06 February 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related POLITY 1. A murder of democracy, a mockery of purity of elections’: Supreme Court remarks on conduct of Chandigarh mayoral polls INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Quad summit more likely after U.S. polls: envoy C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SOCIAL JUSTICES 1. A critical view of the ‘sanitation miracle’ in rural India 2. An Uttar Pradesh model to tackle malnutrition INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Myanmar’s civil war and India’s interests F. Prelims Facts 1. Maldividian president Muizzu vows to boost defences 2. The unusual cabbage mutation that could boost crop yield G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Category: POLITY
Syllabus: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure
Mains: Issues in Free and fair election
Introduction:
The Chandigarh mayoral election has been thrown into turmoil following allegations of ballot tampering by the Returning Officer, prompting swift intervention from the Supreme Court.
Background of the Controversial Video:
A video presented in open court depicted the Returning Officer defacing ballot papers while glancing at overhead cameras, raising serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Supreme Court’s Response:
- Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, leading a three-judge Bench, condemned the misconduct, describing it as a mockery of democracy. The court ordered the sequestration of all election records and directed the Registrar-General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to take custody of the evidence.
- In a decisive move, the Supreme Court suspended the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation’s scheduled Budget meeting, signalling its intent to thoroughly investigate the election’s integrity and prevent further irregularities.
- This has sparked debates surrounding democracy and electoral transparency.
Upholding Democratic Principles:
As the judiciary asserts its oversight over the electoral process, the incident underscores the importance of accountability and integrity in democratic institutions. It serves as a reminder of the need for fair and transparent elections to uphold the foundations of democracy.
Conclusion:
The Chandigarh mayoral election controversy highlights the crucial role of the judiciary in safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring electoral integrity. The Supreme Court’s intervention reflects its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in the face of electoral misconduct.
Nut Graf: The Chandigarh mayoral election turmoil, triggered by allegations of ballot tampering, prompted swift action from the Supreme Court, underscoring the importance of electoral integrity and judicial oversight in upholding democratic principles. The court’s decisive intervention reflects its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring justice prevails amidst allegations of misconduct.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Quad summit more likely after U.S. polls: envoy
Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Mains: Regional Groupings
Introduction:
The possibility of a Quad summit in India before the U.S. elections faces uncertainty, according to U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti, who emphasized logistical challenges and hinted at a more feasible timeline.
Challenges Ahead of Summit:
Garcetti highlighted the complexity of U.S. election schedules and campaign demands, which may hinder President Biden’s visit to Delhi for the Quad summit.Â
He expressed doubts about the feasibility of the originally proposed dates following Biden’s decline to attend the Republic Day parade.
Alternatives and discussions:
- While a formal Quad summit remains uncertain, Quadrilateral discussions on technology are anticipated later this month during the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) meetings.
- U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to lead discussions with Indian counterpart Ajit Doval during these sessions.
- Former leaders, including Malcolm Turnbull and Shyam Saran, shed light on the Quad’s historical trajectory, discussing its inception, hiatus, and revival.
- Turnbull recalled Australia’s public withdrawal in 2008, while Saran detailed U.S. pressure to halt Quad advancement during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Tokyo visit in 2006.
Conclusion:
Amid speculation and historical insights, uncertainties surround the timing of the Quad summit in India. The challenges posed by U.S. elections underscore the intricate dynamics shaping multilateral engagements, highlighting the need for flexible diplomatic approaches to foster cooperation among Quad nations.
Nut Graf: The possibility of a Quad summit in India before the U.S. elections faces uncertainty due to logistical challenges, according to U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti. Despite doubts, discussions on critical technologies and insights into the Quad’s historical trajectory mark ongoing diplomatic efforts among member nations.
C. GS 3 Related
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D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. A critical view of the ‘sanitation miracle’ in rural India
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Mains: How to make the Swachh Bharat Mission more effective?
Introduction to Sanitation Policies in India:
- The push for improved sanitation in rural India has been hailed as a public policy triumph over the past decade, aligning with Goal 6 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
- The evolution of sanitation programs, from highly subsidized efforts to demand-driven initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G), demonstrates a shift towards sustainability and effectiveness.
Data and Behavioral Patterns:
- Improvement in sanitation coverage from 39% in 2014 to 100% in 2019, as per government data.
- Challenges in translating toilet construction into usage, highlighted by NSSO surveys and independent studies.
- Factors contributing to non-usage, including malfunctioning facilities, unhygienic conditions, and social norms.
Issues and Challenges Identified:
- Discrepancies in data from different surveys point to left-out households and underutilized toilets.
- Lack of criteria for multiple toilets in large households and detached bathrooms in Phase II of the SBM-G.
- Role of social norms and networks in influencing sanitation behaviour, with variations across regions and caste hierarchies.
Lack of Synergy in Government Programs:
- Success in toilet construction contrasts with the persistence of unsanitary practices.
- Importance of coordinated efforts across various sectors, including sanitation, housing, and basic services.
- Concerns regarding the inefficiency of public finances due to the lack of overall planning and coordination.
Recommendations for Policy Improvement:
- Need for targeted interventions to address left-out households and promote behavioural change.
- Integration of social engineering strategies into sanitation campaigns, considering regional variations and caste dynamics.
- Advocacy for greater synergy and coordination among government programs to maximize impact and efficiency.
Nut Graf: The “sanitation miracle” in rural India, marked by substantial progress in coverage, faces challenges of behavioural change, disparities in access, socio-economic factors, and a lack of coordination among initiatives, hindering sustained impact and efficiency.
2. An Uttar Pradesh model to tackle malnutrition
Syllabus: Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
Mains: Issues of Malnutrition and ways to tackle it
Introduction: Women’s Empowerment in Tackling Malnutrition
- Uttar Pradesh’s approach to combating malnutrition emphasizes women’s empowerment through community-based micro-enterprises.
- These enterprises, led by self-help groups, produce fortified and nutritious foods for pregnant/breastfeeding mothers and children, distributed via the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme.
Establishment of Decentralized Production Units:
- In 2020, the Department of Women and Child Development collaborated with the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission to establish decentralized production units.
- These units, operated by 20-member women groups, utilize automated equipment to produce various fortified food variants for ICDS beneficiaries.
- Piloted in Unnao and Fatehpur in 2021, the model demonstrated feasibility and efficacy.
Impact and Expansion:
- Following positive outcomes, the project expanded to 202 production units across 43 districts within two years.
- This initiative has provided livelihood opportunities for 4,080 women and reached 12 million ICDS beneficiaries.
Women’s Empowerment for Nutrition:
- Over 4,000 women have organized into 204 self-help group micro-enterprises across 43 districts, receiving machinery and raw materials at subsidized rates.
- The shift from a centralized to a decentralized model empowers women to prepare specific caloric value rations, aiming to generate an additional monthly income of ₹8,000 per woman.
Innovation and Sustainability:
- The Department of Women and Child Development has re-formulated take-home rations to include high-quality ingredients like milk powder, oil, vitamins, and minerals.
- An app-based solution is being developed to train women in producing nutritious products for local markets, enhancing income and sustainability.
- A pilot project aims to strengthen the supply chain and track home rations using QR codes, supported by the World Food Programme (WFP).
Nut Graf: Uttar Pradesh’s decentralized model, led by women’s self-help groups, produces fortified foods to combat malnutrition. This innovative approach empowers women, creates livelihoods, and reaches millions of beneficiaries, highlighting the power of community-based solutions.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Myanmar’s civil war and India’s interests
Syllabus: India and its Neighborhood- Relations
Mains: Civil conflict in Myanmar and its impact on bilateral relations
Background on Myanmar’s Civil Conflict:
- The military coup in February 2021 led to ongoing resistance against military rule in Myanmar.
- Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces have gained strength, controlling various towns.
- Recent events, such as the capture of Paletwa by the Arakan Army, highlight the complexity of ethnic dynamics within the conflict.
Conflict Within a Conflict:
- The fall of Paletwa has intensified tensions between the Chin and Arakan ethnic groups.
- Disagreements exist over the historical ownership of Paletwa, with Chin and Rakhine communities holding conflicting perspectives.
- Despite common opposition to the military, inter-ethnic cooperation remains challenging, particularly in resolving territorial disputes.
India’s Stake in the Conflict:
- The situation in Paletwa impacts India’s Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) in Myanmar.
- The Kaladan project aims to provide northeast India with an alternative route to the sea, bypassing the Siliguri corridor.
- Delays in the project’s implementation are attributed to various factors, including security challenges and local ethnic sentiments.
China’s Influence and Investments:
- The Arakan Army, aligned with the Three Brotherhood Alliance, is reportedly supported by China to protect its investments in Myanmar.
- China’s economic presence in Myanmar, including infrastructure projects and energy pipelines, poses competition to India’s interests in the region.
- Beijing’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council grants it leverage to support actors aligned with its economic agenda.
Implications for India’s Engagement Strategy:
- India’s external engagement, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Myanmar, faces scrutiny regarding its impact on regional stability.
- Balancing engagement with armed groups on its borders with humanitarian and development assistance is essential for India’s strategic interests.
- The Kaladan project’s challenges underscore the need for comprehensive expertise in navigating ethnic dynamics, military conflicts, and geopolitical rivalries in the region.
Nut Graf: Myanmar’s civil conflict, exacerbated by the recent coup, presents challenges and opportunities for India’s Kaladan project. Amidst ethnic tensions and Chinese influence, India’s strategic interests necessitate adept navigation of geopolitical complexities for project success.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Maldividian president Muizzu vows to boost defences
Context: The Maldives, strategically situated in the Indian Ocean, is undergoing significant shifts in its defense and diplomatic policies under President Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership.Â
About:Â
- President Muizzu recently declared plans to strengthen the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) and enhance its maritime capabilities to safeguard the nation’s vast maritime territory.Â
- This announcement follows the decision to withdraw Indian troops from the archipelago, reflecting a reorientation of the Maldives’ foreign relations.Â
- Despite historically close ties with India, the Maldives is increasingly leaning towards China, its principal external creditor.
Significance: President Muizzu’s emphasis on bolstering defense and sovereignty underscores the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.Â
Additionally, the Maldives’ decision to assert control over its maritime activities signals a desire for greater autonomy in managing its territorial waters and resources.
2. The unusual cabbage mutation that could boost crop yield
Context: A groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications unveils a remarkable breakthrough in plant genetics, particularly regarding male sterility in crops like cabbage, cauliflower, and rice.Â
About:
- Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing identified a small deletion in the plant genome that induces male sterility, revolutionizing agricultural breeding practices.
- The discovery of the Ms-scd1 mutation, which disrupts pollen production while leaving other plant functions intact, holds significant implications for crop improvement and food security.Â
- By understanding the intricate mechanisms of gene expression and pollen development, scientists can now engineer more resilient and high-yielding crop varieties.
Significance: This breakthrough offers promising avenues for sustainable agriculture and addresses pressing global challenges in food production. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of plant genetics, the potential for enhancing crop resilience and productivity remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements:
- The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was developed with international collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency.
- It is at a point in space known as the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point.
- It has been designed to study the infrared light emitted by objects in the universe.
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?
- 1 & 2
- 2 & 3
- 1, 2 & 3
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)Â represents a collaborative effort between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency.
- It is stationed at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point.
- The JWST is specifically engineered to study the universe’s infrared light emissions, confirming statement 3. Therefore, all three statements are correct.
Q2. Consider the following statements:
- Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for the appointment of an Election Commission to superintend, direct and control the elections.
- The Election Commission is also concerned with the elections to panchayats and municipalities in the states.
- It assigns symbols for the respective parties who participate in the election.
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?
- 1 & 2
- 2 & 3
- 1 & 3
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for the appointment of an Election Commission to superintend, direct, and control the elections.
- Statement 3 is correct: The Election Commission assigns symbols to the respective parties participating in the elections.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The Election Commission is not concerned with elections to panchayats and municipalities in the states. These elections are conducted by State Election Commissions, which are separate entities responsible for local body elections in their respective states.
Q3. Consider the following statements:
- The G20 presidency rotates once in two years among member states.
- The Presidency of G20 is supported by a “troika” made up of the current, immediate past, and future host countries.
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 & 2
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- The G20 presidency rotates annually among member states, not once every two years.
- Statement 2 is correct: The Presidency of the G20 is indeed supported by a “troika” consisting of the current, immediate past, and future host countries. This arrangement helps maintain continuity and coordination in the G20’s activities and agenda.
Q4. Sustainable Development Goal 4 is related to
- Clean water and sanitation for all.
- Urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
- Healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages.
- Inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
Sustainable Development Goal 4 is related to “Inclusive and equitable quality education for all.” It emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to quality education for people worldwide, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. This goal aims to promote lifelong learning opportunities and enhance literacy and numeracy skills to foster sustainable development and empower individuals and communities.
Q5. Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of a Welfare State?
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Rights
- Preamble
- Seventh Schedule
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
The part of the Constitution of India that declares the ideal of a Welfare State is the Directive Principles of State Policy. These principles are outlined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution and provide guidelines for the government to establish social and economic justice, ensure the welfare of its citizens, and promote the overall well-being of society.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- SHGs are an important tool for women’s empowerment. Comment.(10 marks, 150 words) [GS-2, Social issues]
- Myanmar is critical for the security and development of North East India. Critically analyse. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, International Relations]
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