Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 20 November 2024

Contents :

1. A thousand days of Ukrainian resilience
2. Prison tag
3. A consistent response

A thousand days of Ukrainian resilience

Relevance: GS 2 ( International Relations )

Practice Question: What are the broader geopolitical implications of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on global power dynamics and international diplomacy? (250 words )

Background:

• February 24, 2022: Russia launched full-scale military aggression against Ukraine.

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy: United Ukraine and the international community against Russian aggression.

Initial Resistance:

• Ukraine successfully defended Kyiv and liberated the Kharkiv and Kherson regions.

• National Unity: Key factor in resisting Russian ambitions.

War Crimes:

• April 2022: Russian military massacres in Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka, and Mariupol.

• These cities became symbols of Ukrainian resistance.

Human Costs:

• Thousands of civilian deaths, including about 600 children.

• Over eight million Ukrainians fled; about half have returned.

• Seven million became internally displaced persons; 3.6 million remain displaced as of November 2024.

• Over 2,500 Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians returned through exchanges; thousands still in Russian captivity.

• Russia deported more than 20,000 Ukrainian children; the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin.

Infrastructure Damage:

• Russia targeted and damaged thousands of educational, medical, and cultural institutions.

• World Bank estimates Ukraine’s economic losses exceed $400 billion.

• Restoration of infrastructure requires at least $500 billion; demining costs are estimated at $35 billion.

International Support:

• Partners and allies provided billions in military, financial, and humanitarian aid.

Russian Military Losses:

• Russia lost over 7,22,440 military personnel.

• Significant losses in military equipment and personnel.

• Russia’s global defence contracts undermined.

Sanctions and Economic Impact:

• Over 14,000 international sanctions on Russia.

• Over 1,000 global companies exited Russia.

• Over one million educated professionals and young workers fled Russia.

• The long-term economic outlook appears fragile, with rising poverty and curtailment of social programs.

• Russia’s Central Bank raised the key policy rate to 21%.

International Image:

• Russia’s international image was severely damaged, suspended, or excluded from key international bodies.

• Became a global outcast with diminished influence in international diplomacy.

Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom:

• Ukraine’s resistance is a struggle for physical survival, freedom, and European values.

• Zelenskyy’s Stance: Emphasized that neutrality in this war is untenable; standing with Russia undermines international law.

Prison Tag

Relevance: GS 2 (Social Justice )

Practice Question: Examine the impact of electronic tracking devices on decongesting prisons and ensuring prisoners’ rights, as proposed in the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023. (250 words )

Introduction:

• Purpose: Use of electronic tracking for parole or furlough to decongest prisons.

• Research Report: The Supreme Court of India’s Centre for Research and Planning suggests a pilot programme for undertrials posing low or moderate risk.

Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023:

• Provision for prisoners to be granted leave on the condition of wearing electronic tracking devices.

• Monitoring movements and activities, with the possibility of cancelling leave for violations.

State Initiatives:

• Odisha: First state to propose tamper-proof electronic trackers for under-trials accused of non-heinous offences to reduce jail congestion.

Concerns and Guidelines:

• Lack of guidelines or minimum standards for deploying tracking technology without violating prisoners’ rights.

• Concerns about infringing the right to privacy of the accused.

Court’s Stance:

• Earlier this year, the Court disapproved of bail conditions that infringe on privacy (e.g., sharing location on Google Maps with the investigating officer).

Parliamentary Standing Committee:

• Approved cost-effective tracking devices with the consent of the accused.

• Cited potential benefits: avoiding rights violations, reducing administrative costs, and decongesting prisons.

Prison Overcrowding:

• Rising occupancy in prisons is a major concern.

• Statistics: 5,73,220 prisoners as of December 31, 2022, amounting to 131.4% of total capacity.

Global Practices:

• Several jurisdictions worldwide use tracking devices for certain categories of offenders.

• Logic: Ensure recently released prisoners do not approach victims or enter crime-related locations.

Stigmatisation and Acceptance:

• The compact size and visibility of trackers could reduce reluctance among beneficiaries of bail due to fear of stigmatisation.

A Consistent Response

Relevance : GS 3(Environment )

Practice Question: Discuss the major causes responsible for severe air pollution in Delhi and examine the effectiveness of CAQM in handling the crisis. (150 words )

Context:

• Air Pollution Crisis: The Air Quality Index in Delhi regularly reaches hazardous(above 400) levels, signalling severe air pollution issues. Monday, it reached 488, according to official measurements,  with some private stations reporting over 1,000.

• Air Quality Index: It’s a scale used to measure air quality by calculating the concentration of pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3.

• Frequency of Severe Pollution: Since 2016, only two years had single-digit ‘severe’ days; ‘poor’ days (AQI over 200) declined from 200 in 2016 to 121 in 2024.

Sources of Pollution:

• Geographical Influence: Delhi is located in the Indo-Gangetic plain, surrounded by the Himalayas to the north and the plateau to the south. This unique topography creates a basin-like structure, which traps pollutants and does not allow air to disperse.

• Meteorological Influence: During winter, air pollution is severe because cooler temperatures reduce the height of the atmospheric inversion, causing pollutants to remain closer to the surface.

• North-westerly winds carry pollutants from stubble burning in neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana.

• Pollution Sources: Vehicular Emissions, Road Dust, Industrial Emissions, Stubble Burning, Open Waste Burning, and Construction Activities are key sources.

Institutional Response:

• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): Tasked with coordinating response but perceived as ineffective and toothless. CAQM remains largely inactive and only responds when criticised by the Supreme Court.

Public and Environmental Concerns:

• Public Anxiety: Lack of effective communication from the government on addressing the crisis.

• Stubble Burning: Easier to address as it’s a seasonal issue; road dust is a year-round problem requiring consistent efforts.

Recommendations for Action:

• Consistent Communication: The government must communicate its intent and actions to tackle the crisis.

• Long-Term Solutions: Focus on sustainable measures to reduce road dust and household emissions.