17 Mar 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

B. GS 2 Related

Category: Polity

1. 7-phased poll fest to kick off on April 19

Syllabus: Elections, Salient features of the People’s Representation Act

Prelims: Salient features of the People’s Representation Act

Mains: Elections in India procedure, challenges and opportunities 

Context​:

• The 18th Lok Sabha elections in India are scheduled to be conducted from April 19 to June 1, spanning over seven phases.
• This election will also witness simultaneous Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced the schedule, highlighting key aspects of the electoral process.

Phases and Schedule

• The polling exercise will be conducted in seven phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.
• Notably, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh will witness voting across all seven phases.
• The counting of votes is set to take place on June 4.

Simultaneous Assembly Polls

• Alongside the Lok Sabha elections, Assembly polls will be conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Each state has its unique schedule for the Assembly elections, coinciding with different phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

Electoral Landscape

• India boasts a massive electorate of 96.8 crore of which 49.72 crore are men and 47.1 crore are women, with 1.82 crore being first-time voters.
• The gender ratio among electors has significantly improved, with more women voters, particularly evident in 12 states.
• Unique provisions have been made for elderly voters above 85 years and those with disabilities, facilitating voting from their homes.

Special Considerations

• Special polling stations will be established for displaced electors in Manipur, reflecting the Election Commission’s responsiveness to unique challenges.
• Notably, the Outer Manipur constituency will have staggered voting days due to prevailing circumstances.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

• With the announcement of poll dates, the Model Code of Conduct immediately comes into effect, aiming to ensure fair conduct during the electoral process.
• Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized addressing challenges such as muscle power, money power, misinformation, and MCC violations.
  • 
• Source: The Hindu

Issues

• Fair Conduct: Ensuring fair and transparent elections amid various challenges like electoral malpractices.
• Inclusivity: Facilitating voting for diverse segments, including first-time voters, women, elderly, and persons with disabilities.
• Security and Stability: Addressing security concerns, especially in regions marked by conflict or displacement.
• Model Code of Conduct Enforcement: Vigilance against violations of the MCC to uphold ethical campaign practices.

Significance

• The 18th Lok Sabha elections represent a crucial democratic exercise determining the leadership and governance of India.
• Simultaneous Assembly polls add complexity and significance to the electoral process, shaping regional political landscapes.

Solutions

• Implement stringent measures to curb electoral malpractices, ensuring a level playing field for all parties.
• Enhance inclusivity by expanding accessibility measures for vulnerable groups, promoting voter education, and awareness.
• Strengthen security arrangements in conflict-prone areas, ensuring the safety and participation of all eligible voters.
• Enforce the Model Code of Conduct rigorously, fostering ethical campaigning and upholding democratic values.

Nut Graf: The announcement of the seven-phased poll schedule marks the beginning of a significant democratic exercise in India. Despite challenges, the Election Commission’s proactive measures aim to conduct free, fair, and inclusive elections, ensuring the integrity of India’s democratic process.

Category: Social justice
1. How women in India have fared

Syllabus: Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Mains: Steps taken for women’s development in India

Context​:

• International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, 2024, prompts a reflection on the status and progress of women globally, particularly in India.
• The United Nations Development Programme’s ‘Gender Social Norms Index’ sheds light on prevailing biases against women, spanning political, educational, economic, and physical integrity dimensions.

Educational Empowerment in India

• India’s strides in education reflect a departure from traditional gender norms, with inclusive policies ensuring free education for all children, irrespective of gender or socio-economic background.
• Notably, about 12 crores of girls have availed themselves of this opportunity, paving the way for increased female literacy and empowerment.
• Despite advancements, gender disparities persist in higher education, particularly in STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented both as students and faculty members.

Entrepreneurship and Professional Pursuits

• Women entrepreneurs in India are breaking barriers across various sectors, ranging from entertainment and advertising to biotechnology and medicine.
• While traditional sectors like entertainment witness significant female participation, women with science and technology backgrounds are venturing into innovative and profitable enterprises.
• In healthcare, women are excelling in specialized fields such as ophthalmology, neurology, and maternal health, contributing to societal well-being and economic growth.

Political Representation

• India’s political landscape showcases significant strides towards gender equality, with notable examples like Pratibha Patil and Draupadi Murmu serving as Presidents.
• Compared to other countries, India has demonstrated substantial progress in women’s political leadership, setting a positive example for gender inclusion in governance.

Global Perspective

• Despite global gender biases prevalent in both low and high Human Development Index (HDI) countries, India stands out as a beacon of progress.
• Examples from neighboring countries and beyond highlight the presence of women in key political positions, emphasizing India’s comparative advancement in gender equality.

Issues

• STEM Gender Gap: Persistent underrepresentation of women in STEM fields poses a challenge to achieving gender parity in higher education and scientific research.
• Political Participation: While progress has been made, women’s representation in political spheres still falls short of equitable levels, hindering inclusive governance.
• Societal Norms: Deep-rooted gender biases and stereotypes continue to impede women’s advancement in various spheres, necessitating concerted efforts for societal transformation.

Significance

• India’s journey towards gender equality holds significance on a global scale, inspiring other nations to prioritize women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
• Achieving gender parity is not only a matter of social justice but also crucial for fostering sustainable economic growth and societal progress.

Solutions

• Education Reform: Implement targeted initiatives to bridge the gender gap in STEM education and promote female participation in scientific research and academia.
• Political Empowerment: Enhance efforts to increase women’s representation in political institutions through affirmative action and gender-sensitive policies.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Foster public awareness campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes and promote a culture of gender equality and inclusivity from grassroots to policymaking levels.

Nut Graf: As India celebrates Women’s Day, it reflects on its journey towards gender equality and recognizes the collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and policymakers in fostering women’s empowerment.

C. GS 3 Related

Category:Science and Technology

1. : With Agni V test, India makes the MIRV leap

Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life

Prelims: Agni V

Mains: Agni V test importance 

Context​:

• India’s recent test of the Agni V ballistic missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology marks a significant leap in its strategic capabilities.
• This development places India in a select group of nations possessing MIRV technology, enabling a single missile to deliver multiple nuclear warheads to different targets.

Understanding MIRVs

• MIRVs are advanced missile systems capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads to separate targets, effectively multiplying the destructive potential of a single missile.
• Developed initially by the U.S. and later adopted by other major nuclear powers like the Soviet Union, the U.K., France, and China, MIRVs offer strategic advantages in terms of target flexibility and penetration of ballistic missile defenses.

Significance of MIRVs

• MIRVs serve as a force multiplier, allowing a single missile to strike multiple targets, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Particularly crucial for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), MIRVs enable submarines to carry fewer missiles while maintaining the same level of deterrence, reducing the cost of maintaining a robust nuclear arsenal.

Mission Divyastra: Technical Details

• The successful test of MIRV technology under ‘Mission Divyastra’ demonstrates India’s growing technological prowess in missile development and strategic deterrence.
• Equipped with indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages, the MIRV system ensures precise targeting of re-entry vehicles, bolstering India’s strategic capabilities.

Implications and Challenges

• India’s adoption of MIRV technology enhances its nuclear deterrence posture, providing greater flexibility in responding to potential threats.
• However, the development of MIRV-ed missiles necessitates careful consideration of strategic stability and arms control measures, particularly in the context of regional security dynamics.

International Context

• India’s acquisition of MIRV technology underscores its commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent, amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and strategic competition.
• The reactions of neighboring countries, particularly China and Pakistan, will be closely monitored, reflecting the complex triangular dynamics in the region.

Issues

• Strategic Stability: The proliferation of MIRV technology raises concerns about its impact on strategic stability and arms race dynamics in South Asia.
• Arms Control: The development of MIRV-ed missiles underscores the importance of strengthening arms control measures and promoting transparency in nuclear arsenals to mitigate risks of escalation.
• Regional Security: India’s acquisition of advanced missile technologies necessitates a nuanced approach to regional security management, fostering dialogue and confidence-building measures among neighboring states.

Significance

• • India’s successful test of MIRV technology signifies a significant milestone in its indigenous missile development program, showcasing technological sophistication and strategic prowess on the global stage.
  • This achievement underscores India’s determination to safeguard its national security interests and maintain a credible deterrent posture in the face of evolving security challenges.
  • 
• Source: The Hindu

Solutions

• Diplomatic Engagement: India should engage in proactive diplomacy to communicate the defensive nature of its missile capabilities and promote transparency in its strategic intentions.
• Strategic Restraint: Emphasizing the importance of responsible nuclear behaviour, India should advocate for measures to prevent the proliferation of advanced missile technologies and enhance regional stability.
• Arms Control Initiatives: India can explore opportunities for arms control agreements and confidence-building measures with neighboring countries to mitigate risks of arms race escalation and promote mutual security interests.

Nut Graf: India’s successful test of the Agni V missile with MIRV technology represents a significant milestone in its pursuit of strategic autonomy and national security objectives

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements in the context of the 2019 Amendment to the 
Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

1. It allows individuals and organizations to be designated as terrorists, making it easier to investigate, prosecute, and stop terror-related activities.
2. The International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) has also been added to the Second Schedule through amendment.
3. The bill also empowers the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to approve seizure or attachment of property while the case is being investigated by the agency.
4. It empowers NIA officers of the rank of Inspector or above to investigate cases.

Which of the following is/are correct?

1. Only 1 and 4
2. Only 2 and 3
3. Only 1, 2 and 4
4. All are correct

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India .

1. Its current structure is similar to that of its formation in 1950.
2. Originally there was only one Chief Election Commissioner in the Commission.
3. For the first time, two additional commissioners were appointed in 1989.
4. The concept of multi-member commission has been in force since 1993 till date.

Which of the following is/are correct?

1. Only statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct
2. Only statements 2, 3 and 4 are correct
3. Only statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct
4. Only statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Q3 Choose the correct match among the following

Name of Grassland	Area
Prairies	North America
Pampas	South America
Veld	Australia
Downs	South Africa
Bugyal	Iran

Which of the following is/are correct?

1. Only 1,2
2. Only 2,3
3. Only 3,4
4. Only 4,5

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Q4. Consider the following statements in the context of Lifestyle For Environment -LiFE initiative.

1. At the Copenhagen United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP26) in 2021, the LiFE mission was announced.
2. LiFE Global Call for Ideas and Papers is a platform for global scholars to share innovative ideas that can encourage individuals and communities to adopt climate-friendly and sustainable behaviour.
3. The LiFE Global Call for Ideas and Papers initiative is implemented in eight priority areas.

Which of the following is/are correct?

1. Only 1 and 2
2. Only 2 and 3
3. Only 1 and 3
4. 1, 2 and 3

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Q5. As a result of the Reserve Bank of India reducing the bank rate

1. Market liquidity increases
2. Market liquidity decreases
3. There is no effect on market liquidity
4. Commercial banks collect more deposits

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Click on the link for the video explanation of the above questions and answers.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Discuss the various challenges related to elections in India.. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, Polity]
2. Many issues of the country would get sorted if there is more women empowerment. Comment.. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, Polity]

Read previous CNA articles here.