MAINS Current Affairs includes EAM Addressed the 9th Indian Ocean Conference & Ambedkar Jayanti

International

1. EAM Addressed the 9th Indian Ocean Conference

Context

The External Affairs Minister addressed the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, which was organised on the theme “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance.”

Key Priorities Highlighted by the EAM

• Need for Stability: The Indian Ocean is not merely a geographical space but a living ecosystem that sustains economies, livelihoods, connectivity, resources, and shared cultural heritage; therefore, any disruption in this system can have far-reaching consequences.
• Historical Ties: Countries of the region must continue to overcome historical barriers and strengthen cooperation through deeper economic linkages, better connectivity, and revival of traditional ties.
• Changing Global Order: The world has become more competitive, inward-looking, and fragmented, which makes reliable partnerships and resilience increasingly important.
• Concern over Choke Points: The EAM highlighted the growing significance of both physical and conceptual choke points and stressed the need to overcome restrictive mindsets for the stability of the global economy.
• Deeper Cooperation: He called for stronger cooperation among Indian Ocean nations, describing the region as a Global South ocean facing common challenges.

Indian Ocean Conference

• The Indian Ocean Conference was started in 2016 by the India Foundation in association with regional think tanks and institutions.
• It has emerged as a flagship forum for discussing issues of mutual interest among countries of the region.
• The conference has witnessed participation from around 30 countries and has been addressed by more than 100 ministers from 55 countries.
• It provides a platform to deliberate upon regional cooperation under the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

Significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

• Geostrategic Importance: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean and connects Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, making it a strategic bridge between East and West.
• It contains crucial maritime choke points such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, Strait of Malacca, and Lombok Strait.
• Economic Significance: The region carries nearly 50% of global container traffic and 80% of seaborne oil trade.
• It is also a major hub for blue economy activities such as fisheries, shipping, tourism, and seabed mining.
• Energy Security: The Indian Ocean serves as the lifeline of global energy trade, especially oil and gas movement from West Asia to East Asia.
• Countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea are highly dependent on these sea routes.
• Blue Economy Potential: It offers vast opportunities in marine resources, renewable energy, fisheries, and tourism.

Need to Strengthen Maritime Security in IOR

• The Indo-Pacific concept has placed the Indian Ocean at the centre of global strategic competition.
• Control over the region can shape global trade routes, energy security, and military logistics.
• Many littoral countries lack sufficient surveillance, law enforcement, and disaster response capabilities.
• The region faces asymmetric threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and attacks on commercial shipping.
• There is also growing concern over the expansion of China’s naval presence and research vessels in the region.

Government Initiatives

• Sagarmala Programme focuses on port-led development, coastal connectivity, and better use of waterways.
• Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to make India a top shipbuilding nation and develop a world-class maritime ecosystem.
• Sagarmanthan Dialogue serves as an annual strategic maritime dialogue platform.
• A ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund has been introduced to modernise ports and shipping infrastructure.
• MAHASAGAR reflects India’s renewed strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region.
• India is also modernising naval capabilities through indigenous warships such as INS Vikrant and INS Visakhapatnam.

Conclusion

India’s maritime security initiatives combine military preparedness, infrastructure development, regional diplomacy, and institutional mechanisms.

Initiatives such as SAGAR, the Act East Policy, and the Indo-Pacific vision reinforce India’s central role in the Indian Ocean Region.

Modern History

2. Ambedkar Jayanti

Context: On 14 April, India commemorates Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Jayanti, marking the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

About Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

• Early Life: Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was born on 14 April 1891.
• He belonged to a Dalit (Scheduled Caste) family and faced severe caste-based discrimination during his early life.
• Despite immense social barriers and hardships, he excelled in academics through exceptional determination and perseverance.

Major Contributions

• In Framing of the Constitution
  • He is regarded as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
  • As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he played a central role in shaping the constitutional framework of independent India.
  • He ensured the incorporation of key constitutional values such as:

Fundamental Rights

• Equality before law
  • Abolition of untouchability under Article 17
  • His vision laid the foundation of a democratic system with checks and balances among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
  • He described Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) as the “heart and soul” of the Constitution.

• Social Reforms
  • He led several movements against caste discrimination and strongly advocated for Dalit rights, social justice, and gender equality.
  • He founded the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha for the welfare of the oppressed and marginalized sections.
  • He led major social movements such as:

Mahad Satyagraha (1927)

• Kalaram Temple Entry Satyagraha (1930, Nashik)
• Political Contributions
  • He became the first Law Minister of independent India.
  • He founded the Independent Labour Party in 1936.
  • He strongly advocated reservation and affirmative action for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
  • He promoted labour welfare measures such as:
    • 8-hour workday
    • Maternity benefits
    • Workers’ rights
• He also worked for women’s rights, especially reforms in Hindu personal laws.
• Major Literary Works
  • His important works include:
    • Annihilation of Caste
    • The Problem of the Rupee
    • Who Were the Shudras?
• He also started influential publications such as:
  • Mooknayak (1920)
  • Bahishkrit Bharat (1927)

Conversion to Buddhism

In 1956, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with millions of followers.

This marked the beginning of a major socio-religious movement for dignity, equality, and social justice.

He was conferred the title of “Bodhisattva” by Buddhist monks at the World Buddhist Council in Kathmandu, Nepal (1954). 

Legacy

• He is widely known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution.”
• He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990.
• His birth anniversary is celebrated every year as Ambedkar Jayanti to honour his contribution to democracy, equality, and social justice.

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