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Daily Current Affairs (UPSC CSE) - 27th September 2024 (Part 3)
- Anshad S
- Sep 27, 2024
- 6 min read
11. Steelmakers Seek Higher Tariffs as Chinese Imports Surge
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper III (Indian Economy, Trade Policy, Industry)
Context:
Indian steelmakers are seeking higher tariffs on steel imports from China due to a surge in Chinese imports that is affecting domestic industry performance. This comes amid concerns of predatory pricing by Chinese manufacturers.
Detailed Analysis:
Surge in Chinese Steel Imports:
Indian steel manufacturers have raised concerns about a significant rise in imports from China, which is undercutting domestic prices and hurting local producers.
Chinese steel is often sold at lower prices due to government subsidies and overproduction, leading to what is often referred to as "dumping."
Call for Higher Tariffs:
Indian steelmakers are urging the government to impose higher import tariffs on Chinese steel to protect domestic industries.
The imposition of tariffs could help the domestic industry compete and maintain market share, but could also raise concerns about rising input costs in sectors like construction and manufacturing.
Trade Policy Implications:
The surge in imports has reignited discussions about India’s trade policy with China, especially given the geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
The government will need to strike a balance between protecting domestic industries and ensuring that tariffs do not lead to retaliatory actions from China or affect India’s export competitiveness.
Importance for UPSC:
Economy and Trade Policy: The issue of steel imports highlights the complexities of trade policy and the challenges of managing relations with a dominant global exporter like China (GS Paper III).
Industrial Policy: The role of tariffs in protecting domestic industries is key to understanding the broader industrial strategy of the government.
Prelims Questions
What is the term used to describe the practice of selling goods below market price in a foreign country?
(a) Dumping
(b) Subsidising
(c) Predatory pricing
(d) Inflationary pricing
Which country is the largest exporter of steel to India?
(a) United States
(b) China
(c) Russia
(d) Japan
Mains Question
GS Paper III: "Discuss the impact of rising Chinese steel imports on India’s domestic steel industry. What steps can the government take to protect the industry without harming trade relations?"
12. India Elected to GLOBE Network Steering Committee in Beijing
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations, Global Cooperation, Environment)
Context:
India has been elected to the Steering Committee of the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Network, an international program that involves environmental monitoring and data sharing.
Detailed Analysis:
About GLOBE:
The GLOBE Program is an international science and education program that brings together students, teachers, scientists, and citizens to engage in collaborative environmental research.
It is aimed at promoting sustainable practices, enhancing environmental literacy, and providing a platform for international data sharing on environmental challenges like climate change.
India’s Role:
India’s election to the GLOBE Steering Committee highlights its growing role in global environmental governance.
By participating in GLOBE, India can contribute to global efforts in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution through data-driven research and collaborative initiatives.
Global Cooperation on Environment:
Environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution require global cooperation, and India’s involvement in programs like GLOBE strengthens its position as a responsible environmental stakeholder.
India can leverage its experience with initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) to play a more significant role in global environmental policymaking.
Importance for UPSC:
Environment and Global Governance: India’s participation in international environmental initiatives is essential for understanding its approach to global challenges (GS Paper II).
Climate Change: The GLOBE program aligns with India’s commitments to addressing climate change, including its NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
Prelims Questions
The GLOBE Program is related to which of the following areas?
(a) Climate Change
(b) Environmental Education
(c) Global Trade
(d) Disaster Management
Which of the following countries hosts the GLOBE Steering Committee?
(a) United States
(b) India
(c) China
(d) Russia
Mains Question
GS Paper II: "Discuss India’s role in global environmental governance. How does India’s election to the GLOBE Network Steering Committee contribute to its environmental diplomacy?"
13. Assam to Prepare Road Map on Assam Accord by October 25
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (Polity, Governance, National Movements, Assam Accord)
Context:
The Assam government has set a deadline of October 25 to prepare a road map on the implementation of the Assam Accord. This development comes amidst ongoing concerns about illegal immigration and the political implications of the accord, signed in 1985.
Detailed Analysis:
The Assam Accord:
The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 between the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement to resolve the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh into Assam.
The key provisions include the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants, ensuring political and economic rights to indigenous Assamese, and safeguarding their cultural identity.
Current Situation:
The implementation of the Assam Accord has been a contentious issue, with frequent political disputes over its execution, especially concerning the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and providing safeguards for the indigenous population.
The Assam government’s deadline for preparing a road map indicates renewed efforts to address pending issues related to illegal immigration and the protection of Assamese identity.
Political and Social Implications:
Assam’s demographic and socio-political landscape has been influenced significantly by illegal immigration, leading to tensions between different ethnic and religious communities.
The successful implementation of the Assam Accord is crucial for ensuring peace, stability, and development in the northeastern region.
NRC and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA):
The issue of citizenship, particularly through the NRC, has been a subject of national debate, especially after the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in 2019.
The intersection between the NRC and CAA poses unique challenges for Assam, given the state’s sensitivity to illegal immigration and demographic changes.
Importance for UPSC:
Polity and Governance: The Assam Accord is a significant topic in the context of federalism, the role of state governments in addressing regional concerns, and national security issues (GS Paper II).
National Movements: It also relates to the historical Assam Movement, providing context for regional autonomy and identity politics in India.
Prelims Questions
The Assam Accord was signed in which year?
(a) 1982
(b) 1985
(c) 1990
(d) 1995
The Assam Accord primarily deals with the issue of:
(a) Water-sharing disputes
(b) Illegal immigration
(c) Border disputes with Nagaland
(d) Land reforms
Mains Question
GS Paper II: "Discuss the historical context and significance of the Assam Accord of 1985. What challenges exist in its implementation today, and how does it relate to the NRC and CAA debates?"
14. Government Extends AFSPA in Parts of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (Internal Security, AFSPA, Federalism, Role of Armed Forces)
Context:
The Government of India has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in certain regions of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, citing security concerns due to insurgent activities in the northeastern region.
Detailed Analysis:
What is AFSPA?
AFSPA is a special law that grants the armed forces the authority to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.” The act provides military personnel with the power to use force, conduct searches without warrants, and arrest individuals suspected of insurgency or militant activity.
The act was first enacted in 1958 to address insurgency in the northeastern region, particularly in Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, and later in Jammu & Kashmir.
Current Extension:
The extension of AFSPA in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh highlights the continued presence of insurgent groups in the region, posing a threat to peace and security.
The decision to extend the act has raised concerns among human rights groups who argue that AFSPA leads to violations of civil liberties.
Insurgency in the Northeast:
Several insurgent groups, including the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) factions, remain active in the northeastern states, leading to violent clashes with security forces.
The extension of AFSPA is seen as necessary to allow the armed forces to operate in these disturbed areas with greater authority, but it has been a controversial issue due to its impact on civil liberties and human rights.
Impact on Peace Talks:
AFSPA has been extended even as the central government continues peace talks with insurgent groups like the NSCN (IM). The act’s extension may complicate ongoing negotiations for a permanent peace settlement in the region.
The issue of AFSPA is frequently raised in demands for greater autonomy and statehood in the Northeast, making it a focal point in the broader debate about federalism and regional governance.
Importance for UPSC:
Internal Security: Understanding AFSPA is crucial for questions related to insurgency management, internal security challenges, and the role of the armed forces in maintaining law and order (GS Paper III).
Human Rights vs. Security: AFSPA raises significant questions about the balance between security and civil liberties, making it a relevant topic for essay writing and Mains (GS Paper II).
Prelims Questions
Which of the following states is not covered by the AFSPA?
(a) Nagaland
(b) Manipur
(c) Arunachal Pradesh
(d) West Bengal
AFSPA grants special powers to which of the following entities?
(a) Armed Forces
(b) State Police
(c) Judiciary
(d) Central Bureau of Investigation
Mains Question
GS Paper II/III: "Examine the implications of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) on India’s internal security. Discuss the human rights concerns associated with its implementation in the Northeast and how these can be addressed."
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