26 Oct 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
SOCIAL ISSUES
1. Women, Marriage & Labour Market Participation
HEALTH
1. Unhealthy Urban India
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The legality of using White Phosphorus
F. Prelims Facts
1. International Solar Alliance & Global Solar Stocktake Report
2. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
G. Tidbits
1. Ancient landscape under Antarctic ice
2. Chinese research vessel Shi Yan
3. National Financial Reporting Authority
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Category: HEALTH

1. Unhealthy Urban India

Syllabus: GS-2, Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Mains: Multiple Health related problems due to current Urbanisation and Possible Solutions

Context:

• India’s urban population is projected to reach 675 million by 2035, making it the second-largest in the world.
• While cities have contributed to India’s economic growth, they fall short in delivering on health, environmental, and equity goals.

Urban India and Multiple Health Risks:

• Urban residents in India face a range of health risks:
  • Highest levels of air and noise pollution globally.
  • Limited green spaces and inadequate access to sidewalks and parks, hindering active lifestyles.
  • Outdated transportation systems that contribute to air pollution.
  • Poor access to nutritious food and exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
• These factors significantly increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
• Physical activity is crucial for mitigating these health risks.

Double or Triple-Duty Actions:

• Key investments in clean energy and electric mobility are ongoing in India, offering opportunities to address health concerns while meeting climate and equity goals.
• Simultaneous improvements in food, mobility, and green infrastructure are essential to maximize health benefits.
• Small changes, such as creating safe walking and biking lanes, not only promote physical activity but also reduce air pollution’s impact.
• Physical exercise helps combat obesity and diabetes risk, acting as a defence against heart disease.
• Overcrowded and poorly maintained sidewalks hinder walking and biking, making it hazardous and impractical.
• Active transportation has the potential for significant health and economic benefits.

Towards Holistic Urban Policy:

• Economic and health impact models of the clean energy transition in transportation mostly focus on air pollution reduction.
• Combining electric cars with active transport options like walking paths and bicycling lanes enhances economic viability.
• Policies encouraging healthier diets, and limiting sugar and salt in beverages, can reduce obesity, Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease risks, enhancing health and productivity.
• Urban policies should prioritize population health, but they are often an afterthought in national urban planning, especially in lower and middle-income countries.
• Unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity, and air pollution are major threats to health in Indian cities, surpassing the combined risks of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and accidents. A concerted effort is needed to combat cardiovascular disease, obesity, and T2D in Indian cities.

Nut Graf: India’s urban areas, with a projected population of 675 million by 2035, are at a critical juncture. While they have driven economic growth, these cities grapple with severe health risks, including pollution and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these issues through comprehensive urban policies and embracing double or triple-duty actions is essential to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future.

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. The legality of using White Phosphorus

Syllabus: GS-2, Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Mains: Human rights violations & threats to civilian life during war and conventions related to this

Prelims: Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) & Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

Introduction:

• Human Rights Watch recently accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of using white phosphorus munitions in Gaza, raising concerns about the impact on civilians.
• In the 2008-2009 Gaza War, there were allegations of IDF using sub-munitions containing white phosphorus. Initially, the Israeli government denied this but later acknowledged its use in 2009, claiming it was in uninhabitable areas for signalling and marking.

Incendiary Weapon:

• White phosphorus is considered an incendiary weapon, primarily designed to set fire to objects or cause burn injuries through the action of flame, heat, or a chemical reaction of a substance delivered on the target.
• White phosphorus munitions are intended for illuminating and creating smoke screens, with incendiary effects being secondary or unintentional.

Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW):

• The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) imposes restrictions on the use of incendiary weapons, including white phosphorus, with the aim of safeguarding civilians.
• Protocol III under the CCW specifically addresses incendiary weapons and their regulation.

Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC):

• The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) comprehensively bans the use of chemical weapons, but white phosphorus, when used as an incendiary weapon and not for chemical warfare, is not covered by the CWC.

Way Forward:

• The need has been felt to strengthen Protocol III of the CCW to create clearer rules regarding the use of white phosphorus and similar multi-purpose munitions.
• This would establish a binding agreement for states to prevent the exploitation of legal loopholes and facilitate enforcement.
• The legal consequences of using white phosphorus in warfare underscore the importance of upholding international law, treaties, and protocols to reduce harm to civilians and the environment.
• Violations of these legal principles can lead to global condemnation, investigations, and potential prosecution for war crimes, emphasizing the need for clarity in regulations.

Nut Graf: The use of white phosphorus munitions, said to be deployed by the Israel Defense Forces, poses complex legal and ethical questions. This raises the question of the legality of white phosphorus in armed conflicts, examining international agreements, the incendiary weapon classification, and calls to strengthen regulations to protect civilians and the environment.

1. International Solar Alliance & Global Solar Stocktake Report

Syllabus: GS 3-Environment and Ecology

Prelims: International Solar Alliance

Introduction

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA), consisting of 116 member countries, aims to accelerate the global adoption of solar technology.
• ISA is preparing to release its first-ever ‘global solar stocktake report,’ inspired by the United Nations Conference of Parties’ ‘Global Stocktake.’

Global Stocktake Background

• The United Nations Conference of Parties conducts the ‘Global Stocktake‘ to assess countries’ actions in transitioning from fossil fuels and combating global warming.
• This follows the 2015 Paris Agreement and is scheduled every five years.

ISA’s ‘Solar Stocktake’

• ISA will release the ‘solar stocktake’ report in mid-November.
• It will evaluate the progress made by countries in solar technology adoption.
• Notable investments of approximately $300 billion in solar occurred in 2020, increasing to around $380 billion in 2022.
• China currently dominates solar manufacturing; the stocktake aims to explore diversifying manufacturing locations.

Key Focus Areas of ISA

• ISA, led by India and France, focuses on expanding solar installations in Africa and has established the Global Solar Facility.
• The Global Solar Facility includes three funds: a payment guarantee fund, an insurance fund to manage project risks, and an investment fund for technical assistance.

Global Solar Photovoltaic Installations

• As of 2022, global solar photovoltaic installations reached 1,133 gigawatts (GW), with 191 GW added in 2022.
• China, a non-ISA member, accounts for approximately 350 GW, followed by the United States (111 GW) and India (62 GW).
• ISA is committed to renewable energy and considers solar energy as a reliable, dependable, and accessible solution for universal energy access.

2. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

Syllabus: GS 2, Polity

Prelims: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

Central Support for Jamrani Dam Project

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has granted approval for a Central support of ₹1,557.18 crore to Uttarakhand for the proposed Jamrani dam project in Nainital district.

Multipurpose Project and Estimated Cost

• The Jamrani dam project is a multipurpose initiative with an estimated cost of approximately ₹2,584.10 crore.
• The project is scheduled for completion by the year 2028.

Inclusion in Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

• The CCEA has granted its approval for the incorporation of the Jamrani dam project into the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).

Project Details

• The project entails the building of a dam in proximity to Jamrani village, which spans across the Gola River, a tributary of the Ram Ganga, located within the Nainital region.
• The main objective of the dam is to channel water to the pre-existing Gola barrage via its interconnected canal system.

2. Chinese research vessel Shi Yan

• The arrival of the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 at Colombo port was confirmed by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry.
• Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that clearance would be granted for the vessel’s arrival, allowing replenishment.
• Reports of the scheduled visit of the Chinese research vessel prompted concerns from both India and the United States, who raised these concerns with Sri Lankan authorities.

3. National Financial Reporting Authority

Introduction

• The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has initiated a significant investigation into a member firm of Ernst & Young (EY), S.R. Batliboi.
• S.R. Batliboi is responsible for auditing five prominent Adani Group companies.

NFRA’s Role and Authority

• The NFRA is India’s primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing financial reporting and accounting standards in the country.
• It was established to enhance transparency, reliability, and accountability in financial reporting, which is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and economic stability.
• The NFRA’s authority extends to monitoring the conduct and performance of auditors, particularly in cases involving significant corporate entities.

Investigation Initiation

• The NFRA commenced its inquiry into S.R. Batliboi a few weeks ago, highlighting the authority’s proactive approach to ensure adherence to accounting standards.
• The focus of this investigation is not only on S.R. Batliboi, but is part of a broader inquiry involving Adani Group companies.

Audited Adani Group Companies

• S.R. Batliboi serves as the auditing firm for three publicly listed Adani Group firms such as Adani Power, Adani Green Energy and Adani Wilmar.
• Additionally, it oversees the auditing of recently acquired cement companies within the group such as ACC and Ambuja Cements.
• In response to these developments, the Adani Group has issued a statement asserting that the group conducts its business activities in full accordance with applicable laws.

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Cabinet Committee on Economic 
Affairs:

Q2. With reference to the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project, which of the following 
statements is/are correct?

Q3. Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai 
Yojana (PMKSY):

Q4. With reference to the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), which of 
the following statements is/are incorrect?

Q5. Consider the following statements about the International Solar Alliance (ISA):