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Context

• The Competition Commission of India has imposed a provisional penalty of Rs. 1337.76 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android Mobile device ecosystem.
• The regulator also issued cease and desist directions to the tech giant on a number of its business practices.
• Big tech companies have faced similar actions in various other countries as well.

Broader Issue: Big Tech Competition

• During the course of inquiry, Google argued about the competitive constraints being faced from Apple.
• However the Commission noted the differences in the two business models which affect the underlying incentives of business decisions.
• Google manages the Android operating system as well as other licences, which gives it advantage over its competitors to pre-install most prominent apps and widget like Chrome browser on Android devices.

Major contention with Google: Tech Monopoly and Hegemony

• Monopolies like Amazon and other Big Tech companies have been allowed to conduct blatantly anti-competitive and discriminatory disinformation practices.
• This is no new thing for a huge market like India.
• Google is facing more antitrust scrutiny at home and abroad.

What is Monopoly?

• A monopoly that occurs when a single firm controls manufacturing methods necessary to produce a certain product, or has exclusive rights over the technology used to manufacture it.
• Technological monopolies differ from those based on vertical or horizontal consolidation in that the exclusivity derives from the production process itself.

What is a Technology Monopoly?

• Facebook, Google, Rogers, Microsoft, and Amazon – you have heard their names and you might even use them on a day to day basis.
• Turning trillions of consumer dollars each year, these tech giants have dominated the global market.
• These companies have wiped out any competition in order to maintain their monopolies on power.
• Or Facebook, which has acquired over 94 companies, the most notable being Instagram, WhatsApp Messenger, Oculus Virtual Reality, Giphy, and more.
• These are just a few examples of how these companies consolidate power and monopolize the industry.

Issues with Big-tech Monopoly

(1) Data Privacy

• A major issue with technology monopolies is the accumulation of users’ data.
• We never read the privacy policies under the terms and conditions of a website.
• Technology monopolies get to set the bar in what they do with our data instead of the individual deciding.
• This accumulation of data in a centralized domain makes it more enticing for hackers to breach these companies’ security measures.

(2) User manipulation

• Especially regarding media companies like social media or news outlets, these large corporations can push their personal agendas and biases on the public.
• The lack of variety in major media sources can result in a reduction of different perspectives and a narrowed personal point of view.
• Censorship can also aid in manipulating what the public gets to see (or does not get to see) and can obstruct religious, political, social, and other viewpoints.

(3) Ability to bypass regulator

• Due to rapid innovation and advancement by the Big Tech firms, the regulators are only able to react, not be in readiness.
• Before the policymakers could realize prospects of a disrupting tech, the technology replaces itself. Ex. Intellectual Property manipulations by Pharma companies.
• Due to this, they can avoid any negative repercussions for their continued violations.

Does this really affect us?

• Sudden disruptions: Recently, the WhatsApp went down for no known reasons. Also Instagram and Netflix do.  Luckily for us it was a network system failure.
• Lack of alternatives would disrupt everything: But if this is what a mere maintenance mistake, imagine what a cyber-attack on one of these companies could do.

How vulnerable is India to such monopolies?

• Use of the targeted algorithm: You might have seen a video in which Google CEO admits that it records and monitors every movement or click by a user.
• Consumer manipulation: Tech giants are using users’ search data to push advertisements to the users. The ads are specifically targeted to users based on their recent search over the internet.
• Ambiguity over data control: This has raised serious privacy concerns and also created anti-trust investigations by various governments. The Cambridge Analytica scandal of Facebook is one such example. The recent WhatsApp privacy policy also created widespread concern.
• Predatory pricing: The tech giants usually drive out competitors using anti-competitive behaviour. For example, accusations on Amazon favouring their self-branded products over third-party products.
• Societal impact: The big techs are the foremost medium of fake news, hate speech, etc. These were seen as un-democratic activities by countries.
• Impact on economy: The combined market capitalization of the big techs is more than the GDP of most countries except China and the USA. The sheer economic presence and their market presence make them create aggressive clauses in their terms and conditions, contract agreements etc.

Steps taken in India

• Competition Act, 2002 established the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The CCI has been established to eliminate practices having an adverse effect on competition.
• Information and Technology Act, 2000 governs all activities related to the use of computer resources in India.  
• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) seeks to promote open networks, which are developed using the open-source methodology. The project is aimed at curbing “digital monopolies”.

Way Forward

• Capitalizing information: Big Tech companies must negotiate a fair payment with all the stakeholders for using their content in Facebook’s newsfeed and Google’s Search.
• Personal data protection bill: At a point in time where data is the new gold standard, the regulation of how tech companies use consumers’ personal data needs to be established by a proper legislation.
• Comprehensive regulation: One umbrella legislation is far better than having multiplicity of legislations.

Conclusion

• The implications of tech monopolies have real life consequences, and the actions of these corporations have a direct effect on each of us as individuals.

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Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1          Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

GS-2         Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

GS-3         Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

GS-4        Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

Question 1)

Q.1 Fully unlocking the value of India’s diversity will depend on the ability to manage contradictions and conflicts arising out of cultural differences. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 With the help of relevant Supreme Court judgements, analyse whether death penalty as a method of delivering justice should remain or go. (15 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 Although the adoption of genetically modified (GM) food crops is in our broader national interest, there are some concerns associated with it. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment. (10 Marks)

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1          Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone. etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. 

GS-2         Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

GS-3        Land reforms in India.

GS-4        Ethics and Human Interface; Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators

Question 1)

Q.1 Give an account of the global distribution of volcanoes and explain why they are mainly concentrated along the Pacific Ring of Fire. (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context. (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Elucidate Swami Vivekananda’s ideas on nationalism. (10 Marks)

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1          Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).

GS-2         Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

GS-3        Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

GS-4        Ethics and Human Interface

Question 1)

Q.1 Enlist the factors responsible for the location of jute industry in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced by the industry. (15 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 What do you understand by pressure groups? Citing examples, state the different types of techniques used by pressure groups. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 Highlighting the significance of forests, elaborate upon the challenges of forest management in India. (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples. (10 Marks)

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

Context

As External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has just completed a visit to Australia after attending the annual Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue. In this article we take a deep dive into India’s relationship with Australia.

India-Australia Relations: A Backgrounder

• The India-Australia bilateral relationship has undergone evolution in recent years, developing along a positive track, into a friendly partnership.
• The two nations have much in common, underpinned by shared values of a pluralistic, Westminster-style democracy, Commonwealth traditions, expanding economic engagement etc.
• Several commonalities include strong, vibrant, secular and multicultural democracies, free press, independent judicial system and English language.

Historical Perspective

• The historical ties between India and Australia started immediately following European settlement in Australia from 1788.
• All trade, to and fro from the penal colony of New South Wales was controlled by the British East India Company through Kolkata.
• India and Australia established diplomatic relations in the pre-Independence period, with the establishment of India Trade Office in Sydney in 1941.
• The end of the Cold War and simultaneously, India’s decision to launch major economic reforms in 1991 provided the first positive move towards development of bilateral ties.

Various dimensions of ties

[A] Political partnership

• Both the countries are members of G-20, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), Asia Pacific Partnership on Climate and Clean Development, East Asia Summit and the Commonwealth.
• Australia has been extremely supportive of India’s quest for membership of the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation).
• Australia whole-heartedly welcomed India’s joining of the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime).

[B] Trade and Economy

• India is the 5th largest trade partner of Australia with trade in goods and services.
• Two-way trade between India and Australia was worth A$24.3 billion ($18.3 billion) in 2020, up from just $13.6 billion in 2007, according to the Australian government.
• After a series of attempts, in 2016, Australia opened the door for uranium exports to India.
• An Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) which was established in 2006, supports collaboration between scientists in India and Australia on cutting-edge research.

[C] Cultural ties

• There is a longstanding people-to-people ties, ever increasing Indian students coming to Australia for higher education.
• Growing tourism and sporting links, especially Cricket and Hockey, have played a significant role in further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
• India is one of the top sources of skilled immigrants to Australia.
• The number of Indian students continue to grow with approximately 105,000 students presently studying in Australian universities.
• After England, India is the second largest migrant group in Australia in 2020.

[D] Strategic Partnership

• In 2009, India and Australia established a ‘Strategic Partnership’, including a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation which has been further elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
• The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement has been signed during the summit that should enhance defence cooperation and ease the conduct of large-scale joint military exercises.
• There is a technical Agreement on White Shipping Information Exchange.
• Both nations conduct bilateral maritime exercise AUSINDEX. In 2018, Indian Air Force participated for the first time in the Exercise Pitch Black in Australia.
• Foreign and Defence Ministers of both countries agreed to meet in a ‘2+2’ format biennially.
• The first-ever Quad Leaders’ Virtual Summit held on 12 March 2021 saw the participation of Prime Ministers of India, Australia, Japan and President of USA.
• A Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement between the two countries was signed in September 2014 during the visit of then-PM Tony Abbott to India.

Significance of the ties

• COVID Management: Australia is one of the few countries that has managed to combat COVID-19 so far through “controlled adaptation” by which the coronavirus has been suppressed to very low levels.
• STEM: From farming practices through food processing, supply and distribution to consumers, the Australian agribusiness sector has the desired R&D capacity, experience and technical knowledge.
• Natural resources: Australia is rich in natural resources that India’s growing economy needs. It also has huge reservoirs of strength in higher education, scientific and technological research.
• Alliance with US: The two countries also have increasingly common military platforms as India’s defence purchases from the US continue to grow.
• Affinity with ASEAN: Australia has deep economic, political and security connections with the ASEAN and a strategic partnership with one of the leading non-aligned nations, Indonesia.
• Containing China: The Indo-Pacific region has the potential to facilitate connectivity and trade between India and Australia. Both nations can leverage their equation in QUAD to contain China.

International cooperation

• Support at UNSC: Australia supports India’s candidature in an expanded UN Security Council.
• APEC: Australia is an important player in APEC and supports   India’s membership in the organization. In 2008, Australia became an Observer in SAARC.

Some irritants in ties

• Trade imbalance: India’s trade deficit with Australia has been increasing since 2001-02 due to India-Australia Free Trade Agreement. It is also a contentious issue in the ongoing RCEP negotiations which India left.

• High tariff on agri products in India: India has a high tariff for agriculture and dairy products which makes it difficult for Australian exporters to export these items to India.
• Non-tariff barriers in Australia: At the same time, India facesnon-tariff barriers and its skilled professionals in the Australian labour market face discrimination.
• Visa Policy: India wants greater free movement and relaxed visa norms for its IT professionals, on which Australia is reluctant.
• Future of QUAD: Australian lobby has sparked speculation over the fate of the Quadrilateral Consultative Dialogue (the ‘Quad) involving India, Australia, Japan and the United States.
• Nuclear reluctance: Building consensus on non-nuclear proliferation and disarmament has been a major hurdle given India’s status as a nuclear power.    
• Racism against Indians: Increasing Racist attacks on Indians in Australia has been a major issue.  

Way forward

• Upgradation of 2+2 format: It is prudent too for New Delhi and Canberra to elevate the ‘two plus two’ format for talks from the Secretary level to the level of Foreign and Defence Ministers.
• Removal of trade barriers: Both nations need to resolve disputes at the WTO with regard to the Australian sector can act as a serious impediment.
• Balancing China: An ‘engage and balance’ China strategy is the best alternative to the dead end of containment.

Conclusion

• Given the changing geopolitics, both Canberra and New Delhi are keen to move beyond mere rhetoric and build a robust partnership
• The key is to keep the Australia story thriving in India, and India story thriving in Australia on a consistent basis in public memory.
• This involves a holistic multi-stakeholder strategy and approach which deepens understanding and appreciation of each other.

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Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1          Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent)

GS-2         Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

GS-3        Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

GS-4        Probity in Governance: 

Question 1)

Q.1 What are the different non-conventional energy sources available in India? Highlight their importance in providing eco-friendly energy. (15 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 Stories of exploitation and labour violations faced by Indian workers in the Gulf countries have come to light in recent times. Examining the issue at hand, list down some of the steps taken for labour welfare. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 Discuss the various issues that hinder the development of the port infrastructure in India and state the recent measures taken by the government to address the same. (15 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance. (10 Marks)

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1          Salient features of world’s physical geography.

GS-2         Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

GS-3          Disaster Management

GS-4         Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration

Question 1)

Q.1 Enumerate the significance of running water in evolution of landforms. Additionally, elaborate on the various depositional features of running water. (15 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 Has devolution of power to local governments and authorities reached a mature stage in India? Do you find any scope for improvement in this regard? Substantiate your views. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 Rehabilitation and reconstruction are considered to be the key elements in any disaster management strategy. Why? Explain with the help of suitable examples. (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 The moral fibre and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (10 Marks)

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: