India recently participated in the “Path to Peace Summit” held in Switzerland, focusing on developing a common understanding for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. India’s Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs attended, reflecting its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. However, India abstained from signing the joint communique, advocating for practical engagement between the conflicting parties.

Why Global Peacemaking is in India’s Interest

1. Contemporary Global Shocks:
   • Conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, along with potential tensions around Taiwan, have global repercussions including trade disruptions, inflation, energy crises, food insecurity, and supply chain issues.
   • Such global shocks could hinder India’s goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047.
2. Ineffective UN System:
   • The UN Security Council, tasked with global peacemaking, has seen a decline in credibility due to the involvement of its permanent members in ongoing conflicts.
3. Potential Global Role:
   • Successfully mediating peace could enhance India’s international stature and support its aspirations to be a key global security provider.
4. External Security:
   • India has a direct interest in reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, particularly given the alleged links between Pakistan’s nuclear program and North Korea’s missile technology.

India’s Contributions and Potential in Promoting International Peace

1. Voice of the Global South:
   • India bridges the Global South and North, as seen in its efforts to include the African Union in the G20, amplifying Southern voices and interests.
2. Non-Alignment Movement (NAM):
   • Historically, India has positioned itself as a neutral mediator, exemplified by its role in helping Austria gain independence from Soviet occupation in 1953.
3. Conflict Resolution Experience:
   • India’s track record in managing internal and regional conflicts highlights its peacemaking potential:
     • Stabilizing Afghanistan.
     • Mediating the Sri Lankan civil conflict.
     • Addressing domestic issues in Mizoram.
4. Growing Influence in Emerging Global Order:
   • India’s positive international image is bolstered by healthy bilateral relations with various countries, such as its role in de-escalating US-Iran tensions after the 2020 killing of an Iranian military commander.
5. Peacebuilding through Development Partnerships:
   • India supports peacebuilding through development initiatives in Africa and Afghanistan, such as infrastructure projects like the Salma Dam.
6. Cultural Diplomacy:
   • India’s civilizational ethos, including the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), promotes global harmony and is widely respected.
7. Multialignment:
   • India’s approach to engaging with major global powers (Russia, USA, Israel, Iran, Japan) showcases its role as a bridging power in the international system.

India’s Peacemaking Role in the Ukraine-Russia War

Humanitarian Aid:

• India has provided essential humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including medicines and medical equipment, reflecting its commitment to alleviating human suffering amid the conflict.

Diplomatic Balancing Act:

• India’s non-aligned stance and its strong diplomatic ties with both Ukraine and Russia place it in a unique position to advocate for peace.
• India has not directly condemned the Russian invasion but has called for an international investigation into the Bucha massacre and expressed concerns about Russia’s nuclear threats.

Mediator Role:

• Given its trusted relationship with Russia, India is well-positioned to act as a mediator in the conflict, potentially facilitating dialogue between the parties involved.

Barriers to India’s Leadership in Global Peacemaking

Regional Conflicts:

• Ongoing tensions with Pakistan and unresolved border disputes with China could impact India’s perceived neutrality and effectiveness as a peacemaker.

Domestic Challenges:

• Internal issues, including conflicts, insurgencies, and political instability, may detract from India’s ability to project itself as a model for peace.
  • For example, the UN has raised concerns about human rights violations in Manipur.

Resource Constraints:

• Domestic challenges such as poverty and infrastructure deficits require significant resources and attention, potentially limiting India’s ability to invest in international peacemaking efforts.

Geopolitical Alignments:

• India’s strategic alliances, particularly with the United States and its involvement in the Quad, might be seen as aligning with Western interests, which could undermine its neutrality in certain global conflicts.

Diplomatic Capacity:

• India’s diplomatic network and influence are less extensive compared to established global powers like the USA and UK, which can affect its ability to mediate complex international disputes effectively.

Passive Involvement:

• India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been relatively passive compared to other global actors. For instance, China has proposed a set of principles for ending the conflict.

Way Forward

Proactive Stance:

• India should adopt a more proactive role in global peacemaking to strengthen its position as a global peace advocate.

Partnerships:

• Collaborating with like-minded nations (e.g., South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia) and traditional Western peacemakers (e.g., Switzerland, Norway) can enhance India’s contributions to peace efforts.

Capacity Building:

• India could establish specialized peace teams within the Ministry of External Affairs and think tanks to analyze global conflicts and develop resolution strategies, similar to Norway’s peace unit in Oslo.

Related News

Manama Declaration:

• The Arab League recently adopted the Manama Declaration, which calls for the deployment of UN Peacekeepers in the occupied Palestinian territories until a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is achieved.
• The Arab League, founded in 1945, aims to promote regional cooperation and resolve disputes among countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

A "pump and dump" scheme is a type of financial fraud where the price of a stock is artificially inflated through deceptive practices, allowing perpetrators to sell their shares at the inflated price before the price crashes. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

How It Works

1. Pump Phase:
   • Promotion: Fraudsters use false or misleading information to create hype around a stock. This can be through social media, forums, newsletters, or even direct recommendations.
   • Recommendation Channels: In the recent case you mentioned, recommendations were shared through Telegram channels, which targeted unsuspecting investors.
2. Dump Phase:
   • Selling: Once the stock price has been artificially driven up by the misleading information, the fraudsters sell their shares at the inflated price.
   • Collapse: After selling off their holdings, the stock price typically crashes as the hype subsides and the false information is exposed. This leaves the remaining investors with significant losses.

Characteristics

• Targets: Micro-cap and small-cap stocks are commonly targeted because they have less public information available and lower trading volumes, making it easier to manipulate the stock price.
• Impact: This scheme can severely undermine investor confidence in the financial markets and lead to substantial financial losses for those who were misled.

Regulatory Measures

• SEBI’s Role: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates the securities market in India and has clear guidelines against such manipulative activities. Under SEBI’s regulations, "pump and dump" schemes are illegal and subject to penalties.
• Penalties: SEBI may impose fines, sanctions, or other regulatory actions against individuals or entities found guilty of participating in such schemes.

Prevention and Awareness

• Due Diligence: Investors should conduct thorough research and be skeptical of unsolicited stock recommendations, especially from unverified or anonymous sources.
• Regulatory Vigilance: Regulatory bodies continuously monitor trading activities and enforce rules to protect investors from such fraudulent schemes.

By understanding the mechanics of "pump and dump" schemes and adhering to regulatory guidelines, investors can better protect themselves from such fraudulent activities.

Lok Adalats in India are a significant part of the country's legal framework, designed to facilitate the amicable settlement of disputes outside the conventional court system.

Overview of Lok Adalats

• Purpose: Lok Adalats aim to resolve disputes in a less formal, quicker, and more cost-effective manner compared to traditional court proceedings.
• Legal Framework: Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and facilitated by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
• Constitutional Basis: Supports Article 39A of the Indian Constitution, which mandates the state to ensure justice is accessible to all, regardless of economic or other barriers.

Functioning

• Organizers: Conducted by NALSA along with state and district legal service authorities.
• Mechanism: Operates at both pre-litigation and pending case stages, encouraging parties to reach mutually acceptable settlements.
• Historical Context: The concept is based on traditional Panchayats (village councils) and was formally introduced in 1982 with the first Lok Adalat camp in Gujarat.

Decision-Making and Appeals

• Finality of Decisions: Decisions made by Lok Adalats are considered final and binding. They are treated as decrees of a civil court.
• Appeals: No appeal can be made against a Lok Adalat decision in any court. However, if a party is dissatisfied, they can file a new case in the regular court system.

Special Lok Adalat

• 75th Anniversary Event: In celebration of the Supreme Court of India's 75th year, a Special Lok Adalat is being organized from July 29, 2024, to August 3, 2024. This initiative will focus on resolving suitable pending cases to help clear the backlog and provide timely justice.

Lok Adalats are crucial for reducing the burden on traditional courts and ensuring that justice is accessible and efficient, reflecting India's commitment to providing equitable legal support.

Types of Lok Adalat

1. National Lok Adalat
   • Scope: Held on a specific subject matter monthly for one day nationwide.
   • Jurisdiction: Includes all levels of courts, from the Supreme Court to Taluk levels.
   • Function: Disposes of a high volume of cases.
2. Permanent Lok Adalat
   • Scope: Set up as permanent bodies focusing on pre-litigative mechanisms for public utility services.
   • Jurisdiction: Handles cases up to Rs. 10 Lakhs.
   • Function: Aims to resolve disputes before they escalate to formal litigation.
3. Mobile Lok Adalat
   • Scope: Travels across different locations to resolve disputes.
   • Function: Provides access to Lok Adalat services in various regions.

Constitution of Lok Adalat

1. State Authority Level
   • Organized by: State Legal Services Authority (SALSA).
   • Composition: A High Court judge or retired judicial officer, along with one or both of a legal professional and a social worker.
   • Purpose: To implement legal services policies and conduct Lok Adalats.
2. High Court Level
   • Organized by: HC Legal Services Committee.
   • Composition: A High Court judge or retired judge, and one or both of a legal professional and a social worker.
3. District Level
   • Organized by: District Legal Services Authority.
   • Composition: A sitting or retired judicial officer, and one or both of a legal professional and/or a social worker.
4. Taluk Level
   • Organized by: Taluk Legal Services Committee.
   • Composition: A sitting or retired judicial officer, and one or both of a legal professional and/or a social worker.

Benefits of Lok Adalat

1. Free of Cost Service
   • No fee is charged for presenting the matter. If court fees were paid prior, they are refunded if the case is resolved through Lok Adalat.
2. Procedural Flexibility and Speedy Trial
   • Flexibility in procedural laws, leading to faster resolution of disputes.
3. Prevents Delay
   • The decisions are binding and non-appealable, thus preventing delays and ensuring timely justice.
4. Accessible and Efficient Justice Delivery
   • Aims to provide justice to all sections of society without discrimination.

Additional Insights

• Informal and Non-Adversarial: Lok Adalats use an informal and non-adversarial approach, which helps in reducing the stress and conflict typically associated with litigation.
• Settlement Rate: Lok Adalats have a high settlement rate due to their focus on amicable resolutions and the voluntary nature of participation.
• Community Impact: They are particularly beneficial in rural and remote areas, enhancing access to justice where traditional courts might be less accessible.