04 Nov 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
POLITY & INDIAN CONSTITUTION
1. Office of Governor & Article 200
GOVERNANCE
1. Retrograde step
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. IITs are overcommitted, in crisis
F. Prelims Facts
1. National Dam Safety Authority
2. Zika Virus
3. India will work with Sri Lanka on its debt treatment
4. India opens new consulate in Seattle
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Retrograde step

Syllabus: GS-2, Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors

Mains: Issues of Misinformation and disinformation

Context:​ 

• Misinformation and disinformation have become pervasive in today’s communication landscape, especially on social media.
• The Tamil Nadu government’s decision to establish a fact-checking unit to combat “misinformation and disinformation related to the State government” is a subject of concern.
• The move follows a similar initiative by the Karnataka government and the Centre’s introduction of IT Rules allowing a fact-checking unit.

Issues:

• Government as Adjudicator:
  • Governments and units appointed by them adjudicating the veracity of information raises concerns about potential biases.
  • Allowing interested parties to determine what is true or false can undermine transparency and objectivity.
• Constitutional Implications:
  • The IT Rules, as challenged in court, may infringe upon freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
  • The Bombay High Court raised questions about the lack of necessary safeguards for fair criticism of the government.
• Lack of Transparency:
  • The involvement of journalists and independent stakeholders in setting up fact-checking units is essential for transparency and fairness.
  • The Tamil Nadu government’s decision lacks such involvement and transparency.

Significance:

• The establishment of government-run fact-checking units raises fundamental questions about freedom of speech, press freedom, and the role of the state in determining the truth.
• It highlights the broader challenge of countering misinformation while preserving democratic values.
• The position of the Bombay High Court on the constitution of government fact-checking units sets a significant precedent.

Solutions:

• Independent Oversight: Ensure the involvement of independent bodies or stakeholders in the establishment and functioning of fact-checking units to maintain impartiality.
• Transparency and Accountability: Fact-checking units should adhere to principles of natural justice, providing prior notice, a right to appeal, and judicial oversight.
• Role of Independent Fact-Checkers: Empower and support existing independent fact-checkers who can address misinformation without government involvement.
• Public Awareness and Media Literacy: Promote media literacy and critical thinking among the public to enable them to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information sources.

Nut Graf: The establishment of government fact-checking units raises complex challenges that require a balance between combating misinformation and preserving democratic values.

Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. IITs are overcommitted, in crisis

Syllabus: GS-2, Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Mains: Challenges and crisis in IITs

Context:​ 

• The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have earned global recognition and acclaim for producing leaders in high-tech fields.
• However, the IIT system faces challenges, including overexpansion and faculty shortages, while simultaneously venturing into international initiatives.

Issues:

• Overseas Campuses:
  • IITs have begun establishing branch campuses abroad, such as the IIT-Madras campus in Zanzibar.
  • Questions arise about the motivation behind these ventures, their quality, and the funds invested.
• Overexpansion at Home:
  • The IIT system expanded significantly after 2015, adding seven new institutions, including some in less accessible locations.
  • These new IITs have struggled to meet the high standards of the original institutes, leading to varying levels of prestige and quality within the system.
• Faculty Shortages:
  • The IITs face a severe shortage of academics, with many sanctioned positions remaining vacant.
  • Attracting top talent is challenging due to salary disparities and academic bureaucracy.

Significance:

• The IITs play a pivotal role in India’s higher education landscape and have expanded access to quality education.
• Their domestic and international initiatives have significant implications for the quality, reputation, and sustainability of the IIT system.

Solutions:

• Reassess Overseas Ventures: Careful evaluation of the motivations and quality of overseas branch campuses is essential to ensure they align with the IIT’s core mission.
• Quality over Quantity: Address the challenges of overexpansion at home by focusing on quality rather than quantity in the establishment of new IITs.
• Faculty Attraction and Retention: Improve faculty salaries and work environments to attract and retain top professors. Simplify academic bureaucracy to make the IITs more attractive for both foreign-trained Indians and Indian academics.

Nut Graf: The IITs, while globally renowned, are facing domestic challenges related to overexpansion and faculty shortages. Careful consideration of international initiatives and a focus on quality in expansion are essential to maintain the prestige of the entire IIT system.

1. National Dam Safety Authority

Context:

• The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) conducted an investigation into the sinking of piers in Block-7 of the Medigadda (Laxmi) Barrage of the Kaleshwaram irrigation project in Telangana.
• The six-member expert team from NDSA discovered serious issues related to the planning and design of the project.

Issues:

• Incomplete Information from State Government:
  • The expert panel received information on only 11 out of the 20 aspects (data/inputs) requested from the State government.
  • Inadequate data sharing hindered a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
• Barrage Raft Settlement:
  • The primary reason for the failure was identified as the settlement of the barrage raft.
  • This settlement caused movement and cracking of the monolith piers.
• Quality Control Deficiencies:
  • The construction of sub-surface contiguous secant piles and plinth connections between the raft and cut-offs lacked stringent quality control.
  • Gaps may have developed in the secant pile formation, resulting in the permeability of the barrier, which contributed to piping and progressive failure.
• Design and Construction Methodology Replication:
  • The issues identified in the Medigadda Barrage design and construction could be replicated in two other barrages, namely Annaram and Sundilla barrages, which share similar designs and construction methodologies.

2. Zika Virus

Context:

• The Karnataka Health Department is closely monitoring a situation in Chickballapur following the discovery of Zika-positive mosquito samples in Thalakayalbetta village.
• Serum samples from 30 pregnant women in five villages within the containment zone have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for testing.
• The containment zone encompasses 888 houses and a population of 4,282, all under intense surveillance.

Issues:

• Zika Virus Outbreak:
  • Mosquito samples collected in Thalakayalbetta village tested positive for the Zika virus.
  • This has raised concerns about the outbreak and its potential impact on the population.
• Pregnant Women’s Health:
  • The health of 30 pregnant women is at risk due to the presence of Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes in their vicinity.
  • Zika virus infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, making this a critical issue.
• Surveillance and Testing:
  • There is a need for intensive surveillance and testing of mosquito populations and human samples to understand the scope of the outbreak and its transmission.
• Communication and Reporting:
  • Importance of timely and accurate communication between the state health department, the NIV, and other relevant health authorities.

About Zika Virus: 

• Zika Virus infection is caused by the Zika Virus (ZIKV) belonging to the Flaviviridae family. 
• It is an infection transmitted through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. 
• It usually bites during the daytime, peaking during early morning and late evening. Zika virus infection during pregnancy results in birth defects in newborn babies, a condition called microcephaly and can also cause temporary paralysis in adults.

Know more about the Zika virus in the linked article.

3. India will work with Sri Lanka on its debt treatment

Context:

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held discussions with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo.
• The discussions encompassed various aspects of cooperation, including debt treatment, inter-grid connectivity, aviation, power projects, and oil exploration.
• An MoU was exchanged to provide $15 million in assistance to promote Buddhist ties between the two countries.

Details:

• Debt Treatment for Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has been grappling with a significant debt burden, and this issue has implications for the country’s economic stability and development.
• Cooperation in Multiple Sectors: India and Sri Lanka seek to strengthen their cooperation in various sectors, including inter-grid connectivity, aviation, power projects, and oil exploration.
• Buddhist Ties Promotion: The MoU exchanged for $15 million assistance highlights the importance of promoting cultural and religious ties, particularly in the context of Buddhist heritage.

Significance:

• India’s commitment to working with Sri Lanka on debt treatment reflects its role as a regional partner in helping stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy.
• Cooperation in multiple sectors demonstrates the broader scope of the bilateral relationship, fostering economic growth and regional connectivity.
• The promotion of Buddhist ties reinforces cultural and religious connections, further deepening the historical links between the two nations.

Also read: India – Sri Lanka Relations

4. India opens new consulate in Seattle

Context: After seven years of planning, the Indian government is on the verge of opening its sixth consulate in the United States, specifically in Seattle, a city known for its concentration of major technology companies.

Details:

• Delayed Implementation:
  • The proposal to open a consulate in Seattle was first announced in 2016 but faced significant delays and obstacles.
  • The reasons behind the delays, especially the complexities surrounding the diplomatic relationship between India and the U.S., need clarification.
• Reciprocal U.S. Plan:
  • The original proposal was part of a reciprocal plan where the U.S. was expected to open new consulates in India.
  • This highlights the diplomatic give-and-take in such decisions and necessitates a review of the status of the U.S. plan.
• Operationalization Process:
  • The process of operationalizing the new consulate in Seattle will require careful planning and coordination, considering the staff requirements and logistical arrangements.

Significance:

• The establishment of the consulate in Seattle holds substantial significance in terms of diplomatic outreach and strengthening ties with a region that is home to numerous prominent technology companies.
• It reflects India’s intention to expand its diplomatic presence in the United States and cater to the needs of its diaspora, especially in a tech-centric area.
• The move symbolizes India’s commitment to fostering closer relations with the United States, given the context of “2+2” talks between the two nations.

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding transmission of Zika virus:

Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to the Governor:

Q3. Which of the following cities in the United States is home to India's 
recently opened sixth consulate office?

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the National Dam Safety 
Authority and Dam Safety Act: 

Q5. What is 'NAAM 200' organized by the Sri Lankan government?