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13th November 2019 | Daily Answer Writing Enhancement
ANNOUNCEMENT – There is a change in format. Students will now have to post answers on the questions page separately by clicking on the links given below. We plan to track progress for each of the GS papers and to achieve the same, this modification becomes important. Students who are unable to post answers, please email hello@civilsdaily.com. You will receive a resolution for sure.
Please avoid submitting typed answers. Write answers on paper.
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Examine the case that the Internet is one of the rights of an individual. (15 Marks)
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[Burning Issue] India’s exit from RCEP

Context
- India decided to drop out of the RCEP agreement, citing its negative effects on farmers, MSMEs and dairy sector.
What is RCEP?
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between –
- The 10 members of ASEAN
- Additional members of ASEAN +3 = China, Japan, South Korea
- Members with which ASEAN countries have FTA = India, Australia, New Zealand
RCEP includes more than 3 billion people, has a combined GDP of about $17 trillion, and accounts for about 40 per cent of world trade. By any means, this is a huge community in making.

How significance was RCEP for India?
- From India’s point of view, the RCEP presented a decisive platform which could influence its strategic and economic status in the Asia-Pacific region and bring to fruition its “Act East Policy.”
- It is expected to be an ambitious agreement bringing the 5 biggest economies of the region – Australia, China, India, Japan and South Korea – into a regional trading arrangement.
There are three immediate benefits that its trade policymakers should note-
#1. The RCEP agreement would complement India’s existing free trade agreements with the ASEAN and some of its member countries.
This consolidation can address challenges emanating from implementation concerns vis-à-vis overlapping agreements, which is creating a “noodle bowl” situation obstructing effective utilization of these FTAs.
It will also help achieve its goal of greater economic integration with countries East and South East of India through better access to a vast regional market ranging from Japan to Australia.
NOTE: India is not a party to two important regional economic blocs: the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The RCEP would enable India to strengthen its trade ties with Australia, China, Japan and South Korea, and should reduce the potential negative impacts of TPP and TTIP on the Indian economy.
#2. Getting India closer to ASEAN
- Clubbing with the ASEAN has been a principal policy priority for both China and India.
- At present, while China has clubbed with the ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3 and ASEAN+6,
- India is clubbed only under the ASEAN+6 framework
#3. India can leverage its capabilities in IT, Healthcare, Education and services
- The RCEP will create opportunities for Indian companies to access new markets
- India is well placed to contribute to other countries in RCEP through its expertise in services
#4. Balancing with China
- India’s allies in Southeast Asia, as well as Australia, want India to join it to balance China.
- On the other hand, many in India feel that RCEP will aggravate India’s burgeoning trade deficit with China.
- The Indian industry feels that China does not provide a level playing field for items that they could export, especially in fields like pharma, IT, films, indigenous medicines, wellness and yoga.
- Some of these are founded on opacity that surrounds the Chinese government’s decision making.
What compelled India to opt-out?

Chinese imports
- Key issues that have prevented India from coming on board include “inadequate” protection against surges in imports.
- This is a major concern for India, as its industry has voiced fears that cheaper products from China would “flood” the market.
- India had been seeking an auto-trigger mechanism that would allow it to raise tariffs on products in instances where imports cross a certain threshold.
- India has also not received any credible assurances on its demand for more market access, and its concerns over non-tariff barriers.
Rules of origin criteria
- Its concerns on a “possible circumvention” of rules of origin — the criteria used to determine the national source of a product — were also not addressed.
- Current provisions in the deal reportedly do not prevent countries from routing, through other countries, products on which India would maintain higher tariffs.
- This is anticipated to allow countries like China to pump in more products.
Trade deficit

- Despite India already having separate, bilateral FTAs with most RCEP nations, it has recorded trade deficits with these countries.
- China India has an over $50 billion trade deficit is one of the major reasons for New Delhi not joining in at this stage.
- During negotiations, it was also not able to get a favourable outcome on its demands on the base year that would be used to reduce the tariffs on the products that would be traded as part of the pact.
Protecting domestic industries
- Throughout the RCEP negotiations, several sections of the Indian industry have raised concerns over India signing the deal.
- They have argued that some domestic sectors may take a hit due to cheaper alternatives from other participant countries.
- For instance, the dairy industry was expected to face stiff competition from Australia and New Zealand.
- Similarly, steel and textiles sectors have also demanded protection.
RCEP minus India
It comprises half of the world population and accounts for nearly 40% of the global commerce and 35% of the GDP. RCEP would have become the world’s largest FTA after finalisation, with India being the third-biggest economy in it. Without India, the RCEP does not look as attractive as it had seemed during negotiations.
What it means?
- Divided ASEAN – ASEAN has been keen on a diversified portfolio so that member states can deal with major powers and maintain their strategic autonomy. ASEAN member states have tried to keep the U.S. engaged in the region.
- Indo-Pacific – Both geopolitically and geo-economically, China is set to dominate the Indo-Pacific. India’s entire Indo-Pacific strategy might be open to question if steps are not taken to restore India’s profile in the region.
- Rejected China’s dominance – India signalled that, despite the costs, China’s rise has to be tackled both politically and economically. Japan is now suggesting that it would work towards a deal that includes India.
Implications for India
Inherent lack of confidence?
- Our government’s decision to stay out of the RCEP has drawn near-unanimous support from political parties and organisations representing farmers, traders and industries.
- It is clear recognition that Indian producers will find it difficult to cope with increased import, especially of dairy products from Australia and New Zealand and manufactured goods from China.
Isolation from the global value chain
- India’s absence in integrating with global value chains will impact India’s internal and external ambitions.
- India’s own evidence shows that jobs linked to global value chains earn one-third more than those jobs focused on the domestic market.
- The inability to accede to the RCEP and ensure India’s integration into these emerging global value chains means India will lose out on a key opportunity to create such high-quality, high-paying jobs.
- Moreover, India’s absence in both of Asia’s two key economic architectures will take away from India’s goals as a regional and Indo-Pacific power, as well as a prospective global power.
Unclear on ‘national interest’
- India’s ambitions to become a global hub for manufacturing means that it is the country’s long-term national interest to be integrated into global value chains.
- Such growth matters for two reasons: within India, it will create millions of jobs and secure a stable future for India’s young population, and externally, to facilitate India’s rise as one of the poles in a multipolar 21st century.
- India cannot decide its future by remaining isolated and sitting alone in a corner.
The Indian protectionism
- It has been argued that the Indian industry has hidden behind a wall of protectionism for far too long, and must open itself to global competition.
- There is a tendency in Indian industry to seek protection, whenever any steps towards globalization are taken.
- However, it is an acknowledged fact that globalization did benefit the Indian economy, it brought in newer technology and made Indian industry far more competitive.
- RCEP does provide Indian industry a huge market to grow and expand, provided it transforms and the government frees it from bureaucratic controls that have been stifling growth.
Conclusion
- It does not seem a good idea for India to be out of the agreement from its inception, only to join it later.
- Economic isolation is not an option for India. However, there are reports that India will move towards bilateral trade pacts.
- Given India’s own ambitions to generate growth and jobs within India, and becoming a key player and rule-maker on the world stage, India’s decision to withdraw from the RCEP is not ideal.
- India must now translate this withdrawal into a commitment for domestic reforms to prepare itself for the next opportunity to integrate itself into the global value chains and unleash Indian manufacturing.
- However, having no deal is far more prudent than signing up for a bad one.
- It is easy to succumb to the rapturous sound of global applause, but far tougher to make a tactical retreat in the larger national interest.
References
https://www.civilsdaily.com/what-is-the-significance-of-rcep-for-india/
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/explained-rcep-trade-negotiations/
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12th November 2019 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions
[WpProQuiz 284]
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12th November 2019 | Daily Answer Writing Enhancement
ANNOUNCEMENT – There is a change in format. Students will now have to post answers on the questions page separately by clicking on the links given below. We plan to track progress for each of the GS papers and to achieve the same, this modification becomes important. Students who are unable to post answers, please email hello@civilsdaily.com. You will receive a resolution for sure.
Please avoid submitting typed answers. Write answers on paper.
Question 1)
Question 2)
Question 3)
Question 4)
Reviews will be provided in a week. (In the order of submission- First come first serve basis). In case the answer is submitted late the review period may get extended to two weeks.
*In case your answer is not reviewed in a week, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. If Parth Sir’s tag is available then tag him.
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Strategy for Working Professionals for IAS
This video discusses all aspects of UPSC CSE preparation from the angle of working candidates. People who prepare while they are in a job face unique challenges as well as are blessed with special strengths. The video highlights all these and shares tips and tricks which working candidates can apply to ensure the best results.
Need to check your IAS readiness? http://bit.ly/smnvaya | We will call you
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11th November 2019 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions
[WpProQuiz 283]
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Samachar Manthan Week 21: Origin of ISIS and Death of Baghdadi
This video is part of our Samachar Manthan program.
Click here to enroll for the Samachar Manthan Yearly 2019-20
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11th November 2019 | Daily Answer Writing Enhancement
ANNOUNCEMENT – There is a change in format. Students will now have to post answers on the questions page separately by clicking on the links given below. We plan to track progress for each of the GS papers and to achieve the same, this modification becomes important. Students who are unable to post answers, please email hello@civilsdaily.com. You will receive a resolution for sure.
Please avoid submitting typed answers. Write answers on paper.
Question 1)
Question 2)
Question 3)
Question 4)
Reviews will be provided in a week. (In the order of submission- First come first serve basis). In case the answer is submitted late the review period may get extended to two weeks.
*In case your answer is not reviewed in a week, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. If Parth Sir’s tag is available then tag him.
For the philosophy of AWE and payment, check here: Click2Join
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[Burning Issue] Death of Baghdadi and Its Global Implications
Context
- The death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last week ended one of the most intense and aggressive manhunts in the world. He blew himself in a dead-end tunnel.
- As a “leader on the run” for more than five years, Baghdadi was more of a symbol for a Caliphate.
- It will be an overstatement to claim that his killing put an end to the ISIS network.
ISIS: A quick recap
- The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) officially known as the Islamic State (IS) is a terrorist group and a formerly unrecognized proto-state that follows a fundamentalist Salafi jihadist doctrine.
- Within 18 months of the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq in 2011, the AL Qaeda in Iraq captured large territories across Iraq and Syria and morphed itself into ISIS.
- The group has been designated a terrorist organization by the United Nations as well as by many international organizations and individual countries.
Modus operandi of IS
- Riding high on extremists and terrorists from across the globe, ISIS announced “decentralized” wilayas and asked their supporters to join them if they could not travel to the Caliphate.
- The decentralized wilayas in West Africa, the Philippines, Egypt, Yemen, Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Libya have become more active and are showcasing successes on social media daily.
- IS started systematically encouraging lone actor attacks in the West in 2016.
The most lethal weapon
- The real threat that the IS, however, poses is that it is able to convince the Muslim extremist fringe that their time has come.
- Radicalization, in any event, has less to do with numbers than with the intensity of beliefs. The struggle is not against presumed disparities or injustices meted out to Muslim minorities.
- Rather, it reflects the quest for a new militant Islamist identity.
- In addition to this, the IS introduced the concept of a new Caliphate — especially al-Baghdadi’s vision of a Caliphate based on Islamic history.
- This further ignited the imagination of Muslim youth across the globe and became a powerful magnet to attract volunteers to their cause.
Who was Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi?
- The leader of the IS was often described as the most wanted individual in the world.
- The US designated him a terrorist some eight years ago and declared a bounty of $10 million (more than Rs 70 crore) on his head.
- Baghdadi, who was believed to have been born in Iraq perhaps in 1971, proclaimed himself Caliph of the Islamic State in 2013.
- He made his first known public appearance the following year, delivering a Ramzan sermon at the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul in northern Iraq.
- This was the place at which the IS declared itself to be a worldwide Caliphate with al-Baghdadi at its head.
The rise
- In early 2014, al-Baghdadi’s fighters had taken control over western Iraq, and over the next year and a half, the IS ran a sweeping campaign of terror and brutality across a vast patch of Iraq and Syria.
- It went on terrifying the world with grisly videos of beheadings and shaking up governments everywhere.
- By the end of 2015, it had control over an estimated 8-12 million people over which it imposed an unforgiving version of Sharia law, attracting jihadists from across the world, including a few from India.
- The terrorist organization and empire that Baghdadi headed was estimated at the time to have been the size of Great Britain, with an annual budget of over a billion dollars and an army of more than 30,000 jihadists.
Downfall
- The ISIS started to weaken from 2016 onward as the international coalition, backed by regional allies including, most importantly, Syrian Kurdish peshmerga fighters, gained ground in Syria and Iraq.
- As the formal structure of ISIS crumbled, thousands of its fighters went underground, even though local groups continued to carry out isolated terrorist incidents across the world in the name of ISIS and al-Baghdadi.
Infamous terror activities
- Among the biggest of ISIS attacks were carried out in Paris in November 2015, and in Sri Lanka in 2019.
- Al-Baghdadi described the attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter as revenge for the defeat in Al-Baghuz Fawqani in Syria, which was taken from ISIS in late March.
What does Baghdadi’s killing now mean?

- Should Baghdadi’s elimination be confirmed, it would mark the bringing to justice of one of the biggest terrorist killers of modern times and the successful conclusion of a massive international manhunt.
- It must be remembered that there have been multiple alerts about his death earlier.
- In June 2017, Russia claimed he had been killed in an airstrike near Raqqa, Syria; two weeks later, the most reliable Syrian Observatory of Human Rights reported “confirmed information” that al-Baghdadi was dead.
Did this put an end to ISIS?
- Baghdadi’s death will not necessarily mark the end of ISIS itself, which though fragmented and no longer easily visible, is far from dead.
- ISIS lives on and today it is much stronger than it was in 2011 before Baghdadi when American troops pulled out of Iraq and the group was considered defeated.
- Besides its thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, ISIS has a Khorasan province and provinces in the Philippines and West Africa and it is strong and growing in Afghanistan.
- These are groups that are robust on the ground and there is enough evidence to suggest that there is the connective tissue between the affiliates and ISIS’s core group in Iraq and Syria.
Implications for India
Rising influence in the vicinity

- ISIS has attracted foreign fighters from South Asia, mainly Pakistanis, Afghans, Maldivians, and Bangladeshis.
- The Easter attacks showed the potential of violence even by a small group of committed cadres with support of the ISIS network.
- The NIA during its investigations has since come across links connecting IS units in Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as in Sri Lanka.
- In Bangladesh three years ago, ISIS did create a small but effective network with the active support of western nationals of Bangladeshi origin.
Vulnerability at home

- Less than 100-200 Indians so far are believed to have traveled to Syria and Iraq and Afghanistan to join ISIS.
- This creates the potential for more recruitment as well as aiding attacks on Indian soil or interests.
- A few weeks ago, ISIS propaganda has called for jihad pegged on sentiments around Kashmir and has specifically called for attacks on Indian interests in the Arabian Peninsula.
Global implications

- ISIS has suffered significant setbacks over the past two years, losing most of its territorial control, and has returned to its roots as an insurgent organization.
- Given the recent successes in the fight against ISIS, many analysts and government officials are optimistic that Baghdadi’s death will result in substantial weakening and perhaps the demise of ISIS.
- However, to effectively bring down a terrorist group through targeting its leader, it’s important to consider three factors: organizational structure, ideology, and popular support.
- Baghdadi’s death will not hinder the operational capacity or bring about the collapse of ISIS. In fact, it could even be counterproductive to weakening ISIS.
ISIS – An ideology not a personality cult
- Advocates of this view argue that Baghdadi is irreplaceable, given his claim of lineage to the prophet Muhammad.
- Despite this belief in Baghdadi’s authority and legitimacy as a leader of the self-proclaimed caliphate, however, ISIS is not a cult of personality.
- Baghdadi was successful in institutionalizing essential organizational structures.
- Looking at nearly 1,000 instances of leadership decapitation from 1970 to 2016 revealed that it is often ineffective against religious, separatist, Islamist and large organizations.
ISIS is more organized
- Bureaucratized terrorist organizations are diversified with a clear division of responsibilities and functions, standard operations procedures, and other characteristics that create redundancies to support their resilience.
- In the case of ISIS, Baghdadi created complex bureaucratic structures to govern and manage its finances, social programs, infrastructure and military resources.
- ISIS has also developed into a hybrid organizational structure.
- That is, the group is hierarchical at the upper organizational levels, with the emir at the top; deputies who oversee financial, military, legal and social operations; and legislative councils including the Shura Council.
- At the lower operational levels, the group is more decentralized, with networks including those in Iraq and Syria; affiliated groups in South Asia, the Arabia and Africa; and lone actors who span the globe.
- Such hybrid structures are especially difficult to weaken through targeting efforts.
The ideology
- The leadership of Islamist, religious or separatist groups is not necessary for recruitment, inspiring attacks or ensuring that the group’s message stays relevant.
- The ideology becomes self-sustaining, and the Islamic State’s use of propaganda and technology has been effective at broadening their base of support transnationally.
- In August 2018, Baghdadi urged his followers to carry out lone-actor attacks in Western countries.
New successor in queue
- ISIS has a wide and deep pool of militants from which to recruit his successor and a bureaucracy that encourages specialization and training.
- Less than a week after Baghdadi’s death, the organization announced a successor, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, as the new caliph.
Popular support
- It grants the basis for group legitimacy, which can increase an organization’s efficiency and resilience.
- After an attack on a terrorist group’s leadership, popular support is essential to maintaining organizational strength and capacity.
- The creation of the self-proclaimed ISIS caliphate broadened this base of support.
Conclusion
- The caliphate may be weakened after him, but Baghdadi created a highly resilient bureaucratic organizational structure capable of withstanding the loss of leaders.
- Attacks on high-profile leaders are visible counterterrorism measures that can make a fearful U.S. audience feel secure in the belief that their government is successfully fighting the war on terrorism.
- It is an alternative to such costly policies as large-scale military operations.
- But in the case of ISIS, it’s an alternative that not only disregards critical aspects of the group’s resilience — it could even fuel a strengthened retaliation.
References
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-taking-stock-of-islamic-state-2-0/
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/afghan-islamic-state-after-baghdadi/article29865207.ece
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/11/05/death-baghdadi-isnt-end-isis/