12 Jul 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
GOVERNANCE
1. SC asks ED chief to quit
2. Legal dispute between farmers & Pepsico
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Chandrayaan
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
GOVERNANCE
1. Green Washing
GEOGRAPHY
1. North India’s monsoon mayhem
F. Prelims Facts
1. Multidimensional Poverty Index of UNDP
G. Tidbits
1. SCALP or Storm Shadow missiles
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

A. GS 1 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

B. GS 2 Related

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. SC asks ED chief to quit

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions aimed at development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Mains: Issues relating to governance, transparency, and accountability; Role of civil services in a democracy

Prelims: About Enforcement Directorate

Context: 

The Supreme Court has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director to resign four months before his third extension ends while upholding amendments allowing extensions for CBI and ED Directors.

Introduction:

• The Supreme Court has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director, Sanjay Kumar Mishra, to resign four months before his third extension ends in November.
• The court has upheld statutory amendments allowing extensions for Directors of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED, despite concerns.

Invalid Extensions and Time to Quit:

• The court declared the back-to-back extensions given to Mr. Mishra in 2021 and 2022 as invalid and illegal.
• However, the court granted Mr. Mishra time until July 31 to step down to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities to his successor.

Upholding the Amendments:

• The court upheld the amendments introduced in 2021 to the Central Vigilance Commission Act, the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, and the Fundamental Rules. 
• These amendments allow for three annual extensions to the tenures of CBI and ED Directors.
• The court disagreed with the submissions made by its amicus curiae, who urged the court to strike down the amendments.

High-Level Committees and Trust:

• The 2021 amendments require high-level committees, composed of the Central Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioners, to recommend officers for service extensions.
• The court reasoned that if the same committees were trusted with the initial appointments of ED and CBI Directors, they could be relied upon to advise the government on extensions.

Enacted Amendments and Judicial Prudence:

• The court highlighted that the 2021 amendments were enacted by Parliament and passed by elected representatives.
• It stated that the court cannot question the wisdom of the elected representatives in enacting the amendments.

Nut Graf: The Supreme Court has declared the back-to-back extensions given to the ED Director as invalid, granting him time to quit, while upholding amendments facilitating extended tenures for CBI and ED Directors.

2. Legal dispute between farmers & Pepsico

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions aimed at development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Mains: Issues relating to intellectual property rights

Prelims: About Intellectual property rights

Context: 

The Delhi High Court rejects PepsiCo’s appeal over patent rights for its ‘unique potato’ variety, revoking its registration.

Introduction:

• The Delhi High Court dismissed PepsiCo’s appeal against the revocation of its patent rights for the ‘FL 2027’ potato variety.
• The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights’ Authority (PPVFRA) had revoked PepsiCo’s registration of the unique potato variety.

Background of the Case:

• The PPVFRA revoked PepsiCo’s registration of the potato plant variety ‘FL 2027,’ used in Lay’s chips, under Section 34 of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act, 2001.
• FL 2027 is a ‘chipping potato’ variety with specific characteristics suitable for chip manufacturing.
• PepsiCo claimed that the variety was developed by Robert W. Hoopes, a former employee of Frito-Lay Agricultural Research.
• Kavitha Kurungati, a farmers’ rights activist, filed an application leading to the revocation of PepsiCo’s registration.

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act:

• The PPV&FR Act promotes the conservation and development of plant varieties, safeguarding the rights of breeders, researchers, and farmers.
• It supports agricultural development and the availability of high-quality seeds and planting materials.

Grounds for Revocation:

• Section 34 of the PPV&FR Act lists various grounds for revocation, including incorrect information, registration granted to an ineligible person, failure to comply with required documents, and non-compliance with regulations and directions.

Court’s Rejection of the Appeal:

• PepsiCo had erroneously classified FL 2027 as a “new variant” instead of an “extant variant” in its registration application.
• The court found that FL 2027 did not meet the novelty requirement for a “new variant” registration and could only be registered as an “extant variety.”

Implications and Considerations:

• India’s agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the economy and employs a significant workforce.
• Multinational food processing companies and investors must prioritise farmer welfare and understand local laws, particularly the PPV&FR Act, to ensure compliance and respect for farmers’ rights and safeguards.
• Recognizing the safeguards and protections provided by the Act is crucial for responsible engagement in the agriculture sector.

Nut Graf: The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights’ Authority (PPVFRA) revoked PepsiCo’s registration for its potato plant variety, leading to the dismissal of the company’s appeal by the Delhi High Court. The decision highlights the importance of understanding local laws and prioritizing farmers’ rights in India’s agriculture sector.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Multidimensional Poverty Index of UNDP

Syllabus: GS 2- Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

Prelims: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

Introduction:

• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) released the latest update of the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
• The report highlights the remarkable progress made by India in reducing poverty, with 415 million people lifted out of poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21.

India’s Poverty Reduction Success:

• The incidence of poverty in India declined from 55.1% to 16.4% during the 15-year period.
• In 2005-06, around 645 million people were in multidimensional poverty, which decreased to approximately 370 million in 2015-16 and 230 million in 2019-21.
• India is among 25 countries that successfully halved their global MPI values within 15 years, including Cambodia, China, Congo, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Serbia, and Vietnam.

Positive Trends and Fast Progress:

• Deprivation in all indicators declined in India, with the poorest states and disadvantaged groups experiencing the fastest progress.
• The percentage of people deprived under various indicators significantly decreased:
  • Nutrition: 44.3% (2005-06) to 11.8% (2019-21)
  • Child mortality: 4.5% to 1.5%
  • Cooking fuel deprivation: 52.9% to 13.9%
  • Sanitation deprivation: 50.4% (2005-06) to 11.3% (2019-21)
  • Drinking water deprivation: 16.4% to 2.7%
  • Electricity deprivation: 29% to 2.1%
  • Housing deprivation: 44.9% to 13.6%

Global Impact:

• Countries with different poverty incidences were successful in halving their global MPI values.
• Despite starting with an incidence above 50%, both India and Congo achieved this milestone.
• The 2023 release of the report reveals that 1.1 billion people, approximately 18% of the global population, live in acute multidimensional poverty across 110 countries.

Challenges and Future Prospects:

• The report recognizes that the absence of extensive data during the COVID-19 pandemic presents difficulties in evaluating the immediate outlook for poverty alleviation.
• Continued efforts are necessary to sustain progress and address ongoing poverty-related issues.

G. Tidbits

1. SCALP or Storm Shadow missiles

• France has delivered a number of SCALP long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine.
• The delivery was announced by President Emmanuel Macron.
• The SCALP missile is an air-launched British-French weapon known as “Storm Shadow” in the UK.
• It is the longest-range Western weapon in Ukraine.
• President Macron stated that the missile delivery aims to enable Ukraine to strike Russian occupation forces deeply during its counter-offensive.
• The Kremlin warned that France’s decision will have consequences for Ukraine and may lead to countermeasures by Russia.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. Statement-I: Missions like Chandrayaan strengthen scientific exchange and camaraderie between countries.
2. Statement-II: Investing in high-tech areas like space technologies is beneficial for the public good as well.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Global Multidimensional Poverty 
Index (MPI):

1. The MPI assesses poverty based on indicators such as health, education, and living standards.
2. It is developed and published annually by the World Bank.
3. It is a purely income-based measure that focuses on monetary poverty.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: The MPI considers multiple dimensions of poverty, including health, education, and living standards. It is not solely based on income and is produced by UNDP and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

Q3. Consider the following pairs regarding the missiles with their respective 
countries of origin:

1. Tomahawk: China
2. SCALP: India
3. S-400: United States

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: Tomahawk missile is developed and produced by the United States. The SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow missile is a joint development of France and the United Kingdom. The S-400 missile is developed and produced by Russia. 

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the objectives of the Forest 
Conservation Act 1980:

1. It aims to preserve the forest ecosystem by protecting the forest, its flora, and fauna.
2. It promotes commercial activities on forest lands for economic development.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: The Forest Conservation Act 1980 aims to preserve the forest ecosystem by protecting the forest, its flora, and fauna. However, it does not promote commercial activities on forest lands for economic development.

Q5. Consider the following statements:

1. Statement-I: Monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rainfall to certain regions.
2. Statement-II: Monsoon occurs due to the differential heating of land and water surfaces.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Evaluate India’s lunar missions in detail and how do such high-tech, expensive missions help the common man? (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, S&T]
2. Critically evaluate the proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Environment]

Read the previous CNA here.