01 Dec 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

E. Editorials

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Changing tide in Myanmar

Syllabus: GS-2, India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Mains: India-Myanmar relations in the backdrop of the coup and aftermath

Context: Escalating civil war in Myanmar challenges junta post-coup as opposition militias gain ground.

Escalating Challenges for the Tatmadaw in Myanmar’s Civil War

• Shifting Dynamics: The civil war in Myanmar has taken a significant turn since the February 2021 coup by the Tatmadaw, resulting in the ousting of the National League for Democracy-led government.
• Recent Developments: The Three Brotherhood Alliance (TBA) launched coordinated attacks in late October, causing setbacks for the ruling junta. These assaults have led to the loss of numerous bases, stretching the Tatmadaw’s forces as they confront opposition militias, particularly in rural areas.
• Formation of Opposition: Responding to the coup, the National League for Democracy and its allies formed a National Unity Government (NUG) in exile. They established rebel militias known as the Peoples’ Defense Forces, joined by ethnic groups like Karen, Kachin, Chin, and Karenni, challenging the junta’s authority.
• TBA’s Role: Previously maintaining a ceasefire status, members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, including the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and the Arakan Army, have now entered the conflict, weakening the junta’s hold in northern Shan State and escalating hostilities in Rakhine State.

International Response: 

• Global Stance: While most international actors have condemned the coup, few have fully supported the NUG. The European Parliament stands out by recognizing the NUG as Myanmar’s legitimate government.
• India’s Approach: India, while advocating for democratic reforms, has cautiously engaged with the junta to counterbalance China’s influence in Myanmar. This strategic approach influenced India’s decision to allow junta soldiers fleeing violence in Chin State into Mizoram, facilitating their return through the Moreh border.

Reassessing Ties and Prospects for Myanmar’s Future:

• Junta’s Actions: Despite the NUG gaining increased legitimacy and the potential for a more democratic and federal Myanmar, the junta has resorted to oppressive tactics, including bombing civilian targets, to suppress resistance.
• Need for Reevaluation: Given these developments, there’s a growing need for countries like India to reassess their ties with the junta and reconsider their stance in support of a democratic Myanmar.

Nut Graf: Amid Myanmar’s post-coup civil war escalation, the Three Brotherhood Alliance’s attacks challenge the ruling junta. Global condemnation contrasts with India’s cautious engagement to counter China’s sway. As the junta resorts to harsh tactics, India grapples with a dilemma in its stance.

2. Is the emerging global order bipolar?

Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests

Mains: Evolving Global order and choices India has in an emerging bipolar order

Context: The debate revolves around an emerging bipolar order amid U.S.-China rivalry, Russia’s alliances, India’s choices, and global conflict concerns.

Overview of the Global Order:

• The current global order is characterized by significant disruptions, including China’s rapid rise, superpower competition between the U.S. and China, Russia challenging European security, and conflicts in West Asia.
• The emergence of middle powers like India adds complexity to the global balance of power.

Perspectives on Global Order:

• Debates exist on whether the global order is economically multipolar but militarily unipolar, or if it reflects a return to bipolar rivalry between the U.S. and China.
• The world is described as experiencing asymmetric bipolarity, with the U.S. remaining preeminent but China closing in rapidly, alongside other emerging power centres.

Impact of China’s Rise:

• China’s economic and military rise over the past four decades has been unprecedented, significantly influencing the international order.
• China’s economic leverage, controlled by a single party and leader, contributes to the redefinition of global order.

Russia’s Alignment with China:

• Economic sanctions imposed on Russia led to a closer alignment with China, but underlying mistrust persists, especially concerning the balance of power in Central Asia.
• Russia seeks to diversify its relationships, including a renewed focus on ties with India through strategic corridors.

India’s Diplomatic Challenges:

• India maintains good ties with the U.S. and Russia but faces a testy relationship with China.
• The intensification of great power competition between China, the U.S., and Russia may limit India’s diplomatic options but does not necessarily lead to a rigid bipolar system.

India’s Strategic Approach towards China:

• Acknowledgement of China as a long-term competitor in Asia and recognition of power asymmetry.
• Focus on enhancing comprehensive national power, economic growth, military modernization, and disruptive technologies.
• Emphasis on internal balancing to address societal fault lines and external balancing to perpetuate China’s two-front dilemma.

Global Security Situation:

• Wars in Eastern Europe (Ukraine-Russia conflict) and West Asia (Israel-Hamas conflict) have heightened global awareness.
• Consideration of political factors, such as U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel, driven by political compulsions and historical alliances.
• Deeper concerns about the role of the military-industrial complex in perpetuating violence and conflicts worldwide.

Nut Graf: Examining the global order’s trajectory, the debate centres on whether a bipolar system is emerging. Amidst U.S.-China competition, Russia’s alliances, and India’s strategic choices, the analysis navigates evolving power dynamics, potential conflicts, and the intricate interplay shaping the complex geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.
Category: POLITY

1. The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill

Syllabus: GS-2, Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies

Mains: Provisions of  Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill and challenges associated with it

Evolution of Broadcasting Regulation: A Timeline

• 1997: The Genesis of Broadcasting Regulation
  • Introduction of the Broadcasting Bill, aiming to establish a regulatory framework for cable and satellite broadcasting during the sector’s infancy.
• 2007: The Previous Attempt
  • The Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill made efforts to regulate broadcasting comprehensively.
• 2023: Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill
  • The latest iteration in the continuous endeavour to regulate broadcasting in an integrated manner.

Positive Aspects of the Current Bill:

• Subscriber Data and Audits: Requires broadcasting entities to maintain subscriber data and undergo external audits for transparency.
• Audience Measurement and Transparency: Seeks a methodology for audience measurement and data sale, enhancing transparency in the cable and satellite TV business.
• Inclusion of Private Actors in Terrestrial Broadcasting: Encourages competition for state broadcasters like Doordarshan but raises concerns about potentially diminishing supplier diversity.

Concerns and Apprehensions:

• Inclusion of OTT Content Suppliers: Expanding the definition of broadcasting services to include OTT content suppliers, sparking jurisdictional conflicts between ministries.
• Impact on News Media: Constricts conditions for journalists and news outlets not affiliated with large television networks, potentially limiting their professional pursuits.
• Content Evaluation Committee: Mandating an internal body for self-certification of news programming, raising feasibility, cost, and desirability concerns.

Silent Aspects and Key Omissions:

• Ownership Issues: Silence on cross-media and vertical ownership, impacting supplier diversity and viewpoints in the news marketplace.
• Absence of an Independent Broadcast Regulator: Lack of provisions for an independent regulator; instead, proposing a ‘Broadcast Advisory Council’ raises autonomy and capacity concerns.

Government Empowerment and Intrusive Measures:

• Inspecting Broadcasters and Impounding Equipment: Empowers the government to inspect broadcasters without prior intimation and impound their equipment.
• Violation Consequences: Violations lead to content deletion or modification, transmission cessation, and broad government leeway to curtail broadcasting in the “public interest.”

Conclusion: The Bill’s evolution needs to address omissions, revise intrusive measures, and refine positive provisions to safeguard press freedom and diversity in broadcasting.

Nut Graf: The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill strives to overhaul broadcasting regulations. While introducing transparency measures and permitting private actors in terrestrial broadcasting, it raises concerns regarding OTT inclusion, limitations on news outlets, and lack provisions for ownership scrutiny and an independent regulator, necessitating careful refinement for press freedom protection.

F. Prelims Facts

G. Tidbits

1. Henry Kissinger

• Recently declassified documents reveal that during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, U.S. President Richard Nixon and National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger broke the U.S. arms ban on Pakistan.
• The declassified documents were released by the National Security Archive of the U.S. to mark Kissinger’s death and shed light on the 13 crucial days in December 1971.
• Documents from December 4, 1971, show that the U.S. administration believed the war began with India attacking Pakistan, and President Yahya Khan urgently appealed for military help.
• Kissinger suggested providing assistance through countries like Iran or Jordan, expressing concern about India overwhelming Pakistan.
• Nixon endorsed the idea, emphasising the need to prevent India from defeating Pakistan.
• The revelations shed light on the internal U.S. discussions during the 1971 war, including Nixon’s concerns about U.S. bureaucracy supporting India and efforts to crack down on it.
• The declassified documents include the “Blood Telegram” from the U.S. Consul-General Archer Blood in Dhaka, which criticised the U.S. silence on the genocidal violence in East Pakistan.

2. X-ray Polarimeter Satellite

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch its first X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) to investigate the polarisation of intense X-ray sources.
• XPoSat represents a significant addition to space-based X-ray astronomy in India, introducing a novel dimension to X-ray studies.
• The satellite will be launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the launch date yet to be disclosed.
• XPoSat is designed for observation from a low Earth orbit, carrying two scientific payloads capable of simultaneous studies of temporal, spectral, and polarisation features of bright X-ray sources.
• The primary payload, POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays), will measure polarimetry parameters in the medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV, while the secondary payload, XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing), provides spectroscopic information within the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
• The mission objectives include measuring X-ray polarisation and conducting long-term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources.
• XPoSat’s mission life is expected to be approximately five years.

2. Exercise Milan

• The Indian Navy is preparing for its largest multilateral exercise, “Exercise Milan,” scheduled for February 2024, with the participation of over 50 countries.
• The exercise reflects the significant expansion of the Navy’s engagements and capacity to assist countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as the first responder and Preferred Security Partner.
• India conducts 17 multilateral and 20 bilateral exercises annually, showcasing its commitment to maintaining strong defence ties and fostering interoperability in the IOR.
• India has expanded assistance in capacity building to regional countries, offering platforms, training, and deploying Mobile Training Teams (MTT) overseas for capacity development.
• The Indian Navy has trained over 15,000 personnel from over 40 countries in the IOR to date.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), 
consider the following statements:

1. TRAI is a statutory body established by an act of Parliament to regulate telecommunications services.
2. Its Chairperson is appointed by the Government of India.
3. Its recommendations are binding on the Central Government.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one  
2. Only two  
3. All three  
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b
Explanation: TRAI is a statutory body regulating telecommunications. The recommendations of the TRAI are not binding upon the Central Government.

Q2. With reference to the Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund, which of the following 
statements is/are incorrect?

1. The Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund aims to address the impacts of climate change by compensating countries already affected.
2. The Fund will be based at the World Bank and managed directly by the World Bank’s secretariat.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: The Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund aims to compensate countries affected by climate change, and it will be based at the World Bank but managed by an independent secretariat.

Q3. Consider the following statements, with reference to Exercise Milan:

1. Exercise Milan is an annual multilateral exercise initiated in 1995.
2. The upcoming edition of Exercise Milan is scheduled for February 2024, with over 50 countries expected to participate.
3. The Indian Air Force conducts Exercise Milan, making it the largest multilateral exercise held by India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one  
2. Only two  
3. All three  
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: Exercise Milan is a biennial multilateral naval exercise initiated in 1995. The upcoming edition is scheduled for February 2024, with the Indian Navy conducting it, involving over 50 participating countries.

Q4.With reference to the Indian Space Research Organisation's X-ray Polarimeter 
Satellite (XPoSat), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. XPoSat is designed for observation from a high earth orbit.
2. The mission objectives include measuring X-ray polarisation and conducting short-term spectral studies of cosmic X-ray sources.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d 

Explanation: XPoSat is designed for observation from a low earth orbit, and the mission objectives include measuring X-ray polarisation and conducting long-term spectral studies of cosmic X-ray sources.

Q5.“This indigenously developed multi-role attack helicopter is designed and developed by 
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). It has been customised as per Indian armed forces’ 
requirements to operate in both desert terrains and high-altitude sectors. 
It is capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 metres which makes it 
ideal to operate in Siachen glacier. It can fire air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles 
and destroy enemy air defence systems.”

Which one of the following describes the key capabilities of which helicopter, recently ordered by the Indian armed forces?

1. Apache AH-64E
2. Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’
3. Rudra attack helicopter
4. Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: The passage describes the customised features and offensive capabilities of the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. “Evaluate the recent developments in Myanmar and its impact on India. (250 words, 15 marks) (General Studies – II, International Relations)​​​
2. Examine the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill in detail. (250 words, 15 marks)(GS II – Polity)​

Read previous CNA articles here.​