07 Feb 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

B. GS 2 Related

Category: POLITY

1. Understanding the delimitation exercise

Syllabus: Indian Constitution – Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Mains: Delimitation Issues

Introduction:

The delimitation of constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is a crucial process governed by Articles 82 and 170 of the Constitution. It involves defining seat numbers, boundaries, and reserved seats based on census data.

Postponements and Issues:

• The 2021 Census postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent delays pose challenges for the delimitation process.
• The frozen seat numbers since the 1971 Census aimed to control population growth but have led to disparities among states.
• Models like the U.S. and the EU reallocate seats based on population shifts, ensuring fairness in representation. 
• However, India’s delimitation faces complexities due to its democratic and federal structure.

Proposed Solutions:

To maintain democratic principles while addressing population dynamics, capping Lok Sabha seats at 543 while increasing MLAs per state aligns with current needs. Additionally, empowering local bodies strengthens grassroots democracy.

Read more on the delimitation commission in the link.

Conclusion:

Balancing democracy and federalism in India’s delimitation process requires innovative solutions. Rangarajan. R, a former IAS officer, advocates for reforms to ensure equitable representation and strengthen democratic institutions at all levels.

Nut graf: There are complexities in India’s delimitation process such as the 2021 Census postponement and frozen seat numbers since 1971. Proposed solutions include capping Lok Sabha seats at 543, increasing MLAs per state, and empowering local bodies to strengthen grassroots democracy.

E. Editorials

Category: POLITY

1. A Travesty

Syllabus: GS-2, Indian Constitution – Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Mains: Election Issues

Introduction: The recent Chandigarh mayoral election has stirred controversy following allegations of ballot tampering and electoral manipulation. 

Supreme Court’s Response:

The Supreme Court of India intervened after reviewing footage of the electoral process, expressing shock at the presiding officer’s actions, which it deemed a “mockery of democracy.” The court’s decisive move to order the examination of ballots and records reflects its commitment to upholding the integrity of elections.

Allegations and Consequences:

Opposition parties have raised concerns about the election’s fairness. Allegations of cross-voting and irregularities in ballot counting have fueled suspicion surrounding the entire electoral process.

Implications for Democracy:

• The controversy surrounding the Chandigarh mayoral election raises significant questions about the sanctity of democratic processes. 
• The possibility of election manipulation undermines public trust in the electoral system and challenges the fundamental principles of democracy.
• With the integrity of the election in question, there are growing calls for justice and accountability.
• Many advocate for the invalidation of the election results and the conduct of a fresh, transparent election with robust safeguards against manipulation.
• The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the need for transparency and accountability in electoral processes across the country.

Conclusion:

As the investigation into the Chandigarh mayoral election unfolds, it highlights the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding democratic principles. The outcome of this controversy will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of electoral integrity in India.

Nut graf: The Chandigarh mayoral election controversy involves allegations of ballot tampering and electoral manipulation, prompting Supreme Court intervention. The incident underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and the judiciary’s role in upholding democratic principles in India’s electoral processes.

1. Rajya Sabha passes Bills to include Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of Odisha, A.P. in ST lists

Context: The Rajya Sabha approved two significant bills, the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order Amendment Bill, 2024, and the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order Amendment Bill, 2024. 

About: The amendments pave the way for the addition of new communities to Odisha’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list and the incorporation of synonyms and phonetic variations of existing tribes in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Seven Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) received recognition, enhancing their representation in official records.

Significance: The bipartisan support for these bills underscores their importance in upholding the rights and identities of tribal communities. These amendments signify a proactive step towards ensuring equitable representation and protection for India’s diverse tribal population.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. The Treaty of Yandabo, signed in 1826, marked the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War.
2. It led to the cession of Assam, Manipur, Arakan, and Tenasserim to the British.

Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both the above
4. None of the above

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

The Treaty of Yandabo was signed in 1826, and it concluded the First Anglo-Burmese War between the British East India Company and the Burmese Empire. As per the terms of the Treaty of Yandabo, Burma ceded the territories of Assam, Manipur, Arakan, and Tenasserim to the British, expanding British influence in the region.

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. A photovoltaic (PV) cell is a non-mechanical device that converts sunlight directly into electricity.
2. Silicon is, by far, the most common semiconductor material used in solar cells.
3. The “Chip 4” or “Fab 4” alliance includes four of the world’s top producers of semiconductors: The U.S., Spain, Taiwan, and Korea.

Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?

1. 1 & 2
2. 2 & 3
3. 1 & 3
4. None of the above

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

• A photovoltaic (PV) cell, also known as a solar cell, is a device that converts sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. It involves the generation of voltage and electric current in a material upon exposure to light.
• Statement 2 is also correct. Silicon is the dominant material used in the manufacturing of solar cells. It has desirable semiconductor properties and is widely used in the production of photovoltaic cells for solar panels.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The “Chip 4” or “Fab 4” alliance includes four of the world’s top producers of semiconductors: the USA, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. 

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is the largest marine national park in India.
2. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in West Bengal is famous for its nesting beach for olive ridley sea turtles.

Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 & 2
4. None of the above

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is the largest marine national park in India. India’s first Marine Wildlife Sanctuary and first Marine National Park were created here in the Gulf of Kutch in 1980 and 1982, respectively. The sanctuary covers 458 sq km, of which the park covers 163 sq km.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is not located in West Bengal. It is situated in Odisha and is indeed famous for its nesting beach for olive ridley sea turtles.

Q4. Consider the following statements related to the IAEA:

1. It is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
2. It reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2.  2 only
3. Both 1 & 2
4. None of the above

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that aims to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing its use for military purposes, including the development of nuclear weapons. The IAEA reports to the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council if needed.

Q5. With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho, and Kui’ pertain to [PYQ 2021]

1. Dance forms of Northwest India
2. Musical instruments
3. Prehistoric cave paintings
4. Tribal languages

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: 

The terms ‘Halbi, Ho, and Kui’ pertain to tribal languages spoken in India, particularly among indigenous communities. These languages are predominantly spoken by tribal groups in different regions of the country and are an integral part of their cultural heritage and identity.