10 Nov 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

10 Nov 2023 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
POLITY
1. Bihar House passes Bill raising ceiling on caste quota to 65%
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Why has the govt. issued a directive on deepfakes?
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ECONOMICS
1. Acknowledge India’s economic successes too
2. Should Indians work longer hours?
F. Prelims Facts
1. U.S. Secretary of Defence Austin arrives in India for ‘2+2’ ministerial dialogue
G. Tidbits
1. Nagaland nod for 33% quota for women in urban local bodies
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

A. GS 1 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

Category: POLITY

1. Bihar House passes Bill raising ceiling on caste quota to 65%

Syllabus: Indian Constitution – features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

Mains: Policies and constitutional provisions governing the allocation of reservations to various communities, impacting the federal structure of governance.

Context

The Bihar Assembly passed a bill increasing reservation quotas from 50% to 65%, including provisions for Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, along with the existing 10% Economically Backward Class quota.

Introduction

• The Bihar Assembly unanimously approved a bill to raise the reservation quota for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes from 50% to 65%.
• The move, along with the existing 10% Economically Backward Class (EWS) quota, surpasses the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation ceiling.
• The amended Bill will be sent to the Governor for assent before becoming law.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• The Bihar Reservation Amendment Bill increases the quota for the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) from 18% to 25%.
• Backward Class (BC) reservation rises from 12% to 18%.
• Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation increases from 16% to 20%.
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation doubles from 1% to 2%.
• The existing 3% reservation for BC women is abolished.

Additional Bills and Caste Survey

• Bills endorsing the increased reservation in educational institutions and government jobs, based on a recent caste survey in the state, were also passed unanimously.
• The caste survey report indicated that EBCs make up 36%, and BCs constitute 27.1% of the state’s population.

Clarifications on EWS Reservation

• In a response to the query regarding the EWS reservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary confirmed that the 10% EWS reservation is included in the 35% Open Merit Category.

Financial Burden and Special Status

• Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed concerns about the financial burden, stating that the state government would spend over ₹2.5 lakh crore to implement the increased quota.
• The Chief Minister emphasised that if the Centre grants special status to Bihar, the state will experience further development.

Nut Graf: In a landmark move, the Bihar Assembly unanimously approved a bill raising reservation quotas, breaking the 50% limit, addressing socio-economic concerns for various communities, and awaiting the Governor’s assent for implementation.

C. GS 3 Related

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Why has the govt. issued a directive on deepfakes?

Syllabus: Recent developments and their applications and effects in everyday life and General awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, biotechnology

Mains: Awareness in the fields of IT, AI, cybersecurity, and the ethical concerns related to deepfake technology.

Prelims: About Deepfakes

Context

Deepfakes, AI-generated synthetic content, prompted the Indian government to instruct social media removal within 24 hours. This is a response to emerging deepfake videos featuring prominent actors.

Introduction

• On November 8, the Indian government issued instructions to social media intermediaries to remove deepfake videos within 24 hours of a complaint, in line with the IT Rules 2021.

Understanding Deepfakes

1. Definition

• Deepfakes, originating in 2017, involve the creation of synthetic videos, audio, or images using artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning.

2. Evolution of Deepfake Tech

• In 2023, advancements in AI-driven deepfake technology enable semi-skilled individuals to create realistic fake content.
• A 230% increase in deepfake usage by cybercriminals and scammers is observed.

3. Technology Behind Deepfakes

• Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) is a key machine learning technique employed in deepfake creation.
• AI-driven software learns and duplicates subjects’ movements and facial expressions, using a vast database of source images.
• Unsupervised learning makes it challenging for other software to detect the forgery.

Legal Framework in India

• India’s IT Rules, 2021 mandate the removal of reported deepfake content by intermediary platforms within 36 hours.
• Notices have been issued, emphasising the illegality of online impersonation under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act.
• Hosting content that impersonates others is prohibited, and social media firms are required to take down artificially morphed images upon alert.

Motivations Behind Deepfake Creation

• Potential malicious uses include inciting political violence, election sabotage, damaging diplomatic relations, and spreading misinformation.
• Deepfake technology may be employed for humiliation, blackmail, and attacking organisations with false evidence.
• Positive applications include voice-cloning technology aiding individuals with ALS in digitally recreating their voices.

Global Responses

• The EU issues guidelines for an independent network of fact-checkers to analyse content creation sources and processes.
• The U.S. introduces the bipartisan Deepfake Task Force Act to counter the proliferation of deepfake technology.

Nut Graf: India, grappling with the rise of deepfakes, mandates swift removal on social media platforms, aligning with global efforts to address the potential risks of AI-driven synthetic media.

D. GS 4 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

2. Should Indians work longer hours?

Syllabus: GS-3, Development and Employment

Mains: Should Indian workers work for 70 Hours, debate around working hours of 70 hours.

Context: Debate of Working 70 Hours a Week After Narayana Murthy’s Statement.

India’s and Global Scenario:

• Narayana Murthy has proposed that young Indians should commit to working 70 hours a week, positioning it as a necessity to compete globally.
• In the context of India’s crucial juncture, marked by a large population and a demographic dividend, it’s essential to examine India’s standing globally.
• India’s working hours, when compared with other nations, highlight distinct patterns. In 2019, Indians worked an average of 6-7 hours per day, which is notably lower than countries like Germany and South Korea during their industrial development phases.
• India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and productivity metrics, when compared with global counterparts, reveal challenges. In 2019, the output per worker was $74 for the U.S., $69 for Germany, and only $8.7 for India.
• A comparison is drawn with post-war Germany and Japan, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership and seizing opportunities.
• India’s productivity growth over the last five decades has been slower, and this is a key concern in the push for increased working hours.
• Recognizing variations across sectors and historical contexts is crucial, especially when comparing India’s economic landscape with that of other nations.

The rationale for Working 70 Hours a Week:

• Murthy’s recommendation is intricately linked to India’s potential for growth and the imperative to ascend the value chain.
• Historical instances from countries like Germany and South Korea, where longer working hours were prevalent during pivotal developmental phases, are cited.
• India’s position concerning other nations in terms of productivity and output is a driving force behind the suggestion to work longer hours.
• The suggestion aims to address concerns about India’s comparatively sluggish productivity growth over the last five decades, particularly when compared with global economic leaders.

Issues in Working 70 Hours a Week:

• The International Labour Organization’s standard of 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week is positioned as a benchmark.
• Potential ramifications on unemployment is another concern, particularly in the context of a labour-surplus economy.
• Gender disparity in work hours is a concern, with implications for the participation of women in the workforce. India’s female labour force participation is already one of the lowest in South Asia.
• Worries about diminishing returns associated with extended work hours are other such concerns.
• The impact on work-life balance, mental health, and physical well-being is considered, especially concerning India’s social and cultural context.

Way Forward:

• A call is made to consider India’s labour market context and recognize regional variations in working hour conditions.
• Emphasis is placed on adhering to legal work hours and ensuring a balance between professional and personal life.
• The relevance of industry-specific variations in work hours and the necessity to incorporate economic drivers into the evaluation are suggested.
• The importance of productivity growth, technological advancements, and capital investment are need of the hour, drawing comparisons with countries that have experienced significant growth in these areas.
• Optimizing infrastructure and introducing artificial intelligence and technology should be prioritised to enhance worker efficiency.
• The role of empathetic leadership in creating a positive work environment is equally important.
• The urgency for the formalization of employment and the enforcement of labour laws is critical.
• A balanced approach is needed, addressing the job crisis while safeguarding worker well-being.

Nut Graf: In the debate sparked by Narayana Murthy’s call for young Indians to work 70 hours a week, the global context reveals India’s lower productivity compared to developed nations. Challenges include potential unemployment, gender disparities, and concerns about work-life balance. The way forward emphasizes industry-specific strategies, technology adoption, and empathetic leadership to achieve competitiveness without compromising well-being.

F. Prelims Facts

G. Tidbits

1. Nagaland nod for 33% quota for women in urban local bodies

• The Nagaland Assembly unanimously approved a Bill, allocating 33% of seats in urban local bodies (ULB) for women.
• Tribal bodies, which were previously against it, have now embraced the reservation, clearing the path for municipal elections after a hiatus of two decades.
• ULB elections have been overdue since 2004 due to unresolved Naga peace talks and tribal opposition to 33% women reservation.
• The Nagaland Municipal Bill, 2023, omits the provisions related to taxes on land and buildings, meeting the demands of certain stakeholders.
• The bill eliminates the previous provision that allocated one-third reservation for women in the offices of the chairperson in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between India and 
the United States, which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

1. The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue involves the Minister of External Affairs and the Defence Minister of India.
2. This diplomatic summit aims to discuss and work on common issues to improve India–United States relations.

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: Both statements are correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding special provisions 
for Nagaland under Article 371-A:

1. Parliamentary laws on Naga religious practices will not apply unless the State Assembly decides.
2. The Governor has special responsibility for law and order.
3. Regional councils should be set up in all districts of the state.

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: Statement 3 is incorrect. Article 371-A exempts Naga customary laws in certain matters and gives a special law and order role to the Governor. The regional council is only for the Tuensang district.

Q3. With reference to deepfakes, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It refers to videos, audio or images created using a form of artificial intelligence called deep learning.
2. They are only used for negative purposes and have no potential beneficial use cases.

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: a

Explanation: There are many potentially beneficial use cases of deepfake, particularly in marketing and advertising for businesses.

Q4. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Asian Development Bank (ADB):

1. It aims to eradicate extreme poverty in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. It comprises members from Asia-Pacific only.
3. ADB provides loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments for social and economic development.

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: Statement 2 is incorrect. ADB comprises 68 members, with 49 from Asia-Pacific and 19 from outside the region.

Q5. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Ethics Committee 
for Members of Parliament: 

1. If it recommends any punitive action, it has to be approved through a motion.
2. Its members are appointed by the President.
3. Any Indian citizen can directly lodge a complaint against an MP.

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: Statements 2 & 3 are incorrect. The members of the Ethics Committee are appointed by the Chairperson of the house, and complaints against MPs must be submitted through a lawmaker.