22 Mar 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

E. Editorials

Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. Water, an instrument to build world peace

Syllabus: Conservation

Mains: Water crisis in India and possible solutions

Introduction :

• World Water Day has been observed annually on 22nd March since 1993 to raise awareness about freshwater issues.
• This year’s theme, “Water for Peace,” highlights the importance of addressing water scarcity for global stability.
• Factors contributing to the water crisis include rapid urbanization, industrialization, climate change, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Water Crisis in India:

• India faces significant water challenges, including the depletion of groundwater tables, especially in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana.
• Groundwater consumption surpasses recharge rates in many areas, leading to severe shortages.
• Perennial rivers and streams are drying up, exacerbating water scarcity issues across the country.

Importance of Rainwater Harvesting and Government Initiatives:

• Rainwater harvesting is crucial for enhancing water availability and quality, particularly in rainfed regions.
• Government initiatives such as “per drop more crop” and “Jal Shakti Abhiyan” emphasize water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and efficient water use is essential for maintaining food security and environmental integrity.

Additional Steps for Ensuring Water for Peace:

• Monitoring groundwater levels and reclaiming water quality are necessary steps to address water scarcity.
• Implementing circular water economy principles and efficient irrigation techniques can optimize water usage.
• Community awareness campaigns, integrated farming systems, and climate resilience strategies are vital for long-term water security.
• Collaboration between research, industry, and academia is essential for implementing innovative water management technologies.

Nut Graf: World Water Day highlights the global water crisis, with a focus on “Water for Peace.” India, facing severe challenges like groundwater depletion, emphasizes rainwater harvesting and government initiatives to ensure water security and promote peace.

Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. Navigating the global waterscape, its challenges

Syllabus: Conservation

Mains: Diplomatic solution to water crisis

Introduction: Challenges in Access to Clean Water

• Global Water Scarcity: Approximately two billion people worldwide lack access to clean water, and the demand for it continues to rise.
• Historical Context: Throughout history, water has been central to the rise and fall of civilizations, often leading to conflicts over resources.
• Modern Context: Climate change exacerbates water insecurity, with extreme weather events like heat waves and floods affecting water availability and quality.

Water Diplomacy for Peace:

• Historical Precedent: Historical conflicts over water have also led to peace treaties, showcasing the potential for water diplomacy in resolving disputes.
• International Cooperation: To address modern challenges, nations must cooperate on water-sharing and adhere to universal principles of International Water Law.
• Inclusive Approaches: Water diplomacy should involve indigenous and local communities, civil society, and academic networks to prevent and resolve water-related disputes.

Addressing Water Quality Disparities:

• Global Water Quality Data: There’s a shortage of water quality data globally, with a significant urban-rural divide in access to basic drinking water services.
• Rural Water Accessibility: In India, 70% of the rural population relies on water for household needs, with agriculture being the primary source of livelihood.
• Potential Solutions: Increased water investments and the use of AI technology in agriculture can improve water accessibility and promote sustainable practices.

Transboundary Water Governance:

• Scope of the Issue: A large proportion of the world’s freshwater resources are in transboundary waters, including major rivers in India.
• Worsening Pollution: Water pollution in South Asia, particularly in rivers like the Meghna, Brahmaputra, Ganga, and Indus, has worsened in recent years.
• Need for Cooperation: Effective cross-border water governance is necessary to promote equitable water allocation and sustainable management of shared water resources.

Nut Graf: Water scarcity challenges two billion people globally. Leveraging water for peace requires international cooperation, inclusive approaches, and addressing disparities in water quality. Effective transboundary water governance is essential for sustainable management and peace.

Category: SOCIAL ISSUES

1. How water insecurity affects women

Syllabus: Role of Women and Women’s Organization

Mains: Women and water crisis

Introduction: Water Insecurity and Gendered Burdens

• Women and girls bear the primary responsibility for water collection in households, particularly in areas where water access is limited.
• Despite progress in India’s water access, the National Sample Survey indicates significant gaps, with over 41% of rural households lacking safe drinking water within their premises.
• Geographical disparities persist, with households often having to travel considerable distances, up to 1.5 km or more, for their principal water source.
• Water scarcity exacerbates stress within households and negatively impacts women’s lives, household dynamics, and social relationships.
• Lack of access to water affects girls’ school attendance and academic performance, while women face gender-based violence during water collection, leading to mental health issues.

Effects of Water Insecurity on Women’s Health:

• Water insecurity contributes to open defecation practices, resulting in health risks such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and cholera, as well as menstrual health issues.
• Women practising open defecation experience psychosocial stress and face a higher risk of non-partner sexual violence, further impacting their well-being.

Policy Responses and Empowerment Efforts:

• The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and the National Water Mission represent significant policy shifts in water management, aiming to provide household tap connections for drinking water access.
• JJM initiatives reduce women’s burden by minimizing the time spent on water collection, allowing them more time for productive activities.
• Women’s empowerment is promoted through increased participation in community engagement, including gram panchayat and self-help group activities, as well as involvement in Pani Samitis for water program planning and monitoring.
• JJM guidelines prioritize training women in water quality monitoring, empowering them and ensuring the delivery of quality water to rural households.

Research Findings and Implications:

• A study conducted in rural Tamil Nadu demonstrates the positive outcomes of household access to safe drinking water under JJM.
• Improved water access leads to time savings for women, which they utilize for household management, childcare, and children’s schooling.
• Women with higher empowerment indicators spend less time fetching water and exhibit better mental health.
• Positive correlations exist between water access and sanitation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these issues and the need for comprehensive approaches to address them.

Nut Graf: Water insecurity disproportionately burdens women in India, impacting their daily lives, health, and safety. Policy initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission aim to alleviate these burdens, emphasizing gender empowerment and improved water access for better socio-economic outcomes.

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Nuclear energy: fixing the finance

Syllabus: Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life

Mains: Challenges in adopting Nuclear energy

Introduction: Urgent Need for Reassessment of Nuclear Financing Policies

• Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) need to reassess their financing policies to accommodate private capital or blended financing models for nuclear energy generation.
• Despite the indispensable role of nuclear energy in meeting climate goals, MDBs and private investors have not significantly contributed to the industry’s financing.
• The lack of financial support from institutions like the World Bank reflects outdated financing policies that hinder the growth of nuclear energy.

Successful Financial Models and Cooperative Funding Practices:

• Countries like France, South Korea, Russia, and the U.K. have implemented successful cooperative funding models for nuclear projects.
• Cooperative finance models such as ‘Mankala’ in Finland, where multiple private companies jointly own and fund energy producers, offer a replicable example of successful financing.
• Financial creativity, coupled with market support and low interest rates, can unlock the potential of nuclear energy at scale.

Discrepancy Between Nuclear Infrastructure Development and Financing:

• Despite the increasing number of nuclear reactors worldwide, the state of nuclear infrastructure development and finance mobilization is not proportional.
• Examples like NuScale Power’s terminated project in Utah and bankruptcy filings of nuclear powerhouses Westinghouse and Areva highlight the challenges faced in nuclear project financing and implementation.
• China’s ambitious targets for nuclear energy production underscore the urgency to address the gap between infrastructure development and financing.

India’s Position and Efforts in Nuclear Energy:

• India’s nuclear industry faces challenges such as stigma, weaponization risk, and regulatory hurdles, limiting its adoption rate despite offering reliable and cost-effective energy.
• Recent initiatives in India, including inviting private investments, tripling nuclear capacity, and advancements like the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), indicate a positive trajectory for the industry.
• The PFBR’s innovative capabilities signify India’s commitment to advancing its nuclear industry and achieving self-reliance in nuclear energy production.

Nut Graf: Urgent reassessment of nuclear financing needed due to disproportionate infrastructure development and financing. Successful models like cooperative funding exist. India’s nuclear industry is evolving despite challenges, signalling positive growth prospects.

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Why did Pakistan carry out airstrikes in Afghanistan?

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

Mains: Pakistan and Afghanistan’s rising tension and its regional impact

Background and Context:

• Recent escalation: Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika and Khost provinces resulted in civilian casualties, leading to retaliatory attacks by the Taliban on Pakistani military posts along the border.
• Disputed border: The Durand Line, marking the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has long been contested by Afghanistan, particularly regarding Pashtun territories in Pakistan.
• Tensions with the Taliban: The Afghan Taliban’s rejection of the Durand Line as a permanent border and subsequent skirmishes exacerbated tensions, especially after the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended a ceasefire in 2022.

Reasons for Airstrikes:

• Terrorist activities: Following a suicide bombing in North Waziristan that killed seven Pakistani soldiers, President Asif Ali Zardari vowed a strong response.
• Alleged TTP involvement: The TTP’s Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group claimed responsibility for the March 16 attack, prompting Pakistan to conduct airstrikes targeting TTP militants in Afghanistan.
• Past precedents: Pakistan previously carried out airstrikes against Afghanistan in April 2022, targeting similar militant groups.

Reactions and Responses:

• Taliban warnings: The Taliban warned of dire consequences if Pakistan continues attacks on Afghan territory, citing civilian casualties and denying allegations of harbouring TTP militants.
• Pakistani concerns: Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed grave concerns over TTP presence in Afghanistan, accusing Afghan territory of being used to launch attacks into Pakistan.
• Diplomatic tensions: Despite assurances from the Taliban regarding preventing attacks from Afghan soil, distrust between Pakistan and the Taliban persists due to continued violence and militant activities.

Nut Graf: Escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan led to Pakistani airstrikes in response to a suicide bombing. This highlights the strained relationship, fueled by the Taliban’s presence in Afghanistan and its alleged support for attacks in Pakistan.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Panel to study scope of altering power lines in bustard habitat

Context: The Supreme Court of India has taken proactive steps to address the imminent threat facing the endangered Great Indian Bustard bird population.

About:  

• In a recent development, a specialized expert committee has been formed to navigate the delicate balance between conserving these magnificent birds and fulfilling the nation’s commitments to renewable energy initiatives. Led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the committee comprises esteemed wildlife experts, conservationists, and officials from relevant ministries.
• The primary focus of the committee is to assess the feasibility of relocating high-powered cables, a major cause of bird fatalities, underground in core habitats of the Great Indian Bustard in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• The committee will explore alternative strategies to mitigate the conflict between sustainable development goals and bird conservation efforts.

Significance: This initiative underscores the judiciary’s commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity preservation. By bringing together expertise from various domains, the committee aims to devise comprehensive solutions that safeguard both the avian species and India’s renewable energy agenda.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Which of the following statements regarding the Governor's power on bills
is/are correct?

1. Statement I: The Governor can return any bill passed by the state Legislature.
2. Statement II: The Governor’s power to withhold assent is absolute and cannot be challenged in a court of law.

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

1. Only statement I
2. Only statement I
3. Both statements I and II
4. None of the above

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Usha Mehta, a
prominent freedom fighter:

1. Statement I: Usha Mehta was a member of the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Quit India Movement.
2. Statement II: She played a significant role in organizing the underground radio broadcast “Congress Radio” during the
   freedom struggle.
3. Statement III: Usha Mehta later served as a Member of Parliament and held various ministerial positions in
   independent India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Only Statement I is correct
2. Statements I and II are correct
3. Statements II and III are correct
4. All statements are correct

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Jal Shakti Abhiyan?

1. Statement-I: India has launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan to promote water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
2. Statement-II: Jal Shakti Abhiyan focuses solely on urban areas and does not cover rural regions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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: c

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the World Water
Development Report.

1. Statement I: The report is prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with UN-Water.
2. Statement II: The report covers topics such as water scarcity, water quality, wastewater management, and water-related disasters across the world.

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

1. Only Statements I
2. Only Statements II
3. Only Statements I and II
4. None of the above

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Q5. Consider the following activities [PYQ 2020]

1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field
2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes
3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be
successfully carried out by using drones?

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

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d