24 December 2023 CNA
Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related GOVERNANCE 1. Will the new telecom Bill streamline the sector? INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. What’s the latest blip in India-Maldives ties? C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials F. Prelims Facts 1. No extreme curbs for now, will wait for NCR air quality to improve: Central body 2. Supreme Court rules that tribunals cannot direct government to frame policy 3. A strategic choke point G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
1. Will the new telecom Bill streamline the sector?
Syllabus: Government policies and interventions
Mains: Pros and cons of new telecom Bill
Context: The recent passage of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, in Parliament has sparked discussions regarding its potential to streamline the telecom sector.
- Telecommunications Bill, 2023
- Objective: Replace outdated laws like the Telegraph Act of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, and The Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950.
- Focus: Consolidate laws governing wireless networks and Internet service providers, and streamline licensing procedures for telecom operators.
- Key Provisions of the Bill
- Governance: Regulates telecommunication networks and services, spectrum allocation, and the right of way for laying telecom infrastructure.
- Emergency Measures: Empowers the government to intercept messages, suspend services, and take temporary possession of telecommunication services or networks.
- Consumer Protection: Establishes a ‘Do Not Disturb’ register to protect consumers from unwanted messages.
- Shift in Regulatory Approach
- Authorisation Regime: Shifts from a licensing regime to an authorisation regime, requiring all telecom services to obtain authorization from the Central Government.
- Penalties: Non-compliance may result in imprisonment or fines, emphasizing the regulatory framework’s stringency.
- Concerns Raised
- Mass Surveillance: Critics argue that the Bill enables mass surveillance and empowers the government to shut down the internet.
- Biometric Identification: Mandates users to be identified through verifiable biometric-based identification, raising privacy concerns.
- Encryption Standards: Grants the government authority over encryption and data processing standards, potentially impacting user privacy.
- Industry Response
- Positive Aspects: Industry associations like DIPA and COAI appreciate provisions promoting uniformity in ‘right of way’ rules, addressing long-standing issues for infrastructure providers.
- Tax Relief: Acknowledged for providing relief to the infrastructure industry from additional tax burdens.
- Digital Rights Groups’ Perspective
- Concerns: Signal Foundation, Internet Freedom Foundation, and others express concerns over indiscriminate surveillance, weakening online safety, and uncertainties around encryption.
- Demands: Urge the withdrawal of the Bill in its current form, emphasizing the need for procedural safeguards and privacy protection.
Nut Graf: The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, presents a significant shift in the regulatory landscape of the telecom sector. While it aims to streamline processes and modernize outdated laws, concerns over privacy, surveillance, and encryption standards need careful consideration.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. What’s the latest blip in India-Maldives ties?
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests
Mains: India-Maldives ties
Context: The recent decision by the Maldives Cabinet not to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India for cooperation in hydrography has raised concerns about the trajectory of India-Maldives ties.
- This move follows President Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to send back Indian troops stationed in the archipelago, signaling a departure from the previous administration’s ‘India first’ policy.
- Hydrography and India’s Expertise
- Definition: The science of studying oceans, seas, and water bodies to compile and analyze data for various purposes.
- India’s Role: Actively engaged in hydrography since 1955, with the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) playing a pivotal role.
- International Collaboration: India collaborates with numerous countries, including Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Maldives, Mozambique, Vietnam, Myanmar, Kenya, and Sri Lanka.
- Significance of the 2019 MoU
- Context: Signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives in June 2019.
- Commitments: Emphasized close cooperation in development, defence, and maritime security.
- Joint Surveys: Led to joint hydrographic surveys conducted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Indian Navy in subsequent years.
- Cabinet’s Decision and Reasons
- Non-Renewal: The Maldives Cabinet decided not to renew the hydrographic survey agreement.
- National Security Concerns: The decision aligns with President Muizzu’s pledge to terminate agreements detrimental to national security.
- Sovereignty Focus: Emphasizes the improvement of the military’s capacity for surveilling and policing waters without foreign involvement.
- India’s Response
- MEA Statement: India, responding for the first time, highlighted its proven track record in hydrography.
- Cooperation Benefits: Stressed the visible benefits to partner countries through India’s hydrography expertise.
- Implications for India-Maldives Ties
- Challenges Ahead: The decision signals a potential challenge for India in its relationship with the Maldives.
- Strategic Shift: President Muizzu’s focus on ‘restoring sovereignty’ and exploring collaboration with China suggests a shift in strategic priorities.
- Security Conclave Skip: Maldives skipping the recent Colombo Security Conclave meeting adds to concerns about regional security cooperation.
- India’s Approach and Diplomacy
- Navigating Challenges: India must navigate the evolving dynamics and address concerns while promoting collaboration.
- Belief in Expertise: India’s diplomatic response reflects a belief that neighboring countries should tap into the benefits of its hydrography expertise.
Way forward
- Diplomatic Engagement: India should engage in diplomatic dialogue to understand the Maldives’ concerns and find common ground.
- Showcasing Benefits: Emphasize the mutual benefits of collaboration, showcasing India’s expertise in hydrography.
Nut Graf: The termination of the hydrographic survey agreement and the broader shift in the Maldives’ strategic priorities pose challenges for India-Maldives ties.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Nothing here for today!!!
F. Prelims Facts
1. No extreme curbs for now, will wait for NCR air quality to improve: Central body
Context: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced its decision to hold off on implementing more stringent measures to combat rising pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR).
- This comes amid a deterioration in air quality, leading authorities to impose Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
- Current Measures and Restrictions
- Ban on Activities: Non-essential construction and demolition activities are currently prohibited.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers banned in Delhi and NCR districts.
- Stage 3 GRAP: Imposed due to the severe category of air quality index (AQI) readings, which hover around 450.
- Factors Contributing to Pollution
- Meteorological Factors: Several meteorological factors, including slow wind speed, contribute to the rise in pollution levels.
- AQI Reading: The current AQI reading falls into the severe category, prompting the imposition of Stage 3 GRAP.
- CAQM’s Decision and Rationale
- Awaiting Impact: CAQM emphasizes the need to await the impact of existing restrictive actions on the average AQI.
- Forecasts: Forecasts indicate a gradual improvement in air quality, influencing the decision to defer extreme curbs.
- Powers of CAQM
- The rulings by the Commission on air pollution will override anything contained in any other law.
- The powers of the Commission will also supersede that of any other body in matters of air pollution.
- The Commission will have the power to take measures, issue directions and entertain complaints “for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of air in the National Capital Region”.
- Seasonal Factors and Previous Restrictions
- Winter Impact: During winter, the slowdown in wind speed and temperature drop contribute to increased pollution in Delhi.
- GRAP Stage 4: Earlier this year, Stage 4 restrictions were imposed due to stubble burning, but they were lifted after air quality improved.
2. Supreme Court rules that tribunals cannot direct government to frame policy
Context: The Supreme Court has issued a clarification asserting that tribunals, governed by their specific legislation, do not have the authority to direct the government to formulate policies. This directive came in response to a case involving the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) instructing the government to create a policy for filling the post of the Judge Advocate General (Air).
- Judicial Parameters of Tribunals
- Quasi-Judicial Nature: Tribunals, including the AFT, operate within the confines set by their governing legislation.
- Limitation on Directives: Tribunals lack the authority to direct policymakers to create specific policies.
- Specific Case of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)
- Nature of AFT: The AFT possesses powers akin to a civil court but does not have the extensive powers of the Supreme Court or High Courts.
- Limitation on Policy Directives: The case in question involved the AFT directing the government to formulate a policy for the Judge Advocate General (Air) position.
- Precedents on Government Policy Directives
- Court Limitations: Judicial bodies, including High Courts, cannot mandate the government to create legislation or specific policies.
- Prerogative of the Government: The creation or sanctioning of schemes or policies related to defense personnel services falls under the exclusive prerogative of the government.
- Writ Jurisdiction
- High Courts’ Constraints: Even High Courts, exercising powers under Article 226, cannot compel the government or its departments to formulate particular policies.
- Sole Government Prerogative: The judgment emphasizes that the government holds the sole authority to decide on schemes or policies concerning defense personnel.
- Fundamental Rights and Government Policies
- Court’s Role: Courts, even with writ jurisdiction, may confront situations seemingly conflicting with fundamental rights but lack the power to direct policy formation.
- Government’s Prerogative: The formation of policies impacting fundamental rights remains within the government’s exclusive domain.
Context: The Bab el-Mandeb, a narrow strait, has become a strategic chokepoint due to Houthi attacks on tankers passing through the Red Sea, escalating the conflict and impacting global shipping. This has prompted concerns about the security of one of the busiest shipping lanes globally.
- Background of Houthi Attacks
- Origins: Houthis, or Ansar Allah of Yemen, declared war against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in October.
- Initial Targets: Houthis targeted Israel with drones and ballistic missiles, which were intercepted by U.S. warships or Israeli defense systems.
- Shift in Tactics
- Change in Strategy: In late November, Houthis, backed by Iran, shifted from targeting Israel to attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea.
- Broadened Targets: Initially focused on Israel-flagged ships, Houthis later expanded their targets to include all vessels passing through the Red Sea.
- Threat to Global Shipping
- Significance of Bab el-Mandeb: Houthis can target ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital link between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
- Impact on Shipping: Between November 19 and December 18, there were 37 incidents, leading major shipping companies to suspend trade on Red Sea routes.
- Economic Consequences: Shipping traffic through the Red Sea has decreased by approximately 35%, raising shipping and insurance costs.
- Geopolitical Significance
- Strategic Importance: Bab el-Mandeb, at its narrowest point, is 29 km wide and holds critical strategic importance as it separates the Arabian Peninsula from East Africa.
- Historical Context: Historically, Britain controlled the Strait through its dominance of the island of Perim, ensuring the protection of shipping routes.
- Global Economic Impact
- Trade Routes: Approximately 12% of global seaborne trade passes through the Bab el-Mandeb, making it a crucial maritime passage.
- Rerouting Challenges: Security concerns due to Houthi attacks led to rerouting traffic around Africa, significantly increasing shipping distances and times.
- Inflationary Pressure: Prolonged disruption in Red Sea traffic could elevate inflationary pressures on the global economy.
- International Response
- U.S. Naval Task Force: The U.S. has formed a naval task force to counter the Houthi threat and protect shipping lanes.
- Arab World’s Stance: Red Sea countries, including Egypt, have chosen to stay out of the conflict, indicating discontent with the U.S.’s support for Israel.
About Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
- Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
- Also known as Gate of Tears in Arabic.
- Connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. It separates Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.
- A crucial shipping route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean.
- Vital for 30% of global container traffic.
- India is heavily reliant on this route for trade and energy (crude oil and LNG) imports.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Where is Zuari Bridge, which is recently seen in news?
- Manipur
- Goa
- Nagaland
- Sikkim
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Zuari Bridge is in Goa
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding electric vehicles (EVs) ::
- In contrast to traditional vehicles with fossil fuel engines, EVs generate no tailpipe emissions.
- This contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- They play a vital role in meeting the targets outlined in the Paris Agreement and facilitating India’s progress toward achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2070.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: In contrast to traditional vehicles with fossil fuel engines, EVs generate no tailpipe emissions. This contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They play a vital role in meeting the targets outlined in the Paris Agreement and facilitating India’s progress toward achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2070.
Q3. Which of the following statements is correct regarding El Nino?
- It’s a phenomenon that characterizes the atypical cooling of the tropical eastern Pacific.
- It results in droughts in South America, Indonesia, and Australia.
- It influences sea temperatures, the velocity and intensity of ocean currents, and the well-being of coastal fisheries.
- All the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: El Nino is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. El Nino influences sea temperatures, the velocity and intensity of ocean currents, and the well-being of coastal fisheries. In India, Australia, it can bring about drought conditions. This affects crop productivity largely. It has been also observed certain times, that EL Nino may not bring drought but cause heavy rainfall. In both the cases, it causes heavy damage.
Q4. Consider the following statements:
- GIFT City encompasses a versatile Special Economic Zone (SEZ) hosting India’s inaugural International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and a dedicated Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
- Envisioned as a comprehensive center for financial and technological services, GIFT City aims to serve not only India but also the global community.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
GIFT City encompasses a versatile Special Economic Zone (SEZ) hosting India’s inaugural International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and a dedicated Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). Envisioned as a comprehensive center for financial and technological services, GIFT City aims to serve not only India but also the global community.
Q5. Consider the following:
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen oxide
- Ozone
- Sulphur dioxide
Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2 and 4 only
- 4 only
- 1, 3 and 4
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- What does the Telecommunications Bill of 2023 entail, and what are the associated concerns? (150 words, 10 marks) – GS II (Government Policies and Interventions)
- The Maldives government refrain from renewing the hydrographic survey agreement with India. Discuss the potential implications of this move, particularly in the context of the recent commitment to repatriate Indian troops stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelago. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-2, International Relations]
Comments