa position it as "non-West"—strengthening the NDB provides a practical, non-confrontational avenue to support developing economies without joining Beijing or Moscow's aggressive anti-dollar crusade.
Key Analysis & Strategic Imperatives
NDB vs. Multilateral Peers: Established in 2015, the NDB faces asset bottlenecks, having approved only 139 projects worth ~$43 billion (with $20 billion disbursed). In contrast, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has 111 members and $69 billion committed across 350 projects, backed by a AAA credit rating.
Capital & Voting Constraints: Expanding the NDB's capital is hindered by equal-voting rules among founding members and severe sanctions on Russia. To protect its AA/AA+ credit rating, the NDB has suspended new Russian projects since March 2022. Inducting new members offers capital, but founding members must retain at least 55% voting share.
Local-Currency Lending & Rupee Bonds: NDB targets 30% of its operations in local currencies (2022–26 Strategy). Currently, local issuance favors China's Renminbi (e.g., ¥7 billion Panda Bond). India must expedite its long-delayed ₹25,000-crore debut Rupee Bond program to deepen local-currency financing.
Value for India: The NDB has committed nearly $10 billion across 32 Indian projects, including major urban transit infrastructure like metro systems and the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor.
Related UPSC Static Dimensions
1. Multilateral Development Banks (GS Paper II - Global Institutions)
Institutional Design: Founded via the 2014 Fortaleza Declaration, NDB allocates equal capital shares and voting rights among founding BRICS members, unlike IMF/World Bank structures dominated by quotas and western veto power.
Credit Ratings & Sanctions Risk: Multilateral lenders reliant on international bond markets face sovereign risk spillovers when member states encounter geopolitical sanctions.
2. International Finance & Currency Mechanics (GS Paper III - Economy)
Local Currency Settlement (LCS): Borrowing and lending in domestic currencies lowers foreign exchange exposure and hedging costs for emerging economies, mitigating global currency volatility without demanding complete de-dollarization.
Panda & Masala/Rupee Bonds: Offshore bonds denominated in domestic currencies enable multilateral institutions to raise funds from local markets directly for development financing.
Conclusion
The New Development Bank represents one of BRICS' most tangible mechanisms for Global South advancement. By expanding NDB membership, accelerating local-currency rupee bond issuances, and streamlining disbursements, India can strengthen functional economic cooperation within BRICS while maintaining its non-aligned, balanced foreign policy posture.
UPSC Mains Exam Study Questions Question: “The New Development Bank represents an attempt to create a more balanced development-financing architecture for emerging economies.” Discuss its significance and limitations. (10 Marks, 150 Words) |
Page : 08 Editorial Analysis
GS Paper III: Internal Security UPSC Mains Exam Practice Questions: “The changing nature of terrorism has transformed the counter-terrorism challenge from defeating hierarchical organisations to managing decentralised, technology-enabled networks.” Discuss.15Marks, 250 Words) |
Context
In this article, security expert Col. Rajeev Agarwal traces the evolution of global terrorism—from monolithic networks like al-Qaeda to decentralized, technology-driven threats—and examines the paradigm shift in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine. The piece highlights how India transitioned from a posture of strategic restraint to an active, punitive approach, culminating in cross-border strikes, the declaration of cross-border terror as an "act of war," and the rollout of its comprehensive national strategy.
Key Themes & Strategic Evolution
Changing Face of Global Terror:
Shift from large, hierarchical outfits led by figures like Osama bin Laden or Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to smaller, autonomous cells and "lone-wolf" actors.
Integration of emerging technologies, including drones, cyber capabilities, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) by both terror groups and counter-terror agencies.
Phase of Strategic Restraint (Pre-2014):
Early cross-border attacks (1993 Mumbai blasts, IC-814 hijacking, 2001 Parliament attack, and 2008 Mumbai 26/11) exposed domestic vulnerabilities.
Despite clear cross-border links, Indian responses relied primarily on military standoffs (e.g., Operation Parakram) or diplomatic pressure, largely due to nuclear escalation concerns.
Shift to Active & Punitive Retaliation (Post-2014):
2016 Uri Attack: Led to cross-border surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC).
2019 Pulwama Attack: Resulted in aerial strikes against terror camps deep inside Pakistani airspace at Balakot.
2025 Pahalgam Attack & Operation Sindoor: Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting key terror infrastructure and network leaders within 96 hours.
India's Redefined Counter-Terror Doctrine:
Zero tolerance: End of strategic patience; cross-border terrorism backed by foreign support is formally classified as an 'act of war'.
Neutralization of nuclear blackmail as a restraining factor.
Launch of 'PRAHAAR' (February 2026): India's first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, utilizing a "whole-of-government" and "whole-of-society" framework.
Proposed Four-Fold Future Strategy:
Eradication: Hunt down remaining active terror cells in Jammu & Kashmir.
Pre-emption: Take preventive strikes against launchpads across the LoC based on intelligence.
De-radicalization: Implement national programs to pull youth away from extremism.
Financial Isolation: Cut off terror funding channels via global coordination.
Related UPSC Static Dimensions
1. Internal Security & Technology (GS Paper III)
Role of Non-State Actors: Evolution from proxy warfare to hybrid warfare involving uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), darknet financing, and radicalization through encrypted communication channels.
Institutional Frameworks: Creation and role of specialized agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), and Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for real-time intelligence integration.
2. International Relations & Security Doctrines (GS Paper II & III)
Right to Self-Defense in International Law: Applicability of Article 51 of the UN Charter concerning pre-emptive strikes against non-state actors operating from foreign territory.
Global Anti-Terror Platforms: India's advocacy for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN and active participation in multilateral forums like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), SCO, and BRICS.
Conclusion
India's counter-terrorism posture has fundamentally transformed from defensive deterrence to active, multi-domain pre-emption. By combining decisive military responses with structured policy tools like PRAHAAR and global coalition-building, India aims to neutralize cross-border threats while establishing clear red lines against state-sponsored terrorism.
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