A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India, Bangladesh to deepen ties as partners, says Goyal
Context:
Indian Commerce and Industry Minister’s speech at the Bangladesh International Investment summit.
India-Bangladesh economic ties:
Present status:
Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia with a volume of over $10 billion and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh.
Bilateral trade and economic engagement between India and Bangladesh has grown steadily over the last decade. Cooperation in the power sector has become one of the hallmarks of India- Bangladesh relations.
Measures being taken to further deepen economic engagement:
Meetings of various institutional mechanisms are being conducted regularly to promote bilateral trade and economic engagement.
Secretary level meetings of Commerce and shipping ministries.
In order to promote cooperation on bilateral trade, an India-Bangladesh CEO’s Forum was launched in 2020 to provide policy level inputs in various areas of trade and investment and also to facilitate exchanges among the business communities of both the countries. The India-Bangladesh CEO Forum will meet soon for the first time. This is expected to promote mutual investments.
Meeting of the India-Bangladesh Textile Industry Forum was held in 2020 to enhance linkages and collaboration in the textile sector.
The two countries are working towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
On the infrastructure front, the connectivity between the two neighbours has been strengthened over time via roadways, railways, waterways and airways. The land customs stations (LCS) have been upgraded to integrated check posts (ICP).
Indian companies have a notable presence in Bangladesh. Currently around 350 Indian companies are registered in Bangladesh. India is also developing two Indian economic zones at Mirsarai and Mongla in Bangladesh.
Recommendations:
Focus on areas of technology, connectivity, entrepreneurship, health and tourism would help further strengthen bilateral economic ties between the two countries.
Improving physical connectivity through rail, road infrastructure would be an imperative for expanding and realising the potential for bilateral trade and investments.
Enhanced co-operation and collaboration between the two countries and treating each other as partners rather than competitors will only help the two countries complement each other’s capabilities and capacities.
Conclusion:
A robust economic relationship between the two nations would not only reap rich economic dividends for the two nations but it would also bring in an era of economic prosperity in South Asia.
C. GS 3 Related
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Understanding the new variant of the virus
Context:
A new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.1.529) has been designated as a Variant of Concern (VoC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and has been named
Details:
As of date, nine countries have confirmed the presence of Omicron. This includes South Africa, Botswana, England, Hong Kong, Australia, Italy, Israel, Czech Republic, and Belgium.
According to the recent release of INSACOG Bulletin, none of the sequenced samples in India have the Omicron variant until date.
The Omicron variant has a large number of mutations compared to other prevalent variants circulating across the world. This includes 32 mutations in the spike protein.
Concerns:
Given the fact that many of the mutations have been noticed in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein, there are concerns that these mutations may cause increased transmission as well as lead to vaccine escape and breakthrough infections in already vaccinated individuals.
From a diagnostic point of view, some of the mutations in the spike protein cause primers used in some of the RT-PCR kits to not function as expected. This leads to what leads to spike gene target failure (SGTF) which would make it difficult to diagnose COVID-19.
Way forward:
Enhanced surveillance and genome sequencing of the variant should be undertaken to detect and track the prevalence of the Omicron variant.
Rapid sharing of genome sequences of the virus and the epidemiological data linked with it should be made publicly available to help in developing a better understanding of the variant.
Existing public health and social measures need to be strengthened to control and prevent transmission. Vaccination coverage has to be enhanced to slow down the emergence of any future variants.
D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
Category: INTERNAL SECURITY
1. How to win over Kashmiri youth
Context
Recently, there was a suggestion that de-radicalisation camps should be organised for the youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Radicalisation In J&K:
What is Radicalisation?
Radicalisation is the process through which an individual or a group adopts progressively radical political, social, or religious ideas, particularly when it comes to support for or use of violence.
Ideologies, religious views, political convictions, and biases towards certain groups of people can all be motivating factors.
People can be radicalised in a variety of methods and over a variety of time periods, ranging from a few days or hours to several years.
The Judge Webster Commission 2009 had observed: ‘Radicalism is not a crime. Without exhortation to violence, radicalization alone may not be a threat.’
History of Radicalisation in Kashmir:-
General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s dictator-President, started the practise of utilising religious overtones in statecraft.
He emphasised the importance of religion in government policy. During his reign, the development of Madrasas began, and they have played a significant role in the Islamization and radicalization of Pakistani youth.
Later, as part of low-intensity war activities, this spilled over into Kashmir (LICO).
Insurgents who wanted J&K to secede from India began using violent measures to achieve their goal in 1989.
As a result, effective counter-insurgency operations were launched.
To combat militancy, the Public Safety Act of 1978 and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 were utilised.
In Pakistan, hundreds of tanzeems (fighting organisations) were formed to fight in Afghanistan. Some of these were later sent to Jammu and Kashmir.
In the pretext of Islam and Kashmiri liberation, Pakistani operatives went about recruiting young people to train in Pakistan.
Due to threats from terrorist leaders in the 1990s, many Kashmiri families transferred one of their sons to Pakistan to be trained and subsequently deployed in Kashmir.
Governor’s rule remained in place in J & K for a long period, effectively suppressing the democratic process.
Homegrown militancy first emerged in Kashmir during protests over state elections in 2008, and then again when the Indian Army killed three infiltrators in 2010.
The Hurriyat Conference of All Parties called for violent protests, which led to rioting, the burning of government cars, and “stone-pelting events.”
With the emergence of homegrown militancy, the situation on the ground deteriorated.
Extent of Radicalisation in J&K
Critical Evaluation of De-radicalisation camps
What is De radicalisation?
Deradicalization is a term used to describe the process of persuading someone with strong political, social, or religious beliefs to take more moderate perspectives on topics.
Even in the last five years, “deradicalization” initiatives, which are aimed at gently moving people and groups away from violent extremism, have expanded in popularity and reach.
Deradicalization is the process of separating a person from their extremist beliefs, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.
Significance of De-radicalisation Camps
Deradicalisation camps are distinct from past approaches to rehabilitation in that they also focus on persons who have not yet committed a terrorist act.
Deradicalisation camps employ modern approaches such as technology and internet communication, which have been effectively co-opted by terror groups.
It requires examining if the process can be reversed and how government-led measures can assist in ensuring that committed terrorists do not engage in criminal activities after freed from jail.
Focusing on rehabilitation makes sense in light of the fact that dedicated ideologues may never abandon their views, but they may modify their conduct.
Challenges associated with Deradicalization Camps
No standard definition: The terms “terrorism,” “violent extremism,” “radicalisation” and “deradicalisation” are still loosely defined; there is no universal agreement.
Twin Challenges: There were now twin challenges for the Army, the Central Armed Police Forces and the J&K Police.
The first were the terrorists for whom the rules of engagement were different
The second were the Kashmiri youth who formed the bulk of the protestors — Indians for whom all the rules and laws applicable to any Indian citizen apply.
Human Rights Issues: When stone-pelting incidents took a serious and alarming turn, armed personnel responded with pellet guns and other means of riot control. Injuries, especially eye injuries, were a serious fallout of this response which was criticised for Human rights violation.
Problems of Kashmiri Youths:
Kashmiri children in schools and colleges outside the State are often mistreated when any misadventure takes place in J&K. The incidents of violence against minorities, including Muslims, in north India have only worsened problems with Kashmiri youths.
The Kashmiri youth feel that they face hostility from the Indian state because of their Muslim identity and so the status quo cannot be effective.
Similar to Detention Camps: The suggestion of de-radicalisation camps for the youth can appear similar to the detention camps run by China for Muslim minorities.
Political Threats: This suggestion will be exploited for political gains by the pro-Pakistani elements and further vitiate the atmosphere.
De-radicalisation Efforts:
Global Experience:
UK: By revising the Counter Terrorism and Security Act (CTSA) in 2009, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown transformed the country’s counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) into a multi-agency approach, making it more transparent and democratic.
Sri-Lanka: Sri Lanka’s rehabilitation programme to combat violent insurgency, which was started by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), provides valuable insight into both the accomplishments and pitfalls of the deradicalisation programme.
Solutions to De-radicalisation
Different sectors, such as education, social services, and health, should be assigned defined roles.
To combat the ‘hate’ ideology, it is necessary to move away from a State-mandated counselling programme and toward a multi-agency-designed educational programme with community and religious backing.
Elected community officials and faith-based organisations can both play key roles.
‘Counter-narratives’ and avoiding internet radicalization are important aspects which can identify and assist susceptible people.
Individuals at risk should be identified, the nature of the risk assessed, suitable assistance plans developed, and channel support extended or terminated by local government entities.
As a ‘channel police practitioner,’ the police function has been limited to coordinating.
Human rights organisations can work to look after infringes on freedom of expression and privacy, particularly in schools.
Before increasing counter-terrorist capabilities, policymakers must address “unaddressed socio-economic and political reasons” that are accountable for the increase of violence, according to a Brookings research on violent extremism released in March 2019.
Conclusion:
Deradicalization camps provide a number of challenges for India as it considers what ideas and experiences to adopt for its own programmes.
When Kashmiri youngsters study in other parts of India, the state must ensure their safety.
It is critical that Kashmiri youngsters feel at ease wherever they are. This necessitates a genuine professional approach, a gentle touch, and long-term commitment.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-speech moon’s in Addis Ababa on January 29, 2016, provided a final solution to this question, stating that “good governance can prevent terrorism.” That is exactly what our government should do, rather than holding ‘deradicalization’ camps.
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. What the Omicron variant means for India
Context
Recently, cases of the new coronavirus variant Omicron are rising across much of Europe. This editorial highlights the danger of Omicron to India.
Background:
Botswana recently discovered a novel version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Early research reveals that the Omicron variation is responsible for the sharp increase in cases in South Africa’s Gauteng area.
The Omicron variation has been found in 90% of the samples in this area.
This variation has recently been designated as a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Decline in COVID-19 Cases in India:
Following the severe second wave in India, the sustained drop in COVID-19 cases has given rise to hope that a return to normalcy is on the horizon.
The low number of cases in India now appears to be due to two variables.
To begin with, seroprevalence tests show that a big percentage of the population has previously been exposed to the virus, offering some protection against further infections.
Second, the vaccination programme is gaining ground. Approximately 44% of Indian people have been completely immunised, with 82% receiving at least one dose.
Concerns of Omicron Variant:
This variation has a substantial number of mutations that should be taken seriously.
They could make it possible for the new variation to bypass immunity gained from a previous infection or a vaccination.
The development of the new variety is alarming and necessitates heightened caution.
Epidemiologists are most concerned about the likelihood of a new, more transmissible version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Its capacity to infect humans may greatly outpace that of the Delta version.
There are no accurate estimates of how much more transmissible the Omicron variety is than prior viral strains.
There is a larger possibility for breakthrough cases and subsequent transmission when novel variations may defy immunity gained via vaccination and past infections.
Vaccines and therapies such as monoclonal antibodies may need to be modified if these mutations lead to higher immune evasion.
The virus will continue to grow and change in a compromised immune system, altering its shape to evade immune reaction.
Way Forward: Addressing the Variant
A strong immune response can ultimately eliminate the virus.
It would make sense to prioritise the old and immunocompromised for a future increased dose.
Epidemiologists all across the globe recognise that limiting travel can only provide limited respite.
Vaccination is the greatest way to limit the number of cases.
A single vaccination dose can significantly lower the chance of hospitalisation or a poor outcome; two doses are even better.
However, due to present vaccine distribution disparity, this method of control is out of reach for the majority of people in low- and middle-income nations.
While many wealthy nations are arranging for booster doses to protect their people, including children and the elderly, this approach comes at the expense of the rest of the globe.
More than 60 nations, including South Africa, have vaccinated fewer than 25% of their population.
These are the areas where a new, more transmissible variety has the most possibilities. Vaccine distribution equity is an important worldwide public health necessity, in addition to being the correct thing to do ethically and morally.
India must increase supply to COVAX, an international cooperative aiming to vaccinate nations with limited access to vaccines, as well as persuade countries with excess supplies to do so.
Conclusion:
India and other nations should take note of South Africa’s example of making data available in real time for the world to examine and displaying the greatest levels of openness. At this time, appropriately planning for an uncertain future is critical.
Category: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
1. COP26 pledges need a new climate of cooperation
Context
This editorial discusses the promises made at Glasgow COP26 and highlights the need for a new climate of cooperation.
Background of Glasgow COP26:
Promises Made: Following the net zero objective, the United States and Europe launched the next most important climate goal, the Global Methane Pledge, which was signed by 104 nations and aims to reduce global methane emissions considerably by 2030.
Noteworthy Absentee: There were some significant absentees when global leaders convened in Glasgow for the COP26. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, the leaders of the world’s second and fourth greatest carbon emitters, respectively, did not make it to Glasgow.
Concerns with India’s Commitments:
India has set a deadline of 2070, which is two decades later than the original date of 2050.
India, despite being the world’s third-largest emitter of methane, was not a signatory.
Despite having the world’s biggest contiguous mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, India was not included in the vow to stop deforestation.
Significance and Potential of India in Pursuing Green Energy
India has been a strong supporter of green energy as a means of lowering carbon emissions.
Despite the fact that India has yet to make a large shift to renewable energy, with renewable energy accounting for only 22.5 percent of total electricity generation, the country has been at the forefront of the worldwide solar power movement.
With France, the country co-founded the International Solar Association (ISA), an alliance of more than 120 nations dedicated to the promotion of solar energy.
India, along with over 35 other countries, signed the Glasgow Breakthrough Agenda at this year’s COP26 to promote clean energy and make it more accessible, in order to boost India’s position on renewable energy, such as solar energy.
Challenges for India
Way Forward
If powerful developing economies like India are to play a constructive role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target, the developed North must strengthen its support by taking a shared responsibility.
Assistance should be provided to India and LDCs in pursuing climate goals since they already face daunting challenges such as fighting poverty, providing basic health-care services, and ensuring access to education.
People without food when they are hungry, medicine and doctors when they are sick, and schools for their children cannot be expected to understand or relate to the adversities of climate change being debated.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Running business on Cloud
Cloud Computing:
Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources (both hardware and operating system), especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without direct active management by the user.
Large clouds often have functions distributed over multiple locations, each location being a data center. To provide quick responses especially when customers are present in multiple geographies, it is prudent to host the Cloud in multiple locations. This is called Edge computing.
Cloud computing has two vital technologies: “virtualisation” which lets computer resources be shared through multiple virtual machines; and “network” that lets data requests flow to and from the datacentre or the Cloud through the Internet.
There are public Clouds, private Clouds and hybrid Clouds.
In public cloud systems, the same datacentre and network circuits are used by multiple customers while in private Cloud systems geographically distributed hardware are cordoned off virtually such that the computing resources are allotted only to one customer.
In a hybrid Cloud, the extremely vital, private information is stored in the private Cloud while the less critical data is stored in the public Cloud.
Cloud computing helps achieve economies of scale, which can help in reducing capital expenses. Cloud computing offers more computing power and more choice of software as per one’s demand.
G. Tidbits
1. Cooperative model best suited for India, says Shah
Union Home and Cooperation Minister has described the cooperative model as the best suited model to achieve an all-encompassing and inclusive development in a huge country like India with a population of 130 crore and a predominant rural population. The Co-operative model is best suited for economic development in villages.
The Minister called for replicating the successful cooperative model like the Amul dairy cooperatives in the domain of organic farming to encourage more farmers to adopt the practice.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
In the context of climate action, developing economies such as India are burdened with several challenges and require the help of the developed North. Hence, it is argued that to fulfill COP26 pledges, the world needs a new climate of cooperation. Discuss. (250 words; 15 marks)[GS-3, Environment and Ecology]
Experts have argued that there is a high sense of alienation amongst Kashmiri youth, owing to the nature of security response of the Indian state against cross-border terrorism. In the light of this, suggest a softer approach that could be adopted to win the hearts and minds of young Kashmiris at the grassroots. (250 words; 15 marks)[GS-3, Internal Security]
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