07 Apr 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

07 April 2024 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
Polity
1. CAA Rules allow dual citizenship: pleas in SC
International Relations
1. Why are Katchatheevu pacts being questioned?
Social Justice
1. What is the outlook on women’s employment?
C. GS 3 Related
Environment
1. States offer thousands of hectares of ‘degraded’ forest land for green credits
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Influenza A H5N1 detected in dairy cows in 6 states in the U.S.
Economy
1. Will new solar power rules boost production?
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. There will be no independent, sovereign Palestine
F. Prelims Facts
1. Tylosin
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Category:International Relations

1. Why are Katchatheevu pacts being questioned?

Syllabus:Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests

Prelims: Katchatheevu

Mains: India-Sri Lanka relations

Context​: The Katchatheevu pacts, agreements between India and Sri Lanka regarding the ownership and usage of Katchatheevu island, have recently been subjected to scrutiny and questioning. This has sparked controversy and raised pertinent questions regarding territorial sovereignty, diplomatic relations, and the rights of fishermen in the region.

Triggering the Controversy:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion on social media regarding the alleged mishandling of Katchatheevu island by the Congress government stirred controversy.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed these sentiments, highlighting perceived indifference towards Indian fishermen’s rights in the bilateral agreements signed in 1974 and 1976.

Ownership of the Island:

• Katchatheevu, an uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, was subject to territorial disputes between British colonial governments of Madras and Ceylon.
• The issue was resolved through bilateral agreements signed by India and Sri Lanka in 1974 and 1976, affirming Sri Lanka’s ownership of the island.

Settlement of the Issue:

• The agreements delineated maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones between the two countries, granting sovereign rights over respective zones.
• Indian fishermen were permitted limited access to Katchatheevu for cultural and religious purposes, but fishing activities were restricted.

India’s Gains:

• The agreements were perceived as a diplomatic victory for India, strengthening ties with Sri Lanka amidst geopolitical shifts.
• India gained sovereign rights over Wadge Bank, enhancing its marine resource potential.

Revisiting Bilateral Pacts:

• The suggestion of revisiting past agreements to address fishermen’s issues has been met with skepticism, as it could undermine diplomatic credibility and strain relations with Sri Lanka.

Response in India and Tamil Nadu:

• Opposition parties, including the Congress, criticized the government’s stance, emphasizing the need for consistency in foreign policy.
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin questioned the efficacy of PM Modi’s tenure in addressing the Katchatheevu issue.

Response in Sri Lanka:

• Sri Lankan officials rejected calls to reopen discussions on resolved matters, expressing concerns over Indian interference in their territorial waters.
• Sri Lankan fishermen voiced apprehension over Indian statements, highlighting the urgency of resolving fisheries conflicts.

Solutions:

• Diplomatic Engagement: Foster constructive dialogue between India and Sri Lanka to address fishermen’s concerns while respecting bilateral agreements.
• Sustainable Fisheries Management: Implement measures to regulate fishing practices, promote sustainable livelihoods, and preserve marine ecosystems.
• Regional Cooperation: Enhance cooperation among South Asian countries to tackle common challenges and promote maritime security and stability.

Nut Graf: The debate surrounding the Katchatheevu pacts reflects broader issues of territorial sovereignty, diplomatic relations, and sustainable resource management in the region. Resolving fishermen’s conflicts requires a multifaceted approach, balancing legal frameworks, diplomatic engagements, and community interests to ensure long-term peace and prosperity in the maritime domain

Category:Social Justice

1. What is the outlook on women’s employment?

Syllabus:Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Mains: Challenges in women’s employment

Context​: The India Employment Report, 2024, highlights significant improvements in key labour market indicators but also underscores persistent challenges, particularly regarding women’s participation in the workforce. The report identifies factors contributing to low female labour force participation rates (LFPR) and offers recommendations to enhance women’s job prospects.

Key Labour Market Indicators:

• India Employment Report, 2024, notes improvements in Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Workforce Participation Rate (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR) in recent years, albeit with exceptions during economic distress, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Low Women’s Participation:

• Female LFPR remains significantly lower than male counterparts, with women accounting for only a fraction of the total labour force.
• Despite modest improvements, employment conditions for women remain challenging, characterized by a rise in self-employment, particularly in rural areas.

Factors Contributing to Low Participation:

• Barriers to women’s participation include limited job opportunities, caregiving responsibilities, low wages, patriarchal norms, and safety concerns.
• Social norms restricting women’s mobility and making them primary caregivers further exacerbate the issue, limiting women’s access to available job opportunities.

Insights from Research:

• Nobel Laureate Claudia Goldin’s research emphasizes the influence of various factors on female labour supply and demand, including family responsibilities, education, technical innovations, laws, and societal norms.
• Women’s choices are often constrained by marriage, childcare responsibilities, and societal expectations, hindering their participation in the labour force.

Recommendations for Change:

• Interventions are needed on both the demand and supply sides of the labour market to enhance women’s job prospects.
• Policies promoting labour-intensive sectors, public investment in safety and transport, and affordable childcare and elderly care facilities can facilitate women’s participation in the workforce.
• Creating an enabling environment that empowers women to balance work and family responsibilities is essential for fostering gender-inclusive economic growth.

Significance of Enhancing Women’s Employment:

• Increasing women’s participation in the labour force not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to economic growth and poverty reduction.
• Empowering women economically has multiplier effects, benefiting families, communities, and the overall economy.

Nut Graf: Addressing the challenges of low women’s participation in the labour force requires comprehensive strategies that address societal norms, institutional barriers, and economic constraints. 

Category:Economy

1. Will new solar power rules boost production?

Syllabus:Infrastructure – Energy

Mains: Significance of new solar power rules

Context​: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019, effective from April 1. This executive order aims to bolster India’s solar module manufacturing industry by establishing criteria for the certification of solar module manufacturers. However, questions arise regarding its effectiveness in boosting domestic production and reducing dependency on imports, particularly from China.

Context of the Executive Order:

• MNRE’s executive order, first issued in 2019, mandates solar module manufacturers to undergo inspection by the National Institute of Solar Energy to be listed as ‘approved’ manufacturers.
• The order seeks to differentiate genuine manufacturers from importers or assemblers, aiming to address India’s heavy reliance on imported solar modules, primarily from China.

Challenges in India’s Solar Industry:

• India’s solar industry heavily depends on imports due to limited domestic production capacity for solar cells and modules.
• Despite ambitious targets for solar energy generation, India’s domestic industry struggles to meet the demand for solar panels and components.

Reasons for Import Dependency:

• India’s reliance on imports, especially from China, is attributed to factors such as lower costs and comparable-quality solar modules.
• Diplomatic tensions between India and China have also influenced efforts to reduce imports and promote domestic manufacturing.

Significance of the Executive Order:

• The executive order incentivizes manufacturers to be listed as ‘approved,’ granting eligibility for government tenders and subsidy schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM.
• It aligns with initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, aimed at incentivizing domestic manufacture of solar panels and components.

India’s Manufacturing Capacity:

• While India’s solar exports saw a surge in 2023-24 due to global supply chain disruptions, particularly from China, uncertainties persist regarding the sustainability of this trend.
• The demand-supply mismatch for solar modules indicates the need for significant improvement in domestic manufacturing capacity.

Solutions and Prospects:

• Promoting Domestic Manufacturing: Encourage investment and technological innovation to enhance domestic manufacturing capacity for solar cells and modules.
• Policy Support: Provide incentives and subsidies for local manufacturers, ensuring their competitiveness in the global market.
• Research and Development: Invest in research and development initiatives to improve the efficiency and quality of indigenous solar technologies.

Nut Graf: The implementation of the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules Order, 2019, signifies a step towards bolstering India’s solar manufacturing sector. However, addressing the challenges of import dependency and enhancing domestic production capacity require concerted efforts from government, industry stakeholders, and research institutions. 

Q1.  With reference to the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019

Q2. Which of the following Reports are published by IMF?

Q3.  With reference to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, 
consider the following statements:

Q4.Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)?

Q5.The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through