16 Feb 2022: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 16 Feb 2022:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1. Anti-lynching Bills passed by four States hanging fire
2. India has ‘positive secularism’, petitioners tell Karnataka HC
3. India to make digital maps of all villages
4. Questioning the ban on online gaming platforms
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India slams ‘communal mindset’ of OIC over remarks on hijab row
2. Phensedyl smuggling a challenge for BSF
3. The fate of the Afghan reserves in the United States
4. Where is the Ukraine crisis headed to?
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. The Pathology of School Closure in India
HEALTH
1. Why we need ventilation and air purifiers
SOCIETY
1. The Importance of caste data
F. Prelims Facts
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

2. India has ‘positive secularism’, petitioners tell Karnataka HC

Syllabus: Constitution of India — significant provisions and basic structure.

Prelims: Positive secularism

Mains: Positive secularism in India

Context: The argument was made on India’s positive secularism by a senior advocate appearing for the two students who have questioned the restriction on wearing hijab in classrooms.

Positive Vs. Negative Secularism: 

• Positive Secularism: 
  • A nation performs positive secularism when the constitution of that country has more power than religion. 
  • Positive secularism is where the state plays an enabler role in the exercise of fundamental rights and the religious freedoms of all communities. 
• Negative Secularism: 
  • Under ‘negative secularism’, the state says that nobody can display their religious identity in public and the ban on hijab in public places was upheld by the constitutional courts. 
  • Turkey observes negative secularism.

Know more about Secularism.

Positive Secularism in India: 

• The Indian Constitution offers ‘positive secularism’ which recognises all religions as true.
• The Indian interpretation of secularism stems from the Vedic precept of Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava.
• The SC has observed that ‘Indian secularism’ is susceptible to a positive meaning, that is developing an understanding and respect towards different religions.

3. India to make digital maps of all villages

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Prelims: Digital maps; Geospatial Technologies

Mains:  Digital Mapping and Significance of Digital Maps

Context: India plans to prepare digital maps of villages. Under the SVAMITVA scheme, geospatial technology along with drones will survey all the over 6 lakh Indian villages.

What is Digital Mapping?

• Digital mapping is the process by which a collection of data is compiled and formatted into a virtual image. 
• The primary function of this technology is to produce maps that give accurate representations of a particular area, detailing major road arteries and other points of interest.

What is the Significance of Digital Maps?

• The updated guidelines help private companies prepare a variety of maps without needing approval from a host of Ministries.
• It will ease the use of drones and develop applications via location mapping.
• The trinity of geospatial systems, drone policy and unlocked space sector will be the hallmark of India’s future economic progress.
• The geographical information-based system mapping would also be useful in forest management, disaster management, electrical utilities, land records, water distribution, and property taxation.
• The focus will be to strengthen the innovative startup ecosystem with huge financial implications and job generation.

4. Questioning the ban on online gaming platforms

Syllabus: Gambling 

Mains: Regulations of online gaming platforms; States resorting to banning online gaming

Context: 

The amendments brought to existing regulations on betting and gambling in Karnataka have been struck down by the State’s High Court. 

Background:

• Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021 was introduced by the Karnataka government to ban online gambling and skill-based gaming platforms like rummy, poker and fantasy sports that involve any wagering or risking of money.
• A division bench of the Karnataka High Court delivered a judgment striking down major portions of the Act.
• A similar law introduced by the Tamil Nadu government was struck down by the Madras High Court in 2021. 
• In 2021, the Kerala High Court had also quashed a notification issued by the State government specifically banning the game of online rummy when played for stakes.

Why are States resorting to banning online gaming?

• Many social activists, government officials and those in law enforcement believe that online games like rummy and poker are addictive in nature.
  • It means when played with monetary stakes, they lead to depression, mounting debts and suicides. 
• Reportedly, there have been a few instances where youngsters, faced with mounting debts due to losses in online games have committed other crimes like theft and murder.

On what grounds did the Karnataka High Court strike down the online gaming law?

• The Karnataka High Court struck down the amendments to the Karnataka Police Act on three major grounds: 
  • violation of fundamental rights of trade and commerce, liberty and privacy, speech and expression; 
  • the law being manifestly arbitrary and irrational insofar as it did not distinguish between two different categories of games, i.e. games of skill and chance; 
  • lack of legislative competence of State legislatures to enact laws on online skill-based games.
• The court held that games, where substantial effort, knowledge and skill is required, are different from games of mere luck or chance. 
• The judgment also noted that State governments have been granted powers under the Constitution to make laws for ‘gambling and betting’ but interpreted the word ‘betting’ for this purpose to mean betting on gambling games, i.e. betting on games of chance and not games of skill.

Is regulation of online gaming a better solution?

• An outright ban may not entirely curtail the playing of such online games, with or without stakes. 
• Shifting of users to grey or illegal offshore online gaming apps results in loss of tax revenue for the State and job opportunities for locals.
• It also results in users being unable to avail remedies for any unfair behaviour or refusal to pay out winnings.

Way Forward:

• Experts believe that instead of a complete ban, one could look at 
  • licensing and regulating the industry with various checks and balances such as diligent KYC and anti-money laundering processes
  • barring minors from accessing real money games
  • placing weekly or monthly limits on the money that can be staked or time that can be spent
  • counselling for addictive players 
  • allowing self-exclusion of such players, etc.
• Further, the judges also opined that regulation of online games may be a better and proportionate solution rather than an outright ban.
• The State government should come up with new legislation dealing with betting and gambling in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

1. India slams ‘communal mindset’ of OIC over remarks on hijab row

Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting  India’s interests.

Mains: Hijab controversy in Karnataka and international interference and India’s response

Context: 

India hit out at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), saying it was “hijacked by vested interests”.

What is the issue?

• The OIC commented on the hijab controversy in Karnataka.
• The OIC called upon the UN and the Human Rights Council to take “necessary measures” following reports of Muslim students being prevented from wearing hijab in Karnataka.
• Pakistan, a leading member of the OIC, had criticized the developments in Karnataka.
• Know more about Karnataka Hijab row in CNA dated Feb 7, 2022.

What is India’s Response?

• OIC has commented on the hijab controversy in Karnataka and requested the Human Rights Council to intervene.
• India criticized this action of OIC as communal and argued that this response is not at all appreciated by India.
• According to India, OIC continues to be hijacked by vested interests to further their nefarious propaganda against India.

Know more about the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

2. Phensedyl smuggling a challenge for BSF

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora

Prelims: What is Phensedyl? What is Phensedyl smuggling?

Mains: Phensedyl smuggling across India-Bangladesh border

Context: 

Phensedyl, a codeine-based cough syrup, remains a challenge for the border guarding forces along the India-Bangladesh border. 

What is Phensedyl?

• Phensedyl is a codeine-based cough syrup.
• It is abused as an intoxicant in the neighbouring country that follows liquor prohibition. 
• It is consumed in large quantities against the recommended small dose to “get a kick”.
• Phensedyl is a schedule H drug and can only be sold on a doctor’s prescription.

What is Phensedyl smuggling?

• Phensedyl smuggling is the smuggling of cough syrup from India to Bangladesh utilizing the well-oiled network of pharmaceutical companies, agents and influential people.
• Excess Phensedyl is diverted through trucks to the bordering cities from where it is brought to nearby border areas and kept in safe houses managed by the main kingpins of the crime.

Challenges 

• It is difficult to contain the smuggling because Phensedyl is smuggled in low quantities from India to Bangladesh.
• The Border Security Force (BSF) faces challenges like –
  • “non-supportive” attitude of state police against Phensedyl smugglers, 
  • use of poor locals as couriers in the crime, 
  • international border cutting through villages,  
  • use of women and children to smuggle Phensedyl bottles.
• Along with Phensedyl, another narcotic that is smuggled in huge quantities is Yaba tablets which originate in Myanmar and come to India from Bangladesh. 
  • Yaba is a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine, sold as cheap red or pink pills, and works as a stimulant to the central nervous system.

3. The fate of the Afghan reserves in the United States

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora

Mains: Domestic situation of Afghanistan; U.S. argument and Taliban’s response

Context:

U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order declaring that $7 billion of the frozen Afghan reserves will be used for the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people.

What is the source of the Afghan funds in the U.S.?

• At the time of the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021, at least $9 billion belonging to Afghanistan was parked abroad in various countries. 
• The USA held around $7 billion and others like Switzerland, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and two other countries held the rest. 
• The money belonged to Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB). 

What is the domestic situation of Afghanistan?

• The economic situation in Afghanistan crashed immediately in the aftermath of the takeover by the Taliban.
  • Supply lines were disrupted and inflation shot up prices across the country. 
  • An unusual drought came as an additional burden. 
• As the revenue system inside the country collapsed, the Taliban administration found itself incapable of proceeding along the lines of the Doha agreement.
  • The Taliban-U.S. agreement had envisaged that an Afghan Islamic Government as determined by intra-Afghan dialogue would be formed when the Taliban joined the mainstream Government. 
• In view of the military takeover by the Taliban and in the absence of any “intra-Afghan dialogue”, the agreement’s financial sections were not activated. 
• However, the Taliban has been demanding that the $9 billion belong to the Afghan people and the U.S. should return the money.

What is the U.S. argument on taking control of the reserve?

• The U.S. does not agree that the reserve belongs to the Afghan people. 
• White House argues that a part of that amount came from international donors. 
• The U.S. has declared that it will access around $3.5 billion for supporting the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people.
• This contribution is expected to be channelled through international aid and relief agencies like the World Food Programme that are involved in providing food support to Afghanistan.

What has been the Taliban’s response?

• Taliban spokespersons have described the US’s announcement as “unilateral”. 
• The “Permanent Representative-designate for the United Nations” of the Taliban has assured that the reserve of the Da Afghanistan Bank does not belong to “governments or factions” and is a “property” of the Afghan people. 
• It is meant for implementation of “monetary policy, facilitation of trade and boosting of the financial system of the country.” 
• The Taliban described the U.S. move as an act of “injustice” against the Afghan people.

4. Where is the Ukraine crisis headed to?

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora

Mains: Recent Developments of Ukraine Crisis

Context:

The predictions by western intelligence agencies of a possible attack of Russia on Ukraine seem to have been proven wrong. 

Encircling Ukraine Crisis:

• Russia says it won’t escalate or launch an invasion.
• However, the West had warned that there could be a “false flag operation” in the rebel-controlled Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, which Russia could use as an excuse to attack.
• Russia could overrun Ukraine within weeks and install a friendly regime in Kiev.
• But managing the post-invasion status quo in Europe’s largest country where the public opinion on Russia is almost evenly split would not be easy.

Know more about the Russia – Ukraine Crisis in the link.

Category: HEALTH

1. Why we need ventilation and air purifiers

Syllabus: Issues related to health

Prelims: About Air Purifiers

Mains: Significance of Ventilation/air purification as a preventive measure against infectious diseases.

Context: Proper ventilation or air purification are essential steps to be taken as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of infections like the COVID-19. The article expounds on the advantages of air purification or ventilation. 

What is Ventilation? 

• The act that involves the replacement of existing room air with fresh outdoor air can be defined as ventilation. 
• This is required when an enclosed space is filled with exhaled carbon dioxide.
• Through the process of ventilation, the carbon dioxide levels in the indoor space get reduced, cooling the surrounding with fresh air. 
• Ventilation reduces the risk of spreading infections in an enclosed environment especially during the pandemic.
• Natural ventilation is also an effective step to replace virus-laden indoor air with fresh air. 
• With an increase in air pollution, improper ventilation can lead to the accumulation of construction dust and traffic pollutants which can cause severe damage to the respiratory system of the body. In such cases, air purifiers can be used to ensure filtered ventilation. 

Air Purifiers:

• Air purifiers are specially designed to remove airborne particles that spread infections.
• Special filters are employed that eliminate infectious agents that cause flu, colds, tuberculosis and so on. 
• Experts recommend the usage of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters.
• Some of the HEPA filters come with activated carbon that reduces the odours of volatile organic compounds. This can be helpful for those who work in industries and laboratories which involve extensive uses of these compounds which when inhaled, cause severe damage to health. 
• HEPA filters trap the dust particles, pollutants and infectious agents through interception and larger particles are captured by impaction. 
• These particles adhere to the filter fibres and remain embedded there.
• In the HEPA filter, the motion of the particles slows down and remains captured within the filter fibres separating them from the mainstream air so that fresh air is released in the surroundings. 
• Electronic air purifiers usually use ionisers and are not recommended as they release harmful byproducts such as indoor ozone, ultrafine particles and additional volatile compounds. 
• Therefore, HEPA filters are recommended. 
• The air purifiers are chosen on the basis of the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) reported in cubic metres per hour. Higher the CADR, better will be the air purification. 

Image source: www.pranaair.com

Way Ahead:

Ensuring proper ventilation can bring down the risk of spreading infectious diseases and add to the awareness among the citizens to keep a healthy surrounding. Usage of high-quality air purifiers is highly recommended and should be adopted in indoor spaces experiencing extensive public gatherings.

Category: SOCIETY

1. The Importance of caste data

Syllabus: Population and associated issues

Mains: Effectiveness of caste data towards the identification of the actual needs of various sections of the society.

Context: The importance of caste data to determine the actual needs of different underprivileged sections and the identification of the real needy has been discussed. 

Background: 

• 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes in the All-India Quota seats for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test has been upheld by the Supreme Court along with the reiteration that reservations for backward classes were not an exception but an extension of the principle of equality under Article 15(1) of the constitution. 
• The judgement highlighted how competitive exams provide the illusion of giving equal opportunity ignoring the steep rise in inequalities existing in the educational set-up. 
• It was pointed out by the court that disparities are not only limited to the challenges of access to good education, financial issues but also to psychological and social effects like communication skills, books, accent, academic accomplishments, social networks and other essences of inherited cultural capital. 
• The entire subject of reservation invites several controversies as many perceive this as an impediment towards a casteless society. 
• On the other hand, a group of individuals emphasise the requirement to recognise the socio-economic and political rights of the deprived sections of society.
• Despite reservation in place, there is a prevalent challenge in identifying the real needs of the poor and deprived sections and covering them within the ambit of several benefits of policies and welfare schemes especially with respect to their educational rights. 

Significance of Caste Data:

• It has been rightly pointed out that there is a considerable risk involved in blindly trusting the caste-based politics of some states over the issue of reservation. 
• There is a necessity of producing justifiable data regarding the castes of this country, their needs, identity along with an assessment of benefits reaching them. 
• Even though there is data regarding the Scheduled castes and Scheduled tribes, no similar data is available regarding the OBCs. 
• Besides, the Socio Economic Caste Census 2011 has been termed as faulty and unreliable by the experts. 
• The recommendations of the Mandal Commission were criticised as they were based only on the grounds of personal knowledge of the members of the commission and sample surveys. 
• In the Indra Sawney judgement, the Supreme Court held that the states must conclude the “backwardness” of a particular class of people only after proper assessment and objective evaluation. 
• There have been efforts made by the government to include caste data in the upcoming census exercise which could not be carried out in the wake of the pandemic. 

Way Forward:

• Caste-based data will ensure independent research on identifying those who are in dire need of affirmative actions adding to the effectiveness of the reservation system. 
• This will be a welcoming step to uproot reservations originating from caste politics.
• Therefore it will provide authentic information to people on both sides of the arguments regarding reservation – for and against. 
• It is not reservation policy that acts as the causative agent to divide the society but certainly the misuse of reservation.

Q1. Bhiku Ramji Idate commission was set up by the Government of India to

Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to East Asia Summit (EAS):

Q3. With respect to The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), which of the following 
statements is/are correct?

Q4. Which of the following statements about Guru Ravidas is/are correct?

Q5. Consider the following statements in respect of the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:

CNA 16 Feb 2022:- Download PDF Here