25 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
ECONOMICS
1. Need for climate smart agriculture in India
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Inhumane decision to expel Afghan refugees
F. Prelims Facts
1. PSLV's 60th flight
2. Transhipment hub to come up in Andaman and Nicobar
3. India, EU sign pact to build semiconductor supply chain
4. Generic Drugs for 4 rare diseases made available in India
5. Falling recovery, delay in resolution dent IBC's success
6. GAIL to build reserves
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Inhumane decision to expel Afghan refugees

Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Mains: Issues of Afghan refugees

Context:​ The global focus on recent events, such as Israel’s actions in Gaza, has overshadowed a critical issue, the expulsion of 1.5 million undocumented Afghan refugees by Pakistan. While these refugees face an uncertain future, the decision has raised concerns about its inhumanity and goes against the claimed ties of brotherhood between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Details: 

• Inhumane Expulsion Decision: Pakistan’s decision to expel Afghan refugees, particularly at the onset of winter, lacks global attention.
  • Notable contrast with the international focus on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
  • The expulsion, unjustified and inhumane, poses severe consequences, including deprivation and potential starvation for many refugees.
• Impact on Long-Term Residents and Girls’ Education: Some refugees lived their entire lives in Pakistan, building businesses with official complicity.
  • Compelled to sell businesses at low prices due to the restriction on taking only ₹50,000 upon departure.
  • Girls who studied in Pakistani schools and colleges face disruption in their education.
• Pakistan’s Frustration with Afghan Taliban
  • Decision driven by frustration with the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to control the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP).
  • Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar cites expectations that strict action would be taken against TTP after the establishment of the Interim Afghan government in August 2021.
  • Unrealistic hope, given historical ties and the Taliban’s strategic interests.
• Growing Terrorism and Attacks on Pakistani Security Forces
  • Increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, attributed to the TTP.
  • The Pakistani establishment claims a 60% rise in terrorist acts since the Afghan Taliban came to power, leading to 2,267 Pakistani casualties.
  • Anger within the Pakistani army due to the perceived lack of action by the Afghan Taliban against TTP.
• Lack of Gratitude in Global Affairs
  • Pakistani generals’ belief that the Afghan Taliban should be thankful for Pakistan’s historical support.
  • Realpolitik perspective: Afghanistan’s strategic use of the TTP as a card against Pakistan.
  • No gratitude in global affairs; Afghans may feel used by Pakistan for its interests.
• Impact on Afghan Taliban’s Image
  • The expulsion decision is likely to affect the Afghan Taliban’s image and popularity among Afghans.
  • Sentiment against Pakistan may grow, as Afghans perceive being used and abandoned by their neighbour.
• Refusal to Acknowledge Taliban’s Legitimacy
  • Pakistani Prime Minister Kakar questions the legitimacy of the interim Afghan government.
  • Asserts that governance challenges and recent transformations in Afghanistan must be settled for pivotal connectivity with Central Asia.
  • Contradicts the Afghan government’s claim of legitimacy and popular support.
• Mutual Negativity Since the Soviet Era
  • Historical context of mutual negativity between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Soviet era.
  • Pakistan’s role in the Afghan jihad and subsequent interventions in Afghan affairs.
  • Continuous interference and shifting alliances, including support for the Taliban.

Nut Graf: The expulsion of Afghan refugees by Pakistan, overshadowed by global events, raises significant humanitarian and geopolitical concerns. The decision, driven by frustration with the Afghan Taliban’s perceived inaction against the TTP, lacks justification and goes against claimed ties of brotherhood.

1. PSLV’s 60th flight

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), commemorating the 60th anniversary of the first sounding rocket launch from Thumba, is gearing up for the 60th launch of its reliable workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). 

Details:

• Evolution of PSLV: The PSLV, a four-stage expendable launch vehicle, stands 44.4 meters tall and has played a pivotal role in India’s space exploration journey. Despite an initial setback with the unsuccessful PSLV-D1 launch on September 20, 1993, subsequent developmental flights paved the way for its reliability and success in commercial launches.
• Significance of PSLV: The PSLV is renowned as the “reliable workhorse” of ISRO, boasting a remarkable success rate. Over the past three decades, it has demonstrated its versatility by deploying a variety of payloads, including satellites for communication, Earth observation, navigation, and interplanetary exploration. The upcoming 60th flight underscores the vehicle’s enduring importance in India’s space endeavours.
• XPoSAT Mission: The 60th PSLV launch will carry XPoSAT, marking a significant leap in India’s space capabilities. XPoSAT, a dedicated polarimetry mission, aims to unravel the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions. This mission reflects ISRO’s commitment to advancing scientific research and exploration beyond conventional boundaries.
• PSLV Variant and Technical Details: For the upcoming mission, ISRO will deploy a PSLV variant equipped with two strap-on motors. The technical specifications include a four-stage configuration, with two solid propellant and two liquid propellant stages. These enhancements signify ISRO’s continuous efforts to optimize and improve its launch vehicle technology.

2. Transhipment hub to come up in Andaman and Nicobar

Context: The announcement of a potential transhipment hub in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, particularly in Atlanta Bay near Diglipur, signals a strategic move to leverage the region’s advantageous location. 

Details:

• Strategic Location of Andaman & Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupy a crucial strategic location in the Bay of Bengal, making them pivotal for maritime activities. The proposed transhipment hub in Atlanta Bay takes advantage of this strategic position to facilitate efficient cargo movement and promote economic growth.
• Feasibility Study for Transhipment Hub: The revelation by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasizes the ongoing feasibility study for the development of a bulk cargo transhipment hub in Atlanta Bay near Diglipur. This study aims to assess the practicality and viability of establishing a major harbour, considering factors such as infrastructure, logistics, and economic sustainability.
• Importance of 10m Draft Harbour: This development is deemed essential not only for promoting high-end tourism but also for serving other critical purposes. A deeper draft harbour enhances the capacity for handling larger vessels, fostering economic activities and regional connectivity.
• Transformation of Indira Point: The decision to develop Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India, into a major tourism destination is a significant aspect of the broader plan. This transformation not only contributes to the tourism sector but also showcases a comprehensive approach to harnessing the economic and geographical potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Issues

• Environmental Concerns: The development of a transhipment hub and the transformation of Indira Point raise environmental concerns. 
• The delicate ecosystem of the islands must be carefully considered to ensure sustainable development and minimal ecological impact.

3. India, EU sign pact to build semiconductor supply chain

Context: In a significant development, India and the European Union (EU) have formalized their collaboration on semiconductors through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This milestone was achieved during a “stock-taking call” between the leaders of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC). 

Details: 

• The Importance of Semiconductors: Semiconductors are fundamental components in modern technology, playing a pivotal role in various electronic devices. The collaboration between India and the EU on semiconductors signifies a strategic move to enhance technological capabilities and contribute to the global semiconductor industry.
• Objectives of the MoU: The MoU outlines specific objectives aimed at building a robust semiconductor supply chain and fostering innovation. Key elements include the sharing of experiences, best practices, and information related to the semiconductor ecosystems of both India and the EU. Additionally, the agreement seeks to identify collaborative opportunities in research, development, and innovation involving universities, research organizations, and businesses.
• Collaboration in Research and Development: A crucial aspect of the MoU is the emphasis on collaboration in research, development, and innovation. This involves leveraging the expertise and resources of universities, research organizations, and businesses in both India and the EU. Such collaboration is expected to drive advancements in semiconductor technology, contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the semiconductor industry.
• Strengthening the Semiconductor Supply Chain: The focus on building a robust semiconductor supply chain is of strategic importance. Given the current global challenges and disruptions in semiconductor manufacturing, this collaboration aims to enhance resilience and reliability in the supply chain, ensuring a steady flow of semiconductors for various industries.

4. Generic Drugs for 4 rare diseases made available in India

Context: In a significant move to address the healthcare needs of patients with rare diseases, the Union Health Ministry in India has made generic drugs available for four specific ailments: Tyrosinemia-Type 1, Gaucher’s Disease, Wilson’s Disease, and the Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.

Details:

• Overview of Rare Diseases: Rare diseases are health conditions characterized by particularly low prevalence, affecting a small number of people. The Union Health Ministry’s focus on addressing the healthcare needs of patients with rare diseases acknowledges the unique challenges faced by this segment of the population. The initiative targets conditions with limited treatment options and high associated costs.
• Specific Rare Diseases Covered: The generic drugs made available under this initiative target four rare diseases: Tyrosinemia-Type 1, Gaucher’s Disease, Wilson’s Disease, and Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. By providing affordable alternatives, the initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden on patients, reducing the cost of these drugs by significant margins between 60 and 100 times their current market value.
• Scope of the Initiative: The Ministry’s efforts extend beyond the current set of rare diseases, with plans to make drugs available for additional conditions such as Phenylketonuria and Hyperammonemia in the coming months. This demonstrates a commitment to addressing a broader spectrum of rare diseases and expanding the reach of affordable healthcare solutions.
• Impact on Patient Costs: The reduction in the cost of these drugs from crores to lakhs represents a substantial relief for patients and their families. This initiative is poised to make a significant impact on the financial burden associated with managing rare diseases, making essential medications more accessible to a larger segment of the population.

5. Falling recovery, delay in resolution dent IBC’s success

Context: The success of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), implemented in 2016, is facing challenges as recovery rates witness a decline from 43% to 32% between March 2019 and September 2023. 

Details:

• Declining Recovery Rates: The reduction in recovery rates from 43% to 32% over the specified period is a significant concern. CRISIL points to limited judicial bench strength and delays in identifying defaults as contributing factors. The success of the IBC hinges on its ability to ensure effective recovery, and a decline in this aspect raises questions about its efficacy.
• Prolonged Average Resolution Time: The extension of the average resolution time from 324 to 653 days is another notable issue. This surpasses the stipulated timeline of 330 days and indicates a substantial delay in the resolution process. The efficiency of the IBC is compromised when cases take longer than prescribed to reach resolution, impacting the overall success of the code.
• Reasons Behind the Issues: CRISIL identifies two primary reasons for the challenges faced by the IBC. Firstly, limited judicial bench strength contributes to delays in handling cases. Secondly, significant delays in the pre-IBC admission stage, which increased from about 450 days in fiscal 2019 to 650 days in fiscal 2022, have suppressed recovery rates. These factors underlying systemic issues affecting the code’s effectiveness.
• Positive Impact and Deterrence: Despite the challenges, CRISIL acknowledges that since its inception, the IBC has positively impacted India’s credit culture by resolving a substantial amount of stressed assets with better recovery rates compared to previous mechanisms. It has also acted as a deterrent, prompting the resolution of large bad-loan cases before reaching the IBC’s gates.

Issues

• Limited Judicial Bench Strength: The constraint in judicial bench strength contributes to delays in resolving cases under the IBC. Insufficient resources hinder the expeditious handling of insolvency proceedings, impacting the recovery rates and resolution timelines.
• Delays in Identification of Defaults: Delays in identifying and acknowledging defaults add to the challenges faced by the IBC. Swift identification is crucial for initiating the resolution process promptly, and any delays in this stage hinder the overall success of the code.
• Prolonged Pre-IBC Admission Stage: The significant delay in the pre-IBC admission stage, increasing from approximately 450 days in fiscal 2019 to 650 days in fiscal 2022, is identified as a key issue suppressing recovery rates. Streamlining this stage is imperative for enhancing the overall efficiency of the IBC.

Solutions:

• Strengthen Judicial Infrastructure
• Streamlining Default Identification
• Addressing Pre-IBC Admission Delays

6. GAIL to build reserves

Context: GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) is set to embark on the establishment of India’s first strategic natural gas reserves, utilizing depleted hydrocarbon wells for gas storage.

Details:

• Rationale for Strategic Gas Reserves: GAIL’s initiative to establish strategic natural gas reserves responds to the need for a diversified and secure energy infrastructure. Utilizing old, depleted hydrocarbon wells for gas storage provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution to hedge against potential disruptions in global gas supplies, ensuring a stable and reliable energy source for India.
• Phased Development in Western and North-Eastern Regions: The strategic gas storage facilities will be developed in phases, strategically located in India’s western and northeastern regions. The phased approach allows for a systematic and controlled expansion, optimizing the utilization of depleted wells for gas storage and ensuring efficient logistical and operational management.
• Initial Capacity and Timeline: The initial capacity of the strategic gas reserves is projected to be three to four billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. The construction of the first storage facility is estimated to take three to four years after obtaining government approval. This timeline underscores the commitment to prompt action and the expeditious realization of India’s strategic gas storage capabilities.
• India’s Current Gas Storage Landscape: As of now, India possesses five million tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves but lacks dedicated storage facilities for natural gas. Companies in India currently store two bcm of gas in pipelines and liquefied natural gas tanks for commercial use. The new strategic gas reserves represent a significant advancement in fortifying India’s energy infrastructure.

Nothing here for today!!!

Q1. Which of the following statements with respect to X-ray polarimeter satellite 
(XPoSat) is/are correct?

Q2. Consider the following:

Q3. Which of the following statements with respect to the EU-India Trade 
and Technology Council is/are incorrect?

Q4. Consider the following statements with respect to Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana:

Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):