CNA 05 Aug 2022:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT 1. The coal mining protests in the Hasdeo Aranya region D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials ECONOMY 1. Consequences of Rupee Depreciation 2. 5G Spectrum Auction F. Prelims Facts G. Tidbits 1. Navy’s women pilots chart a new course 2. Iran nuclear talks restart in Vienna with EU mediation 3. New Delhi maintains ‘studied silence’ on Taiwan crisis H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
C. GS 3 Related
1. The coal mining protests in the Hasdeo Aranya region
Syllabus: Conservation
Prelims: Hasdeo forests
Mains: Controversy surrounding the mining in Hasdeo forests
Context
- There have been protests against mining in the Hasdeo forests which are called the lungs of Chhattisgarh.
- Recently, the Legislative Assembly passed a private member resolution unanimously which asks the Central Government to cancel the allocation of coal mining blocks in the region.
Hasdeo Forest
- The Hasdeo forests spread across 1,878 sq km and cover Chhattisgarh’s Korba, Surguja and Surajpur districts.
- It is an important migratory corridor and has a significant presence of elephants.
- Hasdeo forest is the catchment area of the Hasdeo river which is the largest tributary of the River Mahanadi which originates in Chhattisgarh and flows into the Bay of Bengal through Odisha.
- It is also a catchment area of the Mand river (also a tributary of the Mahanadi)
- It also houses the Hasdeo Bango Dam which helps in the irrigation of six lakh acres of land, crucial for Chhattisgarh’s paddy cultivation.
Private Member Resolution
To read more about Private Member Bill |
Controversy surrounding the mining
- Hasdeo forest has a coalfield underneath which has about 22 coal blocks.
- In 2010, the Union government classified the Hasdeo forest as a “no-go” zone for mining. However, in 2011, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) allowed mining for one coal block and currently, seven blocks have been allotted for mining.
- Out of these, the Parsa East Kete Basan (PEKB) and Chotia (I and II) are operational.
- The PEKB Phase I mining has been completed and there has been large-scale local opposition to mining and deforestation in Parsa, PEKB Phase II and Kete Extension.
- Clearances were withdrawn as the gram sabhas opposed mining in the Madanpur South and Gidmudi Paturia blocks.
- Mining activities were paused in all these blocks and other blocks which were listed for auction by the Centre were withdrawn from the list after the State government’s request
What does the resolution say?
- The resolution has urged the central government to not permit mining in blocks located in the catchment areas of the two important rivers Hasdeo and Mand.
- The resolution has also urged the State government to use the same principle to stop mining in the already allocated Hasdeo coal blocks where no activity has started so far.
- Activists say that the clearance from the forest department under the Air Pollution Act and the Water Pollution Act is like a veto power held by the State government and can stop mining activities from starting.
- Dharmjeet Singh who introduced the resolution said that the companies can be allotted coal blocks elsewhere in Chhattisgarh or in other mining-rich regions of the country.
Nut graf: Experts point out that about three lakh trees would be cut down due to mining in PEKB and Parsa which will have severe adverse impacts on the ecology and environment of the region. Governments both at the Centre as well as the State level must be very careful while allowing mining in such ecologically sensitive areas.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. Consequences of Rupee Depreciation
Syllabus: Issues relating to Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Mains: Consequences of Currency depreciation
Context:Recently, the rupee hit an all-time low of 79.43 against the US dollar.
Find the Basics of Currency Depreciation here
Consequences of Rupee Depreciation:
- Opportunities:
- Currency depreciation helps maintain the competitive advantage in the global supply chain.
- Rupee depreciation should theoretically give a boost to India’s exports. Also, it helps keep a check on imports, as prices of imported goods go up.
- The Indian Information technology sector focuses heavily on exports. With the rupee depreciation, it has become inexpensive for the international buyers which increases the revenue of the IT sector.
- Engineering exports witnessed 7.84% growth in March 2022 because of reduction in supply chain expenses due to the reduction of export duties on fuel.
- The cost of acquiring property by foreign investors and NRIs becomes cheaper and real estate purchases by these parties increase.
- Fears of a global recession could also lead to a downward bias in crude oil prices could be positive for the current account.
- The real exchange rate has not really depreciated in recent times although there is a depreciation in the nominal exchange rate.
- Also, the depreciation in India is not exactly concerning on the lines of the instability that is present in Sri Lanka or other developing nations.
2. Disadvantages:
- Makes Imports more expensive
- Widens CAD
- Adds to the inflationary pressure.
- Squeezes the purchasing power of people.
- But global slowdown may also pull down exports and that is worrying from the CAD perspective.
- The RBI has to sell dollars in the spot market to contain the depreciation-Depletion of Forex reserves combined with currency depreciation leads to instability in financial markets similar to the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
- Increases External Debt burden.
Way Forward:
- Current account gap can be closed by reducing imports.
- The RBI needs to ensure a mix of exchange rate adjustment and depletion of forex reserves to maintain some stability in exchange rates.
- Corporates should focus on better hedging strategies in future.
- Focus on fiscal policy reforms boost demand.
- Without affecting the GDP, fiscal instrument can be used in two ways:
- Increase corporate tax to finance additional government expenditures, particularly in compensating labor’s income.
- Stop various corporate tax concessions . These concessions amount to around ₹5 lakh crore.
- Without affecting the GDP, fiscal instrument can be used in two ways:
Nut Graf: Although rupee is at an all time low against dollar, currency Depreciation pressures are comparatively more contained than in 2013. The rupee’s real effective exchange rate (REER), indicates that the Indian currency is still overvalued and can further depreciate.Correcting for fiscal imbalances will improve the overall macro atmosphere and offer a positive signal to the external world, providing comfort to investors.
Category: GS3- Science and Technology
Syllabus:Recent developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Mains: 5G spectrum and its applications
Context: Recent auction of 5G telecommunications spectrum drew bids exceeding a record ₹1.5 lakh crore.
Details of the auction:
- Reliance Jio became the top bidder acquiring 48% of the offered airwaves by committing more than ₹88,000 crore in total and acquired spectrum in the premium 700 MHz band.
- Bharti Airtel offered Rs 43,084 crore to acquire a total of 19.8 GHz of spectrum.
- Vodafone Idea offered around ₹19,000 crore for about 12% spectrum.
- Adani Data Networks Limited(ADNL), a subsidiary of the Adani Group acquired spectrum only in the 26 GHz band for Rs 212 crore. As per ADNL, this is only to offer private networks solutions for business verticals like ports, airports, logistics and power generation.
- All except 1800 MHz airwaves bands were sold at base price.
- The competition in the 1,800 MHz spectrum was led mainly by the Uttar Pradesh (East) circle which is India’s biggest mobile telephony circle in terms of subscribers with over 100 million mobile phone connections.
Read more on 5G here
Reason behind Successful bidding:
- A total of 51.2 GHz of spectrum was sold of the total 72 GHz with the government banking ₹4.3 lakh crore reserve price it had set for the spectrum on offer. This shows the improvement in the telecom industry’s health.
- The Union Government in 2021, relaxed the regulatory norms around payment of dues, including a 04-year moratorium on outstanding payments.
- It also redefined ‘adjusted gross revenues’ to exclude non-telecom earnings, which helped telecom service providers attract investor interest and spread liabilities over a period of time.
- Tariff increase also helped lift average revenue per user boosting margins.
- The Government’s policy decision to return bank guarantees to telecom sector service providers helped with their eligibility for debt which is critical for capital expenditure.
Way Forward:
- 60% of the 700 MHz spectrum remained unsold which is ideal for signal penetration inside buildings in urban areas and for rural connectivity. Therefore, the Government should price it in an optimal manner and not let the crucial spectrum range unused.
- If spectrum is seen as a precious national resource, the administration should make sure that all three stakeholders i.e the government itself , telcos and the public must benefit from 5G technology with more accommodating pricing and policies.
Nut Graf: At Rs 1,50,173 crore, the final total bids for 5G spectrum have surpassed expectations, exceeding the government’s internal estimates of around Rs 1 lakh crore.This sold spectrum is considered to be “good enough” for covering all circles to provide “good coverage” of 5G in the next 2-3 years. The government should try to reduce the prices for unsold spectrum and facilitate the rolling out of 5G in the country as soon as possible.
F. Prelims Facts
Nothing here for today!!!
G. Tidbits
1. Navy’s women pilots chart a new course
- Five women officers of the Indian Navy created history by completing the first all-woman independent maritime reconnaissance and surveillance mission in the Arabian Sea, onboard a Dornier-228 aircraft.
- This first-of-its-kind mission is unique and expected to pave the way for women officers in the aviation cadre to assume greater responsibility and aspire for more challenging roles.
- The mission is in line with the vision of “Nari Shakti”.
To know more about Nari Shakti refer – Gist of Yojana, September 2021
2. Iran nuclear talks restart in Vienna with EU mediation
- Fresh round of negotiations have started in Vienna over the Iran nuclear programme.
- Negotiations between Iran and other nations have been taking place in Vienna in Austria since 2021 to reintegrate the US into the nuclear deal.
- In the wake of a new round of negotiations the Iranian and Russian officials held a separate meeting, Iran and Russia have traditionally been close during the negotiations.
- The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed in 2015 between Iran and P5+1 members which includes the UK, China, France, Russia and the U.S. plus Germany.
- JCPOA aims to guarantee the civilian nature of Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for a gradual lifting of sanctions.
To read more about – JCPOA
3. New Delhi maintains ‘studied silence’ on Taiwan crisis
- In the wake of growing international reactions to tensions in the Taiwan straits and the conflict between the U.S. and China, India has chosen to maintain a “studied silence” on the situation.
- India seeks to avoid controversy on a sensitive issue between the U.S. and China.
- While India has followed the “One China policy” since 1949, which indicates that India does not recognise any government other than the PRC in Beijing, and only conducts trade and cultural ties with Taiwan. However, India has stopped mentioning the policy in its official statements and joint declarations after 2008.
- China’s aggressive reaction, military exercises and missile tests after the visit of U.S. House Speaker to Taiwan are expected to have serious implications on the peace and stability of the region.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Which amongst the following statements is not correct with respect to Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India? (Level – Medium)
- CAG compiles and maintains accounts of both Central and State governments.
- CAG can audit all transactions relating to the Contingency Funds
- CAG submits audit reports relating to the accounts of the Central Government to the President
- The CAG is appointed by the President and can only be removed from office in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
Answer:
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- CAG compiles and maintains the accounts of state governments.
- In 1976, CAG was relieved of the responsibilities regarding the compilation and maintenance of accounts of the Government of India due to the separation of accounts from audit, through departmentalization of accounts.
Q2. Consider the following statements: (Level – Medium)
- Among the Union Territories Delhi alone has a High Court of its own.
- Parliament with the previous consent of the State may by law extend the jurisdiction of a High court to, or exclude the jurisdiction of a High Court from, any Union territory
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both
- None
Answer:
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, Among UTs Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir have their own High Courts.
- Statement 2 is not correct, According to Article 230 of the Constitution, Parliament may by law extend the jurisdiction of a High Court to, or exclude the jurisdiction of a High Court from, any Union territory.
- There is no need for the Parliament to take the consent of the State.
Q3. Consider the following pairs: (Level – Difficult)
Freedom Fighters Tribe
- Tilka Majhi Pahadia tribe
- Thalakkal Chanthu Kurichiyar tribe
- Budhu Bhagat Oraon tribe
- Raghoji Bhangre Mahadeo Koli tribe
- Laxman Naik Bhuyan tribe
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2, 4 and 5 only
- 3 and 5 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer:
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Tilka Majhi rebelled against the atrocities of the British East India Company. He mobilised the Pahadia tribe to which he belonged and raided the Company treasury.
- Thalakkal Chanthu of the Kurichiyar tribe was an invaluable part of Pazhassi Raja’s war against the East India Company.
- Budhu Bhagat of the Oraon tribe was shot down in one of his many encounters with the British, along with his brother, seven sons and 150 men from his tribe.
- Raghoji Bhangre belonged to the Mahadeo Koli tribe. He revolted against the British and continued his struggle even though his mother was imprisoned.
- Laxman Naik of the Bhuyan tribe, was also inspired by Gandhi and campaigned extensively to get tribes to join the freedom movement.
Q4. With respect to NavIC, which of the following statements is/are incorrect? (Level – Difficult)
- It can help in navigation on land, air, sea and also in disaster management.
- NavIC satellites are placed at a higher orbit than the GPS of United States.
- It is designed to provide accurate position information service to users in India as well as the region extending up to 2500 km from its boundary
Options:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- None
Answer:
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, NavIC helps in
- Navigation (Aerial, marines and terrestrial)
- Maps (Charting, Plotting and Geodetic data capture)
- Disaster Management
- Fleet Management and Vehicle Tracking (important during mining and transport operations)
- Mobile phone integration
- Precise timing (useful for power grids and ATMs)
- Statement 2 is correct, NavIC satellites are placed at a higher orbit than the GPS of the US.
- NavIC satellites are placed in geostationary orbit (GEO) & geosynchronous orbit (GSO) with an altitude of about 36,000 km. Whereas the GPS satellites are placed in medium earth orbit (MEO) with an altitude of about 20,000 km.
- Statement 3 is not correct, It is designed to give precise position data service to users located in India and also to users in the area out-spreading up to 1500 Km from India’s boundary.
Q5. Consider the following statements: (Level – Medium)PYQ (2022)
- The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
- The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The Indian Constitution does not categorize ministers into ranks, however, in practice seen in India, ministers are of four types:
- Statement 2 is correct, According to the 91st Constitutional Amendment the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Despite some progress in the past decade, women’s representation in the Indian Armed Forces is still way below the expected level. Elaborate. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS III – Security)
- Discuss the implications of the depreciating Indian rupee on the Indian economy. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS III – Economy)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 05 Aug 2022:- Download PDF Here
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