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variety of topics reflecting current global events.
India's
Ascension as an Asian Power: A Rivalry with China
Welcome to My Blog
Explore my articles on a
variety of topics reflecting current global events.
India's
Ascension as an Asian Power: A Rivalry with China
Sri Lanka: The
Rajapaksa administration took substantial loans from China under the Belt and
Road Initiative, which Sri Lanka struggled to repay. India stepped in with a $2
billion bailout package to help Sri Lanka manage its immediate financial
crisis. Consequently, the Hambantota port was handed over to China due to
unpaid loans. China is often seen as self-serving, while India is perceived as
more considerate towards smaller nations. Chinese spy ships continue to dock in
Sri Lanka however. Sri Lanka finds itself boxed between great power rivalries.
America: Although
not a neighbor, the US plays a significant role in the Asian region. US-India
relations have improved since Modi’s tenure began, despite occasional hiccups.
India maintains an independent foreign policy, especially regarding the US.
Trade and technology transfers, particularly military, are growing. However,
the US has reservations about India’s ‘Strategic Autonomy’ and its stance on
various geopolitical issues. For instance, India’s purchase of Russian oil
during the Russia-Ukraine war displeased the US, which expects India to align
with its policies. This independent stance by India affects US credibility
globally and encourages other nations to act similarly. There are concerns
about American arms left in Afghanistan ending up with terrorists in Kashmir,
raising questions about whether this is accidental or intentional.
Nepal: Nepal has been
under Chinese influence for some time, with China interfering in its affairs
and using money to sway Nepali politics. This influence has led Nepal to adopt
an anti-India stance, raising territorial claims and border issues. Despite
being landlocked and heavily reliant on India for trade, Chinese influence
remains strong. India-Nepal relations have been fluctuating. China, despite its
influence, has not constructively helped Nepal, instead opting to buy influence
as it does in other smaller countries.
Myanmar: Myanmar,
another neighbor of India, has been under military junta rule for the past
decade. The country has a troubled political history, with brief democratic
periods like the election of Aung San Suu Kyi, followed by a return to
autocracy. Historically unstable, Myanmar’s political landscape remains complex
and challenging.
The
standoff on the LAC continues, with India insisting on resolving border issues
before normalizing relations, while China wants to separate trade from border
disputes. China harasses countries in the South China Sea, including the
Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Japan, and maintains a presence in the
Indian Ocean Region with spy ships and other assets. Chinese fishing fleets
engage in illegal fishing as far as South America. China aims to unify Taiwan,
but Taiwan remains wary due to China’s actions in Hong Kong. China’s Belt and
Road projects, like the CPEC in Pakistan, are struggling.
When
Muizzu came to power in the Maldives two years ago, he was suspected of being
backed by China. His ‘India Out’ campaign backfired as India halted aid and
tourism, hurting the Maldivian economy. Muizzu has since tried to improve
relations with India.
Pakistan
has been a thorn in India’s side since partition, excelling only in fomenting
terrorism. Its economy is in shambles, with a looming balance of payments
crisis, social fabric in tatters, and a ruling elite indifferent to the
people’s plight. The country faces separatist movements and is on the verge of
breaking up. All of India’s neighbors, except Sri Lanka, are now autocracies or
dictatorships, facing internal or external troubles.
America
does not want India to become powerful enough to challenge its hegemony.
Experts believe India will need to take measures for its own security, possibly
engaging the US to convey that opposing Indian interests could be
counterproductive. This dynamics will become clearer after the US elections.
The world order is changing, and countries are jostling for positions which
they think are advantageous. When the dust settles, the world will not be the
same.
Over the past decade, India has undergone a significant transformation, emerging as a key player in Asia and a competitor to China on multiple fronts. This rise in stature has been propelled by a series of factors, including a spurt in development under the BJP government, a surge in nationalistic sentiment, strategic moves to counter China's influence globally, and focused efforts on economic and military advancements.
The spurt in development witnessed in India over the last
ten years under the BJP government has been nothing short of remarkable.
Initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, and various policy changes
like the Bankruptcy Law and GST implementation have reshaped the economic
landscape of the country. Make in India, in particular, has aimed at attracting
foreign investment and promoting indigenous manufacturing, thus contributing
significantly to economic growth and job creation.
Simultaneously, there has been a palpable rise in
nationalistic feelings among the Indian populace. This surge in patriotism has
been fueled by a sense of pride in India's cultural heritage, achievements, and
potential as a global power. This nationalistic fervor has not only shaped
domestic policies but has also influenced India's foreign policy decisions,
particularly in countering China's assertive moves in Asia, Africa, and Latin
America.
One of the key strategic moves by India has been its
decision not to join China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI,
envisioned as a global infrastructure network connecting Asia, Africa, and
Europe, has raised concerns about debt trap diplomacy and sovereignty issues. India's
stance on the BRI reflects its strategic autonomy and concerns about China's
growing influence in the region.
In terms of military capabilities, India has been actively
developing its own infrastructure and weapons systems. The emphasis on indigenization
in defense production, coupled with technological advancements, has bolstered
India's defense capabilities and deterrence posture. This includes advancements
in missile technology, naval capabilities, and cyber defense, reflecting
India's readiness to assert itself as a regional security provider.
Apart from economic and military advancements, India's
socio-political landscape has also witnessed significant changes through
various government schemes. Initiatives such as Toilet construction, Ujwala (LPG
distribution), Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion), and Digital India have
had a transformative impact on improving living standards, empowering
marginalized communities, and promoting digital literacy and access.
In contrast, China is grappling with demographic challenges
stemming from its one-child policy, which has resulted in an aging population
and a shrinking workforce. This demographic shift poses long-term challenges
for China's economic growth and social stability, potentially impacting its
status as a global economic powerhouse.
Moreover, China's economy is facing challenges related to
mismanagement and sectoral troubles, notably in real estate and financial
sectors. These issues have raised concerns about the sustainability and
resilience of China's economic model and have implications for its regional and
global influence.
In conclusion, India's rise as an Asian power and competitor
to China is characterized by a combination of economic, military, and
socio-political factors. The spurt in development under the BJP government,
coupled with a rise in nationalistic sentiments, strategic moves to counter
China's influence, and transformative policy initiatives, has positioned India
as a dynamic and assertive player on the global stage. As India continues on
this trajectory, navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities, it is
poised to shape the future of Asia and the world.
The journey of human evolution is a story of continuous transformation, spanning biological, technical, and social dimensions. In recent times, the pace of this evolution has accelerated dramatically, driven by the rapid advancements in technology and our ever-evolving societal structures.
Water, the lifeblood of our planet,
is facing unprecedented challenges. As we navigate the 21st century, the
scarcity of water looms large, affecting billions of lives across the globe.
Let’s delve into the critical aspects of this vital resource.
Water shortage has been a cause for
concern for some time now across the globe. Melting glaciers in the Himalayas
and elsewhere have alternately flooded rivers and caused drought due to heavy
silting downstream. Water disputes have spring up between countries. China
plans to dam the Brahmaputra River which could cause water shortages downstream
in India. Recently India and Pakistan have been engaged in a water dispute with
respect to the Ravi river.
The Ogallala Aquifer in central US
is running dry for several years now reducing crop production in this
agricultural belt. Recently the city of Bengaluru passed strict rules to
conserve water.
Polar icecaps are melting due to
global warming which could cause a rise in sea levels and submerge continental
coastal areas adversely affecting human habitation.
Four billion people, nearly two-thirds of the world’s
population, experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year. This scarcity isn’t limited to arid regions; even countries with
seemingly abundant water resources grapple with shortages due to collapsed
infrastructure, contamination, conflict, and mismanagement. As our
population grows, so does the demand for water, exacerbating the crisis.
Climate
change is a formidable adversary, altering precipitation patterns, melting
glaciers, and intensifying droughts. As temperatures rise, water availability
becomes increasingly unpredictable. Glacial retreat threatens the freshwater
supply, affecting rivers and aquifers. The delicate balance of ecosystems is disrupted, impacting
both quantity and quality of water2.
While
we often focus on water quantity, quality is equally crucial. Contaminated
water poses health risks, leading to diseases like cholera. As water scarcity
worsens, sewage systems fail, and the threat of waterborne illnesses escalates.
Ensuring access
to safe drinking water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, yet
millions still lack it.
Countries
have historically fought over land, but water disputes are increasingly common.
The India-Pakistan water dispute
over the Ravi River and the India-China
water dispute concerning the Brahmaputra River exemplify this tension. As water becomes scarcer, geopolitical conflicts may escalate,
threatening stability and peace.
Water conservation isn’t a choice;
it’s a survival imperative. Simple practices like fixing leaks, using
water-efficient appliances, and reusing wastewater can make a significant
impact. Educating communities about responsible water use is essential. Every
drop saved contributes to a sustainable future.
In
our battle against water scarcity, technology plays a pivotal role. Innovations
like rainwater harvesting, desalination plants, and smart irrigation systems
conserve water. Remote sensing and geophysical surveys help identify new water
resources. Solar-powered water networks tap into deeper groundwater reserves,
ensuring climate resilience.
In conclusion, water scarcity
transcends borders and affects us all. This precious resource needs to be
conserved. The world community needs to work
collectively to ensure a water-secure world for the future generations.
Since its opening up in the 1980s under the visionary leadership
of Deng Xiaoping, China has undergone unprecedented economic growth and
development. Deng's prudent guidelines for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) -
"keep a low profile, hide your strength, beg, borrow, steal technology,
make yourself stronger, bide your time" - paved the way for China's
phenomenal rise on the global stage. His consensus-driven rule ensured
stability and prosperity for the nation.
However, the dawn of Xi Jinping's era marked a departure from
Deng's pragmatic approach. Unlike his predecessor, Xi pursued an ambitious agenda
to assert China as a global power, purging political opponents and
consolidating power akin to Mao Zedong. This shift towards centralized
authority isolated Xi at the helm, leading to a lack of accurate reporting from
his ministers, who often echoed his desires rather than presenting impartial
advice.
Under Xi's leadership, China abandoned Deng's cautious diplomacy
and embraced an aggressive stance, leveraging its economic prowess prematurely.
The overconfidence in China's economic success led to aggressive diplomatic
tactics, including "wolf warrior diplomacy," which ultimately
backfired, alienating potential allies and straining international relations.
Despite China's economic growth, its dependence on technology
transfer from the West has left it without a significant technological edge
over its rivals. While the CCP's relentless pursuit of technology acquisition
through illicit means has bolstered its capabilities, the lack of emphasis on
indigenous research and development has hindered China's long-term
technological advancement.
Xi's dictatorial tendencies and aggressive foreign policy have
further exacerbated China's challenges. His aspiration to challenge American
hegemony and establish China as a superpower neglected the reality of China's
middle-income trap and export-driven economy. Moreover, Xi's mishandling of the
COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in China's economic model,
highlighting the risks of overreliance on a single country for global supply
chains.
The Belt and Road Initiative, once hailed as a symbol of China's
global ambition, has drawn criticism for its unsustainable development loans
and debt-trap diplomacy. As China's economy faces downturns and foreign
investors lose trust due to Xi's crackdown on private industry, the CCP's grip
on power becomes increasingly precarious.
Xi Jinping's pursuit of absolute power has led to the erosion of
trust in China, both domestically and internationally. His policies have
accelerated China's decline rather than propelling it towards global dominance.
The erosion of trust in China's economic and political stability has prompted
foreign investors to seek alternative markets, exacerbating China's economic
woes.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping's ambitious pursuit of absolute power
has undermined China's economic and political stability, leading to its
downfall on the global stage. While some of the CCP's earlier policies
contributed to China's challenges, Xi's autocratic rule exacerbated these
issues, illustrating the detrimental impact of unchecked ambition on a nation's
trajectory. As China grapples with economic uncertainties and waning
international trust, the legacy of Xi Jinping serves as a cautionary tale of
the perils of unchecked authoritarianism.
Leaving the interesting
but limited scope of earthbound subjects for a while let us explore what is
happening in the vastness of space. There, new discoveries are being made which
promise to make the future of mankind interesting to say the least.
In the vast expanse of
the cosmos, astronomers continue to unveil celestial wonders that challenge our
understanding of the universe. Among these revelations are the recent
discoveries of super-Earths, a class of exoplanets that beckon us to
explore beyond our solar system. Let’s delve into these findings and ponder
their implications for humanity’s future.
What Are Super-Earths?
Super-Earths are
exoplanets with masses greater than Earth’s but less than that of ice giants
like Neptune. They occupy a fascinating middle ground, bridging the gap between
our familiar rocky home and the gas giants that populate our outer solar
system. These planets come in various flavors, from scorching hot to temperate,
and they orbit distant stars.
The Latest Discovery: TOI-715 b
Recently, NASA announced the existence of a new super-Earth: TOI-715 b. Situated a mere 137 light-years away, this exoplanet orbits within its star’s habitable zone.
Here’s what we know:
Size and Composition: TOI-715 b is
approximately 1.5 times wider than
Earth. Its composition remains a mystery, but its proximity to its
parent star suggests a rocky surface.
Habitable Zone: The habitable zone,
that sweet spot where liquid water can exist, is crucial for life as we know
it. TOI-715 b resides in this zone, raising tantalizing questions about its
potential for hosting life.
Red Dwarf Host: TOI-715 b orbits a
small, reddish star. Its year—a mere 19
Earth days—highlights the tight orbits typical of super-Earths. These
close encounters make them easier to detect and study.
Scientific Advancements: Studying super-Earths
provides insights into planetary formation, atmospheres, and habitability. The James
Webb Space Telescope will scrutinize these distant worlds, analyzing their
atmospheres for signs of life.
Technological Innovations: Becoming a multi-planetary
species is no longer science fiction. As we explore super-Earths, we’ll develop
technologies for interstellar travel, life support systems, and sustainable
habitats.
Resource Expansion: Imagine mining rare
minerals on distant planets or harnessing their energy resources. Super-Earths
could become humanity’s steppingstones to resource abundance.
Backup Plan: Earth faces
challenges—climate change, asteroid impacts, and pandemics. Colonizing other
planets ensures our species’ survival. Super-Earths offer viable options.
Cultural Shift: The quest for
super-Earths ignites curiosity, inspires generations, and unites us as cosmic
explorers. Our shared destiny lies beyond our blue planet.
In conclusion, the
discovery of super-Earths fuels our imagination, propels scientific progress,
and beckons us to reach for the stars. As we gaze at the night sky, let’s
remember that our future may lie among these distant worlds, waiting to be
explored.
Welcome to My Blog Explore my articles on a variety of topics reflecting current global events. Troubled Neighborhood India's Asce...