29 May 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

29 May 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
SOCIAL ISSUES
1. Still no sign of the language of equity and inclusion
POLITY
1. Turnout conundrum: On stocktaking on voter participation
F. Prelims Facts
1. Israeli strikes in Rafah: At least 37 Palestinians, most in tents, killed
2. India offers $1 million aid to Papua New Guinea
3. Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognize Palestine state
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: POLITY

1. Turnout conundrum: On stocktaking on voter participation

Syllabus: GS-2, Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act

Mains: Low voter turnout trend and its implications

Overview of Voter Turnout in General Election 2024:

  • General Trend: Voter turnout in the 2024 general election has significantly decreased compared to the 2019 and 2014 elections.
  • Regional Variations:
    • Higher turnout in the East, Northeast, and parts of the South.
    • Lower turnout in the West, Central, and North India.
    • Notable exceptions include Telangana (increase from 62.8% to 65.7%) and Karnataka (increase from 68.8% to 70.6%).

Detailed Analysis of Decline:

  • Absolute Decline: Voter turnout in absolute numbers decreased in 132 out of 485 constituencies in the first six phases.
  • Unprecedented Dip: The high number of constituencies with lower voter participation is unprecedented since the 2009 delimitation.
  • Electorate Changes: Significant increase in eligible voters in 2014, slight increases in 2019 and 2024, but a dramatic drop in turnout in 2024.

Possible Reasons for Low Turnout:

  • Political Factors:
    • Lower enthusiasm in states without strong party contests.
    • Example: Gujarat (60.1%, 4.4 point drop) with BJP dominance, Kerala (71.3%, 6.6 point drop) with strong INDIA bloc competition.
  • Inter-State Migration:
    • Possible impact on voter turnout in Northern and Central states.
    • Bihar shows a significant gender gap with more women voting.
  • Environmental Factors: Heatwave conditions might have discouraged voter participation.

Implications and Need for Investigation:

  • Concerns: The significant drop in voter turnout is concerning for India’s democratic process.
  • Need for Data Analysis: The Election Commission of India should investigate these factors to understand the decline better.
  • Importance of Voting: Sustained voter apathy can undermine democracy; active participation is crucial for a representative government.

Nut Graf: The 2024 general election saw a significant decline in voter turnout across many states, raising concerns about political engagement and democracy. Factors like political dynamics, migration, and environmental conditions may have contributed, warranting further investigation by the Election Commission.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Israeli strikes in Rafah: At least 37 Palestinians, most in tents, killed

Recent Strikes and Casualties in Rafah:

  • Israeli shelling and air strikes in Rafah killed at least 37 people, primarily those sheltering in tents, in the last three days.
  • The strikes hit the western Tel al-Sultan district, killing 16 people, including 7 in tents near a UN facility.
  • An Israeli drone strike targeted tents near a field hospital, resulting in 21 deaths, including 13 women.

Context and Impact of Strikes:

  • The attacks occurred in the same area where a deadly fire had broken out due to strikes on a camp for displaced Palestinians days earlier.
  • On the 26th of May evening, an air strike on the camp killed 45 Palestinians and injured hundreds with shrapnel and burns.
  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks, stating, “There is no safe place in Gaza.”

Israeli Military Actions and Reactions:

  • Despite condemnation, Israeli tanks advanced into the heart of Rafah, with troops stationed at the al-Awda roundabout.
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the camp strike as a “tragic accident” but confirmed the continuation of the military campaign against Hamas.
  • The ongoing offensive has resulted in at least 36,096 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

2. India offers $1 million aid to Papua New Guinea

Context:

  • The Government of India has granted $1 million in immediate assistance to Papua New Guinea.
  • Papua New Guinea has been severely affected by a devastating flood and landslides.

Humanitarian Efforts and Solidarity:

  • The disaster has resulted in the loss of 2,000 lives.
  • India’s aid is a gesture of solidarity and support for Papua New Guinea.
  • The assistance is extended under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
  • The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the aid aims to support relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in the affected regions.

3. Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognize Palestine state

Context:

  • Spain, Norway, and Ireland formally recognized the Palestinian State on 28th May.
  • This action was a coordinated effort to add international pressure on Israel regarding its response to the 2023 Hamas-led attack.
  • Tel Aviv criticized the diplomatic move, noting it would have no immediate impact on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Statements from Leaders:

  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the decision in a televised address, stating the goal was to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.
  • Ireland and Norway joined Spain in formalizing their recognition after jointly announcing the decision the previous week.

International Context:

  • Approximately 140 countries have recognized the Palestinian State, though none of the major Western powers have done so.
  • The recognition by these three European countries marks a significant win for Palestinian efforts to gain global support.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Mount Giluwe recently seen in the news is located in:
  1. Indonesia 
  2. Mexico
  3. Papua New Guinea
  4. Iceland
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: Giluwe in Papua New Guinea is the highest volcano in the Pacific Oceania region and has the distinction of being the highest volcano on the Australian Continent.

Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to the Rafah crossing:
  1. It is the southernmost exit point from the Gaza Strip.
  2. It shares a border with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
  3. It is the only exit that does not lead to Israeli territory.

How many of these statements is/are incorrect?

  1. One only
  2. ⁠Two only 
  3. All three 
  4. ⁠None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: All three statements are correct. 

Q3. Consider the following statements:
  1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act was enacted in the year 2016.
  2. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, at present, recognizes 7 categories of disabilities.
  3. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act recognises hearing impairment as a disability.

How many of these statements is/are incorrect?

  1. One only
  2. ⁠Two only 
  3. All three 
  4. ⁠None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 recognizes 21 categories of disabilities, as opposed to the 7 categories listed in the earlier legislation.

Q4. Consider the following statements:
  1. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
  2. The commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
  3. The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. One only
  2. ⁠Two only 
  3. All three 
  4. ⁠None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: All three statements are correct. 

Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to the Forum for 
India-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC):
  1. It was launched during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Fiji in 2020.
  2. It was established as a platform for dialogue and cooperation with 14 Pacific Island countries.

Which of these statements is incorrect?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. It was launched during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Fiji in 2014.

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