Aakhya India

Often regarded as the confluence of two seas, India and Japan has always been partners dating back to days of the post World War World. While some view the initial decades as a missed opportunity to engage with Japan during its period of protectionist growth, the trajectory of their relationship shifted significantly following India's liberalization in the 1990s. This transformation has since then propelled the two nations into becoming natural partners in advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, synergizing India's Act East Policy with Japan's vision for regional security and prosperity through initiatives like the QUAD. The recent 2+2 dialogue gains particular interest due to its focus on economic security and supply chain resilience. This comes against the backdrop of India’s reputation as a tough negotiator in free trade agreements (FTAs) and the government’s expressed willingness to reassess existing FTAs, including those with Japan. Reports highlight that while Japanese goods have successfully penetrated the Indian market, many Indian businesses face challenges in meeting the stringent product standards of countries like Japan. Consequently, this has contributed to a trade deficit, with India exporting lower-value products and importing higher-value ones. While the term "economic security" may take some time to gain clear public understanding and media attention, it is evident that a growing #AatmanirbharIndia is steadily navigating its trade agreements. As India continues to establish itself as a manufacturing hub, it is well-positioned to sustain the positive outcomes seen in certain agreements, even as renegotiations of the once highly regarded India-Japan CEPA 2011 are considered.

The fifth UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting, held from November 28 to December 2, 2024, in Busan, South Korea, sought to finalize a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution. However, the negotiations ended in a stalemate, with more than 100 countries advocating for capping plastic production and a handful of petrochemical-producing nations resisting. Key decisions were deferred to a future INC-5.2 session as deep divisions remained over issues like chemical management, financing, and production caps. Panama’s proposal for a global production reduction target gained significant support but faced strong opposition, illustrating the challenges of building consensus on this critical issue. As plastic production is projected to triple by 2050 and microplastics continue to infiltrate the environment, the urgency for action grows. Environmental advocates have called for bold and immediate measures to avoid further delays. When talks resume, negotiators must explore collaborative solutions that balance the concerns of all parties while ensuring the treaty is both actionable and ambitious in addressing the plastic crisis. #AakhyaAnalytica

India’s tourism sector is on track for substantial growth, with the government aiming to attract 100 million foreign visitors annually by 2047. The "Incredible India" campaign, launched in 2002, effectively promoted the country’s rich cultural heritage, becoming a major tool in drawing tourists. However, with the rise of digital technologies and social media, there is a unique opportunity to evolve this narrative and present a more multifaceted image of India to the world. By leveraging creative industries, India can shift from focusing solely on its tangible heritage—such as monuments and historical sites—to showcasing its intangible heritage and contemporary creative expressions. Creative tourism, which encourages tourists to actively engage with local culture and heritage, offers a more immersive experience. This approach allows India to stand out from other popular tourist destinations by emphasizing the dynamic, evolving cultural practices that make the country unique. It also gives visitors a deeper understanding of India’s diverse regions and their cultural offerings. Creative industries like music, film, and digital art have proven successful in engaging global audiences. India can tap into this potential by partnering with creative professionals and leveraging digital platforms to broaden its global appeal without the need for expensive marketing campaigns. The digital shift, accelerated by the pandemic, has empowered Indian creators to gain significant international followings. This transition from "Incredible India" to "Creative India" highlights the country’s innovation and helps position it as a leading destination for cultural and creative tourism. This shift can make India a more competitive player in the global tourism market by attracting a new generation of visitors seeking unique and interactive cultural experiences. #Tourism #CreativeEconomy #AakhyaAnalytica #IndianTourism

The COP29 climate summit in Baku exposed a growing rift over climate finance, with the proposed pledge to triple annual commitments to $300 billion by 2035, aiming for an aspirational $1.3 trillion, leaving many developing nations deeply disappointed. While the pledge marked an increase from the previous $100 billion goal, it fell short of expectations for equitable and actionable solutions. The "New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance" text outlined this target as a combination of public, private, and multilateral funding, primarily led by developed nations. However, controversy erupted when a UN statement inaccurately portrayed the $300 billion figure as solely public finance. In reality, the inclusion of loans heightened concerns about the growing climate debt burden on developing countries. Labelling it insufficient and unfair, India too shared the frustrations of many nations in the Global South. Chandni Raina, India’s adviser, criticized the reliance on loans and private funding with stricter terms, which she argued would exacerbate financial pressures on vulnerable economies rather than alleviate them. While developed countries hailed the agreement as progress, developing nations viewed it as yet another example of the COP forum's failure to reach consensus on fair climate financing. The disappointment underscores the urgent need for a more inclusive and balanced approach to addressing the needs of countries most affected by the climate crisis. #Cop29 #AakhyaAnalytica #ClimateChange #ClimateAction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Guyana, from November 19 to 21, has heightened anticipation of potential long-term crude oil import agreements between Indian refiners and the emerging South American oil producer. This visit reflects New Delhi's growing efforts to diversify its energy sources. During his trip, PM Modi emphasized the vast opportunities for collaboration in areas such as energy, trade, financial technology, and agriculture, signaling India's intent to deepen bilateral relations with Guyana. Since commencing crude oil production in late 2019, Guyana has had limited engagement with India, but this visit could mark a turning point. Prime Minister Modi’s statement comes even as India's energy relationship with Guyana began to evolve in January 2024 with the signing of a five-year preliminary agreement paving the way for Indian companies to engage in crude oil exploration and production activities in Guyana. Against this backdrop, Guyana presents itself as a promising partner for India's energy diversification strategy. #AakhyaAnalytica #AakhyaIndia #IndiaGuyana

We are excited to have partnered with YouTube for our second event of the year with YouTube Dialogues: AI for India, held at the FilmBazaar, Goa, on November 21. This edition, hosted along the sidelines of IFFI 2024, focused on the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of creativity, emphasizing YouTube's commitment to leveraging AI in a bold and responsible manner. The event featured a keynote address by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, followed by a panel discussion with esteemed speakers Ms. Neerja Sekhar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Mr. Rana Daggubati, Actor & Film Producer, Mr. Varun Mayya, Science & Business YouTuber and Ms. Urvashi Aneja - Founder, Digital Futures Lab moderated by Mr. Matt Kurlanzik - YouTube’s Head of Business Public Policy for the Asia Pacific region. The discussion provided valuable perspectives on the intersection of AI and the creative industries. At Aakhya India, we remain dedicated to facilitating meaningful conversations between industry and government, driving innovation and collaboration for a responsible AI ecosystem.

The Winter Session of Parliament commenced on November 25, 2024, with several noteworthy developments marking the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation ahead of the session, emphasizing the significance of dialogue and collaboration in legislative proceedings. In a significant move towards digitization, the Lok Sabha introduced a digital attendance system, aiming to make parliamentary operations paperless. The session saw MP John Brittas urging financial assistance for the victims of the Wayanad landslide, while Manickam Tagore moved an adjournment motion to discuss the US indictment of Gautam Adani. The agenda for the session includes several key bills, such as The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024; The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024; and The Rashtriya Sahkari Vishwavidyalaya Bill, 2024, along with bills concerning shipping, railways, banking, waqf laws, and coastal development. Discussions on the Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2024-25 and the Appropriation Bill are also expected to take place. Despite these planned deliberations, both Houses were adjourned on the first day without addressing any scheduled business. Additionally, it was announced that there will be no sitting on November 26, 2024, to commemorate Constitution Day with the sitting set to resume tomorrow. #AakhyaAnalytica #WinterSession2024 #AakhyaIndia

The Aakhya Weekly #123 | Reforming Crop Insurance to Secure India’s Farmers Agriculture sustains nearly half of India’s population, yet unpredictable weather, pest infestations, and market fluctuations leave farmers vulnerable. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched as a safety net, but challenges like delayed claim settlements, inadequate compensation, and administrative hurdles continue to undermine its impact. Can advanced tech solutions and systemic reforms bridge these gaps and secure a better future for India’s farmers? To explore more such insights, subscribe to The Aakhya Weekly! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/grhBgpTW Other highlights from this week - 📌 Top Stories: ⏩ India Sets Sail: CONCOR's Ambitious Foray into Global Container Shipping ⏩ Government Accelerates Subsidy Release for Electric Three-Wheelers 📌 Good reads- ⏩ Aditya Sinha argues that the Government of India needs to reduce its bloated ministries and departments to become more streamlined. ⏩ Sarjan Shah examines the Jaishankar-Modi doctrine, exploring how India can navigate its foreign relations in the context of a potential Cold War 2.0. ⏩ Sujatha Byravan and Sudhir Chella Rajan assess whether Donald Trump's re-election could cast a troubling shadow over the climate crisis. ⏩ Arvind Gupta and Aakash Gulgani explains how India's digital public infrastructure acts as a catalyst for innovation and competition. ⏩ Sanju Verma writes how PM Modi has turned Mumbai into India’s premier infrastructure gateway. #CropInsurance #PMFBY #IndianAgriculture #FarmersFirst #SustainableFarming #AgriculturePolicy #RuralIndia #TechForFarmers #InsuranceReforms #AakhyaWeekly

The Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 in Shillong wasn’t just a vibrant celebration featuring global music icons like Akon and Boney M. It also revealed Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s ambitious blueprint to transform Meghalaya into a tourism and cultural powerhouse. With a record-breaking 50,000 attendees, Sangma announced projects like a stunning skywalk at Mawkdok, a new Shillong Township with a “Knowledge City,” and critical infrastructure upgrades, including expanded roads and direct flights to Shillong. Alongside Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sangma underscored tourism as a growth engine, even as the rapid development raises concerns about impacts on Meghalaya’s fragile environment. Sangma’s vision also targets Meghalaya’s youth, who make up 30.6% of the population. His CM Elevate programme has already empowered 20,000 young entrepreneurs, including the “Ride the Cloud” initiative for subsidized tourist taxis. He also launched Hello Meghalaya, an OTT platform that promotes local stories and culture. These initiatives aim to balance economic growth with cultural preservation, yet challenges loom: Can this surge in tourism and development coexist with protecting the state’s natural heritage? The question remains if Meghalaya can sustain this growth or if it risks losing the very beauty that draws so many to the “abode of clouds.” #AakhyaAnalytica #Sangama #Festival #Shillong

India's most advanced satellite, GSAT N-2 (also known as GSAT-20), is set to launch aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, marking the first partnership between ISRO and SpaceX through ISRO's commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL). Weighing 4,700 kg and designed for a 14-year mission, the satellite was developed over five years and operates on the advanced Ka-band frequency, ensuring high bandwidth. Equipped with 32 user beams, GSAT N-2 will enhance broadband and in-flight Internet services across India, using eight narrow beams for the northeast region and 24 wider beams for the rest. Major private players like Viasat will utilize 80% of its capacity. GSAT N-2, NSIL's second demand-driven satellite, is poised to generate substantial revenue, with NSIL Chairman Radhakrishnan Durairaj optimistic about its long-term financial returns. By leveraging geostationary satellites, India provides efficient, cost-effective data services tailored to regional needs, presenting a strong alternative to low or medium earth constellations. The satellite will support critical aviation and maritime connectivity, and it is fully insured. With ISRO well-prepared for future constellations if necessary, the dedicated Falcon 9 launch, costing approximately ₹500 crore, highlights a significant leap forward in India's satellite communication capabilities. #ISRO #AakhyaAnalytica #SpaceX