21 Jan 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

21 Jan 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Why are conflicts spreading in West Asia?
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. What are labour rules for workers abroad?
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. Wetland ‘nature tourism’ gets a fillip
2. India-Myanmar border to be fenced soon, says Amit Shah
3. A cultural confluence in Chennai
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine


Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. What are labour rules for workers abroad?

Syllabus: Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Mains: Labour rules for workers abroad

Context​: The recruitment of workers from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to Israel has raised concerns, with trade unions opposing the move. This initiative, facilitated by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), has led to debates on labour rules, the legality of the recruitment drive, and adherence to international labour standards.

Recruitment Drive to Israel:

  • Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments, in collaboration with NSDC, are recruiting 10,000 workers for construction activities in Israel.
  • NSDC promotes it as an opportunity for workers to explore new horizons abroad.

Opposition from Trade Unions:

  • Trade unions oppose the move, citing violations of Emigration Rules under the Emigration Act.
  • Central trade unions argue that sending workers to conflict zones contradicts Indian ethos.

Significance

  • Labour Rules and Legal Implications:
    • Workers travelling to conflict zones are required to register on the ‘e-migrate’ portal, but Israel is not on the ECR list.
    • The recruitment violates provisions of the Emigration Act, with workers paying fees to NSDC, flight costs, and other charges.
  • International Labour Standards:
    • India has not ratified ILO conventions on migrant workers, while Israel ratified the Migration for Employment Convention in 1953.
    • Despite the ongoing conflict in Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs expresses satisfaction with Israel’s labour standards.

ILO conventions for migratory labour

  • Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97) – Requires ratifying states to facilitate international migration for employment by establishing and maintaining free assistance and information services for migrant workers and taking measures against misleading propaganda relating to emigration and immigration.
  • Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143) – Provides for measures to combat clandestine and illegal migration while at the same time setting forth the general obligation to respect the basic human rights of all migrant workers. Calls upon ratifying states to facilitate the reunification of families of migrant workers legally residing in their territory.

Data points:

  • As per the available data, there are around 13 million Indian nationals abroad including labourers, professionals, and experts.
  • The External Affairs Ministry maintains the data concerning Indian workers, holding Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports, and proceeding for overseas employment through the e-Migrate portal to any of the 18 ECR countries. The Ministry does not maintain industry-wise data on Indians abroad.

Way Forward:

  • Legal Challenge and Concerns:
    • Trade unions plan to legally challenge the recruitment, emphasizing the violation of labour standards in a conflict zone.
    • The government’s stand on Israel’s labour laws is met with scepticism from trade unions.
  • International Practices and Migration Policies:
    • International labour standards, as per ILO conventions, stress cooperation among nations to combat misleading propaganda related to migration.
    • The ILO recommends accurate forecasting of labour demand and improved education and training systems for effective migration policies.

Emigration Check Required (ECR) and Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR)?

  • ECR is Emigration Check Required – If an Indian passport holder is not a 10th standard pass, they require ECR. It means they need special safeguards like proper and valid work permits/work visas/job agreements, etc., between their employer in the foreign country where they want to go and them, which is to be ensured by an office called Protectorate of Emigrants(POE) in India, like that of the Passport office/Visa Consulate.
  • ECNR is Emigration Check Not Required. If an Indian passport holder is a 10th standard pass, he/she is free to go to certain Gulf/African or other poorer countries elsewhere to work and earn livelihood there at their own risk, which means they do not require an emigration check.

Nut Graf: The recruitment of workers to Israel by the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments, while promoted as an opportunity, faces opposition from trade unions citing legal and ethical concerns. The conflict between labour rules, international standards, and the government’s stance adds complexity to the situation.

2. India-Myanmar border to be fenced soon, says Amit Shah

Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced plans for fencing the 1,643-km India-Myanmar border and reconsidering the free movement agreement (FMR) between the two countries. The decision to end the FMR, implemented in 2018 under India’s Act East Policy, raises concerns and implications for the border residents and the ongoing ethnic conflicts.

Issues

  • Fencing India-Myanmar Border:
    • The government plans to fence the entire 1,643-km border with Myanmar, similar to the double-fencing along the India-Bangladesh border.
    • The move is met with differing opinions from states like Manipur, which supports border fencing, and Mizoram and Nagaland, where residents share ethnic ties across the international border.
  • Reconsideration of Free Movement Agreement (FMR):
    • The FMR, allowing residents within 16 km of the border to travel without a visa, is under reconsideration.
    • Manipur supports restricting free entry, citing concerns about Myanmar nationals exacerbating ethnic conflicts, while Mizoram and Nagaland oppose the move.
  • Naxal Issue and Accusations against Congress:
    • Home Minister Amit Shah aims for a 100% Naxal-free country within three years, accusing the Congress of perpetuating Naxalism and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Shah criticizes the Congress for fostering a bribery culture for government jobs during its rule.

Significance

  • Border Security and Ethnic Conflicts:
    • Fencing the India-Myanmar border aims to enhance security but raises concerns about the impact on ethnic communities and refugees.
    • States differ on the need for border restrictions, reflecting diverse perspectives on security and cultural ties.
  • Naxalism Eradication and Political Accusations:
    • The commitment to make India 100% Naxal-free within three years highlights the government’s focus on internal security.
    • Political accusations against the Congress underscore the polarized narratives surrounding Naxalism and insurgency.
  • Cultural and Geopolitical Implications:
    • The decision on the FMR has cultural and geopolitical implications, affecting people living along the border and India’s diplomatic relations with Myanmar.
    • The differing stances among states reveal the complexity of addressing border-related issues.

Free movement Regime

  • Initiated in the 1970s, the FMR allowed people living within 16 km of the India-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km into the other country without a visa.
  • India shares a 1,643 km-long border with Myanmar, which passes through the States of Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km).
  • This regime recognized the deep-rooted familial and ethnic connections between communities on either side of the unfenced border.
  • The FMR was last revised in 2016, aligning with India’s Act East policy. However, it was suspended in Manipur since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. A cultural confluence in Chennai

Context: The December music season during the Tamil month of Margazhi, is one of the largest music events in the world, as thousands of concerts are performed in the span of a month, and visitors arrive from all parts of the world to enjoy the culture in the rare, salubrious weather the month offers.

Details:

  • The December season and the musical tradition have become such a global phenomenon over the years that UNESCO has recognised Chennai in its Creative Cities Network, for its rich musical tradition. The season, however, largely, remains within the confines of, and is dominated by classical music and dance. In 2007, this changed.
  • The inauguration of the Chennai Sangamam always featured special themes that provided space for the meeting of classical and folk art forms.
  • Apart from the participation of folk artistes, this year’s event also showcased performances of Kani tribes and artistes from States such as Rajasthan, West Bengal, Odisha and Maharashtra.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network

  • It was created in 2004. It aims to “promote cooperation among cities which recognize creativity as a strategic factor in their urban development”. Sustainable Development Goal 11 aims for Sustainable Cities and Communities.
  • The network covers seven creative fields: crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music. Indian cities in the UCCN – Jaipur: Crafts and Folk Arts (2015), Varanasi: Creative City of Music (2015), Chennai: Creative City of Music (2017), Mumbai: Film (2019), Hyderabad: Gastronomy (2019), Srinagar: Crafts and Folk Art (2021), Kozhikode as City of Literature, Gwalior: City of Music

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1) Consider the following statements about the India International Science 
Festival (IISF):
  1. IISF is an initiative jointly organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Department of Space, and Department of Atomic Energy in association with Vijnana Bharati.
  2. The primary objective of IISF is to provide a platform for international scientific collaboration and it is not open to the general public.
  3. The primary aim of IISF is to celebrate science, make it accessible to all, and foster collaboration for scientific advancement within India and internationally.

Which of the following is/are correct?

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

Answer: c

Explanation: IISF is an initiative jointly organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Department of Space, and Department of Atomic Energy in association with Vijnana Bharati. The primary aim of IISF is to celebrate science, make it accessible to all, and foster collaboration for scientific advancement within India and internationally.

Q2) Consider the following statements:
  1. Neutron stars are formed by the gravitational collapse of massive stars after a supernova.
  2. Supermassive black holes, found at the centres of galaxies, are believed to be formed by the accumulation of gas and dust over billions of years.
  3. The density of a neutron star is comparable to that of a supermassive black hole.

Which of the following 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: Neutron stars are formed by the gravitational collapse of massive stars after a supernova. Supermassive black holes, found at the centres of galaxies, are believed to form by the accumulation of gas and dust over billions of years. Neutron stars are way more dense than black holes.

Q3) Consider the following statements:
  1. Adequate forex reserves are crucial for a country to meet its international financial obligations and influence the exchange rate of its currency.
  2. High levels of forex reserves lead to inflationary pressures within the country.

Which of the following is/are correct?

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

Answer: a

Explanation: Adequate forex reserves are crucial for a country to meet its international financial obligations and influence the exchange rate of its currency. The high reserves will bring macroeconomic stability to the country.

Q4) Consider the following statements regarding antibiotic resistance:
  1. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria mutate in response to the use of antibiotics, making the standard treatments ineffective.
  2. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture is a contributor to the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  3. The indiscriminate use of ‘last mile’ antibiotics accelerates the development of antibiotic resistance.

Which of the above is/are correct?

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

Answer: d

Explanation: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria mutate in response to the use of antibiotics, making the standard treatments ineffective. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture is a contributor to the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The indiscriminate use of ‘last mile’ antibiotics accelerates the development of antibiotic resistance.

Q5) Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in 
agriculture?
  1. Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
  2. Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
  3. Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into the atmosphere by crop fields
  4. It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: One of the major transformational decisions taken by the Government was to introduce 100% Neem Coating on all subsidized agricultural grade urea in the country in order to increase the nutrient efficiency, crop yield, soil health and check the diversion of agricultural grade urea for non-agricultural activities. Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil.

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