08 Jul 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

08 July 2024 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
International Relations
1. Old traditions, new ties
2. Winds of change
Science
1. The ANRF plan has got off on the wrong foot
F. Prelims Facts
1. Red flags raised over runaway silver imports from UAE through GIFT City
2. Graphene: a simple wonder
G. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

2. Winds of change

Syllabus: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests

Mains: Political development in Iran

Context:

• Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist opposing moral policing and favouring Western engagement, wins Iran’s presidential run-off.
• His victory signals Iran’s capability for surprising political shifts amidst economic and social tensions.
• Previously, Iran’s executive, legislature, and judiciary were controlled by conservatives opposing reforms.

Electoral Context:

• Protests and state repression marked recent years, suggesting an ageing revolution.
• Ebrahim Raisi, a conservative, died in a helicopter crash in May, necessitating the poll.
• Pezeshkian, with limited administrative experience, was backed by Iran’s weakened reformist coalition.
• Endorsements from former President Hassan Rouhani and other moderates bolstered his candidacy.
• Pezeshkian won 53.6% of the vote, defeating conservative Saeed Jalili.

Voter Turnout and Legitimacy:

• Many Iranian voters had been abstaining from elections in protest.
• The first round saw a 39.9% turnout, sparking debates about the system’s legitimacy.
• The possibility of a reformist win increased voter turnout to nearly 50% in the run-off.
• Pezeshkian’s victory indicates high public hopes for reform and change.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Pezeshkian has criticised the handling of protests and supports dialogue with the West to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
• Despite the President’s limited power in Iran’s theocracy, Pezeshkian’s strong mandate offers a chance to push reforms.
• The clerical establishment should view his victory as a public message, promoting gradual reforms and careful international engagement.
• A common ground between Pezeshkian and the clergy could help Iran navigate its current challenges.

Nut Graf:  Masoud Pezeshkian’s unexpected presidential victory in Iran signifies a potential shift towards reform amidst economic and social challenges. His win, backed by increased voter turnout, presents an opportunity for gradual internal reforms and renewed dialogue with the West.

Category:Science

1. The ANRF plan has got off on the wrong foot

Syllabus: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology

Mains: About ‘Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)’

Introduction :

• In 2023, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament.
• The ANRF aims to seed, grow, and facilitate research in India, particularly in universities and colleges.
• The 2019 National Research Foundation (NRF) project report emphasized enhancing existing research cells in State Universities.
• The scientific community anticipated the ANRF would provide relief from bureaucracy and boost funding, enabling collaboration with industry partners.

Lack of Industry Representation:

• Nearly a year later, the ANRF is facing challenges.
• The recently announced 15-member Governing Board and 16-member Executive Council lack representation from key organisations.
• Despite aiming to strengthen university research infrastructure, there are no members from Central or State universities or colleges on the board or council.
• The board includes high-level government officials and notable scientists but lacks individuals with ground-level experience in the university system.
• It is crucial to have a single committee to formulate and implement strategies, emphasizing practical knowledge and experience.

Underrepresentation and Diversity Issues:

• The ANRF plans to raise over 70% of its funding from non-government and industry sources.
• The board’s sole industry representative is Romesh T. Wadhwani, an Indian-American businessman based in Silicon Valley.
• The only woman representative is the Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
• There is a notable absence of representatives from Indian industry, entrepreneurs, and eminent academics from Central and State universities.

R&D Underfunding and System Overhaul:

• India significantly underfunds research and development.
• To enhance research and innovation, the ANRF must:
  • Increase the R&D budget to 4% of GDP.
  • Overhaul the current funding system.
  • Implement a robust grant management system.
  • Ensure timely disbursal of grants and fellowships with a quick turnaround.
  • Eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and provide spending flexibility.
  • Operate independently from stringent government financial rules and procurement processes.
• The ANRF should function differently from current government science departments, with diverse representation, especially from practising scientists, women, and young entrepreneurs.
• The future CEO of the ANRF should have a background in both industry and academia and be capable of fundraising and understanding the global innovation ecosystem.
• A complete overhaul is necessary to prevent the ANRF from becoming another typical government department and to effectively bridge research and teaching in universities.

Nut Graf: The ANRF, despite its promising start, faces criticism for lacking industry and university representation, inadequate funding, and bureaucratic hurdles. A comprehensive overhaul is needed to ensure effective research facilitation, diverse representation, and robust industry-academia collaboration in India’s research ecosystem.

2. Graphene: a simple wonder

About Graphene:

• Allotrope of Carbon: Graphene is an allotrope of carbon, like diamond and graphite. It consists of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern.
• Exceptional Properties: Stronger than diamond, more conductive than silver, more elastic than rubber, and lighter than aluminium. Known as a “wonder material.”

Production and Applications:

• Simple Production: The basic method involves using scotch tape to peel away pencil lead, revealing graphene residue under a microscope.
• Advanced Techniques: Scientists use sophisticated methods like chemical vapour deposition for applications in car tyres and smartphone chips.
• Concrete Enhancement: Mixing graphene with concrete results in a 25% stronger material and reduces its carbon footprint.

Unique Properties:

• Twisted Bilayer Graphene: When two graphene sheets are stacked and twisted by 1.1 degrees, the structure exhibits superconductivity at low temperatures, discovered in 2019.

Q1. Mount Etna and Mount Stromboli often seen in news are located in:

Q2. How many of the following are allotropes of carbon?

Q3. Consider the following statements:

Q4. Arulmigu Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, recently seen in news is located in:

Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):