02 Apr 2022: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 02 Apr 2022:-Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1. CJI flags ‘falling credibility’ of CBI
2. Center introduces Antarctica Bill
3. Drug trafficking via freight containers a major challenge
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. BIMSTEC after the Colombo summit
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Caste analysis and its reading today
POLITY
1. Quota and data
F. Prelims Facts
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

2. Center introduces Antarctica Bill

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Prelims: Indian Antarctic Bill 2022

Mains: Significance and Mandate of the Indian Antarctic Bill 2022

Context: Recently, the government introduced the ‘Antarctica Bill’ in the Lok Sabha.

Indian Antarctic Bill 2022:

  • The Ministry of Earth Sciences is guiding the Indian Antarctic Bill.
  • The bill aims to regulate visits and activities to Antarctica, as well as any potential conflicts that may arise among those who live there.
  • The bill also establishes penalties for certain serious infractions.

Significance and Mandate of the Indian Antarctic Bill 2022:

  • Since 1983, India had been a signatory to the Antarctica Treaty, which required it to establish a set of laws governing areas of the continent where it had research bases.
  • The bill is expected to assist India in meeting its obligations under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention of 1982, and the Antarctic Treaty Protocol on Environmental Protection of 1998.
  • The Indian Antarctic programme, which began in 1981, has completed 40 scientific expeditions and built three permanent research base stations in Antarctica: Dakshin Gangotri (1983), Maitri (1988), and Bharati (2012).

Nut Graf
The world’s coldest region with the largest ice-sheet cover currently has more than 90 active research stations from over 54 countries with at least a thousand researchers at any time of the year. Indian Antarctic Bill 2022 is significant legislation that India has drafted exclusively for the continent which remains a no man’s land.

3. Drug trafficking via freight containers a major challenge

Syllabus: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Prelims: Golden Crescent; Golden triangle

Mains: Drug Menace in India

Context: The Sri Lanka Customs seized more than 300 kg of cocaine from four containers destined for an Indian port.

What is the issue?

  • The growing trend of international criminal syndicates using containerized trade networks for drug trafficking has posed a significant challenge to regional law enforcement agencies.
  • The contraband was being smuggled using scrap metal as a disguise.
  • The situation has necessitated better coordination among various agencies in India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in order to maintain and share data on shipments in real-time.

Know more about the Fighting Drug Menace.

E. Editorials

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. BIMSTEC after the Colombo summit

Syllabus: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Prelims: BIMSTEC

Mains: The agreements announced in the Colombo summit of BIMSTEC and the way forward for further strengthening of the organization.

Context

The fifth summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), held in Colombo in March 2022.

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

  • The regional grouping consists of five South Asian countries and two Southeast Asian countries.
  • The members include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand.
  • The grouping represents about 20% of the global population and contributes around 4% of the global GDP.

To read more about BIMSTEC – Comprehensive News Analysis of 30th March 2022

Decisions and agreements announced in the latest summit

  • Adoption of Charter of the organization
    • After the adoption of the charter, BIMSTEC is now “an inter-governmental organization” with a “legal personality.”
    • BIMSTEC is a regional organisation with a focus centred on the area around the Bay of Bengal.
    • One of the key objectives of the organisation is “achieving economic growth and social progress in the Bay of Bengal region”, and the promotion of “multidimensional connectivity”.
  • The seven pillars
    • A decision was taken to restructure and decrease the number of components of cooperation from 14 to seven.
    • Each member nation will lead a sector.
    • The components/pillars are:
      • Trade, investment and development – led by Bangladesh
      • Environment and climate change – led by Bhutan
      • Security, including energy – led by India
      • Agriculture and food security – led by Myanmar
      • People-to-people contacts – led by Nepal
      • Science, technology and innovation – led by Sri Lanka
      • Connectivity – led by Thailand
    • The declaration of the Master Plan for Transport Connectivity
      • This agreement was formulated and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
      • The plan proposed 264 projects that require a total investment of $126 billion.
      • The projects worth $55 billion are already being implemented.
    • Signing of three new agreements which are,
      • Mutual legal assistance in criminal matters
      • Cooperation between diplomatic academies
      • Establishment of a technology transfer facility in Colombo

Way forward

  • The trade and investment component of cooperation requires further strengthening.
    • Despite accepting a framework for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2004, BIMSTEC still doesn’t have an FTA in place.
    • Out of the seven agreements that are needed for establishing FTA, only two are in place currently.
  • The number of meetings between the leaders has to be increased with the addition of annual summits and informal meetings.
  • There is a need for expansion of connectivity, as cooperation in the field of coastal shipping, road transport and intra-regional energy grid connection is not adequate.
  • The organization needs increased visibility and India’s turn to host the G20 leaders’ summit in 2023 can be utilized in this regard and all the members of the grouping must be invited to the G20 summit as the chair’s special guests.
  • India is the only member nation to offer additional funding to the Secretariat and to support the Secretary General’s proposal to establish an Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for producing a vision document.
    • Other Nations also need to increase their funding in this regard.
  • The countries of the grouping should also be attentive while managing Myanmar’s engagement until the country’s political situation stabilises.
  • The organisation should focus more on areas like the blue economy, the digital economy, and the promotion of start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Nut Graf
In the wake of its 25th anniversary in June 2022, the Colombo summit of the BIMSTEC has had many positive outcomes which deepen the cooperation between the member countries. However, the organisation still requires additional focus in various sectors to enhance its capabilities to tackle the challenges in the region.

Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Caste analysis and its reading today

Syllabus: Mechanisms and institutions constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections

Mains: The changes in the Caste system and how it has affected our understanding of caste.

Context

This article focuses on the changes in the understanding of the caste system and its impacts.

Background

  • Two decades earlier, at the start of the new millennium and the end of the ‘Mandal decade’ of the 1990s, it was seen that the institution of caste had become very distinct.
  • It was seen that there was a break with the past and caste was to be seen like never before. But in the current political scenario post the COVID pandemic, the institution of caste has become cloudy again.

Changes in the understanding of caste and its impacts

  • The perception of the ‘we’ has changed.
    • The notion of ‘we’ now does not represent everyone, as it represents only the upper caste.
  • The re-orientation of caste because of the advent of the OBCs
    • From the Nehru era until the 1990s, the major narratives had presented caste as the exception and casteless-ness as the rule. The arrival of OBCs recognised that the upper castes were a minority rather than being ‘general’.
    • Since OBCs were an intermediate group, they brought closer focus on the notion of backwardness and the practices of privileges and dis-privileges in different caste groups.
    • Also, since OBCs were defined as a residual category (i.e not among the Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes, or upper castes), the OBCs highlighted the pros and cons of this classification and the issues of internal discrepancies in the groupings.
    • As the OBCs were present across the country and formed a major portion of every class group, they had a special affection for federalism and played their part in introducing coalition politics at the national level.
  • The process of internal differentiation within the caste grouping has penetrated deeper
    • This is considered the most significant change in the last twenty years.
    • Its impact depends on the dimension of differentiation and on the dependent factors which influence sub-groups to become well-defined entities.
    • The dimensions of differentiation include economic status, livelihood sources, and their region of residence.
    • The most crucial factor that influences sub-groups to become well-defined entities is the region-specific electoral influence.
    • Example: the Yadavs of Uttar Pradesh have become a concrete group and have influenced the advent of a sub-group called the ‘non-Yadav OBCs’.
  • The economic differentiation within the upper castes
    • This has classified the groups into the non-rich and rich segments.
    • Although these segments are not considered to be sub-castes, such groups demand to be addressed politically and are of crucial ideological importance.

Conclusion

Caste has become fundamentally relational and the changing dynamics between the caste groupings have made the macro-analyses of caste more and more difficult. Hence, the caste analysis currently has to become fine-grained and multi-dimensional.

Nut Graf
As the perception of caste is changing persistently, there exists an apparent opacity in the caste system which has increased the complexities of caste analysis. This requires the need for the inclusion of fine-grained and multi-dimensional studies into the caste analysis modules.

Category: POLITY

1. Quota and data

Syllabus: Constitution of India- features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Mains: The Supreme Court’s judgement on the Vanniyar quota law and its impacts.

Context

The Supreme Court judgement on the Tamil Nadu Special Reservation Act of 2021.

Tamil Nadu Special Reservation Act of 2021, or the Vanniyar quota law

  • The Act proposed the distribution of the 20% quota for Most Backward Classes (MBC) and Denotified Communities (DNCs) in education and public employment.
  • The Act did so by assigning 10.5% to Vanniyars or the Vanniyakula Kshatriya community, 7% for 25 MBCs and 68 DNCs, and 2.5% for the remaining 22 MBCs.

Read more about the Vanniyar Quota Issue in the link.

Supreme Court’s Judgement

  • The Supreme Court has overruled the Act on the ground that it was not based on updated reliable data.
  • Although the Act gives an impression that all the 115 other communities have been covered, the aspect of internal reservation for one community of Vanniyars has created the impression of special treatment.
  • The court said that caste can be used in the process of identification of backward classes or for providing internal reservation, but it cannot be the only basis.
  • The Apex Court held that no study had been convened to analyse the degree of backwardness and representation of other communities in the MBCs and DNCs.

The impact of the judgement

  • The Supreme Court’s judgement that says the State is capable to design sub-classification among backward classes, prescribe the quantum of reservation based on such sub-classification, and formulate an ancillary law, even with the assent of the Governor, to one included in the Ninth Schedule has brought relief to many.
  • The judgement also inferred that communities should not be given internal or exclusive reservations without justifying it on the basis of reliable data.

Recommendations

  • The caste-based census will help to determine the representation of various communities in public employment and in education.
  • The Tamil Nadu government should revisit their position on the implementation of the creamy layer rule in reservation because otherwise, the demands for internal reservation will increase from other communities that feel left out.
  • The governments across the country must obey the concept of the creamy layer as it is in line with the principle of equity in reservations.
  • The creamy layer should be kept out of reservations for castes that qualify as backward classes except for SCs and STs.
Creamy layer
  • Creamy layer is a term used to refer to the members of backward classes who are highly advanced socially and economically.
  • The members of the Other Backward Classes who fall in the category of creamy layer will not get the benefits of reservation.

Nut Graf
The Supreme Court has rightly quashed the Vanniyar quota law as it was not based on “updated quantifiable data” and that the caste cannot be a sole reason for such internal reservations.

F. Prelims Facts

Nothing here for today!!!

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to the Antarctica treaty:
  1. The Treaty made it mandatory for the 54 signatory countries to specify laws governing territories on which their stations are located.
  2. India is a signatory to the Antarctica treaty.
  3. India is also a signatory to treaties such as the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, both of which enjoin India to help preserve the pristine nature of the continent.

Choose the correct code:

  1. 1 & 2 only
  2. 2 & 3 only
  3. 1 & 3 only
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:

  • In the Antarctic Treaty, it was made mandatory for all 54 countries (signatories) that whichever area is occupied by your set up, you enforce your country’s law.
  • India had been a signatory to the Antarctica Treaty since 1983 and that encumbered India to specify a set of laws governing portions of the continent where it had its research bases.
  • India is also a signatory to treaties such as the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, both of which enjoin India to help preserve the pristine nature of the continent.
  • Hence all the statements are correct.
Q2. Which of the following Supreme Court cases are related to the autonomy of CBI (Central 
Bureau of Investigation)?
  1. Vineet Narain case, 1997
  2. Lily Thomas case, 2013
  3. Waman Rao case, 1981
  4. L Chandra Kumar case, 1997
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

  • The landmark judgment in Vineet Narain v. The Union of India in 1997 laid out several steps to secure the autonomy of the CBI.
  • Hence option A is correct.
Q3. Assam shares its boundary with which of the following states?
  1. Nagaland
  2. Tripura
  3. West Bengal
  4. Sikkim
  5. Manipur
  6. Arunachal Pradesh

Choose the correct code:

  1. All except 3 & 6
  2. All except 2 & 4
  3. All except 4
  4. All except 1 & 5
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • Assam shares Inter-State boundaries with Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya and West Bengal, covering a length of over 2743.1KM.
  • Hence option C is correct.

Assam Inter State boundaries

Q4. Consider the following statements with regards to ‘Look out notice’:
  1. It is issued to ensure that an individual who is absconding or wanted by law enforcement agencies are not able to leave the country.
  2. It can be modified/deleted/withdrawn by the Bureau of Immigration only on the request of the authorized originator on whose request the LOC was issued.
  3. All such notices lead to the arrest of the concerned person.

Choose the correct code:

  1. 1 & 2 only
  2. 2 & 3 only
  3. 1 & 3 only
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

  • ‘Look out notice’ is issued to make sure that an individual who is absconding or wanted by law enforcement agencies is not able to leave the country. Hence Option 1 is correct.
  • It is mostly used at immigration checkpoints at international airports and seaports by the immigration branch.
  • An LOC can be modified/deleted/withdrawn by the Bureau of Immigration only on the specific request of the authorized originator on whose request the LOC was issued. Hence option 2 is correct.
  • LOCs can be of several types. They can seek to merely stop a person against whom the circular has been issued from traveling outside the country, to prevent a person from entering the country, or inform the concerned investigation agencies. The proforma of the LOC also contains a request to detain the individual at the local police/investigation agency, which generally leads to arrest. Hence option 3 is not correct.
Q5. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the 'Hundi' generally referred to in 
the sources of the post-Harsha period?
  1. An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates
  2. A diary to be maintained for daily accounts
  3. A bill of exchange
  4. An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation-

Hundis refer to financial instruments evolved on the Indian subcontinent used in trade and credit transactions. They were used

  • as remittance instruments (to transfer funds from one place to another),
  • as credit instruments (to borrow money),
  • for trade transactions (as bills of exchange).

Technically, a Hundi is an unconditional order in writing made by a person directing another to pay a certain sum of money to a person named in the order. Hence option C is correct.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

  1. In BIMSTEC, India has a platform to consolidate its standing in the region and offset the influence of China. Elaborate. (250 words; 15 marks)[GS-2, International Relations]
  2. Quota without data is unfair. Discuss. (250 words; 15 marks)[GS-2, Social Justice]

Read the previous CNA here.

CNA 02 Apr 2022:-Download PDF Here

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  1.  NIRANJAN KUMAR RAM
    April 2, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    thank you

    Reply