Daily News Analysis Report: 1 January 2025

One Nation One Subscription: Empowering India’s Research Ecosystem

India’s ambitious One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative aims to democratize access to global scholarly knowledge. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, ONOS is set to transform India’s research landscape.

Key Features

• Centralized Management: INFLIBNET, under the University Grants Commission (UGC), will oversee subscriptions and distribution through a unified platform.
• Funding: The government has allocated ₹6,000 crore for the first phase (2025–2027), covering access to research materials and negotiating Article Processing Charges (APCs) for Indian researchers.

Benefits

• Democratization of Knowledge: Researchers from tier-2 and tier-3 cities will gain equitable access to top-tier journals.
• Cost Efficiency: Centralized subscriptions reduce duplication across institutions.
• Global Collaboration: Enhanced access fosters international partnerships and interdisciplinary research.
• Boost to R&D: Supports innovation in critical areas like STEM, medicine, and social sciences.

Challenges

• Administrative hurdles in coordinating over 6,300 institutions.
• Infrastructure gaps in rural areas may hinder effective utilization.
• Long-term sustainability requires careful planning.

Way Forward

Expanding ONOS to include regional resources, promoting open-access platforms, and strengthening digital infrastructure will ensure its success.

Quad Renews Pledge Towards a Free-Stable Indo-Pacific

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)—comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia—marked two decades of cooperation by reaffirming its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Highlights

• Endorsement of ASEAN centrality through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
• Continued focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

Strategic Importance

• Strengthens India’s Act East policy by deepening ties with East Asian nations.
• Provides a platform for military cooperation and intelligence sharing.
• Counterbalances China’s growing influence in maritime trade routes.

Challenges

• Divergent priorities among Quad members can hinder cohesive action.
• Perceptions of Quad as an anti-China alliance may strain relations with ASEAN nations.

Future Prospects

India’s hosting of the Quad Summit in 2025 offers an opportunity to diversify its agenda by focusing on emerging technologies, infrastructure development, and climate resilience.

India’s Legal Reforms in 2024

India undertook extensive legal reforms in 2024 to modernize its judicial framework. Key changes include replacing colonial-era laws with progressive legislation.

Major Reforms

1. Criminal Justice Overhaul:
   • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Replaced the Indian Penal Code; abolished sedition laws.
   • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam: Modernized evidence handling, including electronic evidence.
2. Sector-Specific Legislation:
   • Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill: Updated aviation laws for enhanced safety.
   • Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill: Aligned shipping regulations with international standards.
3. Simultaneous Elections:
   • Constitutional amendments introduced to facilitate simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.

Significance

These reforms aim to streamline governance, improve citizens’ lives, and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

RBI’s Financial Stability Report Flags Rising NPAs

The Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Stability Report (FSR) for December 2024 highlighted concerns about rising non-performing assets (NPAs) amid global economic uncertainties.

Key Insights

• Projected GDP growth of 6.6% for FY25 driven by rural consumption and government spending.
• Gross NPA ratio expected to rise from 2.6% (Sept 2024) to 3% by March 2026 under baseline scenarios.
• Stress tests affirm resilience across banks, NBFCs, and mutual funds.

Concerns

High public debt levels, geopolitical conflicts, and emerging technological risks pose medium-term threats to financial stability.

Need for Mastering Frontier Technologies in Defense

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of frontier technologies like AI, robotics, and quantum computing in modern warfare during his address at the Army War College.

Key Trends in Warfare

• Shift from conventional to hybrid strategies involving cyberattacks and information warfare.
• Growing reliance on AI for autonomous weapons and predictive analytics.

Government Initiatives

Programs like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and Technology Development Fund aim to foster indigenous innovation in defense technologies.

Other Noteworthy Developments

Digital Maha Kumbh

The upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj will integrate advanced technologies like GIS-based navigation maps and underwater drones for enhanced security.

Trinidad and Tobago

The Caribbean nation declared a state of emergency following a surge in gang-related violence.

Vembanad Lake

A mega plastic cleanup drive was launched as part of efforts to rejuvenate Kerala’s iconic Vembanad Lake—a Ramsar site known for its ecological significance.