12 December 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related POLITY 1. Reservation in Bihar C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Putin’s visit to the Gulf 2. Surge in Indian illegal migration to US F. Prelims Facts 1. Financial Stability Board 2. Understanding web browsers G. Tidbits 1. Section 151A of RPA H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Syllabus: Indian Constitution- features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
Mains: Policies and constitutional provisions governing the allocation of reservations to various communities, impacting the federal structure of governance.
Context:
Bihar’s recent approval of laws exceeding the 50% reservation limit for jobs and education sparks a legal debate, challenging Supreme Court norms and setting the stage for potential constitutional reconsideration.
Introduction
- On November 17, Bihar’s Governor approved two laws increasing reservations in jobs and education to 75%, sparking a debate on the permissible limits of reservations in India.
- The laws include quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections (EWS).
The 50% Rule
- The Supreme Court has historically capped reservations at 50% of total seats/posts.
- The Mandal Commission case (Indra Sawhney, 1992) reaffirmed this limit, with exceptions for extraordinary circumstances, particularly for communities from remote areas or those socially marginalised.
- The 103rd Constitutional Amendment permits an additional 10% reservation for EWS, bringing the effective limit to 60% for total reservations.
Bihar’s Laws and Constitutional Concerns
- Bihar’s laws breach the 60% limit set by the Mandal case.
- The Bihar government must justify this breach by demonstrating that the communities benefiting from reservations are either from remote areas or socially marginalised.
- Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s justification based on the results of the caste census may face scrutiny, as the court has ruled that reservations should aim for “adequate” representation, not proportional to the population of reserved classes.
Other States and Legal Precedents:
- Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and several northeastern states have already surpassed the 50% limit, with Chhattisgarh at 72%, Tamil Nadu at 69%, and northeastern states at 80%.
- Lakshadweep has 100% reservations for Scheduled Tribes.
- Previous attempts by Maharashtra and Rajasthan to exceed the limit were struck down by the courts.
Legal Challenges and Future Implications
- Bihar’s move follows other states in challenging the 50% limit, and legal challenges are anticipated.
- The validity of Bihar’s laws may be brought to the Supreme Court, questioning the constitutionality of the 50% ceiling limit.
- The court’s inclination to reconsider the limit entirely remains uncertain.
NutGraf:
Bihar’s breach of the 50% reservation cap, justified by caste census results, prompts legal scrutiny. The move challenges established norms, potentially leading to Supreme Court reconsideration and broader constitutional implications.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Putin’s visit to the Gulf
Syllabus:  Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests
Mains: Alignment, dealignment and realignment in West Asia and its Impact on India
Context: Putin’s Gulf tour signifies Russia’s pivot to Gulf states, aligning with Iran, challenging U.S. dominance, and asserting a role in West Asian affairs.
- Convergence of Gulf Countries and Russia:
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- Recent Visits: Putin’s December 6 visit to Abu Dhabi and Riyadh marked a significant shift in Russia’s diplomatic engagements.
- Mutual Affirmations: Hosts, including UAE ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation. Putin echoed sentiments, stating that nothing should hinder the development of friendly relations.
- Changing Alliances: Despite historical alliances with the U.S., both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are prioritizing ties with China and Russia, asserting “strategic autonomy.”
- Russia and Iran Angle:
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- Joint Opposition to Western Sanctions: Russia and Iran, facing Western sanctions, are challenging global strategic leadership and advocating for a multipolar world order.
- Bilateral Relations: Substantial ties in energy and military domains, joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, and reported arms deals, such as Iran acquiring Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft from Russia.
- Common Challenges: Discussions during President Raisi’s visit covered Gaza, Ukraine, and oil prices. Both leaders called for an end to Israel’s actions, accusing the U.S. and Western powers of backing such actions.
- Putin’s Agenda:
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- Strategic Messaging: Putin’s overseas trip served as a message that Russia is not isolated and has close allies in the Gulf, challenging the notion of isolation due to Western restrictions.
- Assurance of Regional Stability: Leveraging Russia’s ties with Iran, Putin assured Gulf states that the Gaza war wouldn’t escalate, indicating Iranian restraint on Hezbollah and Houthis for regional stability.
- Seeking Alignment: Putin aimed for deeper alignment between Gulf Cooperation Council states and Iran, positioning Russia and China as guarantors of regional peace.
- Post-Gaza Scenario: Seeking support for a united approach with Russia and China in managing post-Gaza diplomatic challenges, excluding the U.S. from this regional alignment.
- Continuity in Regional Approach: Putin assured Gulf leaders of Russia’s consistent regional approach, signalling his intention to seek re-election in 2024 and lead Russia until at least the end of the decade.
- Russia and China Axis in West Asia and Declining Hegemony of the U.S.:
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- Strategic Partnership: Putin recognized China as a key player in regional politics, aligning with Russia to complement China’s diplomatic role.
- Challenging U.S. Hegemony: The Sino-Russian alliance aims to challenge U.S. hegemony, with Russia affirming its role in West Asian affairs and signalling a shift in the regional political order.
- Israel-Hamas Angle:
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- Joint Opposition: Putin and Raisi jointly opposed Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing the U.S. and Western powers of supporting what they termed as “genocide and crimes against humanity.”
- Exclusion of U.S.: The alignment with Russia and China was positioned as an alternative to the U.S., which has been criticised for its unconditional support for Israel, potentially excluding the U.S. from future regional diplomatic arrangements.
Nut Graf: In a dramatic move, Russian President Putin’s whirlwind Gulf tour, emphasizing ties with UAE and Saudi Arabia, signifies a strategic shift. Amidst growing Russian-Iranian alignment, Putin aims to assure regional stability post-Gaza war and foster a united front against U.S. hegemony. This signals Russia’s intent to lead West Asian affairs, challenging traditional alliances in a multipolar global order.
2. Surge in Indian illegal migration to US
Syllabus: Indian DiasporaÂ
Mains: Trend of migration from India and across international borders, its possible impacts on bilateral relations.
Context: In response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, it was revealed that the U.S. has encountered a significant increase in illegal Indian migrants, reaching almost 100,000 in 2023.
Illegal Migration Trend in U.S.:
- Over the last four years, there has been a significant surge in illegal migration to the United States.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection data reveals encounters with nearly 100,000 illegal Indian migrants in 2023 alone.
- The trend contrasts with the previous decade, where the number of Indian illegal migrants was comparatively low, crossing the 10,000 mark only in recent years.
Indian Migration and Trend:
- The number of Indians attempting to enter the U.S. illegally has risen sharply, reaching 96,917 in 2023.
- This surge gains attention amid the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, with illegal border crossings being a key concern for voters.
- Former President Donald Trump attributes the rise to the reversal of his immigration policies by President Joe Biden.
Migration from Northern and Southern Border:
- Historically, the majority of illegal border crossings occurred at the U.S.-Mexico border (southwest).
- In 2023, 77% of all illegal migrants entered through the southwest border, while the northern border with Canada accounted for approximately 6%.
- Notably, there’s a rising trend among Indian migrants choosing the northern border, with numbers increasing from less than 100 in 2014 to over 30,000 in 2023.
Trump Policy and Migration:
- Former President Trump’s immigration-related policies, reversed by President Biden, are seen as a contributing factor to the surge in illegal migration.
- Trump’s policy of separating minors from their families was a controversial measure, resulting in over 5,000 children being separated.
- Despite a recent federal judge’s decision against the separation of minors, there is an observed increase in both accompanied and unaccompanied Indian minors attempting to cross the border.
Nut Graf: In recent years, the United States has witnessed a dramatic surge in illegal migration, notably from India, with nearly 100,000 encounters in 2023 alone. This rise coincides with the U.S. presidential elections and is linked to policy changes, including the reversal of immigration measures by President Biden. Notably, there’s a shift in border preferences among Indian migrants, increasingly favouring the northern border with Canada.
Diagram: Migration trend in the U.S. Source: The Hindu
F. Prelims Facts
Syllabus: GS 3- Economy
Prelims: About Financial Stability Board and Multi-function Crypto-asset Intermediaries (MCIs)
Introduction
- The Financial Stability Board (FSB) recently released a report addressing concerns and potential risks associated with multi-function crypto-asset intermediaries (MCIs), citing the FTX collapse in November 2022 as a notable example.Â
- The report emphasises the need for enhanced cross-border cooperation and information sharing among authorities to regulate and address gaps in the operations of globally operating MCIs.
Defining MCIs
- MCIs, as per the report, are individual firms or groups offering diverse crypto-based services, primarily centred around operating trading platforms.
- Examples include Binance, Bitfinex, and Coinbase, which integrate functions traditionally provided by separate entities in the traditional financial landscape.
- MCIs generate revenue from transaction fees, with services expanding beyond trading to encompass a range of crypto-based offerings.
Lack of Transparency
- The report underscores a lack of transparency in most MCIs regarding their corporate structure and operations.
- MCIs are often privately held and provide limited publicly disclosed information, relying on press coverage, court filings, and regulatory actions rather than transparent disclosures.
- The absence of a “meaningful separation” between conflicting business lines and inadequate disclosure of transactions and audit practices raises concerns about risk management and governance frameworks.
Regulatory Oversight Concerns
- The report suggests intentional opacity by MCIs to limit understanding of vulnerabilities, economic models, and activities, potentially evading regulatory oversight.
- Poor risk management within MCIs may expose vulnerabilities to insider misconduct.
- The lack of transparency could hide risks related to governance effectiveness or the profitability of the business model until negative shocks materialise.
Spillover Risks
- While the current threat to global financial stability and the real economy from MCI failures is deemed “limited,” recent events highlight risks.
- Failures or closures of crypto-asset-friendly banks, as seen with Silvergate Bank in March, reveal concentrated deposit exposures to firms reliant on crypto assets.
- Events such as the FTX collapse lead to a loss of confidence in crypto assets, resulting in a ‘run-off’ where investors shift from riskier to safer assets.
Syllabus: GS 3- Science and Technology
Prelims: About web browsers
Introduction
- Web browsers, the gateways to the internet, offer a deceptively simple interface masking intricate processes that translate clicks into the web pages defining our digital experiences.
Evolution of Web Browsers
- Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web in 1990, along with the first web browser, ‘WorldWideWeb.’
- The Mosaic browser in 1993 revolutionised web interaction by introducing image display alongside text.
- Netscape Navigator, emerging in the mid-1990s, initiated the ‘Browser Wars’ with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.
- Mozilla Firefox, in 2004, revitalised browser competition with innovative features like tabbed browsing.
- Google Chrome’s 2008 launch, known for speed and minimalist design, further transformed the browser landscape.
Components of a Web Browser
- Request and Response: Initiates communication with a server to request webpage contents, triggering a sequence of digital exchanges.
- Deconstructing the Response: Unpacks server responses, typically encoded in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, shaping the webpage.
- Rendering: Assembles the webpage by deciphering HTML structure, applying CSS for aesthetics, and executing JavaScript for interactivity.
- Managing Data: Utilises cookies and cache to enhance user experience by storing information and frequently accessed files.
- Security: Implements encryption protocols like HTTPS, warns against malicious sites, and safeguards data during transmission and storage.
The Future of Browsing
- Web browsers are adopting technologies like WebAssembly for near-native performance.
- Support for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) promises immersive online experiences.
- Privacy features are evolving to provide users with greater control over their digital footprint.
G. Tidbits
- Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 mandates the Election Commission to fill the casual vacancies in the House of Parliament and State Legislatures through bye elections within six months from the date of occurrence of the vacancy, provided that the remainder of the term of a member in relation to a vacancy is one year or more.
- The Bombay High Court addressed a petition challenging the Election Commission’s decision not to conduct a bypoll for Pune Lok Sabha constituency after the demise of MP Girish Bapat on March 29.
- The Election Commission cited logistical constraints and preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as reasons for not conducting the bypoll promptly.
- The court criticised the Election Commission’s stance as “hardly tenable” and expressed understanding for logistical challenges in areas with unrest but found it unjustified for Pune.
- The court directed further examination after highlighting instances of elections conducted in other constituencies this year after vacancies arose, challenging the EC’s logistical constraints claim.
- The petitioner argued that delaying the bypoll was a violation of the electorate’s right, emphasising Section 151A, which mandates filling a vacancy through a bypoll within six months.
- The court scheduled further examination of the matter on December 13, indicating scrutiny of the Election Commission’s justifications and adherence to Section 151 A’s requirements.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following members of OPEC +:
- Kazakhstan
- Russia
- Mexico
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
OPEC+ is made up of OPEC members and 10 other members. Other members include South Sudan, Azerbaijan, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, and Sudan.
Q2. Consider the following statements:
- The Financial Stability Board is the global body which gives recommendations and monitors the global financial system.
- The Financial Stability Board collaborates with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to conduct Early Warning Exercises.
- The Financial Stability Board was established in April 2009, after the summit of G20 which was held in London, United Kingdom (U.K).  Â
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: All Statements are correct.
Q3. The 49th Parallel, sometimes seen in the news, is a boundary between which of the following countries?
- US and Mexico
- Mexico and Guatemala
- US and Canada
- Mexico and Belize
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: The 49th Parallel is a boundary between the USA and Canada.
Q4. Consider the following statements:
- Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 stipulates that the Election Commission must fill casual vacancies through byelection within six months for the Houses of Parliament only.
- Some exceptions under section 151A are if the remainder of the term of a member is less than one year and the Election Commission certifies that it is difficult to hold the bye-election within the said period.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 stipulates that the Election Commission must fill casual vacancies through by-election within six months for both the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures.
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- The reservations in jobs or education, should not exceed 50% of the total seats/posts.
- One of the exceptions to the 50% limit is to provide reservations to communities which hail from far-flung areas of the country and have been kept out of the mainstream of society.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: Both Statements are correct.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Russia has of late been reaffirming its ties with West Asian powers and is indicating a stronger Sino-Russian alliance in the Gulf to counterbalance US hegemony. How does this influence regional geopolitics? (250 words, 15 marks) (GS II – International Relations)​
- “The recent surge seen in Indian illegal migration to USA & Europe is a concerning trend. Discuss.”(250 words, 15 marks) (GS II – International Relations)
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