14 December 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY 1. COP-28 calls for ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Gaza, a new pointer to India’s changed world view POLITY 1. Article 370 judgment is a case of constitutional monism F. Prelims Facts G. Tidbits 1. Road fatalities rise in India, despite global drop: WHO 2. ‘New Delhi Declaration’ on artificial intelligence adopted 3. Panel on security defunct for five years; Opposition MPs raise concern 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
Category: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
1. COP-28 calls for ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, Environmental impact assessment.
Mains: Dubai Consensus
Context:
Global nations adopted the Dubai Consensus, a resolution calling for a transition away from fossil fuels to achieve net zero by 2050, balancing concerns of developed and developing countries.
Introduction
- Nations gathered in Dubai have taken a significant step towards reducing global reliance on fossil fuels by adopting the Dubai Consensus, a resolution emphasising transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems.
- The resolution calls for a just, orderly, and equitable move towards achieving net zero by 2050, aligning with scientific recommendations to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Transitioning Language and Compromises
- The consensus text encourages parties to transition away from fossil fuels but avoids the stronger term “phase-out” seen in earlier drafts.
- The path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is crucial in preventing a temperature increase beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Emission Reduction Targets
- To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the scientific community suggests cutting emissions to 43% of 2019 levels by 2030 and 60% by 2035.
- The timeline poses a considerable challenge, with just seven years remaining to achieve the first target while global emissions continue to rise annually.
Compromise Between Developed and Developing Countries
- The Dubai Consensus reflects a compromise between developed and developing nations on addressing greenhouse gas emissions while considering proportional contributions based on historical responsibilities for the climate crisis.
- Negotiations are incremental due to UN rules requiring unanimous agreement from all 198 signatories on each line of the text.
Global Reactions and Concerns
- Delegates from vulnerable nations express dissatisfaction with the agreement, feeling it falls short of ending fossil fuel use, putting their countries at risk.
- Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Colombia, and Senegal, acknowledge the agreement’s step toward a fossil-free future but express concern over the lack of progress in delivering promised funds from developed countries to support developing nations.
Focus Beyond Emissions: Adaptation and Support
- Climate talks address not only emission reduction but also adaptation to climate impacts and means of implementation and support.
- Developing nations emphasise the need for financial support and technology from developed countries to transition away from fossil fuels.
Challenges and Broken Promises
- Criticism arises from the perception that promises made by developed countries, such as mobilising $100 billion annually from 2020 to 2025, have been inadequately fulfilled.
- Anand Patwardhan of the University of Maryland emphasises the need for developed nations to reach net zero much earlier, providing space for developing countries.
NutGraf: Nations unite in Dubai, adopting the Dubai Consensus for a fossil-free future, emphasising the transition from fossil fuels to achieve net zero by 2050 amid challenges and compromises between developed and developing nations.
D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Gaza, a new pointer to India’s changed world view
Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Mains: India’s evolving stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict
Context: India’s evolving stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict serves as a reflection of the recent transformations in its foreign policy. From the early days of independence, marked by a commitment to “strategic autonomy” and non-alignment, to the present era characterized by changing geopolitical dynamics, India’s position has undergone a significant shift.
Historical Context
- India’s initial approach was rooted in its anti-colonial sentiment, aligning with the USSR against Western powers on issues of imperialism and apartheid. This manifested in its vote against the partition of Palestine in 1947, drawing parallels with its own experience of partition during the creation of Pakistan.
Recognition of Israel
- While India eventually recognized Israel after its establishment, diplomatic relations remained limited for over four decades. Simultaneously, India became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian state, showcasing a commitment to a two-state solution.
Shift in Relations
- The rise of Pakistan-backed Islamic militancy against India became a turning point. Shared concerns about Islamist extremism led to increased security and intelligence cooperation between India and Israel. Successive Indian governments continued supporting the PLO, emphasizing a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Strengthening Ties
- Recent years witnessed a substantial strengthening of India-Israel relations, with Israel becoming a crucial partner in defense, intelligence, and, allegedly, surveillance technology. High-profile visits by Prime Ministers Modi and Netanyahu underscored the depth of this relationship.
India’s Response to Gaza Conflict
- The recent conflict in Gaza prompted India to express solidarity with Israel initially. However, the escalating death toll and media coverage led to a nuanced shift. While Prime Minister Modi conveyed condolences to the Palestinian President, the External Affairs Ministry expressed support for a two-state solution.
UN Vote and Criticisms
- India’s abstention in a UN vote on a humanitarian truce raised eyebrows, especially considering the country’s historical stance. Criticisms arose, questioning India’s deviation from the majority opinion within the Global South and its seemingly pro-Israeli stance.
Changing Dynamics
- Under Prime Minister Modi, India’s foreign policy has experienced notable changes, particularly in response to the rise of China. A reorientation toward the United States and active participation in regional geopolitics, including the “I2U2” dialogue and the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor, indicates a broader shift in global alliances.
Gaza as a Manifestation
- The Gaza conflict serves as the latest manifestation of India’s evolving worldview, reflecting changing geopolitical realities, concerns about China’s rise, and a nuanced approach to regional dynamics.
Nut Graf: India’s position on the Israel-Gaza conflict unveils a complex journey from non-alignment to a recalibration of alliances. The evolving dynamics in the Middle East, coupled with India’s changing geopolitical considerations, mark a pivotal moment in the country’s foreign policy.
1. Article 370 judgment is a case of constitutional monism
Syllabus: Amendments in the Indian Constitution
Mains: Significance of abrogation of Article 370
Context: The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370, more than four years after its implementation, signifies a case of constitutional monism, according to the author.
- While discussions have primarily centred around the implications for statehood, the essence of the matter lies in the special status of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Federalism and Constitutional Sovereignty
- The judgment reflects a monist perspective by perceiving the Union Constitution as the exclusive repository of internal and external sovereignty.
- Contrary to the intricate power distribution envisioned by Article 370, the Court emphasizes a singular concept of sovereignty, sidelining the shared sovereignty model advocated by the J&K Constituent Assembly.
- The failure to recognize the nuanced nature of sovereignty in federal constitutions raises concerns about the impact on India’s federal structure.
Contingency of Presidential Power
- Constitutional monism operates prominently in the Court’s interpretation of Clause 3 of Article 370.
- The rejection of Article 370’s permanence after the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution neglects the contingent nature of presidential power.
- The Court’s assertion that the President holds unbridled power to abrogate Article 370 contradicts the principles of federalism and constitutional democracy, says the author.
- The interpretation collapses the question of the nature of powers into the effect of powers, eroding the federal balance envisioned by the Constitution.
State’s Views on Its Future
- The judgment’s monist approach envisions popular sovereignty as a unified entity, dismissing the significance of an individual State’s views in the context of reorganization.
- By asserting that Parliament can represent the entire nation’s views, the Court places the popular sovereignty of a State’s people beneath the overarching sovereignty of the entire nation.
- This poses a worrisome precedent, particularly considering J&K’s historical threshold for reorganization, which was notably higher than other states.
Issues
- Monist Approach: The Court’s reliance on constitutional monism undermines the intricate federal structure envisioned by Article 370.
- Unbridled Presidential Power: The interpretation of presidential powers as unbounded contradicts the principles of constitutional democracy and federalism.
- Subordination of State’s Views: The Court’s stance diminishes the significance of an individual State’s views, potentially compromising the federal balance.
Way Forward
- Reevaluate Constitutional Interpretation: Encourage a more nuanced interpretation of the Constitution that respects the federal principles enshrined in Article 370.
- Review Presidential Powers: Reassess the scope of presidential powers, ensuring they align with the principles of checks and balances in a federal structure.
- Empower State Views: Recognize and uphold the significance of individual State views in matters of reorganization, safeguarding the principles of federalism.
Nut Graf: The Article 370 judgment, shaped by constitutional monism, raises critical concerns about its impact on federalism in India. The implications of this judgment extend beyond the specific case of Jammu and Kashmir, influencing the broader constitutional fabric of the country.
F. Prelims Facts
Nothing here for today!!!
G. Tidbits
1. Road fatalities rise in India, despite global drop: WHO
- According to the ‘Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023’ by the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic deaths worldwide fell by 5% to 1.19 million annually between 2010 and 2021.
- India, however, recorded a 15% increase in road traffic fatalities during the same period, with the total number rising to 1.54 lakh in 2021 from 1.34 lakh in 2010.
- The report highlighted that road crashes were the leading cause of death among children and youth aged five to 29 years as of 2019.
- 10 countries, including Belarus, Denmark, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, reduced road traffic deaths by over 50%.
- 35 countries made notable progress, achieving a reduction of road traffic deaths by 30% to 50%.
- The global road fatality rate declined from 18 per 1 lakh people in 2010 to 15 per 1 lakh in 2021, representing a 16% decline in the road traffic death rate since 2010.
- The WHO’s South-East Asia Region accounted for 28% of global road traffic deaths, followed by the Western Pacific Region (25%), the African Region (19%), the Region of the Americas (12%), the Eastern Mediterranean Region (11%), and the European Region (5%).
- Nine in 10 road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where the risk of death is three times higher than in high-income countries, despite low-income countries having just 1% of the world’s motor vehicles.
2. ‘New Delhi Declaration’ on artificial intelligence adopted
- Representatives from 28 countries and the European Union adopted the “New Delhi Declaration” of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI).
- India is hosting the summit and will chair the GPAI grouping in 2024.
- The ministerial declaration reaffirms the countries’ commitment to principles for the responsible stewardship of trustworthy AI, rooted in democratic values and human rights.
- GPAI is a grouping of countries in North and South America, Europe, and East Asia working towards the trustworthy development, deployment, and use of AI.
- The Delhi Declaration commits countries to address concerns related to misinformation, disinformation, unemployment, lack of transparency, fairness, protection of intellectual property and personal data, and threats to human rights and democratic values.
- The declaration emphasises inclusivity, encouraging more developing countries to join GPAI.
3. ‘Panel on security defunct for five years; Opposition MPs raise concern
- Opposition members in India have raised concerns over security arrangements at the new Parliament building following incidents of political sloganeering during a Special Session.
- Despite requests, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Security in Parliament Complex has not been reconstituted during the 17th Lok Sabha.
- Opposition MPs complain of alleged political bias in providing visitors’ gallery passes and an increased presence of private security guards on the Parliament premises.
- The new Parliament has a five-tier security arrangement for visitors, and the Opposition walked out of the Rajya Sabha seeking an explanation from the government.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Which of these statements best describes ‘Carbon Space’?
- It is the atmosphere’s capacity to hold carbon that will not result in temperatures increasing to a level considered dangerous or undesirable.
- It refers to the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual or organisation.
- It is the process of storing carbon in a carbon pool.
- It is a natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores the atmosphere’s carbon with physical and biological mechanisms.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
It is the amount of carbon (or CO2) that can be put into the atmosphere without this leading to a level of warming—or underlying concentrations of CO2—that can be considered dangerous or otherwise undesirable.
Q2. I2U2 grouping, often seen in news comprises of:
- India, Iran, UK and UAE
- India, Israel, US and UAE
- Iran, Israel, US and UAE
- India, Israel, US and UK
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
India, Israel, US and UAE have formed a grouping called the I2U2. The group aims to re-energise and revitalise American partnerships across the world. The countries share a number of global challenges, including the food security crisis and defence, which will be a focus of the four-nation summit.
Q3. Which of these statements is/are incorrect with respect to the Committees of Parliament?
- Standing Committees are permanent committees constituted by the parliament.
- Each House of Parliament has Standing Committees.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Both statements are correct. The Standing Committees are permanent (constituted every year or periodically) and work on a continuous basis.
Q4. The Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 has been released by:
- Global Road Safety Partnership
- International Transport Forum
- World Health Organization
- Global Road Policing Network
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: The Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 has been launched by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the 5th such report led by the WHO.
Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI):
- It is a multi-stakeholder initiative which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI.
- GPAI is hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- It is a 129-member grouping.
How many of these statements is/are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: GPAI grouping consists of 29 members.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- The final text of the UNFCCC CoP28 declaration is another reaffirmation of India’s growing clout on the global stage. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS III – Environment and Ecology)
- In the context of India’s recent voting patterns in the UN General Assembly on the Israel – Palestine conflict, elaborate on how India’s foreign policy has evolved over the decades. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS II- International relations)
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