13 Apr 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
ECONOMY
1. Industrial output grew 5.7% in Feb.; production levels at 3-month low
2. Inflation slowed, yet no relief on food bills
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Data for better education, a brighter future for students
ENVIRONMENT
1. The blurry lines between wildlife ‘capture’ and ‘rescue’
ECONOMY
1. Risky premise
F. Prelims Facts
1. IISc researchers design novel hydrogel to remove microplastics from water
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

2. Inflation slowed, yet no relief on food bills

Syllabus: Indian Economy, Mobilization of resources, Growth and Development

Prelims: Inflation

Mains: Concerns of high Inflation in India

Context​: 

• India’s retail inflation decreased to a 10-month low of 4.85% in March from 5.1% in February, signalling a moderation in overall price levels.
• However, food inflation remained high at 8.52%, with certain food items experiencing significant price rises, counteracting the overall slowdown in inflation.

Issues:

• Persistent Food Inflation: Despite the overall slowdown in inflation, food prices, particularly cereals and meat, continued to rise, maintaining pressure on household budgets.
• Urban-Rural Disparity: While urban consumers experienced a significant cooling of inflation, rural consumers faced slightly higher inflation rates, exacerbating disparities in the cost of living.
• Potential for Future Spike: Economists warned of potential spikes in food inflation due to ongoing heatwaves, which could further strain household budgets.

Significance:

• The moderation in overall inflation suggests some relief, but persistent food inflation poses challenges to households, especially in rural areas.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected average inflation to ease to 4.5% this year, but the ongoing quarter may see an average inflation of 4.9%, indicating continued volatility in prices.

Solutions:

• Addressing Food Price Volatility: Measures should be taken to mitigate volatility in food prices, including interventions to stabilize supply chains and improve agricultural productivity.
• Policy Response: The RBI may need to reassess its stance on interest rates in light of persistent food inflation, balancing the need for economic stimulus with inflation management.
• Investment in Agricultural Infrastructure: Long-term solutions require investment in agricultural infrastructure, technology, and practices to enhance productivity and reduce reliance on weather-dependent factors.

Nut Graf: While overall inflation has slowed, the persistence of high food prices poses challenges to households and economic stability. Policy responses should focus on addressing food price volatility and reducing disparities in inflation experiences between urban and rural areas.

Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. The blurry lines between wildlife ‘capture’ and ‘rescue’

Syllabus: GS-3, Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation

Mains: Concept of wildlife ‘capture’ and ‘rescue’

Context:​ 

• The distinction between wildlife ‘capture’ and ‘rescue’ holds critical implications for the welfare of animals and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
• In India, where human-wildlife interactions are escalating, understanding this distinction becomes essential for navigating complex conflict situations.

Issues:

• Blurring of Definitions: The concept of ‘rescue’ often overlaps with ‘capture’, leading to confusion and potentially harmful interventions in wildlife management.
• Adherence to Guidelines: Despite government guidelines advocating for capture as a last resort, instances of indiscriminate capture persist, leading to negative outcomes for animals.
• Snake Conflict Management: Poor handling and unnecessary relocation of snakes, under the guise of rescue, exacerbate conflict and compromise animal welfare.

Significance:

• Proper understanding and application of the concepts of rescue and capture are crucial for minimizing conflict and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
• Misguided rescue operations can lead to adverse consequences for both animals and humans, eroding public trust in conservation efforts.

Solutions:

• Proactive Mitigation Strategies: Emphasize proactive measures such as early warning systems, regular monitoring, fencing, and public education to prevent conflicts before they escalate.
• Ethical Intervention: Prioritize interventions based on ethical considerations, ensuring the welfare of both animals and humans involved.
• Holistic Approach: Adopt a holistic approach to wildlife management that considers the needs of both human and non-human animals, avoiding divisive practices that pit one against the other.
• Innovative Strategies: Invest in research and implement innovative strategies, as demonstrated by the Karnataka Forest Department, to effectively manage human-wildlife conflicts while minimizing harm to animals and ecosystems.

Nut Graf: The distinction between wildlife capture and rescue is vital for promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. By prioritizing proactive mitigation strategies, adhering to ethical intervention practices, and adopting a holistic approach to wildlife management, we can mitigate conflicts and foster a more harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.
Category: ECONOMY

1. Risky premise

Syllabus: GS-3, Mobilization of resources, Growth and Development

Mains: Challenges to the sustainability of growth of the Indian economy

Context:​ 

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year to 7%, citing robust investment and expectations of rural economy recovery.
• However, concerns linger regarding the sustainability of growth amidst global risks and structural issues within the Indian economy.

Issues:

• Global Risks: ADB warns of potential risks such as a sharp rise in oil prices or prolonged high-interest rates in the West, which could impact India’s growth trajectory.
• Structural Reforms: The lack of significant structural reforms in India post-COVID-19 pandemic raises questions about the sustainability of reported growth numbers.
• Consumer Spending Concerns: The assumption of a rebound in consumer spending may be undermined by stretched household savings and other economic uncertainties.

Significance:

• ADB’s growth forecast highlights the need for India to address structural challenges and integrate better with global supply chains to sustain growth momentum.
• Simplifying trade rules and improving logistics infrastructure are essential for boosting exports and enhancing competitiveness on the global stage.

Solutions:

• Policy Simplification: Policymakers should streamline trade rules and create an easier policy environment, particularly through the establishment of large-scale special economic zones.
• Integration with Global Supply Chains: India must prioritize integration with global supply chains to mitigate risks associated with volatile global trade dynamics.
• Logistics Infrastructure Improvement: Investments in logistics infrastructure are crucial for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs associated with trade and transportation.
• Consumer Spending Support: Measures should be implemented to support consumer spending, including initiatives to bolster household savings and address economic uncertainties.

Nut Graf: While ADB’s growth forecast reflects optimism about India’s economic prospects, it also underscores the need for concerted efforts to address structural challenges and mitigate global risks. By simplifying trade rules, improving logistics infrastructure, and supporting consumer spending, India can enhance its competitiveness and navigate the evolving global economic landscape more effectively.

F. Prelims Facts

1. IISc researchers design novel hydrogel to remove microplastics from water

Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a sustainable hydrogel aimed at removing microplastics from water.

• Microplastics pose significant health risks as they can enter the human body through drinking water, increasing the likelihood of illnesses.

Issues:

• Health Threat of Microplastics: Microplastics, tiny plastic debris, pose health risks as they can contaminate drinking water and lead to various illnesses.
• Sustainability of Removal Methods: Previous attempts to remove microplastics using filtering membranes have proven unsustainable due to clogging, necessitating alternative solutions.

Significance:

• The hydrogel designed by IISc researchers offers a promising solution to the microplastics problem, providing an efficient and sustainable method for their removal.
• Its unique polymer network structure, combined with nanoclusters of a catalytic material, allows for both adsorption and degradation of microplastics.

Solutions:

• Development of Sustainable Hydrogel: The IISc team’s innovative hydrogel, consisting of intertwined polymer layers and catalytic nanoclusters, demonstrates the potential for sustainable microplastic removal.
• Utilization of UV Light Irradiation: The hydrogel’s ability to degrade microplastics using UV light irradiation offers an environmentally friendly approach to addressing plastic pollution in water bodies.
• Scaling Up Production and Implementation: Efforts should be made to scale up production of the hydrogel and explore its deployment in real-world scenarios, such as water treatment plants and environmental cleanup initiatives.

Image source: The Hindu

Q1. How many among the following are the impacts of rising inflation?

Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to the Annual Status of 
Education Report (ASER):

Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to the Asian Development 
Bank:

Q4. Consider the following statements with respect to the Index of 
Industrial Production (IIP):

Q5. Which among the following is the measure of total inflation within an 
economy?

Read previous CNA articles here.