26 Jan 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

26 Jan 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
GEOGRAPHY
1. No snowfall in Kashmir
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Higher education enrolment
POLITY
1. Opposition MPs, parliamentary disruptions
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. AMU’s minority status
2. Myanmar’s ethnic minority fighters seize port town
3. Red Sea crisis may hurt companies
4. Vaibhav fellowship programme
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine


Category: POLITY

1. Opposition MPs, parliamentary disruptions

Syllabus: Parliament and State Legislatures, Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges

Mains: Issue of parliamentary disruptions 

Context​: The winter session of Parliament in 2023 witnessed a significant development as a considerable number of Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) were suspended. The suspension, amounting to 141 lawmakers, raised concerns about the role of the Opposition and the impact on parliamentary proceedings. This incident sheds light on the delicate balance between protests, democratic governance, and the need for healthy debates in the political landscape.

Importance of Protests in Democratic Governance

  • Democratic Values: Protests and dissent are integral to democratic governance, reflecting the vibrancy of political discourse and the exercise of individual and collective rights.
  • Opposition’s Collaborative Role: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s emphasis on the collaborative role of the Opposition underscores the importance of healthy debates and dissent in shaping informed decision-making and inclusive legislation.

Track Record of Suspended MPs

  • Shashi Tharoor: A three-time Lok Sabha MP, Tharoor’s notable contributions include a high attendance record, active participation in debates, and the introduction of crucial Private Member’s Bills.
  • S. Jothimani: As a Lok Sabha member from Tamil Nadu, Jothimani has actively addressed various topics, raised numerous questions, and introduced Bills on significant issues despite being a newcomer.
  • Manoj Kumar Jha: The Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar boasts a high participation rate, significant contributions through questions and Private Member’s Bills, and recognition as the best debutant parliamentarian.
  • Supriya Sule: With a high attendance record, Sule, a Nationalist Congress Party MP from Maharashtra, has actively engaged in debates and introduced Bills on important issues like census amendment and rights of widows.
  • Gaurav Gogoi: The Lok Sabha MP from Assam, awarded the Best Parliamentarian Award, has actively participated in debates and presented Private Member’s Bills on environmental concerns and company regulations.
  • Vandana Hemant Chavan: A Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, Chavan’s active involvement in debates, extensive questioning, and introduction of Private Member’s Bills on social issues highlight her commitment.
  • Derek O’Brien: The Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal, with a focus on education, digital literacy, and public health, exemplifies active parliamentary engagement through debates and Private Member Bills.
  • Kunwar Danish Ali: Despite a recent suspension, the Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh has shown high attendance, active participation in debates, and the introduction of Bills, showcasing commitment to legislative duties.

Issues

  • Suppression of Dissent: The suspension of MPs for causing disruptions raises concerns about the suppression of dissent, potentially hindering the Opposition’s crucial role in shaping legislative discourse.
  • Impact on Governance: Stifling dissent challenges democratic norms, prompting a reevaluation of the delicate balance between government and Opposition collaboration for effective governance.

Significance of Opposition’s Role

  • Shaping Legislative Discourse: Committed MPs underscore the indispensable role of the Opposition in shaping India’s legislative discourse through active participation, questions, and Bills.
  • Need for Diverse Voices: Dissent highlights the importance of diverse voices in the political landscape, contributing to the nation’s future through meaningful parliamentary engagement.

Solutions

  • Reevaluation of Democratic Norms: The suspension incident prompts a reevaluation of democratic norms, emphasizing the need for an inclusive and open political environment that accommodates dissent.
  • Government-Opposition Collaboration: Effective governance requires collaborative efforts between the government and the Opposition, transcending political divides for the greater good of the nation.

Nut Graf: The suspension of Opposition MPs during the winter session of Parliament raises pertinent questions about democratic values, the role of dissent, and the delicate balance needed for effective governance. The track record of committed MPs highlights their significant contributions to legislative discourse.

2. Myanmar’s ethnic minority fighters seize port town

Context: Recent developments in Myanmar have witnessed the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority armed group, claiming control over the port town of Pauktaw after intense clashes with junta troops. This escalation comes after a brief seizure of Pauktaw by the AA in November, leading to continuous bombardment by the junta. The situation raises concerns about the ongoing conflict, the impact on civilians, and the broader implications for Myanmar’s political landscape.

Pauktaw’s Strategic Significance

  • Strategic Location: Pauktaw’s proximity to a crucial deepwater port in the capital of western Rakhine state enhances its strategic importance.
  • Economic Implications: Control over the port town can influence economic activities, especially in terms of trade and connectivity.

Chronology of Events

  • Initial Seizure in November: AA fighters briefly seized Pauktaw in November, breaking a fragile ceasefire established post the military coup in 2021.
  • Junta’s Response: The junta retaliated by using artillery, naval bombardment, and gunfire from helicopters to regain control.
  • Continuous Clashes: The clashes persisted for over two months, leading to significant destruction in Pauktaw.

Humanitarian and Infrastructure Issues

  • Civilian Impact: The conflict has likely resulted in civilian casualties and displacement, posing humanitarian challenges.
  • Infrastructure Damage: New Google Earth images reveal extensive damage to the town, with the downtown area reduced to rubble and destruction of several buildings.
  • Military Dynamics
  • AA’s Control: AA claims to have “completely controlled” Pauktaw, forcing junta troops to leave by boat.
  • Ongoing Resistance: AA fighters set up checkpoints and continue to engage in clashes with military naval vessels, indicating the persistence of resistance.

National and International Ramifications

  • Political Landscape: The AA’s control over Pauktaw has implications for the broader political landscape, signaling the resistance against the junta’s rule.
  • International Concerns: The situation in Myanmar continues to draw international attention, with concerns about human rights violations and the need for a peaceful resolution.

Issues

  • Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict raises concerns about the humanitarian crisis, including civilian casualties, displacement, and potential shortages of essential services.
  • Political Stability: The ongoing clashes contribute to the instability in Myanmar, complicating efforts for political resolution.
  • Economic Disruptions: Control over strategic locations like Pauktaw can disrupt economic activities and trade routes, impacting the nation’s economic stability.

Significance

  • Resistance Against Junta: The AA’s control signifies the resilience and resistance of ethnic minority groups against the junta’s rule.
  • Strategic Implications: The control of Pauktaw has broader implications for the strategic dynamics within Myanmar, affecting regional stability.

3. Red Sea crisis may hurt companies

Context: The ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea, a crucial trading route for Indian companies, have raised alarm bells regarding potential adverse effects on India’s economy. CRISIL Ratings has warned that a prolonged crisis in the Red Sea could impact the profitability of Indian businesses, especially those engaged in export-oriented industries. This situation may also lead to an increase in the Centre’s fertiliser subsidy bill and reignite inflation pressures. The implications extend to various sectors, with specific challenges faced by exporters of rice and marine products.

Impact on India Inc.

  • Key Trading Route: The Red Sea route, facilitated by the Suez Canal, serves as a vital conduit for Indian companies engaged in trade with Europe, North America, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
  • Significant Trade Volume: Regions connected through the Red Sea accounted for almost 50% of India’s exports and 30% of imports during the fiscal year 2022-23.
  • Dependency on Sea Trade: Approximately 95% of India’s goods trade volumes are shipped through the sea, making the Red Sea route critical for the country’s international trade.

Challenges for Export-Oriented Industries

  • Affected Sectors: Exporters of rice and marine products are identified as the most adversely affected by the unrest in the Red Sea region.
  • Profitability and Working Capital: Prolonged disruptions can impact the profitability and working capital cycle of export-oriented industries.
  • Supply Chain Issues: A crisis in the key shipping route may trigger supply chain disruptions, leading to challenges for businesses engaged in export activities.

Shift to Alternative Routes

  • Consideration of Alternatives: Increasing attacks in the Red Sea have prompted shippers to consider alternative routes, such as the longer path past the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Higher Transit Costs: Opting for alternative routes may result in increased transit costs for businesses, affecting their overall cost structures.

Impact on Imports and Fertiliser Subsidy

  • Limited Impact on Imports: Import-dependent sectors like non-urea fertilisers may experience limited impact at present.
  • Potential for Higher Subsidies: A sustained increase in sourcing costs could necessitate higher subsidy payments from the government to support import-dependent sectors.

Issues

  • Security Concerns: Prolonged security concerns in the Red Sea region pose threats to the safe and efficient movement of goods, impacting trade.
  • Export Challenges: Export-oriented industries face challenges in maintaining profitability and managing their working capital amid disruptions in the key shipping route.

Significance

  • Economic Vulnerability: The crisis in the Red Sea highlights India’s economic vulnerability to geopolitical events and security challenges in key trading routes.
  • Inflationary Pressures: Supply chain disruptions and increased transit costs may renew inflationary pressures in the economy.

Solutions

  • Diversification of Trade Routes: Encouraging businesses to diversify their trade routes to minimize reliance on a single route and enhance resilience to geopolitical uncertainties.
  • Enhanced Security Measures: Collaborative efforts to enhance security measures in the Red Sea region to ensure the safe passage of goods and vessels.
  • Government Support: Government intervention to provide support, including subsidies, for sectors facing increased costs due to alternative routes.

4. Vaibhav fellowship programme

Context: The article discusses the recently announced fellowship program called Vaibhav, aimed at fostering collaboration between scientists of Indian origin or ancestry and research laboratories in India. The initiative allows these researchers to spend up to three months annually for three years, building connections, initiating projects, and contributing to the Indian research ecosystem. While the program shares similarities with the VAJRA Faculty Scheme, the article emphasizes the need for clarity on India’s objectives in focusing specifically on the Indian diaspora.

Vaibhav and VAJRA: A Comparative Analysis

  • Objective Alignment: Both Vaibhav and VAJRA aim to facilitate collaboration between international faculty and Indian research institutions.
  • Target Audience: Vaibhav exclusively targets the Indian diaspora, while VAJRA is open to researchers of various nationalities.
  • Engagement Duration: Vaibhav offers a three-year engagement period, whereas VAJRA was limited to one-year engagements.
  • Administration: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) oversees both schemes.

‘Brain Drain’ and Challenges in Indian Research

  • Historical Context: The issue of ‘brain drain’ has been a longstanding concern, with talented researchers seeking opportunities abroad.
  • Role of Short-Term Fellowships: Short-term fellowships play a crucial role in attracting foreign faculty, exposing them to India’s scientific potential, and highlighting challenges in the research landscape.
  • Triggering Policy Changes: Exchange programs can reveal challenges such as insufficient funding for basic research, limited participation by private companies, and restrictions on academic freedom, potentially prompting policy adjustments.

Role of the Indian Diaspora

  • Potential Benefits: Leveraging the vast pool of skilled scientific manpower trained abroad, especially in American and European universities, can contribute to India’s scientific growth.
  • Realistic Expectations: While the engagement aims to encourage scientists of Indian origin to stay or return to India, realistic expectations must guide these initiatives.

Clarity on Objectives

  • Need for Clarity: The article highlights the importance of clarity regarding India’s objectives in specifically targeting the Indian diaspora.
  • Identification of Gains: Understanding what India hopes to gain from such engagements is crucial, considering the continued existence of the VAJRA scheme.

Issues

  • Effectiveness of VAJRA: Concerns have been raised over the effectiveness of the VAJRA scheme, prompting a need for a comprehensive evaluation.
  • Ethno-Nationalist Restriction: The article questions whether the ethno-nationalist restriction in Vaibhav, focusing exclusively on Indian origin researchers, will yield the desired outcomes.

Significance

  • Fostering Collaboration: Exchange programs like Vaibhav and VAJRA play a vital role in fostering collaboration between Indian and foreign universities, contributing to the global scientific community.
  • Addressing Challenges: By exposing foreign faculty to challenges in the Indian research landscape, these initiatives have the potential to trigger positive policy changes.

Solutions

  • Clear Objectives: Clearly defining the objectives of engaging with the Indian diaspora can guide the successful implementation of initiatives like Vaibhav.
  • Evaluation and Adaptation: Regular evaluation of programs like VAJRA is essential to identify areas of improvement and adapt to changing dynamics.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to India – France relationship:
  1. A DRDO office was opened in the French Embassy in 2023 for strengthening technology cooperation.
  2. The main imports from France are aviation products, machine equipment, electrical equipment and chemical products.
  3. In July 2022, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was launched from the Eiffel Tower, offering secure and convenient transactions for Indian visitors and NRIs.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any one
  2. Any two
  3. All three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: A DRDO office was opened in the French Embassy in 2023 for strengthening technology cooperation. The main imports from France are aviation products, machine equipment, electrical equipment and chemical products.  In July 2023, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was launched from the Eiffel Tower, offering secure and convenient transactions for Indian visitors and NRIs.

Q2. How many of the following sarees have been given the GI (Geographical Indicator) 
tag in India?
  1. Uppada Jamdani Sarees
  2. Venkatagiri Sarees
  3. Mangalagiri Sarees
  4. Dharmavaram Handloom Pattu Sarees

Choose the correct code:

  1. Any one
  2. Any two
  3. Any three
  4. All four
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: GI (Geographical Indicator) tag in India is given to Uppada Jamdani Sarees, Venkatagiri Sarees, Mangalagiri Sarees and Dharmavaram Handloom Pattu Sarees.

Q3. Consider the following statements with regards to the VAIBHAV fellowship:
  1. The Vaibhav Fellowship, initiated in June 2023, is designed to attract Indian-origin scientists residing abroad for short-term collaborations with Indian institutions.
  2. Each selected Vaibhav fellow receives a stipend of ₹5 lakh per month, along with accommodation during their stay in India.
  3. Fellows commit to spending a month or two annually in India for a maximum of five years, collaborating with host Indian institutions.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any 1
  2. Any 2
  3. All 3
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: The Vaibhav Fellowship, initiated in June 2023, is designed to attract Indian-origin scientists residing abroad for short-term collaborations with Indian institutions. Fellowship would include a fellowship grant (INR 4,00,000 per month), international and domestic travel, accommodation and contingencies. The VAIBHAV Fellow would identify an Indian Institution for collaboration and may spend up to two months in a year for a maximum of 3 years.

Q4. Consider the following statements with regards to the gallantry awards in India:
  1. Post-Independence, the first three gallantry awards namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra were instituted by the government of India on 26th January 1950 and were deemed to have effect from 15th August 1947.
  2. Thereafter, three other gallantry awards — the Ashoka Chakra Class-I, the Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and the Ashoka Chakra Class-III — were instituted in 1952 and were deemed to have effect from 15th August 1947. These awards were renamed Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra respectively in January 1967.
  3. Order of precedence of these awards is the Param Vir Chakra, the Ashoka Chakra, the Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, the Vir Chakra, and the Shaurya Chakra.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any 1
  2. Any 2
  3. All 3
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: Post-Independence, the first three gallantry awards namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra were instituted by the government of India on 26th January 1950 and were deemed to have effect from 15th August 1947.

Thereafter, three other gallantry awards — the Ashoka Chakra Class-I, the Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and the Ashoka Chakra Class-III — were instituted in 1952 and were deemed to have effect from 15th August 1947. These awards were renamed Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra respectively in January 1967.

Order of precedence of these awards is the Param Vir Chakra, the Ashoka Chakra, the Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, the Vir Chakra, and the Shaurya Chakra.

Q5. A rise in general level of prices may be caused by
  1. An increase in the money supply
  2. A decrease in the aggregate level of output
  3. An increase in the effective demand

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

Answer: d

Explanation: The increase in the general level of prices may be caused by many factors like an increase in the money supply, a decrease in the aggregate level of output, an increase in the effective demand, an increase in income, the rapid growth of population, etc.

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