Daily News Analysis

The Hindu Important News Articles & Editorial For UPSC CSE
Monday, May 27, 2024

Edition: International Table of Contents

Page 4 India records trade deficit with
Syllabus : GS: 3 [Indian Economy] 9 of top 10 trading partners in
2023-24
Page 4
Syllabus : Prelims Rathole mining

Page 8 A door to a housing scheme,

Syllabus : GS 2 : [Social Justice] tribals find hard to open

Syllabus : Prelims Fact Virupaksha Temple

Syllabus : Prelims : Location In News Pulicat Wetland

Page 8 : Editorial Analysis: The spectre of nuclear conflict,

Syllabus: GS2: International Relations once again
Topic:
Mapping Lakes & Waterfalls of Africa
 Daily News Analysis
Page : 3- Prelims ; GS 3 Indian Economy : Growth and
Development

Balance of Payment
BOP is the oldest and the most important statistical statement for any country.
In a nutshell BOP of a country is “a systematic record of all economic transactions between the residents of
one country with the residents of the other country in a financial year”.
Economic Transactions include all the foreign receipts and payments made by a country during a given
financial year.
Foreign receipts include all the earnings and borrowings by a country from the other countries.

BOP on Current Account Vs BOP on Capital Account

 Daily News Analysis
Current Account Capital Account
BOP on current account includes the sum of three
BOP on capital account includes the sum of two
balances.
balances
Goods Balance
Long Term Capital Account
Services Balance
Short Term Capital Account
Unilateral Transfers
BOP on capital account includes all inward and
outward moving capital and investments both Long
BOP on Current Account is also called Net Foreign
term and short term).
Investment because it represents the contribution
Foreign Direct Investment
of foreign trade to Gross national product.
Foreign Portfolio Investment
Government Investments/loans
BOP on current account covers only earnings and
spending. It totally excludes any borrowings and It only includes borrowings and lending by a country.
lending.

Balance of Payment versus Balance of Trade

Balance of Payment Balance of Trade

It is a Broad Concept It is a narrower Concept.

It includes the sum of both Capital and Current

It is defined as the difference between the value of
account put together. It includes all international
exports of goods and services and value of imports of
transactions between a host/domestic country and
goods and services between countries.
Rest of the World.

BOT= Value of Exports – Value of Imports.

Trade Balance>> Value of Exports = Value of
Imports.
It includes items of goods account, services
Trade Surplus>> Value of Exports is greater
account, unilateral transfers and capital accounts.
than Value of Imports.
Trade Deficit>> Value of Exports is smaller than
Value of Imports.
 Daily News Analysis
Can an overall BOP surplus is a good sign?
And BOP deficit is a bad sign?
The above is not always true, and we have to
dig deeper to understand the nature of
surplus and deficits in overall BOP.
If the overall BOP deficit is caused by
Current account deficits (Excess of imports A positive trade balance(Surplus) is always
over exports), as opposed to capital account better and good for a country since it
deficits, then BOP deficits are bad for represents an increase in national income.
countries.
If the overall BOP surplus is caused by
current account surplus (Excess of exports
over imports), as opposed to capital account
surplus, then the surplus may be good for
economies.
 Daily News Analysis
Page 4 : Prelims
What is Rat-Hole Mining?

Description: A primitive and hazardous method of mining involving

digging small tunnels, just large enough for a person to crawl through, to
extract coal.

Types:

Side-Cutting: Following a visible coal seam on hill slopes.

Box-Cutting: Involves digging a pit and then creating horizontal tunnels.
Irony: Thecued workers from Assam, a region that lost lives to rat-hole
mining in Meghalaya, were ironically saved using the same method.

Why is Rat-Hole Mining Banned?

Location: Prevalent in Meghalaya, a Sixth Schedule State where central

mining laws don’t apply.
Risks: Asphyxiation, mine collapse, flooding, and severe environmental
impacts.
NGT Ban (2014): Due to safety hazards and environmental degradation,
including river pollution.
Continued Illegal Mining: Despite the ban, illegal mining and
transportation persist, with significant loss of lives (e.g., 17 miners
drowned in 2018 in East Jaintia Hills).

Factors Leading to the NGT Ban

Activism: Environmental and human rights groups highlighted the dangers

for two decades.
Child Labor: Reports estimated around 70,000 children, mostly from
Bangladesh and Nepal, were employed in these mines.
Official Acknowledgment: Under pressure, the State admitted to child
labor in 2013, leading to the NGT ban in 2014.
 Daily News Analysis
Page 8 : Prelims : PM-JANMAN / GS 2 : [Social Justice –
Vulnerable sections – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections]

The PM JANMAN presents a new opportunity to transform the lives of India’s Particularly
Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
PVTGs
India has numerous Adivasi groups, with 75 identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
(PVTGs). These comprise around 14.6 lakh households and live in scattered, remote, and often
inaccessible areas. Their livelihoods rely on methods and tools that predate agriculture. PVTGs have
low literacy rates, economic backwardness, and stagnant populations..
Govt. Initiatives
Recognizing their backwardness, the Government of India announced the Pradhan Mantri PVTG
Development Mission in 2023-24 to improve socio-economic conditions.
 Daily News Analysis
In November 2023, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha
Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) with a budget of ₹24,000 crore.
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN):
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) is a tribal welfare initiative
approved by the Union Cabinet with a budget of Rs 24,104 crore.
It aims to uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), comprising over 40 lakh individuals
across 75 tribal communities in 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
PVTGs are a sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes considered more vulnerable, previously known as
Primitive Tribal Groups.
Odisha has the highest population of PVTGs based on Ministry of Tribal Affairs data and the 2011
Census.
PM-JANMAN focuses on housing, education, healthcare, connectivity, and livelihood opportunities
to improve the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs.
PM JANMAN Objectives:
The PM JANMAN aims to provide essential services to PVTGs, including safe housing, clean drinking
water, and sanitation through 11 critical interventions.
The housing scheme under PM JANMAN, the largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, targets
4.90 lakh PVTG households by 2026.
Each household under the scheme is entitled to receive ₹2.39 lakh in three instalments to ensure
secure and habitable housing.
Technical Challenges in the PM JANMAN Housing Scheme
Data collection and registration in DBT schemes are crucial for delivering entitlements, but
mismatches can lead to issues as seen in other schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN).
Interviews with community members and officials in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha
revealed inclusivity and accessibility challenges in PM JANMAN Housing.
Issues with Mobile App Registration
The Government of India provided an ‘Awaas+’ mobile app for block/panchayat-level officials to
register PVTG households.
The app records geographical location, household profiles, and bank account details for cash
transfers.
Jobcard Issues
Having a job-card is mandatory for PM JANMAN Housing registration. However, widespread
deletion of over eight crore MGNREGA workers, including some from PVTGs, has led to ineligibility
for the scheme.
Instances of incorrect registration with someone else’s jobcards further complicate the issue.
Discrepancies and Confusion
 Daily News Analysis
The mobile app’s pre-populated list of villages shows discrepancies compared to MGNREGA job-
cards, leading to confusion. For example, the app lists 22 villages while the MGNREGA system lists
31 for a panchayat in Andhra Pradesh.
The app requires names as per Aadhaar but lacks guidance if Aadhaar is unavailable, leading to
non-PVTG registrations due to the default ‘Scheduled Tribe’ option.
Some local officials demand certification from sarpanches/mukhiyas, leading to conflicts where non-
PVTG sarpanches/mukhiyas act against PVTGs.
The geo-tagging feature causes chaos due to network issues, complicating the registration process.
Bank Selection Complexity
The app requires selecting from Cooperative Bank, Commercial Bank, or Regional Rural Bank,
followed by choosing from numerous options, which introduces unnecessary complexity.
Despite the establishment of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) for better banking services, the app
does not include IPPB in the list of banks, a puzzling omission given the government’s emphasis on
IPPB’s role in financial inclusion.
Recommendations for Improvement
Streamline the registration process and update the mobile app to make it more user-friendly.
Include the India Post Payments Bank in the list of banks to facilitate better participation.
Take proactive measures to reinstate deleted jobcards and engage communities through gram
sabhas to improve the scheme’s effectiveness.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
Despite numerous initiatives, the plight of PVTGs remains a significant issue, echoing historical
grievances described by Adivasi rights activists.
The PM JANMAN presents an opportunity to transform the lives of PVTGs, enabling them to benefit
from India’s growth story if implemented effectively.
 Daily News Analysis
Prelims Fact : Virupaksha Temple

Why in News
A section of the pillars holding up the pavilion at Hampi's Virupaksha temple collapsed recently following heavy rains.
Virupaksha Temple
Traced back to the 7th century AD.
Built by early rulers of the Chalukya dynasty.
The temple was significantly expanded by Lakkan Dandesha, a chieftain under the rule of Deva Raya II
(Prauda Deva Raya) of the Vijayanagara Empire.
However, the most significant expansions and contributions were made during the reign of King
Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known locally as Virupaksha or Pampa Pathi, and is associated with
the local deity Pampadevi.
Hampi, including the Virupaksha Temple, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to its rich
architectural heritage and historical significance.
Architectural Features of Virupaksha Temple
Here are the major Dravidian architectural features of the Virupaksha Temple:
Gopurams (Temple Towers):
Main Gopuram: The eastern entrance of the temple features a monumental nine-story gopuram (tower)
that is approximately 50 meters high. This tower is intricately decorated with sculptures depicting Hindu
myths and deities.
Smaller Gopurams: Other entrances of the temple are also marked by smaller but similarly elaborate
gopurams.
Mandapas (Pavilions):
Ranga Mandapa: Added in 1510 by King Krishnadevaraya, this is one of the most elaborately carved areas.
The Ranga Mandapa is used for temple ceremonies and performances, featuring pillars with intricate
carvings of mythical creatures and deities.
Open Pillar Hall: A large hall with rows of intricately carved pillars that depict various mythological scenes
and form an important part of the temple structure.
 Daily News Analysis
Kalyana Mandapa: This area is used for celebrating the annual marriage festival of the deities, reflecting
both architectural grandeur and cultural significance.
Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha):
Main Shrine: The innermost sanctum houses the sacred Linga of Lord Virupaksha (Shiva). This area is
considered the most sacred and is elaborately decorated.
Lesser Sanctums: Surrounding the main sanctum, there are smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, which
are typical in South Indian temple complexes.
Pillars and Sculptures:
Carved Pillars: The temple’s pillars are renowned for their detailed carvings, which depict scenes from Hindu
mythology, including episodes from the epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Artistic Themes: The sculptures include a mix of divine figures, mythological animals, and scenes from daily
life, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the era.
Water Structures:
Sacred Tank: A sacred water tank within the complex is used for religious rituals and ceremonies.

Home Work for Aspirants : Make a short note on Vijayanagara Empire

Prelims : Location In News : Pulicat

Wetland
Why in the news?
Settlement of claims for local communities within
Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary boundary raises
concerns.
State government plans to denotify a significant
portion of the sanctuary and Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
for industrial park development.

Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary

Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is the second-largest bird
sanctuary in India.
It cuts across Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh and
Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.
The sanctuary is situated along the coast of the Bay of
Bengal covering an area of 759 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is bordered by the Arani River at its
southern tip, the Kalangi River from the Northwest,
and the Swarnamukhi River at the northern end.
 Daily News Analysis
Pulicat Lake runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal and has a sand bar, making it a lagoon of its own
kind.
Sriharikota, renowned as India’s rocket launch pad and home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal.
The sanctuary includes 16 island villages and 30 villages adjoining the lake, whose inhabitants
depend on the lake for their livelihood.
Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary hosts a large number of migratory birds during winter, including gulls,
terns, plovers, shanks, curlews, and storks.
It is a habitat for a variety of bird species such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, and ducks.

Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the MoEFCC
around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by
regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.
 Daily News Analysis
Page : 08 Editorial Analysis
 Daily News Analysis
GS Paper 02 : International Relation

PYQ: (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2018): In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear
Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to
this situation? (250 words/15m)

Practice Question: Discuss the implications of renewed nuclear threats in the context

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indicator the roles
of an economy’s ofreflecting
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the changes the
general pricenuclear
historical level and the cost of living. words/10m)
agreements.150

Context:
The article discusses the renewed global concerns over nuclear threats amid escalating tensions,
particularly highlighting the French President’s warnings about potential nuclear conflict due to
Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
It contrasts this with historical nuclear negotiations, emphasising the importance of diplomatic
efforts like the United States-India nuclear deal.

Introduction

Post-conflict periods often lead to scrutiny of ruling elites regarding their preparedness and
foresight concerning potential major conflicts. In today’s world, the threat of not just war but the
use of nuclear weapons necessitates revisiting this scrutiny.
Leaders’ rhetoric sometimes obscures the truth, necessitating discernment of underlying meanings.
There is still time for nations to take notice and engage in meaningful discussions to address these
issues.

The Perspective of French and Russian Leaders

Many Western leaders have noted the French President’s “apocalyptic vision” concerning the future,
highlighting the danger of nuclear annihilation, particularly due to the Ukraine conflict.
The French President’s warnings about the Russian President’s nuclear threats have resonated in
Europe, given the potential implications for European security.
France’s nuclear capabilities are substantial, and the French President’s remarks about the “French
Nuclear Deterrent” emphasise the seriousness of the situation.
 Daily News Analysis
The increasing tension in Ukraine, along with the French President’s remarks, raises concerns about
a potential nuclear exchange.

Historical Context and Current Concerns

The current nuclear threat scenario is reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, exacerbated
by the lack of influential global leaders to mitigate the situation.
Economic turbulence globally adds to the instability, and the reduced “nuclear fuse” indicates a
heightened risk of nuclear conflict.
The absence of regular communication among nuclear-armed nations, despite existing protocols,
further exacerbates the situation, eroding confidence in nuclear guarantees.

Recent Developments in Russia

During a recent parade, the Russian President declared that Russia’s nuclear forces are always on
alert, rejecting any Western threats and emphasising Russia’s readiness to prevent a global conflict.
Russia’s revocation of its ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in 2023, aimed at
balancing the nuclear field with the United States, has drawn international criticism.
This action undermines confidence in the nuclear arms regime, while other nations, like China,
continue to enhance their nuclear capabilities, contributing to global unease.

Academic Discussion at the Hoover Institution

Amidst these tensions, an academic discussion at the Hoover Institution focused on the United
States-India civil nuclear deal (2005-2008) and its broader implications.
This discussion highlighted how the deal transformed attitudes not just towards nuclear matters but
also the overall relationship between the United States and India.
The negotiation methodologies used in the United States-India deal were seen as relevant to
current global disputes, suggesting potential pathways to resolve modern conflicts.

United States-India Nuclear Deal: Background and Impact

At the time of the deal, India and the United States had opposing stances on the nuclear order, with
India not having signed key treaties like the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty or the Comprehensive Test
Ban Treaty.
India’s 1998 nuclear tests had led to sanctions, but the United States-India deal eventually lifted
many barriers, integrating India into the global nuclear regime.
India made significant concessions, such as separating its civilian and military nuclear programs and
adhering to certain export control regulations, in return for permanent safeguards and fuel supplies.

Legislative and Diplomatic Efforts

 Daily News Analysis
The United States amended its domestic laws, and the United States Congress passed legislative
provisions, including the Hyde Act and the 123 Agreements, facilitating the deal.
The United States also led efforts to ease nuclear restrictions on India through the Nuclear Suppliers
Group, and both nations coordinated to secure an India-specific safeguards agreement from the
International Atomic Energy Agency.
This agreement granted India a status similar to that of a nuclear-weapon state under the Non-
Proliferation Treaty, significantly altering its global nuclear standing.

Broader Significance of the United States-India Nuclear Deal

The discussions at the Hoover Institution underscored that the deal’s significance extended beyond
nuclear issues, profoundly enhancing United States-India relations.
Previously denied technologies were now accessible to India, and the nations became major
technology partners.
The deal removed many psychological barriers, leading to improved economic and defence relations
and positioning India as a key partner in regional and global matters.

Overcoming Psychological Divides

The discussions highlighted that overcoming psychological barriers is crucial for improving
international relations.
The transformation in United States-India relations following the nuclear deal demonstrates the
potential benefits of breaching longstanding divides and fostering trust.
For India, the deal’s origin in seeking high-grade uranium to meet energy needs reaffirms the
potential of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Conclusion

The global threat of nuclear conflict, heightened by current geopolitical tensions, necessitates
urgent international dialogue and cooperation.
The United States-India nuclear deal serves as a model for overcoming divides and fostering
significant bilateral relationships.
Nations must heed the lessons from this deal, engage in meaningful discussions, and take concrete
steps to mitigate the risks of nuclear conflict and ensure global stability.

Risk of renewed nuclear threats in the context of current geopolitical tensions:

Increased Risk of Conflict: Heightened tensions, particularly between Russia and Western nations,
elevate the risk of nuclear conflict, which could have catastrophic global consequences.
European Security Concerns: European nations, especially in light of the French President’s
warnings, are increasingly worried about their security and the potential for nuclear escalation in
Ukraine.
 Daily News Analysis
Global Economic Instability: The threat of nuclear war exacerbates existing economic turbulence,
further destabilising international markets and economies.
Diminished Diplomatic Channels: The lack of regular communication and trust among nuclear
powers undermines existing nuclear protocols and agreements, leading to a more precarious global
situation.
Erosion of Nuclear Norms: Actions like Russia’s revocation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
weaken international nuclear non-proliferation efforts and set concerning precedents.
Technological Advancements: The development of new nuclear technologies by countries like
China adds another layer of complexity and threat to global security dynamics.

Mapping : Lakes of Africa

Lake Victoria is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. It is the largest lake in Africa. It is
situated on the block mountain
between the two branches of the
Great Rift Valley. The Equator
passes through it. It is the source
of the white Nile.
The lakes of the rift valley. There
is a string of lakes in the rift valley.
Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa
(Malawi) are the larger ones.
Lake Tana is on the Ethiopian
Plateau. It is the source of the
Blue Nile.
Lake Chad at the southern edge
in the Sahara Desert is in a region
of inland drainage. Streams start
from the surrounding hills and
flow into this lake instead of the
sea. River Charl is the largest river
in this area.
Lake Nasser is on the river Nile. It
is a man-made lake located
between Egypt and Sudan
 Daily News Analysis
Lake Kariba is situated in the southernmost part of Africa a Zambezi river. It is one of the biggest
looks man-made like and it is the largest producer of hydroelectricity in Africa.
Lake Assal is situated in Djibouti and the lowest point in Africa.

Famous Lakes of Africa

Lake Elevation Lake Type

Victoria 11.33 m Tropical Lake

Tanganyika 773 m Rift Valley Lake

Malawi — African Rift Valley

Turkana 360 m Alkaline Lake

Lake Albert 615 m Western Rift
Lake Edward 912 m Drain North into Lake Albert
Lake Kivu 1460 m Ruzizi River
 Daily News Analysis

Important Dams and Waterfalls

Dam/Falls River Country
Aswan Dam Nile Egypt
Kariba Dam Zambezi Zimbabwe and Zambia
Kainji Dam Niger Nigeria
Cahora Bassa Dam Zambezi Mozambique
Victoria Fall Zambezi Zambia- Zimbabwe
Boyoma Fall Zaire Democratic