17 April | Daily Current Affairs : Northeastern region is gateway to Southeast Asia, says Jaishankar And More

GS PAPER 1

International Relations

In a recent address at the North East Investors Summit 2025, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar underscored the strategic importance of India’s Northeastern Region (NER) as a gateway to Southeast Asia. His remarks countered controversial statements from Bangladesh’s interim leadership describing the region as “landlocked” and instead positioned it as a fulcrum of India’s Act East and connectivity initiatives.

Key Highlights:

1. Strategic Positioning of Northeast India:

• Borders five countries — China, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
• Acts as a geographic and cultural bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Central to India’s Act East Policy, Neighbourhood First, and BIMSTEC strategy.

2. Connectivity Projects Highlighted:

• Trilateral Highway: India–Myanmar–Thailand highway for overland trade and people-to-people connectivity.
• Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP): Links Mizoram with Myanmar’s Sittwe port, improving access to the Bay of Bengal.
• Tourism and Trade Corridors: Northeast as a hub for eco-tourism and cultural exchange.

3. Rebuttal to “Landlocked” Label:

• The term “landlocked” implies geographical disadvantage. However, NER is land-connected, not landlocked, and offers access through multimodal transport corridors via Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• India’s termination of cargo transshipment through Bangladesh post the “extension of Chinese market” remark reflects the sensitive geopolitical undercurrents.

Significance for India’s Foreign and Domestic Policy:

1. Geopolitical:

• Counters China’s influence in South and Southeast Asia.
• Reinforces sub-regional integration through BIMSTEC, BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal), and India-ASEAN.
• Enhances soft power via tourism, cultural exchange, and infrastructure diplomacy.

1. Economic:

• Potential for NER to become a manufacturing and logistics hub.
• Access to ASEAN markets, contributing to India’s regional value chains.
• Leverages the Purvodaya initiative to integrate eastern India with broader economic reforms.

1. Social and Cultural:

• Promotes inclusive development and mainstreaming of the Northeast.
• Reduces alienation through investment, connectivity, and regional pride.

Challenges:

• Insurgency and internal security issues in some states.
• Infrastructural bottlenecks, including poor roads and communication.
• Geopolitical sensitivities with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• Environmental concerns in ecologically sensitive zones.

Conclusion:

Positioning the Northeast as a “gateway to Southeast Asia” reflects a shift from a peripheral security-centric approach to a development and connectivity-driven vision. With strategic projects like the Trilateral Highway and KMTTP, the region holds promise not only for regional integration but also for enhancing India’s geopolitical standing in Indo-Pacific dynamics.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques :The Northeastern Region of India is no longer a frontier but a gateway.” Examine this statement in the light of India’s Act East Policy and recent developments in regional connectivity.(250 Words)

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Environment

A 21-year-long scientific investigation has led to the discovery of a new frog species — Leptobrachium aryatium — in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest near Guwahati, Assam. This discovery highlights the hidden biodiversity in urban fringes and underlines the urgent need for habitat conservation amidst expanding cityscapes.

Key Highlights of the Discovery:

1. New Species Description:

• Leptobrachium aryatium is named after Arya Vidyapeeth College, one of Assam’s prestigious educational institutions.
• Notable features include fiery orange-and-black eyes, a reticulated throat pattern, and a distinctive call at dusk.
• Its discovery adds to the cryptic diversity in the genus Leptobrachium, which now contains 38 known species.

2. Research and Collaboration:

• The study was conducted by four zoologists from local institutions and NGOs over two decades.
• Initial misidentification as Leptobrachium smithi was corrected using morphological, DNA, and acoustic analyses.

Environmental Significance:

1. Importance of Garbhanga Reserve Forest:

• Acts as a climate and water regulator for Guwahati.
• Habitat for elephants, butterflies, rare birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
• Urbanisation is threatening this biodiversity hotspot through habitat destruction.

2. Role of Local Institutions in Conservation:

• The naming of the species honours local academic contributions and underlines how academic institutions can serve as biodiversity custodians.
• The transition of Aryanagar from a liquor brewing hub to an educationally driven identity shows positive social transformation through education.

Broader Implications for India:

1. Cryptic Biodiversity in India:

• India’s biodiversity, especially in Indo-Burma and Eastern Himalaya hotspots, is underexplored.
• Long-term research is essential to uncover such hidden species and protect them before they are lost to urban sprawl.

2. Urban Conservation Challenges:

• Cities like Guwahati face a dual challenge — expanding urban infrastructure while preserving ecological buffers.
• The case of Garbhanga highlights the need for urban biodiversity integration in planning.

Conclusion:

The discovery of Leptobrachium aryatium not only enriches India’s herpetofaunal diversity but also sends a clear message on the ecological value of long-term research and the role of urban-adjacent forests in sustaining biodiversity. Such findings should catalyse better policy attention to conservation in urban and peri-urban zones, and promote citizen-scientist and institutional engagement in ecological stewardship.

UPSC MainsPractice Question

Ques :In the context of increasing urbanisation in India, discuss the importance of urban-peripheral forests in biodiversity conservation, citing recent discoveries like Leptobrachium aryatium. (250 words)

GS PAPER 3

Governance& social Justice

India’s counter-insurgency strategies, particularly against Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh, have led to the internal displacement of thousands of tribal communities. These internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially the Gutti Koya tribals, face legal, social, and economic exclusion despite contributing significantly to the state’s security operations. The call for a permanent and humane rehabilitation policy has grown louder amid institutional apathy.

Key Issues Highlighted:

1. Historical Context of Strategic Hamlet Policy:

• Inspired by the Vietnam model, used by India in Telangana (post-Independence) and later in Chhattisgarh (2005) to isolate Maoists from tribal support.
• Led to mass displacements of around 50,000 Gond tribals to undivided Andhra Pradesh (now AP and Telangana).
• These “strategic hamlets” failed, and many tribals returned or remained stuck in unsafe, makeshift arrangements.

2. Contribution of Displaced Tribals:

• Some displaced tribals joined security forces and played a key role in counter-insurgency operations.
• Their knowledge of terrain and local language proved vital — turning them into strategic assets.

3. Current Status and Neglect:

• Displaced tribals face statelessness-like conditions — denied Scheduled Tribe status, forest rights, welfare access.
• Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments treat them as “migrants”, not locals.
• Lack of clarity in law: No dedicated law for IDPs in India; existing laws like the Forest Rights Act (FRA) are underutilized.

4. Forest Rights Act & Administrative Inertia:

• Clause 3.1(m) of FRA entitles displaced tribals to alternative forest land.
• Applications from Gutti Koya tribals remain pending for over five years, with no inter-state coordination between Chhattisgarh, AP, and Telangana.
• Chhattisgarh has not approached the Centre despite FRA allowing rehabilitation even in other States.

5. Discriminatory Treatment & Human Rights Concerns:

• Tribals face harassment from:
  • Forest officials and police,
  • Maoists (preventing return),
  • Local communities viewing them as resource competitors.
• States like Tripura handled Bru tribals’ displacement more effectively with central support — exposing inconsistent application of IDP relief frameworks.

Broader Implications:

1. Governance and Federal Gaps:

• No central mechanism to manage inter-state rehabilitation of tribals.
• State borders hinder holistic rehabilitation despite shared tribal heritage and culture.

1. Legal and Policy Failure:

• Lack of a National Policy for IDPs despite repeated recommendations.
• Displaced tribals fall through the cracks of existing tribal welfare, forest rights, and disaster response frameworks.

1. Intergenerational Impact:

• New generation of displaced tribals is growing up without access to:
  • Land rights
  • Basic education and healthcare
  • Cultural recognition
• Permanent settlement is essential for restoring dignity, identity, and development pathways.

Conclusion:

The Gutti Koya tribals represent a larger crisis of internal displacement without recognition in India. While their contribution to national security is acknowledged, their basic human and constitutional rights remain denied. It is time for the Union and State governments to adopt a coordinated, rights-based, and long-term rehabilitation framework, ensuring that displaced tribals are not abandoned in legal limbo.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques :The internally displaced tribal communities in India suffer due to lack of legal recognition and policy support. In light of the Gutti Koya case, discuss the need for a national framework for rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). (250 words)

GS PAPER 4

International relations

The U.S.-China trade war, triggered by former President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, marked a significant departure from global trade norms. Using reciprocal tariffs as instruments of coercion, the U.S. aimed to realign global trade balances in its favor. However, China’s unexpected and calculated retaliation showcases how economic hedging and long-term diversification strategies can effectively counter aggressive unilateralism.

Key Dimensions of Analysis:

1. The Genesis of the Trade War:

• The U.S. imposed “reciprocal tariffs” to punish what it perceived as “unfair trade practices”.
• China responded tit-for-tat, triggering an escalatory cycle — leading to tariffs as high as 145% from the U.S. and 125% from China.
• The Trump administration exempted critical electronic goods, reflecting U.S. dependence on Chinese tech inputs.

2. U.S. Strategy and Its Challenges:

• Negotiating Tactics: Trump centralized trade negotiations, sidelining the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
• Unrealistic Agenda: USTR’s 57-country target list with wide-ranging demands — from agriculture to patents — is practically infeasible in 90 days.
• India as an Example: U.S. demanded India dismantle key welfare systems (PDS), data localization rules, and amend the Patents Act — a move against public interest.

3. China’s Calculated Counter-Strategy:

• Export Diversification: Reduced reliance on U.S. — U.S. share in China’s exports fell from 19.2% (2018) to 13.5% (2025).
• New Markets: Increased focus on ASEAN, India, Vietnam, and Russia.
• Rare Earth Monopoly: China controls 92% of global rare earth production — a key leverage in global supply chains.
• U.S. Treasury Bonds: China reduced its holdings from $1.2 trillion to $761 billion (2025), signaling a gradual strategic decoupling.

4. Global Implications:

• The trade war risks destabilizing global supply chains and escalating economic uncertainty.
• Washington’s actions reflect a breakdown of trust in multilateral institutions (WTO), promoting transactional bilateralism.
• China’s resilience highlights the importance of economic foresight, diversification, and strategic autonomy.

Conclusion:

The U.S.-China trade conflict underscores the vulnerabilities of hyper-nationalist trade policies and the power of long-term economic planning. While Trump’s tariffs aimed to bend trade partners, China’s retaliation illustrates the efficacy of structural reforms and diversified partnerships. Going forward, a return to multilateralism and cooperative engagement is crucial to prevent further disruption to the global economic order.

Way Forward:

• For the U.S.: Re-engage with WTO frameworks, rebuild alliances, and reduce policy volatility.
• For India and other nations: Maintain strategic autonomy, diversify trade partners, and uphold domestic policy sovereignty in the face of external pressure.
• Global Community: Foster collective responses to economic aggression through forums like G20, BRICS, and UNCTAD.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques :China’s response to the U.S. ‘America First’ trade policy reflects its long-term strategic foresight and risk-hedging approach in global trade. Discuss how China countered U.S. trade aggression and highlight the key lessons India can draw from this episode.(250 words)

In News :  Hampi

Recently, a mantapa at Virupaksha Temple collapsed due to heavy rain, sparking concerns over neglect.

About Hampi

• Hampi was the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, established in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama Dynasty.
• Location: Traditionally known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha, Hampi is located in central Karnataka on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
• Foreign travellers like Domingo Paes described Vijayanagara as “as large and beautiful as Rome”, highlighting its architectural grandeur and prosperity.
• The empire fell in 1565 CE after the Battle of Talikota, where the Deccan Sultanates defeated Rama Raya, leading to mass destruction. The city reportedly burned for six months.
• Hampi remained forgotten until the late 18th century when British antiquarian Colin Mackenzie mapped it in 1799, creating the first cartographic records.
• Early photographs and restoration attempts were made by British officials like Alexander Greenlaw, showcasing colonial-era interest in Indian heritage.
• The first major conservation initiative, the Hampi National Project, was launched in 1976.
• Excavations revealed key sites such as the Vitthala Temple bazaar, Pushkarini (stepped tank), and Paan-supari bazaar.
• Prominent landmarks include the Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath, and Elephant Stables.
• Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, recognising it as one of India’s largest archaeological zones, covering 250 sq. km and housing over 1,600 monuments.

UPSC PrelimsPractice Question

Ques :Consider the following statements about Hampi:

1. It was the capital of the Chola Empire.
2. It is located on the banks of the Krishna River.
3. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 3 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 2 and 3 only

Ans : b)

GS PAPER 5

Editorial Analysis

Context :

The recent announcement of reciprocal tariffs by the United States, under its protectionist trade stance, signals a significant shift in global trade policy. While the move appears to target trade imbalances, its structure and implementation threaten the core principles of multilateralism and WTO-based tariff negotiations. India, though not a major export-dependent economy, must chart a calibrated and strategic response that aligns national interest with global trade stability.

Key Aspects of the U.S. Tariff Proposal:

1. Dual Tariff Structure:

• The U.S. introduced commodity-wise tariffs + country-wise reciprocal tariffs.
• India’s reciprocal tariff was calculated at 26%, based on trade imbalance (imports from U.S. far exceed exports).

2. Exempted Commodities:

• Includes key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, energy, bullion, etc.
• These exemptions reflect U.S. dependency and strategic interests in critical imports.

Impact on India:

1. Limited Overall Impact:

• India’s exports to the U.S. as a percentage of GDP are modest.
• Key affected sectors: Electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, textiles.
• Exports like gems, jewellery, and pharmaceuticals may face minimal or no impact due to either inelastic demand or exemptions.

2. Comparative Tariff Position:

• India’s 26% reciprocal rate is lower than China’s 145–245%.
• Competitor nations (Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, South Korea) also face higher or comparable tariff burdens, mitigating India’s relative loss.

India’s Strategic Response:

1. Trade Diversification and Realignment:

• Increase imports from the U.S. to reduce reciprocal tariff rate.
• E.g., importing more oil from the U.S. instead of other countries can lower the penal tariff rate to ~11.8%.

2. Avoid Retaliatory Tariffs:

• Retaliation could provoke further U.S. action (as seen with China).
• India must avoid aggressive counter-tariffs to maintain trade flexibility.

3. Engage in Bilateral Consultations:

• Expedite negotiations for a comprehensive trade arrangement with the U.S.
• Align trade policy with sectors where India has competitive advantages and mutual interests.

4. Watch for Dumping from Other Nations:

• Countries like China may redirect exports to India amid U.S. restrictions.
• India must stay alert and invoke anti-dumping measures when necessary.

Multilateral Perspective:

1. WTO Relevance and Leadership:

• The U.S. tariff policy undermines WTO’s tariff negotiation framework.
• WTO must take proactive leadership to stabilize global trade architecture.

2. Role of Regional Groupings:

• While not ideal, regional trade blocs like RCEP, IPEF, and BIMSTEC offer temporary hedges against global trade disruptions.
• India should engage selectively with regional platforms without compromising sovereignty.

Conclusion:

India’s response to the U.S.’s reciprocal tariff regime must be rational, interest-driven, and multilateral in spirit. Instead of reactionary measures, adjusting trade composition, strengthening domestic competitiveness, and pursuing constructive bilateral engagement can safeguard India’s long-term economic interests. At the global level, revitalizing the WTO and reinforcing trust in rules-based trade is essential to prevent the rise of fragmented protectionism.