MAINS Current Affairs includes Ladakh’s Glaciers Are Slowing Down & Cultural Diplomacy: Towards a National Framework for Global Engagement

Environment

1. Ladakh’s Glaciers Are Slowing Down

Context: A recent study revealed that 12 glaciers in the Zanskar region of Ladakh have slowed significantly between 1992 and 2023, with glacier velocity decreasing by an average of 2.4 metres per year per decade, accompanied by accelerated glacier thinning.

What are Glaciers?

• Glaciers are large, thick masses of ice formed on land through the accumulation and compaction of snow over centuries.
• They store nearly 70% of Earth’s freshwater and cover about 10% of the Earth’s land surface.
• Glaciers shape landscapes through erosion, transportation, and deposition, creating distinct glacial landforms.

Key Findings of the Study

1. Glacier Slowdown

• The research found that in the past three decades the surface velocity of glaciers has gone down.

2. Accelerated Thinning

• Glacier thinning increased from:
  • 22 m/year (2000–05) to
  • 57 m/year (2015–20).
• Warmer temperatures cause increased ice loss, reducing glacier thickness and driving stress.

3. Reduced Ice Transport

• Slower glaciers transport less ice from high-altitude accumulation zones to lower-altitude melting zones.
• This disrupts the natural glacier mass balance.

4. Regional Variations

• Not all glaciers respond similarly to warming.
• Influencing factors include:
  • Glacier geometry,
  • Debris cover,
  • Conditions at the glacier terminus (snout).

Significance of Zanskar Glaciers

• The Zanskar region contains some of the largest and most widespread glaciers in the Himalaya. Example:Machoi Glacier, Parkachik Glacier etc.
• They are natural reservoirs of fresh waterthat release it as meltwater throughout the warmer months.
• This seasonal supply feeds the rivers, ecosystems, farms and local residents in the otherwise parched Ladakh area.

Implications for the Indus Basin

• Glaciers contribute to Indus River flowsduring the dry summer months, when rainfall is limited.
• Initially, accelerated glacier melting can increase river discharge, a phenomenon known as peak water. However, once glaciers lose a substantial share of their stored ice:
  • Meltwater contribution is expected to decline.
  • Long-term water availability may become more uncertain.
  • Risks may emerge for agriculture, hydropower, ecosystems and downstream water security.

Global Initiatives to Conserve glaciers

• Paris Agreement 2015: Aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels.
• High Mountain Summit (WMO):Recognizes mountains and glaciers as climate sentinels and promotes early warning systems and enhanced data sharing.
• International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI):Established in 2009 as a result of the COP-15, it is a network of senior policy experts and researchers that works with governments and organizations.
  • It creates and implements initiatives designed to preserve the Earth’s cryosphere.
• The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)is a government initiative aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts on the Himalayan region.
  • It focuses on developing sustainable strategies, and addressing issues like glacial melt, natural hazards, and biodiversity loss.
• The Arctic Council: It is a forum for Arctic countries to collaborate on environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate change mitigation in the Arctic region.
• Global Ice Monitoring Initiatives:Like the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) and the European Space Agency’s CryoSat mission use satellite-based remote sensing to monitor changes in glaciers and ice sheets.

Challenges

• Rising temperatures due to climate change.
• Inadequate high-altitude weather monitoring stations.
• Limited long-term glacier data.
• Unsustainable infrastructure development in fragile mountain ecosystems.
• Increased risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

Way Forward

Scientific Monitoring

• Establish a Himalayan Glacier Monitoring Network using:
  • Satellite remote sensing,
  • Drones,
  • Ground observations.

Improve Data Collection

• Expand Automated Weather Stations (AWS) in high-altitude regions.

Ecosystem Protection

• Conserve:
  • Wetlands,
  • Springs,
  • High-altitude biodiversity hotspots.

Sustainable Development

• Regulate tourism and infrastructure expansion in ecologically sensitive mountain zones.

Climate Action

• Accelerate renewable energy adoption and emission reduction efforts to limit glacier retreat.

Conclusion:

The slowdown and thinning of Ladakh’s glaciers are clear indicators of the growing impacts of climate change on the Himalayan cryosphere. Protecting these glaciers is not only an environmental necessity but also crucial for ensuring long-term water security, ecological stability, and sustainable development in the Indus Basin and beyond.

International

2. Cultural Diplomacy: Towards a National Framework for Global Engagement

Context: India is strengthening its global cultural outreach through Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) with 98 countries, highlighting the growing role of cultural diplomacy in foreign policy and international relations.

What is Cultural Diplomacy?

Cultural diplomacy refers to the exchange of ideas, values, traditions, language, art, heritage, and cultural practices among nations to foster mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation.

Key Features

• Promotes people-to-people connections.
• Enhances mutual respect and understanding.
• Serves as an instrument of soft power.
• Strengthens international partnerships beyond political and economic relations.

Soft Power

The term was popularized by Joseph Nye, referring to the ability of a country to influence others through attraction rather than coercion.

Significance of Cultural Diplomacy

1. Strengthening International Relations

• Builds goodwill and trust among nations.
• Reduces misunderstandings and conflicts.

2. Enhancing Soft Power

• Improves a country’s global image and influence.
• Supports foreign policy objectives.

3. Promoting Economic Interests

• Encourages tourism, trade, education, and investment.
• Creates opportunities for cultural industries.

4. People-to-People Connectivity

• Develops long-term relationships through cultural exchanges.
• Encourages intercultural dialogue.

Pillars of India’s Cultural Diplomacy

• Saman (Peace): India’s commitment to peace is reflected in its long history of non-violence and diplomatic engagements.
  • India has played a proactive role in UN peacekeeping missionscontributing personnel to over 40 missions globally.
  • The country’s peace-oriented foreign policycombined with its non-aligned status has bolstered its image as a peaceful and stable power.
  • India’s advocacy for global South-South cooperationhas earned respect from developing nations which view India as a model for economic development.
• Samriddhi (Prosperity): India’s economic success through initiatives such as Make in India and Startup India has positioned it as an emerging global economic powerhouse with an emerging global market.
  • The country’s growing trade relationships particularly with Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle Eastshowcase its economic influence.
• Suraksha (Security):India’s strategy for regional and global security is based on its alliances with significant powers like the United States, Russia and Japan.
  • India has established itself as a crucial actor in Indo-Pacific security balancing its historical non-aligned stance with active involvement in security platforms like the
  • India’s emphasis on counterterrorism and humanitarian efforts reflects its position as a contributor to regional security.
• Sanskriti (Culture):Bollywood, classical arts, yoga and food are among the most visible exports of Indian culture.
  • The International Day of Yogawhich is observed all around the world exemplifies how India expanded its cultural history to reach out to global audiences.
  • Indian diasporaplay a vital role in spreading Indian culture and values. Making its impact in an interconnected globalized world.

Initiatives taken by Government

• Global Engagement Scheme (GES): The Ministry of Culturepromotes India’s cultural relations with other countries through the GES.
  • GES comprises four major components:the International Cultural Exchange Programme (ICEP), Project Mausam, Brihattar Bharat and the Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India.
• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR),an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of External Affairs, promoting Indian culture overseas and strengthening people-to-people ties through its network of Indian Cultural Centres and cultural programmes abroad.
• Multilateral Cultural Engagement: Cultural diplomacy is also pursued through India’s participation in forums such as BRICS, G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BIMSTEC.

Challenges

Competition from Other Soft Powers

• Countries such as China, South Korea, Japan and other countries spend a lot to promote their culture abroad.

Limited Institutional Resources

• ICCR faces budgetary and manpower constraints.
• Limited cultural centres abroad compared to major powers.

Underutilisation of Cultural Assets

• Rich heritage not adequately marketed globally.
• Museums, literature and heritage sites remain underexposed.

Digital and Language Barriers

• Limited translation of Indian literature and cultural content.
• Insufficient global digital presence.

Commercialisation of Culture

• Risk of dilution and loss of authenticity of traditional practices.

Way Forward

Strengthen Institutional Capacity

• Increase funding and manpower of ICCR.
• Expand Indian Cultural Centres globally.

Promote Digital Diplomacy

• Use OTT platforms, social media, virtual museums, digital archives and multilingual content to make Indian culture accessible to global audiences.

Leverage Indian Diaspora

• Engage diaspora as cultural ambassadors.
• Promote Indian festivals, languages and traditions abroad.

Promote Cultural Industries

• Support films, literature, music, handicrafts and creative industries.
• Encourage global collaborations.

Preserve Cultural Authenticity

• Balance commercialization with preservation of traditional values and practices.

Conclusion

India’s cultural diplomacy, anchored in Saman (Peace), Samriddhi (Prosperity), Suraksha (Security), and Sanskriti (Culture), has emerged as a vital pillar of its foreign policy. By combining its civilizational heritage, democratic values, economic growth, and global diaspora, India can strengthen its soft power and advance its vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) in the 21st century.

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