Content: Cooperatives: Building a Better Tomorrow Cooperatives: Building a Better Tomorrow Context & Significance UN declares 2025 as International Year of Cooperatives. Theme for International Day of Cooperatives 2025 (5th July): “Cooperatives Build a Better World”. Celebrates cooperatives as people-centric enterprises solving global challenges and driving UN SDGs. Over 3 million cooperatives globally, employing 280 million people (~10% of global workforce). Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Agriculture) India’s Cooperative Landscape 8.42 lakh cooperative societies in India across sectors: agriculture, dairy, fisheries, credit, housing, women’s welfare. India has a rich pre-colonial history of informal cooperatives like Phads, Bhishies, Chit Funds. Iconic Indian cooperatives: Amul, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NCDC. Key National Highlight Tribhuvan Sahkari University (TSU) foundation stone to be laid by Amit Shah in Anand, Gujarat. India’s first national-level cooperative university. Named after Tribhuvandas Patel, a pioneer of India’s cooperative movement. Major Government Initiatives PACs Reform & Digitalization 67,930 PACS approved for computerization; ₹918.69 cr allocated (States + NABARD). 54,150 PACS onboarded ERP, 43,658 live. Model Bye-Laws adopted by 32 States/UTs. 18,183 new multipurpose societies (Dairy/Fisheries/PACS) registered till Mar 2025. White Revolution 2.0 Launched Dec 2024; targets 50% rise in milk procurement over 5 years. 9,695 Dairy Cooperative Societies registered in 27 States/UTs. Banking Empowerment 32.1 lakh RuPay KCCs issued under cooperative umbrella. 6,446 micro-ATMs distributed; 9,200 dairy PACS made Bank Mitras. UCBs now allowed branch expansion & doorstep banking. RBI approved NUCFDC for UCBs & SSE under NABARD for Rural Co-ops. FPOs & Organics 1,867 FPOs & 70 FFPOs formed under cooperative model. NCOL: 5,185 PACS members; 21 organic products launched under “Bharat Organics”. Fuel & Ethanol Push 188 PACS petrol pumps approved; 59 functional. ₹10,000 cr scheme for sugar mills; 63 ethanol plants to convert to multi-feed (from sugarcane to maize). Financial & Tax Reforms MAT reduced to 15% (from 18.5%) for cooperative societies. IT surcharge cut (from 12% to 7%) for ₹1–10 Cr income range. TDS withdrawal limit raised to ₹3 Cr/year. Cash deposit/loan limit per member raised to ₹2 lakh. ₹46,524 cr tax relief to sugar mills; GST on molasses cut from 28% to 5%. Global & National Milestones National Cooperative Database (NCD): 8.42 lakh societies mapped. National Cooperation Policy 2025 ready, aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047. ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 held in Delhi: 3,000+ cooperators participated. NCDC Performance FY 2023–24: ₹60,618.47 cr disbursed (48% growth). FY 2024–25: ₹95,000 cr disbursed (~58% growth). Target: ₹1 lakh cr loan disbursal in next 3 years. ₹2,000 cr bond issuance approved for sector development. Comparative Global Insights Japan: Strong agri-coops integrating production, marketing, and insurance. Kenya: SACCOs dominate credit access for low-income groups. France: Worker cooperatives are central to SME structure. India: World’s largest number of cooperatives, but faces governance and productivity issues. Comparative Metric: India has more co-ops but lower per-unit impact efficiency than some OECD nations. Challenges in India’s Cooperative Sector Political interference in cooperative elections and management. Poor financial literacy and limited tech capacity at grassroots. Weak auditing and transparency in many PACS. Uneven growth across regions — Maharashtra & Gujarat lead, NE and Eastern states lag. Women underrepresented in co-op leadership positions. Success Stories & Case Studies Amul: Global dairy success driven by village-level women cooperatives. SEWA: Women-run coops for health, banking, and garment production in Gujarat. Matsyafed (Kerala): Fishermen cooperatives transforming coastal livelihoods. Sikkim Organic Co-ops: Managing certified organic produce with premium export value. Youth & Start-up Linkages Cooperatives can act as rural incubators for startups in agri-tech, fishery-tech, fintech. Scope for “Youth-led cooperatives” for climate tech, digital skilling, etc. TSU (Tribhuvan Sahkari University) can train next-gen cooperative leaders. Co-op + Startup = scalable, inclusive business models for Tier 2/3 India. Climate & Sustainability Angle Community-led water conservation co-ops in drought-prone regions. Agroforestry cooperatives can earn carbon credits via reforestation. Dairy coops promoting methane-reducing feeding practices. Role in decentralized solar power and renewable energy cooperatives. Digital & Tech Innovations Use of ERP software for PACS digitization. Blockchain for milk and grain supply chain traceability. AI-powered forecasting in farmer coops for price trends and pest control. Cooperative CRMs and e-commerce portals to sell directly to consumers. Policy Asks / Needed Reforms National Cooperative Tribunal for quick dispute resolution. More autonomy in cooperative banking under RBI/NABARD framework. Credit rating system for coops to access institutional finance. Dedicated startup fund for cooperative innovation. Linkages with UN SDGs SDG 1 (No Poverty): Micro-credit & self-help coops. SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Women’s dairy, weaving & finance coops. SDG 8 (Decent Work): Employment via agro-processing and retail. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities): Housing cooperatives in urban areas. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption): Organic farming and agro-coops. Impact Measurement Framework Need for impact metrics: e.g., % increase in farmer income, % reduction in loan defaults. Use of NCD portal to develop data-driven policy dashboards. Annual cooperative “report cards” by NITI Aayog or Ministry of Cooperation. Public Awareness & Civic Participation Awareness campaigns needed to promote cooperative values among youth. Mandatory social audits and community reporting for PACS. More visual identity and branding of cooperative products (like Amul model). Use of school curriculums to teach cooperative principles and governance. Conclusion Cooperatives represent a grassroots development model, balancing economic growth with social equity. Their transformation via digitalization, policy support, and diversification is key to rural prosperity. India reaffirms commitment to “Sahkar se Samriddhi” as a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Content: Settled semantics Two democracies and the echoes of tyranny Settled semantics Context & Trigger The RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale recently supported the removal of “Secular” and “Socialist” from the Preamble. This statement marks a mainstreaming of what was once a fringe position, giving it political salience ahead of possible constitutional debates. The demand is aimed at undoing the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) during the Emergency, which inserted these two terms. Relevance : GS 1(Society) ,GS 2 (Polity & Constitution),GS 4 (Ethics – Constitutional morality) Practice Question : “The real threat to the Constitution is not from the words it carries, but from the values we fail to uphold.”In light of recent calls to remove “Secular” and “Socialist” from the Preamble, critically examine their constitutional relevance and practical significance in contemporary India. (250 words) Historical Background Original Constitution (1950) did not contain the words “secular” or “socialist” in the Preamble. However, the spirit of secularism and socialism was embedded through: Fundamental Rights (Articles 14–18, 25–28), Directive Principles (Articles 38, 39, 46), Equal Citizenship (Article 15), Abolition of untouchability (Article 17). 42nd Amendment, 1976: Indira Gandhi government inserted “Secular” and “Socialist” to explicitly reaffirm these ideals amid rising political and identity-based tensions. Passed during Emergency — often criticized for lack of parliamentary debate and opposition participation. Indian Secularism: Unique Features Not “anti–religion” but equidistant from all religions. Upholds “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” — equal respect to all faiths, rooted in India’s civilisational ethos. Constitutional Practice: No state religion. State can intervene in religious practices to uphold reform (e.g. Sabarimala, Shirur Mutt). Article 25–28 grant freedom of religion with reasonable restrictions. Constitutional Basis: Spirit Over Semantics Constituent Assembly Debates (CAD): K.T. Shah proposed inclusion of these terms; rejected as already implicit. B.R. Ambedkar: Emphasized religious liberty and socio-economic equity through Articles 25–28, and DPSPs. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994): Supreme Court declared secularism a Basic Structure of the Constitution. Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The Preamble is amendable, but basic features are non-negotiable. Socialism in Indian Context Not classical Marxism — rather Gandhian + Nehruvian socialism. Indian socialism is “democratic socialism” — aiming for economic justice with democratic freedoms. Implied in DPSPs — Article 39(b): Equitable distribution of wealth and resources. Key Interventions: Public Sector Development post-Independence. Land Reforms and Abolition of Zamindari. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) – a socialistic safety net. Right to Education, Food Security, Health Missions – part of India’s socialist welfare model. Legal & Ethical Concerns in Removing These Terms Basic Structure Doctrine (Keshavananda Bharati Case, 1973) prohibits tampering with core constitutional ideals like: Rule of law Equality Secularism Federalism Removing the words may not change the spirit, but symbolically erode constitutional clarity and national consensus. Ethically: Prioritising divisive semantic debates over actual governance issues like poverty, discrimination, and inequality will not solve nation’s real challenges. Motivation & Criticism of the Debate Debate possibly aimed to: Create political polarisation around national identity. Distract from substantive issues: unemployment, social justice, caste discrimination. Even the Janata Party government (1977), despite opposing the Emergency, did not remove these words. India’s Real Challenges: India’s challenge isn’t two words in the Preamble. It’s the poverty, inequality, discrimination, and identity-based exclusion we haven’t yet defeated. Poverty: 228.9 million Indians below multidimensional poverty line (NITI Aayog 2023). Caste Disparities: SC/STs have 2–3x lower access to higher education, jobs. Unemployment: Youth unemployment remains ~45% in urban India (CMIE, 2024). Wealth Inequality: Top 1% owns 40.1% of India’s wealth (Oxfam, 2024). Comparative Perspective Country Preamble Status Notes  France Liberty, Equality, Fraternity Never removed  USA “We the People…” Symbolically stable  China Removed socialism during reform Part of regime overhaul  India Democratic continuity No regime change; only ideological debate Conclusion: Why the Words Matter These terms act as moral compasses, reminding us of India’s aspirational ideals. Debate around their removal is a semantic distraction, not a legal necessity or policy priority. Real service to the Constitution lies in upholding the spirit of secularism and socialism through action, not erasing symbolic words from the Preamble. India’s unity and prosperity demand inclusive governance, not divisive semantics. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes. Two democracies and the echoes of tyranny Context: Why Now? July 4 is U.S. Independence Day — a moment for reflection on the strength of democratic systems. Judge J. Michael Luttig reminded Americans that liberty must be protected not just by laws, but by people. This global reflection offers a moment to revisit India’s Emergency of 1975–77. Relevance : GS 1 ( Post Indian Independence ), GS 2(Polity and Governance) Practice Question : “The Emergency (1975–77) revealed how legal mechanisms can be used to suppress civil liberties in a democracy. Discuss the constitutional, institutional, and societal lessons India must draw from this episode to strengthen democratic resilience.” (250 words) What Happened in 1975? Declaration of Emergency on June 25, 1975. Invoked Article 352 of the Constitution citing “internal disturbance”. Key outcomes: Civil liberties suspended. Press censorship imposed. Preventive arrests under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act). Judiciary deferred to executive decisions. Over 1,00,000 citizens detained during Emergency under MISA and other acts. Sterilisation Drive During Emergency: Key Facts 8.3 million sterilisations in 1976–77 (vs ~2.6 million in 1975–76). Over 6.2 million vasectomies, mainly targeting poor men. Sterilisation quotas assigned to districts; targets ranged from 50,000 to 1 lakh+. Incentives: ₹150 cash, radios, food grains; penalties: denied ration cards, school access. Turkman Gate protests (Delhi): 1000+ homes demolished, police firing caused deaths. Shah Commission (1978) called it a “systematic and legalised violation of civil liberties.” Institutional Lessons Institution Challenge Faced Parliament Functioned with reduced scrutiny Judiciary Upheld suspension of fundamental rights Press Operated under censorship Civil Services Implemented orders, limited space for dissent Key Warnings from the Past H.V. Kamath (1949): Warned against unchecked emergency powers. Justice H.R. Khanna (1976): The lone voice affirming the right to life during Emergency. Scholars argue: the legal path to authoritarianism is subtle — often through constitutional tools. Post-Emergency Reforms 44th Constitutional Amendment (1978): Redefined “internal disturbance” to “armed rebellion” Strengthened safeguards for rights during Emergency Ensured Right to Life (Article 21) remains protected Global Echoes Democracies across the world face pressures: Polarisation Institutional strain Misinformation The Indian experience during the Emergency is often studied globally as a case where democracy was challenged, but ultimately restored through public mandate. Core Message Democracy is more than elections — it is accountability, restraint, and active civic participation. Constitutions offer structure, but citizens, institutions, and a culture of constitutionalism must uphold its values. Vigilance is not a one-time event — it’s a generational duty. Conclusion : India’s democracy remains one of the most vibrant and resilient in the world. But its strength lies not just in documents — but in how we uphold them, every day. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes.

Content : PM Modi hails 35 million diaspora as India’s pride India’s $724 Million WTO Retaliation Notice Against U.S. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Resumes (2025) Dalai Lama Succession Issue: India’s Neutrality & China’s Warning US 1% Remittance Tax: Limited Impact, But Strategic Signals PM Modi hails 35 million diaspora as India’s pride Strategic Significance of the Indian Diaspora Diaspora as a Strategic Asset: The Indian diaspora — over 35 million people in 200+ countries — is the world’s largest and contributes to India’s soft power, foreign policy, investment inflows, remittances, and cultural exports. PM Modi termed them“Rashtradoots” — ambassadors of Indian civilization. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Identity, Legacy, and Nation Branding: The speech acknowledged the role of diaspora in shaping India’s global image — from yoga and Ayurveda to democracy and technology. Celebrates diasporic success stories as collective pride and global influence tools. Girmitiyas as Civilizational Bridge: Special focus on Girmitiyas — descendants of indentured Indian labourers — as carriers of Indian heritage across the Indian Ocean world. The outreach recognises the historical injustice of indenture and seeks to rebuild ancestral ties with dignity. Major Announcements & Diplomatic Measures OCI Cards for 6th Generation Indians Until now, the OCI Card was limited up to 4th generation descendants of Indian origin. PM Modi’s announcement to grant OCI cards to 6th generation Indians in Trinidad & Tobago marks a paradigm shift in diaspora inclusion. It symbolises legal, emotional, and symbolic reconnection with historical diaspora. Mapping the Girmitiya Past India to create a comprehensive database of: Villages of origin in Bihar, Eastern UP, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, etc. Current diaspora locations (Fiji, Mauritius, Guyana, South Africa, Suriname, etc.) Oral histories, archives, and cultural practices. Plan to institutionalise World Girmitiya Conferences for cultural exchange and research. Digital Public Infrastructure Diplomacy – UPI Rollout Trinidad and Tobago becomes the first Caribbean country to adopt India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface). Strengthens digital financial diplomacy, enabling seamless cross-border transactions. Facilitates easier remittances, financial inclusion, and builds trust in India’s tech ecosystem. Dimensions of India’s Diaspora Policy Cultural Diplomacy Promotion of Bhojpuri language, Ramleela, Indian festivals, and temples across the Caribbean and Pacific. Establishment of Indian Cultural Centres under ICCR. Celebration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (January 9) to honour diaspora contributions. Legal & Policy Framework Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card provides: Visa-free travel, rights to own property, educational and economic opportunities (without voting or government jobs). Emigration Act reform (pending) aims to regulate and protect Indian workers abroad. Foreign Policy Leverage Diaspora serves as a foreign policy multiplier in countries like the US, UK, UAE, Canada, and Mauritius. India uses diaspora networks to influence foreign governments, lobby for policies, and deepen people-to-people links. Economic Contributions Remittances to India (2023): $125 billion (highest globally, World Bank) Diaspora investments in India (e.g., bonds, startups, philanthropy) continue to grow. Push for diaspora bond schemes, venture funds, diaspora tourism. Facts & Data Dimension Latest Data (2024–25) Total Indian diaspora 35 million+ (MEA) Remittances (FY 2023–24) $125 billion (World Bank) Top recipient states in India Kerala, UP, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra UPI Global Expansion Accepted in France, UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and now Trinidad & Tobago Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 Theme “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal” Caribbean Indian population (Trinidad & Tobago) ~550,000 (≈38% of population) Girmitiya arrivals to Caribbean First ship: Fatel Razack, 1845 to Port of Spain Critical Analysis: Beyond Symbolism Progressive Inclusion: Granting OCI status to 6th generation diaspora sets a global precedent in diaspora reconnection. Digital Diplomacy with Local Impact: UPI is not just tech export, but grassroots-level financial empowerment in T&T. Policy Shift from Remittance to Relationship: Focus is shifting from treating diaspora as economic resource to civilizational partners. Soft Power in a Multipolar World: Leveraging diaspora enhances India’s multipolar engagement, especially in Global South diplomacy. Trinidad and Tobago: Key Facts & India Connect Location: Twin-island nation in the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela. Population: ~1.5 million (2024 est.) Indian-Origin Population: ~550,000 (~38%) — one of the highest proportions in the Western Hemisphere. Language: English (official); Hindi, Bhojpuri spoken in some communities due to Indian heritage. Colonial History: Former British colony; gained independence in 1962. Girmitiya Legacy: First Indian indentured labourers arrived aboard Fatel Razack on May 30, 1845. Most came from Bihar and Eastern UP, speaking Bhojpuri. 2025 marks 180 years since first arrival. Cultural Influence: Hinduism, Ramleela, Phagwa (Holi), Indian cuisine, Bollywood are deeply embedded. Indian Arrival Day (May 30) is a national holiday. Economic Profile: High-income economy due to oil and natural gas. Regional financial hub in the Caribbean. India-T&T Relations: Friendly ties based on culture and people-to-people connect. Hosts an Indian High Commission in Port of Spain. Recently adopted India’s UPI system (first in the Caribbean). Notable Persons of Indian Descent: Kamla Persad-Bissessar – First woman PM (2010–15), of Indian origin. Prominent Indo-Trinidadians in politics, law, and culture. India’s $724 Million WTO Retaliation Notice Against U.S. What Happened? (Issue Overview) India formally notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) on July 3, 2025, that it reserves the right to levy retaliatory tariffs worth $723.75 million on U.S. products. This is in response to U.S. tariffs (25%) on Indian automobiles and parts imposed on March 26, 2025, without consultation. India claims the U.S. measures violate WTO rules (GATT 1994 & Agreement on Safeguards). Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) , GS 3(Indian Economy) Legal Basis: WTO Framework & India’s Rights General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), 1994 Governs global trade in goods. Prohibits arbitrary tariff increases. Agreement on Safeguards (AoS) Mandates consultations (Article 12.3) before invoking protectionist measures. Allows retaliation (Article 8.2) if consultations are skipped and injury is proven. India’s Stand: U.S. failed to notify and consult India under AoS before imposing tariffs. Therefore, India is lawfully invoking Article 8 to suspend equivalent trade concessions. Data-Driven Impact Analysis Metric Value U.S. tariffs target Indian exports of vehicles, light trucks, auto parts Annual Indian exports affected $2.89 billion Estimated duty impact $723.75 million India’s proposed retaliation Equivalent tariffs on U.S. goods worth $724 million Earlier 2025 retaliation proposal $1.91 billion (on U.S. steel & aluminium tariffs) Diplomatic Context: Why It Matters Now Comes at a time when India–U.S. mini trade deal is in final stages. → This action could add pressure on the U.S. or complicate finalization. Sign of India asserting its trade sovereignty more confidently post-COVID and post-Atmanirbhar Bharat era. This follows global trend of: U.S. using tariffs for industrial protection (especially against China and now selectively against allies). India and others increasingly pushing back using WTO norms. Broader Dimensions & Strategic Implications India’s Evolving Trade Strategy From reactive diplomacy to rules-based assertion at WTO. India’s use of Article 8 of AoS indicates legal and strategic maturity. India–U.S. Trade Relations Tensions Persistent irritants: U.S. GSP withdrawal (2019) India’s digital tax (Equalisation Levy) Tariffs on steel, aluminium, and now autos Yet, both nations want closer tech, defence, and services trade. India’s Global Trade Identity India positioning itself as a WTO-compliant, rule-abiding nation while defending domestic industry. Counters Global North’s selective protectionism under “security” or “safeguards” pretexts. Safeguard Measures: A Grey Area? U.S. did not notify WTO that its action is a safeguard — but India treats it as such. Raises critical question: Can powerful nations bypass WTO rules and get away with it? Updated WTO & Trade Context (2024–25) Parameter Latest Update India’s WTO rank (exports) 18th in goods, 8th in services (WTO 2024) U.S.–India bilateral trade (2024) ~$131.84 billion (India’s largest partner) WTO Dispute Cases India is involved in 24 as complainant, 33 as respondent India’s top WTO concerns in 2025 Food security, digital trade norms, subsidy rules WTO’s appellate body Still defunct (due to U.S. block), weakening enforcement Critical Evaluation India’s Stand is Legally Sound: As per WTO norms, non-notified safeguard actions can’t be used to penalise developing countries without consultation. Strategic but Calculated Retaliation: India issues notifications before actual imposition, keeping pressure on the U.S. but leaving room for resolution. Challenges WTO’s Crisis: Raises concern over WTO’s inability to enforce rules on major economies. Undermines multilateralism if such retaliations become routine. WTO Established in 1995, the WTO succeeded GATT (1947) to regulate international trade through a rules-based system. Headquartered in Geneva, it has 164 member countries, covering over 98% of global trade. India is a founding member and an active participant in negotiations, disputes, and developmental coalitions. Key WTO agreements include GATT (goods), GATS (services), TRIPS (IPR), and AoA (agriculture). The Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) allows countries to resolve trade conflicts; however, its Appellate Body is non-functional since 2019 due to U.S. opposition. WTO prohibits arbitrary tariffs but allows safeguards, anti-dumping, and countervailing measures under defined rules. India champions issues like food security, MSP support, TRIPS waivers, and special treatment for developing countries. WTO faces challenges in addressing e-commerce, digital taxation, and global data flows, where consensus is lacking. Multilateralism under strain as bilateral/regional FTAs grow and major powers (e.g., U.S., China) bypass WTO norms. There is a global push for WTO reform—focusing on dispute settlement revival, subsidy rules, and inclusive digital trade frameworks Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Resumes (2025) What Happened? After a 6-year suspension, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra resumed in 2025, with 750 pilgrims selected from 5,000 applicants via lottery. The yatra had been suspended since 2020 due to: COVID-19 pandemic, The India–China military standoff (Galwan clash, LAC tensions). Resumption follows high-level diplomacy between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping in early 2025. Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage) , GS 2(International Relations) Strategic Significance: Beyond Spirituality Soft Power & Cultural Diplomacy The yatra strengthens India’s civilizational diplomacy, rooted in shared religious and cultural connections. Seen as a civil society bridge amid state-level tensions. India–China Confidence Building The resumption reflects tentative thawing of bilateral ties. Occurs amid wider efforts to restore direct flights, trade talks, and border mechanisms. Geopolitical Optics Routes pass through sensitive border areas (Nathu La, Lipulekh), making the yatra a diplomatic balancing act. Religious & Cultural Dimensions Hindus: Abode of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya. Lake Manasarovar believed to be formed by Lord Brahma’s mind. Buddhists: Sacred as Mount Meru, a cosmic axis. Maya Devi (Buddha’s mother) said to have visited Manasarovar. Jains: Rishabhadeva, first Tirthankara, attained salvation here. Bon Religion (pre-Buddhist Tibet): Site of cosmic power and pilgrimage. Nature Worshippers: Source of four major rivers — Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Ganga tributaries. Climate Change & Environmental Concerns Warming Tibetan Plateau threatens the region’s fragile ecology: Melting glaciers, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), Thinning permafrost due to infrastructure expansion (rail, road, military). China’s meteorological agencies have raised warnings. UNESCO heritage application (India, 2019) for Indian routes still pending; Chinese side unlikely to open for global scrutiny. Pilgrimage Logistics: Challenges & Realities Altitude: 15,000+ feet; oxygen levels 30% lower than sea level. Routes: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) – shorter, high-altitude. Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) – longer but motorable. Pilgrims undergo: Rigorous medical tests, Acclimatization, Trek of 52 km (Parikrama/Kora). Cost: ₹3 lakh+ per pilgrim, excluding porter/pony fees (₹12k–₹29k extra). Accompanied by: 2 liaison officers, medical staff, cooks, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) teams. Positive Developments Symbolic peace gesture amid LAC stalemate. Boost to local Tibetan economies reliant on religious tourism. India–China managing “compartmentalised engagement”—cooperation in culture despite border frictions. India–China Relations Lens The yatra’s restart reflects a strategic thaw without full de-escalation. India’s insistence on resuming the yatra also asserts its cultural claims in contested areas. Diplomatic messaging: faith and people-to-people ties cannot be held hostage to geopolitical competition. Dalai Lama Succession Issue: India’s Neutrality & China’s Warning What Happened? The Dalai Lama (89) declared in Dharamshala that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after him, and that his successor would be identified by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, not Beijing. China responded sharply, asserting that only Beijing can appoint the next Dalai Lama under the Qing-era Golden Urn system. India’s MEA issued a carefully worded neutral statement, distancing itself from earlier support voiced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju (who later clarified he was speaking as a “devotee”). Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage) ,GS 2(International Relations) India’s Official Position (MEA Statement) “India does not take any position on matters concerning beliefs and practices of religion.” Reiterated its commitment to religious freedom and the rights of communities like the Tibetans in India to practice their faith. India’s Constitutional & Strategic Rationale As a secular democracy, India cannot officially endorse succession in a religious tradition. The stance avoids escalating tensions with China, especially when India–China border disengagement and trade talks are ongoing. It also preserves autonomy for the Tibetan community in India without violating diplomatic protocols. Why Is This Issue Geopolitically Crucial? The Dalai Lama is not just a spiritual figure, but a symbol of Tibetan identity, resistance, and Soft power. China’s insistence on appointing the next Dalai Lama is part of its strategy to control Tibet’s religious institutions. A Beijing-appointed Dalai Lama would undermine the Tibetan exile movement headquartered in India. The succession issue could become a flashpoint in future India–China relations, especially if India hosts or supports an alternate successor. China’s Sensitivity: Why the Strong Reaction? For China, Tibet is a core sovereignty issue and any foreign involvement is labelled as interference in “domestic affairs”. The Dalai Lama’s global influence threatens China’s narrative control over Tibetan identity. China seeks full legitimacy over religious appointments in Tibet (including Panchen Lama). India & the Tibetan Community India has hosted the Dalai Lama in exile since 1959 and is home to over 100,000 Tibetan refugees, mostly in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand. Dharamshala is the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile (not formally recognised by any country). India allows freedom of religion and assembly, but does not recognise the government-in-exile officially. Dalai Lama Institution: Historical Context The 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) is the current head of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Reincarnation-based leadership tradition, but: China kidnapped the 11th Panchen Lama and installed its own version. Similar fears exist about the next Dalai Lama being “manufactured” by Beijing. The Golden Urn system, cited by China, was historically resisted by Tibetans and applied selectively. Balancing Tightropes: India’s Diplomatic Strategy India’s Dilemma Balancing Act Host to Tibetan exiles Avoiding formal political recognition Committed to freedoms Not intervening in religious choices Countering China’s rise Avoiding overt confrontation on Tibet Domestic support base Calibrated messaging (e.g., Rijiju’s remark as “devotee”) US 1% Remittance Tax: Limited Impact, But Strategic Signals What Happened? The US Senate and House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), introducing a 1% tax on remittances sent from the US to other countries. Effective from January 1, 2026. Aimed at non-commercial overseas transfers; primarily affects individuals sending money abroad (especially immigrants). India is among the top recipients of US remittances. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations),GS 3(Indian Economy) How Big is India’s Exposure? Metric Value Total US-India Remittances (2023–24) $32 billion India’s total remittances (2023–24) $155.5 billion Share from the US 20.6% (Biggest contributor) India’s rank among global remittance recipients 1st Impact projection by US think tank ~$500 million loss per year Why the Impact Is Limited Small tax rate (1%) compared to earlier proposals (3.5%–5%). Majority of remittances are “frontloaded” early in fiscal years, before tax kicks in (January 2026). Expat behavior may shift, reducing taxable flows via alternate channels or timings. Overall volume unlikely to drop sharply, given the deep familial and financial ties.   Global & Diaspora Context US-based remitters are largely professionals, H1B visa holders, and Indian-Americans with higher per capita income. Unlike Gulf-based blue-collar workers, the US diaspora is less price-sensitive. Top 5 remittance sources to India (2023–24):  USA – 20.6%  UAE – 19.2%  UK – 10.6%  Saudi Arabia – 6.7%  Singapore – 5.6% Strategic & Policy Dimensions Monetary Impact RBI unlikely to make major policy shifts — remittances still robust. Slight decline in inflows may occur post-2026, but can be absorbed. Legal & Compliance May push remitters to explore non-bank or informal channels, leading to higher compliance risks. India may raise concerns at bilateral or WTO-level if the measure is seen as discriminatory. Diaspora Sentiment Could sour perceptions among NRIs if remittances are penalized, especially during political campaign years. However, India’s US diaspora is economically resilient and likely to continue sending funds. Broader Implications for India–US Economic Ties Comes amid FTA talks between India and the US, though India insists “no deal on deadlines.” Adds complexity to cross-border payments, digital taxation, and diaspora welfare discussions. India may need to negotiate exemptions or compensatory arrangements bilaterally