27 Apr 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 27 April 2023:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. The ambiguities in the nuclear liability law
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Third-gen Web
GEOGRAPHY
1. Census of water bodies
ECONOMY
1. Welfare of gig workers
2. Virtual digital assets
F. Prelims Facts
1. Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal
G. Tidbits
1. Angry with reform delays, India calls UN system ‘anachronistic’
2. Despite court stay, OTT platforms face pressure on content
3. Patent filings in India rose by 13.6% in FY22, led by tech: Nasscom
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: GEOGRAPHY

1. Census of water bodies

Syllabus: GS-1, Water Resources

Mains: Significance of water bodies census to monitor changes and progress toward sustainable water management.

Context:  Union Ministry of Jal Shakti released the report of its first-ever census of water bodies.

Key Details:

  • First-ever census of water bodies released has thrown light on the number of water bodies in India and what they are used for. 
  • The census provides an extensive inventory of water sources in India, highlighting disparities between rural and urban areas and varying levels of encroachment.
  • The census has identified 24,24,540 water bodies in India.

Read more on the findings of the census of water bodies.

Category: ECONOMY

1. Welfare of gig workers

Syllabus: GS-3, Growth, Development & Employment

Mains: Gig Economy in India and steps that need to be taken to ensure social security of gig workers.

Context: Draft bill by Rajasthan state government on Platform-based Gig Workers.

Introduction:

  • The gig economy has become a significant source of employment for the youth in India, with approximately eight million people employed in this sector. The flexible hours and quick payment options have made it a popular choice for informal workers who use gigs for moonlighting. 
  • However, with growing competition among platforms and the availability of cheap labour, gig workers’ incentives have decreased, while their workload and uncertainty of work hours have increased significantly relative to pay. 
  • Additionally, gig workers lack social security benefits and are not recognized as “workers” by most aggregating platforms, making their working conditions increasingly harsh. 
  • In response to this, the Rajasthan government has introduced a draft bill to create a Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, which aims to create a welfare board to hear grievances and design welfare policies for gig workers.

Possible implications of Rajasthan’s initiative:

  • The draft bill aims to create a welfare board to hear grievances and design welfare policies for gig workers. The board will work towards a social welfare corpus financed by a cess on the digital transactions made by consumers on the platforms that utilise gig worker labour. 
  • To fund the welfare of gig workers, the state government has proposed the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund, which will start with seed money of ₹200 crore. 
  • Provisions of the bill are aimed at altering the current dynamic where aggregators refer to gig workers as their partners, which implies no employer-employee relationship and relieves them of any obligation to offer benefits. 
  • The scheme is similar to those implemented for platform workers in the transport sector in Thailand and Malaysia. 
  • This draft bill is significant, especially since the Union government recently passed the Code on Social Security, which allowed for some social security for gig workers, but without proper implementation. 
  • If this bill is successfully implemented and its provisions prove to be effective in improving the working conditions of gig workers, other states in India may also be encouraged to introduce similar measures to ensure the welfare of gig workers in their respective regions. 
  • This would not only benefit gig workers across the country but also contribute to the standardisation of regulations and policies regarding gig work, providing a more consistent and stable environment for workers and employers alike.

Read more on Gig and Platform Workers

Nut Graf: Rajasthan state government introduced a draft bill aimed at providing social welfare for gig workers. This could pave the way for other states to adopt similar measures and promote the much-needed standardisation of regulations in the gig economy.

2. Virtual digital assets

Syllabus: GS-3, IT & Computers

Mains: Significance & Challenges of Digital Currencies.

Context: Regulation of virtual digital assets in India.

Introduction:

  • Virtual digital assets (VDA) are digital representations of value that are created, stored, and exchanged electronically, typically using blockchain technology. 
  • These assets can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a form of currency, as a store of value, or as a means of accessing and participating in decentralised applications and ecosystems.

Read more on Virtual Digital Assets.

Money laundering and VDA:

  • With the growing popularity of virtual digital assets such as cryptocurrency, the Indian government has been taking steps to regulate and monitor the use of these assets to prevent money laundering and other illegal activities.
  • On March 7, 2023, the Union Finance Ministry, in a gazette notification, extended anti-money laundering provisions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Act of 2002 to virtual digital asset businesses and service providers.
  • Activities under these provisions includes, 
    • exchange between virtual digital assets and fiat currencies
    • exchange between one or more forms of virtual digital assets
    • transfer of virtual digital assets
    • safekeeping or administration of virtual digital assets or instruments enabling control over virtual digital assets, and 
    • participation in and provision of financial services related to an issuer’s offer and sale of a virtual digital asset.
  • As per the notification, virtual digital assets platforms carrying out the above activities will now have to register as a reporting entity with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India.
  • Reporting entity platforms such as CoinSwitch are now mandated to implement ‘know your customer’, record and monitor all transactions, and report to the Financial Intelligence Unit-India as and when any suspicious activity is detected.

Read more on anti-money laundering provisions for VDAs in the linked article.

Significance:

  • The regulation of virtual digital assets will help improve investor protection and reduce the risks associated with investing in these assets. 
    • By bringing these assets under the prevention of money laundering provisions, the government can help create a more secure and transparent investment environment.
  • This can also help promote innovation in the financial sector. By providing a clear regulatory framework, the government can encourage the development of new and innovative financial products and services that use virtual digital assets.
  • It can also help India keep pace with other countries that are already regulating these assets. 
  • Such rules are already applicable to banks, financial institutions and certain intermediaries in the securities and real estate markets. 
  • These risk-mitigation measures are in line with global guidelines put forward by the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 

Way Forward:

  • India’s G-20 presidency could provide an opportunity to spearhead critical discussions on establishing a global regulatory framework for virtual digital assets. 
  • There is also an opportunity to consider the steps taken by other G-20 nations. 
    • Japan and South Korea have established a framework to licence Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), while the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation has been passed by the European Parliament.
  • Implementing increased regulation within the domestic virtual digital assets ecosystem could offer essential reassurance to both regular users and regulators.
  • A forward-thinking regulatory framework will ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within India’s innovation economy and cement India’s position as a leader in virtual digital assets.

Nut Graf: The Indian government has extended anti-money laundering provisions to virtual digital assets, including registration as a reporting entity with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India. This will help improve investor protection, promote innovation, and keep pace with global regulations.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal

Syllabus: GS-2; Polity; Inter-State relations and disputes

Prelims: About Inter-State Water Disputes in India

Context

A controversy has erupted as Chhattisgarh released Mahanadi water into the lower catchment area of the river system as experts and leaders of Odisha have accused Chhattisgarh of attempting to mislead the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.

Details

  • As per the allegation of the Water Resource Department of Odisha, Chhattisgarh has opened the gates of Kalma Barrage through which 1,000-1,500 cusecs of water is flowing into Mahanadi and have said that it is unusual for Chhattisgarh to release water during non-monsoon season.
  • The officials of the department claim that gates were opened ahead of the scheduled visit of the former Supreme Court Justice A.M. Khanwilkar who is the Chairperson of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.
  • Odisha has expressed concerns over Chhattisgarh’s management of Mahanadi river water in the upper catchment area as Chhattisgarh in recent times has constructed several barrages restricting the flow of water in Odisha which is a lower catchment area. 
  • The non-availability of water in the Mahanadi River during the non-monsoon season has adversely impacted rabi crops and reduced drinking water availability in Odisha.
  • The Mahandi Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in March 2018 as Odisha filed a complaint with the Ministry of Jal Shakti under Section 3 of the lnter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956.
    • The tribunal has been tasked to submit its report by December 2025.

Read more – Inter-State Water Disputes in India

G. Tidbits

1. Angry with reform delays, India calls UN system ‘anachronistic’

  • The delays and deadlocks in reforming the United Nations, especially the prospects of the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have forced India to lash out at the UN system with its most scathing attack so far.
    • The Indian Permanent Representative regarded the UN Charter as “anachronistic”, and said that it has failed in managing global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, terrorism and climate change.
  • The Indian Ambassador further sought the expansion of the UNSC’s permanent membership and criticised the “veto power” extended to the “P-5” which includes the U.S., the U.K., France, Russia and China.
    • The Ambassador questioned if the UN can practise ‘effective multilateralism’ by extending powers to the P-5 to ignore the collective will of the remaining 188 member states.
  • The words used in the Indian speech indicate India’s frustration towards the delayed pace of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) process and UN reforms at the top of the global body’s agenda even though India is not in the Security Council this year, officials said.
    • The IGN process was started in the year 2008 and although a draft text of the reforms proposed was notified in 2015, the negotiations on the text are not expected to begin in the near future.
    • Apart from the IGN process and UN reforms, India urged for an immediate review of the UN Charter from 1945 as Article 109 of the Charted had said that a “review conference” must be held within 10 years of the adoption of the original charter.

Read more – United Nations Security Council Reforms

2. Despite court stay, OTT platforms face pressure on content

IB MInistry Advisory for OTT Platforms

Image source: The Hindu

  • Despite the stay by the two High Courts, the OTT (over-the-top) streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are facing pressure to comply with the Information Technology Rules, 2021 and exercise restraint in streaming mature content. 
  • As per the advisories issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in February 2022, OTT platforms are expected to ensure that a grievance officer’s details are made publicly available on their websites.
  • Another advisory issued by the Ministry in March 2023, cautioned the OTT platforms to exercise “abundant precaution in ensuring that films and web series do not fall [a]foul of the Code of Ethics laid out in the IT Rules”.
  • The Ministry has recently warned streaming platforms to not release content that offends Indian cultural sensibilities. 
  • However, industry experts have said that the Code of Ethics under Rule 9(1) of the IT Rules, 2021 has been stayed by the High Courts of Bombay and Madras and hence the OTT Platforms are not currently bound by the terms and conditions.

3. Patent filings in India rose by 13.6% in FY22, led by tech: Nasscom

  • A report by Nasscom has pointed out that the patent filings in India increased by about 13.6% year-over-year in fiscal 2022, marking the highest annual increase in the last decade.
  • The report also notes that out of the total patents filed, the share of domestic filings increased to 44.4% compared to 41.6% in the previous year.
  • Out of the total 5,84,000 patents filed in India between FY2010 and FY2022:
    • 2,66,000 were from the technology domain and about 1,60,000 of these technology patents were from advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, Big Data, cybersecurity, and blockchain.
  • The President of Nasscom noted that India’s fast-paced adoption of the latest technologies has led to a surge in innovation which can be seen through the increasing number of patent filings.
  • It is said to be the right time for the government to partner with various stakeholders to further boost domestic patent filings and create awareness about intellectual property.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Identify the correct statements regarding the Quad grouping: (Level – Easy)
  1. It is a grouping of 4 countries: India, Australia, the USA, and the UK.
  2. It was established in the year 2017.
  3. Australia will be the host for the 2023 Quad Summit.

Options:

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 1 and 3
  3. 2 and 3
  4. 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is not correct, The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) or QUAD Group is an informal strategic forum comprising India, Japan, Australia and the U.S.
  • Statement 2 is correct, India, Japan, the U.S. and Australia in November 2017, gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad.
  • Statement 3 is correct, Sydney (Australia) will host the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit where leaders from these countries discuss ways to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Q2. How many of the following statements are true regarding the GeM? 
(Level – Moderate)
  1. It is an online marketplace established to help the government and PSUs procure only products for their use.
  2. The Womaniya initiative of GeM was launched in collaboration with the Self-Employed Women’s Association, Bharat.
  3. The SWAYATT initiative of GeM aims to help young entrepreneurs to get established on the portal.

Options:

  1. Only 1 statement
  2. Only 2 statements
  3. All 3 statements
  4. None of the statements
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is not correct, The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a dedicated online platform where common user goods and services can be procured by various organizations and departments under the Government of India, and by the PSUs also.
  • Statement 2 is not correct, The “Womaniya on GeM” initiative was launched in 2019 by Government eMarketplace (GeM).
  • Statement 3 is correct, ‘Start-ups, Women and Youth Advantage Through eTransactions’ (SWAYATT) is an initiative first launched in February 2019 to promote start-ups, women and youth to benefit through e-Transactions on Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
Q3. Which of the following statements best describes an Eco-Sensitive Zone? 
(Level – Easy) 
  1. It is the central part of a National Park, where no human activities are allowed.
  2. It is the zone within a biosphere reserve that has been recognized under the Man and Biosphere Program of UNESCO.
  3. It is an area around the Protected Areas where certain human activities are prohibited or regulated.
  4. It is a marine area recognized in the High Seas Treaty, where no fishing and mining activities will be allowed.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) are fragile areas around protected areas declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). 
  • The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the human activities in such areas.
Q4. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level – Difficult)
  1. DNA carries the genetic information that gets passed down through generations.
  2. It is made up of 4 types of nucleotides which help in the connection of the 2 strands of the DNA.
  3. DNA and RNA differ in only one nitrogenous base.

Options:

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 and 3
  3. 1 and 3
  4. 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct, DNA carries the genetic information that gets passed down through generations.
  • Statement 2 is correct, DNA is made up of two strands with 4 types of nucleotides that are twisted around each other in the form of a helix. 
  • Statement 3 is correct, DNA consists of four nucleotide bases namely adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T).
    • RNA contains nitrogenous bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U).
    • Thymine is usually only present in DNA and uracil is usually only present in RNA.
Q5. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be 
held. It was the: (Level – Difficult) [PYQ 2002]
  1. occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers, one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya.
  2. confession by monks of their offence committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season.
  3. ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved and yellow robes are offered.
  4. gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full moon day of Ashadha when they take up a fixed abode for the next four months of the rainy season. 
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • Pavarana is a Buddhist holy day celebrated on the full moon (Aashvin) of the lunar month, at the end of the rainy season (Vassa).
  • In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries during Pavarana, Buddhist monks used to confess their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries.

Read the previous CNA here.

CNA 27 April 2023:- Download PDF Here

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published.

*

*