CNA 7 April 2022:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Realism versus liberalism in international relations GOVERNANCE 1. Reorganising Andhra Pradesh: districts to match LS constituencies C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Repairing the complex India-Nepal relationship 2. Sending a strategic message GOVERNANCE 1. The child at the centre F. Prelims Facts 1. Rule 193 of Lok Sabha 2. Kashmir gets its first virtual e-museum G. Tidbits 1. HAL in tie-up to convert aircraft 2. Global warming behind record March heat 3. Centre says it has no data on phone tapping H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Realism versus liberalism in international relations
Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Mains: The analysis of the theories of Liberalism and Realism and the difference between them.
Context
This article explores the differences between realism and liberalism in International Relations.
The Theories of Liberalism
- View on the war: The Liberals in general regard the Ukraine war as an attack by an “authoritarian Russia” on “democratic Ukraine”.
- The three core beliefs of Liberalism:
- States are the main players in the international arena.
- The basic internal nature of every state is distinct and varies from each other and it is these differences that shape the state’s behaviour.
- The Liberals highlight these internal nature/characteristics of states which impact states’ external policies.
- Some governance models are good and some are bad.
- Example: democracies (good) and dictatorships (bad)
- As per the liberals, good states should try to ensure peace while bad states try to expand their powers by adversely affecting others.
- The main idea of the Liberals on the ideal world order is the one where democratic states are interconnected through economic globalisation and their functions are regulated by international organisations.
The three approaches of the Liberal Framework
The Liberal framework has been classified into interconnected theoretical approaches namely,
- Economic Interdependence
- The proponents of this approach believe that liberal economic order is important to establish a stable international order.
- This approach puts much weight on the theory of “Economic Globalisation”.
- Democratic Peace
- These theorists argue that democracies will not wage war against each other.
- They believe that to create a peaceful and stable world without war, a world of democracies should be built.
- International institutions
- Liberals feel that the role of institutions is significant in maintaining peace and order worldwide.
The Theories of Realism
- View on the war: The Realists argue the war in Ukraine is the result of the culmination of the post-Cold War power games in Europe.
- Realists are regarded as pessimists because they believe that a peaceful global order is desirable, but it is far from reality.
- Realists also consider the states to be the key players in the international arena like the Liberals. However, Realists argue that the world is an anarchic place with no regulating body to maintain order and this is what makes the world a dangerous place.
- E.H. Carr (a historian) suggests that Realism “tends to emphasise the irresistible strength of existing forces and the inevitable character of existing tendencies, and to insist that the highest wisdom lies in accepting, and adapting oneself to these forces and these tendencies”.
The classification of Realism in International Relations
- Human Nature Realism
- It has been formulated by Hans Morgenthau in “Politics Among Nations”, and is also called classical realism.
- It is based on the idea that humans’ desire for power can have a significant impact on the character of the states.
- As per their idea, states, in general, have the desire for power and in an anarchic order, they continue to expand their power thus creating conflicts.
- Defensive Realism
- The proponents of this approach do not believe that states are inherently aggressive.
- They argue that great powers seek to maintain the existing balance of power.
- Kenneth Waltz views that the key objective of the states is survival and not the expansion of power. But he validates the fact that the global order is anarchic and it forces states to compete with each other.
- Offensive Realism
- Just like the Defensive Realism theory, it is also a structural theory that focuses on structural factors rather than human behaviour.
- These theorists argue that the status quo of powers is rarely seen in international politics.
- John Mearsheimer, who put forth this theory, believes that the great powers always seek to expand their influence at the expense of rivals. In his book “The Tragedy of Great Power Politics” he notes that the ultimate goal of the state is to be the hegemon in the international system.
Nut Graf
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has revived the debates on liberalism versus realism. It is important to understand the basic ideas of these theories as both theories explain the behaviour of states. Realism is more about “what the world is” unlike Liberalism which talks about “what the world ought to be”.
1. Reorganising Andhra Pradesh: districts to match LS constituencies
Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Mains: Critical analysis of the Andhra Pradesh Government’s decision to create new districts.
Context
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister inaugurated 13 new districts of the state.
Details
- The Chief Minister had promised that he would create new districts on the basis of the parliamentary constituencies in the State.
- After the inauguration of new districts, the total number of districts in the state has increased to 26 from 13.
- The key objective of this move is to take the administration to the doorsteps of the people.
- The newly created districts are Parvathipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema, Eluru, NTR, Palnadu, Bapatla, Nandyal, Annamayya, Tirupati and Sri Satya Sai.
- Each district is coterminous with a Lok Sabha constituency. However, the Araku-ST constituency is an exception with two districts namely Alluri Sitharama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam, keeping in mind the needs of the vast tribal population.
Reasons for setting up new districts
- The government had received over 17,500 representations from the people and decided on the new districts by taking their demands into account.
- Decentralisation and smaller administrative units will ensure better administration, transparency, and provide efficient ways to deliver services.
- 38.15 lakh people per district was the average number of people per district previously which is very high and now it has been reduced to 19.07 lakh people per district.
- Even smaller states like Arunachal Pradesh have 25 districts for better administration.
- The main objective, according to the Chief Minister, is to increase efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
- The performance of collectors would be gauged based on the steps taken by them to achieve these goals.
Changes in the functioning
- Before the formation of new districts, the government had set up wards and village secretariats in October 2019.
- Apart from these 13 new districts, 21 additional revenue divisions have been established.
- From the infrastructure point of view, measures to provide transit accommodation to the collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs) are ensured and efforts are undertaken to construct integrated administrative complexes.
- The plan is to have all the offices of the district departments in one place to help the people.
Criticism
- Human and civil rights activists have pointed out issues around the way the government has implemented the proposals.
- Critics argue that the division of districts should be done only after wide-ranging public discussions and point out that there have been no such democratic consultations.
- They also feel that the alteration of boundaries increases the distance between the proposed district headquarters and several regions of the district.
- Critics also opine that alteration of areas with tribal populations violates their rights.
Nut Graf
The basic idea of the Andhra Pradesh government to create new and smaller districts in the state for better governance is said to be a welcome move, but various concerns of the stakeholders must be taken into consideration and addressed to achieve the major objectives of the decision.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Repairing the complex India-Nepal relationship
Syllabus: India and its Neighbourhood – Relations
Mains: Strain in the bilateral ties; Recommendations to strengthen the India-Nepal bilateral relation.
Context:
- Nepal Prime Minister’s visit to India.
Major outcomes of the visit:
- The 35-kilometre cross-border rail link from Jayanagar (Bihar) to Kurtha (Nepal) was operationalized.
- An agreement outlining technical cooperation in the railway sector between the two countries was finalized.
- The 90 km long 132 kV double circuit transmission line connecting Tila (Solukhumbu) to Mirchaiya (Siraha) close to the Indian border was inaugurated. This transmission line will help hydroelectric projects planned in the Solu corridor in Nepal transmit the hydroelectricity generated into the Indian power grid. Notably, this project is being constructed with a concessional loan of Rs 200 crore from the Exim Bank of India.
- India and Nepal have agreed to finalize the detailed project report on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.
- The Pancheshwar Multipurpose project along with the Sarada and Tanakpur barrages are part of the Mahakali Treaty signed between India and Nepal in 1996.
- Nepal has been inducted into the International Solar Alliance.
- An agreement between the Indian Oil Corporation and the Nepal Oil Corporation was signed to ensure regular supplies of petroleum products to Nepal.
Significance of the visit:
- Though the outcome of the visit might appear modest, what is significant is that India and Nepal have effectively managed to steer clear of divisive issues between them.
For information on the significance and strains in the bilateral relation between India and Nepal refer to the following article:
China’s growing role in Nepal:
- China considers Nepal an important element in its growing South Asian footprint and has been actively pursuing to deepen its influence within the Himalayan state.
- In recent years, the relationship between Nepal and China has only strengthened.
- Nepal and China signed an Agreement on Transit Transportation in 2016, and in 2019 a Protocol was concluded with China providing Nepal access to its four seaports and three land ports.
- The two countries have conducted joint military exercises and China has also provided a military grant to Nepal.
- China has overtaken India as the largest source of foreign direct investment.
- China has been engaging in many developmental projects in Nepal.
- China is also providing annual development assistance of up to $120 million to Nepal.
Recommendations:
Managing differences:
- Given the increasing Chinese presence and influence within Nepal and the strategic significance of Nepal for India, India cannot afford to let issues between India and Nepal linger on but should reach out actively to find resolutions. To build upon the positive mood set up by the Nepal Prime Minister’s visit to India, there needs to be quiet dialogue to resolve the many differences. This could also involve Track 2 and Track 1.5 channels.
- The following aspects need utmost attention, to begin with.
- The 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship needs to be revised and updated keeping in mind the changed circumstances.
- The 1950 Treaty provides for an open border and for Nepali nationals to have the right to work in India. However, this treaty has been criticized by some sections in Nepal as being more in Indian interests than that of Nepal and thus have called for its revision.
- The 2016 Eminent Persons Group report should be formally presented to the two governments. Based on the recommendations of the report, Track 2 discussions could be kick-started to build consensus on both sides on the recommendations.
- The issue of demonetized Indian notes with the Nepal Rashtra Bank should be amicably resolved.
- Regarding the Kalapani boundary issue, there is the need to avoid rhetoric on territorial nationalism and lay the groundwork for quiet dialogue where both sides display sensitivity as they explore what is feasible.
- The 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship needs to be revised and updated keeping in mind the changed circumstances.
- India needs to be a sensitive and generous partner based on the Gujral doctrine for the “neighbourhood first” policy to take root.
- The Gujral Doctrine is a set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India’s immediate neighbours. It recognises the importance of friendly, cordial relations with neighbours. One of the major aspects of this doctrine is that India would not ask for reciprocity but gives and accommodates what it can in good faith and trust.
Deepening collaboration and cooperation:
- Power sector cooperation remains a win-win situation for both countries. In this direction there is a need to recognize the opportunities for joint development of power generation projects, developing cross border transmission linkages and coordination between the national grids.
- A mutually beneficial power trade agreement needs to be finalized.
Nut Graf
The India-Nepal relationship holds immense significance for both countries. The visit of the Nepali Prime Minister to India should be used to address the strains in the relationship, while also expanding cooperation.
2. Sending a strategic message
Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Mains: Significance of the IndAus ECTA
Context:
- The India-Australia Economic Co-operation and Trade Agreement (IndAus ECTA) was signed between the two countries recently.
For detailed information on the major aspects of the agreement refer to the following articles:
CNA dated April 3, 2022: India-Australia deal seeks to double bilateral trade in 5 years
CNA dated April 2, 2022: The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement
Significance:
Economic:
- The Agreement eliminates tariffs on a substantial number of goods trade. This will provide an impetus to bilateral trade between the two countries. The bilateral trade is expected to increase from AUD$36.7 billion to AUD$60 billion owing to the IndAus ECTA.
- This increased bilateral trade will aid in the economic growth and development of the two countries while also generating employment opportunities in both countries.
- This holds immense significance for Australia given it provides access to the large Indian market, especially at a time when Australian companies are having to face economic sanctions on their produce from China.
People to people links:
- The IndAus ECTA provides measures for strengthening the people-to-people links through provisions such as a quota for chefs and yoga teachers, post-study work visa of 2-4 years for Indian students on a reciprocal basis and work and holiday visa arrangements for young professionals.
Strategic:
- Even though the ECTA is mainly related to economic relationship, it also carries immense strategic significance given that both India and Australia have had to face Chinese aggression and assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The coming together of the two countries into an economic and trade cooperation agreement holds strategic significance given that they are also part of organizations like the QUAD. This is reflective of the convergence of economic and geopolitical risks that India and Australia face. The diversification of the engagement between India and Australia into the economic realm thus holds strategic significance.
Conclusion:
Despite hailing from opposite sides of power blocs during the Cold War period, India and Australia now have shared norms and democratic principles and support a rules-based order. The Chinese challenge remains a common geopolitical challenge to both countries. The ECTA lays the foundation for a strong economic relationship between the two countries.
Nut Graf
The IndAus ECTA is a watershed moment for bilateral relations between India and Australia given the immense significance that it carries for both countries in the realm of both economic as well as strategic domains.
Syllabus: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes
Mains: Schemes of the Department of Women and Children
Background:
- With the intent to provide ‘integrated benefits to children and women’ the Union government revamped the Department of Women and Children’s schemes.
- All major schemes of the Ministry of Women and Child Development have been classified under 3 umbrella schemes. These are Mission Poshan 2.0, Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti.
- Mission POSHAN 2.0 shall include Umbrella Integrated Child Development Scheme – Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls, National Creche Scheme.
- Mission VATSALYA shall include Child Protection Services and Child Welfare Services. It brings together services and structures to help children in distress. It includes statutory bodies; service delivery structures; institutional care/services; non-institutional community-based care and emergency outreach services.
- ChildLine (1098) which is a 24-hour toll-free helpline for children in distress is one of the main pillars of Mission VATSALYA. It has become one of the largest global networks to assist and rescue children in distress. Functioning as a public-private partnership between the government and civil society organizations it provides a first-responder safety net for the subsequent process of rescue and rehabilitation of children.
- Mission Shakti (Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women) shall include schemes like One Stop Centre, Mahila Police Volunteer, Women’s Helpline/Swadhar/Ujjawala/Widow Homes, etc. under the SAMBAL initiatives and schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Creche facility, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana under the SAMARTHYA initiatives.
Concerns with changes:
- Some of the recent changes made with respect to the schemes under the Department of Women and Children, in particular, the move to have the ChildLine calls answered by police personnel are being criticized by the article based on the following arguments.
- Children may not feel comfortable confiding in police personnel. The children in distress often lack the courage to report to the police and what they need during the initial call might be someone to talk to, to help the children to open up about their distress.
- The move might also further burden the already overburdened police department.
Nut Graf
Schemes designed for social good always do well on intent, but their successful implementation depends on whether these schemes are built on principles of sustainability and work within structures of accountability.
F. Prelims Facts
Syllabus: GS 2; Polity; Parliament – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges.
Prelims: Rule 193 of Lok Sabha
Context
The External Affairs Minister spoke in the Lok Sabha regarding the crisis in Ukraine during a discussion under Rule 193.
Rule 193 of Lok Sabha
- Chapter XV of Lok Sabha Rules comprises the four rules between 193 and 196.
- Rule 193 lays down how a member will submit in writing his request for a discussion of a matter of public importance.
- The discussion under the Rule 193 will not involve a formal motion before the House.
- Voting will not take place after the discussion under Rule 193.
- The member who gives a notice shall make a short statement and such members who have previously intimated the Speaker will be allowed to take part in the discussion.
- Under this rule, the Member who initiates the discussion does not have the “right of reply”.
- Post the discussion, the concerned Minister gives a brief reply.
2. Kashmir gets its first virtual e-museum
Syllabus: GS 1; Indian Heritage and Culture; Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture
Prelims: Facts about virtual museum set up in Kashmir.
Context
The Aliph Foundation, an international organisation for protecting cultural heritage, has approved a grant for the establishment of an e-museum in Kashmir.
Virtual e-museum
- A one-of-its-kind virtual museum will be established in Sopore near Srinagar.
- The museum will showcase the lifetime collection of a woman Kashmiri educationist, Atiqa Bano.
- The collections will include artefacts that give an idea about the life and customs of 18th and 19th century rural Kashmir.
- The museum will have a collection of about 8,000 artefacts ranging from kitchen utensils to agricultural tools, clothing, earthenware and manuscripts.
- It also includes a collection of terracotta items from the 4th Century Kushan period, coins from the pre-Islamic era, and from the time of 10th-century ruler Didda (also known as ‘Catherine of Kashmir’).
G. Tidbits
1. HAL in tie-up to convert aircraft
- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to convert civil passenger aircraft to multi-mission tanker transport (MMTT) aircraft in India.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is in need of new mid-air refuellers and the pact will help HAL convert pre-owned civil aircraft into air refuelling aircraft with cargo and transport capabilities.
- This pact strengthens India’s defence ecosystem with new capabilities and cost-effective solutions in the market.
- The scope of the MoU also includes the conversion of “passenger to freighter aircraft”.
2. Global warming behind record March heat
- The Science Minister said that “global warming” is the major cause for India recording the hottest March in 121 years.
- He also said that global warming is one of the reasons for the rise in temperatures and increase in heat waves.
- The global average temperature has increased by around one degree Celsius since pre-industrial times.
- The magnitude and rate of warming cannot be explained by natural variations alone and must take into account the changes due to human activities.
3. Centre says it has no data on phone tapping
- The Union Home Ministry said that it was unable to provide information on the details of phone tapping by 10 agencies during a certain period and it does not maintain any information related to lawful interception and monitoring.
- The Ministry also said that such records maintained were destroyed every six months in compliance with the provisions under Section 5(2) of the Telegraph Act, 1885, and Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. With reference to the recently passed Dam Safety Act, 2021, consider the following statements:
- Water is a state subject as per the provisions of the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- The National Committee on Dam Safety will be constituted and will be chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Water Commission.
- The owners of the specified dams are required to provide a dam safety unit in each dam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, Water is a state subject as per the provisions of the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- Statement 2 is correct, The Centre will constitute a 22-member National Committee on Dam Safety which will be headed by the Chairman of the Central Water Commission.
- Statement 3 is correct, The owners of the specified dams are required to provide a dam safety unit in each dam.
- The unit will inspect the dams before and after the monsoon season, and during and after every earthquake, flood, or any other calamity or sign of distress.
Q2. Consider the following statements with regards to climate change:
- Global average temperatures have already risen about 1.1 degrees C since pre-industrial times.
- Greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 were about 19% higher than 2010 levels.
- The 1.5-degree temperature limit has been scientifically arrived at since changes till this limit would be reversible in nature.
Choose the correct code:
- 1 & 2 only
- 2 & 3 only
- 1 & 3 only
- All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, Global average temperatures have increased by nearly 1.1 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times.
- Statement 2 is correct, Greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 were about 19% higher than 2010 levels.
- Statement 3 is not correct, the 1.5-degree temperature limit has been scientifically arrived at, since changes to this limit would be irreversible in nature.
Q3. Hypersonic missiles are those that touch the speed of
- 3 Mach or more
- 5 Mach or more
- 7 Mach or more
- 10 Mach or more
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Hypersonic missiles are those which travel at speeds of Mach 5 and higher.
- They are five times faster than the speed of sound (3836 mph).
Q4. Consider the following statements with regards to Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India:
- The ECGC Ltd is wholly owned by the Government of India.
- ECGC was established to promote exports by providing credit insurance services to exporters against non-payment risks by overseas buyers due to commercial and political reasons.
- ECGC also assists exporters in recovering bad debts.
Choose the correct code:
- 1 & 2 only
- 2 & 3 only
- 1 & 3 only
- All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, ECGC Ltd. (Formerly known as Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd.) is wholly owned by the Government of India.
- Statement 2 is correct, ECGC was established by the Government of India under the Companies Act in 1957 to promote exports by providing credit insurance services to exporters against non-payment risks by overseas buyers due to commercial and political reasons.
- Statement 3 is correct, ECGC is essentially an export promotion organization, seeking to improve the competitiveness of Indian exports by providing them with credit insurance covers that help exporters recover from bad debts.
Q5. With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:
- Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.
- Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.
- Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta – II.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, Patanjali, one of the greatest geniuses in Indian history, was a student of Panini.
- Patanjali is a contemporary of Pushyamitra Shunga.
- Statement 2 is not correct, Amarasimha is associated with the Gupta age and Harshavardhana is a post-Gupta emperor.
- Statement 3 is correct, Kalidasa belonged to the court of Chandra Gupta-II (Vikramaditya).
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- India – Nepal relationship has seen a lot of ups and downs in the recent past owing to the complex nature of issues. Examine how this relationship can be repaired by India. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS-2, IR]
- The CBI has been widely criticized for its lack of autonomy. Critically evaluate the path needed to fix the structural issues plaguing the organisation. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS-2, Polity]
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CNA 7 April 2022:- Download PDF Here
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