CNA 01 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Alienation: the separation of labour from the product, process, humanity, society C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INDIAN ECONOMY 1. Solar energy is not the best option for India INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. The quest for hope in Myanmar 2. Policy folly F. Prelims Facts G. Tidbits 1. PM CARES Fund administered like PM’s National Relief Fund, HC told 2. Doval, Sullivan hold tech talks in U.S.; Jaishankar meets Nuland in Delhi 3. A.P. capital will be shifted to Vizag in a few months: Jagan H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
1. Alienation: the separation of labour from the product, process, humanity, society
Syllabus: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Human Resources.
Mains: Theory of alienation by Karl Marx, Forms of alienation and its criticism
Context
This article examines and critically evaluates the applicability of the “theory of alienation” by Karl Marx in the current situation.
Theory of alienation
- The idea of alienation was developed by a young Marx out of his study of Friedrich Hegel.
- Karl Marx explained the idea of alienation for the first time in his book “Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts”. Later, he further elaborated on the idea in his book “Capital”.
- As per Merriam-Webster dictionary, alienation refers to the withdrawal or separation of a person from an object or position of former attachment.
- However, according to Marx, alienation refers to a feeling of separation from one’s own labour and the loss of power over it.
Types of alienation
Karl Marx discussed four types of alienation, which includes:
- Alienation of the worker from their product of labour: In this form of alienation, a worker is neither involved in the design and development of a product nor has any kind of control or ownership over the product.
- Further, the worker usually does not even receive any benefit from the existence of that product other than his wages. The product hence is not made for the worker’s own use but for the purpose of producing a profit for the capitalist.
- Therefore the worker is said to be alienated from their own product of labour.
- Alienation of the worker from the process of labour: This form of alienation is closely related to alienation from the product of labour.
- As per this form of alienation, despite not being involved in design and development, the workers are often forced to work for long hours, in poor conditions, and perform repetitive tasks for low wages.
- Workers do not have control over production and are coerced to work as a means of survival.
- Alienation of the worker from his Gattungswesen (species-essence): Gattungswesen or species-essence is Marx’s definition of human nature which consists of the person’s inherent potential.
- As per this form of alienation, the worker loses his inherent identity and the opportunity for self-development.
- This often leads to psychological dissatisfaction for the worker.
- Alienation of the worker from other workers: According to this form of alienation, in a capitalist mode of production, workers become an ever-cheaper commodity the more goods they produce.
- Further, his/her mental and physical energies are exhausted due to imposed or forced work and he/she is left with no time to interact with others.
- Workers also start becoming competitive with each other in order to save their jobs.
Other perspectives on alienation
- Writers have further tried to provide a social-psychological perspective to the concept of alienation by linking it to powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, self-estrangement and social isolation.
- According to experts, there can be several causes for these forms of alienation which includes:
- Bureaucracy and organisational structures
- Lack of ownership
- Social disorganisation
- Lack of technology
- Poor management
- A few authors opine that assembly-line workers (production line workers) experience the greatest sense of alienation and workers/professionals like physicians or teachers experience the least form of alienation.
- Some authors further believe that alienation would most probably be the lowest in an organisational setup where members have control and opportunities for self-fulfilment in their roles.
- This idea of alienation is different from that of Marx as this idea is a more reformist view, whereas Marx considered it necessary to abolish private property and change social and economic structures.
- Additionally, the idea of alienation is also used in a political dimension with the alienation of the electorate being one of the key reasons for the disaffection of people over various government policies.
Criticisms
- There have been criticisms over Marx’s explanation that it was not worked out in terms of its consequences and how it might be addressed or eliminated.
- Further, the solution of communism has not yet occurred, and it cannot be expected in the near future.
- Marx’s idea of alienation has provided an overview of the labour market, and the living and working conditions of his era. However, most of those have changed significantly in modern times.
- Currently, labour laws are in place across the world which has led to a greater division of labour.
- At present, only some of the workers witness poor working conditions and not all. Furthermore, the effects of labour on different segments are dependent on the countries they live in.
- Critics also argue that the concept of Marxism focuses only on class and ignores various other key forms of segregation.
- Critics point out that Marx studied the idea of alienation only in terms of the exchange of labour and private property. However, the concept of alienation can also be related to the segregation of society based on ethnicity, race, caste and gender.
- Experts like Ricoeur have argued that since the idea of alienation is popular, it is often used in subjective experiences of estrangement diluting the scientific and analytical potential of the concept.
- The theory is also criticised by philosophers such as Althusser, for its essentialism.
- Modern-day experts also opine that Marx’s theory of alienation is underdeveloped and tentative.
- Further, according to experts, this concept of alienation suffers from the danger of paternalism.
Nut graf: The concept of alienation by Karl Marx is one of the most widely used concepts in social, political and economic theories. However, modern-day theorists believe that the concept is out of fashion in the current social and political philosophy, yet various other experts continue to understand and apply the concept in the contemporary world.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. Solar energy is not the best option for India
Syllabus: Energy – renewable energy.
Mains: Solar energy and associated concerns.
Prelims: Solar energy.
Details:
- As a consequence of external pressure for carbon limiting and the growing enthusiasm to adopt renewable energy, too much pressure has been laid on Solar Energy in India.
- However, it is argued by the author that solar energy is not the best option and has some associated misconceptions.
Also read: National Solar Mission
Misconception associated with Solar Energy:
- It is suggested that the levelised cost of solar power is coming down and is close to that of coal.
- However, it is a flawed calculation as the comparison is made at the load centre, instead of at the pithed, which costs about half that of the load centre.
- Another flaw is not comparing the like with like, as coal electricity is continuous and solar electricity is intermittent. Moreover, the cost of battery storage should also be added for solar energy.
- It is also suggested that the shadow price (or true economic value) of coal is lower than its market price because the cost of labour in mining carries a shadow price of zero (as they are unskilled workers who would be otherwise unemployed).
- Some researchers have devised certain methods that categorically make coal-based electricity unviable. For instance, quantifying the cost of carbon emission in terms of deaths due to particle (PM2.5) pollution. The number of deaths is then multiplied by a figure to arrive at the value of statistical life, which is later added to the cost of carbon.
- On the other hand, solar energy is made financially viable by leaving out storage battery cost, providing subsidies and concessions, and forcing it on industry and discoms through state policies.
Also read: Thermal Power Plants in India
Way Ahead:
- Large hydro is a better option for renewable energy as it has both low carbon and the least cost.
- Notably, the U.S. and Europe have utilized 90% and 98% of their potential, respectively. On the other hand, India has used only 15% of its hydro potential.
- Though China relies on renewable energy, it focuses more on coal and hydro. For instance, the Three Gorges project on the Yangtze is the world’s largest hydroelectric project.
- However, there are some challenges in India like the following:
- Large hydro projects in India are resisted by environmentalists.
- The National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC Limited) has been diversified to renewables, which is not its core competence.
- These issues need to be rectified at the earliest by the policymakers.
Also read: List of Largest Solar Power Plants in India (2023)
Nut Graf: There is too much pressure on solar energy in the renewable energy basket. However, many aspects are overlooked while calculating its financial viability. It is suggested that India should not give up on large hydropower and coal projects and strengthen its energy basket.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The quest for hope in Myanmar
Syllabus: Effects of policies and politics of developing countries on India’s interest.
Mains: Political Situation in Myanmar.
Context: Two years have passed since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021.
Details:
- Two years ago, in 2021 the military in Myanmar staged a coup and snatched power from the elected leaders. It derailed the limited democracy of the country, violating the 2008 constitution which the generals had given to the people.
For more information on the coup, read here: Myanmar Coup d’état 2021
Current Scenario in Myanmar:
- There are currently three camps in Myanmar:
- The military which is in power in major towns.
- The opposition called the National Unity Government (NUG) and its partners in the countryside.
- The ethnic groups on the geographic periphery. These groups are further divided into pro-military, pro-NUG, or neutral groups.
- Frequent clashes occur in several parts of Myanmar and there is widespread insecurity. The air force bombs the citizens, whereas people’s militias kill government soldiers and policemen.
- The possibility to hold dialogue is ruled out as there is no will for compromise and reconciliation between the military and the NUG. Both of them have termed each other as “terrorists”.
- Aung San Suu Kyi is serving a 33-year-long prison sentence in solitary confinement.
- Economic situation:
- There is a sharp decline in the GDP of the country.
- Poverty, unemployment, and inflation have surged.
- Furthermore, the currency is witnessing a free fall.
Global Response:
- According to western countries, it is a direct cause of a repressive and power-hungry army suppressing the citizens and depriving them of their democratic rights. They condemned the act of the military at the United Nations (UN), imposed sanctions against the junta, and provide material assistance to the opposition.
- The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2669 on 21st December 2022, expressing deep concern about the situation and urging the release of all political prisoners. There were abstentions only by China, Russia, and India. Despite this rare unity, the UN has failed to move the military.
- ASEAN with UN support is keen to play the role of mediator in Myanmar, but the Myanmar government refuses to cooperate with ASEAN. ASEAN’s ‘Five-Point Consensus’ formula as a way out was accepted by Myanmar in April 2021, but it was refused later.
- It should also be noted that ASEAN itself is suffering from internal disturbances and the new chair (Indonesia) realizes its limitations in handling the issue.
- China and Russia are strengthening their cooperation with the Myanmar government. Due to western sanctions on Russia, it has found a willing partner in Myanmar’s generals who need Russian arms, training, and political support. China also has extensive interest in the region ranging from economic to strategic domains.
India’s Stand:
- India desires a stable and prosperous Myanmar where democracy flourishes. However, its policy of dealing with the government of the day forces it to carry out business with the generals, discomforting the NUG.
- India also has security and economic interests. For instance, it needs assistance to tackle the Indian insurgent groups sheltered in Myanmar; handling its mega infrastructure projects requires the authorities’ cooperation; etc. Moreover, it aims to regulate China’s influence in Myanmar.
- India is in a dilemma, as India’s Myanmar experts offer contradictory advice:
- One group wants India to work with the present-day government.
- However, the other group advocates cooperating with the NUG and the ethnic groups. It also wants India to play the role of mediator.
- India has limited options and it believes that as the root cause of the political problem lies on Myanmar’s soil, it should be solved by the leadership of Myanmar.
Conclusion:
The elections in Myanmar are due in August 2023. The possibility of holding free and fair elections is grim because of the various challenges like the opposition’s plan to disrupt it, the credibility of the elections itself, and the response of the military to the elections.
Also read: India-Myanmar Relations
Nut Graf: Myanmar is witnessing serious issues both in its polity and economy after the 2021 coup. The global response is also varied and there is no hope for a better situation in the near future. It is advised that the matter should be solved through dialogue and compromise among the leadership of the country.
2. Policy folly
Syllabus: Effects of policies and politics of developing countries on India’s interest.
Mains: Pakistan’s approach to dealing with terrorism.
Context: Peshawar blast on 30th January 2023.
Details:
- Pakistan supported the Taliban capture of Kabul in August 2021 citing that “Afghanistan had broken the shackles of slavery”. It was considered to be one of the victors of the Afghan Civil War.
- Notably, Pakistan harboured the Taliban leadership in the past.
- However, post the Taliban’s triumph, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Pakistani version of the Sunni Islamist insurgency was also emboldened.
- As a result, terrorist attacks in Pakistan increased, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan.
- 30th January’s blast in a mosque in Peshawar’s highly fortified Police Line area claimed nearly 100 lives. It was the deadliest attack in the past few years and was a stark reminder of how Pakistan’s strategy of supporting the “good Taliban” and fighting the “bad Taliban” has backfired.
- Initially, a TTP faction claimed responsibility for the attack, but later a spokesperson denied its role. This shows the divisions within the group. It is found that the blast was a TTP attack as it took place in its stronghold and no other group has claimed responsibility.
- Despite the organizational difference between the TTP and the Afghan Taliban, they are ideologically the same.
- The Pakistan Army cracked down on the group after the 2014 Peshawar school bombing (which killed nearly 150 people). But post the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the dynamics of insurgency in the border region changed again.
- A policy of engagement of TTP was adopted by the government and the Afghan Taliban hosted talks between the TTP and Pakistan which led to a ceasefire.
- The year-long truce collapsed in November 2022. It is believed by many that the TTP used the ceasefire to rearm and reorganize and is now spreading terror with greater power.
- The Peshawar blast has come at a time of great political instability in Pakistan. Currently, the currency is falling, foreign reserves are depleting, inflation is rising and the power situation remains grim.
- The attack has further created a security challenge for the country.
Also read: International Relations This Week: Episode 69
Future Course of Action:
- Pakistan should realize that its policy of selectively harbouring terrorism and extremism has done more harm than good to the country.
- A paradigm shift is required in its approach toward terrorism. It should target TTP that poses an internal security threat.
Also read: UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS)
Nut Graf: The Peshawar terrorist attack has once again highlighted the flaws in Pakistan’s strategy of supporting terrorism. This has worsened the situation in the country which is already reeling under political and economic instability. It is thus suggested that Pakistan should revisit its approach and take appropriate measures.
F. Prelims Facts
Nothing here for today!!!
G. Tidbits
1. PM CARES Fund administered like PM’s National Relief Fund, HC told
- The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has told the Delhi High Court that the PM CARES Fund is administered in a similar pattern as that of the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) as both are chaired by the Prime Minister.
- The PMO has held that the PM CARES Fund, which was created in 2020 in the wake of the COVID pandemic, cannot be considered a government fund as the donations to it do not flow into the Consolidated Fund of India.
- The PMO has further added that the PM CARES Fund has been created as a “Public Charitable Trust,” and no third-party information can be parted with irrespective of its status.
- Petitions have been filed in the courts of India seeking to declare the PM CARES Fund a “State” under the Constitution and also to declare PM CARES as a “public authority” under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Learn more about – Difference between PMNRF and PM CARES Fund
2. Doval, Sullivan hold tech talks in U.S.; Jaishankar meets Nuland in Delhi
- National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval met his U.S. counterpart, Jake Sullivan, and other senior officials of the US during the inaugural edition of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) dialogue.
- The iCET dialogue was announced during the meeting between the Indian Prime Minister and the U.S. President at the Quad meeting held in Tokyo in May 2022.
- The iCET dialogue is being run by the National Security Councils of India and the US.
- The iCET dialogue is expected to focus mainly on various means to remove barriers in technology transfers and co-production in the domains of critical and emerging technologies.
- The iCET dialogue meetings coincided with the visit of the U.S. Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland to Delhi where she met the Indian External Affairs Minister and the Foreign Secretary.
- In recent times, there has been a lot of deliberation between the two counties on deepening the U.S.-India strategic relationships, collaborating on various global challenges and issues, and on significant developments in the South Asian, Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific Regions.
- Further, various initiatives such as the Quad, I2U2, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative which showcase common strategic interests have been introduced in recent years.
3. A.P. capital will be shifted to Vizag in a few months: Jagan
- The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh announced that the State capital would be shifted to Visakhapatnam.
- This announcement has assumed significance as several petitions on the capital issue are pending in the Supreme Court.
- The State Government had moved to the Supreme Court after the High Court rejected the three-capital plan of the current Government in the State.
- The High Court had said that Amaravati should be developed as the State capital, as proposed by the previous State Government.
For more information on this issue, refer to the following article:
UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis dated 04 Mar 2022
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following is/are a part of the grouping Quad? (Level – Easy)
- UK
- Australia
- USA
- India
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 and 4
- 2 and 3
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) or QUAD Group is an informal strategic forum comprising India, Japan, Australia and the USA.
Q2. Which of the following is/are true? (Level – Moderate)
- A depreciating rupee is beneficial for domestic importers.
- If the Balance of Payment is negative, the depreciating rupee can cause inflation.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The depreciation of the rupee is bad for importers because the imported goods and services would have become more expensive.
- Statement 2 is correct, If the Balance of Payment is negative, currency depreciation tends to cause inflation because imports become more expensive.
Q3. Which of the following is/are true about the National Security Council? (Level – Moderate)
- The National Security Council is presided over by the Prime Minister of India.
- It has a 3-tier structure.
- It is an executive office under the PMO.
Options:
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The National Security Advisor (NSA) presides over the National Security Council (NSC).
- Statement 2 is correct, India’s National Security Council (NSC) is a three-tiered structure. The three tiers are comprised of:
- Strategic Policy Group
- National Security Advisory Board
- Secretariat represented by the Joint Intelligence Committee
- Statement 3 is correct, National Security Council (NSC) is an executive office within the PMO.
Q4. The International Court of Justice is: (Level – Easy)
- An organ of the UN
- An independent global body
- OECD’s highest court of justice
- World Bank’s arbitration arm
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN).
- It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the UN and began work in April 1946.
- The seat of the Court is in the Hague, the Netherlands.
Q5. Which of the following is/are famous Sun Temples? (Level – Difficult) (PYQ 2017)
- Arasavalli
- Amarkantak
- Omkareshwar
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Arasavalli Sun Temple is a temple located in Andhra Pradesh.
- Amarkantak temple in Madhya Pradesh is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Omkareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in Madhya Pradesh.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Pakistan is facing a grave internal security crisis along with a serious economic challenge. Examine its implications for the South Asia region. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS II – International Relations)
- Evaluate the merits and demerits of solar energy. Is it the right alternative for India to switch to clean renewable energy? (250 words, 15 marks) (GS III – Infrastructure: Energy)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 01 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
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