Content:

1. The transformation of Koraput’s tribal food basket
2. The long and winding road of India-China relations

The transformation of Koraput’s tribal food basket

Background:

• Koraput, Odisha:
  • Rich in biodiversity with a predominantly tribal population.
  • Paradox: High poverty and undernutrition despite multiple government schemes.

• Nutrition Statistics (NFHS-5, 2019-21):
  • 43% of children under 5 years: Stunted.
  • 33%: Underweight.
  • Only 17%: Adequate diet.
  • 50% women: Anaemic.

Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice, Poverty , Health)

Practice Question: With reference to community-driven approaches in addressing malnutrition, examine how the transformation of Koraput’s tribal food basket can serve as a model for nutrition security. (250 Word)

Challenges Identified:

• Inadequate dietary diversity at the household level.
• Cultural norms affecting nutrition (e.g., reliance on one accompaniment with rice).
• Poor awareness and utilization of government schemes.
• Limited landholdings and dependence on subsistence farming.
• Gender, caste, and class dimensions influencing food access.

M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) Intervention (2013-2022):

Community-Based Nutrition Literacy Model:

• Sensitization:
  • Nutritional status assessments (women, children, adolescents).
  • Data presented to communities to raise awareness.

• Capacity Building:
  • Formation of ‘community champions’: ~1,000 trained over 10 years.
  • Focus areas:
    • Balanced diets and dietary diversity.
    • Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices.
    • Nutrition-sensitive agriculture (crop diversity, poultry, pisciculture).
    • Hygiene and sanitation.

Training Approach:

• Activity-based residential training (2.5 days each, over six months).
• Inclusive of caste, class, and gender considerations.
• Promoted peer learning, discussions, and collective decision–making.

Key Transformations & Outcomes:

Household-Level Changes:

• Increase in crop diversity:
  • Initial: 2-3 crops  —>  End: 9-11 varieties.
  • Examples: Pulses, leafy greens, tubers, fruits, poultry, and fish.

• Home Gardens:
  • Start: 90% operational for ~5 months.
  • End: >50% operational for 7-9 months.

• Dietary Improvement:
  • Increased consumption of nutritious foods (dhal, vegetables, fruits, eggs).

Community-Level Changes:

• Revived village structures (community grain banks, village councils).
• Established new anganwadi centres through community resolution and advocacy.
• Enhanced cooperation with ASHA and Anganwadi workers.

Gender & Social Inclusion:

• Women’s active involvement in agricultural and household decisions.
• Male champions engaged in joint decision-making with spouses.
• Awareness on caste and class barriers to nutrition addressed in training.

Facilitating Factors for Change:

• Grassroots–driven approach: Empowerment from within the community.
• Practical and context-based learning models.
• Integration of traditional knowledge with scientific practices.
• Collective action in leveraging government entitlements.

Challenges Ahead:

• Sustaining momentum beyond project duration.
• Addressing deeper socio-economic determinants of poverty.
• Scaling the model to other similar tribal regions.

The long and winding road of India-China relations

Background of Recent Developments

• India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited China in January 2025, meeting key Chinese leaders, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Liu Jianchao.
• Announcements included potential restoration of:
  • Media and think tank exchanges
  • Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
  • Bilateral flights from summer 2025

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Practice Question : Discuss the significance of the recent diplomatic engagements between India and China in January 2025. How do external geopolitical factors influence bilateral relations between the two countries? (250 words)

Possible Reasons for Renewed Engagement

• Diplomatic Stalemate (Post-Galwan 2020):
  • Over four years of strained relations since the Galwan clashes necessitated détente.
  • Prolonged stalemates are diplomatically unsustainable.

• External Factors:
  • Donald Trump’s re-election (November 2024) increased geopolitical uncertainties, prompting regional stability efforts.
  • Historical parallel: Post-Tiananmen 1989, China normalized relations with India in response to global backlash.

• Internal Factors:
  • Economic concerns in both nations may have driven the push for stability.
  • China’s slowing economy and India’s growth ambitions necessitate stable relations.

Border Issues at the LAC (Line of Actual Control)

• Key Friction Points:
  • Galwan, Depsang Bulge, Charding Nala, Gogra Post, Hot Springs, North Bank of Pangong Lake.

• Status Uncertainties:
  • No official confirmation on demilitarization or troop withdrawal.
  • Patrolling rights, crucial for border stability, remain unclear.
  • Indian government’s silence raises doubts about the extent of progress.

Diverging Approaches to Normalization

• India’s Stand:
  • Restoration of the status quo ante and border stability are prerequisites for broader relations.

• China’s Position:
  • Advocates moving beyond the border standoff to improve overall relations.
  • Seeks economic and diplomatic normalization without addressing core border issues comprehensively.

Implications and Challenges

• Strategic Caution:
  • India must avoid appearing to compromise on territorial integrity.
  • Lack of transparency could undermine public trust and diplomatic leverage.

• Global Dynamics:
  • Divergent worldviews will continue to shape India-China relations.
  • Cyclical ups and downs are likely, given historical patterns and leadership dynamics under Xi Jinping.

• Domestic Perception:
  • Clarity on border issues is essential to avoid perceptions of India yielding to Chinese pressure.