28 Apr 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 28 April 2023:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
1. The threat of rising sea levels
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ECONOMY
1. Performance of Indian Railways
GOVERNANCE
1. Removal of Darwin's theory of evolution from textbooks
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Future of nuclear power
F. Prelims Facts
1. INS Tarkash, INS Sumedha and INS Teg
G. Tidbits
1. Dimasa rebel group signs peace pact with Centre, Assam govt.
2. Breach of privilege probe against MP
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Removal of Darwin’s theory of evolution from textbooks

Syllabus: GS-2, Government Policies & Interventions in Education

Mains: Impact of politics and concerns with Indian education

Context: Removal of Darwin’s theory of evolution from the science textbooks for classes 9 and 10.

Introduction:

  • In May 2022, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) suggested a significant “rationalisation” of high school science textbook content, to alleviate the “content load” on students due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Based on the above suggestion, NCERT recently removed nearly all references to concepts and methods for the study of biological evolution, and renamed the chapter on “Heredity and Evolution” as “Heredity.”
  • Over 1,800 scientists, teachers, educators and science popularizers across the country have written an open letter criticising the NCERT’s latest move.
  • Previously historians had objected to the removal of several important events like the Mughal rule, and the Gujarat Riots of 2002, from history textbooks. 

Controversy on the subject:

  • There have been several controversies surrounding science education in Indian textbooks, with politicians often at the centre of the debates. These controversies have arisen due to disagreements over the content of textbooks, especially in the areas of history, social studies, and science.
  • One of the most prominent controversies in recent years involved the inclusion of a chapter on genetics in a science textbook published by NCERT in 2017. The chapter, titled “Understanding Genetic Basis of Inheritance,” drew criticism from several politicians, who argued that it promoted eugenics and a bias towards certain castes.
    • They also claimed that the chapter ignored the contributions of ancient Indian science and technology.
  • In 2018, the then Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Satyapal Singh, called Darwin’s theory of evolution “scientifically wrong” and asked that it be removed from Indian school and college curricula. 
  • In 2019, the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, Nageswara Rao Gollapalli, made a claim at the 106th Indian Science Congress, that the “theory of Dashavatara” explains evolution better than Darwin’s theory.

Need for Darwin’s Theory:

  • Darwin’s theory of evolution is one of the most firmly established theories in science that explains the origin of human beings and all other forms of life in the world.
    • It rescues this explanation from the belief that an ‘intelligent designer’ built them the way they are and put them in their place.
  • Removing the concept from textbooks is a disservice to children as it denies them the opportunity to learn that change is an opportunity.
  • Students and teachers in schools must concern themselves with the social and cultural beliefs of Darwin’s time and the messy nature of science to gain crucial insights about science in both historical and contemporary contexts. 
  • In order to practise science effectively, it is important to balance caution with curiosity, creativity, and imagination. Science classrooms should encourage a culture of embracing critique to foster growth and progress.

Influences on Darwin:

  • The influences on Darwin’s theory of evolution are often ignored in classrooms.
  • Our approach to teaching Darwin’s theory must change to include the influence of Lyell’s theories and other earlier thinkers like Jean-Baptiste Lamarck who proposed their own theories of evolution.
  • Geologist Charles Lyell in his book ‘Principles of Geology’ proposed the concept of “gradual geological change”: that geological phenomena and objects today result from minute changes accumulating over a period of time, much like how random mutations that confer advantages to certain organisms accumulate over time, giving rise to their present-day species.
    • Darwin himself acknowledged the strong influence of Lyell’s theories on his work.
  • Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, the French naturalist who proposed his own theory of evolution portrayed evolution as a process that included the accumulation of changes over time and did not involve an ‘intelligent designer’.
  • Darwin was influenced by the social beliefs of his time, specifically the laissez-faire economics of Adam Smith and Thomas Malthus.
  • Malthus’s theory of population and competition for limited resources influenced Darwin’s concept of natural selection.
    • Darwin acknowledged the influence of Malthus’s ideas in his autobiography.

Use of Darwin’s theory:

  • Another serious oversight in the teaching of the theory of evolution is the resulting application of his theory by both Darwin himself and others.
  • Herbert Spencer’s “survival of the fittest” idea led to social Darwinism and eugenics.
  • Darwin’s later book, ‘The Descent of Man’, and ‘Selection in Relation to Sex’, suggested that men evolved to be more intelligent because they had to use their mental faculties to hunt and defend their offspring.
    • Darwin’s invocation of the Lamarckian theory of use and disuse in this book contradicted his theory of natural selection in ‘The Origin of Species’.

Nut Graf: Understanding Darwin’s theory of evolution and its influences is crucial to learning about the origin of life and the importance of scientific inquiry. The recent move to remove content on Darwin’s theory of evolution from school textbooks needs to be reconsidered.

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Future of nuclear power

Syllabus: GS-3, Nuclear  Technology

Mains: Global prospects of nuclear energy.

Context: This article discusses the outlook for nuclear power.

Introduction: 

  • India is one of the countries that rely significantly on nuclear power as a source of energy.
  • The country has been pursuing nuclear power since the 1950s, and currently, it operates 22 nuclear power reactors with a total installed capacity of 6,780 MW. 
  • India’s nuclear power program is based on a three-stage strategy. 
  • Overall, nuclear power is an important part of India’s energy mix, and the country has plans to continue expanding its nuclear power capacity in the coming years.

Outlook for nuclear power:

  • Globally, the outlook for nuclear power is mixed. On one hand, there is increasing interest in nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, particularly as countries seek to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and meet climate targets. 
  • Some countries, such as China and Russia, are investing heavily in new nuclear power plants, while others, such as the United States and many European countries, are focused on maintaining and upgrading their existing nuclear infrastructure.
  • Over the past two years, there has been a resurgence in nuclear power, particularly following the Ukraine war. 
  • Countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan are increasing their use of nuclear power, with Japan restarting reactors that were shut down after the Fukushima accident.
    • This is partly due to the high cost of importing coal and natural gas. In the UK, nuclear power is seen as necessary for decarbonising the electricity sector.

Implications of growth in solar and wind power:

  • The growth in solar and wind energy has significant implications for the future of nuclear power globally and in India.
  • Solar and wind energy are becoming increasingly competitive with nuclear power in terms of cost, making it more difficult for new nuclear power plants to be economically viable.
  • The increasing focus on renewable energy sources may lead to decreased investment in nuclear power projects, which could lead to a decline in the industry over time.
  •  Nuclear power is a controversial energy source due to concerns about safety and waste disposal. The growth in solar and wind energy may exacerbate these concerns and make it more difficult for nuclear power to gain public support.
  • Solar and wind energy are more flexible than nuclear power, which can take a long time to ramp up or down. This means that renewable energy sources can respond more quickly to changes in demand, making them more attractive to energy companies and governments.
  • However, solar and wind energy are not always available, due to factors such as weather conditions. Nuclear power plants, on the other hand, can generate electricity continuously, which is an advantage in terms of meeting energy demands.

Future of Nuclear Power in India:

  • India’s nuclear plan is limited by its supply of enriched uranium. 
  • While nuclear power is only a small percentage of India’s energy mix, the country has limited potential for hydropower because of conserving biodiversity and the costs of rehabilitating and compensating landowners and the heavy reliance on coal. 
    • At present, India has 210 gigawatts of coal capacity, and it produces 73% of electricity in India, whereas nuclear is only around 3.2%. 
  • To achieve net-zero emissions, a combination of small modular and large reactors will be needed, but this cannot be achieved by one company (all reactors are operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited). 
  • Multiple government companies like NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) need to be involved in the civilian nuclear program, which is currently a monopoly. A portfolio of technologies within and outside the nuclear sector is necessary, with designs that interplay well.
  • Ultimately, the future of India’s nuclear power depends on a range of factors, including the country’s energy needs, environmental concerns, public opinion, and the availability of alternative energy sources. It is important for India to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of nuclear power in the context of its broader energy policies and goals.

Nut Graf: Nuclear power outlook is mixed globally, with some investing in new plants while others maintaining existing ones. Solar and wind energy competitiveness makes new nuclear plants economically challenging. India’s nuclear future depends on careful energy policy evaluation, considering the limited uranium supply and alternative sources.

F. Prelims Facts

1. INS Tarkash, INS Sumedha and INS Teg

Syllabus: GS-3; Defence and Security

Prelims: About INS Tarkash, INS Sumedha and INS Teg

Context

  • The Indian Navy’s INS Tarkash has been deployed to evacuate stranded Indians from Sudan as a part of Operation Kaveri.
  • INS Tarkash is the third ship to join the evacuation after INS Sumedha and INS Teg. 

INS Tarkash 

  • INS Tarkash is the second Talwar-class of guided missile frigates constructed for the Indian Navy.
  • Talwar class of frigates are modified Krivak III-class frigates built by Russia. 
  • INS Tarkash was built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.  
  • INS Tarkash uses BrahMos missiles in place of the Klub-N missiles which were used in the earlier ships. 
  • INS Tarkas was commissioned into the Indian Navy in November 2012.
  • This ship uses stealth technologies and a special hull design to ensure a reduced radar cross-section. 

INS Sumedha 

  • INS Sumedha is the third ship of the Saryu-class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV) of the Indian Navy.
  • INS Sumedha was designed and constructed indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited.
  • It is fitted with a state-of-the-art weapon and sensor package.
  • This ship is designed to undertake support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
  • INS Sumedha consists of an array of weapons and sensors and can also carry an Advanced Light Combat Helicopter.
  • INS Sumedha was commissioned into the Indian Navy in March 2014. 

INS Teg

  • INS Teg is the fourth Talwar-class frigate constructed for the Indian Navy.
  • Just like the other Talwar-class frigates, INS Teg was built by the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
  • The ship is named after “Teg”, which is a short single-edged curved sword, traditionally used by Sikhs.
  • INS Teg also uses BrahMos missiles.
  • INS Teg was commissioned into the Indian Navy in April 2012.
  • The motto of the ship is “Towards Eternal Glory”.
  • INS Teg has been deployed in numerous missions including anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, providing maritime security in the seas of India’s maritime partners, SAR missions, and exercises with other navies.

G. Tidbits

1. Dimasa rebel group signs peace pact with Centre, Assam govt.

  • Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA)/Dimasa People’s Supreme Council (DPSC), which is a rebel group that operates in the Dima Hasao district, signed a peace pact with the Assam State government and the Union.
  • As a part of the agreement, 168 armed cadres of DNLA have surrendered and further, the DNLA representatives have agreed to give up violence, surrender arms and ammunition, disband their armed organisation, vacate all camps occupied and join the mainstream.
  • The latest agreement is expected to bring the insurgency in the Dima Hasao district of Assam to a complete halt.
  • Further, the Assam government will be establishing a Dimasa Welfare Council to protect, preserve and promote the social, cultural, and linguistic identity of the people to meet their political, economic and educational aspirations.
  • The agreement also provides for the appointment of a Commission under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India to examine the demand for the inclusion of additional villages contiguous to the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) with the Council.
  • Additionally, a Special Development package of ₹500 crore each, will also be granted by the Union as well as the State Governments over a period of five years, for the all-round development of NCHAC and Dimasa people living in other parts of the State.

2. Breach of privilege probe against MP

  • The Chairman of Rajya Sabha has referred a complaint of “breach of privilege” to a committee against an MP for alleged “disrespectful” remarks made against the Chair.
  • The committee has been asked to investigate and report the matter, while no deadline has been mentioned.

Read about – Breach of Privilege

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With respect to Manufactured sand (M-Sand), which of the following statements 
is/are correct? (Level – Moderate)
  1. Manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by crushing.
  2. M-Sand may contain larger quantities of microfine particles than natural sand.

Options:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct, Manufactured sand (M-Sand), also known as artificial sand, is made from hard granite or quarry stones.
    • Hard stones are crushed into uneven sand-sized angular-shaped particles to produce M-Sand.
  • Statement 2 is correct, M-Sand contains larger quantities of microfine particles than natural sand due to its manufacturing process.
    • The presence of microfine particles may affect the strength and workability of M-Sand.  
Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to Breach of Privilege: (Level – Moderate)
  1. The powers, privileges and immunities of either House of the Indian Parliament and of its Members and committees are laid down in Article 105 of the Constitution.
  2. A member of the House can raise a question involving a breach of privilege with the consent of the whip of the Political Party.
  3. A person found guilty of breach of privileges or contempt can be reprimanded, warned or sent to prison.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct, Article 105 of the Indian Constitution mentions powers, privileges and immunities of the Houses of Parliament and of the members and committees thereof.
  • Statement 2 is not correct, A member of the House can raise a question involving a breach of privilege with the consent of the Speaker or the Chairperson of the House.
  • Statement 3 is correct, A person found guilty of breach of privileges or contempt can be reprimanded, warned or sent to prison. 
Q3. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect with respect to Mount 
Annapurna? (Level – Difficult)
  1. It is a mountain situated in the Annapurna mountain range of Gandaki Province, north-central Nepal.
  2. It is the tenth-highest mountain in the world.

Options:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct, Annapurna is a mountain situated in the Annapurna mountain range of Gandaki Province, north-central Nepal. 
  • Statement 2 is correct, It is the tenth-highest mountain in the world at 8,091 metres above sea level and is known for the difficulty and danger involved in its ascent.
Q4. 'Rapid Security Forces', recently seen in news, is related to which amongst the 
following countries? (Level – Easy)
  1. Iran
  2. Israel
  3. Sudan
  4. Syria
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • The Rapid Support Forces are paramilitary forces operated by the Government of Sudan.
  • Although formally established in 2013, the RSF can trace its roots to the Janjaweed militias, which is a group of Arab tribes primarily based in western Sudan.
  • They were first armed and organised in the early 1980s to help the government expand its influence in neighbouring civil-war-torn Chad.
Q5. Consider the following statements: (Level – Moderate) [PYQ (2008)]
  1. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer was the Chief Justice of India.
  2. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer is considered as one of the progenitors of public interest litigation (PIL) in the Indian judicial system.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is not correct, Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer was an Indian judge who reformed the Indian criminal justice system and is regarded as a pioneer of judicial activism.
    • Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer served as a Kerala High Court Judge and Supreme Court Judge. However, he has not been appointed as the Chief Justice of India.
  • Statement 2 is correct, Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer along with Justice P.N. Bhagwati are considered the pioneers of the concept of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Indian judicial system.
    • PIL refers to a litigation filed in a court of law, for the protection of “Public Interest”. 
    • Any matter where the interest of the public at large is affected can be redressed by filing a Public Interest Litigation in a court of law such as Pollution, Terrorism, Road safety, Constructional hazards, etc.

CNA 28 April 2023:- Download PDF Here

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