R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB BATCHES STARTING FROM 20TH JUNE. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

• Background:
  • The U.S.-India relationship has evolved significantly in recent decades, from being perceived as distant to a more strategic partnership.
  • The two countries have engaged in various dialogues and collaborations across diplomatic, economic, and security fronts.
  • Despite growing alignment, differences and disagreements persist, making the relationship complex.
• The Situation Now:
  • The current geopolitical landscape, marked by conflicts and rising global uncertainties, presents challenges for the U.S.-India partnership.
  • There's a concern that the relationship might become overly transactional, focusing on immediate gains rather than long-term strategic alignment.
  • India's foreign policy is often seen as non-aligned, which can sometimes lead to perceptions of inconsistency or distrust from the U.S.
  • Recent developments, such as India's stance on the Ukraine war and its approach to Russia, have caused unease in Washington.
  • The Trump administration's approach to foreign policy, characterized by unpredictability, adds to the uncertainty in the relationship.
  • The article highlights that while cooperation is strong in areas like counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, differences remain on issues like trade and market access.
  • There's a perceived lack of reciprocal trust, particularly regarding technology transfer.
  • China's growing influence and its "China-plus-one" strategy for supply chains add another layer of complexity to the U.S.-India-China dynamic.
• Way Forward:
  • Both countries need to reaffirm their commitment to a long-term strategic partnership, transcending short-term political shifts.
  • Deeper strategic alignment is required, involving frank and open dialogues to address differences and build trust.
  • Collaboration should extend beyond immediate security concerns to broader areas like technology transfer, clean energy, and climate change.
  • The U.S. needs to acknowledge India's strategic autonomy and its unique geopolitical context.
  • India needs to be clear about its strategic objectives and avoid sending mixed signals to the U.S.
  • The article emphasizes the need for clarity, commitment, and mutual trust to propel the partnership forward, particularly towards 2047.

• Background:
  • The Middle East has historically been a volatile region, and geopolitical tensions in the area often impact global oil prices.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for global oil supply, with approximately one-fifth of the world's daily crude oil consumption passing through it.
  • Recent escalations in the Iran-Israel conflict have created concerns about potential disruptions to oil supplies.
• The Situation Now:
  • Crude oil prices have recently surged, with Brent crude futures reaching over $85 per barrel and WTI crude futures exceeding $81 per barrel.
  • This price hike is primarily driven by fears of supply disruptions due to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
  • Analysts are closely monitoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as any disruption there would significantly impact global oil markets.
  • While Iran has threatened to close the Strait, it is considered unlikely due to the severe economic consequences for itself.
  • The International Energy Agency (IEA) has noted the potential for supply disruptions but anticipates that current oil inventory levels are sufficient to manage immediate impacts.
  • Despite the immediate price increases, some economists believe the current rise is driven more by speculation than actual supply shortages.
  • India, as a major oil importer, is particularly vulnerable to rising crude prices, which can lead to higher inflation and impact its economy.
  • India has diversified its oil imports, but global price increases still have a significant effect.
• Way Forward:
  • Diversifying oil import sources and reducing reliance on a single region is crucial for India's energy security.
  • Building strategic petroleum reserves to mitigate the impact of price volatility.
  • Investing in renewable energy sources and electric vehicles to reduce overall oil demand.
  • International diplomatic efforts are needed to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and ensure the free flow of oil through critical maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Monitoring global oil markets closely and implementing appropriate economic policies to manage inflationary pressures.

NEWS IN SHORTS

1. India Will Never Accept a Mediation: PM to Trump

Prime Minister Modi stated that India will not accept mediation from the United States regarding the dispute with Pakistan. This comes after President Trump's offer to mediate the "Operation Sindoor" issue. Foreign Secretary Jaishankar affirmed India's stance, while Trump's claim of having helped resolve the matter was dismissed. Separately, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Iran would not surrender to U.S. pressure and criticized Trump's "unacceptable" statements, vowing fierce retaliation for any intervention.

2. Failed Summit: India Must Reassess the Usefulness of Attending G-7 Meetings

This editorial argues that the recent G-7 Summit was a "failed summit," particularly from India's perspective, due to unresolved conflicts and an ambiguous approach to China and Russia. It questions the utility of India's participation in future G-7 meetings, suggesting that larger outreach sessions might be more beneficial than full membership. The article also highlights that Prime Minister Modi's pre-summit efforts to improve ties with Mark Carney faced setbacks due to a G-7 statement on Khalistani extremism.

3. The Legality of Israeli Actions Under International Law

This article discusses the legal debate surrounding Israel's military operations under international law, particularly concerning "pre-emptive self-defense." It questions whether Israel's actions are permissible under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows for self-defense against an "armed attack." The piece also explores the concept of "imminent" threat and argues that a broader interpretation of self-defense could lead to abuses. It concludes that international law provides the primary framework for determining the legitimacy of state conduct.

4. The Real Challenge for Foreign Campuses

This article discusses the challenges and opportunities for foreign university campuses establishing branches in India. While the UGC has approved several, many still struggle with infrastructure, program offerings, and faculty recruitment. It highlights that successful foreign branches need to offer high-quality education and cater to local relevance, rather than replicating their home campus models. The article suggests that while India offers a large market, foreign universities must invest strategically and collaborate with Indian institutions for long-term success.

5. Uttarakhand – A Hotbed for Helicopter Accidents

This article highlights that Uttarakhand has a high incidence of helicopter accidents, with 14 fatal crashes investigated between 2013 and 2023, resulting in 126 fatalities. A profile of helicopter crashes indicates that "improper maintenance" is a leading cause, followed by harsh weather and technical problems. The data reveals that most accidents occur during morning and evening flights, and during the "cruise" phase. The article emphasizes the need for improved safety measures and regulatory oversight in the region, particularly for Kedarnath pilgrim flights.

6. What Was Decided at the UN Oceans Conference?

The UN Oceans Conference aimed to advance action on protecting oceans and ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the 'High Seas Treaty.' The BBNJ treaty seeks to conserve 30% of the world's marine and coastal areas by 2030. Key outcomes included commitments to combat overfishing, regulate marine genetic resources, and support capacity-building for developing nations. The UN expects 70 ratifications by September, with the intention of holding the first BBNJ Conference of Parties (COP) in late 2026.

7. India Launches Operation Sindhu, Evacuates 110 Students from Iran

India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran, with 110 students from northern Iran being the first to arrive in New Delhi. The evacuation follows an Israeli air strike in Tehran. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with Indian embassies and missions to ensure the safe passage of Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who are stuck in conflict zones. The operation aims to bring all affected Indian citizens back home, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir.

8. In a Reset, India, Canada Agree to Appoint High Commissioners

India and Canada have agreed to appoint High Commissioners, signaling a reset in their bilateral ties after two years of major rupture. Discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at the G7 Outreach Summit focused on trade, security, and people-to-people connections. Both sides affirmed their commitment to restore diplomatic relations and work on various issues, including counter-terrorism. The decision comes after Canada had previously accused Indian diplomats of involvement in alleged Khalistani extremism.

9. India, Croatia to Firm Up Bilateral Defence Ties: Modi

Prime Minister Modi announced plans to firm up long-term defence partnership ties with Croatia during his visit to Zagreb. The two countries will collaborate on defence production, technology, and military-to-military exchange. This move aims to boost India's defence industrial capacity and facilitate joint ventures. Modi also stated that turning a blind eye to terrorism is a "betrayal of all humanity," emphasizing the need for global condemnation and concerted action against state-sponsored terrorism.

10. Chandigarh Tops School Education Index, Meghalaya Comes Last: Report

Chandigarh has been ranked as the best performer in school education for 2023-24, according to the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 report. The states are graded on various indicators, including learning outcomes, quality, access, infrastructure, equity, governance, and teacher education. Meghalaya, however, appears in the lowest rung. The report highlights that while 24 states and Union Territories improved their scores, some like Meghalaya have significant room for improvement in education quality and infrastructure.

11. May Do It, May Not Do It: Trump on Joining Israeli Strikes on Iran

U.S. President Trump is considering whether to join Israel's airstrikes on Iran, even as he previously stated he would not. The Pentagon is reportedly providing options to Trump. This comes amidst ongoing tensions, with Israel claiming to have conducted strikes in Iran. Separately, Israeli forces killed 30 people in Gaza and raided West Bank camps. The violence in Gaza follows a military campaign in October 2023, causing severe shortages of food and clean water.