15 Jan 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

15 Jan 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Global Surgery - Accessibility
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ECONOMICS
1. Prohibitive Gains
SECURITY
1. The delusion of eliminating 'the last terrorist’
GOVERNANCE
1. Regulating India's online gaming industrys
F. Prelims Facts
1. Rising Sea level erodes vibrancy of Ganga Sagar Mela
2. Rashtriya Vigyaan Puraskar
3. PM JANMAN
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine


Category: SECURITY

1. The delusion of eliminating ‘the last terrorist’

Syllabus: Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.

Mains: Need for comprehensive efforts to tackle Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)  terrorism

Introduction:

  • The new year in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) began with a terror strike in Rajouri-Poonch districts, raising concerns.
  • The Director General of Police highlighted the increasing numbers of terrorists killed, portraying a positive outlook.
  • However, a media report revealed a decline in the number of terrorists killed in 2023, causing worry.
  • The Union Home Minister emphasized the need to destroy terror infrastructure, possibly indicating a focus on neutralizing terrorists.

Debatable Focus on Eliminating Terrorists:

  • While neutralizing terrorists is crucial, it should not be the sole focus, especially with lower terror indices.
  • Obsession with the number of terrorists killed may be debatable in its effectiveness in the mid and long-term.

Historical Context of Insurgency in Rajouri-Poonch:

  • The insurgency peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s in Rajouri-Poonch, but efforts led to improvement by 2011-12.
  • The failure to consolidate gains and a misplaced focus led to a resurgence of instability in the region.

The Pitfall of Chasing Numbers:

  • The counter-terrorism approach may have won battles by addressing symptoms but at the cost of the overall campaign.
  • The focus on numbers persisted despite declining terror-related fatalities, revealing a reluctance to adapt to changing dynamics.

Reluctance to Adapt and People-Centric Approach:

  • Combating insurgencies becomes challenging when terror-related incidents decline.
  • The system’s reluctance to adapt is driven by factors such as limited tenures, short-term gains, and a desire for recognition.
  • Tactical-level operations should be people-centric, winning hearts and minds, but this often takes a backseat to performance imperatives

The gap with the Political Process:

  • Leadership must bridge the gap between the interests of the people and soldiers, with no contradiction between their requirements.
  • Security forces aim to manage conflict and hand over a stable situation for the due political process, but political initiatives have been unprepared and reluctant.

Lack of Political Representation in J&K:

  • The absence of Assembly representation in J&K since 2018, coupled with a lack of electoral representation at the grassroots level, hampers a whole-of-government approach.
  • The objective of eliminating terrorists rather than terrorism may continue to be the ground rule in the absence of comprehensive political initiatives.

Conclusion:

  • The need for a balanced approach, adapting to changing dynamics, and incorporating a people-centric strategy is essential for long-term stability.
  • Political initiatives, along with security measures, are crucial in resolving the complex situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Nut Graf:  In Jammu and Kashmir, a recent terror strike prompted security forces to highlight increasing terrorist eliminations. However, a declining trend in such numbers raises concerns, emphasizing the need for a nuanced and adaptable approach beyond a mere focus on eliminating terrorists.


Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Regulating India’s online gaming industry

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Mains: Rising online gaming industry: Opportunities, challenges and need for regulation

Introduction:

  • Market failures, including monopolies, externalities, and information asymmetries, can diminish economic value and erode societal well-being.
  • Government regulatory intervention is essential when benefits surpass potential costs, safeguarding public interest and trust.

Digital Markets in India:

  • India has the world’s second-largest Internet user base (692 million users) and ranks eighth globally in time spent on mobile apps.
  • Average daily mobile app usage increased by 32% since 2019, with 82% dedicated to media and entertainment, and half of this engagement on social media.
  • Challenges include AI-generated deep fake videos, blurring the lines between reality and simulation.

Online Gaming Industry Overview:

  • Online gaming in India is a home-grown start-up ecosystem growing at 27% CAGR.
  • Estimated contribution of AI and online gaming to India’s GDP: $300 billion by 2026-27.
  • Concerns in the industry: addiction, mental illness, suicides, financial fraud, privacy, data security, money laundering, and national security.

Challenges in the Online Gaming Industry:

  • Lack of adequate regulation leads to market failure.
  • Growth of illegal offshore gambling and betting markets with a $100 billion annual deposit from India.
  • Clandestine operations caused substantial losses to the exchequer, estimated at $45 billion per annum in taxation.

Need for Regulation:

  • Urgent need for robust regulation to address user harm and financial losses.
  • Some State governments attempt to ban online gaming, but the cross-border nature of the Internet makes enforcement difficult.
  • Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, a commendable step, but delayed notification of Self-Regulatory Bodies stalls progress.
  • Strict regulation is imperative to protect 373 million gamers in India.

Global Perspective – U.K. Model:

  • The U.K. has a centralized government regulator for online gaming.
  • Quarterly reports on the effects of regulation show significant fines for operators violating player protection requirements.
  • Strict enforcement and harm reduction efforts have led to a decline in disordered gaming and medium-to-low-risk gaming behaviour.

Importance of Regulatory Framework:

  • Unregulated markets may not deliver the greatest benefit to society.
  • High taxes and weak regulatory enforcement create a fertile ground for a shadow economy, as seen in the Indian online gaming industry.
  • Establishing a strict regulatory framework is crucial for protecting digital citizens, national interests, and ensuring responsible growth of the online gaming sector.

Nut Graf: In India, the booming online gaming industry faces urgent regulatory challenges, including addiction, financial fraud, and national security risks. With inadequate oversight, illegal offshore markets thrive, causing significant losses. Strict regulation is imperative to protect users and ensure responsible sector growth.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Rising Sea level erodes vibrancy of Ganga Sagar Mela

Context:  Rising sea levels and beach erosion pose a threat to the Ganga Sagar Mela on Sagar Island. This is a concern for plans to give it a status of national fair.

Issue: 

  • A kilometer of beach near Kapil Muni temple is covered with mud, impacting the annual pilgrimage.
  • It is difficult to combat natural forces.
  • There is a Growing concern over the erosion’s environmental and economic implications.
  • Erosion comes as an embarrassment as the state seeks national fair status.
  • Violations of Coastal Regulation Zone and human interventions cited as contributing factors.

Initiatives:

  • The West Bengal government allocates ₹25 crore for dredging, addressing erosion issues.
  • Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeals to Prime Minister Modi for national fair status.
  • Tetrapods, wave-dissipating concrete blocks, installed to counter beach erosion. Effectiveness is to be assessed after the monsoon season.

Significance:

  • Sea-level rise brings water closer to Kapil Muni temple, raising preservation concerns.
  • Human interventions, construction violations in Coastal Regulation Zone, contribute to erosion.
  • Experts emphasize the need for sustainable measures to counteract erosion.

2. Rashtriya Vigyaan Puraskar

Context: The government has invited nominations for the inaugural ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar,’ the national science awards, acknowledging accomplishments in diverse realms of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.

About the Award: 

  • The award was Instituted last year.
  • These awards come in four categories and were introduced after discontinuing more than 300 awards from various institutions. 
  • The accolades include a medal and citation.
  • There is no monetary prize. 
  • The scheduled date for the announcement of winners is May 11, National Technology Day.
  • The awards ceremony is planned for August 23, National Space Day, commemorating the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s moon landing.

Significance:

  • Four categories highlighting excellence in different fields of science and technology.
  • The emphasis on honoring accomplishments and contributions to the scientific community.
  • The ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’ as a symbol of India’s commitment to scientific progress and innovation.

3. PM JANMAN

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to initiate the allocation of ₹540 crore, marking the first installment of funding for durable homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

About: 

  • This dedicated financial support is aimed at benefiting one lakh families from the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). 
  • The release of funds is part of the recently launched PM-JANMAN(Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) package, focusing on the overall development of PVTG habitations.

Significance: 

  • This step is a key component of the PM-JANMAN package, emphasizing holistic development in tribal communities.
  • This underlines the government’s commitment to tribal welfare and housing initiatives.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY):
  1. It provides a cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empanelled hospitals in India.
  2. It provides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service, that is, the hospital.
  3. There is no restriction on the family size, age or gender.
  4. It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines.

How many statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. All four

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: All four statements are correct. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) provides a cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empanelled hospitals in India. It ensures cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service, i.e., the hospital. There is no restriction on the family size, age, or gender, and it covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses, including diagnostics and medicines.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri 
Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN):
  1. It was launched for the socio-economic welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) on 15th November 2023, on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
  2. PM-JANMAN, with a budget of approximately Rs 24,000 crore,  focuses on 11 critical interventions through 9 Ministries.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

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

Answer: d

Explanation: Both statements are correct regarding Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). The initiative was launched on 15th November 2023, specifically aimed at the socio-economic welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The program carries a substantial budget of approximately Rs 24,000 crore, indicating a significant financial commitment from the government.
It strategically focuses on 11 critical interventions, encompassing various aspects of development, through the coordination of 9 Ministries.
These interventions are designed to improve socio-economic conditions of the PVTGs by saturating PVTG households and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, electricity, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Q3. Which of the following are India’s Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles?
  1. Prithvi-III
  2. Agni-II
  3. Prahaar
  4. Agni-III
  5. Trishul
  6. MILAN

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
  2. 2 and 4 only
  3. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs) are missiles with a range between 3,000–5,500 kilometers. In the provided list, Agni-II and Agni-III fall under this category. Prithvi-III, Prahaar, Trishul, and MILAN are not Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles.

Ballistic missiles are propelled by rockets during the initial phase, followed by an unpowered, descending trajectory toward their intended destinations.

They are categorized based on their range:

  • Short-range ballistic missiles, covering distances of less than 1,000 kilometers (approximately 620 miles).
  • Medium-range ballistic missiles, with travel distances between 1,000–3,000 kilometers (approximately 620-1,860 miles).
  • Intermediate-range ballistic missiles, ranging from 3,000–5,500 kilometers (approximately 1,860-3,410 miles).
  • Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), designed for distances exceeding 5,500 kilometers.

Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile –  Agni II, Agni III and Agni IV

Q4. Assertion (A): Shield volcanoes are not steep. They become explosive if somehow water gets into the vent; otherwise, they are characterized by low-explosivity.
Reason (R): These volcanoes are mostly made up of basalt, a type of lava that is very fluid when erupted.
  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
  3. A is true but R is false
  4. A is false but R is true
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: Shield volcanoes, such as those found in Hawaii, are indeed characterized by their low steepness. The lava they erupt is primarily basalt, which has high fluidity. Due to the fluid nature of basaltic lava, it tends to flow more easily, resulting in the gradual, gentle slopes typically associated with shield volcanoes.

The reason (R) correctly explains why shield volcanoes are not steep and are characterized by low-explosivity. If water were to somehow enter the vent, it could lead to steam-driven explosive eruptions, but this is not the typical behavior of shield volcanoes under normal conditions.

Q5. “Yogavasistha” was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of: (PYQ 2022)
  1. Akbar
  2. Humayun
  3. Shah Jahan
  4. Aurangzeb
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: A

Explanation: During the reign of Akbar, Nizamuddin Panipati translated “Yogavasistha” into Persian. This translation took place as part of Akbar’s efforts to promote cultural exchange and understanding. “Yogavasistha” is a significant Hindu philosophical text that explores topics related to non-duality, Maya, and the principles of Yoga. The translation reflects Akbar’s inclusive policies, fostering intellectual engagement between different religious and cultural traditions in his empire. Nizamuddin Panipati’s work contributed to the cross-cultural dialogue during the Mughal era.

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