28 October 2023

Daily The Hindu Analysis Notes

for UPSC
By Veer Talyan

Index:
• Editorial 1: Dark Pattern Sales by Airlines deemed ‘Cybercrime’
• Editorial 2: The panel holds back its report on crime Bills
• Editorial 3: Unveiling the Mystery Trial
• Editorial 4: Women can make the world better
• Editorial 5: On Potential of India-China Relations
• Topic 1: Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Passed Away
• Topic 2: International Competition Network (ICN)
• Topic 3: Global Declaration for River Dolphins
• Topic 4: Bering Sea
• Editorial 1: Dark Pattern Sales by Airlines deemed ‘Cybercrime’
o Due to complaints of deceptive practices by airlines and online travel
agents, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has urged IndiGo to fix its
website, which a government official termed a Dark Pattern “cybercrime.”
▪ “Dark Patterns” in Airline Practices
o Deceptive Techniques: Airlines and online portals have been accused of
employing “dark patterns” in their user interfaces, which manipulate
consumers into purchasing products they did not intend to buy.
o Consumer Affairs Secretary’s Stance: The Consumer Affairs Secretary,
Rohit Kumar Singh, defines “dark patterns” as tactics nudging consumers
into unintended purchases, constituting unfair trading practices and
possibly cybercrimes.
o Pervasive Issue: Approximately 10,000 complaints related to these
practices have been lodged with the Ministry via the National Consumers
Helpline over the past eight to nine months.
▪ Manipulating Seat Selection
o IndiGo’s Practice: IndiGo Airlines, for instance, employs a tactic known as
“false urgency,” creating a sense of urgency by implying that consumers
must pay an extra fee (₹99 to ₹1,500) for seat selection during booking,
portraying all free seats as unavailable.
o Transparency Issue: Passengers are not adequately informed that they will
be auto-assigned free seats if they choose not to pay the extra fee.
o Obfuscation: The “skip” option, although present, is inconspicuously
located, demonstrating “interface interference.”
▪ Additional Unfair Practices
o SpiceJet’s Pressure for Insurance: SpiceJet’s website pressures passengers
to purchase travel insurance by using alarming phrases like “I will risk my
trip” if they opt out, playing on passengers’ fears.
o “Basket Sneaking” by MakeMyTrip: MakeMyTrip adds a convenience fee
when customers reach the payment gateway after booking, a practice
known as “basket sneaking.”
▪ Draft Guidelines and Regulatory Perspective
o Ministry of Consumer Affairs Guidelines: These dark patterns have been
defined in the draft guidelines released by the Ministry of Consumer
 Affairs in September.
o DGCA’s Stance: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) permits
“unbundling” airfares but emphasizes that these services must be offered
on an “opt-in” basis, with clear descriptions without ambiguity.
o Parliamentary Committee Report: A parliamentary committee report urges
transparency in seat-wise airfares, fair pricing mechanisms to ensure
reasonable profit margins, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
▪ Conclusion
o The crackdown on deceptive airline practices by the Indian Ministry of Civil
Aviation signifies a push for transparency and fairness in the airline
industry.
o The rise of “dark patterns” and other misleading tactics in online booking
processes has raised concerns about consumer exploitation and
cybercrimes.
o As the government takes action to address these issues, passengers may
expect a more equitable and transparent air travel experience in the
future.

• Editorial 2: The panel holds back its report on crime Bills

o Following pressure from opposition parties asking for more time

to analyze it, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home
Affairs postponed its adoption of a draft report on three Bills
proposing to overhaul existing criminal legislation.
▪ What is the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs?
o The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs (SCOHA)
is a committee of 30 parliamentarians that oversees the Ministry
of Home Affairs. The committee’s tasks include the following:
▪ 1. Domestic policy, internal security, and decision-making
are all subject to legislative monitoring.
▪ 2. Examining proposed legislation to replace existing
criminal laws
o The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs (SCOHA)
is a department-related standing committee (DRSC) of selected
members of parliament appointed by the Parliament of India to
provide legislative oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs’
domestic policy, internal security, and decision-making. It is one of
 the 24 DRSCs tasked with the challenging duty of ministry-specific
oversight.
o MP Anand Sharma now chairs the committee.
o The committee is presently reviewing three criminal legislation
bills:
▪ 1. Bill on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
▪ 2. Bill for Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
▪ 3. Bill on Bharatiya Sakshya
o In its draft report on the three laws, the committee is likely to
recommend that Section 377 and the adultery statute be
reinstated.
▪ What are the criticisms faced by the SCOHA on the review of new bills?
o Late circulation of the draft report: The English version of the
draft report was circulated barely a week before the planned
adoption, while the Hindi version was delivered to members of
the Parliamentary panel only hours before the meeting where
adoption was scheduled.
o Inadequate Consultations: Members of the opposition have
criticized the process, arguing that the 12 sessions held since
August 24 are insufficient considering the importance and
complexity of the proposed Bills.
▪ How is the delay going to affect the public?
o Legal Reform Confusion: The delay may result in continuing
confusion about the proposed reforms to India’s criminal laws.
This may affect the legal landscape, making it difficult for
individuals, law enforcement, and the judiciary to foresee and
respond to upcoming legal developments.
o Legislative Process: The postponement emphasizes the difficulties
in the legislative process. It could indicate a lack of agreement or
serious reservations among members of the Parliamentary
Standing Committee on Home Affairs about the proposed Bills.
This has the potential to slow down the legislative process.
o Impact on Governance: Delayed passage of these Bills may
jeopardize the government’s capacity to efficiently implement the
proposed legal reforms. The legislative agenda and priorities of
the government may be jeopardized.
o Stakeholder Engagement: The delay may provide stakeholders
additional opportunities to engage in discussions and provide
comments on the proposed modifications, such as state
 governments, legal experts, and civil society organizations. This
could result in more comprehensive and well-thought-out
legislation.
o Political Implications: The delay may have political ramifications
because it appears to be the consequence of opposition parties
requesting more time for investigation. This could spark political
arguments and debates over the government’s approach to
legislative amendments.
▪ Conclusion
o This circumstance demonstrates the complex and contentious
character of the proposed Bills, as well as the necessity for
additional debates and possibly amendments before they are
implemented. The delay in adopting the draft report implies that
more time and deliberation may be required to address the
concerns voiced by Opposition members and others.

• Editorial 3: Unveiling the Mystery Trial

o In recent times, the case of a former Indian Navy personnel facing

trial in Qatar has been a topic of great interest and concern.
o The trial has caught the attention of media and the public due to
its significance and potential implications.
▪ Significance of the Case:
o The case of the former Indian Navy personnel in Qatar is
significant for several reasons:
o 1. Diplomatic Relations: The trial holds importance in terms of
maintaining and managing diplomatic relations between India and
Qatar. It tests the diplomacy and negotiation skills of both
nations, highlighting the need for collaboration and mutual
understanding.
o 2. Legal Implications: The case raises important legal
considerations, as it involves a foreign jurisdiction subjecting an
Indian national to trial. The outcome could set a precedent for
similar cases in the future, affecting the rights and safety of Indian
citizens abroad.
o 3. Protecting National Interests: The trial is essential to
safeguarding national security and interests. It enables the
identification and mitigation of potential threats posed by foreign
intelligence agencies or other entities seeking to exploit
 confidential information.
▪ Features of the Mystery Trial:
o Sensationalism: The trial has attracted significant media attention
due to its mysterious and dramatic nature. The involvement of a
former naval officer brings a sense of intrigue and curiosity to the
case.
o Confidentiality: The trial proceedings may involve sensitive
information and evidence, leading to limited public access and an
emphasis on maintaining confidentiality.
o International Collaboration: The case demands close collaboration
and coordination between Indian and Qatari authorities, involving
legal procedures, sharing evidence, and ensuring a fair trial..
▪ Objectives of the Trial:
o The primary objectives of the mystery trial in Qatar are:
o 1. Investigating Allegations: The trial seeks to ascertain the truth
behind the allegations made against the former Indian Navy
personnel, including espionage, leaking classified information, or
any other charges brought upon him.
o 2. Ensuring Justice: The trial aims to provide a fair and transparent
legal process, upholding the principles of natural justice and
allowing the accused to present a defense.
▪ Pros and Cons:
▪ Pros:
o 1. International Cooperation: The trial presents an opportunity for
India and Qatar to collaborate on legal matters, further
strengthening bilateral ties.
o 2. Deterrence: Successfully concluding the trial can deter potential
offenders from engaging in illegal activities that may compromise
national security.
▪ Cons:
o 1. Humanitarian Considerations: The lengthy trial process may
lead to the accused individual’s mental and emotional strain,
impacting their overall well-being.
o 2. Negative Public Perception: The trial could result in a negative
perception of India’s role in international relations if the
proceedings are not handled carefully, affecting diplomatic
credibility.
▪ Conclusion
o In conclusion, the mystery trial of the former Indian Navy
 personnel in Qatar holds significant implications, involving
diplomatic relations, legal considerations, and protection of
national interests.
o The trial’s features, objectives, pros, and cons shed light on the
complexities and challenges faced during such high-profile cases.
o It is crucial to address these trials diligently, ensuring justice,
transparency, and the preservation of diplomatic relations.

▪ 1. What is the main significance of the mystery trial in Qatar?

o a) Strengthening bilateral ties between India and Qatar.
o b) Highlighting the need for diplomatic negotiations.
o c) Influencing international legal standards.
o d) Enhancing financial cooperation among nations.

▪ The correct answer is b)

o Highlighting the need for diplomatic negotiations.
o The trial emphasizes the importance of diplomacy and negotiation
between India and Qatar.

▪ 2. Which factor contributes to the sensationalism surrounding the trial?

o a) The involvement of a former Indian Navy officer.
o b) The evidence provided during the trial.
o c) The nationality of the accused individual.
o d) The media’s interest in foreign trials.

▪ The correct answer is a)

o The involvement of a former Indian Navy officer.
o The presence of an ex-naval officer increases the mystery and
curiosity around the case, resulting in sensationalism.

• Editorial 4: Women can make the world better

o The article highlights Arun Maira’s insights on the gender disparity in

economic narratives, emphasizing the undervaluation of women’s
contributions, the evolving challenges in global employment patterns, and
 the need for a more inclusive and care-focused approach to economic
development, particularly in the context of India and the G-20’s call for a
holistic vision beyond GDP.
▪ Challenges in How We See Money and Work:
o Not Enough Women Recognized: The Nobel Prize in Economics mostly
goes to men, leaving out women’s important contributions. Only three
women have won it so far.
o Forgetting the Value of Care: The work women do at home, taking care of
family and community, isn’t seen as important for the economy. This is a
big problem.
o Jobs Changing Globally: The way people work is changing worldwide. More
jobs are now short-term or in the gig economy. This is a big challenge for
India, which has a lot of young people.
o Not Paying Enough for Important Jobs: Jobs like taking care of families or
working in health and education are crucial, but the people doing these
jobs, mostly women, are not paid well.
▪ India’s Economic Situation:
o Problems for Young People: In India, even though the economy is growing
fast, it’s hard for young people to find good jobs with good pay and
security.
o Need More Focus on Care: India ranks 132nd in human development, and
we need to spend more on services that take care of people. But sadly,
jobs like taking care of families or working in health and education are not
paid much.
o G-20’s Call for a Different Way: Our Prime Minister has asked the G-20 for
a new approach, one that looks beyond just making money. He says it’s
time to think of the world as one family.
▪ Checking How Well We’re Doing:
o Progress Slow for Big Global Goals: The G-20 says we’re not doing great
halfway to our big global goals. Only 12% of the things we wanted to
achieve are on track.
o Time for a Big Change: Arun Maira says we need to change how we solve
problems. The usual way is not working, so we need to try something new.
▪ Seeing Economics in a New Way:
o Thinking About Everyone: Maira says we need to change how we see our
economy. It’s not just about making things and competing. It’s about
taking care of people.
o Looking at What Women Do: Women, according to Maira, do a lot of
important work that isn’t always noticed. Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom
showed that when women are in charge, communities work well together.
▪ What Needs to Change:
 o Giving Women More Power: Maira says we need to let women shape how
things work, not just follow what men have set up.
o Letting Local Communities Decide: Instead of having big experts decide
everything, Maira says we should let local communities come up with their
solutions. What works in one place might not work in another.
▪ Conclusion
o Changing how we think about our economy is not easy, but it’s important.
Maira tells us that we should listen to regular people, especially women,
and let them help make things better. This way, we can build a future
where everyone is taken care of, and our world becomes one big family.

• Editorial 5: On Potential of India-China Relations

o The article discusses the ongoing global crises and suggests that China
and India, as ancient Asian civilizations, can lead the way in promoting
peace and development. They propose building a global community with
shared values and future goals, emphasizing cooperation, mutual
respect, and multilateralism.
▪ What history and vision do China and India share?
o Ancient Civilizations: Both countries have a rich history, having coexisted
as neighboring ancient civilizations for thousands of years.
o Common Philosophies: The Chinese vision of “a world of fairness and
justice for the common good” and the Indian motto “Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam” emphasize global unity.
o Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence: In the 1950s, China and India
together introduced these principles, which have since become
foundational norms for international relations.
o Developmental Stage: Both nations, with populations exceeding one
billion each, are at a pivotal phase of development and revitalization.
o Global Community Vision: China’s President proposes building a global
community of a shared future, an idea also supported by multiple
international platforms including the UN.
▪ What are the key vision points proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping?
 o Economic Globalization: The focus is on guiding economic globalization
in the right direction, ensuring it benefits developing countries. Rejecting
practices like unilateralism, protectionism, and “winner-takes-all”
strategies is emphasized.
o Peaceful Development: The world should prioritize peace, likening its
importance to air and sunshine. The pitfalls of colonialism and
hegemonism are highlighted, advocating instead for cooperation and
win-win situations.
o New International Relations: The goal is to establish relations where
emerging and established powers coexist peacefully. Mutual respect,
equity, and cooperation should be the foundation.
o True Multilateralism: Multilateralism should be genuine, not based on
cliques or supremacy. The UN should remain central in this vision, with
international law guiding global order.
o Common Human Values: There’s an emphasis on universal values like
peace, development, equity, and justice. Recognizing the diversity of
civilizations and respecting each nation’s unique development path is
vital.
▪ How can China and India collaborate?
o China and India’s collaboration potential may include:
o 1) Shared Population Strength: Together, China and India account for a
third of the global population. This demographic weight offers a
significant platform for collaborative influence.
o 2) Global Community Building: They can jointly spearhead the vision of a
global community with a shared future, leveraging their historical ties
and combined wisdom.
o 3) Joint Initiatives and Unique solutions: By aligning on global
development, security, and civilization initiatives, they can present
unified solutions to global challenges.
o 4) Global South Leadership: As representatives of the Global South, both
countries can demonstrate a will to create an open, inclusive world that
prioritizes peace, security, and common prosperity.
▪ Conclusion
o China and India could jointly work hand in hand with global
development, security and civilisation initiatives to demonstrate the
 common will and resolution of the Global South countries to build an
open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace,
universal security, and common prosperity.
o India will also have to work more closely with like-minded nations in
creating and sustaining new institutional frameworks that not only
respond to today’s geostrategic realities but also serve Indian interests
that are increasingly becoming more global.

• Topic 1: Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Passed Away

o Li Keqiang, the ex-Chinese premier, passed away due to a heart attack,

within a year of retiring from his position as the second-highest-ranking
official in the country.
o Li Keqiang, the former premier of China, passed away due to a sudden
heart attack on October 27, 2023. Aged 68, he concluded his career in
March, 2023 after completing two terms in office alongside Chinese
President Xi Jinping.
▪ Leadership Structure and Role of the Chinese Premier
o The leader of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China,
commonly referred to as the Chinese premier, holds the position of the
country’s head of government and also leads the State Council.
o This role represents the second-highest authority in China’s political
hierarchy, ranking below the general secretary of the Chinese
Communist Party/president of China, and commands the highest
position in the central government’s civil service.The premier’s term is
five years in duration and can be renewed. The Karuvannur Service
Cooperative Bank in Thrissur is under investigation by the Enforcement
Directorate (ED) due to financial irregularities and allegations of money
laundering.
o This has exposed significant issues within Kerala's cooperative sector,
deeply affecting the CPI(M)-led government.
• Topic 2: International Competition Network (ICN)

o Recently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has become a part

of the prestigious 18-member steering committee of the International
Competition Network (ICN).
▪ International Competition Network (ICN):
o The concept for the ICN originated from recommendations made by the
International Competition Policy Advisory Committee (ICPAC), a group
formed in 1997.
o It was established in October 2001 by officials of 15 competition
agencies from around the world.
o The steering committee is the ICN's apex body.
o The ICN, comprising 140 competition agencies, typically provides
antitrust authorities with a specialised, yet informal, venue for
maintaining regular contacts and addressing practical competition
concerns.
o The Steering Group members shall elect a Chair from among Steering
Group representatives at the ICN Annual Conference in odd-numbered
years.
o It is the only global body devoted exclusively to competition law
enforcement and its members represent national and multinational
competition authorities.
o It has no formal Secretariat or premises.
▪ Competition Commission of India (CCI)
o It is a statutory body of the Government of India and was established in
March 2009 under the Competition Act, 2002.
o The goal of CCI is to create and sustain fair competition in the economy
that will provide a ‘level playing field’ to the producers and make the
markets work for the welfare of consumers.
o Composition:
o It has the composition of a quasi-judicial body, with one chairperson and
six additional members.
 o All members of the CCI are appointed by the Central Government.
o Headquarters: New Delhi.

• Topic 3: Global Declaration for River Dolphins

o In a ground-breaking development, 11 Asian and South American

countries recently signed a global declaration, the "Global Declaration
for River Dolphins," aimed at preserving the world's six remaining river
dolphin species.
▪ Global Declaration for River Dolphins:
o This declaration is designed to guide 14 nations where river dolphins
inhabit, with a focus on responsible freshwater dolphin conservation.
o It aims to halt the decline of all river dolphin species and increase the
most vulnerable populations.
o The declaration will escalate collaborative endeavours to safeguard the
surviving river dolphin species.
o Countries that adopted the declaration include Bangladesh, Bolivia,
Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and
Venezuela.
o The countries involved agreed to improve water quality in the dolphins'
habitat, create protected areas, tackle overfishing, and involve
Indigenous communities in the affected regions in protecting the
animals.
▪ River dolphins
o River dolphins are any of six species of small, usually freshwater aquatic
mammals that are related to whales (Order Cetacea).
o A seventh river dolphin species, the Chinese river dolphin, or baiji, was
declared extinct in 2007.
o Distribution: These dolphins are found in rivers of south-central Asia,
China, and South America and in the coastal waters of Brazil, Argentina,
and Uruguay.
o Common Features: They have slender beaks lined with lots of teeth,
 small eyes, flexible necks and bodies, pronounced forehead melons,
large flippers, and small dorsal fins.
o The six surviving species of river dolphins are the Amazon, Indus,
Ganges, Irrawaddy, Tucuxi, and Yangtze finless porpoises.
o All six species of river dolphins are classified as Endangered or Critically
Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
o The largest is the Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis).
o They are important indicators of the health of rivers. Where freshwater
dolphin populations are thriving, it is likely that the overall river systems
are flourishing.

• Topic 4: Bering Sea

o A recent study links a decline in sea ice moving from the Arctic to the
Bering Sea in the north Pacific Ocean to an increased occurrence of
wildfire hazards in northeast China.
▪ Bering Sea:
o It is a marginal sea in the northernmost part of the Pacific Ocean,
separating the continents of Asia and North America.
o To the north, the Bering Sea connects with the Arctic Ocean through the
Bering Strait, at the narrowest point of which the two continents are
about 53 miles (85 kilometres) apart.
o It is bordered by the US state of Alaska to the east and northeast, the
Kamchatka Peninsula and the Far Eastern region of Russia in the west,
and the chain of the Aleutian Islands in the south.
o The boundary between the United States and Russia passes through the
sea and the strait.
o The Bering Sea can be divided into two equal portions: a shallow area
along the continental shelf in the northern and eastern parts of the sea,
and a deeper area in its southwestern part.
o The Bering Strait is a relatively shallow passage, averaging 100 to 165
feet (30 to 50 metres) in depth.
o Canyons:
▪ There are about 16 submarine canyons in the Bering Sea.
▪ Situated in the sea’s center is a large underwater canyon known as
the Zhemchug Canyon. It is also the world’s largest and deepest
submarine canyon.
o Rivers: The two rivers that drain into the sea are the Anadyr and the
Yukon Rivers.
o Islands:
▪ In addition to the Aleutian and Komandor groups, there are
several other large islands in both the sea and strait.
▪ These include Nunivak, St. Lawrence, and Nelson islands in
Alaskan waters and Karagin Island in Russian waters.
o Springtime in the Bering Strait brings one of the largest migrations in the
world. Each year, millions of birds and hundreds of thousands of marine
mammals follow retreating sea ice north through the Bering Strait.