Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

• A critical juncture in Manipur
• The world that awaits us – on technological developments
• Good and bad – on generative AI
• Post-pandemic, climate change will drive investments
• International trade has a carbon problem
• Criticism of government’s attempt to combat fake news is premature and misguided

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Here’s How To Make India’s Health Sector Fighting Fit

News– On almost all health indicators, India ranks last among G20 countries.

Why is colonial legacy responsible for poor health indicators in India?

The Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935 established health as a state subject.

The India Act of 1919 granted provinces autonomy over health. The Act of 1935 demarcated subjects into federal, provincial, and concurrent lists. It designates health as a provincial subject. The Indian Constitution retained health as a state subject.

During the Constituent Assembly’s debate, Hari Vishnu Kamath and Brajeshwar Prasad had opposed the inclusion of health on the state list.

Kamath argued “national health” had declined under British rule and the government’s goal should be to elevate it to A-1 standards. Health should be a Union subject to protect the nation from diseases and epidemics. But the Assembly rejected the proposals.

What are the consequences of health being a state subject under the constitution?

The constitutional structure hampers nationwide public health strategies. It restricts Centre’s ability to enforce uniform standards and guidelines.

Unequal sector development makes for a stark contrast between states. UP and Bihar have some of the world’s worst health indicators. Health in states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala is comparable to upper-middle-income countries.

The central health budget remained negligible since Independence, stagnating at around 2% over several Five-Year Plans. As the Constitution did not mandate an equal role for the Centre, the health infrastructure gap between states widened.

Regulations were uneven. GoI enacted the Clinical Establishments Act in 2010 to improve quality and protect patients’ rights. It has largely been ineffective as many states and UTs have not implemented it.

State-level drug and device regulations have obstructed uniform drug regulation. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act has a fragmented regulatory approach.

The Centre makes rules for manufacture of drugs but states grant the licences. States have uneven regulatory oversight, variable drug quality, inconsistent standards enforcement, and insufficient protection from unsafe drugs.

What is the way forward to reduce disparities in healthcare across the various regions in India?

The Supreme Court mandated the government implement the right to emergency and critical care regardless of people’s ability to pay.

Rajasthan has passed a Right to Health Act, that provides citizens free emergency care at public or private hospitals. Yet Rajasthan cannot achieve the objective of this legislation on its own.The state doesn’t control hospitals outside its boundaries.

Such a basic right should be available to all. But individual states making such laws may not be the most efficient. A piecemeal approach by various states will lead to fragmentation and confusion.

The right-to health approach may increase costs and lead to potential relocation of private hospitals to states where their obligations with respect to emergency care are weaker.

A uniform definition of emergency care and role of hospitals countrywide is essential. It should be decided by the Centre.

Over 75 years, there have been advances in technology and innovative approaches. There is a dominant role of the private sector, and increased reliance on third-party healthcare payment systems. It is unfeasible for states to manage and regulate health services.

The 15th Finance Commission also recommended health be transferred to the concurrent list allowing for uniform policy formulation and implementation.

GS Paper 3

A critical juncture in Manipur

News: A group of Kuki-Zo legislators have called for a “separate administration” in Manipur. In response, a Meitei committee organized a rally to demand the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity.

What is the ongoing conflict in Manipur?

Read Here: Manipur unrest and its impact on regional security – Explained

What can be the implication of the demand on Manipur?

The demand for the separate administration by Kuki-Zo groups may alter the state’s border.

This is because unlike the previous demands, the current demands enjoy unprecedented popular support among the Kuki-Zo groups and their position is unlikely to change in the future.

Moreover, with the widespread loss of lives and property along with growth mistrust, returning to the status quo seems impossible. Hence, the demand for separate administration seems inevitable.

Note: The power to change a state’s borders lies with the central government under Article 3 of the Constitution.

What can be the probable solution if the demand for separate administration is met?

First, a separate administration in the hill areas of Manipur can be established for the Kuki-Zos as well as for Nagas. However, resistance may come from some Naga groups who are unwilling to compromise on their vision of an expansive territory known as “Nagalim”, and also from the Meitei groups and the state governments.

Second, a separate administration can be granted for the Kuki-Zo in districts where they are dominant. Administrative convenience and economic viability may be given as reasons in granting separate administrations. However, these reasons may not be effective.

This is because the current sub-State constitutional arrangements under the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act of 1971 have already established institutional and administrative frameworks where the territorial boundaries of District Councils broadly overlap with ethnic boundaries. Thus, creating tensions amongst various ethnic groups.

Moreover, some of the Kuki-Zo-dominated districts are located on a valuable natural gas reserve known as the Assam-Arakan basin while others serve as strategic gateways to Southeast Asia.

These reasons may act against the favouring the demand on administrative and economic reasons.

Third, efforts can be taken to maintain the status quo and secure the integrity of Manipur. 

However, given the rigid position of state government and frontal Meitei groups, this would likely involve dissolving the existing sub-State constitutional arrangements under Article 371C, which include the district councils and tribal land rights.

Further, the Kuki-Zo groups have made it clear that they no longer accept the powerless sub-State constitutional arrangements or any political solution.

This suggests that the current deadlock is likely to persist, resulting in a deeply divided society.

What measures can likely be taken in resolving the conflict?

After the visit of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Manipur, several measures have been announced to restore peace.

This includes the establishment of a judicial panel to investigate the riots, the formation of a peace committee to facilitate dialogue between conflicting communities, and the creation of an inter-agency unified command to coordinate security operations.

The following measures can also be adopted – a) local political leaders must promote fraternity and advocate for the interests of the entire state, and b) instead of solely focusing on creating new administrative structures, reconciliation and trust-building efforts should be prioritized to achieve sustainable peace.

The world that awaits us – on technological developments

Context: Nuclear fusion, hydrogen fuel cells, quantum computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are considered transformative technologies. However, only AI has become usable as of now.

While AI is making extraordinary progress, the other three technologies may be years away from commercial viability.

Big technical problems need to be solved before nuclear fusion, fuels cells, and quantum computing can be used at a large scale.

What are the Challenges of Hydrogen Fuel Cells?

Hydrogen is difficult to store in large quantities due to its lightness.

Liquefaction of hydrogen requires extremely low temperatures, making it expensive and energy intensive.

Designing storage tanks that can safely contain hydrogen is challenging and costly.

What are the Challenges of Nuclear Fusion?

Nuclear fusion requires heating the fuel, usually plasma, to extremely high temperatures (e.g., 20 million degrees Celsius). Generating and controlling a fusion reaction requires more energy than the fusion reaction generates.

What are the Challenges of Quantum Computing?

Quantum computers require ultra-cool and stable conditions, often operating near absolute zero.

Connecting quantum machines to “normal machines” for meaningful work is difficult because conventional equipment doesn’t function at such low temperatures.

Software for quantum computing differs significantly from conventional programming.

What are the future prospects of these technologies?

The next five years may witness the development of quantum machines operating in less exotic conditions.

Once achieved, the financial aspects of implementing quantum computing and AI may help make fusion reactors financially viable or find affordable storage solutions for hydrogen.

Good and bad – on generative AI

Context: The widespread adoption of generative AI has led to both awe and worry, as it can falsify data and raise ethical concerns.

What are the concerns associated with generative AI?

AI pioneers have expressed alarm about the risks associated with AI, comparing them to global-scale risks like pandemics and nuclear war.

It can create data that appears real, making it challenging to distinguish between authentic and falsified information.

AI models may use copyrighted data without proper authorization.

Human dignity, privacy, and protection from falsified information need to be considered in the development and use of AI models.

What should be done by government?

The Indian government should proactively address AI risks by:

1. Launching and maintaining an open-source AI risk profile.
2. Creating sandboxed research and development environments to test potentially high-risk AI models.
3. Maintaining vigilance and monitoring the use of AI technologies.
4. Defining scenarios for intervention and establishing policies that allow democratic institutions to respond to dangerous AI enterprises.

Post-pandemic, climate change will drive investments

News-Three years after the pandemic and despite 8% average growth over the last two years, the level of India’s GDP is still running 5% below its pre-pandemic trajectory.

Many would argue that, as in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC), the post-pandemic trend growth is likely to be lower, and thus, this is an artificially high benchmark.

What are the facts and figures related to growth and investment of the Indian economy prior to the global financial crisis and its aftermath?

In the five years prior to the GFC, India’s average growth rate was 8%. Rapid globalisation boosted exports and private investment increased to set up the needed supply chains. Since the GFC, global trade and investment are languishing.

Corporate investment was 14.5% in 2007-08. But after the GFC, corporate investment has stabilised around 10.5% of GDP.

Household investment rose to 15.7% of GDP by 2011-12. It declined to 9.4% of GDP by 2015-16 and has recovered to just over 11.5% of the GDP today. A large part is due to falling SME investment, which is subsumed in this category.

Overall public sector investment has remained broadly unchanged at 7% of GDP since the GFC. It is 1% lower than its peak before the crisis.

The rise in central government capital spending has been offset by lower PSU investments. State government investment has remained roughly unchanged.

The 4-5% of GDP decline in overall investment since 2011-12 is reflected in growth outcomes. GDP growth has averaged 6% since the GFC. It is slightly better at 6.7% if the post-pandemic years are excluded. These outcomes are similar across other economies.

The last two years’ average growth of 8% does not indicate the medium term trajectory of growth. It’s just a recovery from the around 6% contraction in 2020.

What are the various reasons to believe that investment will be boosted in the near future despite pandemic related disruptions?

The first relates to the relocation of global supply chains. One type of relocation is the “China + One” shift. Firms are locating part of their new supply chains outside China as an insurance against pandemic-type disruptions.

In this type of relocation, economies such as India, Mexico, and Vietnam will benefit from more FDI and expansion of manufacturing exports. But, these economies do not have the capacity to absorb more than a limited scale of relocation investments.

For example, despite all concerns China, get inward FDI flows of $524 billion over 2021-22. It is about $100 billion more than in the two years prior to the pandemic. Over the same period, total FDI into India was $95 billion.

Thus, “China + One” relocation will be beneficial to some. But, it is unlikely to be “game changing”.

The second type of relocation is related to re-shoring, near-shoring, or friend-shoring. This is based on security concerns of the West in locating supply chains related to emergent technologies. It will be in countries in their “circle of trust”.

Even if EM economies have the ecosystem to establish the advanced supply chains, only a few such as Korea, Mexico, and Poland Would belong in the circle-of-trust. Security-driven relocation will be firmly set within the developed world.

The other reason for more investment in the post-pandemic world is climate change. The world is moving towards a lower carbon way of life.

The investments required to achieve this will be massive. The private sector will necessarily have to play a big role.[Text Wrapping Break]

International trade has a carbon problem

News- The European Union has introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Why has the EU introduced CBAM?

In 2005, the EU adopted the Emissions Trading System (ETS). ETS is a market-based mechanism. It aims at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by allowing bodies emitting GHG to buy and sell these emissions.

The EU is concerned that emissions embedded in products imported from other countries may not be priced in a similar way due to less stringent policies in those countries. This would put its industries at a disadvantage.

To tackle this, the impacted industries in the EU had so far been receiving free allowances or permits under the ETS.

The EU has issues regarding ‘carbon leakage’. Due to the application of ETS, European firms operating in carbon-intensive sectors might possibly shift to countries having less stringent GHG emission norms.

CBAM is aimed at addressing these issues, and ensuring a level playing field for the EU industries.

What is CBAM?

Under the CBAM, imports of certain carbon-intensive products like cement, iron and steel, electricity will have to bear the same economic costs borne by EU producers under the ETS. The price will be linked to the weekly average of the emissions priced under the ETS. However, where a carbon price has been paid for the imported products in their country of origin, a reduction can be claimed.

What are legal issues related to CBAM?

A cornerstone principle of WTO law is non-discrimination. Countries have to give equal treatment to products irrespective of their country of origin and to treat foreign-made products as they treat domestic ones.

CBAM’s may discriminate between goods from different countries on account of an inadequate carbon pricing policy, or due to reporting requirements for importers.

However, even if the EU’s CBAM is discriminatory, it can be justified under the General Exceptions clause given in Article XX of the GATT.

Under Article XX, measures can be taken by countries that violate GATT obligations. They Should fall under one of the listed policy grounds.

One of the listed policy grounds in Article XX is ‘conservation of exhaustible natural resources’. CBAM would fall under this category.

Criticism of government’s attempt to combat fake news is premature and misguided

News– On April 6, MeitY announced the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023.

What are provisions contained in these rules?

The rules introduce “fact-checking units” to tackle the menace of fake news. These fact-check units have been tasked with the duty of identifying false, fake or misleading information pertaining to the central government’s business.

What are dangers associated with false news?

In the last half-decade, governments across the have begun to recognise the threat posed by fake or false information.

The hazards of fake information were released during the Covid-19 crisis. The pace at which false information began to spread was unprecedented.

Fake or misleading news can spread like wildfire on social media. Scholars at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology even found that falsified content spreads six times faster than factual content on online platforms.

People are more likely to spread fake and misleading news than verified truthful information.

A study conducted by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions found that India was a hot-bed for Covid-related fake news. Such misleading information ranged from the vaccine drive to the symptoms and aftermath of the virus itself.

What are issues related to deep fakes?

It is important for governments to prepare themselves for the dangerous interplay of fake news and AI-related technologies such as deepfakes in the digital world.

In February, deep fakes of news anchors praising China’s role in geopolitical relations were spread across Twitter and Facebook by pro-China accounts. Deepfakes of the Ukrainian President announcing a surrender were also circulated across platforms last year.

This convincing ability of deep fakes, and the inability of people to separate them from truthful content, makes them prone to being used to spread false information.

Why does the government need to act against false news?

Falsified information can have detrimental impact on the government’s ability to manage emergencies.

For instance, carrying out essential vaccination initiatives. Any roadblock in the easy and quick implementation of such initiatives could be life-threatening.

Further, such falsified information purpose is to create a state of alarm amongst the public. This can have dangerous law and order consequences.

Why criticism against the rules having a “chilling effect” on the public is wholly unsubstantiated?

The fact-checking units are still to be notified by the government. Even the Bombay High Court, orally remarked that at this stage they are presently “inoperable” due to non-notification of the fact-checking units.

It is only upon the notification of the units that further nuances will be known. Thus, any arguments against the rules right now would be premature.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Better farming. Direct-seeding method gains currency in India’s paddy growing regions

Source: The post is based on the article “Better farming. Direct-seeding method gains currency in India’s paddy growing regions” published in The Hindu Businessline on 29th May 2023

What is the News?

Farmers in several leading rice-growing States are shifting to the direct-seeding method with rains getting delayed and the availability of labour becoming a challenge.

What is Direct-Seeding Method?

Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), also known as the ‘broadcasting seed technique,’ is a water-saving method of sowing paddy. In this method, seeds are directly drilled into the fields, eliminating the need for nursery preparation and transplantation.

What are the benefits in Direct-Seeding Method?

Low labour cost: Using drum seeders, two labourers can complete sowing on one acre in a day. In the traditional method of sowing seedlings, farmers will need at least 25-30 labourers.

Reduce time: By eliminating the need for nursery cultivation, farmers save approximately 30 days in the crop cycle. Further, this will also help farmer to start Rabi crops early.

Reduce water consumption: This method can help reduce water consumption by as much as 35% over the traditional process of transplanting rice seedlings from a nursery to waterlogged fields.

Yield increase: The yield under this method is one to two quintals per acre higher than puddled transplanted rice.

What are the challenges associated with Direct-Seeding Method?

The problem of weeds: The biggest challenge in the direct-seeding method is the problem of weeds. Weed begins to grow along with paddy. In the traditional method, the seedling is about 3-4 week old, allowing it out beat the weed growth.

Climate impacts: High temperatures and deficient rainfall can affect seed germination and crop growth.

Union Minister of Education releases the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister of Education releases the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023” published in the PIB on 2nd June 2023

What is the News?

Union Minister of Education and Skill Development has released the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.

Note: The first set of Regulations was notified in the year 2010, which was revised in 2016 and 2019. 

What is the current procedure for deemed to be a university?

The UGC Act 1956 provides for Central Government to declare any institution other than a University to the status of Institution Deemed to be University as if it were a university within the meaning of Section 2(f). Upon declaration, such institution shall be deemed to be a university.

The procedure for the declaration of status (General) and the establishment of an off-campus centre, minimum eligibility to acquire the status, its governance, etc. are regulated by UGC Regulations.

About the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023

With the announcement of the National Education Policy 2020 and in order to make the Regulations simple the UGC constituted an expert committee to review and revise the Regulations.

The draft Regulations passed through several stages in the process of finalization. The new Regulations are built on the principle of a “light but tight” regulatory framework envisioned in the National Education Policy 2020.

What are the salient features of UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023?

-A cluster of institutions managed by more than one sponsoring body can also apply for deemed to be university status.

-Sponsoring bodies seeking deemed to be university status to their institutions may apply ‘online’. The Expert Committee assesses the facilities, interacts with stakeholders, and verifies the documents, all in virtual mode.

-Institutions focusing on teaching and research in unique disciplines and/or addressing the strategic needs of the country or engaged in the preservation of Indian cultural heritage or preservation of the environment or dedicated to Skill Development or dedicated to Sports or languages will be considered under ‘Distinct Institution’ category.

–Regulations are quality-focused: Deemed to be Universities with NAAC less than an ‘A’ grade or ranked more than 100 in the current NIRF ranking (Universities category) will be monitored on the academic parameters by UGC Expert Committee. Failing to rectify the deficiencies may result in the withdrawal of permission given to start new courses or new programmes by the institution.

What are the expected benefits of UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023?

The guidelines will a) facilitate the creation of much more quality-focused deemed-to-be universities in an objective and transparent manner, b) encourage universities to focus on quality & excellence, c) strengthen the research ecosystem and have a long-term impact in transforming India’s higher education landscape.

IRDAI eyes insurance push in rural areas with ‘Bima Vahak’

Source: The post is based on the article “IRDAI eyes insurance push in rural areas with ‘Bima Vahak’” published in The Hindu on 3rd June 2023

What is the News?

The IRDAI has issued draft guidelines for Bima Vahak, a dedicated distribution channel to reach out to every Gram Panchayat.

About the all-in-one insurance policy

Who are Bima Vaahaks?

Bima Vaahaks(carriers) is a women-­centric workforce in each Gram Sabha that will meet the women heads of each household to convince them about a composite insurance product like Bima Vistar.

It is one of the key concepts of IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for all by 2047’ goal.

They will be the crucial last-mile connect for insurers in the form of a field force comprising corporate as well individual.

About the draft guidelines on Bima Vaahaks

Bima Vahaks, primarily comprising women, who can gain the trust of locals for the distribution and servicing of insurance products.

Insurers will remain responsible for ensuring KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance with respect to the policies sourced through the Bima Vahaks.

What will be the expected benefits of Bima Vaahaks?

With the Bima Vahaks engaging with the diverse needs in every Gram Panchayat, insurers can adapt their offerings to provide comprehensive coverage and address financial protection needs.

What will be the expected benefits of an all-in-one insurance policy?

WTO flags poor use of India’s preferential scheme for LDCs

Source: The post is based on the article “WTO flags poor use of India’s preferential scheme for LDCs” published in the Business Standard on 03rd June 2023

What is the News?

According to a recent report, about 85% of about 11,000 products offered at zero tariff by India to least developed countries (LDCs) under the duty-free quota-free (DFQF) scheme of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) remains unutilised. This report was done by the LDC Group at the multilateral trade body.

About the duty-free quota-free (DFQF) scheme for LDCs and India

The decision to provide duty-free quota-free (DFQF) access for LDCs was first taken at the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Meeting in 2005.

The decision requires all developed and developing country members declaring themselves in a position to do so, to provide preferential market access for all products originating from all LDCs.

India became the first developing country to extend this facility to LDCs in 2008, providing market access on 85% of India’s total tariff lines to better integrate LDCs into the global trading system and improve their trading opportunities.

The scheme was expanded in 2014 providing preferential market access on about 98.2% of India’s tariff lines to LDCs. India offers 11,506 preferential tariff lines to LDCs of which 10, 991 are duty-free.

What are the report findings regarding the performance of the DFQF scheme in India?

According to WTO data for 2020 presented in the report, 85% of India’s tariff lines show a zero utilisation rate compared to 64% by China. Among the remaining, only 8% demonstrate a utilisation rate of above 95% against 17% by China.

Noteworthy amounts of LDC exports are entering under non-preferential (most favoured nation) tariff route into India even though they are covered by the Indian preference scheme.

There is a significant variation between the beneficiary LDCs, and the two countries (Guinea and Bangladesh) showing the highest amount of eligible imports simultaneously have very low utilisation rates.

Benin reports a utilisation rate of 98%, the highest of all beneficiary countries.

Oil reserves in salt caverns: The potential in India

Source: The post is based on the article “Oil reserves in salt caverns: The potential in India” published in the Indian Express on 03rd June 2023

What is the News?

Government-owned engineering consultancy firm Engineers India (EIL) is studying the prospects and feasibility of developing salt cavern-based strategic oil reserves in Rajasthan. If the idea comes to fruition, India could get its first salt cavern-based oil storage facility

About India’s present strategic oil reserves

India currently has an SPR capacity of 5.33 million tonnes, or around 39 million barrels of crude. This can meet around 9.5 days of demand.

India’s strategic oil reserves come under the Petroleum Ministry’s special purpose vehicle Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve (ISPRL).

EIL was instrumental in setting up the country’s existing SPR as the project management consultant.

The country’s three existing strategic oil storage facilities — at Mangaluru and Padur in Karnataka, and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh — are made up of excavated rock caverns.

How are salt cavern-based reserves different from rock cavern-based reserves?

What is the global example of salt cavern-based reserves?

The entire SPR programme of the United States has so far been based on salt cavern-based storage facilities. The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the world’s largest emergency oil storage, consists of four sites along the Gulf of Mexico coast in Texas and Louisiana. The US strategic oil reserves have a cumulative capacity of around 727 million barrels.

What are the challenges in creating salt cavern-based reserves?

No site is identified: Rajasthan has the bulk of requisite salt formations in India. However, it is still too early to identify a specific site.

Not having enough technology: No Indian company, including EIL, had the requisite technical know-how to build salt cavern-based strategic hydrocarbon storage.