CNA 15 April 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. India-Armenia Relations C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND POLITY 1. A reminder about unfettered constitutional posts INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Myriad woes F. Prelims Facts 1. Bihu Dance G. Tidbits 1. Chabahar Port 2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) 3. NISAR Satellite 4. Ambedkar circuit train 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
Syllabus: Bilateral Relations with West Asian Countries
Mains: Institutionalised in a long-term cooperation between India and Armenia
Context: This article discusses India-Armenia relations.
Introduction:
- India and Armenia are two ancient civilizations that have had historical links for centuries.
- Despite being geographically distant, India and Armenia have maintained diplomatic ties since the Soviet era.
- India recognized the Republic of Armenia in 1991, and since then, the bilateral relations between the two countries have grown stronger.
Historical links:
- The links between India and Armenia go back to ancient times. According to Mahabharata, Ila, son of King Vaivasvata Man is believed to have migrated to Armenia and founded the country. Similarly, Armenian legends speak of the arrival of a prince named Haik, who is believed to have come from the Indian subcontinent.
- Armenia was one of the first countries in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion, but before that, Buddhism had a significant presence in the country.
- According to some scholars, Armenian Buddhism was influenced by Indian Buddhism. Numerous Buddhist stupas in Armenia show a significant cultural exchange between India and Armenia in ancient times.
Cultural ties:
- India and Armenia share a rich cultural heritage. One of the most significant cultural ties between India and Armenia is the Indian classical dance form, Bharatanatyam, which has become popular in Armenia in recent years.
- In 2017, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) sent a group of Bharatanatyam dancers to Armenia to perform at the Yerevan International Dance Festival.
- Indian films have gained popularity in Armenia, and the Armenian film industry has also made a name for itself in India.
Economic ties:
- India and Armenia have been exploring ways to strengthen their economic ties in recent years. The two countries have identified several areas of cooperation, including IT, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and tourism.
- In 2017, a delegation of Indian business leaders visited Armenia to explore investment opportunities in the country. The Indian companies were particularly interested in the IT sector, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Armenia.
- The Armenian government has also been promoting the country as an attractive destination for IT companies by providing tax incentives and other benefits.
- In the pharmaceutical sector, India is one of the world’s largest producers of generic medicines, and there is a significant potential for cooperation between India and Armenia in this sector.
- Armenia is a country with a rich cultural and historical heritage, and India could explore opportunities to promote religious tourism to Armenia, given the country’s significant Christian heritage.
- Another sector that holds great promise for cooperation is renewable energy. Armenia has set a target to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and India, as a leader in renewable energy, could provide expertise and investment in this area.
Political and Defence ties:
- India and Armenia share a common interest in promoting peace, stability, and development in their respective regions. The two countries have been cooperating in various international fora, including the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.
- In 2017, then Indian Foreign Minister, Sushma Swaraj, visited Armenia to participate in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting and discussed ways to strengthen their political and economic ties.
- In 2018, the Armenian President, Armen Sarkissian, visited India and met with Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior officials. The two sides discussed ways to boost trade and investment, particularly in the IT sector.
- In October 2022, Armenia signed a major defence deal with India for procurement of Pinaka multi-rocket launch systems and their ammunition, among others, in a deal worth around ₹2,500 crore.
Nut Graf: India and Armenia have a lot of untapped potential for cooperation in various sectors, and both countries have expressed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral relations further.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND POLITY
1. A reminder about unfettered constitutional posts
Syllabus: Appointments to various constitutional posts.
Mains: Independence of constitutional authorities.
Prelims: Appointment to various posts.
Context: The comments of the Supreme Court on the concept of independence of various constitutional bodies of India.
Details:
- The Court in the ‘Sena versus Sena’ case expressed concerns about the increasing role of Governors in the political process.
- Similarly, in an earlier case, the court divested the executive of its sole discretion in appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).
Also read: Election Commission of India (Article 324) – Powers and Functions of ECI
Need for independent institutions:
- The Constituent Assembly recognized the need for independent institutions like the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the Public Service Commission (PSC), etc to regulate sectors of national importance.
- Democracy requires a system of checks and balances to restrict the arbitrary use of power by the government.
- The constitutional bodies should function without fear or favour and in the larger interests of the nation.
Details about Different Types of Appointments:
- The Constitution uses the phrase ‘shall be appointed by the President’ in the appointment of:
- Prime Minister (Article 75)
- Attorney-General for India (Article 76)
- Chairman and Members of the Finance Commission (Article 280)
- Chairman and Members of the Public Service Commission (Article 316)
- Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities (Article 350B)
- It uses the phrase ‘subject to any law made in that behalf by Parliament’ for the appointment of:
- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
- Election Commissioner (EC)
- The words ‘shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal’ is used for the purpose of appointing:
- Supreme Court and the High Court Judge (Articles 124 and 217)
- CAG (Article 148)
- Governor (Article 155)
- Chairman and members of the National Commissions for SCs, STs, and BCs (Article 338, 338A, and 338B).
- In N. Gopalaswami and Ors vs The Union of India case, SC held that the President should act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister as the head.
- It should be noted that various amendments were moved in the Constituent Assembly to make the position of CAG stronger so that he is not influenced by anyone.
- Similarly, amendments were also made in the draft Constitution for the appointment of the Governor, and the clause ‘The Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal’ was added.
- Notably, ‘by warrant under his hand and seal’ assigns special status to CAG, Judges, and Governors to distinguish them from other constitutional positions.
Way Ahead:
- Constitutional authorities should be kept free from political and executive pressure.
- A well-defined procedure and criteria should be established for the appointment of CAG.
- A Committee comprising the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the CJI, and the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee can be formed in this regard.
- Shortlisted names can then be sent to the President for final selection.
Related Link: Types of Constitutional Bodies in India (UPSC Indian Polity)
Nut Graf: The essential attribute of the independence of India’s constitutional bodies should not be diluted by the executive. A strong and independent regulatory mechanism in the country strengthens Democracy.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Myriad woes
Syllabus: India and its neighborhood relations.
Mains: Myanmar Military Coup.
Context: Military attack on the opposition on 11th April 2023.
Details:
- Myanmar’s military, Junta, carried out air strikes on an opposition gathering in the rebel-held Sagaing region.
- Nearly 100 people including women and children were killed in the strike.
- It was reported by the witnesses that a fighter jet and a combat helicopter bombed the gathering.
- A group of people was celebrating the opening of an administrative office of the National Unity Government (NUG), the parallel administration formed by opposition groups.
- Tough the Junta confirmed the strike, it said that most of those killed were resistance fighters.
- It is said that the attacks actually reflect the junta’s growing vulnerabilities.
Also read: Myanmar Coup d’état 2021: Background and Events [UPSC Notes]
Background Details:
- Earlier the military regimes faced opposition from a non-violent democratic movement led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
- However, February 2021 coup, the military regime toppled the democratic regime led by Ms. Suu Kyi and slipped into a civil war with the NUG.
- The NUG along with its armed wing (People’s Defence Force) collaborated with ethnic militias to oust the military. Consequently, the military lost its territories in several rural and jungle areas.
Associated Concerns:
- The Junta still controls most of Myanmar’s population centres.
- Currently, the Generals follow the approach of holding the territories under their control and using disproportionate force against opposition fighters and civilians in rebel-held areas.
- They also do not face any regional pressure as China and Russia are tacitly supporting it. Moreover, India has remained silent on the matter.
- The ASEAN suggested a five-point peace plan, urging an end to hostilities and starting an inclusive dialogue. However, the military did not approve it and has maintained the status quo.
Way Ahead:
- A peaceful resolution in Myanmar is essential for the stability of entire Southeast Asia.
- Regional powers like Russia, China, and India along with ASEAN should use their economic and political influence to restore peace and democracy in Myanmar.
- The very first step in this direction is to end violence.
Related Link:
India-Myanmar Relations: Importance, Background for UPSC International Relations
Nut Graf: The attack by Myanmar’s military, killing 100 people has highlighted that continuing violence and maintaining the status quo is unsustainable in the longer run. The regional powers should come together to restore peace and stability in Myanmar and consequently Southeast Asia.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Bihu Dance
Syllabus: GS01-Art and Culture
Prelims: Folk Music; Traditional Dances; Folk Festivals
Context: World record performance of Bihu Dance.
Introduction:
- 11,304 dancers and musicians performed the traditional Assamese dance, Bihu, in Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati and set two world records on April 13,2023.
- The artists achieved the world record for largest Bihu dance performance and largest performance by folk musicians.
- More than 7,000 dancers, over 3,000 dhol drummers and other musicians were chosen to perform.
About Bihu:
- Bihu is a traditional folk dance from the Indian state of Assam.
- It is performed during the Bihu festival, which is celebrated three times a year – in January (Magh Bihu), in April (Rongali/Bohag Bihu), and in October (Kati Bihu).
- The Bihu dance is a celebration of the harvest season and is performed by both men and women in groups.
- The Bohag Bihu marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar and is also observed in Bengal, Manipur, Mithila, Nepal, Orissa, Punjab, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- The dance is characterised by brisk steps, swaying hips, and the use of traditional musical instruments such as the dhol (drum), taal (cymbals), and pepa (horn).
- The dancers wear traditional Assamese costumes, which include a dhoti, gamocha (scarf), and chadar (shawl).
- During the dance, the performers move in a circular pattern and form various patterns and formations.
- The lyrics of the Bihu songs are usually about love, nature, and the joy of life. The dance is a vibrant expression of the rich cultural heritage of Assam and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
- The Bihu dance has gained popularity across India and has even been performed on international stages.
G. Tidbits
- First joint working group meeting on the Chabahar port was held on April 12 and 13 in Mumbai.
- India and the central Asian nations reaffirmed that connectivity initiatives should comply with global norms, transparency, local priorities, financial sustainability and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
- The participants at the meeting also noted the significance of further development of regional connectivity for enhancing trade and commerce between India and the central Asian countries in the context of their land-locked nature and lack of overland connectivity with India.
- The meeting saw the participation of Deputy Ministers and senior officials of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and India.
- Special invitees included the country representative of the United Nations’ World Food Programme.
2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the Northeast at Changsari near Guwahati on April 14,2023.
- It is built at a cost of ₹1,120 crore, has a capacity of 750 beds including 30 AYUSH beds and will admit 100 MBBS students annually.
- The PM also dedicated three other medical colleges each in Kokrajhar, Nagaon, and Nalbari.
- Mr. Modi also initiated Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII) project within the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati complex.
- AAHI will facilitate cutting-edge inventions and R&D in medicine and healthcare, identify the nation’s unique problems related to health and promote the development of new technologies for solving those problems.
- The Prime Minister also launched the Aapke Dwar Ayushman campaign by distributing Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana cards to 1.1 crore eligible beneficiaries.
Read more on PM Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
- NISAR Satellite, jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is expected to map the most earthquake-prone regions in the Himalayas with unprecedented regularity.
- It will use two frequency bands: the L-band and S-band to image the seismically active Himalayan region every 12 days and create a “deformation map”.
- These two frequency bands will together provide high-resolution, all-weather data from the satellite that is expected to follow a sun-synchronous orbit and will be launched in January 2024.
- The NISAR satellite is expected to cost approximately $900 million (with ISRO contributing about one-tenth).
- Generated data could be used to give advance warning of land subsidence, as recently observed in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, as well point to places that are at greatest risk from earthquakes.
- On April 14,2023, the government of India launched the first Ambedkar circuit tourist train, which will cover prominent places associated with the life of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- The ‘Bharat Gaurav Tourist train’ is being operated under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative, which is aimed at promoting domestic tourism, and is a joint collaboration between the Ministries of Tourism and Railways.
- The eight-day tour will include visits to places associated with the life of Dr. Ambedkar such as New Delhi, Mhow, Nagpur and the sacred Buddhist sites of Sanchi, Sarnath, Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. With respect to heat waves, which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level-Medium)
- The Government of India recognises heatwave as a natural disaster under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- Heat waves need not be considered till the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 01 is correct, The National Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the National Policy on Disaster Management, 2009, do not include heat waves in the list of natural calamities. The government, therefore, does not devote financial and infrastructure resources to the problem.
- Statement 02 is correct, The Heatwave is considered when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to FastTag: (Level-Difficult)
- It employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it or directly toll owner.
- It is operated by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
- FASTag is vehicle specific and once it is affixed to a vehicle, it cannot be transferred to another vehicle.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India, operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it or directly toll owner.
- As per the guidelines, FASTag is issued to each vehicle based on RC copy of the vehicle. If there is mismatch, the ETC system at the toll plaza will detect the class mismatch and the FASTag is liable to be ‘blacklisted’ by the issuer bank and no new FASTag can be issued further against that vehicle number.
Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the Paris Club? (Level-Medium)
- It is a group of officials from major creditor countries whose role is to find co-ordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries.
- The Paris Club was created in response to the 2008 financial crisis.
- There are currently 122 Permanent Members of the Paris Club.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- The Paris Club is an informal group of official creditors whose role is to find coordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries.
- As debtor countries undertake reforms to stabilise and restore their macroeconomic and financial situation, Paris Club creditors provide an appropriate debt treatment.
- The origin of the Paris Club dates back to 1956 when Argentina agreed to meet its public creditors in Paris.
- Since then, the Paris Club has reached 478 agreements with 102 different debtor countries.
- There are currently 22 Permanent Members of the Paris Club.
Image Source: clubdeparis.org
Q4. The Uttaramerur inscription provides information on the administration of (Level-Diffcult)
- Kadambas
- Cholas
- Rashtrakutas
- Cheras
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Uttaramerur inscription is from the reign of Parantaka Chola I (907-953 AD). It provides a detailed description about the village’s self-governance and has been cited by historians and political leaders alike as evidence of India’s history of democratic functioning.
Q5. Who among the following rejected the title of knighthood and refused to accept a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India? (Level-Difficult) (PYQ-CSE-2008)
- Motilal Nehru
- M.G. Ranade
- G.K. Gokhale
- B.G. Tilak
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: G.K. Gokhale rejected the title of Knighthood and refused to accept a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- There should not be any dilution of the essential attribute of the independence of India’s constitutional bodies. Critically examine. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-2; Polity)
- The only solution for Myanmar’s troubles is the restoration of democracy. Discuss. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-2; International Relations)
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CNA 15 April 2023:- Download PDF Here
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