28 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
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India-China Partnership
2. India-Qatar Ties
INDIAN SOCIETY
1. Women can make the world better
F. Prelims Facts
1. Parliamentary Standing Committees
2. Dark Pattern Cybercrime
3. Pakistan breaks ceasefire
4. India Mobile Congress
5. Rebels in Myanmar
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

2. India-Qatar Ties

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

Mains:  India-Qatar Ties

Context:​ The recent imposition of a death sentence by a Qatari court on eight Indian nationals, accused of espionage, has left the Indian government facing a grave diplomatic challenge. This mysterious trial, shrouded in secrecy, necessitates a swift and strategic response to secure the release of the accused individuals.

Concerns:

• Secrecy and Lack of Transparency:
  • The trial of the eight Indian nationals in Qatar was conducted in secrecy, with minimal information available about the charges and evidence presented.
  • The Qatari government has not provided any details about the case, even withholding the judgment from the Indian government.
• Serious Allegations of Espionage:
  • Leaked reports suggest that the accused were charged with sharing classified information related to their work on a stealth submarine program with a third country, allegations denied by their families.
  • The gravity of the charges and the lack of transparency in the trial raise concerns about the fairness of the legal process.
• India-Qatar Relations:
  • Unlike the case of former Naval Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan, India’s relations with Qatar have been relatively better, marked by strategic and defense cooperation agreements.
  • India significantly relies on Qatar for 40% of its LNG needs, and the two countries engage in substantial trade, despite the Gulf blockade against Qatar in 2017.
  • India is also Qatar’s third biggest source of imports, particularly raw materials for construction and fresh food items.
  • In addition, 7,00,000 Indian expatriates are an integral part of Qatar’s institutions, industry and workforce.

Way forward:

• Diplomatic and Legal Appeals:
  • India should immediately initiate legal appeals on behalf of the accused within the Qatari legal system.
    • Diplomatic efforts to seek leniency and transparency should continue, including appeals to the highest levels of Qatari leadership.
• Channeling Existing Agreements:
  • The “Transfer of Sentenced Persons” agreement between India and Qatar, signed in 2015, should be invoked to facilitate the repatriation of convicted individuals to serve their sentences in India.
• Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy:
  • Sensitive Approach: Experts recommend discreet, behind-the-scenes diplomatic consultations at senior levels to avoid public discussions and maintain a sensitive approach. The stakes are high due to the significant number of Indians working in Qatar.
  • Royal Pardon Possibility: Recognizing the exceptional nature of this case involving Indian espionage in the Gulf region, experts suggest exploring the possibility of a royal pardon, given the high value Qatar’s royal family places on its relationship with India.
• Leveraging Strategic Ties:
  • Defense Cooperation Agreement: The 2008 Defense Cooperation Agreement between India and Qatar, last extended in November 2018, offers a potential avenue for diplomatic negotiations. Its non-renewal indicates an opportunity for high-level discussions.
  • Military Training and Participation: India extends training slots in its defense institutions to Qatari military personnel and participates in the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) biennially, strengthening strategic ties.

Nut Graf: The death sentence handed down to eight Indian nationals in Qatar represents a significant diplomatic challenge for India. Leveraging diplomatic ties, and existing agreements, and maintaining a discreet, behind-the-scenes approach is essential to secure the release or commutation of their sentences.

Category: INDIAN SOCIETY

1. Women can make the world better

Syllabus: GS-2, Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and Associated Issues

Mains: Contributions of Women to make the world better

Context:​ Economic history and the field of economics have predominantly been presented through a male lens, sidelining the contributions of women. The scarcity of women Nobel laureates in economics highlights this gender imbalance. To create a more equitable and sustainable world, the value of women’s work, both within and outside the traditional economic framework, must be recognized and elevated.

Issues:

• Gender Disparities in Economics:
  • The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences has been awarded to only three women since 1969.
  • Claudia Goldin’s Nobel Prize in 2023 emphasized the persistent gender wage gap and the undervaluing of women’s work.
• The Value of Women’s Work:
  • Women’s contributions to family and community well-being, often overlooked in economic discussions, are vital but do not contribute to GDP growth.
  • Inadequate compensation for women in caregiving roles, such as domestic service and healthcare, remains a pressing concern.
• Changing Global Economic Landscape:
  • Economic growth patterns are shifting, with more informal and gig economy jobs and fewer long-term employment opportunities.
  • India, with a large youth population, faces the challenge of providing dignified work and social security amid these economic shifts.
• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • Progress toward achieving the SDGs by 2030 has been slower than anticipated, with only 12% of targets on track.
  • Achieving the SDGs requires a paradigm shift in problem-solving and a bottom-up, context-specific approach.

Solutions:

• Empower Women’s Work:
  • Women’s contributions to caregiving, family, and community must be valued and integrated into economic discussions.
  • Adequate compensation for caregiving roles and better work conditions for female workers in these sectors should be promoted.
• Adapting to New Economic Realities:
  • Policymakers need to address the challenges presented by the gig economy and changing employment trends, particularly for India’s youth.
  • Investments in social infrastructure, including caregiving services, are necessary to enhance human development.
• A Paradigm Shift in Economics:
  • Reevaluate the current paradigm dominated by male-driven institutions and ideologies.
  • Promote a more cooperative, equitable, and sustainable paradigm that empowers local communities to find context-specific solutions.

Nut Graf: The future should focus on bottom-up problem-solving and embrace a paradigm shift that values cooperation, equity, and sustainability. Achieving the vision of “One Family, One Earth, One Future” requires the collective efforts of men and women to create a more inclusive world.

1. Parliamentary Standing Committees

Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has postponed the adoption of a draft report on three Bills aimed at replacing existing criminal laws. The Opposition has raised concerns about the speed of the review process and the lack of consultations.

Issues:

• Speedy Review: The draft report in English was circulated just a week prior, and the Hindi version was sent to members of the Parliamentary panel only hours before the scheduled adoption of the report.
• Dissenting Members: Three members, including Congress MPs Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Digvijay Singh, as well as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP N.R. Elango, have filed dissent notes, demanding significant changes in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which are meant to replace the Indian Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code.
• Nomenclature Controversy: The draft report does not accept the Hindi nomenclature of the Bills. The panel justifies this by stating that the text of the Bills is in English and does not violate provisions of Article 348 of the Constitution.
• Inadequate Consultations: The panel began consultations on the three Bills on August 24 and has held 12 meetings. Opposition members argue that this is insufficient, given the scale and scope of the proposed changes.

Solutions:

• Extended Consultations: It is essential to engage in extensive consultations with state governments and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure broad-based support for the Bills.
• Reconsider Nomenclature: The controversy surrounding the Hindi nomenclature should be resolved through discussions, considering the inclusivity of all linguistic and cultural groups in the country.
• Transparent Legislative Process: To prevent hurrying through the Bills, it is crucial to uphold the principles of legislative scrutiny, allowing for comprehensive evaluation and debate.

2. Dark Pattern Cybercrime

Context:

• A rising issue within the aviation industry involves airlines and online travel agents employing deceptive tactics to coerce consumers into making unintended purchases while booking flight tickets. 
• These unethical practices, known as ‘dark patterns,’ have raised concerns, with one government official branding them as “cybercrime.” 
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken action, demanding that low-cost carrier IndiGo rectify its website. 
• This comes on the heels of a scheduled meeting of the Consumer Affairs Ministry to address these complaints from air travellers.

Issues:

• Deceptive Practices: Airlines and online travel agents are using ‘dark patterns’ to manipulate consumers into making additional purchases, such as seat selections, without their clear consent.
• Consumer Complaints: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has received a significant number of complaints related to these practices, indicating the widespread nature of the issue. Nearly 10,000 complaints have been registered via the National Consumers Helpline over the last eight to nine months.
• Lack of Transparency: Many airline websites, apps, and online portals employ these dark patterns to obscure important information and guide consumers towards unintended purchases.

Solutions:

• Regulatory Oversight: The government, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, should establish clear regulations to prevent deceptive practices and protect consumer rights.
• Transparency: Airlines and online travel agents should be required to provide transparent and easily accessible information to consumers. Any additional charges or purchases should be clearly presented, and consumers should have the option to opt out without hindrance.
• Consumer Education: Educating consumers about their rights and how to identify and report dark patterns can empower them to make informed choices.

3. Pakistan breaks ceasefire

Context:

• An eight-hour skirmish between Indian and Pakistani troops near the zero line in the Arnia sector of Jammu has escalated tensions and raised concerns about the 2021 ceasefire agreement between the two nations. 
• The clash involved Pakistan Rangers violating the ceasefire pact, targeting civilian houses and crops, leading to a Border Security Force (BSF) constable sustaining minor injuries.

Issues:

• Ceasefire Violation: The skirmish involved the violation of the 2021 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, which was originally established in 2003. This breach raises questions about the stability of the ceasefire and the potential for future hostilities.
• Civilian Impact: Pakistani gunfire and mortar shells targeted civilian houses and crops, leading to damage to property and injuries, including a civilian. This endangers the safety and well-being of civilians living near the border.
• Unrest in the Region: The skirmish has left the region tense and on high alert. The BSF has been placed on high alert along the international border in Jammu, and residents have been forced to seek shelter in schools and panchayat ghars due to the shelling.

Solutions:

• Diplomatic Efforts: Both India and Pakistan should engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and reaffirm their commitment to the ceasefire agreement. International mediation may also be considered.
• Civilian Protection: Steps should be taken to ensure the safety of civilians living in border areas. Evacuation plans, shelters, and communication systems should be improved to protect civilians during such incidents.
• Transparency and Communication: Both nations should maintain open channels of communication to prevent misunderstandings and to promptly address any violations of the ceasefire.

4. India Mobile Congress

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the seventh India Mobile Congress, commended telecom operators for their swift rollout of 5G services in urban areas, highlighting that over 80% of India’s urban population now enjoys access to high-speed Internet. He also expressed India’s ambition to lead in 6G technology.

Details:

• 5G Expansion: India has made substantial progress in expanding 5G coverage, with approximately 4 lakh 5G base stations established within a year of the technology’s launch.
• Enhanced Internet Connectivity: PM Modi emphasized that improved Internet connectivity and speed benefit various aspects of life, such as education, telemedicine, and tourism. It enhances the ease of living, making it easier for students to connect with teachers, patients to consult doctors online, and tourists to use online maps.
• 6G Aspiration: India is actively researching and standardizing the next generation of telecommunications, aiming to become a leader in 6G technology.
• Economic Growth: The Prime Minister highlighted the growth of domestic electronics manufacturing, with major tech companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google assembling their products in India. This has contributed to a significant increase in electronics exports.
• Secure Supply Chains: PM Modi emphasized the need to secure electronics supply chains, possibly in reference to the dominance of Chinese electronics assembly and manufacturing. He underlined the importance of safeguarding democratic societies from potential threats.

Way forward:

• Continued Investment: The government and private sector should continue to invest in the expansion of high-speed Internet access, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
• Research and Development: Support for research and development in telecommunications technology is crucial to achieving leadership in 6G and beyond.
• Promotion of Electronics Manufacturing: Encourage more tech companies to assemble their products in India, fostering domestic manufacturing and boosting exports.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Implement robust cybersecurity measures to secure electronics supply chains and protect democratic societies from potential threats.

5. Rebels in Myanmar

Context: Alliance of ethnic rebels launches attacks across northern Myanmar.

Details:

• An alliance of ethnic rebel groups in Myanmar launched coordinated attacks on the military across the country’s north, posing a fresh challenge to the junta as it struggles to quell resistance.
• The rebels were attacking 12 towns across a swathe of Shan state around 100 km across.

Source: Al Jazeera

Q1. Which of the following groups are a part of the ‘Three Brotherhood Alliance’ of 
Myanmar?

Q2. The 'dark pattern' recently in the news is related to the affairs of:

Q3. With reference to the Border Security Force (BSF), which of the following 
statements is/are incorrect?

Q4. With reference to Parliamentary Standing Committees in India, consider the 
following statements:

Q5. With reference to the India Mobile Congress (IMC), which of the following 
statements is/are correct?