26 Feb 2021: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 26th Feb 2021:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
SOCIAL ISSUES
1. Same-sex marriages will cause havoc, Central govt. tells HC
B. GS 2 Related
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1. President’s Rule in Puducherry notified
2. Govt. to monitor OTT content
3. Tighter norms in place for social media
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India, Pakistan agree to adhere to 2003 ceasefire
C. GS 3 Related
ECONOMY
1. Bad bank move will not hit existing ARCs: RBI’s Das
SECURITY
1. Pakistan will remain on FATF ‘greylist’
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1. The absurdity of the anti-defection law
GOVERNANCE
1. Should governments regulate online platforms?
F. Prelims Facts
G. Tidbits
1. INCOIS to go for aerial mapping of ocean floor
2. SC plans exclusive courts for cheque cases
3. LPG cylinder to cost ₹25 more
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

2. Govt. to monitor OTT content

Context:

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 have been unveiled.

Details:

  • Under the ambit of the rules, the government has brought in detailed guidelines for digital content on both digital media and Over The Top (OTT) platforms, while giving itself overriding powers.

Framework for regulation:

  • It lays down a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism.
    • The first level of the grievance redressal system will be at the level of each OTT provider.
      • Each complaint will have to be addressed within 15 days.
    • If the complaint is not satisfactorily addressed, then the complainant can scale it up to a self-regulatory body collectively established by the OTTs.
      • This body will be headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court, a High Court, or an independent eminent person from the field of media, broadcasting, entertainment, child rights, human rights or other relevant fields.
      • This self-regulatory body also has censuring powers in case of any incriminating content.
    • At the third tier, the government has equipped itself with overriding powers in the form of an oversight mechanism.
      • An inter-ministerial committee will perform this function.
      • It will largely have the same powers as the collective self-regulatory body of the OTTs.
    • Over and above this framework, the government has equipped itself with emergency powers to block public access to any information.
      • As per the rules, in case of emergency nature, the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting may, if he is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient and justifiable, give orders to block access.
      • Such orders can be released without giving an opportunity of hearing to the publishing platform.

Note:

  • It was clarified that no new law had been framed, and that the government already had the power to step in, in case of an emergency under the existing law.
  • Recently, India’s Internet-based Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming services had operationalised a code of self-regulation.

Read more on this topic covered in the 13th February 2021 Comprehensive News Analysis.

3. Tighter norms in place for social media

Context:

As a part of The Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, stricter guidelines have been notified for social media intermediaries.

Details:

  • It makes it mandatory for platforms such as WhatsApp to help identify the originator of unlawful messages.
  • On receiving a court order or being notified by the appropriate government agency, an intermediary will need to remove or disable access to any unlawful information as early as possible, but in no case later than 36 hours.
  • Social media platforms have been divided on the basis of the number of users.
    • Smaller platforms are social media intermediaries.
    • The big ones have been classed as significant social media intermediaries.
  • Significant social media intermediaries will have to appoint a chief compliance officer, a nodal contact person who will coordinate with law enforcement agencies and a resident grievance officer. All three have to be residents of India.

Need for regulation:

  • The persistent spread of fake news, abuse of these platforms to share morphed images of women have been issues of concern.
  • The guidelines present an oversight mechanism to deal with such issues.

Concerns:

  • The new rules are likely to have far-reaching implications for digital media and follow a clash with Twitter over the farmers’ protest.
  • While the guidelines bring clarity on the responsibilities of intermediaries, in the current form, it could undermine the principles of open and accessible Internet and violate the right to privacy and free speech of users.
  • It could also lead to an erosion of the safe harbour protection given to intermediaries under Section 79 of the IT Act.

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. India, Pakistan agree to adhere to 2003 ceasefire

Context:

India and Pakistan have issued a joint statement for the first time in years, announcing that they would observe the 2003 ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC).

Background:

  • India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire on the LoC in November 2003.
  • The ceasefire along the borders was first enforced on November 23, 2003, when the then Pakistan Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali announced the decision on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and his then Indian counterpart late Atal Behari Vajpayee immediately reciprocated.
  • Though the ceasefire was largely held over the years, it came under strain following the Pulwama attack in 2019 and India’s decision to scrap Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
  • Troops from the two sides have regularly exchanged fire.

Details:

  • The countries have agreed to a strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors with effect from the midnight of February 24-25, 2021.
  • In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the two Directors General of Military Operations agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.
  • In addition, they would use existing mechanisms of hotlines and flag meetings to resolve any misunderstandings.
  • As per the existing mechanism, there is a discussion by officials from the Military Operations directorate every Tuesday but the DGMOs speak only when one side requests for a conversation.
  • Political parties in J&K welcomed the decision calling it a step in the right direction.
  • They opine that, for the interest of mutually beneficial and sustainable peace in the entire region, India and Pakistan need to address the core concern of J&K in keeping with the aspirations of its people.

Role of Backchannel diplomacy:

  • Experts opine that backchannel diplomacy led to the talks and helped produce a joint statement between the two sides.
  • Signs had come against the backdrop of India’s region-wide diplomacy regarding COVID-19, in which Pakistan had participated under the umbrella of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
    • While Pakistan had shown reluctance in engaging in bilateral exchanges with India on the global pandemic, it supported Prime Minister Modi’s five proposals for collaboration at the South Asian level on containing the pandemic.
  • Pakistan PM’s latest trip to Sri Lanka was one more instance of softening of attitudes.
  • In comparison to the airspace denial that both countries had imposed on each other during and in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike, India this week allowed the aircraft carrying Pakistan PM’s passage.
  • However, it is important to note that during these signs of backchannel talks, both sides have maintained their positions on Kashmir.

Conclusion:

  • If the 2003 ceasefire is formalised with clear rules and regulations, demilitarized zones, neutral observers and joint commissions, it should reduce the chances of future ceasefire violations.
  • However, the success of ceasefires in most conflict situations depends heavily on political will.

Category: SECURITY

1. Pakistan will remain on FATF ‘greylist’

Context:

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has decided to retain Pakistan on the “greylist” till the next review of its performance during the June 2021 plenary session.

Details:

  • Pakistan is yet to fully comply with the 27-point action plan it had been presented with in June 2018 when it was first put on the “greylist”.
  • Three points of the 27-point action plan have not been complied with.
    • They pertain to effective steps in terms of financial sanctions and penalties against terror funding infrastructure and the entities involved.

Read more on this topic covered in the 18th February 2021 Comprehensive News Analysis.

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Should governments regulate online platforms?

Context:

  • Australia’s new News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code.

Details:

  • The main provisions of Australia’s new News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code are as follows:
    • Australia’s new code will force platforms like Facebook and Google to pay local media outlets and publishers to link their content in news feeds or search results.
    • The proposed code would require Facebook and Google to open up their algorithmic black boxes, and their datasets that underpin the advertising market, to regulatory scrutiny.
    • It would enable the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to compel Google and Facebook to carry certain news services for a yet-to-be specified fee.

Regulation of tech giants:

  • The Australian law is being seen as an initial attempt to regulate tech giants to take back some of the control they have on global communications. The Australian process is one of many taking place around the world in the last three to five years, including in India.
  • The days of voluntary self-regulatory efforts from the large platforms seem to be ending with many countries preferring mandated regulatory requirements.

Concerns:

  • There are questions on whether this code could provide an ideal regulatory model for regulating big tech.

Against free speech:

  • The regulation of the platforms could affect free speech.
  • Requiring the platforms to compulsorily carry some content amounts to compelled speech and goes against the ideal of free speech.
  • Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the web, has testified to Australian legislators that the proposed code breaks the web and goes against the spirit of the internet which envisions free flow of information.

Liable to misuse:

  • The provision requiring the platforms to compulsorily carry some content could be misused by the state authority.
  • If the platforms are required to carry official speech, they can be used by the state to spread their ideology.

Significance of internet platforms:

  • The regulation of internet platforms could have a detrimental impact on the effectiveness of these platforms.
  • Social media has been an important platform for voices not heard in the mainstream media given its easy accessibility. Social media’s role in the #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo movement signifies the efficacy of social media platforms.

Counterview:

  • Arguments in favour of regulation of big tech are based on the following aspects.

Need to counter growing inequity in the sector:

  • There are concerns being raised that the Internet has been hijacked by a small group of companies that are rewiring it.
  • These companies control the critical audience data and also enjoy a substantial share of online advertising.
    • Most countries including Australia have a highly concentrated Internet with Google accounting for a large share of search queries. Google and Facebook account for a large share of online advertising.

Increasing power and influence of internet platforms:

  • The recent case of Twitter permanently suspending the account of U.S. President, Mr. Donald Trump is an example of the power being wielded by these platforms which allowed a private corporate actor the power to de-platform the most powerful politician. Though there are arguments both in favour of and against this move, the lack of clear cut guidelines in such a scenario enables such platforms to misuse their control on users for vested interests.
  • The increasing reach of the platforms also provides them with greater influence among the masses. This could be used to their advantage.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's quote on tech companies: “They may be changing the 
world, but that doesn’t mean they should run it.”

Dangers posed by internet platforms:

  • The internet platforms can also be misused for disinformation operations, and to fan the flames of political polarisation, hate speech, misogynistic abuse, terrorist propaganda.
  • A conception of freedom of speech that does not draw boundaries around assaults on democracy amounts to a fundamentally wrong approach to freedom of speech.
  • An institutional arrangement like the proposed code can help regulate the misuse of internet platforms.

Need to ensure fair carriage of news:

  • One cannot label must-carry laws as compelled speech. Though making platforms common carriers is not a good idea, it would help move towards fair carriage of news.
  • This would also help ensure that certain public interest-oriented journalism is also carried on the internet platform This idea may not be antithetical to democratic ideals.

Conclusion:

  • Reasonable regulation is democratic, but the moral panic around big tech needs to be avoided.
  • The European-Canadian international human rights standards for freedom of expression and opinion which recognize the inherent right of freedom of speech and expression but subject to limits established through the rule of law, which is compatible with that of a democratic society may serve as the right model for regulation of the internet platforms.

F. Prelims Facts

Nothing here for today!!!

G. Tidbits

1. INCOIS to go for aerial mapping of ocean floor

What’s in News?

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is planning a bathymetric study.

Details:

  • INCOIS is planning to take the help of the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for aerial mapping of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep to get a better picture of the ocean floor.
    • NRSC is under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
  • NRSC has already done a similar high-resolution topographic Airborne Laser Terrain Mapping (ALTM) for the entire coastal areas of the country.
    • It is in the process of integrating the data for a 3D multi-hazard mapping of both the east and west coastline for a more precise picture of the ocean floor.
  • NRSC had also identified gaps across the coast of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha for installing more tide gauges for better monitoring of the sea and more accurate prediction of impending disasters like cyclones.
  • There are 36 already installed tide gauges in the Bay of Bengal.

Need for bathymetric study:

  • Such a study has become imperative in view of the tsunamis of the Indonesian coasts.
  • During the disaster, more than the quake-related high waves, the damage was due to landslides under the sea beds causing sudden wave surges leading to much damage without giving sufficient time to alert people.

2. SC plans exclusive courts for cheque cases

What’s in News?

The Supreme Court is considering the creation of additional courts to exclusively hear and decide cheque bounce cases.

  • The Bench was hearing a suo motu case registered last year to evolve a “concerted” and “coordinated” mechanism for expeditious disposal of cheque cases.
  • Over 35 lakh cheque bounce cases were pending in various courts across the country.
  • This constitutes more than 15 percent of the total criminal cases pending in district courts.
  • Even if additional courts were set up by the government, it would still have to streamline the procedure for the conduct of these cases.

3. LPG cylinder to cost ₹25 more

What’s in News?

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder price has been increased by ₹25 each.

  • The price hike is the third revision in February 2021.
  • LPG prices are determined based on the international prices of propane and butane, as well as the U.S. dollar-rupee exchange rate.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to Krishnadevaraya of the 
Vijayanagara empire:
  1. He belonged to the Tuluva dynasty.
  2. He is the author of Amuktamalyada and Jambavati Kalyan.
  3. He founded Vijayanagar City on the southern banks of River Tungabhadra.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • Krishnadeva Raya of the Tuluva dynasty was the most famous king of the Vijayanagar Empire.
  • Krishnadevaraya published several works – Amuktamalyada, Madalsa Charitra, Jambavati Kalyan, etc. He is said to have been a master of several languages.
  • Harihara and Bukka founded Vijayanagar City in 1336 CE on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra.
  • They made Hampi the capital city.
  • They served under Vira Ballala III, the Hoysala King.
Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to Financial Action Task Force (FATF):
  1. It is the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.
  2. FATF works to stop funding for weapons of mass destruction.
  3. The FATF Secretariat is located at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Headquarters in Paris.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

  1. 1, 2 and 3
  2. 1 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1 only
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

  • The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established in July 1989 by a Group of Seven (G-7) Summit in Paris, initially to examine and develop measures to combat money laundering.
  • In October 2001, the FATF expanded its mandate to incorporate efforts to combat terrorist financing, in addition to money laundering.
  • In April 2012, it added efforts to counter the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to Indian National Centre for 
Ocean Information Services (INCOIS):
  1. It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
  2. It has an in-house Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre to provide round-the-clock monitoring and warning services for the coastal population on tsunamis.
  3. It is tasked with providing Potential Fishing Zone Advisories.

Which of the given statement/s is/are INCORRECT?

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

Answer: d

Explanation:

All the statements are correct.

Q4. Consider the following statements with respect to Liquefied Petroleum Gas:
  1. It contains propane and butane.
  2. It is used as an aerosol propellant and a refrigerant.
  3. It is a colourless odourless flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1, 2 and 3
  4. 3 only
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or LP gas) is a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as fuel in heating appliances, cooking equipment, and vehicles.
  • It is completely odourless and is made from refining petroleum or natural gas.
  • Varieties of LPG bought and sold include mixes that are mostly propane (C3H8), mostly butane (C4H10), and, most commonly, mixes including both propane and butane.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

  1. The anti-defection law in India has been detrimental to the functioning of the legislatures and has also not been able to fulfil the intended objective of ensuring the stability of the governments by ending the practice of political defections. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-2, Polity and Governance]
  2. Australia’s new code for regulation of tech giants has drawn mixed reactions. Discuss the arguments both in favour of and against the bill in the context of global efforts at regulating big tech. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, Governance]

Read the previous CNA here.

CNA 26th Feb 2021:- Download PDF Here

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