07 Nov 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

E. Editorials

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. A telco double dip attempt that threatens Net neutrality

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Prelims: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Net neutrality, Content Delivery Networks

Mains: Importance of net neutrality in promoting innovation and competition

Context

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was tasked by the government in July to gather views on regulating Over-The-Top (OTT) services, sparking a lot of debate on ensuring net neutrality. 

What is the debate? 

• For over 10 years, telecom companies have seen a decrease in revenue from services like voice calls and text messages because OTT services like WhatsApp are often free.
• They also had to spend a lot of money upgrading their networks to handle increased data traffic without making more money.
• Another issue for telecom companies is that OTT services don’t pay the same taxes and licensing fees, creating an unfair competition.
• On the other hand, OTT services have led to a large increase in data usage, which means more revenue for telecom companies.

Critical analysis of demand from Telecom companies

• Arguments made by telecom companies
  • Telecom companies want streaming services like Netflix and Hotstar to help pay for the cost of bandwidth.
  • They claim that these services are “free riders” and benefit from the infrastructure built and maintained by telecom companies without contributing to the costs.
• Flaws in the arguments made by telecom companies
  • However, this argument is flawed and goes against the principle of net neutrality.
  • Telecom companies don’t own the internet; they just provide access to it. Consumers pay for this access when they purchase data plans.
  • Streaming services generate demand for internet access by offering content that people want to watch. They also pay for Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to improve the capacity of the internet to deliver their content. 
  • Telecom companies profit from this demand by providing connectivity and charging subscribers for it. If they can’t cover their costs, they can raise their prices.
  • OTT services compete with each other based on factors like content variety, quality, navigation, and availability across devices. Consumers pay for these benefits already.
  • Similarly, consumers can choose their internet provider based on factors like bandwidth, data volume, and price. These are separate markets, so it makes sense to keep costs separate.
  • Telcos trying to charge both consumers and content providers is greedy and undermines net neutrality.
  • It undermines fairness in market transactions by seeking cross-subsidies instead of fully accounting for costs. 
• Impact on consumers and the market
  • Imagine a toll booth where certain car models are charged extra because they’re popular and cause congestion. If owners of cars pay the regular toll, popular cars already contribute more. Charging the manufacturers of these cars extra would just make those cars more expensive for consumers.
  • The same thing applies here – if OTT platforms pay extra, it will just make their services more expensive or lower in quality, hurting consumers who rely on them for entertainment, education, and work.

Principle of Net Neutrality

• Net neutrality is the idea that internet service providers should treat all online traffic equally, without favouring or blocking certain websites or services.
• The concept of net neutrality has evolved over time, but it was first coined by Columbia Law School professor Tim Wu in his 2003 paper. 
• Wu argued that net neutrality is important for creating a level playing field on the Internet, where all data is treated equally and without discrimination by Internet Service Providers.
• Economists have studied net neutrality to understand how it affects market competition, consumer welfare, and innovation.
• Legal experts have analyzed net neutrality to determine how it impacts the rights and responsibilities of ISPs, content providers, and consumers, as well as the regulatory frameworks that govern it.
• Computer scientists and engineers have worked on developing technology-based detection and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with net neutrality principles.
• Policy analysts have examined how net neutrality affects different social groups, political expression, and issues of fairness, justice, and equality.

TRAI guidelines on Net Neutrality

• In 2016, TRAI introduced regulations to enforce net neutrality in India, following which Facebook’s Free Basics platform and other similar offerings were withdrawn from the country.
• TRAI issued comprehensive recommendations on net neutrality in November 2017, which have largely guided the adoption of this principle in India.
  • Internet service providers cannot discriminate against specific content when providing Internet access. This means they cannot block, degrade, slow down, or give preference to certain content.
  • Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are not included in these regulations. CDNs allow telecom companies to deliver content within their own network instead of using the public internet, creating a separate content ecosystem. This benefits telecom companies like Airtel and Reliance Jio.
  • The Internet of Things (IoT) is not exempt from the non-discriminatory treatment rule. 
  • TRAI has suggested setting up an organization similar to BARC India to enforce net neutrality and ensure compliance with traffic management measures that align with TRAI’s guidelines.
  • Exceptions to these guidelines include international treaties, court orders, and government orders to block certain websites.
• TRAI’s efforts were recognized globally, and it collaborated with the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) to develop technological and policy initiatives for net neutrality.
• Many other countries have also adopted net neutrality principles.

Way Forward

• It is important for policymakers and other stakeholders to understand the long-term implications of giving in to the demands of telecom companies that go against net neutrality principles.
• Upholding net neutrality is crucial for preserving an open internet, promoting innovation, competition, and consumer welfare, especially in countries like India where the internet will play a critical role in digital public infrastructure.

Nut Graf: The debate over regulating OTT services in India has reignited the relevance of net neutrality. Telecom companies argue that OTT services should help pay for the cost of bandwidth, while proponents of net neutrality argue that this would undermine the principle of treating all internet traffic equally. Upholding net neutrality is crucial for preserving an open internet and promoting innovation, competition, and consumer welfare.

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. The cult of operational superiority, from Israel to India

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

Prelims: Line of Control, Gaza, Hamas, SPICE missiles, India-Israel relations

Mains: Lessons for India from the conflict in Gaza

Context

• The events of October 7, 2023, have exposed weaknesses in Israel’s security policy. 
• The country’s retaliatory measures have sparked anger in Gaza, which could potentially escalate into further violence along other borders. 
• This situation serves as a cautionary tale for Israel, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of its security strategy. 
• Moreover, it highlights the significance of periodic reviews of security policies, a lesson that applies to India also.

Can operational superiority alone lead to strategic benefits?

• Military actions and their effects
  • In 2008, Israel began conducting occasional aerial attacks on Gaza to weaken Hamas’s military abilities and prevent them from launching rockets.
  • These assaults were successful in momentarily silencing the rockets and restoring a shaky peace, but they didn’t address the underlying issues driving Palestinian opposition.
• Political implications and criticisms
  • According to critics, instead of pursuing a two-state solution, the Israeli Prime Minister sought to undermine the political process and maintain Palestinian division by strengthening radical groups like Hamas and weakening more moderate forces like the Palestinian Authority.
  • Israel’s strategy relied solely on military might and operational superiority, assuming that it could handle the threat without addressing the root causes of Palestinian militancy.
• Impact on Hamas and the conflict
  • However, Hamas proved on October 7 that even a weaker opponent may inflict significant harm and create enormous disturbance.
  • Rather than solving the issue, Israel’s reliance on military force merely allowed Hamas to retain its faith in violence and continue attempting to land a devastating blow.

Important learnings for India

• Military Capabilities
  • India may find this situation similar to its own difficulties with regional terrorism and the need for a comprehensive political answer rather than simply military action.
  • In response to an increasingly pressing threat along its border with China, India revived the Line of Control ceasefire in 2021 and repurposed a specialized Pakistan-focused Strike Corps to the China border.
  • India has also been focused on developing its military capabilities, including acquiring advanced technologies like SPICE missiles and adopting punitive attack options like the one used in Balakot.
  • Some scholars believe that India’s increased military capabilities have been influenced by its close relationship with Israel.
• Political Considerations
  • However, lessons from Israel suggest that military capabilities do not guarantee long-term success or a comprehensive plan of action. 
  • In other words, while they are essential for executing specific manoeuvres, they do not suffice in developing an overall winning strategy.
  • India has not pursued political solutions to address the threat posed by Pakistan. Instead, it has abrogated Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy and refuses to engage in talks with Pakistan as long as cross-border terrorism continues.
  • India’s reluctance to engage in political negotiations with Pakistan is due to its belief that any agreement would not be enforceable and that it has enough economic, diplomatic, and technological power to ignore the issue.
  • However, ignoring the political interests at the heart of the rivalry with Pakistan may only embolden Islamabad to continue its aggressive actions.

Way Forward

• The Pakistani army’s animosity towards India is unlikely to change through dialogue alone. It is also unlikely to diminish its support to extremist groups. 
• However, history has shown that bitter enemies can achieve détente, such as between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
• Reduced tensions with India could bring various benefits for Pakistan’s army and political leaders, including economic stability, strengthening capabilities to combat anti-state terrorism and decreasing reliance on China.
• While a comprehensive agreement may be difficult to achieve, initiating a political process could tackle various pressing concerns like nuclear and missile confidence-building measures, coordinating on Afghanistan, and expanding trade and investment.
• Ignoring politics can lead to costly consequences, as seen in recent events with Israel where a determined adversary can still inflict significant harm despite operational superiority.
• Addressing the root causes of conflict through political means can complement military deterrence and help manage strategic threats more effectively.

Nut Graf: Israel’s reliance on military superiority to address the threat posed by Hamas has not been successful, highlighting the need for a comprehensive political solution. India, facing similar challenges with regional terrorism, must learn from Israel’s mistakes and pursue political dialogue alongside military deterrence.

2. India-Bhutan relations

Syllabus: GS 2- International Relations

Prelims: India-Bhutan relations

Introduction

• India and Bhutan have agreed to discuss new routes of regional connectivity and upgrade border and immigration posts to support Bhutan’s ambitious plans, including the development of a smart city at Gelephu, a border region between Bhutan and Assam.
• The discussions took place during a meeting between Bhutan’s fifth King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Bilateral Cooperation and Discussions

• While border delimitation concerns with China were not explicitly mentioned, both leaders engaged in discussions covering a wide range of bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
• Several agreements were reached during the meeting, including the advancement of the final survey for a 58-km cross-border rail link between Gelephu in Bhutan and Kokrajhar in Assam, India.
• The two countries also considered the potential of establishing an extra railway connection, spanning around 18 kilometres, connecting Samtse in Bhutan with Banarhat in West Bengal.
• India agreed to permit Bhutanese trade items to be transported from Haldibari in West Bengal to Chilahati in Bangladesh, promoting trade and regional connectivity.

Potential Air and Rail Connectivity

• The rail connectivity projects have the potential to facilitate air connectivity for India’s northeastern regions.
• Bhutan plans to construct an international airport at Gelephu as part of the larger Sarpang district Special Economic Zone, with an expected announcement by the Bhutanese King on December 17.

Commitment to Bilateral Relations

• The Indian Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to the unique friendship and cooperation between the two countries and pledged continued support for Bhutan’s socio-economic development based on its priorities and vision.
• India expressed its commitment to support Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan as well, following the successful completion of the 12th Five-Year Plan.

Trade and Tourism Promotion

• The border crossing between Darranga and Samdrup Jongkhar, connecting Assam with Bhutan’s relatively underdeveloped South Eastern district, will be officially designated as an immigration checkpoint with the aim of improving connectivity and boosting tourism.
• Trade infrastructure will be strengthened, including upgrading an existing land customs station at Dadgiri (Assam) to a modernised “Integrated Check Post,” along with the development of facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu.
• These measures aim to facilitate travel and trade between the two countries and encourage further exchanges with Bangladesh, boosting Bhutanese opportunities for trade and tourism revenues.

Challenges for Bhutan

• Bhutan has faced economic challenges, including the impact of the COVID pandemic and youth out-migration in search of education and employment.
• Low forex reserves and significant public debt, primarily owed to India, have added to Bhutan’s economic concerns.

King’s Vision for Gelephu

• King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s plans for Gelephu and the special economic zone are designed to create more employment and tourism opportunities in Bhutan.
• The King is expected to meet with top business leaders in Mumbai to further promote economic cooperation and investment.

Also read: India – Bhutan Relations

2. Bharat Atta

Introduction

• In response to rising wheat flour (atta) prices during the festival season, the Union Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry has taken steps to release additional stocks of the ‘Bharat’ brand atta.
• This initiative is aimed at making affordable wheat flour accessible to consumers.

Distribution Mechanisms

• The Ministry is releasing Bharat Atta through various channels, including 100 mobile vans and outlets of Kendriya Bhandar, National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF), and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED).

Pricing

• Bharat Atta will be made available at a cost of ₹27.50 per kilogram, which is significantly below the national average price of flour, recorded at ₹35.93 per kilogram.

Objective and Benefits

• The launch of the retail sale of Bharat Atta aims to increase the supply of wheat flour in the market at affordable rates.
• The effort is expected to help control and moderate the prices of this essential food item, ensuring that consumers can access it without significant financial burden.

Union Food Minister’s Statement

• Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal expressed that this initiative would facilitate the availability of wheat flour in the market at reasonable prices, thereby ensuring continued affordability for consumers.
• He officially initiated the sale of Bharat Atta as part of this effort.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements about Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness 
Initiative (IPMDA):

1. It was launched at the 2020 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo.
2. It aims to enhance maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. It also provides maritime security support to countries in the Mediterranean region.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three 
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: IPMDA was launched at the 2022 Quad Summit to provide support to Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, not the Mediterranean region. Hence statements 1 and 3 are incorrect.

Q2. With reference to the Kalapani dispute between India and Nepal, which of the 
following statements is/are correct?

1. Kalapani Valley is administered by India as part of Uttarakhand.
2. The Kali River demarcates the border between India and Nepal in this region.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: It is administered by India as part of Uttarakhand. The Kali River demarcates the border between India and Nepal in Kalapani as per the Treaty of Sugauli.

Q3. Which country is developing a smart city at Gelephu on the border with India?

1. Nepal
2. Bangladesh
3. Myanmar
4. Bhutan

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: Bhutan is developing a smart city named Gelephu on its border with Assam, India. Gelephu will have integrated infrastructure like smart roads, water supply, power, etc.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Central Information 
Commission (CIC):

1. It acts on complaints under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
2. It has ‘suo moto’ powers to order inquiry into any matter.
3. It is a constitutional body.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one 
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: The Central Information Commission acts on RTI complaints and has suo moto inquiry powers. It is not a constitutional body.

Q5. With reference to the Red Sanders, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is categorized as “Critically Endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
2. Red Sanders is found only in the Western Ghats.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: Red Sanders is found in the Eastern Ghats, and categorized as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.