02 Sep 2022: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

Quote for the day Set 5 11

CNA 02 Sep 2022:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. IMF Package to Sri Lanka
C. GS 3 Related
BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENT
1. Ban on Single Use Plastics
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
SOCIAL ISSUES
1. Academia, research and the glass ceiling in India
2. A revert to the mean
GOVERNANCE
1. Can civil servants express their views on law, governance?
F. Prelims Facts
1. VOSTOK 2022
2. Cri-MAC
G. Tidbits
1. CERVAVAC
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

C. GS 3 Related

Category: BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENT

1. Ban on Single Use Plastics

Syllabus: Environment Pollution and Degradation

Mains: Need and impact of banning single-use plastics

Context: Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. 

Introduction:

  • India has banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of single-use plastic (SUP) items with low utility and high littering potential since July 1, 2022.
  • As a party to the UN Environment Assembly India has signed a resolution to draw up an agreement in the future that will make it legally binding for signatories to address the full life cycle of plastics, from production to disposal. 

Why are single-use plastics harmful? 

  • Plastic pollution is the harmful outcome of dumping single use plastics as waste which are non-biodegradable.
  • Single Use Plastics cause major harm to the environment and are toxic to the ecosystems and the organisms living in those ecosystems.
  • There is a greater likelihood of single-use plastic products ending up in the sea than reusable ones.

Global Commitment:

  • All countries face a major environmental challenge due to pollution caused by single-use plastic items. 
  • The UN Environment Assembly adopted a resolution piloted by India on single-use plastics pollution in 2019, recognising the urgent need for the global community to address this issue. 
  • Bangladesh was the first country to ban thin plastic bags in 2002; New Zealand banned plastic bags in July 2019; China has issued a ban on plastic bags in 2020 with a phased implementation. 

Plastic waste management rules in India:

  • Under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2021, the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry-bags made of virgin or recycled plastic less than 75 microns has been banned with effect from September 2021.
  • A number of items are banned, including earbuds with plastic sticks, balloon sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decorations, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers, etc. 
  • The Union government took the initiative to ban their usage which is conveyed through the “Clean and Green” Campaign which focuses on enhancing cleanliness and taking environment-friendly measures.
  • The advisory on banning SUPs is in alignment with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 which is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
  • From December 31, 2022, plastic carry bags whose thickness is less than 120 microns will be banned.
  • India has also taken steps to promote innovation and create an ecosystem for accelerated adoption and availability of alternatives across the country. 
  • To prevent the movement of banned single-use plastic items between States and Union Territories, border checkpoints have been established. 
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has launched a grievance redressal application to empower citizens.
  • Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2022 has provisions for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) .The guidelines provide a framework to strengthen the circular economy of plastic waste.

Challenges:

  • Participation of all stakeholders for effective engagement and actions is crucial for the success of the ban.
  • Previously almost 25 Indian States had banned plastic at the state level but they had a very limited impact due to widespread use of these items. 
  • Now the challenge is to see how the local level authorities will enforce the ban in accordance with the guidelines. 
  • It is difficult to take accountability of non-branded items as the majority of them belong to the informal sector.

Way Forward: 

  • Social media and other media should be effectively used to create awareness among consumers. 
  • Research and development should be promoted to find sustainable alternatives with public and private participation.
  • Greener alternatives to plastic such as compostable and biodegradable plastic shall be considered a sustainable option.

Nut Graf: India is taking steps to overcome unmanaged plastic pollution in the spirit of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The solution to this problem is not the responsibility of the government alone, but of industries, brands, manufacturers and consumers. However, in the absence of workable alternatives, the feasibility of plastic ban seems difficult right now.

2. A revert to the mean

Syllabus: Developmental issues, their problems and their remedies.

Prelims: About National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

Mains: Key findings of the “Crime in India” report (2021) of NCRB

Context: According to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), violent crimes such as rape, kidnaps, atrocities against children, robberies and murders have increased in 2021.

Details

  • The “Crime in India” report released by the NCRB highlighted that the number of violent crimes has increased across India in 2021 after declining in 2020 on account of COVID induced restrictions.
  • However, the overall crime rate (crimes per 1 lakh people) reduced to 445.9 (2021) from 487.8 (2020) which is mainly due to the decline in cases registered under Section 188 of the IPC – “disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant”.

Key findings of the report

Crime Wave

Image source: The Hindu

  • Domestic violence continues to be a major issue in the country as “cruelty by husband or his relatives” accounted for over 31.8% of crimes against women in 2021 registering an increase from 30.2% in 2020 and 30.9% in 2019.
  • The chargesheeting rate in 2021 has declined to 72.3% as compared to 75.8% in 2020.
    • Further, even the conviction rate has dropped from  59.2% in 2020 to 57% in 2021.
    • This suggests that despite an increase in violent crimes in the country, law enforcement has been less responsive.
  • According to the report, the highest rate of violent crimes (per 1 lakh people) in 2021 was recorded in Assam (76.6 violent crimes per 1 lakh people), followed by Delhi (57) and West Bengal (48.7).
    • The lowest rate was recorded in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
    • Odisha saw the highest increase in the rate of violent crimes.
  • The report pointed out that the suicide rate in 2021 with 12 per 1 lakh people was the highest in the past five years. 
    • The key reasons for suicides in the country are said to be domestic problems (33.2%) and illnesses (18.6%) 
    • Further, most of the suicide victims were daily wage earners (25.6%) and housewives (14.1%).
  • The report also suggests that there is a 5.9% increase in the cases registered as cyber crimes in 2021 as compared to 2020 which indicates an increase in the use of digital devices.
    • As cyber crimes in urban areas have declined by about 8.3% as compared to 2020, the overall increase in cyber crimes is attributed to the increase of such crimes in rural areas.
    • This mandates the government to intervene and increase its awareness programmes in rural areas.

Nut graf: The increase in violent crimes, suicide rate and cyber crimes along with a drop in charge sheeting and conviction rates in the country requires immediate attention and interventions from the governments at the centre and state and other law enforcement bodies.
Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Can civil servants express their views on law, governance?

Syllabus: Role of civil services in a democracy.

Mains: Critical evaluation of the restrictions on the freedom of speech of Government employees.

Context

  • Recently, a senior IAS officer from Telangana questioned the Gujarat government’s decision of the releasing the convicts of Bilkis Bano gang rape case.
  • This has once again brought the debate on the freedom of civil servants to express their views on matters of law and governance and the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules of 1964 into the limelight.

Government employees and their freedom of speech

  • Citizens of India have been guaranteed the fundamental right of free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which is subjected to various reasonable restrictions.
    • However, individuals in government service are required to follow certain disciplinary rules that restrict them from expressing themselves freely with regard to the governance of the country or from becoming a member of a political organisation, or any organisation of such a nature.
  • According to Rule 9 of the Rules of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, no Government servant shall, in any radio broadcast, telecast, electronic media or in any document published in his own name or anonymously in any communication to the press or in any public utterance, make any statement of fact or opinion 
    • Which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action of the Central Government or a State Government.
    • Which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and the Government of any State.
    • Which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and the Government of any foreign State.

Arguments in favor of the free speech for government employees

  • The strict rules that restrict the freedom of speech of government employees are of the British era and in democracies, the right to criticise the government is said to be a key fundamental right.
  • Further, the conditions mentioned in these rules are vague and broad and need to be scrutinised.
  • In 2018, the Kerala High Court held that “individuals cannot be prevented from expressing their views only because he/she is an employee. In a democratic society, every institution is governed by democratic norms and healthy criticism is a better way to govern a public institution”.
  • Chief Justice of Tripura High Court in the recent judgement had said that “as a Government servant, the petitioner is not devoid of her right to free speech, a Fundamental Right which can be curtailed only by a valid law. She was entitled to hold her own beliefs and express them in the manner she desired, of course, subject to not crossing the borders laid down in sub-rule (4) of Rule 5 of the Conduct Rules.”
  • Experts feel that the basic responsibility of any civil servant is to uphold the constitutional principles in letter and in spirit and the rule of law of the country and if these principles are being subverted, it is the duty of the civil servants to raise their concerns.

To read more about – Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

Nut graf: In a democracy, the right to express one’s opinion freely, the right to object and the right to dissent are crucial to ensure transparency in the governance and hence it is important that the government servants are allowed to express their views on law and governance freely.

F. Prelims Facts

1. VOSTOK 2022

Syllabus: Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their Mandate

Prelims: Military Exercise

Context:  India is participating in the multilateral exercise ‘Vostok-2022’ which was commenced recently in Russia. 

Details:

  • An Indian Army contingent comprising troops from 7/8 Gorkha Rifles is participating in the multilateral strategic and command exercise ‘Vostok-2022’.
  • It is taking place at the training grounds of the eastern military district in Russia. 
  • The exercise also includes participation by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
  • The exercise is aimed at interaction and coordination amongst other participating military contingents and observers.
  • Participating contingents include observers from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other partner states.
  • According to the Ministry of Defence, the participating Indian Army Contingent will share practical aspects of validated procedures and drills.
  • India is not participating in the maritime drill to respect Japan’s sentiment, as the drill is taking place in the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk in which disputed Kuril Islands are situated as both Russia and Japan claim sovereignty over them. 
  • However, the warships Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) will be participating in the maritime drill.

2. Cri-MAC

Syllabus: Challenges to Internal Security Through Communication Networks

Prelims: Cri-MAC portal

Context: Despite the Union government’s call to States to share more intelligence inputs through the Multi Agency Centre, at least seven States and one Union Territory have given the cold shoulder to the portal.

Crime Multi Agency Centre (Cri-MAC) 

  • It is an online platform meant to share information and coordinate action among law enforcement agencies on serious criminal incidents, including human trafficking 24×7.
  • It  was launched in 2020 by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • It is run by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to help in early detection and prevention of crime incidents across the country.
  • Several states have not uploaded a single alert on Cri-MAC till now. 
  • Delhi, Assam and Haryana uploaded the maximum number of alerts on the portal, which included information on the release of a hardened criminal from jail or an incident of terror, murder, dacoity among others. 
  • This portal  facilitates dissemination of information about significant crimes across the country on a real-time basis and enables inter-State coordination. 
  • It is crucial to tackle human trafficking as it is a highly organised crime often involving inter-State gangs.

G. Tidbits

1. CERVAVAC

  • Union Ministry of Science and Technology recently announced the scientific completion of Cervavac, India’s first indigenously developed quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer.
  • It will likely cost ₹200-400 a shot and be commercially available by the end of 2022.
  • It is developed by the Serum Institute of India in coordination with the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT). 
  • It was approved by the Drug Controller General of India in July 2022. 
  • It is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it is effective against at least four variants of cancer-causing Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Cervical Cancer:

  • Despite being largely preventable, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, according to the WHO. 
  • In 2018, an estimated 570,00 women were diagnosed with the disease and it accounted for 311,000 deaths across the world.
  • Annually, about 1.25 lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 75,000 die from the disease in India. 
  • Close to 83% of invasive cervical cancers in India and and 70% of cases worldwide are attributed to HPV-types 16 or 18. 
  • HPV transmission is influenced by sexual activity and age. 
  • Almost 75% of all sexually active adults are likely to be infected with at least one HPV type. A vast majority of the infections resolve itself.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Cri-MAC recently seen in news is (Level- Medium)
  1. A counter-terrorism programme which will utilize technologies like Big Data and analytics
  2. The Centre’s online platform meant to share information and coordinate action among law enforcement agencies on serious criminal incidents
  3. Social Media Communication (SMC) hub in every district across the country that will be the eyes and ears of the government
  4. A multi-stakeholder cyber-security and e-surveillance agency
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: 

  • Cri-MAC is an online platform meant to share information and coordinate action among law enforcement agencies on serious criminal incidents, including human trafficking 24×7.
  • It was launched in 2020 by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q2. Which of the following countries are part of Collective Security Treaty 
Organisation (CSTO)? (Level- Medium)
  1. Armenia
  2. Azerbaijan
  3. Belarus
  4. Kazakhstan
  5. Kyrgyzstan
  6. Russia
  7. Tajikistan
  8. Uzbekistan

Options:

  1. 1, 2, 7 and 8 only
  2. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 only
  3. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is an intergovernmental military alliance (six countries) that came into effect in 2002. 
  • Its origin can be traced to the Collective Security Treaty, 1992 (Tashkent Treaty). 
  • The headquarters is located in the Russian capital of Moscow.
Collective Security Treaty Organisation

Image Source: Word press

Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to Cervavac: (Level- Difficult)
  1. It is India’s first indigenously developed vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer.
  2. Almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).
  3. It was developed by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India in coordination with the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:

  • Cervavac is India’s first indigenously developed quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer.
  • Nearly all cases of cervical cancer can be attributed to HPV infection. Although most HPV infections clear up on their own and most pre-cancerous lesions resolve spontaneously, there is a risk for all women that HPV infection may become chronic and pre-cancerous lesions progress to invasive cervical cancer.
  • It is developed by the Serum Institute of India in coordination with the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and was approved by the Drug Controller General of India in July 2022. 
Q4. With respect to Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), which of the following 
statements is/are correct? (Level-Medium)
  1. It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government.
  2. It is a scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for all Senior citizens.

Options:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

  • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is a scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to the BPL category. 
  • This is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government.
  • The expenditure for implementation of the scheme will be met by the “Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund”. 
  • The Scheme will be implemented through the sole implementing agency – Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Q5. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider 
the following statements: (Level- Difficult)
  1. The Serum Institute of India produced a COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
  2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based platform.
  3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • The Covishield vaccine by the Serum Institute of India was prepared using the viral vector platform. In the vaccine, a chimpanzee adenovirus – ChAdOx1 – has been modified to enable it to carry the COVID-19 spike protein into the cells of humans. 
  • Sputnik V, the world’s first registered vaccine, is based on the human adenoviral vector-based platform. 
  • Covaxin is an inactivated viral vaccine. It is developed with Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell-derived technology.

Read the previous CNA here.

CNA 02 Sep 2022:- Download PDF Here

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