UPSC Current Affairs for 13ᵗʰ May 2026

By Educrat IAS Academy
May 13, 2026

Five Principles That Should Guide India’s Diplomacy in a Changing World Order The global order is undergoing major transformation due to geopolitical conflicts, economic fragmentation, technological competition, shifting alliances, and the rise of new power centres. Traditional assumptions regarding global stability, great-power relations, and multilateral cooperation are weakening. In this uncertain environment, India’s foreign policy......

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Five Principles That Should Guide India’s Diplomacy in a Changing World Order

The global order is undergoing major transformation due to geopolitical conflicts, economic fragmentation, technological competition, shifting alliances, and the rise of new power centres. Traditional assumptions regarding global stability, great-power relations, and multilateral cooperation are weakening. In this uncertain environment, India’s foreign policy must remain pragmatic, flexible, and strategically autonomous. India’s diplomacy today must focus not only on managing global turbulence but also on securing long-term national interests in an increasingly multipolar world.

Strategic Autonomy in the Modern Era

Meaning of Strategic Autonomy

Strategic autonomy means maintaining independent decision-making without external domination. India’s foreign policy traditionally emphasises:

Independent judgement.
National interest-based diplomacy.
Flexibility in partnerships.

Why It Matters Today

In an era of great-power rivalry, strategic autonomy helps India:

Avoid excessive dependence.
Preserve policy freedom.
Engage multiple partners simultaneously.
Protect long-term national interests.

Challenges Facing India’s Diplomacy

a) Global Geopolitical Instability

Wars and regional conflicts create uncertainty in trade, energy markets, and supply chains.

b) Economic Fragmentation

Protectionism and strategic decoupling are reshaping global economic relations.

c) Technological Competition

Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, cyber security, and digital infrastructure have become strategic domains.

d) Energy and Resource Security

Competition over critical minerals, energy supplies, and maritime routes is increasing.

e) Pressure of Competing Blocs

India faces pressure to align more closely with particular geopolitical camps.

India’s Emerging Diplomatic Approach

India’s diplomacy increasingly reflects:

Multi-alignment rather than non-alignment.
Pragmatism over ideology.
Economic diplomacy.
Strategic balancing.
Issue-based coalitions.

India seeks to maximise opportunities while minimising vulnerabilities.

Importance of Trusted Partnerships

Although diversification is important, stable and trusted partnerships remain essential.

Long-term strategic partnerships help in:

Defence cooperation, Technology transfers, Trade stability, Crisis management, Regional security coordination.

The key challenge is balancing trust with strategic flexibility.

Broader Significance for India

India’s foreign policy choices will shape:

Economic growth, National security, Technological advancement, Energy security, Global influence.

As India rises globally, diplomacy will increasingly become central to national development and strategic positioning.

The changing global order demands a mature, flexible, and interest-driven diplomatic strategy from India. Reciprocity, diversification, strategic flexibility, strategic expansion, and domestic renewal together provide a strong framework for navigating geopolitical uncertainty. In an era marked by shifting alliances and growing competition, India’s success will depend on its ability to combine external engagement with internal strength while preserving strategic autonomy and long-term national interests.

The Impact of Structural Adjustment Programmes on the Global South

Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs), introduced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank during the 1980s, were presented as economic reform packages aimed at stabilising indebted developing economies. However, many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America experienced severe social, economic, and developmental consequences after implementing these policies. Critics argue that SAPs weakened public welfare systems, deepened inequality, reduced state capacity, and increased dependence on global financial institutions. The debate today increasingly focuses not only on economic outcomes but also on accountability and historical responsibility.

Economic Consequences for the Global South

Slower Economic Growth

Many countries experienced economic stagnation after SAP implementation.
Public investment declined sharply due to austerity measures.
Domestic industries struggled against foreign competition after rapid liberalisation.

Income Decline

Several countries in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa witnessed falling real incomes during the adjustment period.
Poverty and unemployment increased significantly in many regions.

Debt Dependence Continued

Despite reforms, many countries remained trapped in cycles of debt and repeated borrowing.
Economic sovereignty weakened as international institutions gained greater influence over domestic policies.

Social Consequences

Impact on Healthcare

Cuts in public spending reduced access to healthcare services. Consequences included:

Closure of health facilities.
Shortage of medical staff.
Higher healthcare costs for poor populations.
Increased maternal and child mortality in some regions.

Impact on Education

Public education spending declined in many countries.
School access and quality deteriorated, especially for poorer communities.

Rise in Inequality

Market reforms disproportionately benefited economically stronger groups.
Vulnerable populations suffered from subsidy removal and declining welfare protections.

Impact on Food and Agriculture

Removal of Subsidies

Reduction of agricultural subsidies increased input costs for farmers.
Food prices rose sharply in many countries.

Export-Oriented Agriculture

Economies were encouraged to focus on export crops rather than domestic food security.
This increased dependence on volatile global markets.

Privatisation and Public Services

Commercialisation of Essential Services

Privatisation often affected:Water supply, Electricity, Healthcare, Transport systems.

In many cases, access became more expensive for poorer populations.

Reduced State Capacity

Governments gradually lost control over key sectors of development and welfare provision.

Capital Outflows and Economic Dependence

Financial Liberalisation

Removal of capital controls allowed easier movement of money across borders.

This led to:

Profit repatriation by multinational corporations.
Large capital outflows from developing economies.
Increased vulnerability to global financial shocks.

Dependence on Global Finance

Developing countries became increasingly dependent on:

International creditors.
Foreign investment flows.
Global market conditions.

Criticism of Structural Adjustment Programmes

a) One-Size-Fits-All Policies

SAPs often ignored local social, political, and developmental realities.
Uniform market reforms were applied across diverse economies.

b) Weak Democratic Participation

Policies were frequently designed externally rather than through domestic democratic processes.
Borrowing countries had limited bargaining power.

c) Prioritising Creditors Over Citizens

Critics argue that debt repayment was prioritised over:

Human development, Social welfare, Poverty reduction.

Accountability Debate

Demand for Reparations

Some scholars and activists argue that institutions responsible for SAPs should acknowledge and address the long-term damage caused. Proposals include:

Compensation for welfare losses.
Debt relief, Greater development financing.
Investment in health and education systems.

Challenges to Accountability

IMF and World Bank possess sovereign immunity protections.
Their governance structures remain dominated by advanced economies.
Developing countries often have limited decision-making power within these institutions.

Calls for Institutional Reform

Democratisation of Global Financial Institutions

Reforms demanded include:

Greater representation for developing countries.
More transparent decision-making.
Reduced dominance of powerful economies.

End to Harsh Conditionalities

Many argue that future financial assistance should avoid rigid austerity conditions that weaken social development.

Emergence of Alternative Institutions

Dissatisfaction with traditional institutions has encouraged interest in alternatives such as:

BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

These institutions are often viewed as more flexible and less conditional in lending practices.

Lessons for Developing Countries

The experience of SAPs highlights the importance of:

Balanced economic reforms.
Strong public institutions.
Social sector protection.
Domestic policy autonomy.
Inclusive development models.

Economic reform without social safeguards can produce long-term instability and inequality.

Structural Adjustment Programmes profoundly shaped the economic and social trajectories of many countries in the Global South. While intended to restore macroeconomic stability, these policies often imposed heavy social costs through austerity, privatisation, and liberalisation. The continuing debate over accountability reflects broader concerns regarding fairness, global economic governance, and developmental justice. Moving forward, developing countries require economic reforms that balance fiscal stability with social protection, democratic participation, and long-term human development.

Prelims Boosters

SEHAT Mission

Context:

Recently, the Union Ministers for Health and Agriculture launched the SEHAT Mission in Delhi.

About SEHAT Mission

SEHAT stands for Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation.
It is a national mission-mode programme aimed at linking agricultural progress with better health outcomes.
The mission has been jointly launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Objective

The mission aims to build a framework for “Healthy Food, Healthy Farms and a Healthy India.”
It seeks to align agriculture, nutrition, and healthcare for improving public health and farmer well-being.

Focus Areas of the Mission

Biofortified and Nutrient-Rich Crops

The mission promotes development of nutrient-dense crop varieties to tackle malnutrition and improve nutrition.

Integrated Farming Systems

It encourages diversified farming systems to improve dietary diversity, farm income, and resilience.

Occupational Health of Farmers

The mission addresses health risks faced by agricultural workers through scientific interventions.

Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases

It promotes functional foods and nutritionally superior crops for prevention and management of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

One Health Approach

The mission strengthens integrated surveillance and research at the human-animal-environment interface.

Significance

SEHAT Mission promotes convergence between agriculture and healthcare sectors.
It supports nutrition security, preventive healthcare, and sustainable farming.
The mission also strengthens the One Health framework in India.

Limestone

Context:

The Ministry of Mines is preparing to launch the second tranche of limestone block auctions in Jammu and Kashmir.

About Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock mainly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).
It generally occurs in the form of calcite or aragonite.
Limestone is found in almost all geological formations from the Pre-Cambrian period to recent formations, except Gondwana formations.

Composition

Limestone may also contain magnesium carbonate in the form of dolomite or magnesite.
Minor impurities include clay, quartz, feldspar, pyrite, and iron carbonate.

Distribution in India

Karnataka possesses the largest share of limestone resources in India.
Other major limestone-producing states include:
- Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh

Uses of Limestone

Cement Industry

Limestone is the primary raw material used in cement manufacturing.

Metallurgical Industry

It is used as a flux in iron and steel production.

Chemical Industry

Limestone is used in the production of calcium carbide, alkali, and bleaching powder.

Agriculture

It is used as a soil conditioner and in fertilizers such as calcium ammonium nitrate.

Consumer Products

Limestone products are used in paints, cosmetics, toothpaste, rubber, chalk, and shoe polish.

National Jute Board (NJB)

Context:

The National Jute Board has expanded the implementation of the Jute Crop Information System developed with ISRO to modernize jute crop monitoring.

About National Jute Board

The National Jute Board is the apex body responsible for the development of the jute sector in India.
It functions under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The board operates under the National Jute Board Act, 2008.
It was formally established in 2009.

Objective

The board aims to increase the global share of Indian jute products.
It promotes innovation, technology adoption, and modernization in the jute sector.
It also supports skill development and welfare activities for jute workers.

Key Functions

Research and Development

NJB promotes research for developing new and diversified uses of jute fibre.

Market Promotion

It promotes Indian jute products through exhibitions and international trade fairs.

Modernisation Support

Financial and technical assistance is provided for modernization of jute mills and processing units.

Welfare Measures

The board supports educational and health-related schemes for jute workers and their families.

About Jute Crop Information System (JCIS)

JCIS is a digital platform developed jointly by ISRO and the Jute Corporation of India (JCI).
It is designed to improve monitoring and assessment of jute cultivation.

Key Features of JCIS

Satellite-Based Monitoring

The system uses satellite imagery and vegetation indices to monitor crop conditions and cultivation areas.

Digital Applications

BHUVAN JUMP is used for geo-tagged field data collection.
PATSAN is a web-based analytics platform for crop surveillance and production assessment.

Smart Sampling

Geospatial smart sampling is used for accurate crop yield estimation.

Weather and Disaster Alerts

The system provides early warnings for floods, droughts, and temperature fluctuations.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

Context:

The Government has set a target of bringing 100 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation between 2025–26 and 2029 under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.

About NMSA

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture was launched in 2014–15.
It was launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
The mission aims to reduce the adverse impact of climate change on agriculture while ensuring food and livelihood security.

Objective

NMSA promotes climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices.
It focuses on improving water-use efficiency, soil health, and agricultural productivity.

Nodal Ministry

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is the nodal ministry for the mission.

Integration with PMRKVY

Since 2022–23, NMSA has been included under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY).

Key Components of NMSA

Rainfed Area Development (RAD)

RAD promotes Integrated Farming Systems for diversified and risk-resilient agriculture.

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

This component encourages micro-irrigation methods such as drip and sprinkler irrigation to improve water-use efficiency.

Soil Health Management (SHM)

SHM promotes balanced use of nutrients and supports long-term soil fertility through the Soil Health Card Scheme.

Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modelling and Networking

Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modelling and Networking provides climate-related information and knowledge sharing between farmers and scientific institutions.

Significance

NMSA strengthens climate-resilient agriculture in India.
It promotes efficient use of water and natural resources.
The mission supports sustainable agricultural growth and improves farmers’ resilience against climate variability.

Lavan Island

Context:

Reports claimed that the UAE carried out military strikes on Iran during the recent Middle East conflict, including an alleged attack on a refinery at Lavan Island.

About Lavan Island

Lavan Island is a strategically important Iranian island located in the Persian Gulf.
It lies near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
The island is situated in Hormozgan Province of Iran.
It is located around 40 kilometres west of Qeshm Island.

Geographical Features

Lavan Island is approximately 25 kilometres long and about 5 kilometres wide.
The island is also known as the “Hidden Pearl Island” because of its historical association with pearl fishing.

Economic Importance

The island is one of Iran’s major oil export terminals.
The local economy is mainly dependent on oil-related activities and fishing.
Oil produced from offshore fields is transferred to Lavan Island for processing and export.

Offshore Oil Fields

Lavan Island serves as the operating base for three important offshore oil fields:

Salman Field, Resalat Field, Reshadat Field

Salman Field

Salman Field is located about 144 kilometres south of Lavan Island.
It is one of the largest offshore oil complexes in the Persian Gulf.

Infrastructure

The island has processing plants, storage facilities, export systems, maintenance units, and loading jetties.
These facilities make it an important centre for Iran’s energy exports.

Strategic Importance

Its location near the Strait of Hormuz gives it major geopolitical and economic significance.
Any disruption in this region can affect global oil supply and maritime trade.