04 April 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. To attack or to restrain: Israel’s strikes leave Iran in a strategic dilemma C. GS 3 Related ECONOMY 1. Nuclear power is key to development, says study D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Living wills implementation lags in India F. Prelims Facts 1. India rejects report on abusive conditions at shrimp hatcheries 2. India among countries mulling telescopes on, around the moon 3. UNHRC to discuss call for Israel arms embargo 4. SC to list before polls pleas to verify count in all EVMs G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. To attack or to restrain: Israel’s strikes leave Iran in a strategic dilemma
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests
Mains: Iran – Israel Relations
Context​: Recent strikes by Israel on Iranian targets have intensified tensions in the region.
- Israel’s Defence Minister emphasized proactive measures against perceived threats.
- Escalation includes attacks on Iranian facilities in Syria and Lebanon.
Issues
- Escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, exacerbated by recent strikes.
- Israeli perception of Iran as the primary adversary in the region.
- International concern over civilian casualties and the humanitarian impact of Israeli actions.
- Growing uneasiness in diplomatic relations between Israel and the US.
Significance
- Israel aims to degrade Hamas’s military capabilities while targeting Iranian influence.
- Netanyahu’s government faces domestic pressure, potentially influencing its regional strategy.
- Recent attack on Iran’s consulate signals a significant escalation in the shadow war.
Solutions
- Israel pursues a dual strategy of military action against Hamas and Iran.
- Iran faces a dilemma between responding to Israeli attacks and avoiding open conflict.
- Need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.
Nut Graf: Ongoing conflict poses risks of wider regional destabilization. Israel’s actions signal a determination to counter Iran’s influence. Iran balances between maintaining deterrence and avoiding open confrontation.
C. GS 3 Related
Category: ECONOMY
1. Nuclear power is key to development, says study
Syllabus: Infrastructure and Energy
Mains: Nuclear power key for development in India
Context​: Nuclear power identified as crucial for India’s development and for achieving net zero emissions. Study conducted by academics at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. Current contribution of nuclear energy to India’s energy mix is only 1.6%.
Issues
- Low contribution of nuclear energy to India’s energy mix.
- Need for significant investment and expansion of nuclear infrastructure.
- Dependence on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for energy generation.
- Challenges related to uranium availability due to international embargo.
Significance
- India aims to become a developed nation by 2047 and achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
- Prioritizing nuclear energy is crucial for achieving these goals.
- Mathematical models used to estimate energy requirements and emissions reduction pathways.
- Best-case scenario involves nuclear power contributing 30% of India’s energy by 2050.
Solutions
- Doubling investments in nuclear energy infrastructure.
- Ensuring availability of uranium through international agreements.
- Building flexible grid infrastructure and storage to support renewable energy integration.
- Transitioning away from coal as a primary energy source.
- Need for a diverse energy mix to achieve net zero emissions.
Nut Graf: No single solution to achieve net zero emissions. Coexistence of multiple energy technologies necessary. Significant financial investment required for energy transitions. Nuclear power is crucial for India’s development and sustainability goals.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Living wills implementation lags in India
Syllabus: GS-2, Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Mains: Issues with Living wills in India
Context:​ Living wills, allowing terminally ill patients to withhold or withdraw treatment, have been legal in India since 2018.
- Despite the Supreme Court’s judgment, implementation of the process remains limited.
- Challenges persist in the bureaucratic procedures and lack of guidance from state governments.
Issues
- The complexity of the process initially created by the Supreme Court hindered the widespread adoption of living wills.
- Lack of designated custodians for living wills and absence of protocols for digital authentication.
- The requirement for certification by medical boards creates additional hurdles for patients and healthcare providers.
Significance
- The right to die with dignity is a fundamental aspect of individual autonomy and healthcare decision-making.
- Inadequate implementation of living wills leads to uncertainty and legal concerns among healthcare professionals.
- Failure to take basic steps to implement the Supreme Court judgment undermines patient rights and dignity.
Solutions
- Streamline procedures for execution and authentication of living wills, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles.
- Designate custodians for living wills at the local government level to ensure proper management and accessibility.
- Develop clear guidelines and protocols for medical boards to facilitate decision-making regarding treatment withdrawal or withholding.
- The central government can provide model orders and protocols to guide state governments in effective implementation.
Nut Graf: Effective implementation of living wills is essential to uphold patient autonomy and dignity. Lack of action by governments prolongs uncertainty and legal barriers for healthcare providers.
F. Prelims Facts
1. India rejects report on abusive conditions at shrimp hatcheries
Context: India faces allegations of human rights and environmental abuses in its shrimp hatcheries.
- Rebuttal by Indian authorities against the accusations made by a Chicago-based human rights group.
- Measures to address concerns and protect the reputation of India’s aquaculture sector.
Issues
- Allegations of abusive working conditions and environmental concerns in shrimp hatcheries, growing ponds, and peeling sheds.
- Impact on India’s global reputation as a major shrimp exporter, particularly in the U.S. market.
- Involvement of a significant workforce, including a large proportion of women, in the shrimp farming sector.
Significance
- India’s seafood exports, predominantly shrimp, contribute significantly to its economy, amounting to $8.09 billion in 2022-23.
- Shrimp exports to the U.S. have substantially increased, with India capturing a significant market share.
- Allegations threaten to tarnish India’s reputation and could potentially impact its export revenue and workforce.
2. India among countries mulling telescopes on, around the moon
Context: Astronomers contemplate deploying telescopes on and around the moon to enhance astronomical observations.
- Proposal aims to capitalize on the moon’s pristine, airless environment for clearer observations of the cosmos.
Issues
- Challenges faced by terrestrial telescopes due to atmospheric interference and radio noise pollution.
- The Moon’s far side offers ideal conditions for optical and radio telescopes, shielding them from terrestrial interference.
- Quest to study the universe’s earliest epochs, including the Dark Ages and cosmic microwave background.
Significance
- Potential breakthroughs in understanding cosmic evolution and fundamental aspects of the universe.
- Moon-based telescopes promise unprecedented clarity and sensitivity in astronomical observations.
- International efforts to deploy lunar telescopes reflect renewed interest in space exploration and scientific research.
Solutions
- Deployment of optical and radio telescopes on the moon’s far side to exploit its pristine environment.
- International collaboration among space agencies to develop and launch lunar telescope missions.
- Utilization of lunar orbit for telescopic observations, minimizing terrestrial radio frequency interference.
Image source: The Hindu
Image: The moon’s surface is covered in craters and one of these natural depressions could provide a support structure for a radio telescope dish, like this concept art for the NASA Lunar Crater Radio Telescope shows.
3. UNHRC to discuss call for Israel arms embargo
Context: The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to discuss a draft resolution calling for an arms embargo on Israel.
- Resolution prompted by concerns over the risk of genocide in Gaza and the ongoing conflict.
Issues
- Proposal for an arms embargo on Israel due to alleged use of explosive weapons in populated areas of Gaza.
- Calls for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza.
- Concerns over the humanitarian situation and allegations of ethnic cleansing and starvation of civilians.
Significance
- First time the UNHRC would take a position on the conflict in Gaza if the resolution is adopted.
- Reflects international concerns over human rights violations and the escalation of violence in the region.
- Potential impact on diplomatic relations and arms sales involving Israel.
Solutions
- Implementation of an arms embargo to prevent the sale or transfer of military equipment to Israel.
- Urgent ceasefire and efforts towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- Support for UNRWA to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees and address humanitarian needs.
- Diplomatic pressure on Israel to halt settlement expansion and comply with international law.
4. SC to list before polls pleas to verify count in all EVMs
Context: Petitions filed before the Supreme Court seek complete verification of VVPAT slips in all EVMs.
- Current practice involves verification in only a few EVMs per Assembly segment.
- The Supreme Court agrees to list the petitions before the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
Issues
- Concerns raised over the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.
- Petitioners argue for enhanced verification to restore voter confidence.
- Discrepancies between the number of VVPATs purchased and those verified.
Significance
- Transparency and fairness in elections are crucial for upholding democratic principles.
- The Supreme Court’s previous directives emphasize the importance of a paper trail in elections.
- Challenges posed by the EC’s guideline on sequential VVPAT verification.
Solutions
- Consideration of simultaneous VVPAT verification to expedite the process.
- Deployment of additional personnel for counting to accommodate simultaneous verification.
- Ensuring compliance with Supreme Court directives on electoral transparency.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs):
- EVMs are standalone machines that do not require an internet connection to function.
- VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) enhances transparency and enables voters to verify whether their vote has been cast properly.
- All VVPAT slips are counted before the declaration of the results.
How many statements is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Q2. Consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: The Pacific Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- Statement-II: The Pacific Ring of Fire region has active plate tectonic movements.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
- Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Q3. Indian Employment Report is published by who?
- IMF
- World Bank
- Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt. of India
- International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD)
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India:
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India can only investigate human rights violations brought to its notice by a victim or their kin.
- The Chairperson of the NHRC can only be a retired Chief Justice of India.
- The NHRC can inquire into human rights violations related to subjects in the Union List only.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
- Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-1
- Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Click on the link for the video explanation of the above questions and answers.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the potential consequences of Iran’s strategic restraint in the face of Israeli provocations, considering the broader geopolitical context. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-2, International Relations]
- Assess the potential role of nuclear energy in India’s pursuit of becoming a developed country by 2047 and achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2070. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Economy]
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