Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

El Nino: Concept and impacts – Explained, pointwise

For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE →

Introduction

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced the return of the El Niño phenomenon to the Pacific Ocean. El Niño is a climate pattern that emerges sporadically along the equatorial Pacific and is known for triggering global weather changes. The impacts of El Niño extend far beyond weather, influencing marine ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. As this powerful force returns, understanding the concept of El Niño and its widespread impacts becomes crucial for everyone.  

What Is El Nino?

El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. El Niño is the “warm phase” of a larger phenomenon called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). La Niña, the “cool phase” of ENSO, is a pattern that describes the unusual cooling of the region’s surface waters. El Niño and La Niña are considered the ocean part of ENSO, while the Southern Oscillation is its atmospheric changes. El Niño events occur irregularly at two- to seven-year intervals.  

How will the formation of El Nino occur?

The formation of El Niño involves a series of interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere in the tropical Pacific. Here are the key steps in this complex process:  

Normal conditions: Under normal conditions, the trade winds (which are part of the Earth’s general circulation) blow across the tropical Pacific from east to west. These winds push warm surface water towards the western Pacific (near Asia and Australasia), piling it up there. This leaves room for cold, nutrient-rich water to well up from the depths in the eastern Pacific (near South America).  

Air circulation: The accumulation of warm water in the west heats the overlying air, making it moist and buoyant. This warm, moist air rises, leading to the formation of rain clouds. The rising air creates a low-pressure system in the west, and a high-pressure system forms in the east where cooler, drier air descends. This pressure difference reinforces the trade winds, completing what is known as the Walker circulation.  

Weakening trade winds: The onset of El Niño involves a weakening or reversal of the trade winds. This can happen for various reasons, such as changes in the sea surface temperature distribution or atmospheric pressure patterns. The weakening of the trade winds is often initiated by an atmospheric phenomenon known as a westerly wind burst.  

Spread of warm water: When the trade winds weaken, they can no longer push the warm water to the west as effectively. As a result, the warm water spreads from the western Pacific to the east. This process is known as a Kelvin wave. The spread of warm water to the east suppresses the upwelling of cold water near South America.  

Feedback loop: The eastward spread of warm water further weakens the trade winds, creating a feedback loop that intensifies El Niño. This is because the warmer water warms the overlying air, which lowers the atmospheric pressure and weakens the trade winds.  

Establishment of El Niño: As this feedback loop continues, the warm water in the eastern Pacific gets warmer, and the weakened trade winds get weaker. Eventually, a full-blown El Niño event is established, characterized by significantly warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific.  

What are the El Nino impacts in India?

El Nino impact on monsoon patterns and rainfall: El Niño can significantly impact the Indian monsoon, leading to fluctuations in rainfall patterns. During an El Niño year, India often experiences below-average monsoon rains, potentially causing drought conditions.  

Droughts and water scarcity: Reduced monsoon rainfall can lead to water scarcity and droughts in many parts of India. These conditions can adversely affect agriculture, causing a decrease in crop yields.  

Agriculture and food security: The irregular monsoon patterns during El Niño can impact agricultural yield, leading to potential food shortages and affecting farmers’ livelihoods.  

Forest fires: During El Niño years, drier conditions may increase the likelihood of forest fires, especially in regions prone to such disasters. Forest fires can cause extensive damage to ecosystems and human settlements, leading to loss of biodiversity and property.  

Health impact: El Niño can also lead to public health issues in India. For instance, drier conditions and heat waves can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, changes in weather patterns can also lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.  

Economic implications: The altered weather conditions can have significant economic implications. Reductions in agricultural output can increase food prices, while the costs associated with extreme weather events can strain the country’s economy.  

Climate extremes: El Niño can contribute to other climate extremes in India, such as heatwaves and intense cyclones. These events can cause substantial damage to infrastructure, property, and human lives.  

What are the El Nino impacts in regions outside India?

El Niño affects various regions across the globe in different ways. Here are some impacts observed in regions outside India:  

North America: El Niño tends to suppress Atlantic hurricane activity, although there are exceptions depending on other climate factors.  

South America: Coastal countries in South America like Peru and Ecuador can experience heavy rains and flooding. El Niño weakens the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters along the coasts of South America, which can negatively impact marine ecosystems and fisheries.  

Australia and Southeast Asia: These regions generally experience decreased rainfall during El Niño events, which can lead to droughts and significantly impact agriculture, water supply, and ecosystems. This decrease in precipitation can also heighten the risk of wildfires.  

Africa: East Africa may receive more rain than usual, which could lead to flooding. Southern Africa may face drier conditions, which can lead to water shortages and impacts on agriculture.  

Europe: The impacts on Europe are more uncertain and depend on how El Niño interacts with other climate patterns. However, it can potentially influence the strength and path of the jet stream, which could result in various weather anomalies in the region.  

How global nations are planning to mitigate and combat El Nino impacts?

Creation of disaster risk reduction funds: Countries like Peru have created dedicated funds to tackle El Niño. Peru’s Disaster Risk Reduction Fund is specifically designated to prepare for and mitigate the potential impacts of El Niño. These funds are often allocated to various activities, including improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, supporting early warning systems, and assisting recovery efforts after disasters.  

Improved monitoring and early warning systems: The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continually invests in technology to monitor oceanic and atmospheric conditions better, helping predict an impending El Niño event. Early warnings from organizations like NOAA can help governments worldwide to prepare well in advance and implement strategies to minimize potential impacts.  

International cooperation and policy frameworks: Many countries collaborate through international agreements and conventions to manage El Niño’s impacts. The Paris Climate Agreement, signed by 196 nations, underscores the importance of global action to address climate change, including phenomena like El Niño. These agreements may involve the sharing of information and resources, the development of common strategies, and cooperation on research and development efforts related to El Niño.  

Climate change mitigation efforts: As the effects of climate change can potentially exacerbate the frequency and intensity of El Niño, efforts to mitigate climate change are an integral part of addressing El Niño. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) plays a crucial role in guiding global policies related to climate change, including strategies to cope with El Niño events.  

Adapting agriculture and infrastructure: In countries like India, which are heavily impacted by El Niño, there are ongoing efforts to adapt agricultural practices to be more resilient to changes in rainfall and temperature. This includes implementing irrigation facilities, diversifying crop types, and promoting weather-based crop insurance.  

What should be done?

Promoting climate resilient infrastructure: Infrastructure development needs to factor in climate resilience, meaning that buildings, roads, and other infrastructure should be constructed to withstand extreme weather events like those brought on by El Niño.  

Strengthening international collaboration: Countries should strengthen international cooperation to share knowledge, technology, and resources to mitigate the impacts of El Niño. Climate change has no borders, and global collaboration is crucial.  

Climate change mitigation: Efforts should be heightened to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as global warming can exacerbate the effects of El Niño. This includes promoting clean energy, reducing deforestation, and implementing sustainable practices in industries.  

Adapting agricultural practices: In agriculture-based economies, there should be widespread education on the effects of El Niño on weather patterns to help farmers adapt their practices. This can include crop diversification, implementing irrigation facilities, and promoting weather-based crop insurance.  

Building disaster management capacity: Countries should work on building their capacity to manage and respond to disasters caused by El Niño. This includes establishing effective disaster response strategies, conducting regular drills, and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to disaster management.  

Conserving marine ecosystems: Since El Niño severely impacts marine ecosystems, it is crucial to conserve and protect these ecosystems as much as possible. This includes preventing overfishing, reducing pollution, and protecting marine habitats like coral reefs. 

Sources: Business Standard, Bloomberg, Time, The Weather Channel, Climate.gov, Live Mint, NPR, TOI, Reuters, India Today, DTE, Financial Express and BBC

Syllabus: GS 1: Geophysical Phenomena: Important Geophysical phenomena

GS PAPER - 2

Between India and Nepal, barriers come down

Source: The post is based on the article “Between India and Nepal, barriers come down” published in the Indian Express on 13th June 2023

Syllabus: GS 2 – India and Neighbourhood relations.

Relevance: About India-Nepal relations.

News: The recent visit of the Nepali Prime Minister to India has highlighted the ongoing developments in India-Nepal relations.

What are the key decisions made during the recent visit?

Must Read: India, Nepal sign pacts on energy, transport

The decisions taken during the visit overcome the political and psychological barriers that have long hampered cooperation between the two countries.

What are the key discussions left out from the recent visit?

a) For the first time in recent years, the revision of the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 was not raised, b) Earlier Nepal demanded turning the open border into a regulated one. But this visit did not pose such demands, c) In 2020, Nepal made a unilateral claim for nearly 350 sq km of territory in the Lipulekh area. This greatly enlarged the original 35 sq km of disputed territory in the upper reaches of the Kali River. This border issue was not also debated in the recent visit, and d) Recruitment of Nepali Gurkha soldiers by the Indian Army, in the wake of the Agnipath scheme, was also not part of the talks.

Note: Nepal demanded the Gurkha recruits from Nepal shall be exempted from the four-year tenure laid down under the Agnipath scheme.

All this shows a positive development in bilateral ties.

What are the recent developments in India-Nepal relations?

Must read: Recent development in India – Nepal relations – Explained, pointwise

Why does Nepal need India’s assistance?

Read here: India-Nepal relations soar high

Narendra Modi’s Deng Xiaoping moment

Source– The post is based on the article “Narendra Modi’s Deng Xiaoping moment” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements

Relevance- Issues related to bilateral groupings and agreements

News– US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit to Delhi this week is expected to finalise the agreements that are to be unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington on June 22.

What is the new economic policy of the US?

The US plans to restructure the global economy. The new economic grand strategy of the US questions globalisation.

Biden is committed to ensure that foreign economic policy serves the interests of the American people.

The focus on “economic security” is central to Washington’s approach towards domestic manufacturing, international trade, technology coalitions, climate change, and multilateral development institutions.

This geoeconomic agenda reflects geopolitical priorities of the US. It is centred on competing with China, rebooting traditional alliances, building new partnerships, and constructing new regional and global coalitions.

How have Delhi and Washington overcome the geopolitical divergence in their bilateral relations in the second half of the 20th century?

There was deep entrenched scepticism within the strategic communities in both capitals.

India had historic hesitations in engaging with the US. Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly discarded it when he last addressed the joint session of the US Congress.

One hesitation was related to India’s concerns about America’s relationship with Pakistan. Today Islamabad is marginal to the American geopolitical calculus.

In the 1990s, the Indian security establishment was deeply concerned about US meddling in Kashmir by the Bill Clinton administration. George W Bush took Kashmir off the agenda by ending the US activism on the question.

The nuclear dispute with the US was considered unresolvable since the early 1970s. Bush in 2005 altered the US domestic law on nonproliferation and signed a nuclear deal.

The US now has a bipartisan consensus on China’s challenge and limiting the possibilities for Beijing’s hegemony over Asia. This has coincided with the growing Chinese threat to India.

What is the future potential of a bilateral relationship between India and the US?

The US is eager to assist and benefit from India’s need to reduce its massive reliance on Russian weapons. Biden is now offering US technology and capital to expand and modernise India’s defence industrial base.

The challenge for Delhi and Washington now is to translate the new geopolitical convergence into concrete outcomes.

Today, the US is seeking India’s cooperation in restructuring the global economic order and making the world less vulnerable to Chinese pressures.

Unlike 1990s, India today is the world’s fifth-largest economic entity. For the first time since independence, India is able to shape the global economic order.

The current juncture could be seen as PM Modi’s “Deng Xiaoping moment”. Building on the geopolitical convergence with the US in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Deng rapidly transformed the Chinese economy.

The real challenge and opportunity today for India and the US lie in seizing the possibilities for geoeconomic collaboration.

It demands the kind of hard work that bridged the geopolitical divide between Delhi and Washington over the last three decades.

Wrestlers’ protest and the shrinking space for dissent

Source– The post is based on the article “Wrestlers’ protest and the shrinking space for dissent” published in “The Hindu” on 13th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.

Relevance– Issues related to social movements

News – Wrestlers protested for more than one month over the issues of sexual harassment by WFI President. It was recently called off after a meeting of protestors with union minister.

How Public protests have been a catalyst for social and policy change in India?

It has allowed individuals, classes and communities to voice their grievances and advocate for their rights.

Protests had opened space for a new era of social activism when the United Progressive Alliance government was in power.

What is the support base of current wrestler protest?

The protest has found some support from civil society, especially organisations representing workers, farmers, women, students, and youth. But it is very small when compared to other protests under this regime or previous ones.

These protests have failed to garner significant support from the middle classes and women’s groups.

The Indian women’s movement has had a long history of organising around sexual violence against women. They have in the past organised direct action on the streets.

But this time, except for Left groups and the All-India Democratic Women’s Association, women’s groups have been largely missing in action.

In the Nirbhaya case, mobilisation included civil society that included men. It is absent this time.

What is the nature of social activism by the middle class?

The active participation of the middle classes in the Anna Hazare Andolan and Nirbhaya protests led to social activism by this class.

The urban middle class favours neoliberalism. It has benefited from the opportunities available to it from the neo-liberal economy in the past three decades.

Middle-class expansion has occurred since economic reforms through the private sector boom powered by economic liberalisation.

This class supported ‘India Shining’, Manmohan Singh. It turned against the UPA when it introduced rights-based legislations and other broad-based social policies.

Their shifting political loyalties reflect an ideological consistency. The middle-class opposition to the UPA played a crucial role in discrediting it. Now, these classes strongly back the current dispensation even on issues of sexual violence.

Middle-class activism tends to prioritise the issues and concerns that directly impact them. It overlooks the needs and struggles of the disadvantaged classes and communities.

What can be the impacts of social activism by the middle class?

The attitude of the middle class perpetuates inequalities and hinders efforts to address broader social issues.

It can result in a narrow understanding of social reality and marginalised voices. There is a sense of suspicion towards mass politics and egalitarian ideas and movements.

This tendency contributes to inactivity among the middle classes and even among the oppressed classes. It is emblematic of society’s normalisation of patriarchy and sexual harassment.

Same-sex marriage: Morality vs equality

Source– The post is based on the article “Same-sex marriage: Morality vs equality” published in “The Hindu” on 13th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Vulnerable sections of the population. GS2- Judiciary

Relevance- Issues related to LGBT

News- Just a few days before the Supreme Court of India commenced hearings on the same-sex marriage issue.

What questions arises when SC follows a liberal approach in deciding the same-sex marriages?

The Court should be neutral on moral questions about the desirability of marriage, meaning of marriage. This neutrality is mandated by its jurisprudence on equality for all irrespective of social or personal morality.

Constitutional morality has been used by the Supreme Court in many cases to maintain neutrality on moral issues.

Following this neutrality would mean that people’s legal rights are protected irrespective of the societies’ moral view.

But to mandate the state to recognise a particular kind of marriage based on equality is to recognise marriage as a social honour. It would be violating the liberal tenet of neutrality.

As per liberal theory, state intervention in the matter is only the second-best option. The idea of liberalism is that the state should be neutral to moral concerns about institutions like marriage.

What is the basis of an equality based and privacy-based approach for deciding same sex marriages?

Citizens who see and value marriage as a heterosexual institution would be asked to recognise same-sex marriages, not as a matter of shared understanding but as a duty we owe to strangers.

If the matter were to be decided based on “intrinsic value or social importance of the practice”, one avoids the alienation that gives rise to fundamentalist tendencies.

What is the best way forward to decide about same-sex marriages?

Compared to liberal court decisions imposed on a reluctant public, ultimately sustainable decisions were forced on parties and electoral assemblies by ad hoc citizens’ assemblies in Ireland and the pressure of citizens’ initiatives in Finland.

Ideally these questions should be left for citizens’ assemblies or citizens’ initiatives like in Ireland or Finland. In India, there is a need to look for equivalents. Reviving Gandhi’s “little republics” could be a good starting point.

GS PAPER - 3

An Atmanirbhar move – on fertiliser sector

Source– The post is based on the article “An Atmanirbhar move” published in the “The Indian Express” on 13th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Infrastructure

Relevance- Issues related to fertiliser sector

News– The article highlights the progress achieved by current government in fertiliser sector.

How has India’s department of fertilisers made significant strides in achieving self-reliance in the sector?

The government secured fertiliser supplies during the crisis precipitated by the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite facing challenges, the government has forged long-term agreements and created joint ventures with resource-rich nations.

It is supporting industry in identifying opportunities across the value chain by strengthening domestic operations, building long-term partnerships, investing in resource-rich geographies for securing raw materials and promoting alternate fertilisers and natural farming.

Industry has been encouraged to set up overseas joint ventures to secure raw materials. Joint venture plants have been set up in some countries with buy-back agreements and assured off-take agreements.

The government has also encouraged the domestic industry and public sector undertakings to sign long-term agreements for the import of raw materials such as ammonia, phosphoric acid, and sulphur.

These initiatives have enabled India to diversify its product portfolio and produce more NPK complexes. It offers not only a wider range of products to farmers but also ensures balanced nutrition.

There has been a remarkable improvement in the opening stocks of DAP, MOP and other NPK fertilisers in Kharif 2023. T

The Department of Fertilisers has positioned India as a key player in the global fertiliser supply chain.

Seeds of stagnation in Bt cotton: Can newer variants impact productivity?

Source: This post is created based on the article “Seeds of stagnation in Bt cotton: Can newer variants impact productivity?”, published in Business Standard on 13^th June 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 – Science and tech – GM Crops

News: GEAC is considering the genetically modified (GM) Bt cotton seed variant, Bollgard-2 Round-up Ready Flex (BG-2 RRF), for approval. It has asked for more information from the company.

In another case, GEAC approved field trials of a new variant of GM cotton by Bioseed Research India Pvt Ltd that has a gene resistant to pink bollworm.

What are the factors behind delay in approval to cotton seed variant?

Concerns about the efficacy of BG-2 RRF against targeted pests, including the pink bollworm.

Socioeconomic impact of its use.

Agriculture is a state subject. In case of bio seed research’s GM cotton, some states have not given their approval for field test.

What are the effects of delay in approval?

Increase in the use of illegally manufactured and untested second-generation Bt cotton, which could be harmful to farmers’ health and the soil.

The pink bollworm has developed resistance to Bt cotton, allegedly due to delays in allowing the growth of non-Bt cotton crops alongside Bt cotton to maintain resistance to new pests.

Cotton is grown in 12-12.5 million hectares in India. The pest can reduce seed cotton yields by 35 to 90% and degrade the quality of the cotton produced.

What should be done to save the crops from pink bollworms?

Disrupting the pest’s mating cycle,

Releasing sterile moths to control its reproduction, and

The extensive use of advanced varieties of Bt cotton seeds that are naturally resistant to pink bollworm.

You, I, AI & GOI – on implication of generative AI

Source: This post is created based on the article “You, I, AI & GOI”, published in The Times of India on 13^th June 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 – Science and tech – GM Crops

Context: The article discusses the ongoing debate about the development and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been advocating for AI development amidst global calls for a moratorium on the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4.

Generative AI systems like ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI are already used by hundreds of millions of people. It has demonstrated impressive skills in processing both text and images, scoring high on American Bar exams and medical assessment exams.

What are the Significances of Generative AI?

AI systems can significantly improve citizen-government interaction, education, and healthcare, especially in countries like India with limited access to qualified professionals.

In India, AI could help navigate bureaucratic procedures, provide high-quality medical advice, and assist with the resolution of the backlog of legal cases in India.

What are the concerns and challenges associated with Generative AI?

AI can be used to generate large-scale misinformation and may provide biased results, which are inherent in their training data.

Training of large AI models is expensive as it involves the use of specialized computer hardware called GPUs.

AI system can create outputs that are not necessarily aligned with the objectives of its human designers, which is a source of concern for many AI researchers.

Due to large training dataset, it is not yet possible to interpret and explain every aspect of how the AI model provides a certain output to a given input.

What should be the future course of action?

Smarter regulations are required to ensure the design of these AI systems are fair and transparent.

India should take the lead in developing and harnessing AI, given its potential to transform Indian society and economy.

Will a hike in MSP help farmers?

Source: The post is based on the article “Will a hike in MSP help farmers?” published in The Hindu on 13th June 2023

Syllabus: GS 3 – Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints.

Relevance: About revamping MSP.

News: Recently, the Centre announced the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for this year’s summer (kharif) season crops. The price has been hiked between 5-10% from last season. 

What is MSP?

Read more: MSP (Minimum Support Price)

About India’s foodgrain production

As per third advance estimates for 2022-23, total foodgrain production in the country is estimated at a record 330.5 million tonnes which is higher by 14.9 million tonnes compared to 2021-22. This is the highest increase in the last five years.

The total stocks of rice and wheat held by Food Corporation of India (FCI) and State agencies as on May 1, 2023, was 555.34 lakh tonnes.

What are the challenges faced in implementing MSP?

a) There are delays in establishing procurement centres, b) Farmers are exploited at the hands of commission agents. For instance, commission agents mostly buy the produce from farmers below the MSP, c) There is also a lack of awareness about the MSP among a large section of farmers, d) There is an absence of dependable or assured market mechanism for procurement-purchase of crops through MSP in most parts, and e) Only three to four crops (mainly wheat, paddy and cotton and at times some pulses), were being procured at MSP while the remaining crops were being procured at much below the MSP.

Non-implementation of MSP and below-MSP-procurement of a large number of crops has been one of the major hurdles in ‘crop diversification.’

What are the farmers’ opinion for revamping MSP?

a) According to the All India Kisan Sabha, the declared MSP is “unfair, belies the hopes of the farmers and inflicts huge losses in their incomes,” b) The Swaminathan Commission recommended MSP of C2+50% (C2 or comprehensive cost of production). But this remains unfulfilled, c) Farmers need to have an assurance that their crops will be purchased at the MSP to survive in the otherwise economically-unsustainable agricultural sector, and d) Farmers have been demanding a ‘legal status’ to the MSP.

What should be done?

The MSP attempts to strike a balance between the interest of growers and consumers. So, the government should a) Come up with a system to set up an ‘assured market mechanism,’ b) Focus on setting up an effective system to provide assured purchase and returns to farmers for all major crops at the MSP, and c) Procure all MSP defined crops. This would certainly bind the private players to procure those crops at least at the MSP. This will also increase crop diversification. 

About India’s Internet economy: Growth driver – Expanding internet economy will increase opportunities

Source: The post is based on the article “Growth driver – Expanding internet economy will increase opportunities” published in the Business Standard on 13th June 2023

Syllabus: GS 3 – changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Relevance: About the report on India’s Internet economy.

News: A research report titled “e-Conomy” makes startling projections about India’s internet economy.

What is the Internet economy?

Must read: Digital or Internet Economy

About the e-Conomy report

Must read: ‘Internet economy to hit $1 trillion by 2030’

-The report also estimates per capita income will rise from $2,500 (2022) to $5,500 (2030). Thereby doubling consumption.

-Per capita income in Tier-II cities and rural households (referred to as TII+) will grow 430% between 2019 and 2030.

– Business-to-consumer, or B2C, e-commerce will contribute about a third of the online economy’s value by 2030.

What are the key takeaways from the report on India’s Internet economy?

a) Enablers like the Aadhaar, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and Digilocker have laid the foundations for the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN), Unified Health Interface and the rapid development of the India Stack, or rather stacks, b) The willingness of TII+ residents to engage digitally provide more opportunity for high growth, c) Software as a service is expected to be a big export-growth area. For example, India is already looking to set up RuPay and UPI-style networks abroad. Six nations are already using the India Stack, and many more have expressed their interest in it, d) Multiple Indian unicorns (108 by the e-Conomy report’s count) and many of the recognised start-ups could leverage their domestic experience to make a mark overseas, e) The report shows the amount of trust consumers placed in local non-celebrity influencers. As their trust has led to a shift in marketing spend, giving India’s 80 million-plus content creators new revenue streams.

What India should do to leverage India’s Internet economy further?

The emergence of India’s Internet economy will also coincide with the emergence of unique imperatives across trust, security and responsibility. To combat these, collaborative efforts from India’s policymakers and the private sector is necessary. Further, the government should create policies that will be supportive for the Internet economy,

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Sorry, there are no articles today from this source