Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – Care (05-12-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Economy: India had ‘limited success’ in capturing ‘China Plus One’ opportunity: NITI Aayog |
| International: Martial law declared and then overturned by South Korean President |
| India’s strategic focus on West Africa |
| Science and Technology: When for-profit companies fund research, how is science affected? |
| Polity: RS clears Bill for regulating boilers, safety of life, property |
India had ‘limited success’ in capturing ‘China Plus One’ opportunity: NITI Aayog
Source: The Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: Despite geopolitical shifts creating favorable conditions, structural challenges have limited India’s success.
Why in News
- The NITI Aayog’s “Trade Watch” report highlights India’s struggle to fully capitalize on the “China Plus One” strategy, which is aimed at diversifying global supply chains away from China.
Key observations
- India’s competitiveness lags behind Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, which have leveraged cheaper labor, simplified tax structures, and proactive Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
- A lack of robust trade agreements and infrastructural constraints hampers India’s ability to attract global investments.
Policy Recommendations:
- Enhance trade competitiveness by reducing regulatory barriers and accelerating FTA negotiations.
- Invest in sustainable practices to counter challenges posed by the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could lead to tariffs of 20–35% on high-carbon exports starting in 2026.
Potential Gains from US Trade Policies:
- NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam pointed out opportunities arising from trade diversion under the US-China trade war. The shift presents India as a potential hub for supply chains if proactive measures are taken.
China-Trade War: Global Implications
- The escalating trade war between the US and China has significant global repercussions, particularly for countries perceived as neutral.
Trade Conflict Overview:
- The US has imposed restrictions on high-tech exports, including semiconductor-making equipment.
- China retaliated by banning exports of critical rare earth materials like gallium and germanium, essential for advanced technologies.
Opportunities for India:
- India, as a neutral economy, can benefit from the fragmentation in global trade.
- Enhanced partnerships with the US, India’s largest trading partner, could boost exports in goods and services.
Strategic Lessons:
- Proactive engagement in global trade negotiations and improving ease of doing business are essential for India to capture this opportunity.
- Strengthening domestic manufacturing and infrastructure is key to positioning India as a viable alternative to China.
China-India Trade Relations
India’s trade relationship with China is marked by interdependence and competition, alongside geopolitical tensions.
Current Dynamics:
- China remains India’s largest trading partner, with trade exceeding $100 billion annually. However, India faces a trade deficit exceeding $70 billion, largely due to dependence on imports like electronics and APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients).
Challenges:
- India competes with China in sectors like electronics and machinery while grappling with oversupply and opaque subsidy practices by China in global markets.
- The lack of diversification in export categories limits India’s ability to reduce the trade deficit.
Geopolitical Tensions:
- Incidents like the Galwan Valley clash have influenced trade policies, with India imposing restrictions on Chinese investments and banning Chinese apps.
Opportunities:
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- Initiatives like Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes can reduce reliance on Chinese imports.
- Focused investment in sectors like electronics, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals can bolster self-reliance.
Challenges for India in Leveraging Opportunities
- Structural Barriers:
- Regulatory inefficiencies and lack of robust FTAs hinder India’s ability to compete with Southeast Asia.
- High logistics costs and underdeveloped infrastructure pose additional challenges.
- CBAM and Sustainability:
- The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is set to impact India’s exports in steel, cement, and aluminum.
- Compliance with global sustainability standards will require substantial investments in green technology.
- Sectoral Vulnerability:
- A 33% decline in iron and steel exports in FY25, driven by oversupply in global markets and weak domestic demand, highlights the need for diversification in export categories.
Way Forward for India
- Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing:
- Improve infrastructure and ease of doing business to attract investments in manufacturing.
- Incentivize sustainable and high-value industries like electronics and renewable energy.
- Engage in Strategic Partnerships:
- Prioritize FTAs with key global markets to improve market access.
- Strengthen trade ties with the US to leverage geopolitical shifts caused by the US-China trade conflict.
- Reduce the Trade Deficit with China:
- Encourage domestic production of key imports like APIs and electronics.
- Promote export diversification to reduce reliance on low-value goods.
- Adopt Sustainable Practices:
- Invest in green technologies to align with global standards and mitigate risks from CBAM.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. With reference to the “China Plus One” strategy, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2020)
1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports. 2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years. 3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services. 4. India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 4 only c) 3 only d) 1, 3 and 4 only Ans – d
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| Answer – 1 – B
Explanation –
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Martial law declared and then overturned by South Korean President
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2 International Events
Context: Emergency in South Korea
Why in News
- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 4, 2024, accusing pro-North Korean forces of plotting a rebellion.
Background
- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 4, 2024, accusing pro-North Korean forces of plotting a rebellion.
- The decision, widely criticized as undemocratic, was quickly overturned by a parliamentary vote.
- This marks the first instance of martial law in South Korea since the 1980s, a period marked by authoritarian rule and military interventions.
Key developments
- Declaration of Martial Law:
- President Yoon accused opposition forces of engaging in “anti-state activities plotting rebellion” without providing substantial evidence.
- Troops surrounded the National Assembly, raising fears of authoritarian overreach and echoes of South Korea’s military dictatorship era.
- Swift Overturn by Parliament:
- Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties condemned the move.
- The opposition-controlled parliament convened an emergency session, voting to overturn the declaration in the early hours of December 4.
- Public and Political Backlash:
- The public, shocked by the sudden proclamation, voiced concerns about a potential return to authoritarianism.
- Even members of Yoon’s own conservative party opposed the decision, highlighting growing political isolation.
Reasons Behind the Declaration
- Alleged Pro-North Korean Threat:
- Yoon has consistently taken a hardline stance against North Korea, citing its nuclear threats and destabilizing influence.
- The martial law declaration, however, lacked concrete evidence of an imminent threat, leading to widespread skepticism.
- Domestic Political Struggles:
- Yoon has faced declining approval ratings and a deadlocked opposition-controlled parliament.
- The move is seen as an attempt to consolidate power amidst growing scandals and criticism.
Historical Sensitivities
- Legacy of Martial Law in South Korea:
- South Korea transitioned to democracy only in the late 1980s, and martial law evokes memories of military crackdowns during dictatorships.
- Past leaders like Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan used martial law to suppress dissent, with tragic consequences such as the Gwangju Uprising massacre in 1980.
- Public Reaction:
- Social media and public discourse reflected fears of regression to authoritarian practices.
- Many citizens expressed disbelief, underscoring how martial law has become politically and socially unacceptable in modern South Korea.
Implications
- Domestic Politics:
- The declaration and its subsequent reversal further weaken Yoon’s already precarious political position.
- Opposition parties may push for impeachment or intensify their criticism, leveraging the incident to consolidate their position ahead of the next election.
- Democratic Norms:
- The swift response by parliament demonstrates the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions.
- However, the event raises questions about the potential misuse of executive powers in times of political crisis.
- Regional and Global Impact: The martial law episode risks undermining South Korea’s global image as a stable democracy.
- Neighboring countries and allies like the United States may view the incident with concern, given the geopolitical tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. With reference to the declaration of martial law in South Korea by President Yoon Suk Yeol and the constitutional powers of the President in India, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1, 2, and 3 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 2, 3, and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
Q. Consider the following pairs (2022)
Country Important reason for being in the news recently 1. Chad Setting up of permanent military base by China 2. Guinea Suspension of Constitution and Government by military 3. Lebanon Severe and prolonged economic depression 4. Tunisia Suspension of Parliament by President How many pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) Only three pairs (d) All four Pairs Answer: (c)
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| Answer 2– C
Explanation –
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India’s strategic focus on West Africa
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-strategic-focus-on-west-africa/article68946565.ece
UPSC Relevance: GS2 International Relations
Context: Importance of India-Nigeria relations in shaping the trajectory of India’s engagement with the Global South
Why in News
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Nigeria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, highlights India’s strategic intent to deepen ties with West Africa.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties:
- Mr. Modi emphasized expanding cooperation in defence, energy, technology, trade, health, and education.
- India expressed interest in aiding Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, separatism, piracy, and drug trafficking.
- Focus on Defence Collaboration:
- Nigeria, grappling with threats from Boko Haram, seeks to enhance counterterrorism capabilities through Indian arms and expertise.
- India has emerged as a key defence supplier to Africa, with ongoing engagements in countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Tanzania.
- India’s Development Partnership:
- India’s $100 million in concessional loans and capacity-building initiatives, including training programs, showcase its distinctive development approach.
- This partnership reflects India’s commitment to fostering growth through soft power and sustainable support.
India vs. China in Nigeria
- China’s Economic Influence:
- China has heavily invested in infrastructure projects in Nigeria, funding over $47 billion across sectors such as transportation, technology, and energy.
- Chinese firms dominate the mining and technology spaces, with companies like Huawei playing pivotal roles in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
- India’s Unique Position:
- While China excels in financing large-scale infrastructure, India prioritizes capacity-building, development assistance, and people-centric projects.
- Despite a decline in bilateral trade from $14.95 billion in 2021-22 to $7.89 billion in 2023-24 (attributed to India’s increased oil imports from Russia), Nigeria remains India’s key energy partner.
- Opportunities for India:
- India can counterbalance Chinese dominance by emphasizing its democratic partnership model, fostering local capacity, and supporting sustainable projects.
Strategic Significance of Nigeria for India
- Economic Importance:
- As Africa’s largest economy and democracy, Nigeria plays a pivotal role in shaping West Africa’s political and economic landscape.
- It serves as a regional hegemon and a gateway to expanding Indian influence in the African Union.
- Global South Collaboration:
- Both India and Nigeria are key voices in the Global South, advocating for equitable growth and representation in global governance.
- Energy Security:
- With its vast oil and gas reserves, Nigeria can support India’s energy diversification strategy, reducing overdependence on select suppliers.
Challenges and Way Forward
- Challenges:
- Economic Decline in Trade: Bilateral trade has reduced, necessitating efforts to diversify trade beyond oil imports.
- Chinese Competition: China’s infrastructure-led approach dominates key sectors, creating competitive pressure for India.
- Delivering Tangible Outcomes: While goodwill exists, sustained efforts are needed to transform partnerships into concrete deliverables.
- Way Forward for India:
- Diversify Engagement: Expand focus on sectors like technology, education, and healthcare to build long-term partnerships.
- Strengthen Defence Ties: Offer robust solutions for Nigeria’s security challenges through training and arms exports.
- Promote Sustainable Development: Prioritize projects aligned with Nigeria’s local needs and capacity-building.
- Leverage People-to-People Ties: Strengthen cultural and educational exchanges to deepen bilateral bonds.
Conclusion
- India’s growing strategic focus on Nigeria and West Africa reflects its broader ambition to consolidate its position in the Global South. By emphasizing partnerships rooted in shared democratic values, development assistance, and sustainable growth, India can effectively counterbalance China’s dominance while fostering long-term relationships in Africa.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. With reference to India’s strategic engagement with Nigeria and West Africa, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. In the recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reasons is common to all of them? (2023)
(a) Discovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements Answer: (d)
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| Answer 3– B
Explanation – Statement 1: Correct. Nigeria is indeed Africa’s largest economy and a regional hegemon in West Africa. It also plays a crucial role in the African Union and serves as a democratic role model for the region.Statement 2: Incorrect. While India maintains a significant presence in Nigeria as a partner, China is the largest investor in terms of infrastructure funding, with over $47 billion invested in various sectors such as transportation, energy, and technology. Statement 3: Correct. Defence cooperation, including arms exports and counterterrorism collaboration, is a key focus area in India-Nigeria relations. Additionally, India supports capacity-building through concessional loans and training programs. |
When for-profit companies fund research, how is science affected?
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: Recent case involving Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold 3
Why in News
- The evolving dynamics between scientific openness and commercialization have sparked debates about the future of research.
Key Issues
- Tension Between Intellectual Property and Scientific Openness
- Science thrives on transparency: Historically, scientific progress relies on openness, reproducibility, and falsifiability. Sharing methodologies and data enables others to verify findings, build upon them, and advance collective knowledge.
- Commercialization necessitates secrecy: Patents and IP rights often require limiting access to proprietary methods and data. This secrecy can impede scientific collaboration and progress.
- Case Study: AlphaFold 3
- What happened? Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold 3, an AI tool for predicting protein structures, was released without full access to its programming code or capabilities.
- Why the secrecy? DeepMind’s spinoff, Isomorphic Labs, is using AlphaFold 3 for commercial drug discovery, necessitating limited access to protect competitive advantage.
- Scientific backlash: Scientists criticized the lack of transparency, signing an open letter advocating for open access to code and data to ensure reproducibility and credibility.
- The Broader Conundrum
- Funding Needs: Research institutions, universities, and labs often rely on commercial funding to sustain operations, pushing them to patent discoveries.
- Compromise Models: Scientists like Benjamin Haibe-Kains suggest dual strategies—publishing fundamental discoveries openly while developing a premium version for commercialization.
Challenges in Balancing Commercial and Scientific Goals
- Risk of Scientific Integrity:
- Secrecy can lead to skepticism and difficulty in verifying results, potentially stalling further research.
- Economic Pressures:
- Institutions and researchers need funding to operate, often prioritizing revenue generation over openness.
- Potential Misuse of Open Discoveries:
- Open research risks being commercialized by others without acknowledgment or fair compensation to the original creators.
- Inequality in Research Access:
- Researchers with limited funding may feel compelled to restrict access to discoveries that could otherwise advance science.
Proposed Solutions
- Dual-Use Models:
- Publish basic research and methodologies openly while commercializing value-added products, such as robust software or deployable tools.
- Example: Labs like Haibe-Kains’ develop open-source algorithms and later create enterprise versions for commercialization.
- Transparent Licensing Agreements:
- Encourage agreements where commercial users acknowledge and compensate researchers while maintaining scientific access.
- Public-Private Collaboration Models:
- Governments and public funding bodies can incentivize openness by providing grants to researchers who commit to transparency.
- Ethical Practices in Commercialization:
- Ensure that commercially developed products from scientific research acknowledge and fairly reward foundational discoveries.
Implications for India
- India’s Science Power Ambition:
- Balancing openness with commercialization is crucial for India to emerge as a global leader in scientific research.
- Public investments in R&D should prioritize transparency to foster collaboration and innovation.
- Fostering Public-Private Partnerships:
- Encourage partnerships where private funding supports research while ensuring key findings remain open for public use.
- Incentivizing Open Science:
- Government-backed platforms like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and CSIR can promote open-source models for discoveries with public health significance.
Conclusion
- For-profit funding is vital for sustaining modern research, but excessive secrecy undermines the collaborative spirit of science. Striking a balance through dual-use models, transparent licensing, and ethical commercialization is critical to advancing science without sacrificing integrity. Countries like India, aspiring to be global leaders in science, must champion policies that align funding needs with the principles of openness and accessibility.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. With reference to the commercialization of scientific research, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 only D. 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct? (2020)
(a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species. (b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories. (c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory. (d) Cells taken out from plasma and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes. Ans: (a)
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| Answer 4- A
Explanation
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RS clears Bill for regulating boilers, safety of life, property
Source: The Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS 2 Polity, Bills
Context: Rajya Sabha has passed the Boilers Bill, 2024
Why in News
- The Rajya Sabha has passed the Boilers Bill, 2024, replacing the outdated Boilers Act, 1923. The new legislation introduces comprehensive provisions to enhance boiler safety, ensure uniformity in registration processes, and streamline operations.
Key Features of the Boilers Bill, 2024
- Safety of Life and Property:
- The Bill mandates repairs and maintenance of boilers to be undertaken by qualified and competent professionals, reducing risks of accidents and explosions.
- Ensures robust mechanisms for safety inspections to protect workers and nearby property.
- Decriminalization:
- Out of seven listed offenses, criminal penalties have been retained in only four major categories, which involve significant safety concerns, such as loss of life and property.
- Minor procedural violations have been decriminalized to promote ease of doing business, particularly benefiting the MSME sector.
- Uniform Registration Process:
- Introduces uniformity in the boiler registration process across states to enhance efficiency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
Benefits of the Bill
- Worker Safety:
- By emphasizing the use of competent professionals for boiler maintenance, the Bill minimizes workplace hazards.
- Reduces risks of boiler-related accidents, thus enhancing industrial safety standards.
- Support for MSMEs:
- Decriminalization of minor offenses eases compliance for MSMEs, encouraging entrepreneurship and industrial growth.
- Modernized Framework:
- Replacing the 1923 Act addresses contemporary challenges and incorporates advancements in technology and safety standards.
Challenges and Concerns
- Implementation Gaps:
- Success depends on the effective implementation of inspection and maintenance frameworks, especially in remote and underserved regions.
- Capacity Building:
- Ensuring an adequate pool of qualified boiler inspectors and repair professionals remains a challenge.
- Balance Between Safety and Business Needs:
- While decriminalization supports ease of doing business, there is a need to ensure safety standards are not compromised.
Implications for MSMEs and Industry
- Boost to MSMEs: Simplified compliance frameworks reduce operational hurdles for small businesses that rely on boiler systems, such as textile and food processing units.
- Enhanced Productivity: Improved safety protocols can prevent accidents and downtime, leading to better industrial performance.
- Economic Growth: By reducing penalties and streamlining processes, the Bill promotes a business-friendly environment, encouraging investment in sectors reliant on boiler technology.
Conclusion
- The Boilers Bill, 2024, is a significant step toward modernizing India’s industrial safety framework. It balances the need for stringent safety measures with the ease of compliance for businesses, particularly MSMEs. Effective implementation and capacity building will be crucial to realizing its objectives, ensuring safety, and fostering industrial growth in a sustainable manner.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Assertion (A): The Boilers Bill, 2024, aims to enhance safety standards and ensure the uniform regulation of boilers across India.
Reason (R): The Bill decriminalizes all offenses related to boiler safety to promote ease of doing business, especially for MSMEs. Choose the correct answer from the options given below: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. (C) A is true, but R is false. (D) A is false, but R is true. |
Q. With reference to India, consider the following pairs: (2023)
Action – The Act under which it is covered 1, Unauthorized wearing of police or military uniforms – The Official Secrets Act, 1923 2. Knowingly misleading or otherwise interfering with a police officer or military officer when engaged in their duties – The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 3. Celebratory gunfire which can endanger the personal safety of others – The Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019 How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Answer: (b)
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| Answer 5- C
Explanation
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