04 Mar 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

B. GS 2 Related

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Shehbaz Sharif becomes Pakistan PM for second time

Syllabus: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.

Mains: International events

Introduction: In a defining moment for Pakistan’s political landscape, Shehbaz Sharif assumes office as the country’s 24th Prime Minister, marking his second tenure since 2022. His victory speech in the National Assembly resonated with pledges to rejuvenate Pakistan’s economy, combat terrorism, and foster equitable relations with neighboring nations.

Gratitude and Trust:

• The coalition government, formed after a hung parliament emerged from the recent election, represents a collaborative effort to navigate Pakistan through challenging times.
• However, amidst the celebrations, opposition members accused Shehbaz’s party of electoral malpractice, alleging the theft of mandates, reflecting the polarized political climate.
• He warned of an alarming debt crisis, where even the expenditures of the National Assembly rely on borrowed funds. Shehbaz emphasized the need for economic revival and pledged to steer Pakistan away from becoming a pawn in any geopolitical “great game.”

Diplomatic Ties: Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of expanding Pakistan’s diplomatic relations while upholding principles of equality. He committed to strengthening ties with neighboring countries and emphasized the significance of maintaining cordial relations based on mutual respect and understanding.

Nut graf: Introduction: In a defining moment for Pakistan’s political landscape, Shehbaz Sharif assumes office as the country’s 24th Prime Minister. His victory speech in the National Assembly resonated with pledges to rejuvenate Pakistan’s economy, combat terrorism, and foster equitable relations with neighboring nations.

D. GS 3 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

E. Editorials

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Seizure of cargo by India unjustified: Pakistan

Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Prelims: About Wassenaar Arrangement

Introduction :

• Pakistan has condemned India’s actions regarding the seizure of dual-use items intended for Karachi from China.
• Two advanced computer numerical control machines were confiscated by Indian Customs at Mumbai Port on January 23.

Pakistan’s Response:

• Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized India’s actions as “high-handedness” and emphasized that the seized equipment was for purely commercial purposes.
• The equipment, described as commercial lathe machines, was meant for a Karachi-based entity supplying parts to the automobile industry.
• The transaction was conducted transparently through legitimate banking channels with all required documentation.

Condemnation of Indian Actions:

• Pakistan’s spokesperson denounced India’s interference in free trade, labelling it as a dangerous precedent.
• The statement criticized India’s assumption of policing roles and questioned its credentials in doing so.
• The spokesperson highlighted the arbitrary nature of India’s actions and its disregard for international norms and laws.

Media Representation and Implications:

• Pakistan criticized Indian media for misrepresenting facts and portraying the incident inaccurately.
• The incident, according to Pakistan, reflects a growing trend of certain states acting with impunity, violating international norms, and taking arbitrary measures against others.

About Wassenaar Arrangement: Establishment and Objective: Formed in 1996, the Wassenaar Arrangement aims to enhance global security by promoting transparency and accountability in the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. Membership and Decision-making: Comprising 42 participating states, including major arms exporters and industrialized nations. Operates through consensus-based decision-making, emphasizing non-proliferation, national security, and regional stability. Control Lists: Defines control lists categorizing conventional arms and dual-use items with civilian and military applications. Member states commit to implementing effective export controls on listed items to prevent proliferation and misuse. Export Controls and Guidelines: Member states regulate the transfer of listed items to prevent unauthorized transfers to prohibited end-users or destinations. Guidelines and best practices aid member states in implementing export controls, including risk assessment methodologies and transparency measures. Contributions to Non-Proliferation: Reinforces other non-proliferation regimes like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Promotes responsible export practices and cooperation among member states to prevent the spread of conventional arms and dual-use technologies. Adaptation and Expansion: Periodically reviews and updates control lists to reflect technological advancements and changes in security dynamics. Seeks to expand membership to include countries committed to upholding its objectives, and adapting to evolving security challenges.

Nut Graf: Pakistan condemns India’s seizure of dual-use items bound for Karachi from China, citing purely commercial use. Describes it as high-handedness and a disruption of free trade, pursuing action against what it sees as unjustified action by Indian authorities.

Category: ECONOMICS

1. Facts and statistics

Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Mains: The issue with the current GDP estimate 

Introduction:

• The latest GDP figures released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) have stirred both excitement and confusion.
• While markets rejoice over the reported 8.4% year-on-year GDP growth in the October-December quarter, economists are puzzled by the significant disparities between official estimates and their projections.

GDP Growth Trends:

• The NSO’s data suggests robust GDP growth rates, with 8.2% and 8.1% in the first and second quarters, respectively.
• This represents an increase of 40 to 50 basis points compared to earlier estimates.
• The full-year GDP growth forecast is now 7.6%, up from the previous estimate of 7.3%.

Factors Influencing Growth Revisions:

• The revisions in GDP estimates for the current fiscal year are influenced by adjustments made to the data for 2021-22 and 2022-23.
• Real GDP growth for 2021-22 has been raised to 9.7%, leading to a downward revision of 2022-23 GDP growth to 7%.
• These revisions impact year-on-year growth rates, highlighting the importance of considering the base effect.

Analysis of Sectoral Performance:

• Third-quarter Gross Value Added (GVA) growth slowed to 6.5%, primarily due to a contraction in the rural agriculture sector and slowing growth in other sectors.
• The disparity between GDP and GVA growth rates is explained by a surge in net indirect taxes, particularly due to lower subsidy payouts.
• GVA growth provides a more accurate reflection of economic health, indicating sluggish private and government consumption expenditure.

Election Implications and Call for Comprehensive Analysis:

• With the impending announcement of general elections, NSO data becomes a focal point for political discourse.
• However, there is a need for a nuanced analysis of the economy based on multiple statistical indicators, beyond headline GDP figures.

Nut Graf: The latest NSO data reveals robust GDP growth, sparking market enthusiasm. However, disparities between official estimates and projections raise questions. Sectoral analysis shows slowed GVA growth, indicating a need for comprehensive economic assessment beyond headline figures, especially with elections approaching.

Category: SOCIAL ISSUES

1. A women’s urban employment guarantee act

Syllabus: Role of Women and Women’s Organization

Mains: Need for Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act

Introduction:

• Gender gaps in employment are a global concern and are linked to Sustainable Development Goals.
• The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been successful in rural areas, but urban areas present different challenges.
• The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) highlights the low employment rates among urban women.

Unmet Demand:

• Urban women face barriers like social norms, safety concerns, and transportation issues.
• The PLFS indicates a high demand for employment among urban women, with higher unemployment rates compared to rural areas.
• Many urban women are seeking employment despite having higher education levels.

Proposal for Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act (WUEGA):

• Building on existing urban employment programs, the WUEGA aims to address the specific needs of urban women.
• Key features include women-centric management, childcare facilities at worksites, and free public transportation for women.
• Proposed works include plantation, harvesting reeds, and other locally relevant projects.
• Incentives like automatic inclusion in welfare boards and apprenticeships for college students are suggested to enhance women’s participation.

Women-Led Initiatives:

• Examples like women-led waste management in Karnataka demonstrate the potential for women-led initiatives.
• Such initiatives empower women and contribute to local development.

Implementation and Cost Analysis:

• The PLFS estimates a significant number of urban women out of the workforce.
• The proposed WUEGA could initially target around 50% of this population.
• Estimated costs are around 2% of GDP, including wages and administrative expenses.
• Phased rollout and periodic assessments are suggested to manage costs and monitor effectiveness.

Conclusion:

• The WUEGA offers a promising solution to address urban women’s employment challenges.
• It can pave the way for broader urban employment programs and ensure income assurance for women.

Nut Graf: Proposal for a Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act (WUEGA) aims to tackle low urban employment rates among women. Key features include women-centric management, childcare facilities, and incentives for participation, with estimated costs at around 2% of GDP.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Advanced landing systems cut flight delays, but come at a cost

Context: Indian airports faced significant disruptions due to adverse weather, leading to flight diversions and cancellations. 

Issue:

• The Airports Authority of India has been upgrading ILS categories at various airports to enhance air navigation services. However, only six international airports in India possess CAT III B landing facilities, leaving many airports vulnerable to weather-related disruptions.
• Installing advanced ILS systems comes with substantial costs, including installation and maintenance expenses, posing challenges for both airports and airlines.
• Despite the benefits of enhanced safety and operational efficiency, the transition requires careful planning and investment. 

Significance: Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring reliable air travel and mitigating disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions.