International Relations.

THE INVISIBLE WORKER

Source: Indian Express

Context

• The fire incident in Kuwait highlights the ongoing issues of migrant safety and deplorable living conditions, underscoring the need for effective policies to protect Indian migrant workers in destination countries.

Details

Key Points

• Incident Overview:
  • Fire in Kuwait kills 49, including 42 Indian migrant workers, highlighting safety concerns.
  • Majority of deceased from Kerala, aged between 20-50.
• Migrant Safety Issues:
  • Chronic lack of safety and poor living conditions for migrants.
  • Frequent incidents of migrant deaths due to unsafe working environments.
• Historical Context:
  • Similar issues reported during the Qatar World Cup, Dubai Expo and COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Migrants often face harsh working conditions and human rights violations.
• Data and Policy Gaps:
  • Inadequate data on migrant workers' conditions and deaths.
  • Need for systematic study and national-level migration database.
• Indian Diaspora:
  • 2 million Keralites migrated, 80% to GCC countries, working mostly in unorganized sectors.
  • Lack of permanent residency and rights leads to exploitation.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • Develop well-thought-out policies for migrant safety and well-being.
  • Strengthen international cooperation and enforce Memoranda of Understanding with GCC countries.
  • Improve data collection and monitoring of migrant conditions both in origin and destination countries.
• Human Cost of Migration:
  • Migrants often seen reductively as remittance senders.
  • Need to recognize the human cost and ensure comprehensive migrant welfare.
• Future Direction:
  • India should aim to build efficient infrastructure for safe migration.
  • Enhance support systems for migrants and ensure their rights are protected in destination countries.

Sources:

Indian Express

Economy

SYAYING HAWKISH

Source: Indian Express

Context

• As the US Federal Reserve maintains high interest rates to curb inflation, emerging economies like India face potential capital outflows and economic instability, impacting their central banks' monetary policies.

Details

Key Points

• Federal Reserve's Stance:
  • Fed signals unwillingness to lower interest rates
  • Targets Federal Funds Rate (FFR) to influence economic conditions.
• Impact on US Presidential Election:
  • High interest rates could affect President Joe Biden's re-election chances.
• Global Implications:
  • US interest rates impact the global economy due to the dollar's dominance.
  • Emerging economies, especially India, are affected by capital outflows.
• Historical Context:
  • Reference to the 2013 Taper Tantrum and its impact on "fragile five" economies, including India.
• RBI and Fed Comparison:
  • RBI directly adjusts the repo rate, unlike the Fed's targeting of FFR.
  • Both central banks aim to control inflation through interest rate policies.
  • RBI targets 4% inflation, while the Fed targets 2%.
• India's Economic Resilience:
  • India's economy has become more resilient to Fed actions over the years.
  • RBI maintains independent policy actions but is cautious of Fed's influence.
• Interest Rate Differential:
  • Fed's high interest rates discourage RBI from lowering domestic rates to avoid widening the interest rate differential.
• Monetary Policy Considerations:
  • Fed's restraint may influence RBI's decisions on domestic interest rates.
  • Balancing inflation control and economic stability is crucial for RBI.

Sources:

Indian Express