20 Oct 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

20 October 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
GEOGRAPHY
1. Why are earthquakes frequent in Afghanistan?
B. GS 2 Related
GOVERNANCE
1. Why SLLs also need to be reformed
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ENVIRONMENT
1. The shape of climate justice in a warming India
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. An opportunity to recast India's food system
F. Prelims Facts
1. Southwest monsoon withdraws from India
2. India's share of growth to rise to 18%
G. Tidbits
1. Mahsa Amini, given EU human rights award
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

E. Editorials

Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. The shape of climate justice in a warming India

Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation

Mains: Implications of climate justice in the context of India’s energy transition. 

Context:​ The G-20 summit held in Delhi in September 2023 set ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity and energy efficiency improvement. The Delhi Declaration – Tripling of renewables and doubling of the rate of energy efficiency by 2030.

  • While there was consensus on many issues, the phasing out of fossil fuels remained contentious. 
  • The principles of climate justice and internalizing costs for emissions have been discussed at the international level, but their domestic impact within India is often overlooked.
What is climate justice?

  • “Climate justice” is a term, and more than that a movement, that acknowledges climate change can have differing social, economic, public health, and other adverse impacts on underprivileged populations. 
  • Advocates for climate justice are striving to have these inequities addressed head-on through long-term mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Impact within India:

  • Inequality Matrix: Climate change and energy transition disproportionately affect the poor in India. Agrarian crises, droughts, and extreme climate events directly impact agricultural productivity, leading to income loss for farmers. Fishing communities are also suffering due to the rising ocean temperatures.
  • Economic Inequality: Less equitable societies tend to have higher emissions per unit of economic activity. India’s highly unequal economic structure contributes to this issue, making the cost of carbon emissions much higher in such contexts.
  • Greening Development: India’s energy transition policies, aimed at clean energy, may exacerbate existing class, caste, and regional disparities. Sectors like manufacturing, which are more energy- and carbon-intensive, are sensitive to energy price increases.
  • Just Transition: The shift to renewable energy should focus on protecting livelihoods, creating alternative job opportunities, and ensuring vulnerable communities are not adversely affected. This requires a holistic approach that considers economic, social, and regional inequalities.
  • Greening Federalism: The divide in economic inequality in India correlates with the energy source divide. Coal-rich regions are generally economically poorer, while renewable energy hubs are in wealthier areas. The coal sector is a significant source of revenue for state governments, and the transition strategy must address these regional inequalities.
Green development

  • India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) – 40% of installed energy capacity is clean energy. Net Zero emissions by 2070.
  • As of 2021 – Coal was the major energy contributor – 56%; crude oil – 33%
  • Consumers of energy – Energy sector – 51%; transport – 11%; residential – 10%; agriculture – 3.6%.

Significance:

  • Addressing climate justice issues is crucial for India’s sustainable and equitable development. 
  • Inequalities in emissions and socio-economic factors are interlinked, and failing to address them simultaneously can hinder effective climate action. 
  • India’s ambitious energy transition goals must consider the impact on the livelihoods of the poor and the existing disparities among different segments of the population.

Way Forward:

  • Holistic Approach: India’s energy transition must consider economic, social, and regional disparities. While promoting renewable energy is essential, it should not exacerbate existing inequalities. Protecting livelihoods, offering alternative job opportunities, and reducing inequality should be central to the transition strategy.
  • Green Investment: Transitioning to renewables requires investment in green job creation and skill development. Strategies should focus on reducing inequality and promoting green investment simultaneously.
  • Federal Deal: India’s federal governance structure implies that state governments play a significant role in addressing climate concerns. To tackle regional inequalities, the transition strategy should transfer funds to coal-dependent states and create State-specific programs for reskilling and local rehabilitation.
  • Policy Alignment: Aligning policies at the national and sub-national levels is essential. State governments should cooperate with the union government to ensure that climate justice and adaptation measures are in sync with local development aspirations.

Nut Graf: While India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, it must ensure that the transition addresses existing inequalities and doesn’t adversely impact the livelihoods of the poor. A just transition requires a holistic approach that considers economic, social, and regional disparities and cooperation between the central and state governments to achieve a sustainable and equitable future.

Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. An opportunity to recast India’s food system

Syllabus: Issues relating to poverty and hunger

Mains: Challenges of India’s food system and measures to be taken. 

Context:​ World Food Day, celebrated on October 16, emphasizes the importance of viewing food as a comprehensive system. India, with its immense population, faces unique challenges in maintaining a sustainable and resilient food system. 

  • Achieving nutrition security for all is a primary goal, which is intricately linked to the economic returns of food producers and the resilience of natural ecosystems. 

Issues:

  • Double Burden of Malnutrition: India faces the challenge of both nutrient deficiencies and obesity. A significant portion of the population exhibits nutrient deficiencies, while unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles have led to rising obesity rates.
  • Insufficient Farm Incomes: Many small and marginal farmers struggle to make ends meet, often resorting to non-farm activities. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of skills and income diversification opportunities.
  • Depleting Natural Resources: The depletion of natural resources like soil health and groundwater, along with the impact of climate change, threatens the resilience of India’s food production.
Realities on the ground

  • As per NFHS 2019-21:
    • 35% of children are stunted; 57% of women and 25% of men are anaemic.
    • 24% of adult women & 23% of adult men are obese.
  • More than 68% of the marginal farmers supplement their income from non-farm activities.

Significance:

  • Revamping India’s food system is crucial for ensuring nutrition security, improving farm incomes, and safeguarding the environment. 
  • Achieving these objectives requires a holistic approach that engages consumers, producers, and middlemen in the food supply chain.

Way Forward:

  • Shift Consumer Demand: Encourage consumers to adopt healthier and more sustainable diets. Collaboration between the private sector, civil society, health communities, and social media influencers can promote locally-grown, nutritious options. Public sector initiatives like the Public Distribution System and institutional procurement can also play a role in improving food choices.
  • Support Farmers’ Transition: Promote remunerative and regenerative agricultural practices. Increase funding for sustainable agriculture initiatives, broaden support for agroecological practices, and shift from input subsidies to direct cash support per hectare. Agricultural research and extension services should focus on sustainable practices.
  • Sustainable Value Chains: Make farm-to-fork value chains more sustainable and inclusive. Encourage middlemen and corporations to procure directly from farmers and prioritize sustainably harvested produce. Facilitate trading of produce between Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to ensure a greater share of value for farmers.

Nut Graf: India’s food system is at a crossroads, facing challenges related to nutrition, farm incomes, and environmental sustainability. A comprehensive approach that involves consumers, producers, and middlemen is essential for transforming the food system. While the scale of the challenge is significant, India has a unique opportunity to demonstrate how a sustainable and resilient food system can be achieved, setting an example for the rest of the world.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Southwest monsoon withdraws from India

Syllabus: GS 1- Geography

Prelims: Southwest and northeast monsoons

Introduction

  • The southwest monsoon has concluded, and the onset of the northeast monsoon is anticipated within the next 72 hours, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
  • The northeast monsoon, also known as the ‘retreating monsoon,’ is expected to be relatively weak during its onset.

Transition from Southwest Monsoon

  • The southwest monsoon began withdrawing from Rajasthan on September 25, which was about a week later than the usual withdrawal date of September 17.
  • Although the withdrawal begins in Rajasthan, it takes until early to mid-October to fully retreat, making way for the northeast monsoon.

Monsoon Rainfall Statistics

  • India officially considers rainfall received from June 1 to September 30 as monsoon rainfall.
  • By September 30, India had received 94% of the expected rainfall from the four monsoon months, slightly below the IMD’s forecast of 96% but still within the forecast margin.
  • Rainfall ranging from 96% to 104% of the long-term average is classified as ‘normal.’
  • The 2023 monsoon experienced an El Niño effect leading to a dry August, partially offset by higher-than-expected rainfall in September.

Northeast Monsoon Forecast

  • In early October, the IMD predicted a ‘normal’ northeast monsoon for the period from October to December.
  • Large parts of northwest India and the southern peninsula are expected to receive ‘normal to above-normal rainfall’ during this season.
  • States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and parts of Andhra Pradesh depend on the northeast monsoon for significant rainfall, even though it accounts for only about 11% of India’s annual precipitation.
  • Past experiences have shown extreme variability, with 2015 witnessing heavy rains and flooding in Chennai, while the 2019 northeast monsoon was weak and contributed to severe water shortages.

Cyclone Developments

  • The IMD has reported two low-pressure areas developing, which are precursors to cyclones.
  • These low-pressure areas are in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, with projections suggesting they could intensify into ‘depressions’ by October 21, though their potential to develop into larger cyclones remains uncertain.

2. India’s share of growth to rise to 18%

Syllabus: GS 3- Economy

Prelims: India’s projected growth and contribution to global GDP.

Introduction

  • India’s contribution to global economic growth is expected to rise by 2 percentage points over the next five years due to the country’s projected faster economic growth, according to a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official.
  • Currently, China and India together contribute 50% to global growth, with India’s share at 16%. This share is forecasted to grow to 18% within five years.

Asia-Pacific Region’s Growth

  • The Asia-Pacific region is considered a relatively bright spot in the global economic environment, with an expected economic growth of 4.6% in 2023 and 4.2% in 2024.
  • The region is set to contribute around two-thirds of global growth, and India’s growth is cited as a contributing factor to this positive outlook.

India’s Strong Economic Growth

  • India’s economic growth remains robust, with a projected growth rate of 6.3% for the fiscal year 2023/24.
  • This growth is supported by strong government capital expenditure, some private sector investment, and sustained consumption growth, despite weakening external demand.

Inflation and Fiscal Deficit

  • Retail inflation in India is moderating, with headline inflation returning within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) tolerance band.
  • The government of India is expected to meet its fiscal deficit target of 5.9% in FY24.
  • Revenue is anticipated to reach budgeted levels, and the budget can absorb unexpected expenditure increases in certain areas.

IMF’s Monetary Stance Recommendation

  • The IMF has recommended that countries maintain a sufficiently restrictive monetary stance until inflation is firmly under control.

G. Tidbits

1. Mahsa Amini, given EU human rights award

Introduction

  • Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in police custody in Iran in 2022, has been posthumously honoured with the European Union’s top human rights prize.
  • The EU prize, bearing the name of Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, was established in 1988 to acknowledge those who champion human rights and basic freedoms, whether as individuals or groups. 
  • Andrei Sakharov, who was also a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, passed away in 1989.

A Turning Point

  • Mahsa Amini passed away on September 16, 2022, following her arrest on charges of reportedly breaching Iran’s compulsory headscarf regulation.
  • Amini’s death in police custody sparked global protests against Iran’s conservative Islamic theocracy, highlighting human rights concerns.
  • Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, stressed that her “violent death” served as a pivotal moment, sparking a historic movement led by women.

Role of Women in Protests

  • Women have played a significant role in the protests against Iran’s mandatory headscarf law, with many publicly removing the hijab in defiance.
  • The European Union has enforced sanctions against Iranian authorities and entities due to their involvement in human rights violations linked to the protests.

Award Ceremony

  • The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 13, where Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran will be recognized for their dedication to human rights and freedom.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), 
which of the following statements is/are correct?
  1. It motivates farmers to adopt chemical-free farming and enhance the reach of natural farming.
  2. NMNF aims to encourage the use of locally produced cow-based inputs.

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: Both statements are correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF):
  1. It provides emergency loans to member countries facing balance of payments problems.
  2. It monitors global economic developments, conducts regular health checks of member countries’ policies, and advises on policy adjustments.
  3. IMF’s resources mainly come from capital subscriptions paid by member countries, when they become members.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: All three statements are correct. Its functions include resource allocation, economic monitoring, and providing loans to stabilize member countries’ economies.

Q3. With reference to the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, which of the 
following statements is/are incorrect?
  1. The Sakharov Prize was first awarded in 1988 to Nelson Mandela and Anatoli Marchenko.
  2. The prize is given by the European Union to honour scientific achievements.

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: b

Explanation: The Sakharov Prize is awarded for outstanding contributions to protecting freedom of thought, not for scientific achievements.

Q4. With reference to earthquakes and tectonic plates, consider the following statements:
  1.  Earth’s lithosphere is composed of tectonic plates.
  2. Earthquakes occur when blocks of lithosphere suddenly slip past one another.
  3. The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the earthquake’s origin is called the focus.

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. The point on the Earth’s surface above this is the epicentre.

 

Q5.  With reference to the Northeast (NE) monsoon, consider the following statements:
  1. The NE monsoon is associated with the southward movement of the continental tropical convergence zone (CTCZ).
  2. It is characterised by northeasterly trade winds.
  3. NE monsoon exhibits high vertical extent and heavy rainfall.

How many of the statements given above are incorrect?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: The NE monsoon is relatively dry, stable, and has less vertical extent compared to the southwest monsoon.

 

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