The Hindu Important News Articles & Editorial For

UPSC CSE
Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Edition: International
Table of Contents

1. Page 6 : Aditya Srivastava tops Civil Services Exam

2. Page 1 & 4 : Amid heightened Iran-Israel tensions, U.S. NSA Sullivan
cancels plan to travel to New Delhi for annual iCET review
3. Page 1 : 29 Maoists shot dead at Kanker in Chhattisgarh
4. Page 1 : SC Bench opposes returning to paper ballots saying that EVMs
are accurate
5. Page 3 : ‘Escalation of tension between Iran, Israel may affect oil prices’
6. Page 10 : Reforms needed in the voting process
7. Page 12 : IMF forecasts India’s economy to grow 6.8% this fiscal year
8. Page 12 : Farm sector can grow over 6% in FY25 on good monsoon, says
NITI Aayog’s Chand
9. Page 8 : Editorial Analysis: Navigating life as a consumer with
disability

Economics By Kumar Amit

Mentor, Drishti IAS

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 ‘Consistency is key’

Highlights
Mr. Srivastava said consistency and self-motivation are the key to cracking the
examination
He added that his journey to the top of the rank list was full of ups and downs and his
advice to aspirants would be to learn from the experience of previous attempts.
For aspirants, he suggests “controlling the controllable”. “There will be a lot of setbacks
but try to cling to the ray of hope and fight the tough battle,” he added.

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 Page 1
GS Paper 3: [Internal Security]

Inputs: Naxalism in India

The term Naxalism derives its name from the village Naxalbari of West Bengal.
It originated as rebellion against local landlords who bashed a peasant over a land dispute. The
rebellion was initiated in 1967, with an objective of rightful redistribution o f the land to working
peasants under the leadership of Kanu Sanyal and Jagan Santhal.
Started in West Bengal, the movement has spread across the Eastern India; in less developed
areas of states such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
It is considered that Naxals support Maoist political sentiments and ideology.
o Maoism is a form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung. It is a doctrine to capture
State power through a combination of armed insurgency, mass mobilization and
strategic alliances.
Causes
Tribal discontent:
o The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 deprives tribals, who depend on forest produce for
their living, from even cutting a bark.
o Massive displacement of tribal population in the naxalism-affected states due to
development projects, mining operations and other reasons.
o Easy Target for Maoists: Such people who do not have any source of living are taken
into naxalism by Maoists. 3
 o Maoists provide arms and ammunitions and money to such people.
Gaps in the socio-economic system of the country
o Government measuring its success on the basis of number of violent attacks rather than
the development done in the naxal-affected areas.
o Absence of strong technical intelligence to fight with naxalites.
o Infrastructural problems, for instance, some villages are not yet connected properly with
any communication network.
No Follow-Up from administration: It is seen that even after police takes hold of a region,
administration fails to provide essential services to the people of that region.
o Confusion over tackling naxalism as a social issue or as a security threat.
o State governments considering naxalism as the central government’s issue and thus are
not taking any initiatives to fight it.
Steps taken by the Government
Operation Green Hunt: It was started in 2010 and massive deployment of security forces was
done in the naxal-affected areas.
o From 223 districts that were affected due to naxalism in the year 2010, the number has
come down to 90 in nine years.
The government even started ‘Relief and Rehabilitation Policy’ for bringing naxalites into
mainstream.
Members of Central Committee Politburo of communist parties have either been killed or
arrested.
Aspirational Districts Programme: Launched in 2018, it aims to rapidly transform the districts
that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas.
Continuous efforts of government have reduced the frequency of violent attacks in the
naxalism-affected regions.
Maoism:

Maoism is a form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung. It is a doctrine to capture State
power through a combination of armed insurgency, mass mobilization and strategic alliances.
The Maoists also use propaganda and disinformation against State institutions as other components
of their insurgency doctrine. Mao called this process, the ‘Protracted People’s War’, where the
emphasis is on ‘military line’ to capture power.

Urban Naxalism

Urban naxalism is also posing a threat. It is an old Maoists strategy to focus on urban centres for
leadership, organise masses, build a united front and engage in military tasks such as providing
personnel, material and infrastructure.
Urban naxalism is a product of CPI(M) “Urban perspective: Our work in urban areas”. It is aimed to

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mobilise urban poor like industrial work etc and other like-minded organisations.
 A systematic approach was initiated by the CPI-M to mobilise resources and achieve the following
objectives through urban mobilisation, taking advantage of their anonymity in the urban centres:-
Mobilise masses and strengthen organisational structures – Under this programme, the Maoists
mainly targeted students, workers, middle-class employees, and focused on social issues like
women’s rights, the grievances of Dalits, and religious minorities and politicised issues in accordance
with the communist ideology.
Develop a United Front – Another component of the above strategy was to unify like-minded
organisations of workers, students from urban localities, organisations opposing globalisation, etc
and to consolidate them.
Military Task – The military wings of CPI-M, PGI and PLGA, were to carry out the military tasks in the
rural and least developed regions of the country while the urban Naxals were to complement their
efforts by recruiting cadres and sending them into the countryside, infiltrating ‘enemy’ ranks,
creating unions in crucial industries, sabotaging actions with the support of armed cadres, arranging
financial and logistical support for armed cadres hiding in the remote localities, etc.

Ways to end Naxalism in India

1. Good governance
2. Dialogue
3. Generate more employment and increase wages
4. Rehabilitation and resettlement
5. Prevent environmental degradation
6. Stop the political marginalization of weaker sections
7. Remove disparity
8. Let ordinary citizens have access to basic resources
9. Take steps for welfare of the tribals
10. Modernize law enforcement agencies

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 Page 1&4
GS Paper 2: IR
Inputs: iCET
The iCET was initially announced in May 2022 by both countries and it was launched in
January 2023. This initiative elevates the bilateral strategic relationship between India and
the US to new heights. Both countries will share their core technologies as per this
agreement.

Some of the key focus areas are:

Setting up a research agency partnership to drive collaboration in areas like AI

Innovation ecosystems
Defense industrial & technological cooperation and defense startups
Cooperation in human spaceflight
Semiconductor ecosystem development
Advancement in 5G and 6G technologies
Adoption of OpenRAN network technology in India

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 Page :1
GS Paper 2: [Polity]

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 Page : 3
GS Paper : 2 & 3 [IR and Economy- Mobilization of
Resources, Growth & Development]
Inputs:
Impact of Escalation:
Escalation in the Iran-Israel
conflict could affect India’s crude
oil imports.
Geopolitical tensions in West Asia
may increase risk premiums and
raise concerns about supply
disruptions.
India relies on imports for over
85% of its crude oil needs.
Importance for India’s Economy:
India’s economy is highly
sensitive to oil price volatility.
High oil prices can lead to
inflation, affect trade balance,
foreign exchange reserves, and
the value of the rupee.
Recent Developments:
Global benchmark Brent crude
breached $90 per barrel due to
tensions.
Prices were already rising due to
production cuts by major
producers.
Speculations on Prices:
Analysts suggest oil prices could
reach $100 per barrel if conflict
impacts oil availability.
Concerns about supply and
transportation disruptions or
attacks on production facilities.
Impact on India’s Imports:
India currently does not import
Iranian oil due to US sanctions.
Potential impact on competition
with China for oil from other
suppliers, especially Russia. 8
Crude Suppliers to India:
India imports from West Asian suppliers like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Potential disruption could impact supplies and prices.
Key Concerns:
Strait of Hormuz is crucial for India’s West Asian oil supplies.
Any disruption could lead to panic buying by Indian refiners.
Refiners’ Response:
India’s crude suppliers are diverse and large.
Refinery sector officials monitoring the situation, concerns about price upswing.
Financial Impact:
High oil prices may pressure refiners and fuel retailers’ financials.
Possibility of losses on fuel sales unless retail prices are adjusted.
Refiners closely watching situation to assess future impacts.
India’s Crude Suppliers:
March 2024: Russia was India’s top source of crude (33% of imports).
Cumulative share of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE was almost 48% in India’s total oil imports.
Key points
The ‘Axis of Resistance’: The ‘Axis of Resistance’ refers to a coalition of groups and entities primarily aligned
against Israel and its allies in the Middle East. It includes:
1. Hamas: A Palestinian militant Islamist group controlling the Gaza Strip.
2. Hezbollah: A Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group.
3. Houthi Movement: A Yemeni rebel group known formally as Ansar Allah.
4. Various Shi’ite armed groups in Iraq and Syria, often backed by Iran.
These groups are united by their opposition to Israel and, often, to Western influence in the region. They coordinate
efforts and share resources to resist what they perceive as threats to their interests and territories.
Impact of Israel-Hamas Conflict on India: India, as a net importer of crude oil, could be affected by
prolonged conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war in the following ways:
o Increased Import Bill: Rising oil prices due to conflict can lead to higher import bills for India.
o Petrol and Diesel Prices: Elevated global oil prices can translate to higher petrol and diesel prices
domestically.
o Inflationary Pressures: Higher fuel prices can contribute to overall inflation.
o Fiscal Deficits: Government subsidies to control fuel prices could impact fiscal deficits.
o Currency Depreciation: A rise in import bills can put pressure on the Indian rupee.
o Economic Growth: Prolonged conflicts may lead to economic uncertainty and impact overall growth
prospects.

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 Page : 10
GS Paper : 2 [Polity]

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 Page : 12
GS Paper : 3 [Indian Economy- Growth & Development]
Inputs: IMF
 The IMF is an international organization
that promotes global economic growth
and financial stability, encourages
international trade, and reduces poverty.
 It was set up in 1945 out of the Bretton
Woods conference.
 Originally, the primary goal of the IMF was
to bring about international economic
coordination to prevent competing
currency devaluation by countries trying to
promote their own exports.
 Eventually, it evolved to be a lender of last
resort to governments of countries that
had to deal with severe currency crises.
Rports by IMF:
 Global Financial Stability Report
 World Economic Outlook

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 Page : 9
GS Paper : 2 [IR]

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 Page : 08 Editorial Analysis
Navigating life as a consumer with disability.
GS Paper 02 : Social Justice – Vulnerable Sections

UPSC Perspective : Understanding consumer rights for persons with disabilities

is crucial for inclusive policymaking and social justice, relevant for UPSC

aspirants.
Practice Question : Discuss the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in

exercising their consumer rights and suggest measures to address them.

(150 W /10 M)

Context : The article discusses the often overlooked consumer rights of persons with
disabilities on World Consumer Rights Day, highlighting their struggles accessing goods and
services and advocating for legal reforms and awareness campaigns.
Every year, March 15 is celebrated as World Consumer Rights Day to create awareness about
the rights of consumers. One section of consumers who might remain invisible in these
celebrations or even in the discourse around consumer rights is consumers with disabilities.
Persons with disabilities
Every single day, persons with disabilities face the struggle of seeking help for the most basic
human activities, and the consequent loss of dignity, independence, and privacy.
The pervasive inaccessibility that they encounter as consumers not only undermines their
right to lead an independent life but also prevents them from equally participating in society
as others.
The potential change-makers
In India, persons with disabilities account for 5-8% of the population (World Bank, 2009).
The issue highlights two major challenges for consumers with disabilities: the inaccessibility
of goods and services and the inaccessibility of customer support options.
Businesses could be a starting point. Businesses generally don’t perceive persons with
disabilities as their target consumers.
This is evidenced by their inaccessible offerings, which are typically designed for
‘mainstream’ consumers. 13
 Another entity capable of making a difference is the government. The gap in sensitisation
among businesses can be abridged through effective policy measures.
For example, FSSAI in October 2023 issued an advisory to all food business operators for
incorporating QR codes containing product information on all food products.
This simple yet effective step will allow people with visual impairment to ascertain crucial
product information on their own.
While transformative, this measure is limited to one type of product. The government could
consider bringing comprehensive accessibility guidelines for all goods and services.
India can build on the lessons from the initiatives in countries such as Australia, the U.S., and
Canada and integrate similar strategies into its policies.
Legal reforms
Persons with disabilities are also empowered by laws that safeguard their rights and interests
as consumers.
The primary legislation in this regard is the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWDA),
2016, which grants a bouquet of rights including the rights to equality, accessibility, and
reasonable accommodation.
In particular, the Act includes provisions for universally designed consumer goods and
accessible services.
The Rules notified under the RPWDA also require all Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) goods and services to be accessible in accordance with the BIS standards
laid down by the government.
In case of a violation of these rights, a consumer with disability can file a complaint with the
Disability Commissions established under the Act. However, Disability Commissions only
issue recommendatory directions. So, they often fail to provide effective redress.
Another avenue is the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2019, which not only details various
consumer rights but also empowers Consumer Commissions to impose penalties and award
compensation against consumer complaints.
Consumers with disabilities have successfully obtained such remedies in numerous cases
brought before Consumer Commissions.
Unlike the RPWDA, the CPA has strong enforcement and compliance mechanisms.
However, it lacks any dedicated rights for consumers with disabilities contrary to the
RPWDA, which may deter them from filing complaints with Consumer Commissions. Hence,
it becomes imperative to align the CPA with the RPWDA.
Conclusion
Recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by consumers with disabilities is essential
for promoting inclusivity and ensuring equal access to goods and services.
Collaboration between businesses, governments, and legal frameworks can drive meaningful
change and empower consumers with disabilities to assert their rights effectively. 14
Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Highlights of the legislation:
Definition of consumer:
o A consumer is defined as a person who buys any good or avails a service for a
consideration.
o It does not include a person who obtains a good for resale or a good or service for
commercial purpose.
o It covers transactions through all modes including offline, and online through
electronic means, teleshopping, multi-level marketing or direct selling.
Six consumer rights have been defined in the act, including the right to:
1. Right to Safety.
2. Right to be Informed.
3. Right to Choose.
4. Right to be heard.
5. Right to seek Redressal.
6. Right to Consumer Education.
Central Consumer Protection Authority:
o The central government will set up CCPA to promote, protect and enforce the rights of
consumers.
o It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices,
and misleading advertisements.
o The CCPA will have an investigation wing, headed by a Director-General, which may
conduct inquiry or investigation into such violations.
Increased compensation:
o The CCPA may impose a penalty on a manufacturer or an endorser of up to Rs 10 lakh
and imprisonment for up to two years for a false or misleading advertisement.
o In case of a subsequent offence, the fine may extend to Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment
of up to five years.
Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:
o CDRCs will be set up at the district, state, and national levels. A consumer can file a
complaint with CDRCs in relation to:
o Unfair or restrictive trade practices;
o Defective goods or services;
o Overcharging or deceptive charging; and
o The offering of goods or services for sale which may be hazardous to life and safety.
Appeals:

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o Complaints against an unfair contract can be filed only at the State and National levels.
 o Appeals from a District CDRC will be heard by the State CDRC. Appeals from the State
CDRC will be heard by the National CDRC.
o Final appeal will lie before the Supreme Court.
Jurisdiction of CDRCs:
o The District CDRC will entertain complaints where value of goods and services does not
exceed Rs one crore.
o The State CDRC will entertain complaints when the value is more than Rs one crore but
does not exceed Rs 10 crore.
o Complaints with value of goods and services over Rs 10 crore will be entertained by
the National CDRC.
Mediation:
o The act provides for reference to mediation by Consumer Commissions wherever
scope for early settlement exists and parties agree for it.
o Mediation Cells to be attached to Consumer Commissions. Mediation to be held in
consumer mediation cells.
o Panel of mediators to be selected by a selection committee consisting of the President
and a member of Consumer Commission.
o No appeal against settlement through mediation.
Impact of Consumer Protection Act, 2019 on e-commerce platforms:
o The e-commerce portals will have to set up a robust consumer redressal mechanism as
part of the rules under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
o They will also have to mention the country of originwhich are necessary for enabling
the consumer to make an informed decision at the pre-purchase stage on its platform.
o The e-commerce platforms also have to acknowledge the receipt of any consumer
complaint within forty-eight hours and redress the complaint within one month from
the date of receipt under this Act.
Product Liability:
o A manufacturer or product service provider or product seller will be held responsible
to compensate for injury or damage caused by defective product or deficiency in
services

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