Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• A matter of tenure and retirement of PSB chiefs
• India and the new global order
• The rules of detachment – ON Military – Politics detachment

GS Paper 3

• Asia’s prospects: Status quo or a rougher ride?
• Share, Don’t Gag – on land subsidence in Joshimath
• India, Qatar and the continuing saga of eight detained ex-Indian Navy officers
• MV Ganga Vilas: A welcome push for riverine tourism
• Why the government ought not to intervene with Amul

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• 1st Indian Architectural Heritage Sub-Committee Meeting for “Communicating India’s Scientifically Validated Traditional Knowledge to the Society(SVASTIK)”
• Stirs by non-state actors a potential threat, says CRPF
• Union Minister says, Entire Country will be covered by Doppler Weather Radar Network by 2025 to predict extreme weather events more accurately
• SPIC MACAY and Ministry of Culture collaborates for ‘Music in the Park’ series under “Shruti Amrut”
• ‘Soul of Steel’ expedition to challenge high altitude endurance for civilians

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

A matter of tenure and retirement of PSB chiefs

News: The Ministry of Finance has issued the extension of the CEO of Bank of Baroda Sanjiv Chadha. He was about to retire this month. The article discusses the need for the increased tenure of the bank’s head.

What is the notification issued by the Finance Ministry for the top-level appointment at nationalised banks?

A finance ministry notification in November 2022 stated that the top-level appointment at nationalised banks could initially be for up to five years and extended by another five years.

Earlier, the norm was three years or till the age of 60, whichever was earlier.

Why is there a need to increase the retirement age of a bank’s head?

A longer tenure is essential because if the person is not from the same bank, as is often the case, it takes time to get adopted into the culture as every bank is different.

Further, it is also not easy for an executive from a small bank to run a large bank.

Many banks have young executive directors (EDs). Therefore, the extension of the tenure will ensure they are around till they are 60 or close to 60.

Moreover, lower retirement age makes the CEOs incapable of looking into balance sheets and cleaning them up because they want to leave the organisation happily and positively.

Therefore, increasing the retirement age would benefit the performance of CEOs and help banks clear balance sheets. 

Further, it will also ensure uniformity in the tenure of whole-time directors of the all-India financial institutions such as Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), etc.

What can be the way ahead?

First, there is a need to frame the qualifying criteria for top posts in all-India financial institutions to encourage young and deserving candidates.

Second, there is also a need for a comprehensive promotion policy for the entire financial sector, including banks, to attract talent.

Third, the whole-time directors’ tenure at SBI is capped at five years, irrespective of the age. However, the SBI chairman can remain at the position even after 60, even though the tenure is for three years.

Therefore, the tenure of whole-time directors of nationalised banks should be extended to 10 years. They should be allowed to be in the position even beyond 60, like SBI and like the tenure of a private bank’s CEO which is at 70.

Fourth, the new norm should also be extended for the top posts to SBI through an amendment to the State Bank of India Act.

India and the new global order

News– The article explains the importance of the recently held Global South summit for India. It also explains the possibility and challenges for India leadership of Global South.

What is the importance of the Global South summit that was recently convened by India?

The forum is an important effort by India to make global governance work for the developing nations. Their concerns do not get sufficient attention in international forums.

The forum has provided valuable inputs from the Global South. These could facilitate successful conclusion of G20 summit in Delhi

The forum is helpful for India in reconnecting with a global group of nations. This group has not been a priority for the Indian foreign policy establishment since the end of the Cold War.

Over the last three decades, Indian diplomacy has been focused on reordering its great power relations, bringing stability to the neighborhood and developing regional institutions in the extended neighborhood.

What is the case for India’s leadership of the global south?

120 odd nations attended the meeting. It underlines the willingness of Global South to support Indian leadership on addressing the global challenges that have impacted many developing countries.

The crises produced by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian war in Ukraine have had a devastating and disproportionate impact on the Global South.

The international context today is not amenable to major global initiatives. Multilateralism is now in danger due to growing military tensions among the great powers. There has been a breakdown of the world trading rules and the weaponization of global finance.

The idea of India as leader of the developing world appears to have gained much currency in Delhi.

What are difficulties for India in representing the interests of the global south?

India’s own past experience with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group-77 developing nations points to the real difficulty of uniting the Global South.

There are deep economic differentiation and sharp political divisions among the developing nations.

India has its own enduring developmental challenges, despite its impressive aggregate GDP and growing economic, industrial, and technological capabilities.

What is the way forward for India?

India can’t simply be self-centred. It cannot abandon its long-standing equities in the Global South.

India needs to contribute in more significant ways to modernising and democratising the global order.

There is a need for careful balancing between nationalism and internationalism. A practical sense of what is feasible in today’s world, and a well-defined crafted hierarchy of Indian priorities on the global stage is required.

The rules of detachment – ON Military – Politics detachment

News– The article explains the recent debate in the US on keeping the armed forces apolitical. It also explains the relevance of this debate for Indian military establishment

Why is there a debate in the US on keeping the armed forces apolitical?

America is facing the threat of polarisation of its society. There is increasing enlistment of military veterans by politicians for boosting electoral prospects.

America does not require the military to remain “apolitical”. It demands a commitment to being “non-partisan” in their professional conduct. It means that regardless of personal political inclinations, military officers must give the elected civilian leadership their best professional advice and execute their lawful orders.

There are risks associated with the president, intent on politicising the military. The US President is also the commander-in-chief and approving authority for general-rank promotions. He could manipulate the process to fill senior military leadership positions with party and personal loyalists.

Why does India need to seriously consider this debate in the US?

There exists a similarity in the challenges currently faced by American and Indian democracies across political, societal and military domains.

In India, military personnel are prohibited from engaging in any kind of political activity by Acts of Parliament and service rules. Moreover, they have to take the oath of allegiance to the Constitution.

India’s armed forces, despite occasional criticism, had followed the “seniority-cum-merit” principle for promotion from the pool of C-in-Cs to the post of chief. Promoting the “senior-most of equals” obviated the possibility of political interference in military promotions.

The present government seems to have moved away from the constraint of “seniority”. It has started using an alternate definition of “merit” and promoted military officers over the head of their seniors.

This approach faces an inherent risk. An appointed officer who considers himself indebted to the political establishment can avoid professional military advice.

An even greater risk of politicisation has been created by the latest rules framed for selection of the Chief of Defence Staff. Apart from serving and retired chiefs, serving and retired officers of 3-star rank are eligible for the post of CDS. The upper age limit has been fixed at 62 years for all. The retirement age of CDS has been fixed at 65 years.

In almost all countries, the CDS is chosen from amongst the serving chiefs. Placing 3-star officers equivalent to the serving chiefs ignores the inherent merit and vast experience of military chiefs. It impacts the credibility of our promotion system.

There is no methodology available for assessment of professional competence. Selection will be based on political loyalty and personal preference. Such subjective and problematic criteria can lead to arbitrariness and politicisation.

GS Paper 3

Asia’s prospects: Status quo or a rougher ride?

News: The article discusses the prevailing Asia’s development model and the problems associated with it.

What are the features of Asia’s development model?

Asia’s development model is mainly based on – a) the way in which governments have used industrial policy to help new sectors and businesses develop, b) government’s reliance on business groups which is mostly absent in the advanced economies.

However, such reliance on business groups has negative consequences for the economy.

What are the issues with reliance on business groups?

Business groups and politicians both rely on each other for their mutual benefits.

For example, businesses protect politicians from competitors, provide them with cheap loans, subsidies, and public-sector contracts whereas politicians provide support through state-led initiatives, etc.

However, the problem with such business groups is that the market power is accumulated in few hands.

This power allows them to control the economy of a nation because of their large share in the economy. For example, the revenues of the largest 10 businesses account for around 15 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in India and China.

Further, businesses having connections with politicians do not allow the way for new businesses to come up in the market. Thus, it decreases the competition.

This decrease in competition withholds productivity growth and limits the number of high-quality jobs. 

It also limits the scope of innovation in any economy as resources are controlled by few and those companies which are good at innovation are unable to access the resources.

It further leads to accumulation of wealth in few hands along with capturing a large amount of economic territory of a nation.

Therefore, these kinds of connections between the politicians and business groups make other businesses and entrepreneurs unable to compete with large business groups along with workers unable to get good jobs.

What steps can be taken to improve these connections?

First, it will require a strict policy for the transformation. For example, the US under Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s addressed the problem of business groups by prohibiting families acquiring the businesses and related-party transactions while enhancing protection for minority shareholders.

Second, coming up with additional tax on the ownership format can also be an effective incentive to change. For example, South Korea has introduced a high inheritance tax which aims to limit family control across generations.

Third, there is the need to limit the scope for politicians to benefits their business connections by bringing greater transparency and the strengthening of civil society.

Share, Don’t Gag – on land subsidence in Joshimath

News: The National Disaster Management Authority has ordered government institutions and officials to not share any information about land subsidence in Joshimath.

The order will stay in force till the final report of NDMA’s expert group is submitted.

The order is followed by the satellite report of ISRO that indicates subsidence of about 9 cm in seven months.

NDMA’s gag order is the second such instance in the recent past. A few weeks back ICAR issued a similar one for GM mustard.

What are the issues with restricting the information low?

First, NDMA’s report will come after a long time. The information vacuum left by the government will be filled by sources that can be untrue.

Second, satellite pictures of the region are not limited to ISRO’s, and plenty of foreign scientists are working on the Joshimath subsidence.

Third, global experience of Covid teaches us that stringent restrictions on the information flow is self-defeating.

Fourth, debates and disagreements expand the boundaries of knowledge and restricting information and debate trigger suspicion.

India, Qatar and the continuing saga of eight detained ex-Indian Navy officers

News: Eight retired Indian Navy personnel were arrested by Qatari authorities in August. They have been in imprisonment for 127 days in Doha on Saturday (January 14). Each has been kept in solitary confinement for the whole period of four and a half months.

What are the accusations against navy personnel?

Is it reported that most of the arrested men had been working at Dahra for four to six years at the time of their arrests. The men were arrested by the State Security Bureau, the Qatari intelligence agency in Sep, 2022.

Although, the charges against the men have not been made public, but their solitary confinement has led to speculation that they have been detained in connection with a security-related offence.

Neither family members, nor MEA officials are informed of the charges against them.

India and Qatar friendly ties

After the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit in November 2008, the relations between both countries are improving.

In 2021, India was among the top four export destinations for Qatar, and is also among the top three sources of Qatar’s imports. The bilateral trade is valued at $15 billion, which is mostly LNG and LPG exports from Qatar worth over $13 billion.

Defence co-operation signed in 2008, has been officially described as a “pillar” of Indian-Qatar ties. The pact included training of the QENF by India, as well as mutual visits.

QENF delegations participated in two maritime exercises in India last year

Last year, the two sides agreed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023.

Challenges in India Qatar relations

First, recently, comments of one of the spokes persons of India’s ruling party, against Prophet sparked the controversy and Qatar demanded a public apology from India. The controversy was resolved after party sacked the spokesperson.

Second, the jailing of the eight ex-Navy personnel is the second big challenge. 800,000 Indians live and work in Qatar. India’s inability to resolve the issue quickly is sending wrong signal.

Third, there is an agreement between India and Qatar on the transfer of convicted prisoners to India, to serve their sentence. However, this case is still in the pre-trial stage and no charges have been framed against them yet.

Fourth, the softly approach by the government in this case is a shift from the approach of the late Sushma Swaraj. She made the welfare of Indians abroad her priority by reaching out personally to those in trouble or their families, including sending an air ambulance for a health emergency.

Fifth, in November 2019, then Southern Navy Command chief Rear Admiral R J Nadkarni told a meeting of an ex-sailors’ forum in Kochi that the Navy had taken measures to provide placement opportunities for retired personnel. He informed the meeting that MoU had been signed with the Qatar Navy in this regard. There would be more such agreements with other friendly nations. This incident will hinder the progress of this approach.

MV Ganga Vilas: A welcome push for riverine tourism

News– The article explains the potential of riverine tourism in India.

Recently, the Prime Minister launched the MV Ganga Vilas from Varanasi.

What are some facts about MV Ganga Vilas?

The luxury 51-day cruise will be operated in partnership with private players by the Inland Waterways Authority.

It will traverse several states, two countries and make stops at about 50 tourist and heritage sites along the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems.

It will generate employment for people living in these states.

What is the way forward to ensure sustainable growth in riverine tourism?

The employment generation must go hand-in-hand with ecological repair.

Issues of silting and pollution must be addressed by the government to realise its goal to increase cruise passenger traffic.

Sustainable growth is possible if it involves local communities.

There is huge potential for expansion of larger, luxury liners, riverine tourism. But, the expansion must take into account the best practices from around India and the world. Also, smaller vessels may pose less of an ecological challenge.

Why the government ought not to intervene with Amul

News– The article explains the difference between cooperative and company. It tells about Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation and reasons for its success. It also raises question marks on Sodhi’s recent exit as MD of GCMMF.

What is the difference between cooperative and companies?

Companies– They are investor-owned entities. They exist primarily to maximise their return on capital. The investors main goal is capital appreciation and the highest possible price for the shares.

Cooperatives– They are organisations owned by members. They could be producers or consumers. These members may own shares. But, they value the cooperative mainly for the services provided by them.

Success in this case does not depend on earnings per share. But the procurement price of produce and the timeliness of payment or the provision of quality cattle feed, farm extension and animal healthcare support, fertilisers and credit at least cost decides the success of the venture.

What is Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation and how it has benefited the farmers of Gujarat?

It is apex organisation of dairy cooperatives in Gujarat. It is owned by 36.4 lakh farmers pouring milk to 18,154 village-level societies across the state.

Between 2001-02 and 2021-22, GCMMF’s sales turnover rose from Rs 2,336 crore to Rs 46,481 crore.

In the last 20 years, the average procurement price paid to producers by GCMMF has gone up from Rs 184 to Rs 820 per kg of fat.

The producer’s share is over 80% in the price paid by consumers. It means farmers are getting the highest possible share in the consumer rupee.

What are the main reasons behind the success of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation?

The main reason is professional management. The Amul organisational model has been based on an elected board of directors. They operate through a chief executive and his team, which include marketing and finance professionals, project engineers, veterinarians, agronomists and nutritionists.

This model has made GCMMF different from other state dairy cooperative federations. Their managing directors are usually IAS officers. They report to secretaries of animal husbandry and dairying departments. It makes boards and their managers non-accountable to farmers.

Why is the recent exit of the current MD raises some disturbing questions?

There is a long established tradition that political calculations will not impact the business operations of the cooperative.

There were reports that the decision to remove him was taken at a political level. It reduces GCMMF to a government departmental undertaking and with a board that’s neither independent nor accountable to farmers

During his 12 years as MD, GCMMF’s turnover went up nearly six times. The federation also began procuring from farmers in other states.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

1st Indian Architectural Heritage Sub-Committee Meeting for “Communicating India’s Scientifically Validated Traditional Knowledge to the Society(SVASTIK)”

Source: The post is based on the article “1st Indian Architectural Heritage Sub-Committee Meeting for Communicating India’s Scientifically Validated Traditional Knowledge to the Society(SVASTIK)” published in PIB on 15th January 2023.

What is the News?

CSIR-NIScPR hosted the first meeting of the Indian Architectural Heritage sub-committee as a part of SVASTIK Initiative.

What is SVASTIK Initiative?

Launched by: CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR)

Full Form: Communicating India’s Scientifically Validated Traditional Knowledge to the Society(SVASTIK)

Objective: To conserve the practice of the right tradition, inculcate scientific temper of verifying tradition in a scientific manner and instill confidence in citizens regarding the scientific value of our traditional knowledge/practices.

– Various research organizations, higher education institutions, experts and NGOs have joined hands with SVASTIK to document and disseminate content on scientifically validated Indian traditional knowledge.

Stirs by non-state actors a potential threat, says CRPF

Source: The post is based on the article “Stirs by non-state actors a potential threat, says CRPF” published in TOI on 16th January 2023.

What is the News?

The Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) has briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Home Ministry on the future challenge to internal security.

What is the CRPF?

CRPF is India’s largest Central Armed Police Force(CAPF).It functions under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mandate: It is currently engaged in assisting state police in law and order duties, counter-terror operations in J&K, anti-Naxal fight and security of vital installations and 129 VIPs.

What are the challenges to internal security highlighted by CRPF?

CRPF views agitations, particularly those fuelled by non-state actors, as a potential source of bigger unrest that could take the country’s system hostage. 

It also sees negative usage of social media for radicalisation and misinformation as well as asymmetric warfare waged by national and transnational players looking to exploit ethnic, social and religious differences to destabilize India in a short span of time as a future challenge to internal security.

How is CRPF planning to tackle these internal challenges?

Firstly, it hopes to counter these new age challenges by not only raising more battalions by the year 2047 but also through regular acquisition of latest weaponry, communication and transportation facilities.

Secondly, it aims to develop its capacity to ‘fight in built-up areas‘ (FIBUA) to counter the rising threat of “hybrid warfare” in urban settings by non-State actors purportedly supported by inimical States.

Thirdly, it aims to enhance its ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance) capabilities. 

Fourthly, it also intends to expose its personnel to international training programmes and joint exercises to enhance their skills in responding to the threat of asymmetric warfare and VIP security.

Union Minister says, Entire Country will be covered by Doppler Weather Radar Network by 2025 to predict extreme weather events more accurately

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister says, Entire Country will be covered by Doppler Weather Radar Network by 2025 to predict extreme weather events more accurately” published in PIB on 15th January 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Earth Sciences has said, Entire Country will be covered by the Doppler Weather Radar Network by 2025 to predict extreme weather events more accurately.

What are Doppler Weather Radars(DWRs)?

Click Here to read

Significance of DWRs for disaster mitigation: 

The DWRs will be used to observe the extent and intensity of rainfall and cloud formations and to monitor thunderstorms and lightning in real time. 

This technology can prove to be an important tool to prevent disasters in many states, specifically the ones affected by thunderstorms, lightning, floods and heavy rains. 

Among all extreme weather events in India in 2022, thunderstorms and lightning claimed the highest 1,285 lives (58% of total casualties of 2,227) followed by floods and heavy rains (835).

What are the other plans of the Government for disaster mitigation?

India Meteorological Department(IMD) has plans to:

Firstly, establish 720 District Agro Meteorological Units (DAMUs) to provide farmers with more specific farm-related advisories and forecasts by 2025. 

Secondly, increase the number of agro-meteorological service facilities from 3,100 blocks in 2023 to 7,000 blocks in 2025. 

Thirdly, include Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati in its urban flood warning system which is already operational in Mumbai and Chennai.

SPIC MACAY and Ministry of Culture collaborates for ‘Music in the Park’ series under “Shruti Amrut”

Source: The post is based on the article “SPIC MACAY and Ministry of Culture collaborates for ‘Music in the Park’ series under Shruti Amrut” published in PIB on 15th January 2023.

What is the News?

SPIC MACAY has organized its very popular ‘Music in the Park’ series this year under the name “Shruti Amrut”in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the New Delhi Municipal Council.The beauty of Indian Classical Music was showcased  by eminent artists from across the country.

What is SPIC MACAY?

Full Form: Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY).

Founded in: It is a non-political, nationwide, voluntary movement founded in 1977 by Dr. Kiran Seth, Professor-Emeritus at IIT-Delhi who was awarded the ‘Padma Shri’ for his contribution to the arts in 2009.

Mandate: To promote the tangible & intangible aspects of Indian & world heritage by organizing programs and workshops on Indian Classical, Folk Music and dance, Yoga, meditation, crafts, and other aspects of Indian culture.

‘Soul of Steel’ expedition to challenge high altitude endurance for civilians

Source: The post is based on the article “‘Soul of Steel’ expedition to challenge high altitude endurance for civilians” published in The Hindu on 14th January 2023.

What is the News?

The Defence Minister has kick-started the ‘Soul of Steel’ challenge.

What is the Soul of Steel Challenge?

Launched by: CLAW Global (veterans organization) with the support of Indian Army.

Aim: To promote High-Altitude Endurance And Adventure.With this, it also aims to promote tourism and boost the economy in the mountainous region of Uttarakhand.

– The idea behind Soul of Steel is pooling of skill sets and creating a challenge that will unlock the human ability to survive, stabilize and thrive in high altitude areas.

– The challenge is based on the lines of the ‘Ironman triathlon’ long-distance triathlon challenge in Europe, which tests an individual’s grit and endurance.

Significance: The challenge would enable life skill training, youth development, global promotion of adventure tourism in Uttarakhand apart from displaying the skill set of veterans.

What is CLAW Global?

Click Here to read