23 Nov 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

E. Editorials

Category: ECONOMICS

1. Listen to the people, not the numbers

Syllabus: GS-3, Indian Economy and Issues Relating to Planning

Mains: How to create quality jobs and policy suggestions related to it

Introduction:

• The Indian economy faces an income problem rather than a growth problem.
• Overall GDP growth is good, but incomes for a significant population are not growing sustainably.
• Increasing pressure for job reservations for economically weaker sections, irrespective of caste or religion.

Job Debate in India:

• Economists on both (against and in favour of government) sides debate whether the economy is generating enough jobs.
• Questions raised about the accuracy of government data on job creation.
• Some attribute the issue to current government policies, while others argue it’s a longstanding problem.

U.S. Economic Dissatisfaction:

• Despite positive economic indicators, a majority of U.S. citizens express dissatisfaction with their economy.
• Worker discontent with income inequality highlighted, leading to political implications.
• President acknowledging issues of excessive CEO compensation and worker belt-tightening.

Job Quality in India:

• India’s challenge is insufficient movement from agriculture to manufacturing for sustainable growth.
• The 1990s shortcut from agriculture to IT services has limitations.
• Need for jobs that match present abilities, offer upward mobility, and require skills attainable by rural workers.

Quality of Jobs Issue:

• Current jobs in India, across sectors, are deemed inadequate: low pay, temporary, lacking social security.
• Even in modern manufacturing, contract employment is prevalent, offering little job security or skill development support.
• There is a need for a shift towards creating “good” jobs with fair pay, stability, and skill development opportunities.

Changing Economic Paradigm:

• The world is at a turning point requiring new economic ideas for sustainability.
• Emphasis should be given to local, environmentally friendly enterprises over global supply chains.
• Value attributed to smaller, socially conscious enterprises over large corporate entities.

Recognizing Caregiving:

• Shift towards recognizing and valuing caregiving as a significant form of work.
• Traditional economic measurements often overlook the value of informal caregiving, particularly by women.
• There is an urgent need to reevaluate economic theories to align with the social aspects of caregiving.

Listening to the Marginalized:

• Paradigm shift requires policymakers to listen to marginalized voices—workers, small farmers, entrepreneurs, and women.
• Current decision-making is often dominated by economic experts and large corporations.
• Emphasis on not relying solely on historical statistics but actively seeking input from those directly affected by economic policies.

Nut Graf: The global economy faces an income crisis despite growth metrics, highlighted in India’s job reservations and U.S. dissatisfaction. The shift from agriculture to insufficient jobs affects India, emphasizing the dire need for quality employment. A paradigm shift towards valuing caregiving and listening to marginalized voices is crucial for meaningful economic reform.

Category: SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Reporting animal cruelty makes children safer

Syllabus: GS-1, Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Mains: Link between Animal Cruelty and Child Abuse

Introduction: Child Abuse in India

• Child abuse is a serious issue in India, with prevalent physical, sexual, and emotional abuse reported.
• Factors contributing to child abuse include family structure, law enforcement issues, poverty, illiteracy, and cultural factors.

Unexplored Link: Animal Cruelty and Child Abuse

• The connection between animal cruelty and human violence was noted in William Hogarth’s 1751 work.
• Studies, such as one in 1980 in England and another in 1983 in New Jersey, found a strong correlation between households with animal abuse and child abuse.

Coercive Tactics: Threats and Violence towards Animals

• A 2019 U.S. study revealed that in 12.3% of cases involving interpersonal violence, threats and violence towards animals were used to coerce children into compliance.
• Children may be hesitant to report animal abuse due to fear of repercussions on themselves or the animals.

Detection and Reporting: Animal Abuse as an Indicator

• Animal abuse is often easier to detect than child abuse, providing an early indicator of potential harm to humans.
• Reporting animal abuse can serve as circumstantial evidence in custody and child abuse hearings, aiding in the protection of victims.

Need for Investigation in the Indian Context

• Despite global studies on the link between animal cruelty and child abuse, there is a lack of empirical assessment in the Indian context.
• The National Crime Records Bureau in India does not collect data on offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, hindering the understanding of crime overlap.

Empowering Law Enforcement: Enforcing Anti-Cruelty Laws

• Enforcement of anti-cruelty laws is essential, not just for animal welfare but also for preventing human violence.
• Data collection on animal cruelty cases can be a valuable tool for law enforcement to comprehend crime patterns and prevent their occurrence.

Collaborative Action: Child and Animal Protection Movements

• Recognizing the shared victimization by the same perpetrators, collaboration between child protection and animal protection movements is crucial.
• Stakeholders can work together to reduce abuse and create a safer environment for both children and animals.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Violence Prevention

• Reporting and prosecuting animal abuse is not solely about saving animals; it contributes to protecting children from violence.
• Understanding the link between animal cruelty and child abuse can disrupt the cycle of violence at its source, fostering a safer future for children.

Nut Graf: The relationship between animal cruelty and child abuse demands attention in India. Studies highlight a strong correlation between these forms of violence. By investigating this link, enforcing anti-cruelty laws, and fostering collaboration, there’s potential to protect both animals and children, interrupting the cycle of abuse.

1. CoP28 turns attention to potent methane emissions

Syllabus: GS 3- Environment

Prelims: About Methane emission

Introduction

• Climate discussions leading up to the CoP28 meeting in Dubai are expected to address not only carbon dioxide but also the potent greenhouse gas methane. 
• With a shorter atmospheric lifespan but a greater warming impact than CO2, reducing methane emissions becomes crucial for rapid climate change mitigation.

Significance of Methane

• Methane (CH4) ranks second in climate change contribution, comprising 16% of warming, with a 28-fold greater impact than CO2 over a century.
• Leakage from fossil fuel infrastructure is a major source of atmospheric methane.

Challenges in monitoring

• The International Energy Agency (IEA) noted that despite satellite advancements, estimating methane emissions remains challenging.
• Methane concentrations in the atmosphere now exceed pre-industrial levels by over 2.5 times, showcasing a steady increase.

Sources of Methane Emissions

• About 60% of methane emissions are linked to human activities, with agriculture (25%) and the energy sector (coal, oil, gas) as major contributors.
• Livestock, rice cultivation, energy infrastructure leaks, and landfill waste are key sources.

Potential Impact of Methane Reduction

• Rapid cuts in fossil fuel-related methane could prevent up to 0.1°C of warming by mid-century.

Comparative Impact

• As per the IEA report, a reduction of 0.1 degrees Celsius would have a more substantial impact than immediately taking all cars and trucks globally off the road.

Possible Mitigation Strategies

• Repairing leaky infrastructure, eliminating routine flaring and venting during maintenance, modifying animal diets (adding compounds to improve health) and adjusting water management in rice fields are identified as promising ways to reduce methane emissions.

1. SoI, private firm to create 3D maps of cities, towns

• The Survey of India (SoI) has signed an agreement with Mumbai-based Genesys International for a first-of-its-kind initiative to create three-dimensional maps, known as ‘Digital Twins,’ for several cities and towns.
• Digital Twins are 3D representations of cities, coupled with high-resolution images, enabling various planning applications.
• Genesys will generate three-dimensional digital twins for major cities and towns, develop an urban 3D data model, and license geospatial data products in a content-as-a-service model.
• The collaboration aims to enhance urban planning and development using advanced mapping technologies.
• Genesys has already created digital twins for Ayodhya, and Dharavi slum cluster in Mumbai, Kochi, Kanpur, and other applications.

2. Bihar Cabinet approves resolution demanding special status for State

• The Bihar Cabinet has passed a resolution urging the Indian government to grant the state special category status, citing socio-economic disadvantages and the need for higher central funding.
• The special category status is typically awarded to states facing geographical and socio-economic challenges (such as those along an international border, having hilly terrain, a significant tribal population, or experiencing economic backwardness), providing them with increased central funding for development projects.
• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar emphasised the state’s large number of poor families (around 94 lakh) and estimated that special status could bring around ₹2.50 lakh crore needed for various welfare measures over the next five years.
• He also stated that the demand aligns with the findings of the caste survey conducted by the Bihar government.
• The demand for special status has been a long-standing one, and the Chief Minister has called for its immediate fulfilment by the central government.

Q1. With reference to Article 35 of the Constitution, which of the following 
statements is correct?

Q2. Consider the following statements on atmospheric methane (CH4):

Q3. Which organisation has signed an agreement with Genesys International to 
prepare 'Digital Twin' 3D maps for Indian cities and towns?

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Prevention of Cruelty to 
Animals Act, 1960:

Q5.  Consider the following statements regarding the Special Category Status 
(SCS) in India: