UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 January 2024

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: India’s freedom struggle

Source: IE

Context: Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) emerged as a pivotal force in India’s quest for independence during World War II.

What was INA?

The INA (a military organization) was established to encourage the growth of armed Indian nationalism. It was also conceived to undermine the British Indian Army and finally work to secure the Independence of India.

Initially founded by Mohan Singh and later led by Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA aimed to secure Indian independence from British rule and fought under the command of the Japanese military in Southeast Asia. The first INA, formed in 1942, collapsed due to disagreements with the Japanese military and was later revived under Bose’s leadership in 1943. Through a strategic public relations campaign, Bose garnered widespread support, expanding the INA’s strength to over 40,000 personnel.

INA activities:

1. The INA in a few months’ time had three fighting brigades named after Gandhi, Azad and Nehru. Soon other brigades were raised, namely the Subhash Brigade and the Rani Jhansi Brigade (an exclusive women’s force).
2. The most important operation the INA was a part of, was undoubtedly its operations in the Indian theatre in the Second World War. The Japanese were initially reluctant to take INA troops with them but Bose convinced them to take a small INA force which was used, much to the frustration of Bose, for secondary operations by the Japanese.

3. Creation of the provisional government – On October 21, 1943, Subhash Bose formed the Provisional Government for Free India in Singapore with H.C. Chatterjee (Finance portfolio), M.A. Aiyar (Broadcasting), Lakshmi Swaminathan (Women Department), etc.
   1. This provisional government declared war on Britain and the United States and was recognised by the Axis powers.
   2. Recruits were trained and funds were collected for the INA.
   3. The famous slogan—“Give me blood, I will give you freedom” was given in Malaya.
4. Battle of Kohima -,The Azad Hind Fauz crossed the Burma border and stood on Indian soil on March 18, 1944. The INA units subsequently advanced up to Kohima and Imphal
   1. The tricolour was hosted on Indian soil
   2. However, the INA failed to capture Imphal due to two reasons:
      1. The Japanese failed to supply the necessary material and air cover to the INA.
      2. The Monsoon prevented their advance.
   3. INA trials – The Indian National Army trials (also known as the INA trials and the Red Fort trials) was the British Indian trialby court-martial of a number of officers of the Indian National Army (INA) between November 1945 and May 1946, on various charges of treason, torture, murder and abetment to murder, during the Second World War.
      1. In November 1945, a British move to put the N.A. men on trial immediately sparked massive demonstrations all over the country.

Significance of INA:

 The INA had failed to achieve its goal, but it made a significant impact on the freedom struggle in the following ways

1. Awakening sense of nationalism – INA also generated patriotic feelings in the hearts of many national leaders and the masses and caused uprisings in Bombay and Calcutta. The Red Fort trials of INA members managed to unite masses of Indians against British rule.
2. Demonstration of communal unity – Thestruggles of the INA demonstrated that those who waged an armed struggle against the British were not at all affected by communal division. As, there were Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs in the INA who had fought as Indians
3. Empowerment of women – The actions ofthe Rani Jhansi Brigade, an exclusive women’s force, demonstrated the capabilities of Indian Women waging armed struggle against the British.
4. Fighting against injustice – It became clear to the British that, they could no longer dependon the loyalty of Indian Soldiers and treat them as mercenaries.
5. Igniting unity among various political groups – All the political groups came together to protect the prisoners of INA which showed the united political unity against British Rule.

 Conclusion

 Gandhiji addressing the INA officers said “Your objective, as I have been told, was only to free India, never to help the Japanese. You failed in your direct objective, i.e. to defeat the British. But you have the satisfaction that the whole Country has been roused into a new political consciousness and have begun to think in terms of Independence”. Thus Activities of INA did hasten the process of the British leaving India.

About Subhas Chandra Bose:

Insta Links:

• Azad Hind Fauj

GS Paper 4

Syllabus: Application of Ethics

Source: Multiple

Example 1: IAS Rajat Bansal (Development in Naxal Region)

In addressing the challenge of Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh, the district administration of Bastar launched Think-B, a start-up incubator, to encourage youth entrepreneurship. Led by IAS Rajat Bansal, the initiative aims to provide employment opportunities and tackle extremism through innovative, development-focused solutions.

Success: Think-B has mentored batches of entrepreneurs, resulting in successful startups like Zillusion Studios and Mom’s Food Services. The approach highlights the transformative power of good governance and development in addressing complex issues, even in remote naxal areas.

Example 2:  IAS Divya Iyer (Crowd Management)

In 2021-22, Sabarimala faced challenges during the Mandala season due to disruptions like protests and floods. Crowd management, crucial for safety, became a priority. IAS Divya Iyer and the Pathanamthitta district administration successfully conducted the yatra through strategic planning, including coordination with 52 departments, a Safety Walk, landslide hazard mapping, and implementing the Sabarimala Virtual Queue System with COVID protocols. In December 2023, Sabarimala implemented the Tirupati model of a queuing system.

Divya emphasizes the importance of disaster management, including prevention, mitigation, and education. She believes continuous learning is essential for civil servants facing diverse challenges daily.

Usage of examples: For Essays, Governance, and Ethics section of Mains examination as case studies and example-fodder for answers. Candidates will find it useful for framing replies in interviews/ personality tests.

GS Paper 4

Syllabus: Applications of Ethics

Source: HBL

Context: As AI, including generative AI like ChatGPT, becomes commercially widespread, concerns arise regarding its impact on the job market.

Studies suggest potential automation of 60-70% of employee tasks by current AI, with projections of 50% automation by 2045.

Ethical Aspects of AI’s Impact on Labour:

The evolving nature of AI prompts the need for a multidisciplinary approach in education, balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations. EU’s Harmonized rules on AI (ACI Act 2023), aim to address socio-economic benefits and potential risks. In the face of technological change, Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) play a crucial role in preparing a multi-skilled workforce for the future.

Insta Links:

• Can AI be Ethical and Moral?
• A new global standard for AI ethics

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: DTE

 Context: In India, invasive alien plant species are displacing native vegetation, posing a significant threat to wildlife by disrupting natural habitats and depleting essential food sources.

A study suggests that about 66% of the country’s natural systems are infested by 11 invasive species, compromising or threatening two-thirds of the available food for wild animals. The invasion is driven by human actions, including horticultural practices and land-use changes.

What is Artificial greening and plantations?

It refers to human-initiated efforts to introduce or promote specific vegetation in an area, often for ecological restoration, aesthetic purposes, or to address environmental issues. These practices involve planting selected plant species, typically non-native or commercially valuable ones, to modify or enhance the existing vegetation in a particular area.

While some experts view artificial greening as a way to ecological restoration, livelihood enhancement, Aesthetic Landscaping, Erosion Control, etc. But artificial greening if done with non-native species can have an irreversible impact on the overall ecological landscape.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: BS

 Context: During the fiscal year 2022-23, the share of direct taxes in India’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached a 15-year high of 6.11%.

What is the Direct Tax to GDP ratio?

The Direct Tax to GDP ratio is a financial metric that represents the percentage of a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) contributed by direct taxes. A higher ratio implies a larger share of tax revenue relative to the overall economic activity. It gives an estimate of a country’s ability to mobilise resources to fuel its development. Direct taxes contributed over 54% to the overall tax collection during FY23.

Other facts:

The Tax Buoyancy decreased from 2.52 to 1.18 compared to the previous year. Tax buoyancy measures the efficiency of tax collection in response to GDP growth. It signifies buoyancy when tax revenues increase more than proportionately with GDP growth, even if tax rates remain constant.

 In India, central-level direct taxes include personal and corporate income taxes under the Income Tax Act of 1961. However, India’s tax-to-GDP ratio is notably low, ranking much below countries like OECD members with an average tax-to-GDP ratio exceeding 30%. This is attributed to factors such as the dominance of the informal sector, tax evasion, and various exemptions and incentives.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

 Context: The Indian government aims to raise the share of scrap in steel production to 50% by 2047.

What is Scrap Steel?

Scrap steel refers to recycled steel derived from discarded or unused metal products, industrial waste, or end-of-life vehicles. It is processed and reused in steel production, contributing to sustainability by reducing the need for raw materials and minimizing environmental impact. Currently, scrap contributes around 30-35% of India’s overall steel production

Using scrap in steel production is considered less polluting, and it is expected to contribute to environmental sustainability. India’s steel sector accounts for 12% of India’s CO2 emissions. India currently ranks as the World’s 2nd Largest Producer of Crude Steel

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: BBC

 Context: A federal appeals court in Alabama has ruled that the state can carry out its first execution using nitrogen gas.

The process:

Execution by nitrogen gas involves the administration of pure nitrogen to the condemned person. The method typically includes placing a respirator-type face mask over the nose and mouth to replace breathable air with nitrogen, causing death from lack of oxygen.  The state predicts that the gas will cause the inmate to lose consciousness within seconds and death within minutes.

Critics argue that the untested method raises unknowns and potential risks, violating constitutional prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment.

About Nitrogen gas:

It is a colourless, odourless gas that makes up a significant portion of Earth’s atmosphere. It is inert and non-flammable, commonly used in various industrial applications, including food packaging and electronics manufacturing.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: BBC

 Context: Hermit crabs worldwide, known for using scavenged shells as armour, are increasingly turning to plastic waste instead, according to an ecological study using social media photos.

The research, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, revealed that two-thirds of hermit crab species were pictured using “artificial shells,” mainly discarded plastic caps.

Mapping:

Source: DTE

 Context: Efforts are being made to restore Lake Victoria. The lake faces environmental challenges that threaten the livelihoods of approximately 45 million people dependent on its resources.

Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, spans approximately 59,947 km² and is shared by Kenya (6%), Uganda (43%), and Tanzania (51%). Fed by rivers like Kagera, Katonga, Sio, Yala, Nyando, Sondu Miriu, and Mara, it contributes to the River Nile’s water. As one of the African Great Lakes, Lake Victoria holds significance as Africa’s largest lake by area, the world’s largest tropical lake, and the second-largest freshwater lake globally after Lake Superior in North America