10 Feb 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

10 February 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
ART AND CULTURE
1. Bharat Ratna for Swaminathan, Rao, Charan Singh
B. GS 2 Related
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Sharif urges rival parties to join hands to form coalition
POLITY
1. Centre accounts for 60% of India’s debt, Kerala tells SC
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1. The severe erosion of fiscal federalism
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The decline of America’s leadership
F. Prelims Facts
1. Misconception drives under-prescription of ORS
2. U.S.-China tussle, warships in Indian Ocean dominate IOC conference
3. Can Preamble be amended keeping date intact, asks SC
4. RS passes Bills to add Paharis, Valmikis to ST, SC lists in J&K
5. India-Saudi Arabia joint military exercise ends
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: POLITY

1. Centre accounts for 60% of India’s debt, Kerala tells SC

Syllabus: Parliament and State Legislatures, Structure, Functioning and Conduct of Business

Mains: Issues with India’s debt

Context​: The dispute between the Centre and the State of Kerala over financial management has come to the fore, with Kerala asserting that the Union government holds a significant portion of India’s debt. The exchange highlights broader issues regarding fiscal responsibility and accountability in governance.

Debt Allocation Dispute:

  • Kerala responds to the Centre’s accusation of financial irresponsibility by asserting that the Union government shoulders approximately 60% of India’s total debt burden.
  • Kerala clarifies its own debt contribution, indicating that it accounts for only around 1.70-1.75% of the total debt of the Centre and the States combined for the period 2019-2023.

Allegations of Interference:

  • Kerala’s argument is part of a larger legal battle against what it perceives as undue interference by the Centre in its legislative and executive powers.
  • The State accuses the Centre of adopting policies and making legal amendments that exacerbate financial strains on States, leading to fiscal instability.

Centre’s Concerns on Borrowing:

  • The Attorney General of India has raised concerns about what it terms “reckless borrowing” by States like Kerala, which it claims adversely affects the country’s credit rating.
  • This contention underscores the ongoing debate regarding fiscal discipline and the impact of State borrowing on the overall economic health of the nation.

IMF Data and Fiscal Performance:

  • Kerala presents data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to counter the Centre’s allegations, highlighting the Union government’s fiscal underperformance over the past decade.
  • The IMF’s warning about India’s debt potentially exceeding 100% of GDP in the medium term underscores the urgency of addressing fiscal challenges at both the national and state levels.

Significance of the Exchange:

  • The dispute between Kerala and the Centre sheds light on broader issues of fiscal federalism, highlighting the complexities of intergovernmental relations and financial management.
  • It underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration between the Centre and the States to ensure responsible fiscal policies and sustainable economic growth.

Nut Graf: The exchange between Kerala and the Centre underscores the intricate dynamics of fiscal federalism and the challenges associated with balancing financial responsibilities between different levels of government.

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. The decline of America’s leadership

Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Mains: The decline of America’s leadership

Context:​ The decline of America’s leadership on the global stage has become a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. While traditional strengths such as military power and technological innovation persist, experts argue that America’s influence is waning due to internal polarization, eroding legitimacy, and challenges from rising powers like China and Russia. This decline raises critical questions about the future of global governance and geopolitical dynamics.

Challenges to America’s Leadership:

  • Experts, including Ian Bremmer, Laura Kuenssberg, and Andrew Whitehead, highlight systemic dysfunction and division within the United States, undermining its ability to assert global leadership effectively.
  • Concerns about authoritarian tendencies within the U.S., as articulated by Jonathan Freedland and Frank Gardner, contribute to doubts about America’s commitment to democratic principles and international norms.

Impact of Domestic Polarization:

  • Domestic polarization in the U.S. exacerbates ideological divisions and impedes effective governance, weakening America’s ability to leverage its standing in the international arena.
  • Withdrawal from international agreements and obligations, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, reflects a shift away from multilateralism and global engagement.

Shift in Power Equations:

  • China and Russia challenge Western democratic values and seek to reshape the international system to suit their authoritarian regimes, posing a significant challenge to America’s leadership.
  • The rise of BRICS nations and the potential contest between local currencies and the dollar underscore the evolving dynamics of global finance and economic influence.

U.S.-China Competition:

  • Security and economic competition between the U.S. and China emerge as central issues in global geopolitics, with China’s assertiveness and technological prowess challenging American supremacy.
  • China’s investments in high technology and infrastructure financing, coupled with its soft power initiatives, position it as a formidable competitor to U.S. leadership.

Significance of India’s Approach:

  • Amidst shifting global dynamics, India must navigate its relationship with the U.S. strategically, recognizing both America’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • India’s engagement with the U.S. should be informed by an understanding of America’s declining influence and the emergence of new power dynamics in the international system.

Proposed Solutions:

  • Strengthen multilateral institutions and partnerships to mitigate the risks posed by America’s declining leadership and rising geopolitical competition.
  • Foster dialogue and cooperation among major powers to address global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics, transcending narrow national interests.

Nut Graf: The decline of America’s leadership signals a fundamental shift in global power dynamics, with implications for international stability and governance. As India navigates this evolving landscape, it must engage with the U.S. strategically while recognizing the complexities and challenges of a multipolar world.

Context: Despite being a cost-effective and life-saving treatment for childhood diarrhoea, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are under-prescribed by healthcare providers in developing countries. A new study sheds light on the reasons behind this discrepancy, revealing that misconceptions among healthcare providers significantly contribute to the underutilization of ORS.

Magnitude of the Issue:

  • Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of death among children globally, emphasizing the critical importance of effective treatments such as ORS.
  • However, nearly half of diarrhoeal cases worldwide do not receive ORS, according to researchers from various institutions in the U.S. and India.

Key Findings of the Study:

  • The study, published in Science, examines three main explanations for the under-prescription of ORS: patient preferences, financial incentives, and ORS stock-outs.
  • More than 2,000 healthcare providers in Karnataka and Bihar participated in a randomized controlled trial, where standardized patients presented cases of diarrhoea for their two-year-old child.

Role of Provider Misperceptions:

  • Provider misconceptions that patients prefer non-ORS treatments or dislike ORS due to taste and perceptions play a significant role in under-prescribing ORS, explaining 42% of under-prescribing.
  • This indicates a crucial gap between healthcare provider knowledge and practice regarding the efficacy and desirability of ORS for treating diarrhoea.

Minor Contributions of Other Factors:

  • Contrary to expectations, ORS stock-outs and financial incentives to promote alternative treatments have a relatively minor impact, explaining only 6% and 5% of under-prescribing, respectively.
  • This highlights the dominant influence of provider perceptions over external factors in shaping prescription practices.

Impact of Patient Expression of Preference:

  • Providers are more likely to prescribe ORS when patients express a preference for it, indicating the potential efficacy of interventions that encourage patient involvement in treatment decisions.
  • This underscores the importance of addressing patient-provider communication and empowering patients to express their treatment preferences.

Proposed Solutions:

  • Develop targeted interventions, such as training programs and educational campaigns, to address provider misconceptions and enhance their understanding of the efficacy and importance of ORS.
  • Implement strategies to empower patients and caretakers to express preferences for ORS treatment, thereby influencing provider prescription practices positively.

2. U.S.-China tussle, warships in Indian Ocean dominate IOC conference

Context: The U.S.-China rivalry and the increasing militarization of the Indian Ocean have emerged as focal points of discussion at the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) held in Perth. Key leaders and foreign ministers from Indian Ocean Rim countries gathered to address regional cooperation amidst growing tensions and power dynamics in the region.

Issues Discussed at the IOC:

Growing Concerns over Militarization:

  • Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted concerns over the escalating militarization of the Indian Ocean, citing increased naval presence by major powers including India, the U.S., Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and China.
  • Smaller littoral states face challenges in navigating the complex dynamics of great power rivalry, leading to a shrinking space for manoeuvrability and increased geopolitical tensions.

Challenges to International Rule of Law:

  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized actions undermining the international rule of law, particularly pointing towards China’s disregard for established agreements and international norms.
  • References are made to China’s military buildup along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its assertive actions in the South China Sea, posing challenges to freedom of navigation and overflights.

Significance of Regional Cooperation:

  • The IOC serves as a platform for Indian Ocean Rim countries to discuss strategies for enhancing regional cooperation and mitigating tensions arising from great power competition.
  • Discussions centred on finding ways to reduce conflict and promote stability in the Indian Ocean region amidst escalating militarization and power rivalries.

Recent Developments and Diplomatic Tensions:

  • Sri Lanka’s decision to impose a one-year moratorium on foreign research ships docking at its ports, following objections from India regarding alleged “spy ships,” reflects the growing sensitivities and diplomatic tensions in the region.
  • The presence of a Chinese warship in the Maldives and subsequent tensions between the Maldivian and Indian governments underscore the complexities of managing foreign military presence in the Indian Ocean.

Proposed Solutions:

  • Enhance diplomatic engagement and dialogue among Indian Ocean Rim countries to address security concerns and promote mutual understanding.
  • Strengthen multilateral mechanisms and agreements to uphold the international rule of law and ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indian Ocean region.
  • Encourage transparency and cooperation in military activities to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of escalation.

3. Can Preamble be amended keeping date intact, asks SC

Context: The Supreme Court of India has raised a significant question regarding the amendment of the Preamble of the Constitution while keeping the original adoption date intact. This query arises in response to a petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy seeking the removal of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ from the Preamble.

Issues Raised by the Supreme Court:

Amendment of the Preamble:

  • The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was amended only once in December 1976 during the Emergency, under the government of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
  • The amendment introduced the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ into the Preamble, altering the phrase “unity of the nation” to “unity and integrity of the nation.”

Question of the Adoption Date:

  • The Supreme Court questions whether the Preamble could have been amended without altering the date of its adoption on November 26, 1949.
  • Justices on the bench inquire whether it was possible to change the Preamble while retaining the original adoption date, raising concerns about the constitutional process and implications.

Constitutional Integrity and Amendments:

  • The Kesavananda Bharati case established that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution and subject to amendment by Parliament, provided it does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
  • The petition to delete the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ from the Preamble triggers a debate on the constitutionality of such amendments and the circumstances under which they were made.

Potential Solutions and Future Proceedings:

  • The Supreme Court agrees to hear further arguments on the matter, acknowledging its significance and implications.
  • Legal experts and advocates are expected to present arguments on the constitutional validity of the Preamble amendment and the circumstances surrounding it.
  • The court’s decision will have far-reaching consequences, shaping interpretations of the Constitution and reaffirming the foundational principles of the Indian state.

4. RS passes Bills to add Paharis, Valmikis to ST, SC lists in J&K

Context: The Rajya Sabha recently passed bills aimed at amending the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) lists in Jammu and Kashmir. These bills aim to add the Pahari ethnic group to the ST list and include the Paddari Tribe, Gadda Brahmin, and Koli communities to the ST list, as well as the Valmiki community to the SC list.

Issues:

Protests by Gujjar-Bakarwal Community:

  • The ongoing protests in Jammu and Kashmir by the Scheduled Tribe Gujjar-Bakarwal community highlight existing tensions regarding ST classification and reservation.

Addition of New Communities:

  • The bills aim to add several ethnic groups and communities to the ST and SC lists in Jammu and Kashmir, expanding the scope of reservation benefits.
  • Concerns arise regarding the impact of these additions on existing ST communities, such as the Gujjar-Bakarwal and Gaddi communities.

Ensuring Reservation Maintenance:

  • Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda assured that the reservation available for existing ST communities would be maintained, even with the addition of new communities.
  • The government emphasized the importance of ensuring justice for all communities and avoiding any dilution of existing reservation benefits.

Solutions:

  • Clear communication and assurance by the government regarding the maintenance of reservation benefits for existing ST communities are essential to alleviate concerns and address protests.
  • Continued dialogue with affected communities and stakeholders can help in understanding and addressing their grievances effectively.
  • Implementation of inclusive policies and targeted initiatives to uplift marginalized communities can promote social harmony and equity in Jammu and Kashmir.

5. India-Saudi Arabia joint military exercise ends

Context: The inaugural India-Saudi Arabia joint military exercise, named Sada Tanseeq, concluded at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Jaipur after a 12-day training program. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land Force while familiarizing each other with operational procedures and combat drills under the UN mandate.

Objective of the Exercise:

  • The primary objective of the Sada Tanseeq exercise was to achieve interoperability between the Indian and Saudi Arabian military forces.
  • The exercise sought to facilitate mutual understanding and cooperation between the two armies, particularly in the context of UN-mandated operations.

Participating Units:

  • The Indian contingent consisted of the 20th Battalion of The Brigade of Guards Regiment.
  • The Saudi Arabian contingent comprised a group of 45 soldiers from the Royal Saudi Land Force.

Conduct of the Exercise:

  • The exercise was conducted in two phases, involving various training modules and scenarios designed to simulate real-world operational situations.
  • Both contingents engaged in joint drills, including tactical manoeuvres, counter-insurgency operations, and urban warfare exercises.

Issues:

  • While the joint military exercise marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral defense cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, certain challenges may arise in terms of coordination and cultural differences between the two militaries.
  • Ensuring effective communication and mutual understanding during the exercise could have been a potential challenge, given the linguistic and cultural disparities between the Indian and Saudi Arabian soldiers.

Solutions:

  • Continued engagement through joint military exercises and training programs can help overcome challenges related to coordination and cultural differences.
  • Regular dialogue and exchange of best practices between the Indian and Saudi Arabian armed forces can facilitate greater interoperability and mutual trust.
  • Utilizing modern communication technologies and language training programs can further enhance communication and cooperation during joint exercises.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following pairs:
Scheme Objective
1. National Food Security Mission- Oilseeds & Oil Palm A. To promote oil palm cultivation for making the country Aatmanirbhar in edible oils with a special focus on North Eastern States and Andaman & Nicobar by increasing the area of Oil Palm.
2. National Mission on Edible Oils (Oil Palm) B. Provision for crop production-related activities on oilseeds.
3. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- RAFTAAR C. To augment the availability of edible oils by increasing the production & productivity of nine oilseed crops and area expansion under Oil Palm & Tree Borne Oilseeds in the country.

How many of the above are correctly matched?

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

Answer: d

Explanation:

  • NFSM-Oil Palm: To bring additional area under oil palm cultivation through an area expansion approach in the State including utilization of wastelands with an increase in productivity of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs).
  • National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) is approved to enhance the edible oilseeds production and oils availability in the country by harnessing Oil Palm area expansion, increasing CPO production and reducing the import burden on edible oils.
  • The main objective of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is to develop farming as the main source of economic activity.
Q2) Consider the following statements about High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite 
(HAPS) technology:
  1. HAPS vehicles can operate at altitudes of 18-20 km above the ground, which is nearly twice the cruising altitude of commercial aeroplanes.
  2. They can remain airborne for months or even years due to their ability to generate solar power.
  3. The operational cost of HAPS is significantly lower than that of traditional satellites because they do not require a rocket for deployment into space.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 2 only
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) technology vehicles can operate at altitudes of 18-20 km above the ground, which is nearly twice the cruising altitude of commercial airplanes. They can remain airborne for months or even years due to their ability to generate solar power. The operational cost of HAPS is significantly lower than that of traditional satellites because they do not require a rocket for deployment into space.

Q3) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the India 
Semiconductor Mission (ISM)?
  1. The mission aims to make India self-reliant in semiconductor manufacturing and reduce its dependency on imports.
  2. Financial incentives are provided only for semiconductor fabrication plants under the ISM.
  3. The ISM mainly focuses on the manufacturing aspect of semiconductors, and not on research and development (R&D).
  4. Collaboration with global semiconductor companies, research institutions, and governments is a key component of the ISM to foster technology transfer and investment.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 4 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 2, and 3
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) – The mission aims to make India self-reliant in semiconductor manufacturing and reduce its dependency on imports. Collaboration with global semiconductor companies, research institutions, and governments is a key component of the ISM to foster technology transfer and investment.

Q4) Which of the following facts about CERT-In are correct?
  1. CERT-In is a functional organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs with the objective of securing Indian cyberspace.
  2. It prevents cyber attacks against the country’s space and according to the IT Amendment Act 2024 will also raise security awareness among Indian citizens.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 2 both
  4. None of the Above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: CERT-In was formed in 2004 by the Government of India under the Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B) under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. CERT-In is a functional organisation of the Ministry of Electronics and Information, Govt. of India, with the objective of securing Indian cyberspace. It prevents cyber attacks against the country’s space.

Q5) In the Federation established by the Government of India Act of 1935, 
residuary powers were given to the
  1. Federal Legislature
  2. Governor General
  3. Provincial Legislature
  4. Provincial Governors
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: In the Federation established by the Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the Governor General.

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