01 Feb 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

01 February 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. NCTE awaits the Education Ministry's nod to roll out the National Mission 
for Mentoring across India
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. What makes the India-France strategic partnership tick
2. Finding light in Myanmar’s darkness
F. Prelims Facts
1. SC directs ‘institutionalisation’ of environmental regulators, says their 
scrutiny ‘felt to be insufficient’
2. Elon Musk says first human has received Neuralink implant
3. Core sector output growth slowed to a 14 month low in December
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

2. Finding light in Myanmar’s darkness

Syllabus: GS-2, India and its Neighbourhood- Relations

Mains: Impact on India-Myanmar relations in the backdrop of domestic development in Myanmar

Context: Myanmar grapples with post-coup turmoil as the military faces resistance. The National Unity Government and ethnic groups challenge the regime.

Historical Context and Nation-Building Challenges:

  • Myanmar’s historical struggles with nation-building, exacerbated by incomplete efforts during British colonial rule.
  • Decades of military rule further complicated the situation, leading to the recent coup.

Triangular Power Struggle:

  • Three key players: Political class (National Unity Government), Ethnic armed organizations, and the Military (Tatmadaw).
  • The National Unity Government (NUG) operates underground and asserts its vision of a ‘federal democratic union.’
  • Ethnic armed groups, like the Three Brotherhood Alliance, have inflicted significant losses on the military.

Military’s Dismal Situation:

  • The Tatmadaw faces widespread opposition, seen as both a usurper and oppressor.
  • Failures against resistance have weakened morale, leading to discontent within the military.
  • Speculations about potential leadership changes within the Tatmadaw.

International Community’s Challenges:

  • International efforts, including those by the UN, ASEAN, and neighbouring countries, have failed to bring about reconciliation.
  • The military’s reluctance to adhere to ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus hampers regional hopes for a settlement.

India’s Policy Adjustments and Considerations

  • Evolution of India’s Approach:
    • India’s historical policy of maintaining cordial relations with Myanmar while supporting democracy.
    • Need for a policy review due to increased divisiveness and violence post-coup.
  • Border Security Concerns and Refugee Inflow:
    • Rising refugee inflow into Mizoram and Manipur prompts border fencing.
    • Increased activism of anti-India insurgents along the border impacts Manipur’s security.
    • Reconsideration of the 2018 India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime agreement.
  • Engagement with Resistance:
    • Establishment of communication links with resistance components like Chin National Army and Arakan Army.
    • Recognition of key stakeholders gaining the upper hand in battles against the military.
  • Peace Initiatives and Diplomacy:
    • Strong message for the cessation of violence and restoration of normalcy to both the government and the resistance.
    • Consideration of convening a Peace Conclave involving Quad member states and the ASEAN Troika for an evaluation and offering practical assistance.
    • Emphasis on the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, seen as holding the key to a better future.

Nut Graf: Amid Myanmar’s post-coup chaos, a power struggle unfolds between the military, the National Unity Government and ethnic groups. As India adapts policies due to border security and insurgency challenges, the international community grapples with failed reconciliation efforts, leaving the nation in turmoil.

F. Prelims Facts

1. SC directs ‘institutionalisation’ of environmental regulators, says their scrutiny ‘felt to be insufficient’

Context: 

In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of India highlighted concerns regarding the efficacy of various regulatory bodies tasked with safeguarding the environment, forests, and wildlife. 

Issue: 

  • The Court noted a perceived inadequacy in their oversight, prompting doubts about their effectiveness. 
  • Led by Justice B.R. Gavai, a three-judge Bench emphasized the need for more robust scrutiny in these matters, citing a lack of confidence-inspiring measures within existing regulatory frameworks. 
  • The verdict, endorsing a government notification, established a permanent Central Empowered Committee to replace an ad hoc panel that had been in place for two decades. 

Significance: 

The Supreme Court’s judgment underscores the critical need for enhanced oversight and efficacy in environmental protection measures, addressing concerns about the existing regulatory mechanisms’ effectiveness. The establishment of a permanent Central Empowered Committee reflects a significant step towards bolstering environmental governance and ensuring more robust scrutiny in safeguarding India’s ecology, forests, and wildlife.

3. Core sector output growth slowed to a 14 month low in December

Context: In December, India’s core sectors encountered a significant slowdown, recording a 3.8% growth, marking a 14-month low compared to the 8.3% growth a year prior and the revised 7.9% growth in November 2023. 

About:

  • Electricity generation declined to an eight-month low of 0.6%, while crude oil output contracted for the second consecutive month, plunging by 1%.
  • Despite these setbacks, the Index of Core Industries (ICI) witnessed a 5.9% increase over November levels, reaching a nine-month peak in actual output levels.
  • Coal production, although slower at 10.6% growth, hit its highest level since April 2023. 
  • Refinery products and steel output also peaked since April, although growth rates slowed notably.
  • Cement production rebounded from November’s decline to expand by 1.3% in December, reaching production levels not seen since July. 
  • Economists anticipate a modest uptick of 2%-3% in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for December, with official figures awaited on February 12.

Significance:

The fluctuations in key sectors like electricity generation, crude oil output, and coal production underscore the need for targeted interventions and policy measures to stimulate industrial activity and bolster economic recovery efforts.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:
  1. In 2001, the British Economist Jim O’Neill coined the term BRIC to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
  2. Argentina is all set to join BRICS in 2024.
  3. The chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any one
  2. Any two
  3. All three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • The term “BRIC” was coined by Jim O’Neill in 2001 to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. 
  • The second statement is incorrect. Argentina is not set to join BRICS in 2024. As of the latest information available, Argentina has declined membership in the BRICS group.
  • The third statement is correct. The chairmanship of the BRICS forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym BRICS.
Q2. Consider the following statements:
  1. India has a permanent research station called Himadri, in Ny-Ålesund in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic region since 2008.
  2. India is only the fourth country in the world, after Germany, Italy and Norway, to have a year-round scientific presence in the Arctic region.
  3. India holds the position of Observer in the Arctic Council.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any one
  2. Any two
  3. All three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • India has maintained a permanent research station named Himadri in Ny-Ålesund, situated in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic region since 2008. 
  • India is the fourth country globally, after Germany, Italy, and Norway, to have a year-round scientific presence in the Arctic region.
  • India holds the position of Observer in the Arctic Council.
  • Therefore, all three statements are correct.
Q3. Consider the following statements with regard to the 16th Finance Commission:
  1. The Sixteenth Finance Commission was constituted on 31.12.2023 with Shri Arvind Panagariya, former CEO of NITI Aayog as its Chairman.
  2. The 16th Finance Commission may review the current financing structures related to Disaster Management initiatives.
  3. The recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission are valid up to the financial year 2024-25.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any 1
  2. Any 2
  3. All 3
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

Explanation:

  • The Sixteenth Finance Commission was constituted on 31.12.2023 with Shri Arvind Panagariya as its Chairman, former vice-chairman of NITI Aayog.
  • The 16th Finance Commission may review the current financing structures related to Disaster Management initiatives. This is in line with the broader mandate of the Finance Commission to review various aspects of fiscal management.
  • The third statement is incorrect. The Sixteenth Finance Commission has been tasked with presenting its recommendations by October 31, 2025.
Q4. Consider the following statements with regard to the Union Budget:
  1. The fiscal deficit is essentially the amount of borrowing that the government is forced to have when it can’t meet all its expenses with its income.
  2. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act of 2003 stated that the fiscal deficit of the union government should not exceed 3.5% of GDP.
  3. Comparing Res (Revised Estimates) with the Bes (Budget Estimates) for the same financial year provides a good understanding of how far the government came through on its promise (or assertion) well before the start of the financial year.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any 1
  2. Any 2
  3. All 3
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct: Fiscal deficit represents the amount of borrowing required by the government when its total expenditures exceed its total revenue and non-debt capital receipts. This deficit is typically financed through borrowing from various sources.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act of 2003 originally aimed to reduce the fiscal deficit of the central government to 3% of GDP by March 31, 2008. 
  • Statement 3 is correct: Comparing Revised Estimates (RE) with Budget Estimates (BE) provides insight into how accurately the government predicted its revenue and expenditure for the fiscal year. It helps in assessing the government’s fiscal management and forecasting abilities. 
Q5. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment by
  1. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen
  2. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
  3. Ozone and carbon dioxide
  4. Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: 

Acid rain is primarily caused by the emission of pollutants such as nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. These gasses are released from industrial activities, vehicles, and the burning of fossil fuels. When nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide react with water vapour, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere, they form nitric acid and sulphuric acid, respectively. These acidic compounds then mix with precipitation, such as rain, snow, or fog, and fall to the ground, leading to acid rain. 

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