13 Jan 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

13 Jan 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
POLITY
1. The long wait for Indian citizenship
INTERNAL SECURITY
1. A case diary for the Indian police
F. Prelims Facts
1. SC refuses to stay law on selection of CEC, EC
2. Focus on best practices as global meet on pulses returns to India
3. At 25.37 lakh, India achieved record TB notifications in 2023
4. Global shipping in a spot as Panama Canal short of water
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine


Category: INTERNAL SECURITY

1. A case diary for the Indian police

Syllabus: GS-3, Various Security forces and agencies and their mandates

Mains: Indian police reforms

Context:​ A three-day conference in Jaipur, held in the first week of January 2024, brought together police officers at the Director General of Police level from across India. The conference focused on contemporary issues in Information Technology, indicating the growing importance attached to law enforcement in the country. 

Public Image and Federal Issues

  • Public Trust and Confidence
    • The police continue to struggle with a dismal public image, even seven decades after India’s Independence.
    • The lack of a trustworthy guardian organization makes citizens reluctant to seek help from the police unless in extreme distress.
  • Federal Discord
    • Growing discord between the Centre and Opposition-led States, particularly in the perception of the Indian Police Service (IPS) as a ‘permanent irritant.’
    • States prefer control over their recruits, leading to potential conflicts with the IPS.
  • Enforcement Directorate (ED)
    • The role of the Enforcement Directorate poses challenges for federal governance.
    • Attacks on ED officers in various places create tensions between New Delhi and the States.

Technology Integration

  • Tech-Savvy Policing
    • Acknowledgement that the police have become more technology-savvy.
    • Increasing education levels in the lower echelons contribute to this trend.
  • Youth Employment and Opportunities
    • High unemployment rates drive many to opt for police jobs.
    • Concerns about whether constables and sub-inspectors get opportunities to showcase their talent, given the dominance of IPS officers in attention and glory.

Restructuring for Quality Policing

  • Hierarchical Restructuring
    • Argument against the IPS dominating attention, with a call for restructuring to narrow the gap between higher and lower ranks.
    • Emphasis on knowledge, integrity, and empathy for improving the overall image of India’s police force.
  • Leadership Responsibilities
    • Encouragement for senior police officers to dedicate time to educating and mentoring those at the lowest ranks.
    • Suggestion for DGPs and their subordinates to spend an hour a day teaching lower ranks to expand knowledge and benefit the common man.

Politics in Policing

  • Politicization Challenge
    • The ongoing challenge of the politicization of the police force.
    • The difficulty in resisting illegal political demands while maintaining tactful relations.
  • Autonomy and Independence
    • Recognition that ensuring police force autonomy and independence is a complex task tied to broader political changes.

Police Reforms in India

  • The Police Act of 1861: This Act was brought by the British, following the 1857 revolt and led to a centralised hierarchical structure, mainly to prevent any future revolt.
  • National Police Commission (1977-81): The NPC was formed under the Morarji Desai government and recommended measures to improve the efficiency of the police force and bring professionalism. The Commission also recommended that in case of any custodial rape, death due to police firing, or excessive use of force, judicial inquiry should be mandatory.
  • Ribeiro Committee (1998): This committee recommended setting up Police Performance Accountability Commissions in states and the District Complaints Authority.
  • Prakash Singh Guidelines: The Supreme Court of India issued 7 directives to bring police reforms in the Prakash Singh vs. Union of India of 2006. These seven directives included continuing a State Security Commission, fixed tenure of the DGP, a two-year term for SPs and SHOs, separate investigation and L&O functions, setting up of Police Establishment Board, Police Complaints Authority at the state and district level and National Security Commission at the Centre level.
  • Model Police Act, 2006: Adhering largely to the precedent established by the Prakash Singh Decision of SC, the Model Police Act was framed by the Soli Sorabjee Committee. The committee submitted its recommendations in 2006, “to enable the police to operate as an efficient, effective, people-friendly, and responsive agency”.

Learn more about police reforms in India in the link.

Nut Graf: The conference in Jaipur reflects the critical need for a comprehensive overhaul of the Indian policing system. Addressing public image issues, federal discord, and the challenges of technology integration, along with hierarchical restructuring and political interference, requires a collaborative effort.

F. Prelims Facts

1. SC refuses to stay law on selection of CEC, EC

Context: The Supreme Court declined to stay the implementation of ‘The CEC and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023,’ which replaced the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a Union Cabinet Minister in the high-powered selection committee for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). The petitioner argues that this amendment nullifies the committee and goes against the concept of separation of powers.

Issues

  • Dilution of Supreme Court Judgment
    • The new law replaces the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister, diluting a previous Supreme Court judgment that included the CJI in the selection committee.
  • Exclusion of CJI
    • The exclusion of the CJI is seen as compromising the independence of the appointment process, with concerns that the Prime Minister and their nominee would hold decisive influence.
  • Compromised Independence
    • Petitioners argue that the law compromises free and fair elections by excluding the CJI, suggesting an independent mechanism for appointments is essential.
  • Violation of Separation of Powers
    • Senior advocates argue that the law goes against the very concept of separation of powers, questioning the authority of Parliament to nullify or amend a judgment rendered by the Supreme Court.

Significance

  • Constitutional Inquiry
    • The pivotal legal question revolves around the constitutional authority of Parliament to amend a judgment previously rendered by the Supreme Court, particularly when it comes from a Constitution Bench.
  • Impact on Democracy
    • Exclusion of the CJI is seen as compromising the independence of the election commission, raising concerns about the potential influence of the government in the appointment process.

2. Focus on best practices as global meet on pulses returns to India

Context: The Global Pulse Convention, jointly organized by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC), is set to convene in India in February 2024. 

  • With about 800 representatives from governments, commercial entities, and non-profit organizations involved in pulse production and processing, the conference aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among experts, stakeholders, and policymakers.

Issues

  • Balancing Domestic Interests
    • The challenge of maintaining a balance between the interests of domestic farmers and consumers.
    • Addressing weather variations to keep pulse prices reasonably low.
  • Increasing Pulse Production
    • Acknowledgement of India’s increased pulse production, with a focus on sustaining growth.
    • The need for effective strategies to manage the delicate balance in the interest of both farmers and consumers.
  • Smart Crops Message
    • Emphasis on pulses as smart crops contributing to sustainable food systems.
    • Recognition of pulses as key players in ensuring food security and nutrition in India.

India’s Pulses Production

  • India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world. 
  • Pulses account for around 20% of the area under foodgrains and contribute around 7-10% of the total foodgrains production in the country.
  • Though pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulses contribute more than 60% of the total production.
  • Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses-producing states.

ICAR’s Role in Research and Variety Development

  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity potential of pulse crops through research and development efforts. The ICAR focuses on:  
    • Basic and strategic research on pulses.
    • Collaborative applied research with State Agricultural Universities.
    • Development of location-specific high-yielding varieties and production packages.
    • During the period from 2014 to 2023, an impressive 343 high-yielding varieties and hybrids of pulses have been officially recognized for commercial cultivation across the country.

3. At 25.37 lakh, India achieved record TB notifications in 2023

Context: In 2023, India achieved a record in Tuberculosis (TB) notifications, with 25,37,235 cases reported, surpassing the 2022 numbers. The public sector notified 16,99,119 cases, reaching 93% of the target, while the private sector reported 8,38,116 cases, achieving 89% of its target.

Issues

  • Private Sector Underperformance
    • Despite progress, the private sector’s TB notifications remain below National Strategic Plan (NSP) targets.
    • In 2023, private sector notifications reached 33%, falling short of the NSP’s 56% target.
  • Historical Trends
    • TB notifications faced a significant decline in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
    • The private sector’s share has been gradually increasing but is still below the set targets.
  • Missed Cases
    • With 50-70% of TB patients seeking care in the private sector, the percentage of annual notifications is small.
    • Tens of thousands of TB cases are likely missed each year, as per NSP estimates.
  • Record Total Notifications
    • 2023 marks a milestone with a record total of TB notifications, surpassing the achievements of 2022.
    • Public sector notifications reached 93% of the target, reflecting improved surveillance efforts.
  • Private Sector’s Role
    • The private sector’s increasing share is significant, given its role in TB patient care.
    • The private sector is a crucial player in capturing missed cases and improving overall TB surveillance.

National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination

  • Complete detection of TB cases by 2020 followed by 100% elimination of TB by 2025.
  • The Conditional Access Program (CAP) has introduced an Anti-TB Drug named Bedaqualine.
  • Under the Make in India program, the development of a first-line anti-TB drug was proposed in the public sector.
  • A corpus fund for TB to be maintained under the Bharat Kshay Niyantran Pratishthan (BKNP) which is also known as the India TB Control Foundation, is one of the visions of this NSP.
  • It aims to create synergy through a shift from a regulatory approach to a partnership approach to streamline the services in the largely unorganized and unregulated private sector.
  • Technological implementation by creating a user-friendly online platform E-Nikshay to let doctors notify the cases as soon as they come across the infected patient.
  • Media campaigns are planned under this program to promote TB Preventive measures. Swasth E- Gurukul is one such initiative of the World Health Organization.

4. Global shipping in a spot as Panama Canal short of water

Context: The global shipping industry faces additional challenges as the Panama Canal grapples with a severe shortage of water. The Red Sea crisis, coupled with the canal’s water scarcity, is causing disruptions, leading major shipping companies like Maersk to bypass the canal and utilize alternative routes.

Issues

  • Increased Waiting Times
    • Queue of 47 ships waiting to cross the Panama Canal.
    • Waiting time for north-bound ships doubled to 10 days in the past month.
  • Red Sea Crisis Impact
    • Red Sea crisis caused by the attack on container ships by Yemen-backed Houthi militants in December ’23.
    • Ships are being diverted via the Cape of Good Hope, impacting the Panama Canal’s traffic.
  • Water Scarcity
    • Prolonged drought affecting water levels in Gatun Lake, a key component of the canal’s locks.
    • Reductions in the weight and number of vessels passing through due to low water levels.
  • Operational Changes by Maersk
    • Maersk bypassing the Panama Canal and using a ‘land bridge’ with rail services for cargo transport.
    • Creation of separate loops for Atlantic and Pacific vessels, altering shipping dynamics.
  • Global Shipping Impact
    • Panama Canal is crucial for international maritime trade, connecting 2,000 ports in 170 countries.
    • Over 14,000 transits completed in 2022, carrying more than 291 million long tons of cargo.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following pairs:
Harvest Festival State
Magh Bihu Assam
Wangala Kerala
Nuakhai Gujarat
Nabanna West Bengal

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

  1. Only one pair
  2. Only two pairs
  3. Only three pairs
  4. All four pairs
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: Magh Bihu is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam. Wangala Festival is the famous harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Meghalaya by the Garo tribe. Nuakhai is an agricultural festival mainly observed by people of Western Odisha in India. Nuakhai is observed to welcome the new rice of the season. Nabanno is a Bengali harvest celebration usually celebrated with food and dance. 

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Swami Vivekananda:
  1. In response to Maharaja Ajit Singh of the Khetri State’s request in 1893, he adopted the name ‘Vivekananda.’ 
  2. In 1899, he founded the Belur Math.
  3. He served as the principal disciple of the 19th-century mystic, Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: c

Explanation: In response to Maharaja Ajit Singh of the Khetri State’s request in 1893, Swami Vivekananda adopted the name ‘Vivekananda.’ In 1899, he founded the Belur Math. He served as the principal disciple of the 19th-century mystic, Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Consumer Price Index:
  1. It measures the average change in the prices of goods at the wholesale level.
  2. Base year for CPI is 2004-05. 

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only 
  3. Both 1 and 2 
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: CPI measures changes in the average retail prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services over time. Base Year – 2012. Retail inflation is also called Consumer price inflation- i.e., the price rise that consumers have to deal with. Retail inflation data is critical to policymaking because it is this measure of inflation that the central bank – RBI- takes into account when it decides whether to raise or cut interest rates in the economy. The RBI’s action, in turn, affects what EMIs people pay for their car loans or home loans, and for how long. Inflation in this context refers to increase in the general price level – not the increase in the price of any one commodity.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding appointment in the 
Election Commission in India:
  1. The CEC can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of an SC judge by Parliament.
  2. The Constitution does not lay down a specific legislative process for the appointment of the CEC and ECs.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: The CEC can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of an SC judge by Parliament. The Constitution does not lay down a specific legislative process for the appointment of the CEC and ECs.

Q5. Consider the following pairs:
King Dynasty
Nannuka Chandela
Jayashakti Paramara
Nagabhata II Gurjara-Pratihara
Bhoja Rashtrakuta

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

  1. Only one pair
  2. Only two pairs
  3. Only three pairs
  4. All four pairs
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • Nannuka was the founder of the Chandela dynasty of India.
  • Jayashakti was a 9th-century ruler from the Chandela dynasty of Central India.
  • Nagabhata II was an Indian Emperor from the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty.
  • Bhoja was an Indian king from the Paramara dynasty.

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