09 Nov 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

B. GS 2 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

E. Editorials

Category: MODERN HISTORY

1. An under-discussed facet of colonial history

Syllabus: GS-1, Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

Mains: Imperialism, Colonization, and Decolonization

Introduction: The year 2023 marks the bicentenary of the arrival of Tamil indentured labourers in Sri Lanka. 

• The historical significance of this event, often overlooked, was recently commemorated in Colombo during an event called “Naam 200.” 
• It’s important to remember and understand the impact of this historical chapter.

The British Imperial Project:

• The British imperial project, when it began, was essentially licensed looting in service of crude capitalism. 
• It involved the draining of colonies’ resources, leading to economic strife and political subjugation. 
• In India, the textile industry was decimated, leaving millions unemployed, and lands were expropriated for opium cultivation.

Indentured Labour: A New Form of Bondage:

• While Europe was embracing liberal humanism and banning slavery, the British introduced another form of bonded servitude: indentured labour. 
• They sought Indian labourers for plantations and infrastructure projects in distant lands. 
• These labourers were misled about their destination and conditions and often reached their new homes mired in debt.

Suffering and Hardship:

• Upon arrival, these labourers faced harsh living conditions with no access to sanitation, running water, medical facilities, or schools. 
• Their plight was aptly described as a “new kind of slavery.” 
• Many perished on their way to the central highlands of Sri Lanka, and those who survived lived in agonizing squalor.

The Role of Plantations in Sri Lanka:

• Sri Lanka’s transition from coffee to tea plantations in the 1870s fueled a demand for Indian Tamil labour. 
• The rapid expansion of tea estates created a need for more intensive, long-term labour, leading to a massive organized transfer of Indian Tamils to Sri Lanka.

Discrimination and Statelessness:

• Despite the resilience of the Plantation Tamils, they were subjected to discrimination and statelessness by colonial practices and policies. 
• Even after achieving independence, the Citizenship Act of 1948 rendered many of them stateless. This affected their economic prospects and land ownership.

A Journey of Integration:

• Over generations, Plantation Tamils forged a distinct Sri Lankan identity, emphasizing linguistic and regional ties. 
• Despite numerous obstacles, they have strived for greater integration into Sri Lankan society. 
• Thanks to democratic efforts, they are now citizens with the right to vote.

The Path to Decolonization:

• As post-colonial nations like Sri Lanka look toward economic and social revival, decolonization must be central. 
• This involves shedding the oppressive tools and practices of the colonial past and working toward an inclusive national identity.

Conclusion:

• The Plantation Tamils’ struggle for equality and self-determination is a valorous, subaltern chapter in history. 
• Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of decolonization in post-colonial nations, forging an inclusive identity for all citizens.

Nut Graf: The bicentenary of Tamil indentured labourers’ arrival in Sri Lanka, commemorated in “Naam 200,” sheds light on a forgotten historical chapter. The British imperial project exploited colonies, introducing indentured labour as a form of bondage. Plantation Tamils faced suffering, discrimination, and statelessness but forged a distinct identity. Decolonization is vital for inclusive national identities.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Taiwan, a Malacca blockade and India’s options

Syllabus: GS-2, India and its Neighbourhood – Relations.

Mains:  India’s potential role in the Strait of Malacca

Introduction: With increasing Chinese activities intimidating Taiwan and the possibility of a US-China conflict over Taiwan, questions arise regarding India’s potential role in the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea. 

Complex Constraints in the Strait of Malacca:

• International Legal Challenges: Distant blockades, especially far from a belligerent nation’s territory, face legal challenges under international law.
• Trade Implications: The Strait of Malacca is not just China’s lifeline but also crucial for Japan, South Korea, and India. Disrupting its trade has far-reaching consequences.
• Sovereign Nations’ Sovereignty: The strait’s passage involves the sovereignty of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. A naval blockade would adversely affect these nations, making their support unlikely.
• Complexities of Commercial Shipping: Commercial shipping involves intricate factors such as vessel sovereignty, flag, registration, insurance, and cargo ownership. Transshipment in Southeast Asian ports adds to the complexity.
• Detour Options: Even if the Strait of Malacca were obstructed, shipping could detour through the Sunda or Lombok Straits. Very large crude carriers prefer the Sunda Strait over the shallower Malacca Strait.
• Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): China’s significant onshore and floating SPR, along with overland energy supplies, provide resilience against disruptions.

Implications of Naval Blockade or Unilateral Action:

• Declaration of War: Implementing a naval blockade or taking unilateral action against an adversary’s naval vessels is a de facto declaration of war and could lead to broader conflicts.
• Lack of Regional Endorsement: Regional nations adversely affected by the Strait’s disruption are unlikely to endorse such actions. China’s influence in international forums would complicate matters.

Historical Lessons:

• First World War: The British blockade of Germany during WWI led to retaliation with deadly U-boat attacks, eventually drawing the U.S. into the war.
• Second World War: The U.S. embargo on Japan’s energy supplies through maritime routes contributed to Japan’s decision to attack Pearl Harbor.
• Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz illustrate how interdiction of commercial shipping can escalate to military confrontations.

Conflict Scenarios:

• U.S. Support: The question remains whether India’s strategic partners, particularly the U.S., would support interdicting Chinese vessels in a conflict between India and China unless the U.S. is directly involved in a kinetic conflict with China.
• Indian Ocean Focus: In a full-scale U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan, India’s primary role may focus on defending its territorial interests and securing sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean.
• Primary Focus on Continental Borders: India traditionally faces Chinese threats on its land borders, and its priority may remain the defence of its continental borders in any such scenario.

Conclusion:

• India’s role in the U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan would primarily centre on defending its interests and the security of its sea lines of communication. 
• India’s partnership with the U.S. aims to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific and contribute to regional stability.

Nut Graf: Amid rising tensions over Taiwan, India’s role in the Strait of Malacca remains complex. Legal, trade, and sovereignty issues complicate potential naval blockades. Historical lessons warn against unilateral actions, while the U.S.-China conflict’s scope may determine India’s primary focus on territorial interests and continental borders in the region.
Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Move towards e-FIR, but with caution

Syllabus: GS-2, Important Aspects of Governance

Mains: Potential of e-FIR

Introduction: The Law Commission of India has recommended allowing e-FIR registration for certain offences when the accused is unknown, aiming to expand access. 

• However, the concept requires clarity and safeguards for effective nationwide implementation.

Key Recommendations and Gaps in the Proposal:

• The Commission recommends permitting e-FIR registration for all cognizable offences punishable for up to 3 years when the accused is not known. 
  • However, the procedure for e-FIR registration has not been clearly defined. 
  • While stating that 8 states already allow e-FIR registration, especially for property offences, the report does not analyze their existing models and learnings in detail. 
• Another key gap is that while e-FIR registration is proposed, the Commission requires the complainant’s physical signature within 3 days to convert the e-FIR into an FIR. 
• There is limited discussion on the use of electronic signature or authentication methods for the e-FIR itself. Hence, legally an e-FIR remains an unsigned complaint as per IT Act 2000.

Challenges in Effective Implementation:

• While online registration expands access, human intervention remains crucial for crimes like kidnapping where injury examination or visiting crime scenes immediately are important for investigation. 
  • Hence, only suitable cases where the initial delay does not adversely impact the investigation should be permitted for e-FIR.
• There are also risks that complainants may not understand the nuances of a crime as well as a police officer would. 
  • Hence safeguards against misuse of e-FIR registration for false complaints are vital.
• For nationwide roll-out, the availability of digital infrastructure at all police stations is essential, which may pose a challenge.

The Way Forward:

• Pilot e-FIR in phases, evaluating the impact on different types of cases. Expand in stages based on learnings.
• Make e-authentication through Aadhaar mandatory for real-time e-FIR registration, avoiding the need for a physical signature.
• Design safeguards against false complaints such as limiting one complaint per ID, IP address tracking, and AI for preliminary analysis.
• Create a centralized e-FIR monitoring system to identify patterns and prevent misuse.
• Run awareness campaigns on using e-FIR responsibly as a civic duty. 

Conclusion:

• E-FIR holds the potential to increase the accessibility and transparency of the FIR system. 
• However, the process needs more regulatory clarity, safeguards against misuse, and a phased rollout with continuous impact evaluation. 
• With a balanced approach, e-FIR can usher in efficiency gains while upholding rights and justice for all.

Nut Graf: The Law Commission of India proposes e-FIR registration for certain unknown accused offences, but lacks clear procedures. While expanding access is crucial, safeguards are needed to prevent misuse. Implement e-authentication, pilot phases, and a central monitoring system to ensure efficient, just, and transparent FIR registration.

1. Trouble with India’s guidelines on genetically modified insects

Syllabus: GS 3, Science & Technology

Prelims: Bioeconomy Report 2022

Introduction

• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) released the ‘Bioeconomy Report 2022’ in April 2023, aiming to increase the contribution of the biotechnology sector to GDP from the present 2.6% to 5% by 2030.
• This ambitious goal requires substantial investment and supportive policies.

Challenges in the Biotechnology Sector

• Inadequate Funding
  • Funding for biotechnology in India has stagnated and is insufficient to drive growth.
  • The current allocation is only 0.0001% of India’s GDP, which must be significantly increased to make a meaningful impact on the economy.
  • Private funding in biotechnology research and development needs to be encouraged.
• Lack of Clarity in Policies
  • Biotechnology policies should align with economic goals, as outlined in the Bioeconomy report.
  • The recently issued ‘Guidelines for Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects’ lack clarity on how GE insects can contribute to the bioeconomy.
  • The guidelines lack specific indications regarding the purposes for which approval may be granted for GE insects in India.
• Uncertainty for Researchers
  • The guidelines apply only to research, not to confined trials or deployment.
  • Researchers need clearer guidance on which ideas the government supports, making it more attractive to invest in research.
  • There is uncertainty about the criteria for approving the deployment of GE insects.
• Uncertainty of Ambit
  • The guidelines offer standard procedures for GE insects, but the term ‘beneficial’ is not clearly defined.
  • The lack of clarity on which insect modifications are considered ‘beneficial’ hampers progress and investment.
• Safety Concerns
  • The guidelines do not adequately address the potential risks and security concerns associated with GE insects.