02 Mar 2022: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Big Oil MNCs exiting Russia
C. GS 3 Related
SECURITY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT
1. The history of the Kuki insurgency in Manipur
2. Doubts over defense supplies to India
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The Ukraine war, India and a stand of non-alignment
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Bastar’s Wheels of Justice Grind Exceedingly Slow
F. Prelims Facts
1. Adopt Gati Shakti, Modi tells States, private sector
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

A. GS 1 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

B. GS 2 Related

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Big Oil MNCs exiting Russia

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Mains: Impact of Big Oil’s exit from Russia

Context: British energy major Shell ended its joint venture energy projects with a Russian energy company.

Why is Big Oil quitting Russia?

• Russia’s decision to send military troops to invade Ukraine has led the U.S. and Europe to impose various economic sanctions on the country. 
• These include cutting off a number of Russian banks from the SWIFT network for international payments as well as freezing the Russian central bank’s dollar assets in order to stop the central bank from propping up the rouble.
• Many have called for sanctions that directly target Russia’s energy sector, which contributed to more than a third of the Russian government’s budget in 2021. 
• Russia’s energy sector is heavily dominated by the Russian government with major producers contributing to most of Russia’s energy production.
• These companies transfer their earnings to the Russian exchequer and also play a role in Russia’s foreign policy that uses energy as a bargaining chip. 
• Doing business in Russia thus carries significant reputational risk for large western oil companies. 

What will be the impact of Big Oil’s exit from Russia?

• Most of the impact of Big Oil’s exit from Russia on the country’s economy is likely to be over the long run rather than in the immediate future. 
• Foreign companies offer important technical know-how which helps in energy exploration and production. 
• They also bring precious capital to fund energy projects in Russia. These can turn out to be crucial determinants of energy sector efficiency in the long run.
• The exit could involve incurring significant losses if the Russian government decides to seize their assets.
• Western commodity trading houses also play an important role in the sale of Russian energy in the international market. 
• Their exit from dealing in Russian energy assets can affect liquidity and lead to greater volatility in energy prices in the international market.

What lies ahead?

• Due to Russia’s heavy reliance on the energy sector, tough energy sanctions can cripple Russia’s economy and rein in the Kremlin’s ability to fund the war with oil revenue. 
• The West has been measured in its energy sanctions till date given Europe’s heavy reliance on Russian energy supplies; Russia supplies about 40% of Europe’s gas needs. 
• At a time when energy prices are already rising in Europe due to supply-chain disruptions owing to the pandemic and government measures to cut down the use of fossil fuels, disruptions in Russian supply can cause further pain. 
• This will affect not only European consumers but also the entire world as everyone will have to pay a higher price when supply drops in what is a common, global energy market.

C. GS 3 Related

Category: SECURITY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. The history of the Kuki insurgency in Manipur

Syllabus: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

Prelims: Kukis

Mains: Kuki insurgencies in Manipur

Context: The first of the two phases of the Assembly Elections was underway in Manipur.

Who are the Kukis? 

• The Kukis are an ethnic group including multiple tribes originally inhabiting the North-Eastern states of India such as Manipur, Mizoram and Assam; parts of Burma (now Myanmar), and Sylhet district and Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh. 
• While Kuki is not a term coined by the ethnic group itself, the tribes associated with it came to be generically called Kuki under colonial rule. 
• In Manipur, the various Kuki tribes, living mainly in the hills, currently make up 30% of the total population of the State. 
• While Churachandpur is their main stronghold, they also have a sizable population in Chandel, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Senapati districts. 
• The rest of the population of Manipur is made up mainly of two other ethnic groups — 
  • the Meiteis or non-tribal, Vaishnavite Hindus who live in the valley region of Manipur,
  • the Naga tribes, historically at loggerheads with the Kukis, also living in the hilly areas of the State.

What led to the Kuki Insurgencies in Manipur? 

• The Kuki insurgent groups have been under Suspension of Operation (SoO) since 2005 when they signed an agreement for the same with the Indian Army. 
• In 2008, the groups entered a tripartite agreement with the State government of Manipur and the Central government to temporarily suspend their operations and give political dialogue a chance. 

Roots of Kuki Insurgency:

• The roots of Kuki militancy lie in conflicts of ethnic identity. 
• First was the demand for self-determination solely for groups belonging to their ethnic fabric, meaning the dream to form a Kukiland which includes Kuki inhabited regions of Myanmar, Manipur, Assam and Mizoram. 
• The second reason for insurgency lies in the inter-community conflicts between the Kukis and the Nagas in Manipur. 
• The Kuki insurgency in Manipur grew in real terms in the 1980s and after the Kuki-Naga conflicts of the 1990s. 
• This is when the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and its armed wing Kuki National Army (KNA) were formed.

Kuki-Naga Conflict:

• The community could not shed internal differences between tribes and take a single line of action. 
• At present, the demand has come to the formulation of an independent district which was formed under the sixth schedule of the Constitution.
• The Kuki-Naga conflict was started over securing identity and land as some Kuki inhabited areas coincided with Naga inhabited areas. 
• Even though clashes have reduced in recent decades, tensions between the two ethnic groups still exist.

Also read: Naga Insurgency

Where do the Kukis stand today? 

• The temporary SoO agreements were made in order to start a political dialogue about giving some form of self-determination to the Kukis.
• The SoO has been extended by the Government almost every year since 2008, with Kuki outfits threatening to breach the agreement by taking up arms again and boycotting the Government. 
• In 2012, the groups held a nearly eight-month-long blockade of highways around their area, costing the Government a couple of crores in losses each day.

D. GS 4 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

E. Editorials

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. The Ukraine war, India and a stand of non-alignment

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Mains: Implications of Ukraine’s invasion on India’s national interest.

Context: The article analyses the issues concerning India’s national security along with its stand of non-alignment on the entire context of Ukraine’s invasion and the impact of the rising geopolitical tensions. 

An Overview:

• In the wake of Ukraine’s invasion by Russia, the Russian President put forth a justification for its military operation which was based on the grounds to protect the people who have been victims of genocide of the Kyiv regime. 
• Russia’s claim for demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine has led to the emergence of ideological clashes and has been considered as an echo of the imperialist language in the 21st century.
• There exists a group of experts who believe that the grounds of Russia’s action against Ukraine are erroneous and must be revisited. 

India’s Action:

• The United States and its allies moved a resolution in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) against Russia to impose further restrictive measures. 

Read more about additional sanctions on Russia in CNA dated 26 Feb ’22.

• However, India abstained to vote because of its own national security reasons. 
• India’s abstention to vote against Russia is a continuation of the tradition that stems from a grudge against the western players and the UNSC’s actions pertaining to India’s security. 
• Going back to the chapters of history, India’s concern on territorial integrity and sovereignty raised in the Council was responded with ignorance. 
• Along with India, China and UAE also abstained from voting.
• India’s stance at the UNSC exemplified its intentions to resolve the dispute through dialogues and diplomacy, thereby advocating Chapter VI of the UN that provides a roadmap for a political settlement to any dispute through diplomacy. 

Challenge for India:

• India is in a difficult situation with its growing relationship with the US on one hand and Russia on the other hand with which it has a time tested friendship and historic ties. 
• Moreover, Russia is the primary source of military hardware and technology for India and has backed India’s security concerns at many events in the UN.
• It is envisaged that in the upcoming days, India will need considerable support from Russia on the issue of Kashmir that can be introduced in the world organisation by Pakistan receiving full encouragement from China. 

Way ahead:

• Looking at the challenges, India’s neutral stance on the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has been appreciated and necessitated on the grounds of national security and territorial integrity.
• This depicts the classical Nehruvian policy of Non-alignment (NAM) which is considered the most sustainable principle in foreign policy.
• However, if the ongoing crisis in Ukraine persists along with the renouncing of non-nuclear status by Belarus, then India’s policy of non-alignment might be called into question and might not be a sustainable one. 

Read more about the issue in CNA dated February 23, 2022.

F. Prelims Facts

1. GST Revenues Cross 1.3 lakh cr. in Feb.

Syllabus: GS3: Economy: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. 

Prelims: Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues; GST Compensation Cess

Context: The Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue has recorded an increase.

Recent Developments:

• The Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue in February 2022 was 26% higher than the pre-pandemic levels.
• The collections are 18% higher than those of February 2021.
• Revenues from import of goods were 38% higher year-on-year.
• Revenues from domestic transactions were 12% higher than the revenues during February 2021.
• GST Compensation Cess collections crossed ₹10,000 crore in a month.
  • The GST Compensation Cess aims to compensate states for revenue losses resulting from the adoption of GST for a period of five years or as long as the GST Council recommends.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to Bardoli Satyagraha:

1. It is a movement in the independence struggle led by Vittalbhai J Patel for the farmers of Bardoli.
2. The movement was launched against the unjust raising of taxes by the British Government.
3. Mahatma Gandhi supported this movement through his writings in Young India. 

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2 and 3
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 2 only

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

• The Bardoli Satyagraha, 1928 was a movement in the independence struggle led by Sardar Vallabhai Patel for the farmers of Bardoli against the unjust raising of taxes. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• The Bardoli Taluk in modern-day Gujarat was hit by floods and famines in 1925, which adversely affected crop yield. This affected the farmers financially.
• Despite petitions and appeals from civic groups and farmers to review this unjust hike in tax rates in lieu of the grave situation, the government decided to go ahead with tax collection. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• In 1927, the local Congress Party published a report to show that the farmers could not carry the burden of the enhanced assessment. But the authorities did not budge.
• In January 1928, farmers in Bardoli invited Vallabhai Patel to launch the protest movement wherein all of them resolved not to pay taxes.
• Gandhiji also supported the movement through his writings in ‘Young India’ magazine. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB):

1. It is a statutory body that is constituted under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
2. It regulates the supply of water from Satluj, Ravi and Beas to the States of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
3. It regulates the supply of power generated from Bhakra-Nangal and Beas Projects.

Which of the given statements is/are INCORRECT?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above 

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:

• The BBMB is a statutory body constituted under Section 79 and Section 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Functions of BBMB:
  • Regulating the supply of water from rivers Satluj, Ravi and Beas to the States of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Hence statement 2 is correct.
  • Regulating the supply of power generated from Bhakra-Nangal and Beas Projects. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Additional Functions:
  • Construction of new Hydro Projects within and outside the BBMB System.

Q3. Which of the given statements with respect to the International Federation of 
Association Football (FIFA) is/are correct?

1. It is the international governing body for futsal and beach soccer.
2. FIFA being the highest global governing body of football sets the rules of the game.
3. The FIFA Congress is the supreme legislative body of FIFA, in which each of the FIFA members has a vote.
4. It is a member of the International Football Association Board.

Options:

1. 2 and 4 only
2. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only 
4. 3 only

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

• FIFA is also the international governing body for futsal (a kind of mini football played indoors on a hard court between two teams of five players each) and beach soccer (five-a-side, played on a beach). Hence statement 1 is correct.
• FIFA is the highest global governing body of football, the world’s most popular game. But it does not set the rules of games. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• The FIFA Congress is the supreme legislative body of FIFA, in which each of the 211 members of the organization has a vote. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• FIFA is a member of the International Football Association Board, which sets the rules of football, and it applies and enforces those rules across all FIFA competitions. Hence Statement 4 is correct.

Q4. Which of the given statements is/are correct?

1. UNHCR is a UN Refugee Agency dedicated to saving lives, protecting the rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
2. UNHCR was created in 1950 to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes.
3. UNHCR is the only international organization to have won the Nobel Peace Prize more than once.
4. India is not a party to the UN Refugee Conventions.

Options:

1. 1, 2 and 4 only 
2. 3 and 4 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

• UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is an international organization working to save lives, safeguard the rights and provide a better future for refugees. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The UNHCR was established in 1950 in the wake of the mass displacements caused due to the Second World War in Europe. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• UNHCR has received the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in 1954 and 1981, while the work of Comité international de la Croix Rouge (International Committee of the Red Cross) (ICRC) has been honoured three times, in 1917, 1944 and 1963. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
• The organisation works in 135 countries and in India, has offices in New Delhi and Chennai. It first established its presence in India in 1981.
• India is not a party to the UN Refugee Conventions. Hence statement 4 is correct.

Q5. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’? [UPSC 2016]

1. It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions 
2. It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies
3. It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022
4. It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

• GHG Protocol establishes comprehensive global standardized frameworks to measure and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from private and public sector operations, value chains and mitigation actions.
• GHG Protocol supplies the world’s most widely used greenhouse gas accounting standards.
• Hence option ‘a’ is correct.