23 Feb 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

E. Editorials

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Are Interpol’s notices being politically exploited?

Syllabus: GS-2, Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate 

Mains: Misuse of Interpol

Prelims: About Interpol and its different types of notices

Introduction:

• Interpol, with 194 member countries, facilitates international police cooperation to combat transnational crimes through its notice system.
• Seven types of Interpol notices exist: Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, Green, Orange, and Purple.

Know more about the Interpol in the linked article.

Understanding Blue Corner Notices:

• Also known as “enquiry notices,” blue corner notices enable member states’ police forces to share critical crime-related information.
• Information shared includes criminal records, location verification, and identity verification.
• Example: In January 2020, Interpol issued a blue corner notice to locate self-styled godman Nithyananda.

Contrasting Red and Blue Corner Notices:

• Red corner notices are issued to arrest wanted criminals for extradition or lawful action, typically following criminal convictions.
• Blue corner notices precede criminal charges and aid in preliminary investigations.
• Implications of red notices include arrest during travel and closure of bank accounts.
• Interpol cannot compel arrests based on red-corner notices; discretion lies with law enforcement authorities.

Instances of Notice System Misuse:

• Concerns exist regarding the political exploitation of Interpol’s notice system, violating its Constitution’s prohibition against activities of a political character.
• Russia has been accused of repeatedly issuing notices against Kremlin opponents, accounting for a significant portion of public red notices.
• Other countries like China, Iran, Turkey, and Tunisia have also faced accusations of abusing the notice system for authoritarian purposes.

Interpol’s Response and Ongoing Challenges:

• In response to criticism, Interpol enhanced oversight of its red notice system, but vulnerabilities persist, particularly regarding the issuance of blue notices.
• Blue notices have doubled in number over the past decade, raising concerns about insufficient review processes.
• Some countries argue that restraint in issuing notices hampers police cooperation and perceive interference in internal affairs as unwarranted, reflecting ongoing debates about balancing international cooperation and sovereignty.

Nut Graf: Interpol’s notice system, crucial for international police cooperation, faces scrutiny over potential political exploitation. Blue corner notices, meant for preliminary investigations, lack rigorous review compared to red notices, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing cooperation and sovereignty.

Category: INTERNAL SECURITY

1. It is the conditioning of the Agniveer that merits attention

Syllabus: GS-3, Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Mains: Reform needed in the Agnipath scheme 

Introduction:

• The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the government in 2022, aims to reform the recruitment process for the Indian armed forces.
• Referred to as Agniveers, these recruits undergo short-service tenure with the possibility of retention.
• Initial feedback on Agniveers suggests positive outcomes, but a comprehensive assessment is premature.

Challenges Ahead:

• Unit commanders must acknowledge the challenges beyond individual capabilities that Agniveers face.
• Psychological assimilation into the unit fabric and effective teamwork are paramount.
• Unit pride, cohesion, and camaraderie are critical for combat effectiveness.
• The human element supersedes technological advancements in combat situations.

Focus on the Human Element:

• Unit leaders must prioritise nurturing the human element within Agniveers.
• Value-based training rooted in unit ethos is essential from the outset.
• Emphasis on standing by comrades and fostering unit cohesion is crucial.
• Preventing undesirable personality traits and fostering teamwork are key challenges.

Retention and Competition:

• Retention versus rejection dynamics among Agniveers may lead to unhealthy competition.
• One-upmanship should be discouraged to promote unit cohesion.
• Conditioning Agniveers to support unit goals is vital for long-term unit health.
• Introducing psychological testing in recruitment can aid in better management and grooming.

Conclusion:

• The government should consider ongoing evaluation and refinement of the Agnipath scheme.
• Unit commanders play a crucial role in shaping Agniveers into effective team members.
• A balance between technical proficiency and human factors is essential for military effectiveness.

Nut Graf: The Agnipath scheme reforming Indian armed forces’ recruitment faces challenges in integrating Agniveers effectively. Unit cohesion, psychological assimilation, and preventing unhealthy competition among recruits are crucial for its success.

2. Rs 19000 crore navy deal for 200 BrahMos.

Context: The Indian government’s recent approval for the procurement of over 200 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and associated equipment for the Indian Navy marks a significant advancement in the country’s defense capabilities. 

Issue: 

• This decision underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its naval strength.
•  These missiles, slated for deployment across various naval vessels, aim to enhance the Navy’s combat readiness and operational effectiveness. 
• The acquisition plan includes a mix of BrahMos missiles with different ranges, including the latest extended-range variant capable of covering approximately 450 km. 

Significance: This procurement signals India’s proactive approach to fortifying its defense infrastructure and safeguarding its maritime interests in the region.

Q1. Consider the following statements: 

Q2. Consider the following statements: 

Q3. Consider the following statements: 

Q4. Steam methane reforming (SMR) is a mature production process used 
in the production of?

Q5. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of: