INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. WINDSOR FRAMEWORK

TAGS: PRELIMS-GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT:Recently, the United Kingdom and the European Union struck a deal regarding post-Brexit trade rules for Northern Ireland, with a view to remove the border between Britain and Northern Ireland running through the Irish Sea.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The fact that the Republic of Ireland remained with the EU after Brexit led to complications on the trade front, a wrinkle that the U. K.’s conservative government ironed out with the Northern Ireland Protocol.
• However, the Protocol, which allowed EU customs rules to apply across Northern Ireland, led to tensions in the province. The Windsor framework is the latest attempt at a remedy to the political complexities that have impacted trade and sentiments in the area.
• The ‘Windsor Framework’ will replace the Northern Ireland Protocol, which had proved to be among the thorniest of Brexit fall-outs, creating problems both economic and political.

What are the salient features of the Framework:

The framework has two crucial aspects:

• Introduction of a green lane and red lane system – For goods that will stay in Northern Ireland and those that will go to the EU respectively.
• The Stormont Brake – it allows Northern Ireland lawmakers and London to veto any EU regulation they believe affects the region adversely.
• The two-lane system– British goods meant for Northern Ireland will use the green lane at the ports and will be allowed to pass with minimal paperwork and checks.
• Physical checks will be conducted if the goods are deemed suspicious, in place of the routine checks now.
• Goods destined for Ireland or the rest of the EU will have to take the red lane, with the attendant customs and other checks.

The Northern Ireland Protocol:

• The Northern Ireland Protocol is a trading agreement that was negotiated in 2020 between the U.K. and the E.U.
• Under the protocol, both the U.K. and E.U. agreed that the inspection of goods would be conducted between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
• Northern Ireland remained in the EU single market, and trade-and-customs inspections of goods coming from Great Britain took place at its ports along the Irish Sea.

Issues related to the Northern Ireland Protocol :

• The protocol has led to political division in Northern Ireland.
• The checks made trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland cumbersome, with food products, especially, losing out on shelf life while they waited for clearance. Some taxation and spending policies of the UK government could not be implemented in Northern Ireland because of EU rules.
• The sale of medicines, too, was caught between different British and EU rules.

2. RAISINA DIALOGUE

TAGS: PRELIMS-GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT:Prime Minister recently  inaugurated the eighth edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is the Chief Guest of the three-day Dialogue.

THE EXPLANATION:

The theme of the 2023 Edition is “Provocation, Uncertainty, Turbulence: Lighthouse in the Tempest.”

 About Raisina Dialogue:

• The Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference held annually in New Delhi, India. Since its inception in 2016, the conference has emerged as India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, an independent think tank, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
• The conference is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving a variety of global policymakers including heads of states, cabinet ministers and local government officials. In addition, the Dialogue also welcomes major private sector executives, as well as members of the media and academia. It is designed on the lines of Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue.
• The name “Raisina Dialogue” comes from Raisina Hill, an elevation in New Delhi, seat of the Government of India, as well as the Presidential Palace of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan.

3. PROTON BEAM THERAPY

TAGS: PRELIMS-GS-III- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT:Cancer patients in India face twin challenges when it comes to accessing proton beam therapy (PBT): there are not enough facilities offering the treatment, and the cost can run into tens of lakhs of rupees.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The PBT is considered a viable alternative to radiation for treating solid tumours, especially for head and neck cancers.
• According to hospitals, that it has treated up to 900 patients in its Chennai-based Proton Cancer Centre, of which 47% of cases are brain tumours. Patients with cancers of the prostate, ovaries, breast, lungs, bones and soft tissues have also seen promising results in terms of recovery through proton beam therapy.

ABOUT PROTON BEAM THERAPY:

• Proton beam therapy, is a type of radiation therapy. It uses protons rather than x-rays to treat cancer.
• A proton is a positively charged particle. At high energy, protons can destroy cancer cells. Doctors may use proton therapy alone. They may also combine it with x-ray radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and/or immunotherapy.
• Unlike radiation which uses X-rays, PBT uses protons to tackle cancer. While radiation can prove toxic to the whole body, protons can destroy cancer cells precisely by targeting tumours, thus saving adjoining organs.

4. INDIA’S FIRST PROSPECTIVE DNA VACCINE

TAGS: PRELIMS-GS-III- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT:In a significant development in DNA vaccination research, India’s first and only DNA vaccine candidate for dengue has shown promising results.

THE EXPLANATION:

• In preliminary trials on mice, the candidate generated a robust immune response and improved survival rates after exposure to the disease.
• According to researchers, the world’s first DNA vaccine—ZyCoV-D, developed by Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical firm Zydus Cadila—was approved in 2021 for emergency use against COVID-19. Globally, DNA vaccines are being developed for diseases like tuberculosis and chikungunya. Some 19 DNA dengue vaccines are being evaluated, but yet to reach final clinical trials.

What is DNA Vaccine?

• A DNA vaccine is a type of vaccine that transfects a specific antigen-coding DNA sequence into the cells of an organism as a mechanism to induce an immune response.
• DNA vaccines work by injecting genetically engineered plasmid containing the DNA sequence encoding the antigen(s) against which an immune response is sought, so the cells directly produce the antigen, thus causing a protective immunological response.
• DNA vaccines have theoretical advantages over conventional vaccines, including the “ability to induce a wider range of types of immune response”.Several DNA vaccines have been tested for veterinary use.
• In some cases, protection from disease in animals has been obtained, in others not. Research is ongoing over the approach for viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases in humans, as well as for cancers.
• In August 2021, Indian authorities gave emergency approval to ZyCoV-D. Developed by Cadila Healthcare, it is the first DNA vaccine approved for humans.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

5. UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL RIGHTS

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The representatives of fugitive ‘godman’ Nithyananda’s self-proclaimed country, the United States of Kailasa (USK), attended a discussion conducted by the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) recently.

THE EXPLANATION:

About United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights:

• The Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR) is the body of 18 independent experts that monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights by its States parties.
• It was established under ECOSOC Resolution 1985/17 in 1985.
• All States parties are obliged to submit regular reports to the Committee on how economic, social, and cultural rights are being implemented.
• States must report initially within two years of accepting the Covenant and thereafter every five years.
• The Committee examines each report and addresses its concerns and recommendations to the State party in the form of “concluding observations”.
• The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which entered into force in 2013, gives the Committee competence to receive and consider communications from individuals claiming that their rights under the Covenant have been violated.
• The Committee meets in Geneva and normally holds two sessions per year.

Objectives :

• to carry out the monitoring functions assigned to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in Part IV of the Covenant.
• Drawing on the legal and practical expertise of its members.
• It also helps States in fulfilling their obligations under the Covenant by issuing specific legislative, policy, and other recommendations so that economic, social, and cultural rights are better protected.

It seeks to:

• develop a constructive dialogue with State parties
• determine whether the Covenant’s norms are being applied in State parties
• assess how the implementation and enforcement of the Covenant could be improved

GEOGRAPHY

1. INDIA’S IRON AND STEEL INDUSTRY IS CAPABLE OF EMITTING LESS AND PRODUCING MORE: CSE

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-I- GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT:India’s iron and steel sector can produce less emissions and increase its output at the same time, according to a new analysis released by Delhi-based non-profit, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

THE EXPLANATION:

• The iron and steel industry is an emission-intensive sector. According to the new study shows it is possible to bring down carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from our iron and steel sector drastically by 2030, while more than doubling India’s output of steel. We can emit even less than what we do today. But this will need planning, technology and adequate funds.
• The analysis also gave a number of recommendations to achieve these twin goals. These included switching over to cleaner fuels, increasing the use of steel scrap, implementing carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) and organising finance for a switchover to new fuels and technologies.
• The iron and steel sector is a hard-to-abate sector in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; at the same time, it is a critical contributor to the economic development of the country. Globally, the sector accounts for some 7 per cent of total GHG emissions; in India, the sector’s share is 5 per cent (as per the latest Biennial Update Report (BUR) submitted to UNFCCC in 2016).

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE:

2. HEATWAVES LIKELY FROM MARCH TO MAY: IMD FORECAST

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-I- GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: According to India Meteorological Department (IMD),Heatwaves during March-May are likely in most parts of India, except for the northeastern States, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and coastal Karnataka.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The study also shows, accentuating the heat is the lack of rainfall. “Below normal rainfall is most likely over most areas of northwest India, west central India and some parts of east & northeast India. Normal to above normal rainfall is likely over most parts of peninsular India, east central India and some isolated pockets of northeast India”.
• February temperature hit record levels, with many parts of north and western India reporting 35-39 degree Celsius, or about 3-5 degrees above what is normal for this time of the year, and the IMD’s latest advisory suggests that these conditions are likely to persist over the coming months.
• Currently, La Nina conditions— or below normal temperatures— are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific region. The La Nina is likely to weaken and turn to El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), ‘neutral conditions’ during the pre-monsoon season, the IMD forecast noted. La Nina conditions are associated with better monsoon rains with El Nino conditions linked to reduced monsoon rains, particularly in northwest India.
• La Nina conditions have persisted for nearly three years leading to above normal rains in India since 2019. La Nina and El Nino conditions are cyclical in nature and while El Nino conditions are expected to emerge, a full picture can emerge only after March when global climate models can better capture such changes.
• The elevated temperatures threaten wheat yields with the IMD last week issuing advisories to farmers to either irrigate or initiate soil treatment to conserve moisture.

VALUE ADDITION:

What is La Nina?

• La Niña is a climate pattern that describes the cooling of surface-ocean waters along the tropical west coast of South America. La Niña is considered to be the counterpart to El Niño, which is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean.
• Together, La Niña and El Niño are the “cold” (La Niña) and “warm” (El Niño) phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO is series of linked weather- and ocean-related phenomena. Besides unusually warm or cool sea-surface temperatures, ENSO is also characterized by changes in atmospheric pressure.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3. FATF SUSPENDS RUSSIA’S MEMBERSHIP OVER UKRAINE WAR

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II- INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the global anti-money laundering watchdog the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has suspended Russia’s membership over the Ukraine war.

THE EXPLANATION:

About FATF:

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. The inter-governmental body sets international standards that aim to prevent these illegal activities and the harm they cause to society. As a policy-making body, the FATF works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas.
• The 39-member body sets international standards to ensure national authorities can effectively go after illicit funds linked to drugs trafficking, the illicit arms trade, cyber fraud and other serious crimes.
• The FATF was created in 1989 at the behest of the G7 and is headquartered in Paris.
• In total, more than 200 countries and jurisdictions have committed to implement the FATF’s Standards as part of a co-ordinated global response to preventing organised crime, corruption and terrorism.
• On June 25, 2010 India was taken in as the 34th country member of FATF. Therefore, India is not founding member of FATF.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

4. YELLOW RIVER

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT:  A recent study has noted that the Chinese practice of building embankments is one of the reasons to blame for the devastating floods occurring in the “Yellow river”.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Yellow River:

• The Yellow River (Huang He) is the second longest river in China (after the Yangtze).
• It’s the fifth-longest river in the world.
• Source: The Bayankala Mountains on the Plateau of Tibet in western central China.
• Mouth: southern Bohai Sea
• Claims to fame: world’s muddiest major river, “China’s cradle (of civilization)”
• Provinces flowed through: Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, and Shandong
• Tributaries: Black River, White River, Tao River, Huangshui, Fen River, Luo River, Wei River.
• The name “Yellow River” comes from the huge amounts of “yellow” loess sediment it carries, which are eroded when it flows through the Loess Plateau.
• Hukou Waterfall on it is the second-largest waterfall in China.

5. EXERCISE DESERT FLAG

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II- INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: For the first time, India’s indigenously made light combat aircraft Tejas is participating in an international multilateral air exercise – Exercise Desert Flag VIll – in the UAE, reflecting India’s increasing efforts at showcasing the jet on the world stage.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Exercise Desert Flag:

• Exercise Desert Flag is a Multilateral air exercise which will see participation from the air forces of the UAE, France, Kuwait, Australia, the UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, the Republic of Korea, and the US.
• The objectives for the exercise were to expose coalition participating forces to large force employment, sharpen tactical capabilities, and enhance interoperability along with fostering closer relations between the participating forces.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in the exercise for the first time in Exercise Desert Flag-VI (2021).

INDIAN HERITAGE

1. KHAJURAHO TEMPLES

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: While Khajuraho is internationally recognized for its rich architectural grandeur of the Western Group of temples that UNESCO recognizes as world heritage, the districts of Chhatarpur and Panna have lesser-known destinations that can serve as model local tourist destinations.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Khajuraho Temple

• The Temples of Khajuraho are a magnificent example of the Nagara style of temples as the temples consist of

• a sanctum,
• a narrow ante-chamber (antarala),
• a transept (mahamandapa),
• additional halls (ardha mandapa),
• a mandapa or nave and
• an ambulatory passage (Pradakshina-path) which is lighted by large windows.

• These are a collection of Hindu and Jain temples located in Madhya Pradesh.
• They are known for its ornate temples, was built by the Chandela rulers between 900 CE to 1130 CE.
• These are located in the Vindhya Mountain range.
• They  got the status of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 1986.
• Erotic imagery is very common in the Temples of Khajuraho.
• Sculptures of celestial nymphs with broad hips, heavy breasts and languishing eyes are commonly found in the Kandariya Mahadeva and Vishwanath Temple. These sculptures are believed to reflect the idea of female beauty and fertility.
• Other scenes depicted on the walls of the temples are a part of the Narathara (the human life cycle) signifying how sexual procreation and kama are an essential aspect of human life.
• The major focus of the study of the Temples of Khajuraho have been on the sculptures.

• The walls of these temples have some of the best sculptures of the time, making Khajuraho a representation of excellent artistic features.
• It is believed that the temples constitute five different sets of sculptures:

• cult images
• the parivara, parsva and avarana devatas
• the apsaras and the surasundaris
• secular sculptures of miscellaneous themes (dancers, musicians, disciples and domestic scenes)
• mythical creatures (vyalas, sardula and other animals)
• The first mention of Khajuraho and its temples is in the accounts of Abu Rayhan al Biruni( 1022 CE) and Ibn Battuta (1335 CE).
• The carvings on them reflect the four goals of life in Hinduism, viz, dharma, kama, artha, moksha.
• One theory posits their construction can be understood as a part of the proliferation of the Siva-Sakti cult. The other theory is that the temples are a representation of the devadasis who were once a major part of the temple activities.
• The Temples of Khajuraho are divided into three groups, the Western Group, the Eastern Group and the Southern Group.

The Western Group:

• Chausath Yogini Temple-this temple stands on the low rocky eminence to the south west of the Sib-Sagar
• Kandariya Mahadeva Temple– Largest of all the temples in Khajuraho, it dates back to the 10th century CE.
• Devi Jagdamba Temple -this temple is now known by the name of Devi Jagdamba or the ‘Mother Goddess of the World’.
• Chitragupta or Bharat ji’s Temple -This temple is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya), an image of the Sun God is enshrined within the sanctum, wearing high boots and driving a chariot of seven horses.
• Vishwanath Temple – Vishwanath, or the ‘Lord of the Universe’, is another name for Lord Shiva to whom this temple is dedicated.
• Laxmana Temple -also known as the Chaturbhuj Temple.
• It is popularly known for its innovation in the technique of architecture.

The Eastern Group:

• Brahma Temple -situated on the banks of Khajuraho Sagar.
• Vamana Temple -situated on the north-east side of the Brahma Temple
• Ghantai Temple -this temple got its name from the bells suspended on chains which adorn the pillars of its portico.
• Parshwanath Jain Temple – it is the largest of the Jaina temples. It is believed to be a shrine of Parshwanath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankara.

The Southern Group:

• Duladeo Temple – It is about a mile and a half away from the main Khajuraho Temples and was originally dedicated to the Siva
• Jatkari or Chaturbhuja Temple -situated near the Jatkari village, this temple faces west. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

About Chandela Dynasty:

• The Chandela Empire ruled central India from the tenth to the fourteenth centuries.
• Chandela were well known for their interest in art and architecture.
• Although followers of Shaivism, the Chandela were also said to have been inclined towards Vaishnavism and Jainism as well.

About Panna Biosphere :

• The Panna Biosphere is located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• It  is situated in the Vindhya Mountain range in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh
• Ken River, a tributary of the Yamuna River, flows through the reserve.
• The ken-Betwa river interlinking project will be located within the tiger reserve.
• The region is also famous for Panna diamond mining.
• The Panna National Park got the status of  India’s 22nd tiger reserve in 1994.
• In 2011, it was notified as a Biosphere Reserve by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers in the country followed by Karnataka and Uttarakhand.

HEALTH ISSUES

2. BRAZIL MAD COW DISEASE

TAGS: PRELIMS- GS-II-HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: Brazil is the largest beef exporter in the world. And China is one of the largest beef consumers in the world. Brazil recently suspended its beef exports to China due to mad cow disease. The disease is also called Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.

THE EXPLANATION:

What is Mad Cow Disease?

• It is incurable. The disease occurs due to an infection in a protein called a prion.
• The disease spreads when cows consume the meat of the cattle that are already infected with the disease.
• It is a fat neurodegenerative disease, meaning affects brain cells
• Symptoms of the disease include weight loss, trouble walking, etc.
• It has a long incubation period and therefore very difficult to identify. The incubation period is the time between the infection and the occurrence of the first symptom.
• The outbreak of the disease occurred in the US, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, Chile, UAE, etc.

What will China do now?

• The Chinese may look for alternatives. They will probably turn to Australia, Japan or Korea. The relations between Australia and China were not too good in recent times. Australian government ordered the removal of all the Chinese-made cameras in public offices. Maybe, this is an opportunity for the countries to reconcile. However, China may have to pay the extra price as the situation is in favour of Australia.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3. CHINA-JAPAN SECURITY DIALOGUE

TAGS: PRELIMS- GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT:China and Japan held a security dialogue for the first time in four years. It was held in Tokyo. During the meeting, the countries agreed to strengthen their security relations and communication. They will work to gain mutual trust. Also, they agreed to bring upon a framework of maritime and air liaison.

THE EXPLANATION:

Why is China being nice all of a sudden?

• If you notice, China recently held the WMCC meeting with India on withdrawing troops in the borer. China is planning on holding talks with Australia.
• China has been changing its tone of business in recent days, that is, 30-40 days. This is because the economy of the country is becoming more and more fragile. And with the dependent population increasing and the working population decreasing in the country because of its birth control policies, China will face a big setback in its economic growth coming days. These predictions are being repeated by the IMF and World Bank only to remind world business investors about the Chinese state!
• Right now China is facing a lack of promising jobs for the youth in the country, the property market is declining, the growth rate has been the slowest in a decade, consumer confidence has become zero due to cheap low-quality products, etc.

China’s policy change

• China was a pro-business market for quite some time in the past. Meaning, the capitalists were given preference. But lately, the Chinese Communist Party’s (the ruling government) goals are prioritized over business interests. The case of Jack Ma is the best example of the Chinese policy shift.

What is China-Japan issues?

• The dispute between the countries is over the Senkaku islands. The islands is being administered by Japan since 1972. However, the legal status of the islands is still disputed. After the world war, II Japan gave up its claims over several parts of the world. In 1951, Japan gave up Taiwan under the Treaty of San Francisco. The Senkaku islands are near Taiwan. And according to Japan, the islands belong to the country under the US Trusteeship treaty signed in 1971.
• China did not raise any issues when Japan signed the San Francisco agreement. In 1969, oil reserves were found in the Senkaku islands. Since the discovery of oil reserves, China is making the claim on the island.
• Of all this, China has now entered Ukraine war talk backing Russia.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

4. THE INDIAN COUNCIL OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH (ICHR)

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, after objections, ICHR stopped singing the daily national anthem, and removed the images of Bharat Mata and DeenDayal Upadhyaya.

THE EXPLANATION:

About THE INDIAN COUNCIL OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH (ICHR) :

• The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• It was established by the Ministry of Education & Social Welfare, Govt. of India (now, Ministry of Education) in 1972.
• ICHR was registered under the Societies Registration Act (Act xxi of 1860), an Act for the registration of Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies in India.
• The primary aim and objective of the Indian Council of Historical Research are to promote and give directions to historical research and to encourage and foster objective and scientific writing of history.

Some of the objectives of the Council:

• To foster objective and scientific writing of history such as to inculcate an informed appreciation of the country’s national and cultural heritage;
• To review the progress of historical research from time to time.
• To advise the Government of India on all such matters pertaining to historical research and training in history methodology as may be referred to it from time to time.
• To sponsor historical research programmes.
• To provide technical assistance for the formulation of historical research programmes by individuals or institutions.
• To promote publications of historical research of a high standard
• Generally, take all such measures as may be found necessary from time to time to promote historical research and its utilization in the country.

Functions:

• To provide fellowships and financial assistance to young teachers in colleges, universities and registered research organizations,
• To publish a biannual Journal – the Indian Historical Review, and another journal Itihas in Hindi.
• To maintain a large and expanding Library-cum-Documentation Centre with facilities of DELNET and J-STOR.
• To maintain two regional centres namely ICHR North-East Regional Centre (Guwahati) and ICHR Southern Regional Centre (Bangalore).

5. COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR-GENERAL OF INDIA (CAG) AND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO)

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India , has been selected as External Auditor of the International Labour Organization in Geneva for a four-year term from 2024 to 2027.

THE EXPLANATION:

About CAG:

• CAG is an independent authority under the Constitution of India.
• The Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in chapter V under Part V.
• He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
• He is the guardian of the public purse.
• He acts as a guide, friend and philosopher of the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament.
• Incumbent CAG of India: Shri Girish Chandra Murmu.

Constitutional Provisions regarding the CAG:

• Article 148–151 , in  Part V of the constitution of India deals with the appointment, oath and conditions of service ,Duties and Powers of CAG.
• Article 279 – The calculation of “net proceeds” is ascertained and certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, whose certificate is final.
• Third Schedule – Section IV of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of India prescribes the form of oath or affirmation to be made by the Judges of the Supreme Court and the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India at the time of assumption of office.
• Sixth Schedule– According to this schedule, the District Council or Regional Council should be kept in such form as the CAG prescribes with the approval of the President.
• In addition, these bodies’ accounts are audited in such manner as CAG may think fit, and the reports relating to such accounts shall be submitted to the Governor who shall cause them to be laid before the Council.

About International Labour Organization (ILO):

• It was established by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
• It is the only tripartite N. agency. It brings together governments, employers and workers.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• It received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969

The eight-core conventions of the ILO are:

• Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
• Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
• Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
• Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111)
• Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
• Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)
• Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No.87)
• Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)
• India is a founding member of the ILO
• India has ratified six out of the eight-core/fundamental ILO conventions. These conventions are:
  • Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
  • Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
  • Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
  • Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111)
  • Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
  • Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)

Key reports by ILO :

• World Employment and Social Outlook.
• Global Wage Report.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. UNITED NATIONS HIGH SEAS TREATY

TAGS: PRELIMS-GS-II- INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a new round of negotiations on the United Nations High Seas Treaty began in New York.

THE EXPLANATION:

About United Nations High Seas Treaty:

• It is known as the ‘Paris Agreement for the Ocean’, and the treaty to deal with Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction has been under discussion for several years.
• The proposed treaty concerns the ocean existing beyond the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) that lie from the coast of a country to about 200 nautical miles into the sea (Countries have special rights for exploration till 200 nautical miles).
• The treaty was to be negotiated under the United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.

About the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

• UNCLOS became effective on 16th November 1982.
• It superseded the four Geneva Conventions of April 1958, which respectively concerned the territorial sea and the contiguous zone, the continental shelf, the high seas, fishing and conservation of living resources on the high seas.
• As per UNCLOS, the sea is divided into 4 parts:

• Territorial waters
• Contiguous Zone
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
• Continental Shelf

2. WHAT IS NEW START TREATY?

TAGS: PRELIMS-GS-II- INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Russian President announced that Moscow was suspending its participation in the New START treaty with the United States.

THE EXPLANATION:

About New START Treaty:

• It is known as The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).
• It is the last remaining nuclear arms deal between Russia and the United States of America, and it was extended for five years in 2021.
• Objective: The New START caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits.

What is the timeline of this treaty?

• New START continues the bipartisan process of verifiably reducing U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals begun by former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
• The treaty was signed by US President Barack Obama and Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in Prague in 2010.
• New START replaced the 1991 START I treaty, which expired in December 2009, and superseded the 2002 Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT), which terminated when New START entered into force.
• Both Russia and the United States announced that they met New START limitations by Feb. 5, 2018.
• Importance: New START is the first verifiable U.S.-Russian nuclear arms control treaty to take effect since START I in 1994.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

3. WHAT IS ASTROSAT?

TAGS: PRELIMS-SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently made an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to allow scientists and researchers to analyze data from the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission, AstroSat.

THE EXPLANATION:

About AstroSat:

• It is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.
• It is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical, and UV spectral bands simultaneously.
• AstroSat, with a lift-off mass of 1515 kg, was launched by the Indian launch vehicle PSLV from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on September 28, 2015, into a 650 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6 degrees to the equator.
• The spacecraft control center at Mission Operations Complex (MOX) of ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru, manages the satellite during its entire mission life.
• The minimum useful life of the AstroSat mission is around 5 years.

Scientific Objectives:

• To understand high energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and black holes.
• Estimate magnetic fields of neutron stars.
• Study star birth regions and high energy processes in star systems lying beyond our galaxy.
• Detect new briefly bright X-ray sources in the sky.
• Perform a limited deep-field survey of the Universe in the Ultraviolet region.

4. WHAT IS ULTRASAT?

TAGS: PRELIMS-SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: NASA will launch Israel’s first space telescope mission, the Ultraviolet Transient Astronomy Satellite (ULTRASAT) in early 2026.

THE EXPLANATION:

About ULTRASAT:

• ULTRASAT is an ultraviolet observatory with a large field of view, that will investigate the secrets of short-duration events in the universe, such as supernova explosions and mergers of neutron stars.
• It is planned to launch into a geostationary orbit around Earth
• NASA will provide the launch opportunity, Flight Payload Adapter, and other launch-related responsibilities for ULTRASAT.

What is a geostationary orbit?

• Satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) circle Earth above the equator from west to east following Earth’s rotation – taking 23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds – by travelling at the same rate as Earth.
• This makes satellites in GEO appear to be ‘stationary’ over a fixed position.
• To perfectly match Earth’s rotation, the speed of GEO satellites should be about 3 km per second at an altitude of 35 786 km. This is much farther from Earth’s surface compared to many satellites.
• This particular orbit is used for meteorological and communications satellites.
• The geostationary orbit is a special case of the geosynchronous orbit, which is any orbit with a period equal to Earth’s rotation period.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

5. WHAT IS MULETHI?

TAGS: PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: Himachal Pradesh has recently begun the commercial cultivation of licorice (Mulethi) to become the first state in India to have organized cultivation of Mulethi.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Mulethi:

• Mulethi,  commonly known as licorice, is a sweet-tasting perennial shrub.
• Scientific name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
• The roots have a sweet taste due to the presence of glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sucrose.
• It has been traditionally known and used as medicine in Ayurveda (known in Ayurveda as ‘Yashtimadhu’) for rejuvenation.

Uses:

• Herbal medicines use Mulethi for its natural sweetness.
• It is also used in traditional medicines against chest and lung diseases.
• It is used to flavor candies, tobacco, and alcohol, artificial and natural sweeteners.

Health Benefits:

• It has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial
• It is known to boost immunity due to the increase in the production of macrophage and lymphocytes.
• Mulethi herb can treat asthma, cough, cold, sore throat, and other respiratory ailments.
• It helps in weight loss as it contains flavonoids that help to reduce excessive fats accumulated in the body.
• It helps improve the digestive system, lessens the acidic level in the intestines, and also helps to detox our body.

Distribution:

• The plant thrives in a dry and sunny climate and is cultivated in subtropical and warm temperate regions.
• Countries producing licorice include Iran, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey.
• It is also cultivated in Punjab and Sub Himalayan tracts in India.

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” took the oath of office as prime minister of Nepal. It is thought that KP Sharma Oli, Deuba’s predecessor, was pro-China and that India will go back in time as a result of the alliance of Communist forces. India-Nepal relations had deteriorated under Oli’s administration from 2015 to 2016 and from 2018 to 2021, but they recovered once Deuba took office as prime minister in 2021. This article will analyse the challenges associated with India and Nepal ties and so far the history of India and Nepal ties and what role the China factor plays.

SIGNIFICANCE OF NEPAL FOR INDIA

• Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Bihar are the five Indian states with which Nepal has a border. Consequently, a significant hub for commercial and cultural interchange.

There are two ways to look at the significance for India:

• Their strategic value for the national security of India.
• Their position in the perspective of India’s function in world politics.
• Nepal, along with Bhutan, serves as a northern “borderland” flank and functions as a buffer state against any potential assault from China. Nepal is located directly in the heart of India’s “Himalayan boundaries.”
• In terms of biodiversity and potential for hydropower, rivers that originate in Nepal feed the enduring river systems of India.
• Nepal is a popular pilgrimage destination for many Indians since it has a huge number of Hindu and Buddhist sacred sites.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• The foundation of the unique ties that exist between India and Nepal is the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950.
• Because of the geographical, historical, cultural, and economic ties that go back centuries, Nepal is a significant neighbour of India and holds a special place in its foreign policy.
• Given that Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is today’s Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism have parallel ties to India and Nepal.
• The two nations have tight relationships through marriages and familial ties, colloquially known as Roti-Beti ka Rishta, in addition to sharing an open border and allowing unrestricted movement of people between them.
• India and Nepal’s relationship has experienced some “lows” recently.
• In 2015, the two nations’ ties deteriorated as a result of India’s involvement in the Constitution-drafting process as well as an “unofficial blockade” that caused considerable animosity toward India.

AREAS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN INDIA AND NEPAL:

THE ECONOMY AND TRADE:

• India is Nepal’s main trading partner, the major source of foreign investment, and the transit country for practically all of Nepal’s commerce with other nations.
• India can import affordable hydropower from Nepal to satisfy its peak electricity needs.

CONNECTIVITY:

• Since Nepal is a landlocked nation, India borders it on three sides, with one side open to Tibet, which has very little access to vehicles.
• India and Nepal have launched several connectivity initiatives to strengthen interpersonal connections and foster economic growth and development.
• For the construction of the electric rail route connecting Kathmandu with Raxaul in India, MOUs have been signed by the two governments.
• Within the framework of trade and transit agreements, India is attempting to create inland canals for the flow of freight, giving Nepal more access to the sea under the name “connecting Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) with Sagar” (Indian Ocean).

DEFENCE COLLABORATION:

• Through the provision of equipment and training, bilateral defence cooperation helps the Nepalese Army modernise.
• The Indian Army’s Gorkha Regiments are partially staffed via recruiting in Nepal’s hill areas.
• Since 2011, India and Nepal have participated in a joint military exercise called Surya Kiran.

CULTURAL:

• Initiatives have been made to encourage interpersonal interactions between various local organisations in Nepal in the fields of media, academia, and art & culture.
• Three sister-city agreements between Kathmandu and Varanasi, Lumbini and Bodhgaya, and Janakpur and Ayodhya have been inked by India.

PROVIDING HUMANITARIAN AID:

• Due to its location in a delicate ecological zone where earthquakes and floods can cause significant harm to property and human life, Nepal continues to be India’s top beneficiary of humanitarian aid.

MULTILATERAL COLLABORATION:

• The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the Non-Aligned Movement, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is just a few of the multilateral forums that India and Nepal are members of together.

HUMAN-TO-TO INTERACTIONS:

• There are approximately 6,000 Indian citizens residing in Nepal. These people include established businesspeople and traders, professionals (doctors, engineers, and IT workers), and labourers (including seasonal and migrant workers in the construction industry).
• The Indian Army employs numerous Nepalis.

HOW MUCH OF AN INFLUENCE HAS CHINA HAD ON NEPAL?

• As Beijing desires to have a Communist-run government in Kathmandu, China is thought to have played a significant role in uniting the two communist parties throughout the 2018–2021 era.
• China has gradually displaced India’s influence over Nepal in recent years by making investments, providing help, and making loans.
• As part of its broad aspirations to increase international trade, China views Nepal as a crucial partner in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and wants to invest in Nepal’s infrastructure.
• In the initial years, from the 1950s to 1980s, the Chinese tried to build an economic presence in Nepal, which got enhanced tremendously post-1990s.
• China has made inroads into Nepal in infrastructure, education and health sectors and has increased participation with Nepal on the economic front.

BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE(BRI) AND MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION(MCC)

• China’s Belt and Road Initiative is gaining momentum in Nepal and the region despite India’s resistance and non-membership in it. But the future of the recent China-Nepal agreements will depend on Nepal’s foreign policy dexterity.
• China considers Nepal an important element in its growing South Asian footprint with Nepal being a key partner in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• In 2016, Nepal negotiated an Agreement on Transit Transportation with China and in 2017, China provided a military grant of $32 million to Nepal.
• In 2019, a Protocol was concluded with China providing access to four seaports and three land ports to Nepal. China is also engaged with airport expansion projects at Pokhara and Lumbini.
• China has overtaken India as the largest source of foreign direct investment with the annual development assistance being worth $120 million.
• The PM of Nepal pushed for the ratification of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose project with the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) which saw street protests and big-time.

THE CAUSES OF NEPAL’S ENLARGING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA

IDEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION:

• In Nepal, the communist parties have constantly supported and campaigned against India. This time, they were also favoured by the Nepali Congress.

INDIA’s DELAYS IN NUMEROUS PROJECTS:

• More so than China, which is carrying out the projects that were agreed upon, India’s delays in implementing numerous projects in Nepal.
• For instance, the Mahakali Agreement has not been implemented for more than 20 years.

POTENTIAL ADVANTAGE OF CHINA:

• Nepal sees the Chinese railway as a chance to attract Chinese tourists and pilgrims to Lumbini, the site of Buddha’s birth.

INDIAN POLICY MISTAKES:

• In Kathmandu, New Delhi has traditionally been seen as “hawkish” and “selfish” when handling delicate issues.
• The most notable examples of this are various river treaties, the unwillingness to respond to frequent border-encroachment complaints, the construction of tall structures along the border, complaints about flooding, the harsh behaviour of the armed border forces, trade and transit crises, and embargoes.

PEOPLE’s SCEPTICISM ABOUT INDIA:

• Open borders have historically been a major point of controversy.
• Nepal’s excessive reliance on India has prevented it from ever gaining the comparative advantage necessary to boost exports. unable to compete with the influx of inexpensive Indian products.

HOW CHINA IS FIGHTING AGAINST GEOGRAPHY FOR NEPAL?

The Himalayan mountains have historically been a barrier between Nepal and China, but railways, roads and tunnels are about to change that. In the battle between geography and technology, Nepal will fall into the Chinese embrace if technology wins. If geography remains a factor, however, India can continue to wield political, strategic and geopolitical influence on Nepal. The idea of political geography will come into play around the trilateral relations between China, India and Nepal.

The rising presence of China across the Himalayas, especially after the BRI, forced India to recalibrate its policy towards Nepal.

• From a strategic perspective, the Kalapani territorial conflict involving China, Nepal, and India causes the tension. India governs the Kalapani region.
• In the event of a Sino-Indian battle, control of the Kalapani trijunction would allow India to station itself at a strategically advantageous elevation and allow Indian posts to monitor the Tibetan highland passes.
• The 2017 India-China military standoff in Doklam, during which Chinese authorities claimed that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China could easily invade India through other border intersections like Kalapani or Kashmir, proved the validity of this argument.
• China’s influence in Kathmandu has grown recently as a result of the National Communist Party (NCP) taking power in Nepal.
• Growing Chinese investments in physical infrastructure, such as the trans-Himalayan railroads, as well as Nepal’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), among other indicators, testify to Beijing’s expanding economic sway.
• The India-Nepal relationship, on the other hand, has frequently encountered issues over the past ten years, despite the two countries’ long history of bilateral ties. For instance, as a landlocked nation, Nepal relies heavily on India for supplies of necessities.
• Further undermining bilateral trust was the reported “unofficial blockade” of 2015 that resulted in the interruption of vital fuel supply during the Madhesi protests in Nepal. As a result of this episode, Kathmandu strengthened its alternative to India and increased its inclination towards China.

ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH INDIA AND NEPAL TIES

TERRITORIAL CONFLICTS

• Even though 98% of the border between India and Nepal has been marked, the Susta and Kalapani limits remain a concern.
• The British established these limits in 1816, and when the British withdrew from India in 1947, India inherited these territories.
• In 2019, Nepal published a new political map that included the Uttarakhand regions of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh as well as the Bihar region of Susta.

PROBLEMS WITH FRIENDSHIP AND PEACE

• The Nepali government requested the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 in 1949 to maintain its unique relations with British India and grant them an open border and the ability to work in India.
• Today, however, it is seen as a manifestation of an unequal relationship imposed by Indians.

THE IRRITANT OF DEMONITISATION

• India removed its (Rs 1,000 and Rs 500) banknotes in November 2016.
• Given that the Nepali and Indian rupees are tied, many Nepali people who were legally permitted to possess Rs 25,000 in Indian money were caught in a bind.
• The central bank of Nepal, the Nepal Rastra Bank, has assets at Rs 7 crore, while the estimated value of public holdings is Rs 500 crore.
• One of the factors contributing to the growing animosity between the two nations is India’s unwillingness to accept demonetized currencies at the Nepal Rastra Bank.

CHINA’S GROWING INTERVENTION

• India’s influence over Nepal has waned in recent years, and China has increasingly filled the void with investments, loans, and other forms of assistance.
• As part of its broad aspirations to increase international trade, China views Nepal as a crucial partner in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and wants to invest in Nepal’s infrastructure.

CONCERN FOR INTERNAL SECURITY

• The border between India and Nepal is essentially unguarded and is used by terrorist organisations and rebel groups from India’s North East to supply trained cadres, traffic people, and print counterfeit money.

ETHNIC DIFFERENCES AND TRUST

• Due to India’s reputation for putting off the delivery of major projects, the trust gap between India and Nepal has grown.
• Some ethnic groups in Nepal harbour animosity toward India because they believe that India interferes with their political independence and shows excessive courtesy to them.

HOW CAN INDIA SETTLE ITS DISPUTES WITH NEPAL?:

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Today, it is important to steer clear of territorial nationalism rhetoric and set the stage for a peaceful conversation in which both parties show compassion as they consider what is practical. India must be a considerate and giving partner for the neighbourhood first policy to take hold.
• In terms of interpersonal relationships, administrative cooperation, and political exchanges, India should be more proactive with Nepal.
• Nepal needs to pay more attention to the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) that was signed between India and Nepal.
• India must engage with and forge strong relationships with all Nepal political actors, whether on the left, right, or centre.
• Given its location, it makes sense that Nepal would look to both China and India for infrastructural investment. India needs to be aggressive and show Nepal that its projects are more appropriate for the Himalayan country than Chinese ones.
• In the past, numerous Indian projects were hampered by delays brought on by local environmental concerns, cost overruns, and the use of subpar local contractors. India should therefore assist Nepal in resolving these issues so that major infrastructure projects like the Arun III hydroelectric project can be completed on time.
• Furthermore, India ought to keep its political ties strong in order to prevent disagreements like the one over land in the Kalapani region.

UPSC MAINS EXAMINATION QUESTIONS:

Q1. A stable, safe, and friendly Nepal is a requirement that India can’t afford to ignore, given its enormous strategic value in the Indian context as an Indian security concern. Discuss.

Q2. Due to China’s expanding influence in Nepal, India will need to step up its diplomacy and project delivery. Discuss

Q3. “The relationship between India and Nepal has recently deteriorated and needs to be improved”.Critically examine.

UPSC PRELIMS PYQ:

Q. Consider the following pairs:

Community sometimes mentioned in the news In the affairs of

1. Kurd          —        Bangladesh

2. Madhesi   —         Nepal

3. Rohingya  —       Myanmar

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

a) 1 and 2

b) 2 only

c) 2 and 3

d) 3 only

Answer: C

HEALTH ISSUES

1. VERTIPLANE X3 DRONE DELIVERS TB MEDICINES

TAGS: PRELIMS- GS-II-HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Health recently conducted a trial of delivering TB medicines in a drone. The trials were conducted in Rishikesh. Traversing through the Himalayas, especially during rainy seasons and winter seasons is challenging and time-consuming. Drones can deliver medicines to hilly regions quickly even during harsh weather conditions.

THE EXPLANATION:

Drone delivery of TB medicines

• The trials of TB medicine delivery using drones were conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences under the supervision of the Health ministry. The trial was successful. The drone delivered 2 kilograms of anti-tubercular drugs to a hospital in Tehri Garhwal from AIIMS.

Future plans

• GoI is planning on using drone technology to deliver medicines and also sputum samples to laboratories and eliminate TB by 2025. Further, government hospitals will be encouraged to use this technology to deliver organs for transplantation.

About the drone used in the trials

• The drone can carry 4 kilograms. It can traverse 50 km. The drone was designed and built by Tech Eagle Innovations. The drones developed by the same company were used by the Meghalaya government to transport medicines. The Government of Meghalaya set up a drone station in Jengjal. Drones were also used by ICMR to deliver COVID vaccines in Manipur.

VALUE ADDITION:

Tuberculosis

• Cause: It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (bacteria) and it most often affects the lungs.

Transmission

• TB is spread through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit. A person needs to inhale only a few germs to become infected.
• With TB infection, a person gets infected with TB bacteria that lie inactive in the body. This infection can develop into TB disease if their immune system weakens.

Symptoms

• Prolonged cough, chest pain, weakness/fatigue, weight loss, fever, etc.
• Often, these symptoms will be mild for many months, thus leading to delays in seeking care and increasing the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Diagnosis

• In the case of suspected lung TB disease, a sputum sample is collected for testing for TB bacteria.
• For non-lung TB disease, samples of affected body fluids and tissue can be tested.
• WHO recommends rapid molecular diagnostic tests as initial tests for people showing signs and symptoms of TB.
• Other diagnostic tools can include sputum smear microscopy and chest X-rays.

Treatment

• Bedaquiline for multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB
• Both TB infection and disease are curable using antibiotics.
• It is treated by the standard 6-month course of 4 antibiotics. Common drugs include rifampicin and isoniazid.
• In drug-resistant TB, the TB bacteria do not respond to the standard drugs. Its treatment is longer and more complex.
• In case of infection (where the patient is infected with TB bacteria but not ill), TB preventive treatment can be given to stop the onset of disease. This treatment uses the same drugs for a shorter time.

2. GOVERNING ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION IN INDIA

TAGS: GS- HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT:The Central Government has recently made major changes in the organ transplant regulations in the country under its ‘one nation, one policy’ rule by removing the 65-year age cap for recipients and allowing them to register in any state and not just their state.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Organ Transplantation in India:

• The primary legislation governing organ transplantation in India is the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, passed in 1994.
• It provides a system to regulate the removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs.

National Organ transplant programme:

• It is implemented by the Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India.
• Objectives:

• To organize a system of organ and Tissue procurement & distribution for transplantation.
• To promote deceased organ and Tissue donation.
• To train the required manpower.
• To protect vulnerable poor from organ trafficking.
• To monitor organ and tissue transplant services and bring about policy and programme corrections/ changes whenever needed.

National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO):

• It is a National level organization set up under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• It functions as the apex center for coordinating all activities and networking for the procurement and distribution of organs and tissues and maintaining the registry of organs and tissue donation and transplantation in the country.

Organ donation in India:

• Organ donation means giving part of the body (organ) to a person with end-stage organ disease who needs a transplant.
• In India, organ donations are legal under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA), 1994, which also legalizes the concept of ‘brain death’, the permanent cessation of all brain functions.
• Organ donation is a voluntary process wherein you can fill up a consent form to donate your organs in the event of your demise.

Types of organ donation:

Living Donor Organ Donation:

• A person during his life can donate one kidney, a portion of the pancreas, and a part of the liver.
• Living Donor is any person not less than 18 years of age who voluntarily authorizes the removal of any of his organ and/or tissue, during their lifetime, as per prevalent medical practices for therapeutic purposes.
• The donor can be a family member, relative, friend, neighbour, or in-law.

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

3. THYREUS NARENDRANI

TAGS: PRELIMS- GS-III- ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, researchers from Kerala has been discovered a new species of cuckoo bee from the Kole wetlands and named it Thyreus narendrani.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Thyreus narendrani:

• The new species belongs to the family Apidae of the order Hymenoptera.
• The genus Thyreus consists of cuckoo bees or cleptoparasitic bees.
• Cuckoo bees parasitise the nest of other bees by breaking and entering and laying their eggs.
• Unlike other female bees, cuckoo bees lack pollen-collecting structures.
• Once the cuckoo bee’s larva hatches out in the nest of the host bee, it consumes the food stored by the host for its own growing larva.

About Kole wetland

• It is the largest brackish, humid tropical wetland ecosystem located in the state of Kerala.
• Extending from the northern bank of Chalakudy River in the south to the southern bank of Bharathapuzha River in the north
• It is situated in the central Asian Flyway of migratory birds.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

4. US BILL ON ARUNACHAL PRADESH LAC

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The US senate recently passed a resolution condemning China. According to the resolution, China is changing the status of LAC using its military force. Also, the resolution lauded India for the country’s steps to defend itself against Chinese aggression at the border.

THE EXPLANATION:

About the resolution

• The resolution title was long and self-explanatory. The title mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral part of India. It also said that the actions of China in South Asia are provocative.

Implications of the resolution

• The USA is strongly supporting India and its international relations. US Congress had passed such resolutions earlier too. For instance, in 2020, the US Congress passed a similar resolution after the Galwan issue. However, this is the first time, the US is passing a detailed and open resolution that is echoing the position of India in the border areas.

Political significance

• The resolution had the support of both the Republican and conservative party support. This is an additional benefit. This means the support from the US and its citizens is strong. The increase in the number of Indian Americans in the country may be one of the major reasons for such collective support.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

5. USTAD BISMILLAH KHAN YUVA PURASKAR

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The award is presented by Sangeet Natak Akademi to artists in the field of dance, music, and drama. It is presented annually to artists below the age of 40. Every year, more than 33 artists are presented with the award. The winners receive 25,000 rupees of the cash price. The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is being presented since 2006. The awards were presented by the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism.

THE EXPLANATION:

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

• 19 artists from North East India won the award. The awards were presented for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. 102 awardees were selected. The lists were finalised in 2022. However, are being presented now. Categories include Sitar, Flute, Mridangam, etc.

Who is Ustad Bismillah Khan?

• He was a famous Shehnai musician. He was one of the few musicians in the country to receive Bharat Ratna. Before him, musicians M S Subbulakshmi and Ravi Shankar were honoured with the award before him and he was the third to receive the honour.

Sangeet Natak Akademi

• It was established by the Education ministry of India in 1952. The main objective of the academy is to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the country.

VALUE ADDITION:

Sangeet Natak Akademi confers classical status on nine Indian dance forms:

• Bharatanatyam: Tamil Nadu
• Kathak: Northern India
• Kathakali: Kerala
• Kuchipudi: Andhra Pradesh
• Manipuri: Manipur
• Mohiniyattam: Kerala
• Odissi: Odisha
• Sattriya: Assam
• Chhau: Odisha

THE CONTEXT: The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2023 will be held on the theme, ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World,’ and convene government, business, and civil society leaders to address the state of the world and discuss priorities for the year ahead.In line with this year’s WEF theme, “Cooperation in a Fragmented World”, India has reiterated its position as a resilient economy with a strong leadership providing stable policy to the global investors at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos. This year, India’s focus areas at WEF are investment opportunities, infrastructural landscape and its inclusive & sustainable growth story.

THE WORLD AT GLANCE: The world today is at a critical inflection point. The twin triggers of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine rattled an already brittle global system. For the first time since the 1970s, the world is facing a precarious disequilibrium with growth and inflation moving in oppositive directions. Economic growth in the world’s largest economies is stalling, while navigating headwinds from rising food and energy prices. This is occurring alongside heightened geo-economic fragmentation, financial sector vulnerabilities, including stretched asset prices and high debt levels, and a climate crisis spiralling out of control.

FOCUS AREAS OF THE SUMMIT

• Addressing the Current Energy and Food Crises in the context of a New System for Energy, Climate and Nature.
• Addressing the Current Industry Headwinds in the context of a New System for Harnessing Frontier Technologies for Private Sector Innovation and Resilience.
• Addressing the Current Social Vulnerabilities in the context of a New System for Work, Skills and Care
• Addressing the Current Geopolitical Risks in the context of a New System for Dialogue and Cooperation in a Multipolar World
• Energy transition and climate change are inextricably linked, with its impact being felt in recent months. While a global energy transition is underway, further action is needed to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Policymakers are now operating with limited fiscal space, while inflationary pressure is forcing a tightening of monetary policy. Tighter monetary policies also have knock-on effects on emerging markets, with many now struggling to service their debts.
• Industries are being forced to reassess their investment, production and innovation decisions with the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), climate change and geopolitical fragmentation of recent years.
• Official statistics show that despite a growing global economic crisis, workers continue to leave – or consider leaving – their jobs.
• In parallel, emerging markets are facing pressure of significant unemployment driven by the economic slowdown, leading to heightened social pressure.
• Systems that brought common benefit, such as trade, have been used as weapons to punish rivals, and areas that were once paragons of cooperation, like climate change, are at risk of becoming frontlines of competition.

INDIA AT DAVOS 2023

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

INDIA’S TARGET

INDIA’S ‘HIGH GROWTH, MODERATE INFLATION’ STRATEGY

STRATEGY TO ACHIEVE IT

High Growth Rate: London-based consultancy Center for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), predicts that India will become the third $10 trillion economy by 2035.
Demographic Dividend: More than half of India’s population, which is estimated to have already overtaken China’s, falls in the working age group of 15-64 years—the segment known as the demographic dividend.
Indian Government in ‘India’s Road to a $10 Trillion Economy’, highlighted four key factors that will make all the difference: The first dimension is to make sure India’s economy is resilient, and there is consistent 6-8% growth rate for a complete decade with moderate inflation.”
Second, as the world moves towards resilient supply chains, India must figure out how to ‘attract a large number of supply chain participants’ while using local research and development capabilities.
The third and fourth cover areas of energy transition and digital transformation.
India aims to promote just and equitable growth while also making significant progress on the most pressing domestic challenges.

CHALLENGES

Structural issues in the economy:

• Inadequate Infrastructure: One of the biggest challenges faced by the Indian economy is inadequate infrastructure. India’s infrastructure cannot keep up with the population growth. This leads to a lot of problems such as traffic jams, power cuts, and water shortages.
• Infrastructure deficit– hi\gh logistics cost- (14-15%) as compared to 7-8% in the Developed world.
• Inefficient agriculture: Agriculture produces 17.4% of economic output but, over 51% of the workforce is employed in agriculture.
• Poor tax collection rates–According to the Economist, India has one of the poorest tax-to-GDP rates in the whole world. India’s tax revenue as a % of GDP is just 12%. Compared to an EU average of 45%.

ON ENERGY TRANSITION: TOP PRIORITY WITH INDIA’S G20 PRESIDENCY:

India has sizeable and growing energy needs, and with this, comes the risk of rising greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)
During 2022, extreme weather events were recorded in India during 80% of the year, underlining how much the country is already suffering the effects of climate change.
India claimed that “India is the only major economy whose energy transition is consonant with a sub-2 degree rise in global temperature. We achieved our NDCs nine years in advance – we had said that we’ll have 40% of our capacity coming from non-fossils by 2030, and we achieved that in 2021.”

• Rising oil prices– As a net importer of oil, India’s economy is sensitive to increases in the price of oil (and other commodities, such as gas, steel and precious metals. The high price of oil in 2021-22 will worsen India’s current account deficit and put upward pressure on consumer prices.
• Russia-Ukraine Crisis threaten the energy security– Between April 2020-March 2021 : Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia, India has been caught in the crossfire of international sanctions against Russia.

ON RESILIENT TECHNOLOGY: ‘DIGITAL VISION BEING IMPLEMENTED IN INDIA

Manufacturing Base– India is now committed to spending very large amounts of money over the next 5-10 years to finally attract the semiconductor base, which we could never build over the last several decades.
Digital vision-

• Rolling Out of 5G
• Chat GPT is being utilized to benefit farmers in India

Global supply chain – China+1 has become the norm in the world: everybody is talking about being in India in addition to China, not necessarily replacing China. Europe+1 has started to be talked about.. because they feel India could become a very important part of the supply chain of the world

• Skill Gap In India– According to the Global Business Coalition for Education (GBC-Education), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Education Commission, more than 50% of Indian youth is not on track to have the education and skills necessary for employment by 2030.
• Huge dependency on China– this will limit the alternative supply chain-and going beyond the China-centric supply chain.

THE WAY FORWARD:

To deal with the global financial situation: a new debt architecture is needed, and Multilateral Development Banks must change their business model. Development banks must concentrate on multiplying their impact, leveraging massively private finance in a systematic way, providing guarantees, and accepting to be first risk-takers in coalitions of financial institutions to support developing countries.
Climate action: bridging divides and restoring trust means meaningful climate action, and climate action now. The battle to keep the 1.5-degree limit alive will be won or lost in this decade. Further G20 must unite around a Climate Solidarity Pact in which they make extra efforts in the 2020s to keep the 1.5-degree limit alive.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals:
1. expand economic opportunities for women.
2. greater engagement and cooperation for vaccine equity.
3. Global food security: In the current global scenario, we need the cooperation of the private sector to keep Ukrainian and Russian food and fertilizer exports flowing and affordable.
India needs to take steps to deal with the challenges:
Economic front-
Employment and Labour Reforms: Fully codify central labour laws and enhance Female Labour Force Participation to 30%.
Issues like regulation and clearances need to be solved to increase the investment environment in the economy.
Industry—
Develop self-sufficient clusters of manufacturing competence, with plug & play parks for MSMEs
Impetus to Labour Intensive Export firms
Launch a major initiative to push industry to adopt Industry 4.0
Introduce a “single window” in states providing a single point of contact between investor & government.
For skilling –
The employability of labour needs to be enhanced by improving skilling outcomes and a massive expansion of the apprenticeship scheme.
Upskilling and reskilling steps are needed to increase employability of the workforce. In this regard New National education policy is launched that focuses on the vocational education. PM Kaushal Vikas yojana need to be implemented in letter and spirit.
Logistics cost- Steps is needed to decrease this to increase competitiveness of the industry. Various schemes like PM Gati Shakti yojana have been launched to increase infrastructure development.
Banking issues need to be resolved— like NPA issues that decrease the effectiveness of banks. Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) guidelines need to be reframed in a balanced manner to address the dual objectives of growth and NPA resolution.

THE CONCLUSION: The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos ended on Friday after five days of intense conversations and debates. The end of the summit saw India emerging as a key pillar in the world order with WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab describing the country as a bright spot in a fragile world. This shows a bright opportunity is present in the Indian economy, which is having a huge demographic dividend. This can help it in playing an important role at the world stage.

SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. JHARKHAND’S FIRST SURVEY OF MIGRANTS

TAGS: GS-II- SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: Around 8.5 lakh migrants returned to their home state, Jharkhand, during the COVID crisis. To help these migrants with a good livelihood, the State Government of Jharkhand started the State and Responsible Migration Initiative in 2021.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Creating a robust database of the migrants in the state is a part of this initiative. To achieve this, the Jharkhand Government recently launched the first survey of Migrants. Jharkhand is not the only state to launch such states. Several other states like Tamil Nadu and Punjab had already launched such surveys.

About the Survey

• The survey is to be conducted in 24 districts. Officers will knock on the doors of 11,000 households to take the survey
• The survey outputs will be used to create a state-level policy
• The survey will also help the State in identifying the cause of migration.

Why the Jharkhand people are leaving the state?

• The survey will find out the factors influencing migration in the state
• During the survey, the officers will talk to community leaders to get a greater insight into the problem
• The survey has blocks of questions to understand and decipher the issue. They are household characteristics, incoming migrants, outgoing migrants, quality of life of migrants, understanding the mindset of migrants, etc.
• The survey will also collect details on the nature of work the migrants are expecting and what is the role of women in the household and in the earnings.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

2. WHAT IS THE INDUS WATER TREATY?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: India recently issued a notice to Pakistan for modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

THE EXPLANATION:

About Indus Water Treaty:

• It was signed in September 1960 between India and Pakistan.
• The treaty was brokered by the World Bank, which too is a signatory to the treaty.
• The treaty fixed and delimited the rights and obligations of both countries concerning the use of the waters of the Indus River system.
• It gives control over the waters of the three “eastern rivers’ — the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej — to India, while control over the waters of the three “western rivers’ ‘ — the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum — to Pakistan.
• The treaty allows India to use the western river waters for limited irrigation use and unlimited non-consumptive use for such applications as power generation, navigation, floating of property, fish culture, etc.
• It lays down detailed regulations for India in building projects over the western rivers.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

3. LUCY MISSION

TAGS:PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-III- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: NASA recently announced that it is adding a new target for the Lucy mission as the spacecraft goes on its more than 6-billion-kilometre-long journey to study the Jupiter trojan asteroids.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Lucy Mission:

• NASA’s Lucy mission is the first spacecraft launched to explore the Trojan asteroids, a population of primitive asteroids orbiting in tandem with Jupiter.
• Lucy was successfully launched Oct. 16, 2021, and will visit eight asteroids over 12 years — one asteroid in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter, and seven Trojan asteroids leading and trailing Jupiter in its orbit.

 What are Trojan Asteroids?

• Asteroids sharing an orbit with a planet, but which are located at the leading (L4) and trailing (L5) Lagrangian points, are known as Trojan asteroids.
• These asteroids occupy a stable Lagrangian point in a planet’s orbit around the Sun.
• Trojan Asteroids are some of the oldest remnants from the formation of our solar system 5 billion years ago.
• There are currently over 4,800 known Trojan asteroids associated with Jupiter.
• They orbit the Sun in two loose groups: one group leading ahead of Jupiter in its orbit, the other trailing behind at the same distance from the Sun as Jupiter.
• Due to the combined gravitational influences of the Sun and Jupiter, these Trojan asteroids have been trapped on stable orbits (around what is known as the Lagrange Points) for billions of years.

 What is a Lagrange point?

• Lagrange Points are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two body system like the Sun and the Earth produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion.
• The Lagrange Points are positions where the gravitational pull of two large masses precisely equals the centripetal force required for a small object to move with them.
• These can be used by spacecraft to reduce fuel consumption needed to remain in position.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INITIATIVES IN NEWS

4. EXTENDED REALITY (XR) STARTUP PROGRAM

TAGS:PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-II- GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS

THE CONTEXT:The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), and Meta have recently announced the list of 120 startups and innovators for the Extended Reality (XR) Startup Program.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Extended Reality (XR) Startup Program:

• The XR Startup Program is a collaboration between Meta and MeitY Startup Hub (MSH).
• Aim: To accelerate India’s contribution towards building the foundations of the metaverse and nurturing the development of Extended Reality (XR) technologies in India.
• It includes two segments namely; an Accelerator and a Grand Challenge.

Accelerator:

• The Accelerator will nurture and foster 40 early-stage startups working with XR technologies through a well-designed 6-month program.
• Each startup will get access to many benefits, including a grant of ₹ 20,00,000, mentorship by industry experts and researchers, access to a network of potential strategic partners and investors, technology and infrastructure support, and opportunities to participate and present at relevant industry events.

Grand Challenge:

• The Grand Challenge is aimed at supporting early-stage innovators to upscale from the R&D phase to developing workable prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
• It will encourage early-stage innovators in sectors like Education, Learning and Skills, Healthcare, Gaming and Entertainment, Agritech& Climate Action and Tourism & Sustainability.
• It will include 4 sector-specific challenges to advance the XR technology ecosystem in India.
• A total of 80 shortlisted innovators will receive a grant of ₹ 50,000 and an opportunity to attend the boot camp.
• Of the 80 shortlisted innovators, 16 innovators will be supported with grants worth ₹ 20,00,000 to help them develop MVP(s)/ prototypes.

5. NATIONAL TECHNICAL TEXTILES MISSION

TAGS:PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-II- GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS

THE CONTEXT:Recently, The Union Minister of Textiles cleared 15 R&D projects across key strategic areas such as Speciality fibre, Protective textiles, High-Performance Textiles , Medical Textiles etc under the National Technical Textiles Mission.

THE EXPLANATION:

What are Technical Textiles?

• Technical Textiles are textile products which are manufactured primarily for their functionality and use rather than aesthetic appeal.
• Technical textiles are classified into 12 major groups based on their application areas namely;Agrotech, Geotech, Buildtech, Mobiltech, Hometech, Clothtech, Indutech, Meditech, Sportstech, Protech, Packtech, Oekotech.

Key features of the National Technical Textiles Mission India

• The Ministry of Textiles has launched NTTM to increase the penetration level of technical textiles in India while leveraging the extraordinary growth rate of the sector.
• The mission aims to position India as a global leader in Technical Textiles.
• The mission will comprise the following four components:
• Research, Innovation and Development
• Promotion and Market Development
• Export Promotion
• Education, Training, Skill Development
• Implementation:It has been approved with an implementation period of four years starting from FY 2020-21 till FY 2023-24. The total outlay of the mission is INR 1480 Cr.

INDIAN POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. WHAT IS ‘NIKAH HALALA’?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-II-POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court said recently that it will set up a five-judge Constitution Bench to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy and nikah halala practice among Muslims.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Nikah halala:

• The term “Nikah” and “Halala” both are Arabic terms.
• “Nikah” means Marriage and “Halala” means to make something halal or permissible.
• The expression “Nikah Halala” literally means a marriage to make something halal or permissible.
• As per Muslim Law, a man cannot remarry his wife after he divorced her, unless the wife is married to another man and gets divorced from that man (second husband) or after the death of the second husband.
• Thus, the process of making the woman permissible for her first husband by giving her marriage to a third person with a pre-condition is known as Nikah Halala also known as Tahleel marriage.
• In this process, the third person consummates the marriage with the object to make the woman permissible for her first husband.
• Does the Quran permit this?There is no sanction in the holy Quran for such marriages.

Legality of Nikah halala in India:

• The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 passed after the invalidation of triple talaq by the Supreme Court, is silent on nikah halala.
• The Act made instant triple talaq a criminal offence but steered clear of halala which takes place as a consequence of triple talaq.

2. WHAT IS A CHARGE SHEET?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-II-POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court recently held the state is not obliged to provide the public free access to chargesheets by uploading them on police or government websites.

THE EXPLANATION:

What is a Chargesheet?

• According to Section 173 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), a charge sheet is a report generated by police officers after investigating a case.
• It contains all the stringent records right from the commencement of investigation procedure of lodging an FIR to till the completion of investigation and preparation of final report.
• It contains the names of the people brought in the custody, the charges they are brought in for and the identity of the accusers.
• Once the charge sheet has been submitted to a court of law, prosecution proceedings against the accused begin.
• Time limit for filing a Charge Sheet:
• It is to be filed within 60 days from the date of arrest of the accused in cases triable by lower courts and 90 days in cases triable by Court of Sessions.
• If the charge sheet is not filed within the prescribed time mentioned above, the accused has a right to default bail.
• A charge sheet is distinct from the First Information Report (FIR).

What is the First Information Report (FIR)?

• It is a written document prepared by a Police officer based on information given by an aggrieved person or any other person either in writing or made orally about the commission of a Cognizable Offence.
• Investigation is started only after filing of the FIR.
• Who can file an FIR? Anyone can file a FIR, whether it is the victim, victim’s family or friends, or any witness to a crime.

An FIR can only be lodged in case of cognizable offences.

What is a Cognizable Offence?

• It is one in which the police may arrest a person without warrant.
• The police are authorized to start investigation into a cognizable case on their own and do not require any orders from the court to do so.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3. EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT INDIA’S CHIEF GUEST FOR REPUBLIC DAY 2023

TAGS PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will be the first chief guest from his country at India’s Republic Day celebrations. This makes him only the fifth leader from the West Asian and Arab world to be the chief guest.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Location: Egypt is a transcontinental country situated in northeastern Africa and the Sinai Peninsula in Western Asia (Middle East).
• Capital: Cairo

Boundaries:

• The country borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea to the east.
• It is bordered by Libya in the west, the Palestinian territory (Gaza Strip) and Israel in the northeast, and Sudan in the south.
• It shares maritime borders with Cyprus, Turkey and Greece in the Mediterranean Sea, and with Jordan and Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea.
• Independence: Modern Egypt became independent in 1922.
• Population: With 12 million inhabitants (2021), Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world.
• Language: Spoken language is Modern Standard Arabic; the colloquial language is the Egyptian-Arabic dialect (Masri).
• Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt with an estimated 85-90% of the population is Sunni Muslim.
• Major rivers: The famous River Nile is the only river that flows in Egypt throughout the year. Around 98% of the country’s population resides in the Nile River Valley.

Suez Canal:

• It is a 30 km (120 miles)-long artificial sea-level waterway located in Egypt.
• It connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez, a northern branch of the Red Sea.
• It provides the shortest maritime route between Europe and the lands lying around the Indian and western Pacific oceans.
• It is one of the world’s most heavily used shipping lanes.

What is Exercise Cyclone-I?

• It is the first ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army.
• Location: Jaisalmer in Rajasthan

ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

4. DECLINE IN NUMBER OF BIRDS IN KOLE WETLANDS

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III- ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Kole wetlands are located in Kerala. The Asian Water Bird Census recently reported that the number of birds in the wetland has reduced significantly. The number of water birds in the wetland has decreased from 15,959 in 2022 to 9,904. This is huge and the survey accuses unscientific construction in the region of the decline.

THE EXPLANATION:

What does the census say?

• The 2023 census was the 23rd AWC. Kole wetlands are of major concern due to the huge water bird population decline. The population decline was mainly due to habitat loss in the region. This occurs because of unscientific construction and waste dumping.

Rare birds in the Wetland

• In the 2023 census, the ornithologists spotted some rare birds. And therefore are more concerned about the expropriation of their home. Some of the rare birds spotted in the region are Amur Falcon, Wood Sandpiper, and Cattle Egret. Rare migratory birds were also spotted in the region such as Painted Storks, Whiskered Tern, Garganey, and Ibis.

About Asian Water Bird Census

• The census identifies and counts water birds and predominantly focuses on the declining population of the birds in wetlands. It is a part of the International Waterbird Census. These censuses are conducted by Wetland International. The census is conducted in different parts of the world such as Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Neotropics. Neotropics includes South America and Central America.

Asian Water Bird Census in India

• In India, the census was first conducted in 1987. The Bombay Natural History Society assists Wetlands International in conducting the survey in the country.

Significance

• The survey aids to get an outlook on the bird population. Has the bird population declined? Are more birds becoming endangered? Causes of bird population decline. Also, it helps in better implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Convention on Migratory Species

5. ODISHA’S STRATEGY TO MITIGATE HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT

TAGS: GS-III- ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Forest Department of the Odisha recently submitted a Ten Pillar Strategy to mitigate Man-Elephant conflict in the state. There are more than 2000 elephants in the state of Odisha spread across the Bhitarkanika National Park, Similipal Tiger Reserve, DebrigarhSancturay, and Satkosia Tiger Reserve.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Today elephants are facing serious threats due to poaching, poisoning, electrocution, and road and train kill. Seldom have they indulged in human conflict due to loss of habitat. To bring in a solution and put an end to the human-elephant conflict, the Odisha Government has brought in a ten-point strategy.

Strategy

Zone-based approach to be adopted and there are three separate strategies for the following:

• Protection
• Prosecution
• Enforcement
• Strategy to improve elephant corridor
• Strategy to replenish elephant habitats
• People’s participation in spreading awareness
• Habitat management that will consider increasing the forest productivity
• Planting elephant food plants, bamboo plants
• Replenish water sources
• Solar fencing under Jana SurakyaGajaRakhya Scheme
• Control and prevention of forest fire

What is Zone based Approach?

• The approach was adopted from the state of Karnataka. Under the approach, the elephant habitats are to be divided into four broad zones. They are as follows:
  • Zone 1: Elephant Conservation Zone
  • Zone 2: Elephant-Human Coexistence Zone
  • Zone 3: Conflict Mitigation Zone
  • Zone 4: Elephant Removal Zone

Connect the Dots:

• Project Re-Hab

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. THE BHOPAL DECLARATION

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The Bhopal Declaration was released after a two-day meeting of Think-20 under G20 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The Declaration was made by more than 300 intellectuals from India and abroad.

THE EXPLANATION:

What is Think 20 ?

The Think 20 (T20) is a forum of think tanks from G20 countries that provides policy recommendations to the leaders of the G20. It was created in 2012 to bring the expertise of think tanks from around the world to bear on the G20’s policy-making process, and it meets annually in the lead-up to the G20 summit.

Bhopal Declaration

• Emphasis on promoting traditional medicine systems like AYUSH
• Encouragement of value-oriented development in infrastructure
• Appeal for more inclusive development and care for all sections of society
• Special attention to children and development led by women
• Focus on bridging the gap between North and South
• Importance of localization in achieving G-20 sustainable development goals
• Necessity of triangular cooperation between government, society, and private organizations

What is Triangular cooperation?

• Triangular cooperation refers to a collaborative approach where three parties (typically government, private sector, and civil society) work together to achieve a common goal. It is used to leverage the strengths of each party and enhance the effectiveness of development cooperation. The approach can be used in various sectors such as health, education, and poverty reduction, and it aims to foster inclusive and sustainable growth.

India’s Role in Triangular Cooperation

• Importance of Indian model in changing global scenario
• Recognition of India’s crucial contribution to COVID-19 containment and response to Russia-Ukraine war.

ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

2. CHAMUNDI HILLS

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-III-ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The citizens’ committee to save Chamundi Hills and its environment has resolved to press for clearance from the heritage committee before the implementation of development works at the hilltop under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).

THE EXPLANATION:

About Chamundi Hills:

• It is located in the city of Mysore, Karnataka.
• The average elevation is 1,060 meters.
• The famous Sri Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chamundeshwari is situated on top of Chamundi hills.
• In the earlier days, the Hill was identified as ‘Mahabaladri’ in honour of God Shiva who resides in the ‘Mahabaleswara Temple’. This is the oldest temple on the hills.
• These hills have been mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures such as ‘Skanda Purana’.

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple:

• It is dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari (Chamundi), deity of the Mysore Royal Family.
• This temple is about 1000 steps from the foot of the Chamundi hills.
• It is built in the Dravidian style of temple architecture.
• The temple has a quadrangular structure.
• It has an impressive seven-tier tower called ‘gopuram’ or ‘gopura’ and an equally imposing entrance which is known as ‘dwara’.

What is Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme?

• The Government of India launched the PRASHAD scheme in the year 2014-2015 under the Ministry of Tourism.
• Is a Central Sector Scheme with complete financial assistance by the Government of India.
• This scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience.
• It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritized, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience. The growth of domestic tourism hugely depends on pilgrimage tourism.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

3. WHAT IS HAKKU PATRA?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The Prime Minister recently launched the ‘Hakku Patra’ (land title deed) distribution drive by distributing title deeds (hakku patra) to about fifty thousand beneficiaries of newly declared revenue villages in Kalaburagi, Karnataka.

THE EXPLANATION:

What is Hakku Patra?

• The word ‘Hakku’ means “the right”, and ‘Patra’ means a “paper” or “document”.
• It is a legal document that states an individual’s rightful inheritance of a property.
• It is issued to the nation’s underprivileged section, including scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, urban slum dwellers, handicapped, and other disadvantaged populations.
• In most cases, the land on which the Hakku Patra is issued is government-owned with a specific set of conditions attached.

Hakku Patra distribution drive:

• It is a part of the Ambedkar Rural Housing Scheme of Karnataka.
• Under this, the government offers free registration of Hakku Patra land in the beneficiary’s name.
• Any house built on the Hakku Patra land should be used as the beneficiary’s house and not for rental purposes.

Benefits of Hakku Patra:

• It makes you the legitimate owner of your land or property by giving an up-to-date and official record of who owns the land.
• It is a state-guaranteed document.
• The title deeds enable owners to avail of bank loans with the said document.
• Hakku Patra registration resolves all types of disputes regarding the ownership or rights over the land.
• The document helps in preventing any encroachment via trespassing on the boundaries.

4. JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The Jaipur Literature Festival is celebrated in the month of January in the city of Jaipur, the Pink city. The festival was introduced in 2006 and is the largest free literary festival in the world.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah addressed the festival, Abdul received the Nobel prize in literature in 2021. He was honored for his works on the fate of the refugees and the effects of colonialism in the Gulf.
• The Festival is to focus on varied topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Geopolitics, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, crime fiction, translation, economics, etc.

Why is Jaipur Literature Festival Celebrated?

• To bring the literary experts, artists of different fields, and writers to a single platform
• To give space for the artists to indulge in a meaningful debate

Jaipur: Pink City

Jaipur is rich in architecture. In 1876, the city was completely painted pink upon the visit of Prince Albert. Albert was Queen Victoria’s husband. The city was painted pink to welcome him. Since then the city is widely called the Pink city.

5. INDO-EGYPT JOINT TRAINING EXERCISE CYCLONE-I

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The Indian and the Egyptian Armies are to conduct the first-ever joint exercise Cyclone-I. It is to be held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan for 14 days.

THE EXPLANATION:

The exercise is the first of its kind as it brings the special forces of the countries to a common platform. Cyclone-I would help the armies exchange their culture and ethos. Also, they will foster interoperability and aid in boosting the diplomatic relation between the nations.

Objectives of the exercise

• The exercise is to honour the professional skills of the armies.
• It will focus on skills necessary to fight in desert terrain undertaking reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and other special operations.
• The armies will share their experience, professional knowledge, and tactics
• The exercise aims to build trust between the countries

Training and Drills

• 30-40 special forces are participating in the exercise.
• The armies will engage and get trained in combat free fall, sniping, surveillance, etc.

India-Egypt

• Exercise Desert Warrior is held between the Air Forces of the countries.
• In 2006, the Defense Committee was formed. The committee is responsible for framing key defense decisions between the countries. The sixth meeting of the committee was held in 2016.
• Trade between India and Egypt was 7.26 billion USD in 2021.

THE CONTEXT: Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited to the United States and the reform of the United Nations has been a central theme. He met with his counterparts from Germany, Brazil and Japan under The Group of Four (G4) banner following the BRICS meeting. The group is primarily focused on UN Security Council (UNSC) reform, and permanent membership of the body for G4 members, among others. The G4 also reiterated their commitment to pushing forward reform and expressed dissatisfaction at the lack of progress in this regard.

PERMANENT MEMBERS OF UNSC

WHAT IS UNSC?

• One of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.
• 15 members, consisting of 5 veto-wielding permanent members (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States) and 10 elected non-permanent members with two-year terms.
• This basic structure is set out in Chapter V of the UN Charter.

THE PERMANENT MEMBERS

• The current permanent were made permanent members in the charter when the United Nations was founded.
• These countries were the victors in World War II and China was their ally.

WHY IS THERE A NEED OF REFORMS IN THE PRESENT SITUATION?

LONG GAP SINCE THE LAST REFORM

• It was expanded only once in 1963 to add 4 non-permanent members.
• Since then, the membership of the United Nations has increased from 113 to 193 without any change in the composition of the UNSC.

UNBALANCED SITUATION

• No permanent member from Africa, despite around 75% of work of the UNSC focused on Africa.
• Unable to respond effectively to the emerging international conflicts and other humanitarian crises.

EXCLUSIVE NUCLEAR CLUB

• There has been criticism that all the members are nuclear powers.
• Only addresses the permanent members’ strategic interests and political motives; for example, protecting the oil-rich Kuwaitis in 1991 but poorly protecting resource-poor Rwandans in 1994.
• The number of permanent members should be expanded to include non-nuclear powers.

USE OF VETO POWER

• Since 1982, the US has vetoed 32 Security Council resolutions critical of Israel, more than the total number of vetoes cast by all the other Security Council members.
• The practice of the permanent members meeting privately and then presenting their resolutions to the full council as a fait accompli has also drawn fire.
• Two blocks created within the five members try to obstruct resolutions of each other.

ITS EFFECTIVENESS AND RELEVANCE

• In most high-profile cases, there are essentially no actions taken for violating a Security Council resolution.
• During the Darfur crisis, Janjaweed militias, allowed by elements of the Sudanese government, committed violence against an indigenous population, killing thousands of civilians.

IRONIC CONDITION

• The main purpose of UN is to maintain peace and stability in the world.
• Five permanent members of the UN Security Council are top five largest arms-dealing countries in the world.

THE REFORMS IN UNSC

WHAT SHOULD BE THE APPROACH?

• Must reflect contemporary global realities.
• For this purpose, the reform of the UN, including the expansion of the UNSC in both permanent and non-permanent categories, is essential.

THE STAND OF PERMANENT MEMBERS

The USA:

• It is in support of Security Council reform, as long as its veto power is not taken away.

Russia and China:

• The time had not come for any serious negotiations on the subject.

 France:

• It supported the addition of five new permanent members, including India, without any objection to veto being extended to them.

THE UK:

• Supported the G-4 without the power of veto.

THE MODEL OF KOFI ANNAN IN THIS REGARD

In 2005, the Former UN secretary general presented two models for a total of 24 seats in the council.

Model A: Six new permanent seats, with no veto being created, and three new two-year term non-permanent seats, divided among the major regional areas.

Model B: No new permanent seats, but create a new category of eight four-year renewable-term seats and one new two-year non-permanent and non-renewable seat, divided among the major regional areas.

G-4 AND THEIR DEMAND

MEMBERS

• The candidates usually mentioned are Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan.

WHY DO THEY DESERVE IT?

• All are in top ten in terms of GDP (nominal and PPP both).
• Germany is the largest economy in Europe and the highest UN budget contributor from Europe.
• Japan is the third largest economy in the world and, after the US second largest budget contributor to the UN.
• Brazil is the largest country in Latin America in terms of population, GDP and land area.
• India has the world’s second-largest population and is the world’s largest liberal democracy. It is also the world’s fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP and third-largest by purchasing power parity.

INDIA AND PERMANENT MEMBERSHIP

THE PROSPECTS

• India well deserves a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
• The l
• Largest democracy in the world, home to 1/6th of mankind, 3rd largest economy.
• One of the largest peace-keeping contributors to the UN and given its credentials in world peace and interests of the developing countries.

INDIA’S EFFORTS IN THIS REGARD

• Campaigns this cause at various meetings, summits conferences and forums to win support from world nations.
• Gets support from friend countries in bilateral talks and relations.
• Separately, India is spearheading a group of around 42 developing countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America– called the L.69 Group, which has demanded on the UNSC reform front.
• Received a lot of support from a majority of countries, mostly developing.
• In September, foreign ministers of G4 countries met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to push their case for reform of the UNSC.

HOW CAN INDIA BECOME A PERMANENT MEMBER?

• The Security Council reform can only occur if two-thirds of UN member states vote in favour, along with an affirmative vote from all the permanent members.
• Effectively, even if India secures the support of two-thirds of UN members, it would still need the five permanent members not to use the veto.

ANALYSIS OF THE ISSUE

VETO POWER AND ITS IMPORTANCE

• The veto right, or the UN Charter’s requirement for the SC Permanent Members’ unanimity, remains the cornerstone of the UN system, which was created to guard peace and security after the Second World War.
• This is not a privilege but a reflection of the high responsibility of the P5 for maintaining peace and security, which reflects both the historical contribution that the Permanent Members made to establish the UN and their continued practical role in the world.
• At the same time, it reflects the wisdom of the founders of the UN, who foresaw a multi-centric world order, which is a reality now.
• The veto remains an important factor that keeps the UNSC members together and motivates them to seek balanced decisions.

SHOULD INDIA ACCEPT THE PERMANENT MEMBERSHIP WITHOUT A VETO?

NO

• Without veto, there will be no credibility for new members.
• They cannot oppose the decision of the UNSC, which affect their interest.
• There will be no change in the present situation because old members can veto any proposal of new members.
• Without the veto, new members will be as like non-permanent members and India served seven times as a non-permanent member, which was ineffective to address India’s and associated concerns.

YES

• Should not allow it to have a veto over the process of council reform.
• Veto should not be an issue, at least for the present.
• After finding permanent membership, India can seek further reforms strongly.
• At least, India will present and vote in every matter, which will be helpful to India.
• Two members favour giving veto, which is a positive signal and can be used in future.
• It will help create an effective image in world politics.

ANALYSIS OF THE ANNAN MODEL

Model A

• Europe will get another permanent seat. It will be hotly contested between Germany, Italy and Spain. Europe will also get 2 non-renewable 2 year seats. These will pass among the European Members of the UN.
• Nigeria and South Africa and hotly tipped for them but there could be other challengers. Africa will get 2 new permanent seats. Africa will also get 4 non-renewable 2 year seats.
• Asian-Pacific Region will also get 2 new permanent seats and there will be plenty of competition between Australia, Japan, India, Pakistan and others for them. The Asian-Pacific region will get 4 non-renewable 2 year seats.
• The America’s will get 1 new permanent seat contested by Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Mexico and other countries. The America’s will also get 4 non-renewable 2 year seats.

Model B

• Europe will get 2 new renewable 4 year seats and 1 non-renewable 2 year seat.
• Africa will get 2 renewable 4 year seats and 4 non-renewable seats.
• The Asian-Pacific Region will get 2 renewable 4 seats year and 3 non-renewable 2 year seats.
• The America’s will get 2 renewable 4 year seats and 3 non-renewable 2 year seats.

Under each model, Africa, Americas, Asian-Pacific and Europe will each have 6 seats representing their views on the Security Council. Of course, no change is recommended in the number of veto-holding members.

For this model Germany, Japan, Brazil and India have pledged to vote for each other in getting the new permanent seats on the council.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• The P-5 is not at all enthusiastic about opening their club to others. But the present configuration of the Security Council should help in projecting the argument that the permanent membership needs to reflect the changed realities of the world.
• In order to enhance regional representation, there is consensus that the council must be enlarged to improve the current makeup, giving more weight to regions such as Africa, the Asia-Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean states, especially when most agenda issues centre on these regions.
• While an enlarged Council should address any democratic deficit and improve multilateralism, a modest increase has been preferred by P5 members to ensure it remains effective and does not descend into a talk shop unable to act quickly.India should pursue the lead offered by the US to end the deadlock over the Security Council’s expansion.

THE CONCLUSION: To play a significant role, India needs to have a permanent seat at the institution that was built to uphold global peace, security, and order. This has become too clear to all those who matter that the old order necessarily needs to go through the process of accommodation. The support from the five Nordic countries and France indicates that these propositions are getting more and more included in the world’s assessment of India.

QUESTION FOR MAINS EXAMINATION:

Q1.The world’s major countries seek permanent membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Discuss the major hurdles in securing a permanent seat for India in the UNSC.

Q2.Discuss the Role and significance of the UNSC, is there a need to reform UNSC? why should India be given permanent membership? Discuss.

Q3. Reforms are necessary to make the UNSC more legitimate, effective, and representative in character and correct historical injustices in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Examine.

THE CONTEXT: The 22nd edition of the Council of Heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (SCO-CHS) concluded with India taking over chair of the regional forum. In this article, we will analyse the background of SCO, What are the bilateral and Multilateral challenges faced by the countries, highlights of the Indian Prime Minister’s speech, and the most importantly, the outcomes and the way forward.

THE OUTCOMES SAMARKAND DECLARATION

Decision by the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States on the Comprehensive Action Plan for 2023-2027 for implementation of provisions of the Treaty on Long-Term Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States and also to Develop Interconnectivity and Create Efficient Transport Corridors and “smart” agriculture and agro- innovation.

• The Samarkand declaration advocated “commitment to peaceful settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation”.
• The rotational presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been handed over to India. New Delhi will hold the presidency of the grouping for a year until September 2023.

• Member States on signing the Memorandum of Commitment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to become a member State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

• Member States on launching the procedure of admitting the Republic of Belarus as a member, granting the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Maldives the status of Shanghai Cooperation Organization dialogue partner.
• The SCO plans to prepare a single list of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups whose activities are banned on the territories of the member states. This move aims to counter the threat posed by them to the region.
• Member States on declaring Varanasi, Republic of India, as the Tourist and Cultural Capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2022-2023.
• India once again refrained from affirming support for China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative in the Joint Declaration.
• Member States on the approval of the Report of the Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure on the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure in 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS OF INDIAN PRIME MINSTER SPEECH DURING THE SUMMIT

• Indian Prime Minister urged the world leaders present at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit 2022 to work towards solving the supply chain issues that were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The United Nations had previously expressed concerns about the food and energy crisis that has been plaguing a number of countries.
• Addressing the summit, Indian Prime Minister framed the “right to transit” in the context of connectivity and how it could help establish reliable and resilient supply chains in the region. Lack of transit across Pakistan’s territory has been a challenge for India to access Central Asian markets, and Delhi has flagged this concern several times in the past.
• The Indian Prime Minister also took the opportunity to talk about how the Indian economy has bounced back after the pandemic and the growth expected in the near future. “We are focussing on people-centric development model. We are supporting innovation in every sector. Today there are more than 70,000 start-ups and over 100 unicorns in our country.”

BILATERAL MEETING WITH IRAN

• During the meeting, the two leaders discussed many important issues pertaining to the bilateral relationship and expressed their desire for strengthening the relationship further. Prime Minister highlighted that India- Iran bilateral ties are marked by historic and civilizational connections, including strong people to people contacts.
• The two leaders reviewed the progress in the development of the Shahid Beheshti terminal,Chabahar Port and underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of regional connectivity.
• They also discussed international and regional developments including Afghanistan. Prime Minister reiterated India’s priorities of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and the need for a representative and inclusive political dispensation in support of a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan.
• President Raisi briefed the Prime Minister on the status of the JCPOA negotiations.

BILATERAL MEETING WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT

• Indian Prime Minister began his comments by telling the Russian President that the “era of war” is over, indicating India’s discomfort with Russia’s attack on Ukraine for the first time in public, although New Delhi has not criticised Russia for its action thus far. He reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

• The two leaders also had a discussion pertaining to global food security, energy security and availability of fertilizers in the context of the challenges emanating from the current geopolitical situation.

HOW DOES MEMBERSHIP OF THE SCO HELP INDIA?

FOR ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

• India’s membership provides it with select opportunities in the geoeconomic and the geostrategic sphere in the Central Asian Region (CAR). The CAR supplies around 10 percent of oil and energy to the world. With India being one of the most energy-hungry nations, involvement in the SCO provides it with an opportunity to satisfy its energy requirements through regional diplomacy.
• India’s pending energy projects like the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline, IPI (Iran-Pakistan-India) pipeline, and CASA (Central Asia-South Asia)-1000 electricity transmission projects — all of which are blocked, due in part to Pakistan’s recalcitrant approach — can get a much-needed push through the SCO.

FOR SECURITY

• In the sphere of security, the SCO formed Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) in 2005 at Tashkent. RATS which works on information sharing and joint counterterrorism measures between member states. The SCO has successfully nullified 600 would-be attacks and extradited more than 500 terrorists through the RATS mechanism. India’s full membership in the SCO will enable it to play an instrumental role in RATS.

FOR INDIA-PAKISTAN AND INDIA-CHINA RELATIONSHIP

• In the absence of the SAARC summit, the SCO summit gives an opportunity for Indian and Pakistani leaders to meet informally, on the side-lines. Both sides have the obligation not to bring in bilateral disputes but can cooperate on issues of mutual interest and importance.
• China, Pakistan and Russia are already in talks with the Taliban, India can volunteer to work upon a stable solution for crisis at Afghanistan crisis, much needed for peace in the region.
• Signing off on joint counter-terrorism exercises will be a new form of engagement between the two militaries. With China, it is yet another opening, like the BRICS summit last year (2021), to bring down tensions, and ahead of the next informal summit in October in India.

FOR GLOBAL GEOPOLITICS

• The US’ power struggle with China, exit from the Iran nuclear deal Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) (affects India’s oil imports from Iran), and adversarial attitude towards Russia (affects India’s defence purchase like S-400) have forced India to choose sides. While Washington’s stance against Islamabad after the Pulwama attack was evidence of its support to New Delhi, India has had a strained relationship with China after the Doklam stand-off, followed by attempts to reset relations in Wuhan.
• In the SCO, India’s sitting down with less-than-free regimes, Russia and China has always had the West worried. India, however, has always been tactful in not aligning with these countries on governance issues. What draws India to SCO is the “Shanghai spirit”, which emphasises harmony, non-interference in others’ internal affairs, and non-alignment. The bottom line is that it helps India keep all options open in terms of international partnerships.

POINT TO BE NOTED

• India’s bilateral trade with Central Asia stands at about $2 billion and with Russia about $10 billion in 2017.
• In contrast, China’s trade with Russia has crossed $100 billion in 2018 while the bilateral figures for Central Asia stand at over $50 billion.

WHAT’S THE DOWNSIDE WITH THE SCO?

THE COUNTER-TERRORISM AND CONNECTIVITY

• For India, two important objectives are counterterrorism and connectivity. These sit well with the SCO’s main objective of working cooperatively against the “three evils”. India wants access to intelligence and information from SCO’s counter-terrorism body, the Tashkent-based Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS). A stable Afghanistan too is in India’s interest, and RATS provides access to non-Pakistan-centred counter-terrorism information there. Connectivity is important for India’s Connect Central Asia policy.

DEFINITION OF TERRORISM

• India’s definition of terrorism is different from the definition of SCO under RATS.
• India points to state-sponsored cross border terrorism, but for SCO, terrorism coincides with regime destabilization.
• SCO’s targets groups like East-Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Al-Qaeda, whereas groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jayesh-e-Mohammad, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network do not come under its anti-terror structure.

GROWING RUSSIA-CHINA CONVERGENCE

• One of the major factors for Russia pushing India’s inclusion into the SCO was to balance China’s power.
• However, today the challenge India faces is the growing closeness of Russia and China, even as India has promoted better relations with the US.
• Further, the new equation of growing Russia — China — Pakistan triangular convergence of interests is a challenge that needs to be navigated.

CHINA’S BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

• India has expressed its strict reservations against China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) and has not accepted the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) of China.
• Since, all the group members except India have endorsed BRI, it makes India standalone on its position.

RIVALRY OF INDIA-PAKISTAN

• India and Pakistan rivalry makes it difficult to adopt a common stand. The deliberate raising of bilateral issues into the SCO is a blatant violation of principles and norms of the charter of the grouping.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• INDIA AS SCO CHAIR: From being an Observer since 2005, India became a member of the SCO in 2017. Following the Summit meeting in Samarkand, India has for the first time assumed the SCO Chair.

In 2021, Iran’s trade with the SCO member states surpassed US$37 billion, which accounts for about 30 percent of the country’s total foreign trade.

• India’s economy is expected to grow by 7.5 per cent in 2022 – the highest among the world’s largest economies. Being the fastest growing major economy of SCO, the growth impetus in the SCO area will be vastly contributed by Indian economy in the coming years. India has assumed the Chairmanship at an important time when the region needs greater cooperation to overcome the challenges.
• IRAN’S SCO ACCESSION: One of the crucial reasons for the lack of flourishing of trade between India and Central Asian states is that there is no direct access. India has to either trade with Central Asia through China or through Europe via Russia, thus making it an expensive affair. Chabahar port in Iran has provided some convenience but in a limited way. Also, Iran can play as a “hub country” a central role in the East-West and International North-South transit corridors (INSTC). India should use Iran as a gateway for Central Asian countries for its geo-economic importance.
• BALANCING THE BLOCS:For India, the buzzword now is ‘all-alignment’. Our External Affairs Minister in his book “The India Way”, offers a critique of India’s traditional policy of “non-alignment” where he distinguishes between the “optimistic non-alignment” of the past, which he feels has failed, that must give way to more realistic “multiple engagements of the future”.

THE CONCLUSION:  Since its formation, SCO has largely been successful in keeping its ‘core’ stable and secure. Further, the SCO has also provided as a platform to strengthen bilateral cooperation among members. The successful cooperation in security domain in SCO will encourage the countries to increase cooperation in economy, technology, healthcare, innovation and connectivity areas. There can be no meaningful economic cooperation without unhindered inter-regional connectivity and territory transit. The economic potential makes the organisation a powerful force for growth and prosperity.

FOR PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

MULTINATIONAL JATE “ANTI-TERROR EXERCISE 2022”

Recently, Pakistan has been invited to the closing ceremony, of the ongoing Joint Anti-Terror Exercise (JATE) under the ambit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) being hosted by India.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The National Security Guard (NSG) is hosting the multinational JATE “Manesar Anti-Terror 2022” under the framework of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), at the NSG Manesar Garrison.

• An Indian delegation had participated in the closing ceremony of the two-week-long JATE-2021 hosted by Pakistan at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi, in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, in September 2021.
• The exercise is aimed at exchanging expertise and best practices and build synergy between the Counter Terrorism Forces of the SCO RATS member countries to enhance capabilities for conducting anti-terrorist operations and countering other security threats collectively.

AIM OF THE EXERCISE

• “JATE is being conducted with a view to practice and master various drills and procedures involved in Counter Terrorism operations including Cordon & Search, Compound Clearance, Close Quarter Battle and medical evacuation.
• The exercise is aimed at enhancing synergy and interoperability among Special Services and Law Enforcement Agencies of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries for combating international terrorism, practice mechanisms to respond to a crisis situation and capacity building of the forces.
• RATS, headquartered in Tashkent, is a permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against terrorism, separatism and extremism.

ADD TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE

BACK2BASICS: ABOUT SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic and security grouping founded on the 15th of June, 2001. It is headquartered in Beijing. Its members include China, Russia, India and Pakistan, as well as 4 Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It is the world’s largest regional grouping, covering about 60 per cent of the area of Eurasia, 40 per cent of the global population and more than 30 per cent of the global GDP. India and Pakistan became members in 2017. The SCO is currently the world’s largest regional organization.

The main objectives of the SCO are to

1. strengthen relations among member states;
2. promote cooperation in political affairs, economics and trade, scientific-technical, cultural, and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection;
3. safeguard regional peace, security, and stability; and
4. create a democratic, equitable international political and economic order.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

1. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What Importance does it hold for India?

1. What are the outcomes of the recent SCO Summit which was held in Uzbekistan capital. And what are the importance of Manesar Anti-Terror Excercise Under SCO RATS.

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. JALLIKATTU-CULTURAL PRACTICE OR CRUELTY?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II-GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Amid the Supreme Court quash the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009 in 2014, the State said the ban on Jallikattu was perceived as an onslaught against the cultural identity of the people of Tamil Nadu.

THE EXPLANATION:

What is Jallikattu?

• It is a bull-taming sport and a disputed traditional event in which a bull such is released into a crowd of people.
• Multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull’s back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape.
• Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull’s horns.
• It is typically practised in the state of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal (harvest) celebrations in January.

Issue with the sport

• An investigation by the Animal Welfare Board of India concluded that “Jallikattu is inherently cruel to animals”.
• Human deaths: The event has caused several human deaths and injuries and there are several instances of fatalities to the bulls.
• Manhandling of animals: Animal welfare concerns are related to the handling of the bulls before they are released and also during the competitor’s attempts to subdue the bull.
• Cruelty to animal: Practices, before the bull is released, include prodding the bull with sharp sticks or scythes, extreme bending of the tail which can fracture the vertebrae, and biting of the bull’s tail.
• Animal intoxication: There are also reports of the bulls being forced to drink alcohol to disorient them, or chilli peppers being rubbed in their eyes to aggravate the bull.

Arguments in favour

• Native breed conservation: According to its protagonists, it is not a leisure sport available but a way to promote and preserve the native livestock.
• Cultural significance: Jallikattu has been known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE) and finds mention in Sangam texts.
• Man-animal relationship: Some believe that the sport also symbolizes a cordial man-animal relationship.

2. 50 ASI-PROTECTED MONUMENTS DISAPPEAR

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-I

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Culture recently told Parliament that 50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments were missing.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Fifty of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments have gone missing, according to the Ministry of Culture has told Parliament.

What are centrally protected monuments?

• The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture, functions under this Act.
• The Act protects monuments and sites that are more than 100 years old, including temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and even objects like cannons and mile pillars that may be of historical significance.
• According to the provisions of AMASR Act, ASI officials are supposed to regularly inspect the monuments to assess their condition. Apart from various conservation and preservation operations, ASI officials can also file police complaints, issue show cause notices for the removal of encroachments, and communicate to the local administration the need for demolition of encroachments.

How can a monument go “missing”?

• The ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, when he realised the need for a permanent body to oversee archaeological excavations and conservation. But while the body remained largely dysfunctional in the 19th century owing to fund crunch, in the decades preceding Independence, it became very active. A bulk of the protected monuments were taken under the ASI’s wings during the 1920s and 30s, up till the 50s, according to the sources.
• But in the decades after independence, the focus of successive governments was on health, education and infrastructure, rather than protecting heritage. Even within the scope of heritage, the aim was to uncover more monuments and sites, instead of conservation. So in due course, many monuments and sites were lost to activities like urbanisation, construction of dams and reservoirs, and even encroachments.
• As per the ASI submission in Parliament, 14 monuments have been lost to rapid urbanisation, 12 are submerged by reservoirs/dams, while 24 are untraceable, which brings the number of missing monuments to 50.
• The agency told the Parliamentary committee that security guards were posted at only 248 of the 3,693 monuments. “The committee notes with dismay that out of the total requirement of 7,000 personnel for the protection of monuments, the government could provide only 2,578 security personnel at 248 locations due to budgetary constraints”.

VALUE ADDITION:
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

• The AMASR Act provides for preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
• It provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other like objects.
• The Archaeological Survey of India functions under the provisions of this act.
• The Act prohibits construction in ‘prohibited area’, an area of 100 meters around protected monument.
• It does not permit construction in such prohibited areas even if it is for public purposes, except under certain conditions.
• The central government can extend the prohibited area beyond 100 meters.
• The iconic monuments in India, Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, The Great Stupa at Sanchi and the Sun Temple of Konark, among others are designated as “ancient monuments of national importance” and protected under the AMASR Act. The Archaeological Survey of India is the custodian of these monuments.
• National Monument Authority will make a recommendation, for construction of public works to the central government, only if it is satisfied that there is no reasonable possibility of moving the construction outside the prohibited area.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3. INDIA-FRANCE STRATEGIC DIALOGUE

TAGS-GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The 36th India-France dialogue will record a forward movement with French President Emmanuel Macron committed to support India for developing advanced military industrial complex.

THE EXPLANATION:

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DIALOGUE
Aircraft Engines and Submarines

• One area where India is seeking French assistance is in the manufacturing of aircraft engines. India is looking for a transfer of technology to enable it to make engines for its indigenous twin-engine fighter, as well as the design and development of next-generation military and civilian engines for future fighter and transport platforms. The Tata group has already teamed up with Airbus to manufacture C295 tactical transport aircraft in Gujarat, and this partnership is set to be expanded to include the production of other civilian and military aircraft through a joint venture with France.
• In addition to aircraft engines, India is also interested in continued French assistance with the production of submarines. The Kalvari (French Scorpene) class submarine line is set to deliver its final submarine this year, and India is hoping that France will help to continue the manufacturing line at Mumbai Dockyards. The plan is to retrofit diesel attack submarines with indigenous air independent propulsion (AIP) systems for long endurance. It is expected that progress will be made on both aircraft engines and long-range submarines during this year’s strategic dialogue with France.

Indo-Pacific Security and Space Cooperation

• Another key topic of discussion during the strategic dialogue will be the Indo-Pacific region, where France is ready to help India with ocean bed mapping and the development of underwater drones and sensors.
• With the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China becoming increasingly aggressive in the Indo-Pacific, and rapidly expanding its warship and nuclear submarine force, India and its allies must be prepared for any eventualities in the Indian Ocean, which is fast becoming a new frontier. In order to ensure maritime domain awareness and security from the east coast of Africa to the far Pacific, India and France have formed a trilateral group with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• In addition to security in the Indo-Pacific, India and France are also working together in the field of space technology, sharing knowledge in an effort to counter China’s rapid strides in this area.

Terrorism and Regional Stability

• During the strategic dialogue, Bonne will also be briefed by Doval on the posture of the PLA along the 3488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) between China and India, and the two leaders will discuss ways to bring both Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table to end the conflict that began in February 2022.
• Another topic of discussion will be the issue of radicalization in the region, particularly in the Af-Pak region, in the wake of the rise of the Taliban, as well as terrorism emanating from Pakistan and targeting India, as seen in the recent terrorist attacks in Rajouri by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayebba (LeT) group.

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

4. SILENT VALLEY BIRD SPECIES GOES UP TO 175

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a bird survey conducted at the Silent Valley National Park in the December 2022 identified 141 species, of which 17 were new.

THE EXPLANATION:

• This year’s survey marked the 30th anniversary of the first bird survey in Silent Valley. Brown wood owl, Banded Bay cuckoo, Malabar woodshrike, White-throated kingfisher, Indian nightjar, Jungle nightjar, and Large cuckooshrike were among the 17 species newly identified in the Silent Valley.

Silent Valley National Park:

• It is a beautiful representation of the last remaining rainforest of Kerala. The forests of the Silent Valley National Park harbour some of the most pristine, unique and highly productive forests in the world.
• Silent Valley is located in the Southwestern corner of Nilgiris.
• A perennial river named Kunthipuzha is passing through the western side of the park, from north to south direction finally merging into Bharathapuzha.
• Fauna: Silent Valley Park is known for many highly endangered species such as lion-tailed macaque, tiger, gaur, leopard, wild boar, panther, Indian Civet and Sambhar.
• The indigenous tribal groups that live within park boundaries include Irulas, Kurumbas, Mudugas and Kattunaikkars.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INTERVENTION

5. TELANGANA JOINS FREE RICE SCHEME

TAGS: GS-II-GOVERNMENTS SCHEMES & INTERVENTIONS

THE CONTEXT: The Telangana government has recently made the decision to join the free rice scheme of the Central government under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

THE EXPLANATION:

• This initiative aims to provide assistance to families in need by distributing free rice to those who are eligible under the NFSA. The Telangana government’s decision to join this scheme demonstrates a commitment to addressing issues of food security and poverty in the state.
• The Central scheme envisages the supply of five kilograms of rice per person per month to 54.44 lakh NFSA cardholders in the state. However, the Telangana government will extend this benefit to an additional 35.52 lakh cardholders, at its own cost.
• Previously, both types of cardholders were receiving free rice under the Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which is a part of the Public Distribution System (PDS). The Central government used to supply this rice at a subsidized price of ₹3 per kilogram. However, the Telangana government added its own subsidy of ₹2 per kilogram and distributed the PDS rice for only ₹1 per kilogram.

Uncertainty Surrounding Amount of Rice Supplied

• It is currently unclear whether the state government will continue to supply six kilograms of rice per person per month, as it did under the PMGKA, or if it will restrict this amount to the five kilograms specified under the NFSA.
• The Telangana government has made the decision to join the free rice scheme of the Central government under the National Food Security Act in order to provide assistance to families in need. Although there is some uncertainty surrounding the amount of rice that will be supplied, the state government is committed to distributing free rice to all cardholders starting on January 5, 2022.

About PMGKAY

• In March 2020, during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the central government had announced the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) welfare scheme. Initially, the scheme was planned for a period of 3 months but since then, it has been extended several times.
• This scheme looked to provide every individual covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) with an additional 5 kg of grains (rice or wheat) free of cost, along with the 5 kg of subsidized food grain that is already being provided through the country’s Public Distribution System (PDS). It covers people belonging to Below Poverty Line – Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) categories.
• It also covers other vulnerable people like widows, terminally ill, elderly, landless agricultural labourers, primitive tribe households, informal sector workers etc. More than 81.35 crore people are benefiting from this scheme. Wheat has been allocated for 6 states and union territories and rice has been provided for the rest. This supplements the monthly entitlements under the NFSA.

Connect the Dots:

• National Food Security Act (NFSA)
• What is the difference between Central sector schemes and Centrally sponsored schemes