UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 June 2024

GS Paper 1:

1.1     Uttarakhand govt. to study risk posed by 13 glacial lakes during monsoon

GS 1: Geography and Disaster Management- GLOFs

Why is it in the news?

• As the monsoon approaches, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Department (USDMA) is gearing up to conduct a vulnerability assessment of 13 glacial lakes, five of which are situated in high-risk zones.
• This study is designed to provide crucial data to prevent potential disasters such as lake outbursts.

More about the news

• Secretary of USDMA, recently briefed the media on these newly identified lakes, pinpointed using satellite technology earlier this year. Sinha emphasized the peril faced by Himalayan glaciers due to climate change, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring to avert any untoward incidents.
• Among the 13 lakes under scrutiny, those posing the highest risks are located in Darma, Lasaryanghati, and Kutiyangti valleys in Pithoragarh district, as well as Vasudhara Tal Lake in the Dhauli Ganga basin of Chamoli district—all residing in high-risk zones.
• Lhese lakes, ranging from 0.02 to 0.50 sq. km, are perched at elevations exceeding 4,000 meters above sea level.
• Recently, USDMA sought a status report on the five high-risk glacial lakes from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police to further assess the situation.
• Earlier this year, the State government constituted two expert teams to evaluate the risks associated with these glacial lakes. The expert groups comprised professionals from esteemed institutions such as the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, the Geological Survey of India, the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.

GS Paper 2:

1.2     President flags NEET, mentions Emergency in Parliament speech

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Parliament

Why is it in the news?

• President Draupadi Murmu, in her recent address to Parliament following the announcement of the Lok Sabha election results, highlighted the government’s unwavering dedication to investigating the incidents of “paper leaks” affecting medical college admissions and government recruitment exams.
• She emphasized the importance of upholding transparency and integrity in examinations and recruitments, urging MPs to prioritize national interests over political divisions.

More about the news: 

Highlights of the President’s Address:

• Furthermore, President Murmu expressed strong condemnation for the past Emergency imposed by the Congress-led government in 1975, referring to it as a severe infringement on the Constitution.
• She reiterated the significance of upholding democratic values and the rule of law in the country, amidst reactions from both the treasury and opposition benches.
• The President also defended the usage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as a reliable means of conducting elections, dismissing calls for a return to paper ballots.
• She underscored the efficacy of EVMs in ensuring fair and secure electoral processes, while emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in the northeastern states.
• Additionally, President Murmu outlined the government’s economic ambitions, aiming to propel India into becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
• Economy and Finance:
• Fastest-Growing Major Economy:

1. Despite global challenges, the President declared India as the fastest-growing major economy, maintaining a growth rate of over 7.5% for two consecutive quarters. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code was enacted.
2. India’s exports have increased from USD 450 billion to USD 775 billion in the past 10 years.
3. Foreign exchange reserves are currently more than USD 600 billion.

• She highlighted the administration’s focus on bolstering manufacturing, services, and agriculture sectors, with plans for significant strides in the upcoming Union Budget to drive growth and self-sufficiency.
• Industry:

1. India is the second largest producer of mobile phones in the world. It has also started exporting toys, instead of importing them like earlier.
2. About 3.5 crore MSMEs are registered on the Udyam and Udyam assist portal. Government guarantee has been provided for MSMEs loans worth nearly five lakh crore rupees. This is over six times what was provided before 2014.
3. PLI schemes for 14 sectors such as electronics and pharmaceuticals have been introduced.

• Energy:

1. India has targeted to achieve 50% installed capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.
2. In 10 years, non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity has increased from 81 gigawatt to 188 gigawatt.
3. 10,000 km of gas pipeline has been laid in the country. One Nation, One Gas Grid is boosting gas-based economy.

• Tribal Affairs: Over the past decade, thousands of tribal villages have gained access to electricity and road connectivity, while the PM JANMAN Yojana targets development for vulnerable tribal groups.
• Women and Child Development: The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has been enacted to enable greater participation of women in Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies.
• External Affairs: The government has made efforts to secure permanent membership for the African Union at G20. The development of India-Middle East Europe Corridor was announced at the summit.

• Moreover, she announced initiatives such as free medical treatment for citizens above 70 years under the Ayushman Bharat Yojna, fulfilling a promise made in the BJP’s election manifesto. However, there was no mention of other manifesto pledges like the Uniform Civil Code or the proposal for simultaneous State and parliamentary elections in her address.

1.3     NEET/NET fiasco: It’s time for technology to step in where the exam system has failed

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Education

Why is it in the news?

• The recent failures in the NEET and UGC NET exams highlight the pressing need for effective and systematic solutions.
• To begin with, implementing a school-centred online examination platform equipped with cutting-edge technology could help in evaluating students’ grasp of concepts over a sustained period.

Background

• The recent disruptions in the examination system have left the nation in disarray, as crucial exams impacting the futures of numerous student’s falter.
• The National Testing Agency (NTA) has faced severe criticism following the NEET and UGC NET exam debacles, leading to the removal of its director and the initiation of investigations to hold accountable those responsible for the crisis.
• While assigning blame is essential, it is imperative to go beyond and devise a robust framework to ensure the integrity of large-scale assessments. Without such measures, recurring incidents akin to the recent failures may persist in the future.

Analysing the issue 

• The prevailing challenges are deeply concerning. The predominant reliance on a single high-stakes exam to determine admission to professional courses encourages a culture of rote learning and fosters the proliferation of coaching centres focused primarily on exam-cracking strategies rather than comprehensive subject understanding. This skewed emphasis results in a disheartening scenario where substantial profits are reaped by the coaching industry, while students endure a restrictive educational experience devoid of holistic development.
• Moreover, the dearth of emphasis on aptitude-based selection in various disciplines, such as engineering, coupled with the marginalization of the school education system in favour of coaching institutions, further compounds the educational crisis.

• The absence of standardized evaluation methodologies within the outdated school boards, which rely heavily on summative assessments leading to memorization-centric approaches, exacerbates the situation. The delay in implementing the reforms stipulated in the National Education Policy 2020 only exacerbates these systemic flaws.
• The inadequacy in conducting large-scale examinations underscores the urgency for substantial reforms. The establishment of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in 2017 was intended to streamline examination processes through online computer-based methods; however, the persistence of conventional pen-and-paper exams susceptible to malpractices persists.
• The multi-faceted predicament necessitates concrete and systemic interventions, beginning with a revamp of the selection processes for major higher education admissions and the implementation of a comprehensive continuous assessment system over a two-year duration.

Proposed Solutions

• Academic Assessments with Online Proctoring: Allocate 40% weightage to quarterly online academic assessments conducted over two years, emphasizing critical thinking and conceptual understanding, proctored using AI-based systems to prevent fraud.
• Social and Professional Aptitude Evaluation: Dedicate 40% weightage to internships with relevant institutes, social engagements, and programs promoting societal welfare to assess social and professional acumen.
• High-Stakes Exam Weightage: Assign 20% weightage to final NEET/JEE exams conducted online biannually, allowing students to choose their best scores for evaluation.

Conclusion

• Through the integration of proactive technological solutions, such as standardized question banks, online testing mechanisms, and AI-driven proctoring, the credibility and efficiency of the examination system can be significantly enhanced.
• Collaboration with expert institutions like the Indian Statistical Institute and IITs can further fortify the examination protocols and ensure adherence to global standards, instigating a transformative shift towards concept-based education and mitigating examination-related malpractices.

1.4     India, U.S. in talks for Stryker infantry vehicles and Javelin missiles

GS 2: International Relations- India-U.S.

Why is it in the news?

• India has shown interest in the co-production of Stryker infantry vehicles, with talks in the early stages between India and the U.S. regarding the Stryker and Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM).

• Furthermore, progress is being made on deals for MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and GE-414 jet engines, along with defence industrial partnerships under the Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) framework.

More about the news

• The potential deal may involve the local manufacture of several hundred vehicle variants under license, with customized features for the Indian Army, including a version mounted with Javelin ATGMs.
• Additionally, the agreement for the license manufacture of GE-414 engines by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A is also advancing.
• An emphasis was placed on the initiation of a new strategic semiconductor partnership between General Atomics and 3rd ITECH for semiconductor design and manufacturing to support precision-guided ammunition and other security-focused electronics platforms.

1.5 International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

GS2: International Organizations

Why is it in the news?

• Recently, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) observed ‘World Hydrography Day’ in order to raise awareness about the field of hydrography.

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

About:

• Established in 1921, the IHO is an intergovernmental organization that holds a critical role in ensuring navigational safety and preserving the marine environment.
• Its main objective is to guarantee the accurate surveying and charting of all the world’s seas, oceans, and navigable waters.

Mandate and Operations:

1) Guidelines for Surveys:

• The IHO issues guidelines and best practices for hydrographic surveys to ensure the collection of high-quality data.
• It manages the efforts of national hydrographic offices across the globe and establishes standards for hydrographic data and product specifications.

2) Standardization of Nautical Charts: The IHO sets standards for nautical charts, vital for safe navigation.

3) Hydrographic Information Sharing:

• The IHO promotes the utilization of hydrographic information for the benefit of mariners, researchers, and environmentalists.
• It creates guidelines for data assurance, including cybersecurity and data quality assessment.
• Additionally, it advances ocean sustainability by engaging with non-navigation users of hydrographic data.

4) Building Capacities:

• The organization provides support for capacity building in its member states, enhancing expertise in hydrography.
• It encourages collaborations among international organizations, academia, and industry for standardized maritime data products.

India’s Engagement with IHO

• The Indian Naval Hydrographic Office (INHD) plays a vital role in hydrography and navigational safety, operating as the nodal agency for Hydrographic surveys and nautical charting under the Indian Navy.
• India has been an active participant in the IHO since 1955.

1.5     Net Damage: on the fisheries, India and Sri Lanka

GS 2: International Relations: India- Sri Lanka

Why is it in the news?

• Fishing activity has resumed off India’s eastern coast, including the Palk Bay, following the end of the 61-day annual fishing ban. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a tragic incident where a sailor from the Sri Lankan Navy lost his life.

More about the news

• The Sri Lankan Navy conducted an operation on June 25 to remove Indian poaching trawlers in Sri Lankan waters near Jaffna. As a result, a trawler-vessel was seized, and 10 fishermen were detained, most of whom were from Tamil Nadu.
• The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, has requested the intervention of the External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to secure the release of the detained fishermen. Further, Mr. Stalin has rightfully urged Mr. Jaishankar to convene a meeting of the Joint Working Group to address these issues.
• The current situation presents an opportunity for India and Sri Lanka to address their longstanding fisheries dispute, which has been exacerbated by previous bilateral agreements.

Conclusion

• It is essential to acknowledge that crossing international maritime boundaries by Indian fishermen is illegal, and addressing livelihood concerns must be balanced with marine ecosystem conservation.
• Transitioning away from bottom trawlers towards sustainable fishing practices like deep sea fishing, marine cage farming, and seaweed cultivation is necessary. While past initiatives have faced challenges, collaboration between the two governments could lead to more successful outcomes in supporting fishermen’s livelihoods.
• New Delhi and Colombo should consider additional measures to assist fishermen in the Northern Province and prioritize a dialogue involving stakeholders from both countries to find a mutually beneficial resolution to the dispute.

1.6     Reasi and the ‘years-old’ issue of cross-border terror

GS 2/3: International Relations & Internal Security: India- Pak; Terrorism

Why is it in the news?

• The recent terrorist attack in Reasi on June 9, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third-term oath-taking ceremony, brings back memories of the assault on the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Herat, Afghanistan, just before his first term swearing-in.
• While the Reasi attack claimed nine lives and left 41 injured, the attempt to attack the CGI in Herat was thwarted in time by vigilant security forces. The attackers in both instances aimed to disrupt and provoke Mr. Modi and India on significant political occasions.

An Analysis

• The incident in Reasi underscores the persistent threat of links with terrorist groups in Pakistan. The region has experienced a series of terrorist activities in recent months, highlighting the enduring challenge India has been confronting for over three decades, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. The question remains on how effectively the country has managed to address this serious issue.
• Encouraged by the success of the Afghan Jihad, Pakistan and separatists in J&K sought to exploit similar tactics to pressure India in Kashmir. The Indian state has been combating this threat for years, developing defensive counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism strategies.
• Despite challenges, India has made efforts to engage diplomatically and politically to address the Kashmir issue internally while advocating for structured dialogues with Pakistan, focusing on multiple issues including J&K.
• The events in J&K underscore the complexity of the terrorism issue and the importance of balancing forceful measures with political initiatives. While committed to resolving the Kashmir issue peacefully through negotiations, India has had to respond to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism with a mix of force and diplomacy. The path of dialogue, despite its challenges, remains crucial in addressing the perpetual issue of cross-border terrorism.
• In September 1998, India and Pakistan reached an agreement on the structure of a bilateral composite dialogue. Within the composite dialogue, “terrorism and counter-narcotics” was identified as one of the eight topics of discussion. Following the initial bilateral talks on this subject in October 1998, it became apparent to India that Pakistan was not willing to address India’s concerns regarding terrorism. This stance has persisted in Pakistan since the 1990s, as the use of terrorist groups against India has been integrated into its security doctrine. This strategy has resulted in the deployment of an estimated two hundred thousand security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir to combat terrorism, a conservative estimate.
• Between 1998 and 2016, the three successive Indian Prime Ministers – Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi – pursued diplomatic solutions under the Composite Dialogue to tackle terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. Dr. Manmohan Singh attempted to shield the broader bilateral relationship by establishing a joint anti-terrorism mechanism with Pakistan, but the effort did not progress.
• Despite public sentiment in India favoring military action in response to “unacceptable” terrorist attacks or provocative actions by Pakistan, the governments at the time opted to disengage from the dialogue process. Following the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, Dr. Manmohan Singh withdrew from the dialogue process and sought global diplomatic backing against Pakistan, rejecting calls for kinetic action. In the aftermath of the 2001 Parliament attack, India contemplated military action against Pakistan but decided against it based on assurances from President Pervez Musharraf, who did not honor the commitment.

• India deviated from its diplomatic approach after the Pulwama attack in 2019 and conducted the Balakot aerial strike, unveiling a pre-emption doctrine. Earlier instances of limited military force usage, such as surgical strikes following the Uri terrorist attack in September 2016, were also carried out. However, there continues to be ambiguity regarding the circumstances under which force should be employed. The doctrine of pre-emption authorizes targeting terrorist threats if preparations for an “unacceptable” attack are detected in Pakistan.

Conclusion

• The practice of sharing information and evidence in terrorist cases is crucial to bolster India’s claims with the international community regarding Pakistani involvement in terrorism.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed an intent to address cross-border terrorism and highlight to the international community the peril of terrorism escalating tensions between nuclear-armed nations.

1.7     China’s ‘Five Principles’ of foreign policy: how it started, where it stands now

GS 2: International Relations: India- China

Why is it in the news?

• China commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, initially introduced in the 1954 Sino-Indian Agreement.

More about the news:

• Known as Panchsheel in India, it formed a fundamental aspect of Prime Minister Nehru’s worldview and the relations between nations and neighbours until it was shattered by the 1962 War.
• To mark this milestone, China will host commemorative events chaired by Prime Minister Li Qiang and featuring President Xi Jinping’s keynote address.
• The occasion will focus on the theme “From the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.”

Initiated by China in 1954:

• China’s Five Principles, known as Panchsheel in India, were central to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision for international relations.
• Following India’s independence in 1947 and China’s establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Nehru aimed to foster trust and mutual respect in bilateral relations.
• Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence during talks concerning Tibet in 1954, a proposal that found favour with Nehru.
• The term Panchsheel derives from the Buddhist concept of Pañcaśīla, encapsulating the five moral vows of Buddhism: refraining from murder, theft, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants.

Panchsheel to Non-alignment:

• A year following the Sino-Indian Agreement, the Five Principles gained prominence at the initial African-Asian Conference in Bandung, Indonesia.
• The Bandung Conference, held in April 1955, saw participation from twenty-nine nations from Asia and Africa, who endorsed a 10-point declaration incorporating the Five Principles or Panchsheel.
• Acting as a precursor to the Non-Aligned Movement, the Bandung Conference constituted a coalition of countries that deliberately refrained from aligning with either of the two dominant global power blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union.
• The Non-Aligned Movement was established with the endorsement of the Brioni (Brijuni) Declaration on July 19, 1956, by Nehru, Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Prime Minister Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia on the Brioni Islands in the northern Adriatic Sea, now part of Croatia.
• The Brioni Declaration emphasized that peace could be realized through collective security on a global scale, advocating for the expansion of freedom and the cessation of one country’s dominance over another. At the inaugural NAM Summit in Belgrade, Panchsheel was acknowledged as the fundamental ideology of the group.
• Initially conceived as a pact to foster peaceful coexistence between India and China, Panchsheel suffered a setback during the India-China War of 1962.

China’s foreign policy today:

• Critics have condemned Nehru for his alleged naivety, misinterpretation of Chinese motives, and mishandling of disputes with Beijing.
• China’s remarkable economic progress in recent decades, particularly under President Xi, has been coupled with an increasingly assertive foreign policy.
• China has asserted territorial claims in the South China Sea and engaged in confrontational scenarios with smaller neighbours to its east and southeast. Its relationship with the United States has been strained, marked by a trade and diplomatic rivalry challenging American influence globally.
• Notably, since the summer of 2020, Indian and Chinese forces have been embroiled in a standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, with successive high-level meetings failing to yield substantial progress.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 June 2024

GS Paper 3:

1.8     Get the Vande Metro routing right

GS 3: Economy- Infrastructure

Why is it in the news?

• Indian Railways must improve its Vande Bharat train routing strategy. Despite the popularity of Vande Bharat trains, several origin-destination (O-D) pairs serviced by these trains experience low patronage.
• This inefficiency results in significant financial losses for Indian Railways. To avoid repeating these mistakes, the Railways must carefully select the routes for the new Vande Metro trains.

More about the news

• The Vande Metro trains, designed by the Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala, Punjab, aim to serve routes up to 250 kilometers between major cities and neighboring towns.
• Unlike the Vande Bharat trains, the Vande Metro trains offer similar passenger amenities but with a focus on efficiency and optimal route selection.
• Indian Railways currently provides three types of services for distances up to 250 km: Express/Mail, ordinary trains, and electric multiple unit/mainline electric multiple unit (EMU/MEMU) services.
• While existing train services cater to different needs, the introduction of Vande Metro trains will revolutionize travel experiences for passengers within this distance range.
• The Vande Metro trains feature fully air-conditioned gangways, bio-toilets, and enhanced safety measures, distinguishing them from traditional train services. With a design speed of 130 kmph, Vande Metro trains offer a balance between speed and convenience, promising quicker travel times and modern facilities.
• Although the energy costs of operating air-conditioned Vande Metro trains are higher, their benefits in terms of comfort and efficiency are significant. However, pricing considerations and passenger preferences will play a crucial role in determining the success of Vande Metro services, especially in attracting second-class passengers.
• To ensure the success of the Vande Metro project, Indian Railways must conduct thorough demand projections and route analysis before finalizing the O-D pairs for these trains. By prioritizing passenger needs and willingness to pay, Indian Railways can maximize ridership, optimize service utilization, and boost revenue in the long run.

1.9     With new budget, chance for new vision for India

GS 3: Economy- Budget

Why is it in the news?

• In many advanced economies, the annual budget is just a routine event, but in emerging markets like India, it holds significant importance. The budget, stemming from colonial times, has evolved from a mere accounting tool to a platform to unveil the government’s vision for the economy.
• The upcoming 2024-25 budget is crucial as it is expected to define a long-term roadmap for the Indian economy, focusing on growth, employment, manufacturing, public finance, and other key aspects.

Key Elements of the Vision:

Growth:

• India aspires to become a developed economy by 2047, aiming to elevate its per capita income substantially.
• Sustaining high growth rates is imperative to achieve this goal and reduce the gap with countries like Brazil and Indonesia.
• The budget must focus on catalyzing private consumption, investment, exports, and imports to propel overall GDP growth.

Employment and Manufacturing:

• Balancing services and manufacturing sectors is vital, especially to leverage India’s demographic dividend.
• Initiatives like factor market reforms and digitalization of land records can foster labour-intensive manufacturing and boost competitiveness.

Public Finance:

• The budget needs to align fiscal policy decisions with macroeconomic impacts systematically.
• Strengthening the fiscal framework, reducing debt-to-GDP ratio, and enhancing debt servicing efficiency are critical.
• Establishment of an independent Fiscal Council can ensure prudent fiscal management.

Institutional Reforms:

• Revisiting fiscal institutions like the Fiscal Council can enhance transparency and market discipline.
• Integrating market discipline into rules, enhancing sovereign risk management, and recalibrating debt burdens are essential for fiscal stability.

Other Priorities:

• Apart from the core elements, the budget should focus on agricultural market development, improving higher education standards, enhancing healthcare outcomes, and meeting environmental targets.

Conclusion

• The 2024-25 budget presents an opportunity to set a new direction for India, aiming for a 10% real GDP growth.
• By maintaining macroeconomic stability, investing in infrastructure, and pursuing comprehensive reforms, the budget can instil confidence and enthusiasm among stakeholders, paving the way for a brighter economic future for the country.