What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Win Some, Lose Some: Key Takeaways from AKD's Visit to India
• Confident President: Sri Lanka’s Evolving Stance and Domestic Actions
• Focus on Mutual Benefits: India-Sri Lanka Cooperation

Why in News?

The recent visit of Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) to India— his first trip overseas since becoming leader of his country — saw some classic diplomatic deal-making, with give and take on both sides.

Win Some, Lose Some: Key Takeaways from AKD's Visit to India

• Assurance on Anti-India Activities
  • Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) assured PM Modi that Sri Lanka’s territory would not be used for activities harmful to India’s interests.
  • This commitment addresses India’s concerns regarding the frequent visits of Chinese “research vessels” to Sri Lankan ports.
  • The reiteration of this stance is significant, as AKD is perceived to be pro-China.
• Tamil Minority Issue: Divergent Views
  • AKD resisted India’s push for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which aims to empower the Tamil minority.
  • He opposes the amendment and investigations into alleged war crimes from the LTTE-Sri Lankan military conflict.
  • PM Modi emphasized “reconciliation and reconstruction” and urged Sri Lanka to fulfil its constitutional commitments and hold provincial council elections.
• Focus on Unity and Development
  • While AKD avoided specific commitments on the Tamil issue, he emphasized unity, social protection, and sustainable development.
  • He highlighted the importance of diversity as a fundamental principle of democracy.

Confident President: Sri Lanka’s Evolving Stance and Domestic Actions

• Firm Position on Tamil Issue
  • The joint statement reflected Sri Lanka’s influence in shaping the narrative.
  • Earlier, India had emphasized Tamil aspirations and the need for the 13th Amendment's full implementation, along with provincial council elections.
  • However, AKD’s confidence, stemming from his strong parliamentary mandate, has enabled him to resist external pressure, including from India.
• Confident Engagement with Major Powers
  • AKD’s historic parliamentary majority has bolstered his confidence in dealing with influential nations like India and China.
  • This self-assurance marks a shift in Sri Lanka’s diplomatic posture, signaling a more assertive and independent approach.
• Anti-Corruption Commitment at Home
  • The President’s adherence to the principles of the “Clean Sri Lanka” campaign has been evident in domestic politics.
  • For instance, Speaker Asoka Ranwala, a close ally of AKD, was forced to step down amid allegations about his academic qualifications, demonstrating AKD’s zero-tolerance policy toward impropriety.

Focus on Mutual Benefits: India-Sri Lanka Cooperation

• Rebuilding Sri Lanka with Focus and Clarity
  • President AKD is pursuing an ambitious agenda to rebuild Sri Lanka after recent crises.
  • The India-Sri Lanka joint statement, titled “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,” underscores this shared focus on development and collaboration.
• Bilateral Development Cooperation
  • Both leaders acknowledged India’s significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s socioeconomic growth through development assistance.
  • Key projects include:
    • Phase III & IV of the Indian Housing Project.
    • Three islands’ Hybrid Renewable Energy Project.
    • High Impact Community Development Projects.
• Advancing Connectivity and Energy Cooperation
  • Digital collaboration includes implementing Aadhaar and UPI systems in Sri Lanka.
  • Energy initiatives under discussion:
    • LNG supply.
    • Development of Trincomalee as a regional energy and industrial hub.
    • Offshore wind power development in the Palk Strait.
    • High-capacity power grid interconnection.
• Enhancing Physical Connectivity
  • Resumption of passenger ferry services between:
    • Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai.
    • Rameswaram and Talaimannar (under review).
  • Discussions on rehabilitating Sri Lanka’s Kankesanthurai port are underway.
• Defence and Security Cooperation
  • Agreements to explore:
    • A framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation.
    • Provision of defence platforms and joint exercises.
    • Maritime surveillance, cyber security, and counter-terrorism under the Colombo Security Conclave mechanism.
• Strategic Continuity Amid New Leadership
  • Despite new leadership in Sri Lanka, priorities and interests remain aligned.
  • India views Sri Lanka’s stability as critical to its strategic interests, while AKD seeks to make the next five years impactful through a mutually beneficial partnership.

Q.1. What were the key assurances from Sri Lanka during AKD's visit?

President AKD assured India that Sri Lanka’s territory would not be used for anti-India activities, addressing concerns over Chinese activities in Sri Lankan ports.

Q.2. What major bilateral projects were discussed during the visit?

Key projects included Indian Housing Project phases, renewable energy projects, passenger ferry services, and digital collaborations like Aadhaar and UPI implementation in Sri Lanka.

News: As Dissanayake visits, takeaways from the India-SL engagement

What’s in today’s article?

• About Siliguri Corridor
• Significance of Siliguri Corridor
• Economic Importance
• Challenges
• Govt Initiatives
• About SSB
• News Summary

Why in the News?

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the significance of the Siliguri corridor as a crucial link to Northeast India and said that the presence of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in the area comes as an assurance to the entire country.

About Siliguri Corridor

The Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the "Chicken's Neck", is a narrow stretch of land in the Indian state of West Bengal.

• It connects the northeastern states of India with the rest of the country. Its geopolitical, strategic, and economic significance makes it a critical asset for India.
• Geographical Overview:
  • Location: The corridor is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, spanning approximately 22 kilometres at its narrowest point.
  • Borders: It is flanked by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh to the south.
  • Connectivity: It links the North-eastern Region (NER) comprising eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—to mainland India.

Significance of Siliguri Corridor

• National Security:
  • The corridor is crucial for maintaining India’s territorial integrity. Any compromise in the region can isolate the northeastern states from the rest of India.
  • The area is vulnerable to external threats, especially given its proximity to the China-Bhutan border in the north and Bangladesh in the south.
• Military Importance:
  • The corridor serves as a vital supply route for the Indian Army, particularly for accessing forward bases in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It is critical for India’s preparedness against China, especially in light of past conflicts like the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the ongoing border tensions.
• Geopolitical Sensitivity:
  • Its proximity to China’s Chumbi Valley (a tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China) poses a strategic challenge. Control over this area could jeopardize India’s access to the Northeast.

Economic Importance

• Trade and Connectivity:
  • The Siliguri Corridor is a gateway for trade between mainland India and its north-eastern states, facilitating the movement of goods and services.
  • It connects to important international trade routes, including access to Bhutan and Nepal.
• Tourism Hub:
  • The region is a base for tourism to destinations like Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Bhutan, contributing significantly to local and national economies.
• Developmental Integration:
  • The corridor supports initiatives like the Act East Policy, which aims to integrate north-eastern states with Southeast Asia for economic development.

Challenges

• Geographical Vulnerability:

The narrow width of the corridor makes it highly susceptible to natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, which could disrupt connectivity.

• Security Concerns:
  • Cross-border terrorism, illegal migration, and smuggling from Bangladesh add to the security challenges.
  • The region has seen insurgency issues in the past, requiring constant vigilance.
• Infrastructure Gaps:
  • Despite its importance, the corridor faces infrastructural deficits, including poor road and rail connectivity, hindering efficient transport and logistics.

Govt Initiatives

• Border Infrastructure Development:
  • Investments in road and rail networks, including the Bharatmala Pariyojana and Golden Quadrilateral, aim to strengthen connectivity in the region.
• Act East Policy:
  • This policy focuses on improving trade and cultural ties with Southeast Asia, with the Siliguri Corridor acting as a vital link.
• Strategic Rail and Air Connectivity:
  • The development of Bagdogra Airport and improved rail connectivity through Northeast Frontier Railways enhances accessibility and economic prospects.
• Integrated Check Posts (ICPs):
  • Modern ICPs along the borders of Nepal and Bangladesh are being developed to streamline trade and security.

About SSB

• Sashastra Seema Bal is a border guarding force of India deployed along its borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
• The force was originally set up under the name Special Service Bureau in 1963 in the aftermath of the Indo-China War to strengthen India's border areas against enemy operations.

News Summary

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck, during the 61st Foundation Day celebrations of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri.
• This narrow stretch of land in West Bengal is critical due to its proximity to neighbouring countries like China, with a width of about 20 km and a length of 60 km.
• Shah praised the SSB for ensuring security along the 2,450 km border with Nepal and Bhutan and expressed confidence in their ability to protect India's borders.
• Shah highlighted the SSB’s significant role in eradicating left-wing extremism in Bihar and Jharkhand, declaring both states free of such threats.
• He also commended the SSB's efforts in fostering cultural integration in border villages, strengthening ties between border communities and the Indian mainstream.
• During the event, Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth ₹192 crore for the SSB, including residential complexes at Agartala and Petrapole, built at a cost of ₹55 crore.
• The Home Minister's remarks underscored the corridor's critical role in India's security and its integration with the Northeast.

Q1. Where is Doklam Plateau located?

Doklam plateau is an area in Bhutan, located on the tri-junction of Tibet-Bhutan-India border lies between Chumbi Valley in the north and Sikkim to the west. In 2017, a military standoff occurred between China and India, as China attempted to extend a road on the Doklam plateau.

Q2. When was the McMohan line drawn?

The McMahon Line was drawn in 1914 during the Simla Convention, which was officially called the Convention Between Great Britain, China, and Tibet.

News: Siliguri corridor a crucial link with Northeast | GAD

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Opinion Trading?
• Legal and Regulatory Challenges of Opinion Trading in India
• Industry Perspective
• Global Experience and Lessons for India
• Way Ahead for Regulating Opinion Trading in India

Why in News?

• With an estimated 5 crore users and an exponential growth in investment, the opinion trading sector appears to have mostly gone unnoticed and unreviewed in India.

What is Opinion Trading?

• Opinion trading allows users to bet real money on the outcomes of future events across various sectors, such as sports, elections, and cryptocurrency.
• Popular platforms in India include Probo and MPL Opinio, which have collectively attracted over ₹4,200 crore in funding from major investors like Sequoia Capital and Y Combinator.
  • Apps like MPL Opinio are available on both Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, while Probo is excluded from Google Play.
  • Advertising on platforms like Google and Meta helps these companies acquire users.
• With over 5 crore users and transaction volumes exceeding ₹50,000 crore annually, the sector is witnessing exponential growth but remains largely unregulated.
• It is projected to generate over ₹1,000 crore in revenues for the financial year 2024-25.
• Despite the regulatory challenges, the industry’s rapid growth highlights its potential as a significant contributor to India’s online gaming economy.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges of Opinion Trading in India:

• Lack of central legislation:
  • India currently lacks a dedicated legal framework to regulate opinion trading platforms, leaving users without adequate protections.
  • Amendments to the Information Technology Rules were proposed to regulate online gaming but remain ambiguous in their enforcement.
  • As a result, platforms operate in a legal gray area with limited oversight.
• Game of skill vs. game of chance:
  • The legal status of opinion trading hinges on whether it is classified as a game of skill or chance. In India, games of skill are generally legal, while games of chance are not.
  • Critics argue that opinion trading resembles betting, as it involves wagering/betting on outcomes without requiring significant skill.
• Avoidance of stock market topics: To minimise regulatory scrutiny, platforms avoid questions related to the Indian stock market, which could invoke the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Industry Perspective:

• Probo asserts that its platform involves skill, using internal audits and Supreme Court-defined metrics to determine the "skill score" of its questions.
• According to some legal experts,
  • The absence of a "house" (an entity controlling outcomes) distinguishes opinion trading from traditional betting.
  • These platforms have drawn regulatory scrutiny, such as the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) investigation into alleged market distortions.

Global Experience and Lessons for India:

• Countries like the US and Australia, classify wagers/bets as securities and regulate them accordingly.
• In the US, platforms like Kalshi are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
• However, non-compliance with regulatory standards, as seen with Polymarket, can lead to legal action.

Way Ahead for Regulating Opinion Trading in India:

• The rapid rise of opinion trading platforms underscores the urgent need for a clear regulatory framework.
• Stakeholders, including platform founders and gaming industry representatives, have called for central laws to govern this sector.
• A balanced approach is essential to ensure user protection while fostering innovation and growth in the burgeoning online gaming industry.

Q.1. What are the Amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Rules?

The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 is secondary or subordinate legislation that suppresses India's Intermediary Guidelines Rules 2011. The 2021 rules have stemmed from the IT Act, 2000 and propose to prohibit false/fake information and also regulate online gaming.

Q.2. What is the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?

The CCI is a statutory body that enforces the Competition Act of 2002 to promote competition in markets, protect consumer interests, and ensure freedom of trade.

News: New game in town: Opinion trading sees surge in users, funding — under the radar

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
• Key highlights of the NEXUS Report

Why in News?

The Assessment Report on the Interlinkages Among Biodiversity, Water, Food and Health – known as the Nexus Report – has been released by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

The report provides decision-makers with the most comprehensive scientific assessment of the interconnections across five ‘nexus elements’: biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change. It explores over 60 response options to maximize co-benefits across these five nexus elements.

The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

• About
  • IPBES, akin to the IPCC for climate change, evaluates existing scientific knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystems to assess their current state. 
  • Established in 2012, it informs several international environmental agreements like the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the Ramsar Convention, and the Cartagena Protocol.
  • Just like IPCC, IPBES too does not produce new science. It only evaluates the existing knowledge to make consolidated assessments.
• Landmark Report by IPBES
• First Report (2019)
  • Highlighted threats to global biodiversity, revealing that one million species face extinction due to human-induced ecosystem changes. 
  • It reported that 75% of Earth’s land, 66% of marine areas, and 85% of wetlands had been significantly altered or lost.
• Impact
  • This report became the foundation for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022), which set 23 targets to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.
  • Key 2030 goals include: Protecting 30% of land, freshwater, and oceans; Restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems.

Key highlights of the NEXUS Report

• Strong interconnections between global challenges
  • The report highlights the strong interconnections between global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, hunger, water scarcity, and health risks. 
  • It emphasizes that tackling these issues separately is not only ineffective but also counterproductive, as they interact and compound each other.
  • It noted that current economic activities significantly harm biodiversity, climate, food production, water, and health, with unaccounted costs estimated at $10-25 trillion annually.
• Risks of Isolated Approaches
  • Food Production: Scaling up to tackle hunger can increase pressure on land, water, and biodiversity.
  • Climate Change Focus: Exclusive efforts could negatively affect food security and biodiversity.
  • Conservation: Protecting land and oceans may restrict options for food security and climate change mitigation.
• Call for Synergistic Approaches
  • The report advocates for integrated strategies that deliver benefits across all five challenges, identifying over 70 response options, including:
    • Restoring carbon-rich ecosystems like forests, soils, and mangroves.
    • Managing biodiversity to reduce zoonotic disease risks.
    • Promoting sustainable healthy diets.
    • Employing nature-based solutions.
• Sustainable Production and Consumption
  • Efforts must prioritize actions that balance sustainable production and consumption with ecosystem conservation, pollution reduction, and climate change mitigation, ensuring broad and lasting benefits.
• Economic Impact of Biodiversity Loss
  • The report highlights that over half of the global GDP, approximately $58 trillion annually, depends on nature. 
  • Biodiversity degradation reduces productivity and economic output. 
  • Despite this, current economic systems incentivize activities that harm biodiversity, contributing to its decline by 2–6% every decade.
• Principles of Transformative Change
  • The report outlines four core principles for a new approach:
    • Equity and Justice: Fair distribution of resources and opportunities.
    • Pluralism and Inclusion: Embracing diverse perspectives.
    • Respectful Human-Nature Relationships: Building reciprocal and sustainable interactions.
    • Adaptive Learning and Action: Continuously evolving strategies based on feedback and experience.
• Urgency and Benefits of Immediate Action
  • Delaying action on biodiversity conservation could double costs within a decade. 
  • However, immediate implementation of sustainable, nature-positive models could unlock $10 trillion in business opportunities and create 400 million jobs by 2030.

Q.1. What are the main challenges addressed in the IPBES Nexus Report?

The Nexus Report identifies five interconnected challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, water scarcity, and health risks. It highlights the need for integrated strategies to address these challenges holistically.

Q.2. Why is biodiversity loss an economic concern?

The report notes that biodiversity underpins over half of global GDP. Its degradation reduces productivity and costs $10-25 trillion annually, urging immediate action for sustainable economic models.

News: Climate change and biodiversity loss are connected: Key takeaways from NEXUS report | IPBES | Carbon Brief