Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for November 20, 2024. If you missed the November 19, 2024 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here

FRONT PAGE

Jaishankar, Wang discuss next steps: Resuming Man Sarovar Yatra, flights

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

What’s the ongoing story: A month after India and China agreed to disengage at two friction points along the Line of Actual Control leading to a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wangi Yi discussed the “next steps in India-China relations” that include “resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, data sharing on trans-border rivers, direct flights between India and China and media exchanges”.

Key Points to Ponder:

• The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a cultural initiative discussed in recent India-China diplomatic talks-True or False?

• The disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) includes three stages: disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction of troops-True or False?

• “India and China have both differences and convergences.” Discuss how these dynamics shape their cooperation in multilateral frameworks like BRICS, SCO, and G20.

• The disengagement process in areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is an important step in India-China relations. Explain the significance of disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction processes in maintaining peace and tranquillity.

• Examine India’s principled and independent foreign policy approach towards maintaining a multipolar world. How does this align with the recent discussions between India and China?

• Discuss the significance of initiatives like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in improving bilateral ties between India and China. How does cultural diplomacy complement traditional diplomatic mechanisms?

• As a policymaker, suggest a multi-pronged strategy to address border management issues while strengthening India-China cooperation in areas such as cultural diplomacy, trans-border water management, and multilateral institutions.

Key Takeaways:

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on the side-lines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro to discuss “next steps” in bilateral relations. The meeting focused on stabilizing ties, managing differences, and exploring areas of cooperation.

• India and China recently completed disengagement at two friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) — Depsang Plains and Demchok — paving the way for improved relations.

• Indian troops have resumed patrolling in these areas, marking significant progress in the three-step process of disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction of troops.

• Key issues discussed included: —Resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims. —Data sharing on trans-border rivers to address water management concerns. —Establishing direct flights between India and China to boost connectivity. —Media exchanges to promote better understanding and communication. —Both sides are planning to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with events in both countries.

• The October 21 agreement between India and China on patrolling arrangements at the LAC was a precursor to the recent developments. The agreement was instrumental in setting the stage for high-level discussions, including Modi and Xi’s meeting during the BRICS Summit.

Do You Know:

• The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory. India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km. It is divided into three sectors: the eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the western sector in Ladakh.

• The alignment of the LAC in the eastern sector is along the 1914 McMahon Line, and there are minor disputes about the positions on the ground as per the principle of the high Himalayan watershed. This pertains to India’s international boundary as well, but for certain areas such as Longju and Asaphila. The line in the middle sector is the least controversial but for the precise alignment to be followed in the Barahoti plains.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????Explained: In India-China border dispute, strategic significance of Hot Springs, Gogra Post

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

????‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC CSE GS2, 2017)

????With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. (UPSC CSE GS2, 2014)

THE CITY

What Is Cloud Seeding?

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental ecology

Main Examination: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

What’s the ongoing story: The Delhi government’s appeal to the Centre to permit cloud-seeding and induce artificial rain as a means to tackle the national capital’s ongoing air pollution crisis is misplaced, scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Management, Pune, said.

Key Points to Ponder:

• Discuss the role of artificial rain through cloud seeding in combating urban air pollution. Highlight its advantages and limitations in the Indian context. Where all has it been tried earlier?

• Discuss the feasibility of cloud seeding as a measure to tackle air pollution in Delhi. Why is it not a viable solution during Delhi’s winter?

• How successful is the cloud seeding technology?

• Evaluate the limitations of technological interventions like cloud seeding in controlling air pollution. Suggest alternative approaches for long-term air quality management.

• Should governments focus on temporary measures to provide relief from environmental crises or invest in long-term solutions? Discuss with reference to Delhi’s air pollution problem.

• Analyse the policy challenges associated with implementing cloud seeding as a solution for air pollution. Should governments invest in such technologies despite their uncertainties? Discuss.

• As a policymaker, design a comprehensive strategy to address Delhi’s air pollution. Your approach should balance immediate relief measures with long-term initiatives targeting the root causes of pollution.

Key Takeaways:

• The Delhi government has appealed to the central government to allow cloud seeding to induce artificial rain as a temporary solution to tackle the city’s severe air pollution crisis. Environment Minister Gopal Rai suggested that artificial rain could help settle airborne pollutants and improve visibility.

• Cloud seeding requires moisture-laden clouds, which are often absent during Delhi’s winter months. The dry and cloudless conditions in winter make artificial rain efforts ineffective.

• Winter weather in Delhi often involves temperature inversions, which trap pollutants near the surface and discourage cloud formation necessary for cloud seeding. Even if cloud seeding were possible, isolated rain would not be enough to address the vast scale of Delhi’s pollution crisis. Sustained and widespread rainfall, which is not feasible, would be required.

• The success of cloud seeding depends heavily on pre-existing weather conditions and precise execution. Artificial rain might temporarily wash away pollutants but would not address the root causes of emissions, meaning pollution levels would likely rebound quickly.

• The primary contributors to Delhi’s winter air pollution are: —Vehicular emissions —Stubble burning in nearby states —Industrial activities —Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from these sources significantly worsens air quality.

• Many Expert are saying that Artificial rain is not a practical or sustainable solution to Delhi’s pollution crisis. Addressing the root causes of pollution, such as emissions from vehicles, industries, and agricultural practices, is essential for long-term improvement.

Do You Know:

• Cloud seeding is a kind of a weather modification technology to create artificial rainfall. It works only when there is enough pre-existing clouds in the atmosphere. Rain happens when moisture in the air reaches levels at which it can no longer be held, and cloud seeding aims to facilitate and accelerate that process by making available chemical ‘nuclei’ around which condensation can take place. These ‘seeds’ of rain can be the iodides of silver or potassium, dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), or liquid propane. The seeds can be delivered by plane or simply by spraying from the ground.

• Cloud seeding is not new to India and it has earlier been attempted in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to address drought. Similar experiments of cloud seeding had earlier been tried in Australia, America, Spain and France. In United Arab Emirates, the cloud seeding technique led to creation of 52 storms in Abu Dhabi. Till last year, IMD had around 30 successful incidents of seeding. Also, such seeding is routine in Russia and other cold countries where the technique is used to disperse fog at the airports.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????Explained: How successful is cloud seeding technology

????In two weeks, Delhi govt plans to make it rain — artificially — to curb pollution levels

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

1. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere? (UPSC CSE 2019)

(a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions

(b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones

(c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth

(d) Reducing the global warming

GOVT & POLITICS

Defence to space, India & Italy announce 5-year action plan

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Main Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

What’s the ongoing story: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni announced a five-year strategic action plan outlining their vision for collaboration in a range of key sectors, including defence, trade, energy and space.

Key Points to Ponder:

• Outline the historical context of India-Italy relations.

• What is the total bilateral trade volume between India and Italy as of the latest data?

• What challenges have historically impacted defence ties between the two nations?

• How do India and Italy cooperate within multilateral forums like the G20, BRICS, and the United Nations?

• Discuss the significance of the India-Italy Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 in strengthening bilateral ties. What does it reveal about India’s growing global partnerships?

• Evaluate the role of international collaborations, such as the one between India and Italy, in advancing sustainable energy and technological innovation.

• Analyse the potential of expanding cooperation between the Italian Space Agency and ISRO in space exploration. How can such collaborations advance India’s space capabilities?

• Discuss the ethical implications of promoting legal migration and fair labour recruitment practices in international agreements. How does the India-Italy Action Plan address these concerns?

Key Takeaways:

• Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni announced a comprehensive five-year Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025-29) to enhance cooperation across diverse sectors, including defence, trade, energy, and space. This plan follows a series of high-level meetings between the two leaders, reflecting their commitment to deepening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership.

• Some of the key points in the Action Plan are: — Defence: Annual Joint Defence Consultative meetings and Joint Staff Talks to facilitate information sharing, visits, and training activities. Increased cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region to promote interoperability and strategic alignment. Strengthening public and private sector partnerships in defence technology. —Economic Cooperation: Promoting industrial partnerships, technological centres and mutual investment, also in automotive, semiconductors, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. —Connectivity: Enhancing collaboration in maritime and land infrastructure also in the framework of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. —Science & Innovation: Expanding cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, forging technology value chain partnerships in both countries in sectors such as telecom, artificial intelligence, and digitalization of services. —Space: Expanding cooperation between Italian Space Agency and ISRO to include projects of common interest in Earth observation, heliophysics and space exploration with emphasis on lunar science. —Migration and Mobility: Promote legal migration channels, as well as fair and transparent labour training and recruitment procedures. A pilot will cover training of health professionals in India and their subsequent employment in Italy. —Energy Transition: Strengthen the Global Biofuels Alliance and International Solar Alliance.

Do You Know:

• India and Italy are ancient civilisations with links going back 2,000 years. Italian port cities were important trading posts on the spice route. The Venetian merchant Marco Polo traveled to India in the 13th century and wrote about his experiences.

• In the last century, Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore visited Italy in May-June 1926, a visit arranged by Carlo Formichi, a Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Rome.

• Mahatma Gandhi visited Rome in December 1931 on his way back from the Round Table Conference in London. Leaders of the Indian freedom struggle read the works of the Italian revolutionary Mazzini.

• The bilateral ties faced a setback in 2012, when two Italian marines were accused of killing two Indian fishermen in February that year. The case blew up, with then Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi raising it in his poll campaign in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. With the trial pending, the two men were allowed to return to Italy. In 2015, the two countries took the case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in Hague. The PCA ordered Italy to pay compensation to India “for loss of life” and the cases were closed after Italy paid the agreed amount of Rs 100 million. Finally, the case was closed in 2021.

• In 2011-12, an investigation by the Italian attorney general’s office into alleged unethical dealings by the state-backed defence major Finmeccanica widened to include corruption in an over Rs 3,500-crore deal signed with India by the group’s subsidiary AgustaWestland.

• On March 2-3, 2023, PM Meloni paid a state visit to India following her election win in September 2022. This was the first high-level visit from Italy to India after a gap of 5 years. During the visit, Meloni and Modi held discussions on promoting green economy, energy security and transition, defence co-production and co-innovation, and the blue economy.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????India and Italy: Friends in a turbulent world

????India-Italy ties: How the ‘melodi’ came after setbacks, what is at stake

No help coming from Rio G20, COP29 gets down to resolving differences itself

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Main Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

What’s the ongoing story: The ‘positive signals’ it was desperately seeking from the G20 summit in Brazil nowhere to be found in the G20 leaders’ declaration that came out Tuesday morning, the COP29 climate meeting got down to resolving the critical differences on finance negotiations on its own.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is COP29, and why is it significant in global climate negotiations?

• What is the New Cumulative Quantitative Goal (NCQG) in the context of climate finance?

• What were the key takeaways on climate finance from the G20 declaration at the Rio de Janeiro Summit?

• Outline the history and significance of the $100 billion climate finance commitment.

• What role does the G20 play in addressing climate finance challenges?

• What are the key differences between developed and developing countries regarding climate finance commitments?

• Explain the concept of climate finance and its role in mitigating climate change.

• What are the primary sources of climate finance?

Key Takeaways:

• COP29 aims to finalize the New Cumulative Quantitative Goal (NCQG) to ensure larger financial flows for climate action, especially for developing countries.

• The G20 declaration in Rio de Janeiro lacked substantial contributions to resolve immediate climate finance issues. Reiterated the need to scale up climate finance “from billions to trillions” and committed to reforming the international financial system. Offered symbolic support, urging negotiators at COP29 not to leave without a successful NCQG outcome, but provided no clear mandates.

• UN Climate Change Chief Simon Stiell viewed the G20’s message as a positive signal, urging negotiators to turn political will into practical action. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev confirmed that a draft NCQG text would be ready soon, enabling further ministerial consultations and working sessions.

• Developing countries demand at least $1.3 trillion annually post-2025, compared to the $100 billion annual target set for 2020-2025. European Union informally discussed a commitment of $200–300 billion annually. No official figure has yet been agreed upon by developed nations, though expert assessments suggest tripling the $100 billion target.

• The Paris Agreement mandates a significant increase in climate finance beyond 2025 to match growing climate challenges. Efforts aim to make finance flows consistent with low-carbon development and sustainability goals. Scaling up finance remains crucial for enabling developing countries to transition to sustainable pathways and address climate vulnerabilities.

• G20 reaffirmed its commitment to: —Reforming the international financial system for better accessibility and affordability of climate finance. —Supporting public and private climate finance for developing countries. —Aligning international finance with sustainable development and poverty eradication.

• Negotiations continue in Baku with a focus on achieving a consensus on NCQG. A full draft of the NCQG text is expected to catalyse meaningful dialogue in the final stages of COP29.

Do You Know:

• The New Cumulative Quantitative Goal (NCQG) is a framework being developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to establish a new target for climate finance in the post-2025 period. It aims to replace the current goal of mobilizing $100 billion annually by developed countries to support developing nations in addressing climate change. The NCQG is being negotiated as part of the broader climate finance discussions under the Paris Agreement.

• Developing countries often complain of double-counting and innovative accounting, and say that the actual amount of money flowing in for climate action is significantly lower than the claims made by developed countries.

• The other complaint relates to the neglect of adaptation activities. Most of the climate finance flows are directed at mitigation projects, the ones that lead to emissions reductions. This is because mitigation brings global dividends. Any emission reduction anywhere in the world benefits the entire planet.

• On the other hand, adaptation has local benefits. Donor countries are less inclined to invest in projects that only benefit the recipients. Developing countries have been demanding that adaptation should receive at least 50% of climate finance, much more than the less than 20% that has gone into it so far. Even this amount has reduced in absolute terms in the last couple of years, according to a 2023 UN report. The finance agreement is supposed to ensure a more healthy balance.

• The most important element of the finance agreement, however, is a decision on the new quantum of climate finance, over and above the $100 billion figure. Several assessments have shown that the money required for climate action now runs into trillions of dollars every year. The revised amount — known as the New Cumulative Quantitative Goal on finance (NCQG) — must reflect this changed reality.

• Several developing countries, including India, have made formal proposals on the NCQG amount. The figures are mostly between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion annually — about 1.5% of the combined GDP of the OECD countries, most of which are part of the group that are obligated to provide climate finance. But countries, which failed to meet even the $100 billion targets can hardly be expected to agree to such a large amount. As a result, little progress has been made on working out the contours of the finance agreement.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????Break barriers to flow of finance, technology to Global South: India

????Rio omits fossil fuel phase-out mention, Baku feels the pinch

????How much should developed countries pay for climate action?

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: 2. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC CSE, 2016) a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals

EXPRESS NETWORK

SC questions delay in delimitation for north-eastern states

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

Main Examination: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

What’s the ongoing story: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought to know why the delimitation exercise for some of the north-eastern states was not being carried out, though the notification deferring it had been taken back by a presidential order in 2020.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is the purpose of the delimitation exercise in India, and why is it important for electoral representation?

• How does the process of delimitation contribute to ensuring equitable representation of all regions, especially in areas like the north-eastern states with diverse ethnic and linguistic populations?

• Examine the role of the President’s notification in deferring the delimitation exercise for the north-eastern states. What does the rescinding of this notification imply legally and constitutionally?

• What are the key reasons cited by the Supreme Court bench for questioning the delay in the delimitation exercise for states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland?

• The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for January 2025. What role does judicial review play in the effective implementation of electoral reforms? How does it balance constitutional mandates and practical challenges?

Key Takeaways:

• The Supreme Court raised questions about the lack of action on the delimitation exercise in some north-eastern states, despite the 2020 presidential order rescinding the previous notification deferring the exercise.

• The court emphasized that once the notification was rescinded, the delimitation process should have been set in motion.

• Justice Sanjay Kumar questioned the delay and urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps after the presidential order, asserting that it was a statutory mandate.

• Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna reiterated that the process should comply with the statutory mandate once the deferment notification was withdrawn.

• The court was informed that delimitation had already been carried out in Assam, though the status of other states remained unclear.

• The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing for January 2025, directing the Centre and the Election Commission to provide further updates on the progress of the delimitation exercise.

Do You Know:

• Delimitation is the act of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats to represent changes in population. In this process, the number of seats allocated to a state may also change. The objective is to provide equal representation for equal population segments, and a fair division of geographical areas, so that no political party has an advantage. The Delimitation Commission’s orders cannot be questioned before any court.

• Delimitation is done on the basis of the preceding Census. The first such exercise in 1950-51 was carried out by the President, with the help of the Election Commission. Following the Delimitation Commission Act in 1952, all such exercises have been conducted by Delimitation Commissions — set up in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.

• There was no delimitation after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses. This was a fallout of the provision that the ratio between the number of Lok Sabha seats in a state and the population of the state is, as far as practicable, the same for all states. Although unintended, this meant that states that took little interest in population control could end up with more seats in Parliament, while the southern states that promoted family planning could end up with fewer seats. Amid these concerns, the Constitution was amended in 1976 to suspend delimitation until 2001.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????Explained: Why questions have been raised about the move for delimitation in the Northeast

THE EDITORIAL PAGE

The AQI we choose

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Main Examination: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

What’s the ongoing story: Gufran Beig Writes: The air we breathe is a choice we make as a society at the expense of our health and that of young children. India’s guidelines for converting mass concentration of pollutants to the AQI figures are based on its own “breakpoint”, which are far less stringent than the WHO-prescribed guidelines

Key Points to Ponder:

• Discuss the relationship between air quality and climate change in India, with a focus on the recent severe air pollution episodes in northern India.

• Analyze the key scientific factors contributing to the severe air pollution in northern India, particularly in New Delhi, as discussed in the article.

• What are “airsheds” and why is it important to consider them while formulating strategies to combat air pollution, as opposed to political or regional boundaries?

• Explain the role of La Niña in affecting air quality in India, based on the author’s observations. How does it influence wind circulation during winter?

• Evaluate the limitations of India’s current Air Quality Index (AQI) system in terms of its ability to reflect the true severity of air pollution, as highlighted in the article.

• The author suggests a multidisciplinary, multisectoral approach to tackle air pollution. Discuss the importance of integrating air quality and climate factors in formulating sustainable policy solutions.

Key Takeaways:

• The Author of this article emphasizes the importance of developing a long-term, science-based approach to combat air pollution, which should consider “airsheds” (the natural boundaries of air pollution flow) rather than political boundaries. This would ensure more effective strategies for sustainable air quality management.

• Despite an initial period of relatively cleaner air, northern India, especially Delhi, experienced a severe pollution crisis in mid-November 2023. The air quality index (AQI) reached alarming levels (PM2.5 concentrations crossed 500 µg/m³), with smog engulfing the city. —This pollution spike surprised experts and failed to be predicted by most forecasting models, suggesting that the crisis may involve factors beyond the typical sources, such as stubble burning.

• Two key points were highlighted to explain the severe pollution: —If favourable weather conditions allow pollution from neighbouring states (like Punjab and Haryana) to travel, even relatively few fires can significantly worsen air quality, especially if the air is stagnant and does not disperse. —A thick layer of polluted air at 500m above the surface, caused by temperature inversions and reduced wind speeds, descends at night and worsens pollution levels

• The Author of this article points out that while models and predictions failed to account for the sudden rise in pollution, further research is needed to integrate multiple factors such as external pollution sources and local emissions. —It also discusses the role of La Niña in wind patterns and air quality, noting that La Niña’s absence in its expected form this year might have influenced pollution levels.

• There is significant confusion in the AQI readings, as private agencies reported levels above 1,000-1,500, while the official figures capped the AQI at 500. This discrepancy arises due to India’s AQI guidelines, which are based on national data and thresholds that are less stringent than the WHO guidelines.

• The Author calls for greater transparency in AQI reporting and standardization to avoid confusion and accurately reflect the severity of air quality issues.

• The Author argues that air quality strategies should be integrated with climate considerations to provide a holistic solution to pollution. This integration is crucial for creating health-centric policies and strategies that prioritize public well-being.

Do You Know:

• During October to January, northern Indian cities, particularly Delhi, experience very high concentrations of PM2.5. A variety of meteorological factors — temperature, moisture, heaviness in air, wind speed and direction — play a role in trapping pollutants in the lower levels of the atmosphere. These factors are also responsible for transporting pollutants from other regions, particularly those generated by agriculture waste burning in Punjab and Haryana, to Delhi and adjoining areas. The western and southern parts of the country have always had relatively lower levels of pollution, because of their proximity to oceans.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????APATHY IN THE AIR

ECONOMY

Meta ‘disagrees’ with CCI fine over WhatsApp privacy policy, will appeal it

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

Main Examination: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

What’s the ongoing story: A day after being fined by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Meta said it “disagrees” with the body’s decision over WhatsApp’s controversial 2021 privacy policy update and plans to appeal it.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is the WhatsApp-CCI dispute?

• What is the role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in India?

• Competition Commission of India (CCI)-Statutory Body or Constitutional Body?

• What was WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update?

• How has WhatsApp defended the policy?

• Discuss the significance of the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) penalty on Meta for WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update. How does this decision align with user rights and competition principles in India?

• “The 2021 WhatsApp privacy policy update exemplifies the tension between user data privacy and corporate interests.” Critically analyse this statement in light of the CCI’s findings and global practices in data regulation.

• You are a member of a committee tasked with drafting guidelines for regulating data-sharing practices of dominant tech platforms like WhatsApp in India. Highlight the key principles that should guide the formulation of these guidelines, keeping in mind competition, user rights, and innovation.

• Composition of Competition Commission of India (CCI)-Members and their Appointment

• Landmark Judgements of Competition Commission of India (CCI)

Key Takeaways:

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a ₹213.14 crore fine on Meta for “abusing” its dominant position through WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update. —The CCI found that the policy’s mandatory nature and expanded data-sharing scope violated the Competition Act by imposing unfair conditions and creating barriers for competitors.

• Meta stated that the 2021 update was optional and did not alter the privacy of personal messages, focusing instead on introducing business features. Meta plans to appeal the CCI’s decision, emphasizing WhatsApp’s role in supporting small businesses and governments in India.

• The CCI directed WhatsApp to: —Cease sharing user data with Meta companies for non-messaging purposes for five years. —Provide detailed explanations in its privacy policy about what user data is shared and why. —Data sharing cannot be a condition for users to access WhatsApp’s services in India.

• The CCI ruled that Meta leveraged WhatsApp’s dominant position in messaging apps to strengthen its online display advertising market. Sharing user data with Meta companies creates entry barriers for competitors and denies market access.

• In January 2021, WhatsApp introduced a mandatory privacy policy update, expanding data sharing between Meta companies. Users in India had no option to opt out, unlike users in the European Union, protected by stronger data privacy laws. The update led to public outrage, prompting many users to switch to rival apps like Signal and Telegram.

• Since Meta’s acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014, privacy concerns have persisted. A 2016 policy allowed limited data sharing with Facebook, but users had the option to opt out within 30 days, which was removed in the 2021 update. WhatsApp’s metadata, while not end-to-end encrypted, can still reveal sensitive information about users.

• Europe’s GDPR mandates that WhatsApp provide users with an opt-out option for data sharing, unlike India where no such provision exists. Meta has previously faced scrutiny and fines in Europe over misleading information regarding WhatsApp’s privacy commitments.

Do You Know:

• India’s antitrust watchdog has fined Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Rs 213.14 crore for “abusing” its dominant position in relation to the messaging platform’s controversial 2021 update to its privacy policy. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said the penalty follows over how the privacy policy was implemented, and user data was collected and shared with other Meta companies.

• The Commission also issued cease-and-desist directions and directed Meta and WhatsApp to implement certain behavioural remedies within a defined timeline. As per the CCI’s order, WhatsApp will not be allowed to share user data collected on its platform with other Meta Companies for advertising purposes, for a period of five years.

• In January 2021, WhatsApp had notified users that it was updating its privacy policy – which was mandatory for them to accept – with an expanded scope of data collection and data sharing between Meta companies. While users in India could not opt-out of the updated policy, WhatsApp’s users in the European Union could due to the bloc’s strong data privacy laws. The CCI said it has concluded that the policy update on a “take-it-or-leave-it” basis “constitutes an imposition of unfair conditions” under the Competition Act.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????No innocuous investigation: Meta on Whatsapp Privacy policy probe by CCI

????CCI slaps Rs 213 crore fine on Meta over WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update

EXPLAINED

The China emissions paradox

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Main Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

What’s the ongoing story: Despite being the world’s second largest economy, China is considered a “developing” country by the United Nations, and is not mandated by the international climate change architecture to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in the short term.

Key Points to Ponder:

• “China’s role in global emissions presents a Catch-22 for international climate targets.” Discuss this paradox with reference to China’s emission reduction responsibilities and its dominance in renewable energy manufacturing.

• Examine the implications of China’s continued dependence on fossil fuels despite its significant progress in renewable energy deployment. Suggest measures to ensure a balanced energy transition.

• Discuss the concept of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR) under international climate agreements. How has this principle shaped China’s approach to climate action?

• With China contributing nearly one-third of global emissions, achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius target of the Paris Agreement appears challenging. Propose realistic strategies to ensure China’s cooperation in global emission reductions.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite being the world’s second-largest economy and the largest emitter of greenhouse gases (accounting for over 30% of global emissions), China is considered a “developing” country under the United Nations framework. This status exempts China from mandatory short-term emission reductions, a significant challenge for achieving global climate targets.

• Global targets require a 43% reduction in emissions from 2019 levels by 2030, but current projections show only a 2% decline.

• According to Climate Action Tracker, China would need to reduce emissions by 66% by 2030 and 78% by 2035 to align with the 1.5°C goal under the Paris Agreement.

• Rapid emission cuts in China could negatively impact global renewable energy transitions because China dominates the production of clean energy technologies: —Solar panels: Over 80% of global manufacturing. —Wind turbines: About 60% of global production. —Other technologies: Batteries, hydrogen electrolysers, and critical minerals essential for energy transition.

• Despite significant renewable energy additions (e.g., over 300 GW in 2022), renewables still contribute less than 10% to China’s primary energy mix. Coal remains the dominant energy source, generating over half of China’s electricity.

• China leads in renewable energy deployment, likely achieving its target of 1,200 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2023 — six years ahead of schedule. It’s cheap production of solar and wind equipment has made renewables affordable worldwide, with solar power becoming the cheapest energy source in many regions.

Do You Know:

• In a first-of-its-kind assessment of emissions reductions required from China, a new analysis has found that the world’s largest emitter must reduce its emissions by at least 66 per cent from current levels for the world to remain on track to meet the 1.5 degree Celsius climate objective in 2030.

• The analysis, by Carbon Action Tracker (CAT), an independent scientific project, essentially means that the 1.5 degree Celsius target would be missed if China did not cut down its emissions by more than half in a span of just six years, an extremely improbable event.

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????In 6 years, China must reduce carbon emissions by at least 66%: Study

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: 3. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2014) 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017. 2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 4. Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the (UPSC CSE, 2020) (a) long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emissions in a given year. (b) requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels. (c) efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place. (d) contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.

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