UPSC Key | Integrated theatre commands, personality rights, windfall gain and more (2024)

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Explained

Integrated theatre commands

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

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Mains Examination: GS-II, III: Government Policies & Interventions, Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their Mandate, Security Challenges & their Management in Border Areas

What’s the ongoing story- The Indian Armed Forces have been finetuning the final draft for the creation of integrated theatre commands. The ambitious defence reform is aimed at integrating the three defence services — the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) — to operate jointly in specific adversary-based theatres with defined military goals during a limited conflict or war.

Prerequisites:

— What is the purpose of creating the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)?

— What is military theatre command?

— What is the ongoing plan for integrated theatre command?

Key takeaways:

— The government had set the ball rolling on the reform in 2019 by creating the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and setting up the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to oversee the transition.

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— Over the last five years, multiple drafts have been prepared to zero in on the best possible model for India’s theatre commands. The government is yet to give its final approval on the implementation of the plan.

— Theaterisation would entail putting specific units of personnel from all the three services under a single theatre commander so that they fight jointly as a single unit in a war, or conflict, rationalising the manpower and resources of individual services in the process.

For Your Information:

Where India and the world stand on theatre commands.

— Currently, the Army and the IAF have seven commands each, while the Navy has three. In addition, there are two tri-service commands — the Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). There is also the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQIDS).

— Post the creation of the theatre commands, three command headquarters of the services are likely to be transformed into theatre command headquarters.

Points to Ponder:

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— What is the current situation of the Indian defence system?

— What is the Kargil Review Committee?

— What is the need for integrated theatre command?

— What are the concerns related to it?

Post Read Question:

Which of the following committees recommended the creation of the Chief of Defense?

(a) Kasturirangan Committee

(b) Janakiramanan Committee

(d) Shekatkar committee

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

Armed Forces’ integrated commands structure plan looks at Vice CDS, Dy CDS with clear roles

Johansson, OpenAI, and the question of personality rights

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

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Mains Examination: GS-III: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

What’s the ongoing story- Hollywood actor Scarlett Johansson has expressed “shock” and “anger” over hearing the voice for GPT-4o, OpenAI’s latest AI model, which she has said sounds “eerily similar” to her own voice.

Prerequisites:

— What is artificial intelligence (AI)?

— What is GPT-4o?

— What is copyright?

— What is a Large Language Model (LLM)?

Key takeaways:

— In a statement issued this week, she accused OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT, of using her voice despite her earlier declining licensing requests from company CEO Sam Altman.

— OpenAI unveiled its latest AI model called GPT-4o last week, saying it would improve on the existing features of ChatGPT. One such feature, named Voice Mode, lets users have voice conversations with the AI chatbot, and lets them choose from five kinds of voices.

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— In India, actors such as Rajinikanth, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff have approached the courts over “personality rights”.

— Personality rights or publicity rights are a subset of “celebrity rights” claimed by celebrities. The name, voice, signature, images, or any other feature easily identified by the public as markers of a celebrity’s personality lie at the heart of personality rights. These could include poses, mannerisms, or any other distinct aspect of their public persona.

— On May 15, the Delhi High Court protected the personality and publicity rights of Jackie Shroff while restraining various e-commerce stores, AI chatbots, etc. from misusing the actor’s name, image, voice, and likeness without his consent.

— Personality rights or their protection are not defined in Indian law, and are usually seen under the rights to privacy and property.

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— Concepts in intellectual property rights cases, such as ‘passing off’ and ‘deception’, are usually applied in such cases while ascertaining if protection is warranted.

Points to Ponder:

Editorial

A windfall gain

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economy

Mains Examination: GS-III: Banking and Economy

What’s the ongoing story- On Wednesday, the central board of the Reserve Bank of India approved the transfer of Rs 2.1 lakh crore as surplus to the central government. This is a fiscal bonanza for the Centre as it is considerably higher than what was factored in earlier — in the interim Union budget 2024-25, the government had estimated the dividend/surplus of RBI, nationalised banks, and financial institutions at Rs 1.02 lakh crore.

Prerequisites:

— What is a contingency risk buffer?

— What is windfall gain?

— What is a bond yield?

— What do you understand by ‘lender of last resort’?

— What was the purpose of the Bimal Jalan committee?

Key takeaways:

— Alongside, the central board has also decided to increase the contingency risk buffer to 6.5 percent of the central bank’s balance sheet in 2023-24, up from 6 percent in 2022-23. — This buffer is meant for a “rainy day”, a financial stability crisis, and is maintained by the central bank, considering “its role as lender of last resort”.

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— Both the surplus and the buffer have been determined on the basis of the economic capital framework, as recommended by the expert committee headed by former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan.

— In the Union budget 2021-22, the government, while announcing the deficit of 9.5 percent of GDP for 2020-21, had declared its intent to bring it down to below 4.5 percent by 2025-26.

— The center’s capex to GDP ratio has edged upwards from 2.5 percent of GDP in 2021-22 to 3.23 percent in 2023-24, and further to 3.4 percent in 2024-25 (interim budget), improving the quality of its spending. The next government must continue down this path.

For Your Information:

— The RBI normally pays the dividend from the surplus income it earns on investments and valuation changes on its dollar holdings and the fees it gets from printing currency, among others. The rupee’s depreciation against the dollar also weighs on the surplus transfer.

— In the past, the issue of the ideal size of the Reserve Bank of India reserves was examined by three committees — V Subrahmanyam in 1997, Usha Thorat in 2004, and Y H Malegam in 2013.

Points to Ponder:

— What is the significance of disinvestment in economic development?

— What is the need for a contingency risk buffer?

— What is the Economic Capital Framework?

— What is the issue of transfer of surplus or profit of the RBI to the government?

— Why capital expenditure by a government is given so much importance?

Post Read Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. The Economic Capital Framework provides a methodology for determining the appropriate level of market restructuring that the central government needs to do.

2. Bimal Jalan Committee was constituted to review the current economic framework in 2018.

Which of the following is/are the correct options?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

RBI’s record dividend of Rs 2.1 lakh crore to govt can help trim deficit

Model Code and Context

UPSC Syllabus:

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

Mains Examination: GS-II, Constitution, Polity

What’s the ongoing story- Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavaska writes:

“Its (Election Commission) primary responsibility is to enable us to exercise our democratic right to choose a government. The ECI is expected to provide a level playing field so that the candidates, political parties and their campaigners do not exercise undue influence on voters by excessive use of money and muscle power or by their mendacity.”

Prerequisites:

— What is a Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?

— What is Section 125 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 (RPA)?

— What is Section 123 (3&3A) of the Indian Penal Code?

Key takeaways:

— “The ECI describes the MCC as the “singular contribution by political parties to the cause of democracy in India.” Having contributed to making a model code, should not the political parties and their leaders demonstrate model conduct in what they say and mean? Some feel that the coarseness of the language used by some political leaders uncovers their ignoble intent, while others think that this sparring is merely a part of the political jousting.”

— “Some people also wonder, why it is a “model” and not a “moral” code. Morality, as we all know, is often amorphous. It has more to do with intent than impact. That’s why Immanuel Kant said “In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.”

— “The core of Kant’s assertion informs the spirit of the MCC. The Code states: “No party or candidate shall include in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatre…” and that “there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes.”

— “It is listed as a “corrupt practice” and “electoral offence” in the Indian Penal Code under Section 123 (3&3A) and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.”

— “There are loopholes in the MCC. This is what might make law enforcement seem like “Dor ko suljhā rahā hai aur sirā miltā nahīñ” (to use Akbar Allahbadi words) — trying to untangle the thread but not finding the end.”

— “For us, the Mahabharata story has a message: Rethink MCC and reboot our conscience. Elections are necessary in a democracy. It should not lead to people and their leaders losing their moral ballast. That could cause damage that extends beyond the periodic exercise of political choice.”

For Your Information:

— The MCC of ECI is a set of guidelines issued to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections. The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, the content of election manifestos, processions, and general conduct, so that free and fair elections are conducted.

— Kerala was the first state to adopt a code of conduct for elections. In 1960, ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, the administration prepared a draft code that covered important aspects of electioneering such as processions, political rallies, and speeches.

Points to Ponder:

— What is the statutory status of MCC?

— What are the issues associated with the MCC?

— Recommendation of various committees on the implementation of MCC

— Role of the Election Commission in the implementation of MCC

(Thought process: Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms, recommendation of law commission, significance of Chief Election Officer in strict implementation of MCC like T.N. Seshan)

Post Read Question:

Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2021)

1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies.

2. In 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies.

3. As per the existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 2 and 3

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

Decode Politics: Key to free and fair polls, how Model Code of Conduct evolved over decades

Explained: Model Code of Conduct comes into effect; here’s what that means

Express Network

‘Severe’ cyclone headed for Bengal by May 26: IMD

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

Mains Examination: GS-I: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

What’s the ongoing story- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that a cyclone is likely to develop in the Bay of Bengal and head towards West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Prerequisites:

— What is the difference between Tropical and Temperate cyclones?

— How are cyclones categorised?

— How are cyclones named in the world?

Key takeaways:

— This will be the first cyclone to form in 2024 in the North Indian Ocean basin. When the prevailing system intensifies into the cyclonic storm category, it will be identified as Cyclone Remal, a name proposed by Oman.

— This will be for the fifth consecutive year when cyclones developed in the Bay of Bengal in May during the pre-monsoon phase. The storms were Amphan (2020), Yaas (2021), Asani (2022) and Mocha (2023), whereas Nisarga (2020) and Tauktae (2021) developed in the Arabian Sea.

For Your Information:

— A cyclone is a large-scale system of air that rotates around the centre of a low-pressure area. It is usually accompanied by violent storms and bad weather. As per NDMA, a cyclone is characterised by inward spiralling winds that rotate anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Points to Ponder:

— What are the Stages of Formation of Cyclones?

— What is the role of IMD?

— India’s preparedness for Cyclone

Post Read Question:

Prelims

Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020)

1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.

3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Mains

Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Gulf of Mexico. Why? (UPSC CSE 2014)

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

What is a cyclone and what are its types

Navy does away with ship terms ‘Jackstaff’ and ‘Jack’, replaces with National Flag Staff, National Flag

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: GS-III: Internal security

What’s the ongoing story- Doing away with yet another colonial vestige, the Navy has changed names of ‘Jackstaff’ and ‘Jack’ on board ships to ‘National Flag Staff’ and ‘National Flag’.

Prerequisites:

— What is naval ensign?

— What do ‘Jack’ and ‘Jackstaff’ mean for the Navy?

— What is the Saint George’s Cross?

Key takeaways:

— ‘Jack’ refers to a flag in naval parlance, usually the national flag, and ‘Jackstaff’ is a short pole on the bow of a ship from which it is flown. Both terms have their origins in British naval traditions.

— The Regulations for the Navy (Ceremonial, Conditions and Service and Miscellaneous Regulation) 1963 has been amended by the central government using its powers under the Naval Act 1957. The amendment was notified in the Gazette of India on May 22.

— The move comes on the heels of a change in naval ensign which was effected in September 2022 and new badges of ranks of Admiral ranked officers, which came into effect in December 2023. Both changes were made to do away with the British colonial legacy.

— In September 2023, in a move to distance itself from the colonial past, the Indian Navy adopted a new naval ensign or a naval flag doing away with the British-inspired George’s Cross.

For Your Information:

— In a bid to do away with the “colonial past”, the Saint George’s Cross has been removed from the Indian Navy’s new flag. Instead, it now features the national emblem with the Tricolour on the upper canton (top left corner of flag). The national emblem is encompassed by an octagonal shield and sits atop an anchor. Beneath it is the Navy’s motto ‘Sam No Varunah’.

— The golden border surrounding the national emblem draws inspiration from the seal of Indian emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and depicts steadfastness. The octagonal shape of the national emblem has been designed to represent eight directions, symbolising the multi-directional reach and multi-dimensional operational capability of the Indian Navy.

Points to Ponder:

— What is the significance of Shedding the Vestiges of the Colonial Past?

Post Read Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. The Indian Navy’s new ensign (flag) was changed for the first time in 2022.

2. The navy has changed the name of ‘jackstaff’ to ‘national flagstaff’.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

Indian Navy’s new ensign unveiled: how it looks, what it means

Economy

Shuffling of trade negotiators: Govt looks to retain institutional memory

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development

Mains Examination: GS-III: Economy

What’s the ongoing story- Faced with tough negotiators from the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU), the Commerce and Industry Ministry has started looking at ways to strengthen India’s negotiating capabilities. Among other things, this exercise is likely to focus on plugging loopholes that emanate due to the loss of institutional memory on account of the routine transfer of key civil servants steering extended trade negotiations.

Prerequisites:

— What are Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)?

— What are Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)?

— What is the Eurasian Economic Union (EU)?

— What is a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)?

Key takeaways:

— Among the multiple steps under consideration, the Ministry is working on preparing a set of fresh standard operating procedures (SOP) on streamlining trade talks.

— India is facing a systemic problem when it comes to negotiations amid fast-changing contours of trade talks that go beyond traditional areas such as tariffs concessions to labour and environment.

— Experts pointed out that the country’s negotiating strategy cannot rely on transferable generalist civil servants and could need a separate service to handle trade negotiations.

— Due to the lack of permanent institutional structure and efficient file-keeping of negotiations held earlier, India’s bilateral and multilateral talks fall short while facing subject matter experts, especially from developed nations who tend to deploy considerably larger teams of negotiators and researchers with decades of experience.

— India is currently in talks with the UK, EU, Oman, and Australia to sign FTAs and with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to review the trade deal signed in 2009.

— India had earlier decided to exit from the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal after years of negotiations.

— According to experts, as new officers join the table with little knowledge on what was negotiated before, India loses out on institutional memory-wise. Experts suggest detailed reporting and periodically informing the parliament and cabinet about the negotiations.

— Abhijit Das, who has extensive experience of directly negotiating at the World Trade Organization says that India need not look at other countries to revive good practices in trade negotiations.

— India is currently negotiating with Australia to broaden the base of the trade deal.

For Your Information:

— India signed a trade agreement with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on March 10, 2024, an intergovernmental grouping of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The deal brings in $100 billion in investment over 15 years, with the EFTA looking at joint ventures that will help India diversify imports away from China.

Points to Ponder:

— What is the need of an expert in handling trade negotiations with other countries?

— What is the significance of FTAs?

— What is the importance of the India-UK FTA?

— What are the concerns about India’s foreign trade policy?

Post Read Question:

Consider the following countries:

1. EU

2. UK

3. Iceland

4. Japan

With how many of the above countries, India has signed a free trade agreement as on April 2024?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) All four

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

India, UK reaffirm FTA commitment at Strategic Dialogue

Yellen wants G7 ‘wall of opposition’ to China’s excess industrial capacity

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economy

Mains Examination: GS-III: Economy

What’s the ongoing story- U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Thursday that she wants market-driven countries to present a “wall of opposition” to China over its state-driven industrial policies, a key issue she is pushing at a G7 finance meeting this week.

Prerequisites:

— What is G7?

— What are the issues with cheap exports from China?

Key takeaways:

— Yellen also told a news conference that she is looking for “general agreement on the concept” from G7 finance ministers and central bank governors on a plan to bring forward the earnings from some $300 billion in frozen Russian assets that could provide Ukraine with significant financial support beyond 2025.

— Yellen said that many countries beyond the G7 advanced industrial democracies were concerned about China’s overinvestment in electric vehicles, solar products, semiconductors, steel, and other strategic industries, including Mexico, India, and South Africa.

— Without changes in Chinese policy, including a shift from increasing production to boosting domestic demand, Yellen said market-driven economies face a flood of cheap exports from China that will threaten the viability of their manufacturers.

Points to Ponder:

— What is the impact of the US-China trade war on India?

— India’s trade relations with the US

— India’s trade relations with China

— Where does India stand in the Global value supply?

Post Read Question:

Assess the effects of the US-China trade war on India’s economic and strategic interests, and propose strategies to leverage opportunities and mitigate potential risks.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

Indian exporters fear dumping from China after fresh US-China tariff war

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