CNA 16 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related HEALTH 1. Understanding Indiaβs Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C. GS 3 Related ECONOMY 1. Taxing windfall profits of oil companies D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Sri Lankan refugees in India POLITY 1. Post-retirement Political Appointment of Judges F. Prelims Facts 1. INS Vikrant G. Tidbits 1. Warm water melts Antarcticaβs glacier: study 2. China must take a haircut on its loans to poor countries, says Indiaβs G-20 Sherpa H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
1. Understanding Indiaβs Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
Syllabus: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Prelims: Indiaβs Mental Healthcare Act and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Mains: Mental Healthcare facilities in India and the associated challengesΒ
Context
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has highlighted the inhuman and unfortunate condition of all 46 government-run mental healthcare institutions in India.
Details
- NHRC visited all the operational government-run mental healthcare institutions to assess the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (MHA).
- In its report, NHRC has flagged that these institutions are illegally keeping patients long after their recovery which is a gross violation of the human rights of mentally ill patients.
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (MHA)
- Through the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (MHA) the government has acknowledged mentally ill patientsβ right to live as part of a community and focused on the rehabilitation of such individuals.Β
- As per Section 19 of the Act, the government has been mandated to undertake efforts to create opportunities for patients to access less restrictive options for community living which includes halfway homes, sheltered accommodations, rehab homes, etc.
- The Act further recognises the rights of patients to hygiene, sanitation, food, recreation, privacy, and infrastructure and also recognised that βpeople have a capacity of their own unless proven otherwise.βΒ
- The Act also acknowledged that external factors like income, social status, and education have a significant impact on mental well-being, and hence recovery must involve both psychiatric and social inputs.
- The Act also discourages using physical restraints such as chaining and unmodified electro-convulsive therapy (ECT).
- Section 5 of the Act empowers people to make advance healthcare directives also known as βliving willβ.
- The Act mandates all the States to set up a State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards (MHRBs) which can draft standards for mental healthcare institutes, oversee the functioning of institutions and ensure effective implementation of the Act.
- According to mental health experts, this was the first time that a psychosocial approach to mental health was adopted.Β
Read more about – Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
Key challenges
- Despite the fact that the MHA has included measures to protect the rights of people in mental healthcare establishments, the enforcement of such provisions continues to be a key challenge.
- According to reports, about 36.25% of residential service users at government-run psychiatric institutions were seen to be living for one year or more in such institutions.Β
- Most states are yet to establish State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards (MHRBs) and even if established they have remained defunct.
- States have also failed to notify minimum standards required to ensure the quality of Mental Health Emergency Services.
- Lack of budgetary allocations and improper utilisation of funds are also key challenges.
- Additionally, the facilities are underequipped, and understaffed, and the professionals employed are not adequately trained.
Also Read – National Mental Health Programme
Nut graf: As per WHO, the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population and the resultant economic loss is estimated to be $1.03 trillion between 2012-2030. This calls for concrete efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 which is currently marred with various challenges.
C. GS 3 Related
1. Taxing windfall profits of oil companies
Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources,
Prelims: Windfall Taxes
Mains: Reasons for windfall profit gains and the benefits of imposing windfall profit taxes
Context
The Central government has slashed the windfall profit tax levied on domestically-produced crude oil and on the export of diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) after increasing it on February 3rd, 2023.
Details
- The government has now slashed the windfall tax to βΉ4,350 per tonne from βΉ5,050 per tonne in line with rising international oil prices.
- The government has further slashed tax on the export of diesel to βΉ2.50 per litre from βΉ7.50 per litre, and excise duty on ATF to βΉ1.50 per litre from βΉ6 per litre.
- Petrol however continues to have zero windfall tax.
What are windfall profit taxes?Β
- Windfall profit refers to an unanticipated increase in the profit or earnings of a company due to an extrinsic or unforeseen event and not because of a business decision.
- According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS), a windfall is an βunearned, unanticipated gain in income through no additional effort or expenseβ.
- Windfall profits cannot be attributed to something that the entity is actively involved in such as investment strategy or expansion of business.Β
- Windfall profit taxes are those that are designed to tax the profits (windfall profits) of a company from external or unprecedented events such as the energy price rise due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Usually, the governments levy windfall taxes as a one-off tax retrospectively over and above the normal rates of tax.Β
- Windfall taxes are reviewed on a fortnightly basis and depend on various factors such as international oil prices, exchange rates and quantity of exports.Β
- A report on the Financial Position of Oil Companies by B.K. Chaturvedi committee in 2008 noted that imposing windfall profit taxes was seen as a prerogative of governments in order to meet their fiscal needs and to pursue redistributive justice.
- The windfall tax or Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) was first imposed by India in July 2022.
- The collection of SAED in India for the FY 2022-23 is expected to be around βΉ25,000 crores from the production of crude oil and export of petrol, diesel and ATF.Β
- Through the levy of windfall taxes, governments across the world aim:
- To capitalise on the heavy profits made by the companies and use them for specific domestic purposesΒ
- To redistribute the unexpected profits when high prices benefit producers at the expense of consumers
- To fund social welfare schemes
- To ensure an alternative revenue for the government which would come in handy during unforeseen geopolitical events
Reasons for windfall profits
- The Russia-Ukraine war is one of the major reasons for the volatility in the oil market across the world.Β
- Russia being one of the largest producers is a key player in the global oil market.
- However, several Western countries undertook measures to stop or curtail their energy imports from Russia as a retaliatory move against Russiaβs actions in Ukraine which led to a sharp rise in the prices of fossil fuel as countries now looked towards other suppliers to meet their energy demands.Β
- The sudden rise in the prices of fossil fuels resulted in profits for major oil companies.Β
- As per Reuters, all βBig Oilβ companies such as BP, Chevron, Shell, Total Energies, etc. doubled their profits in 2022.
- This sudden increase in their earnings has influenced oil companies to prioritise their investments in conventional sources to provide for energy security instead of undertaking measures towards cleaner energy.Β
Path ahead for oil prices
- After close to one year since the start of the geopolitical conflict, the International Energy Agency (IEA) currently feels that the global oil market is relatively calm.
- All the oil prices except that of diesel are back to pre-war levels and Russian oil production and exports have also held up relatively well despite sanctions.Β
- The IEA expects the global oil demand to increase by 2 mb/d in 2023 to 101.9 mb/d and the supply side also was steady in January 2023 at 100.8 mb/d.
For more information on βWindfall Taxesβ watch the following video:
Nut graf: Imposition of windfall profit tax at a time when there is a sudden increase in profits of entities due to unforeseen economic situations becomes extremely important as it not only spurs tax collections or ensures redistribution of wealth but also plays a key role in discouraging entities from investing in conventional sources which helps in the clean energy transition.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Syllabus: Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life-Antimicrobials
Mains: Challenges faced by AMRΒ
Context: This article discusses the threats from AMR and the necessary response against it.
Introduction:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for governments to prioritise health care and respond quickly to a crisis.Β
- The silent pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is thriving with poor response from governments across the globe.
- AMR threatens global public health due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals.Β
- Indiaβs role is critical in ensuring that AMR remains high on the global public health agenda as it is currently the G-20 president and a country vulnerable to this silent pandemic.
Burden of AMR:
- AMR happens when microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) develop the ability to continue to grow, even when they are exposed to antimicrobial medicines that are meant to kill them or limit their growth (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics).
- As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spreading to others.
- Microbial resistance to antibiotics has made it harder to treat infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), blood poisoning (septicaemia) and several food-borne diseases.
- The global epidemic of TB has been severely impacted by multidrug resistance β patients have less than a 60% chance of recovery.
- According to WHO, resistance to ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary tract infections) varied from 8.4% to 92.9% for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and from 4.1% to 79.4% for Klebsiella pneumoniae (a bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections such as pneumonia and intensive care unit- related infections).Β
- An Indian Network for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (INSAR) study indicated a high rate of resistance to commonly used drugs such as ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, co-trimoxazole, erythromycin and clindamycin.
- In 2019, AMR was associated with an estimated 4.95 million human deaths, including 1.27 million deaths attributable to bacterial AMR.Β
- AMR also imposes a huge health cost on the patient in the form of longer hospitalisation, health complications and delayed recovery.Β
- It puts patients undergoing major surgeries and treatments, such as chemotherapy, at a greater risk.Β
- It is estimated to cause 10 million deaths per year and an overall cost of $100 trillion to the global economy by 2050.
- AMR adds to the burden of communicable diseases and strains the health systems of a country.
Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR:
- The Third Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (November 24-25, 2022) held in Muscat, Oman, saw over 30 countries adopt the Muscat Ministerial Manifesto on AMR.Β
- The Muscat Manifesto recognised the need to accelerate political commitments in the implementation of the One Health approach to effectively prevent, predict and detect the health crisis induced by AMR.Β
- It also recognised the need to address the impact of AMR not only on humans but also on animals, and in areas of environmental health, food security and economic growth and development.
- The conference focused on three health targets:Β
-
- Reduce the total amount of antimicrobials used in the agri-food system at least by 30-50% by 2030.
- Eliminate the use in animals and food production of antimicrobials that are medically important for human health.Β
- Ensure that by 2030 at least 60% of overall antibiotic consumption in humans is from the WHO βAccessβ group of antibiotics.
India against AMR:
- Indiaβs bacterial disease burden is the highest in the world.
- A large population in India suffers from diseases like diabetes, heart ailments and cancer, making them prone to infections.
- 40% of children are malnourished and at risk of infection.Β
- An Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study in 2022 showed that the resistance level increases from 5% to 10% every year for broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
- The National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2017-21) emphasised the effectiveness of the governmentβs initiatives for hand hygiene and sanitation programmes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Kayakalp and Swachh Swasth Sarvatra.
- India has committed to strengthening surveillance and promoting research on newer drugs.Β
- It also plans to strengthen private sector engagement and the reporting of data to the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and other standardised systems.
- The government has also attempted to increase community awareness about healthier and better food production practices, especially in the animal food industry.Β
- The National Health Policy 2017 has guidelines to limit the use of antibiotics as over-the-counter medications and restrict the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in livestock.Β
Way Forward:
- Tackling AMR requires constant monitoring of antibiotic consumption, and identifying the types and quantities of antibiotics being used.
- Government policies also need strong implementation on the ground.
- The use of antimicrobials in the agri-food system must be drastically reduced.Β
- Countries such as the Netherlands and Thailand have decreased their usage by almost 50%.Β
- In China, the consumption of antibiotics in the agricultural sector has fallen substantially.Β
- The use of antibiotics in healthy animals to boost growth has also been reduced in the last decade in many countries.
- Countries should focus on surveillance β both phenotypic and genotypic β of priority pathogens and sharing of data, including through WHOβs GLASS platform.
- More government investment in research and innovation for new antibiotics is necessary.
- The scientific community must explore the use of vaccines to prevent certain infections due to AMR organisms in humans and animals.
- Special focus is required to combat TB and drug-resistant TB.
- The various G-20 health summits spread through 2023 offer an opportunity for India to ensure that all aspects of AMR are addressed and countries commit to progress.Β
Nut Graf: While the world is emerging from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the very harmful but invisible pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is thriving. The rapidly rising AMR rates need an accelerated, multi-sectoral, global and national response similar to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Sri Lankan refugees in India
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development & Management of Social Sector/Services
Mains: Major issues of convergence and confrontation between India and Sri Lanka
Context: This article discusses the status of Sri Lankan refugees in India
Introduction:
- Sri Lanka has experienced much strife and conflict over the past few decades, with a civil war that lasted for more than 25 years until it ended in 2009.Β
- During this period, many Sri Lankan citizens were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in other countries, including India.Β
- Sri Lankan people sought protection in India, among a population of identical ethnicity in Tamil Nadu. The vast majority entered India in search of safety, many without travel documents and were received and hosted by the Government of India on humanitarian grounds.
- The Sri Lankan refugees in India also face numerous challenges and struggles in their new environment, and their plight is often overlooked or ignored by the wider world.
Refugees in India:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its 2021-2022 Annual Report states that 3,04,269 Sri Lankan refugees entered India betweenΒ 1983 and 2012 and were provided relief including shelter, subsidised ration, educational assistance, medical care and cash allowances.
- At present, 58,648 refugees are residing in 108 camps in Tamil Nadu while 54 are in Odisha. Another 34,135 refugees registered with Tamil Nadu authorities reside outside camps.Β
- The Government of India provided βΉ1,226 crores for the relief and accommodation of refugees.
Issues faced by Sri Lankan Refugees:
- The Sri Lankan refugees in India have been granted asylum by the Indian government, but their situation remains precarious.Β
- They are not allowed to work in India, therefore, they are reliant on aid from the Indian government, as well as from international organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
- Living conditions in the refugee camps are often poor, with inadequate sanitation, limited access to clean water, and overcrowding.Β
- The refugees are also at risk of being exploited by human traffickers, who promise to help them reach other countries in exchange for money.
- Sri Lankan refugees in India lack legal status as they are not granted citizenship, which means that they are unable to access many basic rights and services.Β
- The Sri Lankan refugees in India also face challenges in maintaining their cultural identity as they are not allowed to integrate into Indian society. They are often seen as outsiders and face prejudice and discrimination from the local population.
Slow progress of repatriation:
- The objective of the Government of India remains the repatriation of refugees to Sri Lanka. In line with the Global Compact on Refugees, India along with the international community has significantly contributed to building conditions within Sri Lanka for a safe and durable return.
- About 99,469 refugees were repatriated to Sri Lanka up to March 1995 and no organised repatriation was done thereafter.
- Amongst them are 30,000 Persons of Indian Origin (also known as βHill Tamilsβ). They have a claim to Sri Lankan citizenship via the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreements of 1964, 1974 and 1987 and amendments to the Grant of Citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin Act of Sri Lanka.Β
- Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India who wish to return voluntarily are being facilitated by the Government of Sri Lanka, and development partners.Β
- They have initiated programmes in the Northern and Eastern provinces, with objectives of resettlement, restoration of critical infrastructure, livelihoods and social services to the local population.Β
- This led to significant improvements; the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), infrastructure development, and expansion of agriculture and livelihoods.
- Over the last year, 208 individuals have returned voluntarily.
- Despite these efforts, several challenges remain, including a lack of funds for recovery needs.Β
- The Easter Bombings in 2019 followed by COVID-19 slowed the development process, compounded by the economic and political crises in 2022.
- However, recent announcements, to commence ferry services to Kankensanthurai and start direct flights to Jaffna from India are expected to build confidence and aid those desiring to return.
Issue of voluntary return:
- Despite the challenges, the Sri Lankan refugees in India have shown remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. Many of them have set up small businesses in the refugee camps, such as tailoring or food stalls, to support themselves and their families.Β
- The UNHCR and various NGOs have been working to support the Sri Lankan refugees in India, providing them with aid and legal assistance. They have also been advocating for their rights and for better living conditions in the refugee camps.
- In recent years, the Indian government has allowed some refugees to leave the camps and settle in other parts of India, and some have even been granted Indian citizenship.
- Therefore, a significant population of Sri Lankan refugees in India does not wish to return, preferring to call India home as they were born and educated in India with no knowledge or experience of their country of origin.Β
- UNHCR perceives voluntary return as the most desired choice to end refugee status.
Read more on India-Sri Lanka Relations
Nut Graf: The Sri Lankan refugees in India face significant challenges and struggles in their new environment, including lack of legal status, poor living conditions, and discrimination. It is important for the Indian and Sri Lankan governments, as well as the international community, to provide support and assistance to the Sri Lankan refugees to address these complex and multifaceted issues.
Category: POLITY
1. Post-retirement Political Appointment of Judges
Syllabus: Provisions for Checks & Balances in Indian Constitution
Mains: Implications of post-retirement jobs for Judges in IndiaΒ
Context: Former judge of the Supreme Court of India S. Abdul Nazeer has been appointed the Governor of Andhra Pradesh.
Introduction:
- Post-retirement political appointments of judges refer to the practice of offering a position in government or other public offices to a retired judge, who has already served in the judiciary.
- These appointments are often made by the ruling government or political party and are seen as a way to reward judges who have served in the judiciary and to use their expertise in governance.Β
- However, the practice has been criticised as being a way to influence the judiciary, compromise its independence, and erode public trust in the justice system.
- Within a month of retiring from the Supreme Court of India, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer had been appointed Governor of Andhra Pradesh recently.
Previous instances:
- Since 1950, there have been 44 Chief Justices of India who have accepted post-retirement jobs.Β
- According to a study, as many as 70 of over 100 retired Supreme Court judges have taken up such assignments in organisations like NHRC, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Armed Forces Tribunal, Law Commission of India, etc.
- The former CJI Justice Ranganath Mishra was appointed chairman of the National Human Rights Commission after his retirement in 1992. He became a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1998 as a Congress member.
- Since 2014, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer is the fourth Supreme Court judge who has received a high-profile political appointment soon after retirement.
- Justice P. Sathasivam was appointed as Governor of Kerala, and Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi was nominated to Rajya Sabha in 2020 just four months after his retirement.
- Justice A.K. Sikri, who was then a sitting judge of the Supreme Court, was nominated to the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal by the government, just three days before his retirement in 2019.
- These appointments were widely criticised by the legal community and the media, with many arguing that it was a clear case of quid pro quo between the government and the judges.
Issues with political appointments:
- The controversy surrounding these appointments highlighted the need for greater transparency in the selection process for post-retirement appointments of judges.Β
- The lack of clear guidelines and criteria for such appointments has led to accusations of favouritism and political patronage, and has raised questions about the impartiality and independence of the judiciary.
- The perception that judges are being rewarded for their decisions or their political affiliations can undermine the credibility of the judiciary. This can have a corrosive effect on the democratic process, as citizens lose faith in the institutions that are meant to protect their rights and ensure justice.
- Another concern with post-retirement political appointments of judges is the possibility of conflict of interest.Β
- When a retired judge is appointed to a government position, they may be called upon to make decisions that could affect cases that they had previously presided over as judges.Β
- Post-retirement political appointments of judges can create a revolving door between the judiciary and the executive, where judges move back and forth between the two branches of government.Β
- This can lead to a situation where judges are more likely to make decisions that are favourable to the government, as they know that they may be rewarded with a post-retirement appointment if they do so.
Arguments in Favour of Appointments:
- Post-retirement political appointments of judges allow for the government to tap into the expertise of retired judges and to benefit from their knowledge and experience.Β
- Unlike abroad, higher judiciary judges in India retire at a comparatively young age and are capable of many more years of productive work.
- Most of the posts have a statutory requirement to appoint former judges. For example, the National Human Right Commission (NHRC).
Way Forward:
- The judiciary needs a mechanism to regulate post-retirement government appointments.
- A law can be made to set up a commission of retired judges to make appointments of competent retired judges to tribunals and judicial bodies.Β
- A cooling period of about two years should be considered a mandatory minimum before a judge agrees to take on any post-retirement adjudicatory role, in any case.
- The appointment process should not result in decisions being influenced when the Government itself is a party in the case and appointment authority at the same time.
- There could be an increase in the retirement age of judges.
- Former Chief Justice R M Lodha had suggested that before a judge retires, the government should provide the option of either being a pensioner or continuing to draw an existing salary.Β
- If they opt for a pension, government jobs are out but if they opt for a full salary, that name should be put in a panel.Β
- When a vacancy arises, these persons can be considered and the process becomes devoid of allegations of appeasement, favouritism, etc.
Nut Graf: The issue of post-retirement political appointments of judges has emerged as a new concern in recent years. These appointments have implications for the judiciary, the executive, and the overall democratic process.
F. Prelims Facts
1. INS Vikrant
Syllabus: GS-3, Defence and Security
Prelims: About INS Vikrant
Context
According to the Chief of the Naval Staff, INS Vikrant will be fully operational by year-end (2023).
INS Vikrant
- INS Vikrant is Indiaβs first indigenous aircraft carrier.
- INS Vikrant is regarded as the most complex warship ever built by India and with a displacement capacity of 43,000 tonnes INS Vikrant will be the seventh largest among the aircraft carriers in the world.
- INS Vikrant was designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, which is a Public Sector Shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
- INS Vikrant is designed to reach a maximum speed of 28 knots with an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles.
- The indigenous aircraft carrier is an 18-floor high ship with about 2,400 compartments that can house a 1,600-strong crew.
- In its fully operational mode, INS Vikrant will have an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft which includes aircraft such as MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).Β
- INS Vikrant uses the Short Take Off but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) model with a ski-jump for launching aircraft.
Know more about – INS Vikrant
G. Tidbits
1. Warm water melts Antarcticaβs glacier: study
- Two papers published in Nature journal have pointed out that warm water is seeping into the weak spots and worsening melting caused by rising temperatures in Antarctica.
- Scientists have observed such occurrences while studying Antarcticaβs Thwaites Glacier which is also famous as βDoomsday Glacierβ.
- Thwaites Glacier is almost as large as Florida and it represents over half a meter (1.6 feet) of global sea level rise potential. Further, it could also destabilise neighbouring glaciers that have the potential to cause a further three-meter (9.8-foot) rise.
- Scientists who previously depended on satellite images to study the behaviour of the ice have now used an underwater robot vehicle known as Icefin, which can also help monitor the glacier’s grounding line.
2. China must take a haircut on its loans to poor countries, says Indiaβs G-20 Sherpa
- Making a direct reference to Chinese debt to developing nations, Indiaβs G-20 Sherpa has said that China should agree to take a haircut on its loans to poor countries in order to help in their economic recovery.
- He further questioned how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) can take a haircut in order to settle Chinese debt.
- Even the US has often criticised Chinese debt in developing nations but India had not made mention of China while commenting on the sovereign debt of countries.
- These statements have gained significance ahead of a scheduled virtual meeting of the Global Sovereign Debt Round-table, organised by the IMF, the World Bank and India (current President of G20).
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level β Moderate)
- The Central Zoo Authority is an executive body under the MoEFCC.
- Every zoo in the country must be recognized by it.
- Any exchange of animals between India and any other country must be authorized by the authority.
Options:
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The Central Zoo Authority is a statutory body working under the MoEFCC.
- The Central Zoo Authority was constituted based on the provisions of the Wild Life Protection Act 1972.
- Statement 2 is correct, Every zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from the Central Zoo Authority for its operation.
- Statement 3 is correct, Exchange of animals between Indian and foreign zoos is also approved by the Central Zoo Authority before the requisite clearances under EXIM Policy and the CITES permits.
Q2. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level β Difficult)
- The Kupierβs belt is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
- Roche Limit determines the distance after which the dust particles can exist as a moon instead of a ring around the planet.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The Kuiper Belt is a ring of icy bodies just outside Neptuneβs orbit. Pluto is the most famous Kuiper Belt Object.
- The Kuiper Belt is a disc-shaped region beyond Neptune.
- Statement 2 is correct, Roche Limit is a mathematically determined distance beyond which rings arenβt supposed to exist.
- If the moon is brought closer to the Earth, the tidal force will overcome the satelliteβs gravity and then disintegrate it, turning the moon into a ring. The minimum distance at which this happens is known as the Roche limit.Β
- The Roche limit is applicable to any planet and the celestial bodies around it.
Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level β Moderate)
- βINS Vikrantβ is an operational aircraft carrier of India.
- It is the 2nd indigenously built aircraft carrier after INS Vikramaditya.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The Chief of the Naval Staff has announced that INS Vikrant will be fully operational by the end of 2023.
- Statement 2 is not correct, INS Vikrant is Indiaβs first indigenous aircraft carrier.
- INS Vikramaditya is the Indian Navyβs aircraft carrier and warship converted from the Russian Navyβs decommissioned Admiral Gorshkov missile cruiser carrier.
Q4. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level β Difficult)
- The βDoomsday Glacierβ is located in West Antarctica.
- The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration is a group of US and British scientists studying the Doomsday Glacier.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, Thwaites Glacier which is also famous as the Doomsday Glacier is located in West Antarctica.
- It is one of the widest glaciers on Earth.
- Statement 2 is correct, International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) is a collaboration of the US-National Science Foundation (NSF) and UK-Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to investigate one of the most unstable glaciers in Antarctica.Β
Q5. Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India? (Level β Moderate) [PYQ 2018]
- Charter Act of 1813
- General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823
- Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- The Charter Act of 1813 ordered the East India Company to spend 1 lakh every year on the education of Indians.Β
- The General Committee of Public Instruction was created in 1823 to deal with educational matters, particularly the expenditure of the sum of one lakh of rupees.
- The Orientalist-Anglicist controversy was a controversy regarding the nature of education that the British-East India company was to impart to the local populations in its territory.Β
- Orientalists led by Dr. H.H. Wilson and H.T. Princep advocated Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian as the medium of education.
- On the other hand, the anglicists led by Charles Trevelyan, and Elphinstone advocated the imparting of western education through the medium of English.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Why has the Government failed to resettle the Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu over the decades? Identify the possible remedies for the same. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-2; Social Justice)
- Windfall taxes may be an attractive idea in the short term, but do more harm than good in the long term. Do you agree? Critically analyze. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-3; Economics)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 16 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
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