20 February 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
20-February-2024
1. January’s export numbers suggest global shipping woes are yet to fully hit home.
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Effects of liberalization on the economy Crucial for UPSC, the news delves into India’s goods exports, trade deficit, and economic challenges, providing insights into economic dynamics. |
| Context |
|
Indian Goods Exports Overview:
- In January, India’s goods exports grew by a mild 3.1%, marking the fourth month of growth in 2023-24.
- The overall value of merchandise exports for the year is down 4.9% at approximately $354 billion.
- January exports, at $36.9 billion, are above the yearly monthly average but 4% lower than December.
Red Sea Disruptions and Impact:
- The Houthi rebels’ disruptions in the Red Sea have impacted global trade corridors, but January’s trade numbers suggest the impact is not overtly worrying.
- Engineering goods’ exports growth faltered, and gems and jewellery experienced a mild contraction of 1.3%.
- Lack of a broader discernible impact from the Red Sea disruptions is notable.
Goods Trade Deficit and Imports:
- The goods trade deficit hit a nine-month low of $17.5 billion in January, down from a record high of nearly $30 billion three months earlier.
- Import bill compression is attributed to slack in imports of project goods and electronics, indicating weakening investment and consumption impulses.
Outlook and Challenges:
- Despite global headwinds, the Indian government aims to match the record export performance of $776 billion in 2022-23, but reaching last year’s $451 billion goods tally seems difficult.
- Exports of services, expected to grow by 6.3%, may contribute to an overall export figure close to $760 billion if sustained.
Uncertainties and Risks:
- Outlook for the coming year is uncertain with weak or mixed demand signals from the U.S. and Germany.
- Despite Operation Prosperity Guardian, shipping challenges from Houthi disruptions may persist, affecting delivery times, spiking shipping rates, and raising operational costs, impacting demand and competitiveness.
| Importance of Export Earnings for Indian Economy: |
| ● Economic Growth:
○ Export earnings significantly contribute to India’s GDP, fostering economic growth and stability. ○ Foreign exchange generated through exports aids in balancing trade deficits. ● Employment Opportunities: ○ Export-oriented industries generate employment, supporting livelihoods for a substantial population. ○ Labour-intensive sectors like textiles and manufacturing benefit from export demand. ● Foreign Exchange Reserves: ○ Export earnings bolster India’s foreign exchange reserves, ensuring currency stability. ○ Reserves are crucial for managing external shocks and meeting international obligations. ● Technology and Skill Enhancement: ○ Export-focused industries often adopt advanced technologies, promoting innovation and skill development. ○ Exposure to global markets enhances the competitiveness of Indian products and services. ● Diversification of Markets: ○ Dependence on domestic markets alone is reduced, providing resilience against economic downturns. ○ Access to diverse international markets minimizes risks associated with regional economic fluctuations. ● Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): ○ Robust export performance attracts foreign investors, stimulating overall economic development. ○ FDI inflows often align with sectors contributing significantly to export earnings. ● Global Competitiveness: ○ Participation in international trade fosters competitiveness, encouraging industries to improve quality and efficiency. ○ It facilitates integration into global value chains, promoting economic resilience. |
| PYQ: Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2017) |
| Practice Question: Examine the role of export earnings in shaping India’s economic landscape, focusing on employment, foreign exchange reserves, and global competitiveness. (150 words/10 m) |
2. In Karnataka, KFD peaks; vaccine efforts stalled
| Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Significant for public health awareness, the Kyasanur Forest Disease challenges highlight vaccine manufacturing hurdles and the need for intervention. |
| Context |
|
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD): Overview
- Karnataka’s Health Minister cites private companies’ reluctance to manufacture KFD vaccine due to the small number of cases.
- Since the statement, two deaths and 103 infections reported in Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts.
Historical Background:
- Originating in 1956 in Kyasanur forest, KFD initially confined to Shivamogga, later spreading to other districts and neighboring states.
- “Monkey fever” affects monkeys, and their deaths forecast outbreaks. Transmitted through tick bites.
Spread and Impact:
- Cases reported in various Karnataka districts since 1972, reaching Chamarajanagara in 2012 and Gadag in 2017.
- Presence observed in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra, with over 560 deaths since 1956.
Vaccination Efforts:
- Vaccine developed in collaboration with National Institute of Virology administered until 2019-20, covering 1.79 lakh people last year.
- Recent tests show vaccine ineffectiveness; no current vaccine or specific treatment, only symptomatic care.
Vulnerability and Preventive Measures:
- Cases peak between December and June, with forest workers, wildlife personnel, and trekkers most vulnerable.
- Tick-repellent oil distributed, villagers advised to seek medical help for symptoms. Mandatory hospital treatment for KFD patients.
Government Initiatives:
- Karnataka government seeks ICMR’s assistance for vaccine manufacturing, consulting with Indian Immunologicals Limited.
- Availability timeline unclear, and vaccine unlikely this season.
- Efforts are ongoing to address the situation of KFD surge in Karnataka
Challenges and Outlook:
- Private disinterest highlights limitations in addressing public health through market-driven approaches.
- Urgent need for effective vaccination underscored as cases rise, emphasizing the significance of public health interventions.
Vulnerability and Preventive Measures:
- The Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) issue emphasizes the critical intersection of public health and private interests.
- Challenges in vaccine production underscore the necessity of robust public health initiatives, demonstrating the importance of proactive measures to address emerging diseases and protect vulnerable communities.
| Addressing public health through market-driven approaches |
Advantages of Market-Driven Approaches:
Challenges:
|
| PYQ: What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2022) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the advantages and challenges of market-driven approaches in addressing public health. (150 words/10 m) |
3. Engineering graduates are steering the service industry
| Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education Critical for UPSC as it addresses the dynamic job market, skills gap, and proposes solutions for India’s services-driven economy. |
| Context |
|
Growth of Services Sector:
- Services sector contributes significantly to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA), accounting for 53%.
- Employment distribution favours services sector with 31% generated jobs versus 25% in industries.
Engineering Graduates in Services:
- Engineering graduates, despite low employability rates (57%), are increasingly joining the services sector.
- Over 80% of graduate engineers end up in non-technical roles due to a lack of opportunities in their core sector.
Transferability of Engineering Skills:
- Engineers are valued in non-technical roles for adaptability, problem-solving mindset, critical thinking, and structured thinking.
- Employers recognize the transferability of engineering skills in dynamic and diverse service-oriented opportunities.
Need for Generic Services-oriented Courses:
- Current educational offerings lack generic services-oriented courses, leading to a gap between job demand and available skills.
- Proposal for a new course, “service engineering,” to equip students with technical proficiency, soft skills, and industry-specific knowledge.
Curriculum Design for Service Engineering:
- Holistic blend of technical proficiency, soft skills, and industry-specific knowledge.
- Integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT to enhance employability, especially in emerging sectors.
Transformative Potential:
- Introduction of “service engineering” can transform employability, service delivery, and economic growth.
- Graduates equipped with skills for white-collar service roles across various industries.
Inclusivity and Accessibility:
- Affordability and accessibility of digital service engineering courses can attract students from tier 2 and 3 cities.
- Potential to increase women’s participation in the workforce, as services offer better flexibility.
Cost-Effective Digital Learning:
- Service engineering courses leverage digital platforms, reducing infrastructure costs and eliminating geographical barriers.
- Democratisation of education fosters inclusivity and unleashes the potential of professionals from diverse backgrounds.
India’s Global Leadership in Service Innovation:
- Investment in skilled workforce development for the services sector can position India as a global leader in service innovation.
- Drives prosperity and competitiveness in the services-driven economy of the future.
| Practice Question: How can the introduction of a ‘service engineering’ course bridge the skills gap and foster inclusive economic growth in India? (150 words/10 m) |
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