02 Dec 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
ENVIRONMENT
1. India offers to host COP-33
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ENVIRONMENT
1. Loss & Damage Fund
GOVERNANCE
1. Improving the capability of the Indian State
F. Prelims Facts
1. Governor cannot refer re-enacted bills to President, says SC
2. India at Interpol meet
3. UAE announces $30 billion fund to boost climate investments
4. Philippines sets up new monitoring base in South China Sea
5. Chinese projects in Vietnam & Sierra Leone
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Improving the capability of the Indian State

Syllabus: GS-2, Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors, Issues arising out of design and implementation of government intervention

Mains: Improving the capability of the Indian State

Context:​ The Indian state grapples with a paradox—being too expansive yet relatively small in key metrics.

• Complex regulatory frameworks hinder business and civic activities, creating uncertainties for citizens.
• The state’s size, as indicated by civil servant per capita and public sector employment, raises concerns about adequacy in addressing societal needs.

Issues:

• Bureaucratic Red Tape:
  • Licences, permits, clearances, and permissions create a challenging bureaucratic environment for businesses and citizens.
  • The labyrinth of regulations poses obstacles to ease of doing business and adherence to the law.
• Size Discrepancy:
  • India’s civil servants per capita is the smallest in the G-20, impacting the state’s effectiveness.
  • The public sector’s share in total employment and key service sectors is significantly lower compared to other countries.
• Resource Scarcity:
  • India faces a scarcity of essential public goods, welfare provisions, and the justice system.
  • The state’s limited capability results in outsourcing services, impacting critical sectors like primary health.

Significance:

• Debate on State’s Role:
  • The debate on the state’s role oscillates between proponents advocating increased public spending and detractors calling for a smaller state.
  • Both perspectives miss the crucial role of incentives, institutional structures, and skill gaps in hindering effective governance.
• Perverse Incentives and Skill Gap:
  • Perverse incentives in public institutions and a skill gap among officials erode the ability to formulate and implement sound policies.
  • Lack of technocratic skills at top levels leads to substantial outsourcing to consultancy firms, indicating a need for internal expertise.

Solutions:

• Separation of Powers:
  • Experiences from countries like Australia, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom suggest separating policymaking and implementation responsibilities expedites execution and encourages innovations.
  • Implementation-related issues should be delegated to frontline personnel to enhance accountability.
• Lateral Entry and Skill Development:
  • Institutionalized lateral entry at mid and senior levels can bridge the civil services’ size and technocratic gap.
  • Subject-specific training under Mission Karmayogi can enhance the skill set of civil servants.
• Strengthening Oversight Agencies:
  • Increase the strength of professional staff in oversight agencies like SEBI and RBI.
  • Sensitize oversight agencies to appreciate the context of policy decisions, reducing unnecessary delays and disputes.
• Reforming Regulatory Appointments:
  • Address issues related to the appointment of retired officers to regulatory bodies and tribunals.
  • Increase the retirement age and establish an absolute upper limit for all appointments to curb political manipulation.
• Realigning Public Sector Pay:
  • Moderate pay raises by future Pay Commissions and a reduction in the upper age limit can address corruption in appointments.
  • Align public sector salaries with risk-adjusted pay in the private sector to attract intrinsically motivated individuals.

Nut Graf: Improving the capability of the Indian state requires a comprehensive approach addressing bureaucratic complexities, size discrepancies, and resource scarcities.

1. Governor cannot refer re-enacted bills to President, says SC

Context: The Tamil Nadu government criticizes Governor R.N. Ravi for referring 10 re-enacted Bills to the President after withholding assent on November 13.

• Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud asserts the Governor’s constitutional obligation to send re-passed Bills back to the Assembly.

Issues:

• Constitutional Obstinacy by Governor:
  • TN government accuses Governor Ravi of “constitutional obstinacy” for referring Bills to the President post withholding assent.
  • The Governor’s action was questioned in light of established legal principles.
• Governor’s Authority and Withheld Assent:
  • CJI Chandrachud highlights that once the Governor withholds assent, the Bills must be sent back to the Assembly under Article 200’s first provision.
  • The Governor’s attempt to refer Bills to the President was criticized as conflicting with established legal precedents.
• Interpretation of Article 200:
  • The Attorney-General argues that the Governor merely withheld assent and did not send the Bills back for reconsideration.
  • Dispute arises over the interpretation of Article 200 and the Governor’s authority in the given circumstances.

Significance:

• Legal Precedents and November 10 Judgment:
  • CJI emphasizes the Supreme Court’s November 10 judgment, settling the law that re-passed Bills must receive the Governor’s assent.
  • The significance of adherence to established legal principles for the smooth functioning of constitutional processes.
• Assembly’s Repassage and Governor’s Authority:
  • Dispute arises regarding whether the Assembly’s re-passage of Bills on November 18 was valid or futile.
  • Questions raised about the Governor’s authority to withhold consent and the Assembly’s response.

Solutions:

• Resolution through Dialogue:
  • Chief Justice suggests resolving the impasse between the Chief Minister and the Governor through dialogue.
  • Urges the Governor to engage with the Chief Minister for an amicable resolution.
• Legal Clarity on Governor’s Role:
  • Need for a clearer understanding of the Governor’s role in cases of withheld assent and re-enacted Bills.
  • Emphasis on aligning actions with constitutional provisions to avoid conflicts.

2. India at Interpol meet

Context: A high-ranking Indian delegation, led by CBI Director Praveen Sood and NIA Director-General Dinkar Gupta, addressed the 91st Interpol General Assembly.

• Urges member countries to deny safe haven to criminals, crime, and the proceeds of crime.
• Contextualized within India’s ongoing efforts to extradite or deport alleged terrorists and wanted persons from countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Issues:

• Global Extradition Challenges:
  • India faces challenges in extraditing alleged terrorists and criminals from various countries.
  • Specific reference to pro-Khalistan elements and other wanted persons.
• Safe Haven for Criminals:
  • Concerns about some nations providing safe havens for criminals and the proceeds of crime.
  • Emphasis on the need for international cooperation to prevent such safe havens.

Significance:

• Increased Cooperation and Extradition Success:
  • The year has witnessed the return of 24 criminals and fugitives wanted by Indian agencies from abroad.
  • Geo-location of 184 criminals in different countries demonstrates enhanced leveraging of Interpol channels and global collaboration.
• Interpol’s Centenary and Vision 2030:
  • The 100th anniversary of Interpol is marked by the General Assembly in Vienna.
  • India’s support for Interpol’s Vision 2030 indicates a commitment to coordinated strategies in combating transnational crime.

Solutions:

• Coordinated Strategies:
  • The delegation advocates for coordinated strategies to crack down on criminal organizations operating across international borders.
  • Urges member countries to work together to prevent the misuse of their territories for criminal activities.
• Global Adoption of Interpol’s Vision 2030:
  • India’s support for Vision 2030 indicates a collective commitment to align law enforcement efforts with evolving challenges.
  • Vision 2030 likely emphasizes technological advancements and collaboration to enhance global security.

3. UAE announces $30 billion fund to boost climate investments

Context: The UAE, host of COP-28, unveiled a significant commitment of $30 billion to the ALTÉRRA investment fund.

• ALTÉRRA, a privately managed fund chaired by COP-28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, aims to mobilize $250 billion globally by 2030.
• The fund focuses on climate investments and aims to transform emerging markets and developing economies.

Issues:

• Climate Investment Challenges:
  • Global efforts to combat climate change face financial challenges, with a significant annual requirement for emerging markets and developing economies.
  • The need for substantial investments to address climate change and meet the targets set in international agreements.
• Dual Role Criticism:
  • Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber faces criticism for holding dual roles as COP-28 President and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
  • Concerns raised about potential conflicts of interest and the ability to deliver successful outcomes at COP.

Significance:

• Financial Commitment and Global Mobilization:
  • The $30-billion commitment to ALTÉRRA signifies the UAE’s commitment to climate action and global collaboration.
  • Aims to mobilize $250 billion globally by 2030, making it the largest fund of its kind focused on climate investments.
• India’s Clean Energy Development:
  • India stands to benefit from the initial tranche, with an unspecified amount allocated for developing over 6 GW of new clean energy capacity.
  • Specific focus on establishing 1,200 MW of wind and solar projects in India, contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals.

Solutions:

• Private Capital Attraction:
  • ALTÉRRA seeks to attract private capital on a significant scale, creating a multiplier effect in climate-focused investments.
  • Aims to be a transformative solution, reflecting the COP Presidency’s Action Agenda and the UAE’s commitment to making climate finance accessible.
• Inclusive Collaboration:
  • Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber emphasizes involving a wide range of entities, including governments, the private sector, renewable energy companies, and oil and gas firms.
  • Calls for inclusive collaboration to deliver successful outcomes at COP and advance efforts to limit temperature rise.

4. Philippines sets up new monitoring base in South China Sea

Context: The Philippines inaugurates a new coast guard monitoring base on Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea.

• Plans to enhance joint patrols with the U.S. and Australia to counteract China’s actions in the strategic waterway.
• Escalation of high-seas face-offs raises concerns about a potential larger conflict involving the U.S.

Establishment of Monitoring Base:

• Location and Purpose:
  • The new monitoring base is situated on Thitu Island, occupied by Filipino forces.
  • It aims to enhance maritime surveillance and monitoring capabilities in response to increasing tensions in the South China Sea.
• Key Features:
  • The two-story centre is equipped with radar, ship-tracking systems, and other monitoring equipment.
  • Focus on monitoring China’s activities in the disputed waters and addressing maritime challenges, including sea accidents.

Expansion of Joint Patrols:

• Collaboration with the U.S. and Australia:
  • The Philippines plans to expand joint patrols with the U.S. and Australia.
  • Joint efforts intended to counter China’s perceived aggression and prevent further escalation of tensions.
• Response to China’s Actions:
  • Described as a response to China’s “pure bullying” in the South China Sea.
  • Joint patrols seen as a strategic move to assert regional security and protect Philippine interests.

Significance:

• Regional Security Strengthening:
  • The establishment of the monitoring base reflects the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening regional security in the face of escalating tensions.
  • Enhanced surveillance capabilities contribute to the proactive monitoring of maritime activities.
• Strategic Alliances:
  • Collaboration with the U.S. and Australia underscores the importance of strategic alliances in addressing geopolitical challenges.
  • Joint patrols signify a collective effort to counterbalance China’s influence in the region.

5. Chinese projects in Vietnam & Sierra Leone

Details:

• China, Vietnam weigh rail link through rare earths heartland
  • China and Vietnam are working on a possible significant upgrade of their underdeveloped rail links to boost a line that crosses Vietnam’s rare earths heartland and reaches the country’s top port in the north. The talks are part of preparations for a possible visit to Hanoi in the coming weeks by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• Sierra Leone signs MOU with China firm for Freetown bridge
  • Sierra Leone has signed a memorandum of understanding with China Road and Bridge Corporation and Atepa Group’s architectural firm to build an 8-km bridge with an estimated cost of about $1.5 billion.
  • The bridge will link the capital Freetown to the town of Lungi, which is an airport hub.

Nothing here for today!!!

Q1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Interpol:

Q2. Consider the following passage:

Q3. With reference to the Governor, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Q4. Recently in the news, where is Thitu Island located?

Q5. With reference to the ALTÉRRA, consider the following statements:

Read previous CNA articles here.​