CNA 24 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. The past and present of Russia’s war in Ukraine C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials POLITY 1. Anti-defection Law in India SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Rights of the Child ECONOMY 1. UPI and PayNow Integration 2. India’s R&D estimates F. Prelims Facts 1. Nine guest countries for G-20 2. Indian Rhinoceros and Kaziranga National Park G. Tidbits 1. GST revenues hit a record ₹1.59 lakh crore in January 2. Early summer won’t impact wheat this season: IARI Director H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The past and present of Russia’s war in Ukraine
Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries
Mains: Russia-Ukraine war
Context: The 24th of February 2023 marks one year since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Latest developments in the war
Image Source: The Hindu
- The Western countries have announced the supply of more advanced weapons to Ukraine and in response, the Russian President reinforced Russian positions along its frontline in Ukraine with thousands of troops and also announced the suspension of Russia’s participation in the New Start treaty.
- Russia is also expected to resort to a new offensive in the days to come.
- A private Russian security force named, PMC Wagner, is fighting to capture the city of Bakhmut which is at a cross junction of several key arteries in the Donetsk region which is one of the four regions annexed by Russia in September 2022.
- Recently, the Wagner group has taken control over Soledar, a salt mine town near Bakhmut, and various other settlements around the city.
- However, Ukraine, with the free inflow of weapons from the West, looks to put an end to the Russian advances and start its own offensive to regain lost territories.
Russia’s position at the war
- Taking into account the power asymmetry between Russia and Ukraine at the start of the war, the performance and the gains achieved by the Russian troops have been underwhelming.
- Russia has failed to meet most of the objectives it had set at the start of the war which included capturing the whole of Ukraine’s east and south regions and demilitarisation and de-Nazification of Ukraine.
- Russia’s territorial occupation in Ukraine reached its peak in March 2022, when it controlled about 22% of pre-2014 Ukraine. However, since then Ukraine has recaptured some of its lost land in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions.
- Russia at present controls close to 17% of Ukraine.
- Russia was also able to secure a land bridge between mainland Russia to Crimea that runs through the Donbas and Zaporizhzhia regions.
The strategy of the West
- The strategy of the West has mainly been two-fold, namely:
- Imposing sanctions on Russia to hurt its economy which would then weaken Russia’s war machine.
- Supply of arms and weaponry to Ukraine to counter the Russian offensive.
- This support by the West has played a crucial role in improving Ukraine’s resistance and counter-offensive.
- The U.S. has pledged military and financial support worth about $70 billion to Ukraine.
- The European Union has pledged over $37 billion and other European countries such as the UK and Germany have also been extending assistance to Ukraine.
- When Ukraine had suffered a series of losses in the Mariupol, Severodonetsk and Lysychansk regions, the US sent its mid-range rocket systems named HIMARS which helped Ukraine to counterattack.
Impact of sanctions
- The imposition of sanctions on Russia, which is one of the top producers of oil and gas across the world, had a significant impact on the global economy.
- Sanctions have triggered an inflationary crisis across the West, especially in Europe.
- Despite being impacted substantially, Russia found alternative markets for its energy exports in Asia.
- In 2022, Russia increased its oil output by about 2% and enhanced its oil export earnings by around 20%.
- Russia further earned close to $138 billion from natural gas exports which marks an 80% increase compared to 2021.
- According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates, the Russian economy is said to have contracted by 2% in 2022, but it is expected to grow by 0.3% in 2023 and 2.1% next year.
Possibilities for a peace plan
- As per former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, both countries had exchanged various drafts about a potential peace plan in March 2022. However, the US and the UK opposed Ukraine from reaching any agreement with Russia.
- Again in July 2022, Turkey and the United Nations brokered a Black Sea Grain Initiative between Russia and Ukraine that enabled the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea.
- Apart from these instances, there have not been any talks between the two sides and there has also been no push from the West for talks.
- According to experts, two complex issues must be first addressed for any peace plan to succeed, which are Ukraine’s concerns over its territories and Russia’s concerns over its security. This mainly requires the Western countries led by the US and Russia to reach some kind of understanding.
Read more about – Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Nut graf: As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its second year, there are no signs of any side relenting and the risk of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO is also on the rise. The possibility of such a conflict poses a significant threat to global stability, security and safety and there is an immediate need for a long-lasting solution to address the issues.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. Anti-defection Law in India
Syllabus: Indian Constitution
Mains: Working of Anti-defection law in India
Context: Supreme Court of India is currently hearing a set of cases popularly known as the “Maharashtra political controversy cases”.
Background:
- The “Maharashtra political controversy cases” refer to a set of cases related to the formation of the government in Maharashtra in June 2022.
- The controversy arose after the ruling coalition (the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress) lost power after an internal splintering of the Shiv Sena party.
- A faction led by Eknath Shinde then joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form the new ruling coalition.
- The disputes between the various parties have been continuing since then, with the most recent development being an Election Commission of India (ECI) order declaring that Eknath Shinde’s faction is entitled to the party name and symbol.
The Tenth Schedule:
- The Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution, also known as the Anti-Defection Law, was added by the 52nd Amendment Act in 1985.
- It lays down the provisions for the disqualification of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) on the grounds of defection from their political party.
- The main objective of the Tenth Schedule is to curb the practice of legislators defecting to other parties for personal gain or to bring down the duly elected governments.
Read more on Tenth Schedule
Working of Tenth Schedule:
- The working of the Tenth Schedule under the Indian Constitution has been patchy. While the law was intended to prevent defections and promote stability in the political system, it has not always been effective in achieving these objectives.
- In recent days, politicians have adopted various strategies to overcome anti-defection laws.
- Recent examples involve mass resignations (instead of defections) to force a fresh election and partisan actions by State Governors (who are nominees of the central government) with respect to swearing-in ceremonies and the timing of floor tests.
- One of the main challenges with the Tenth Schedule has been the difficulty in implementing it effectively.
- The law requires the Speaker or Chairman of the House to decide on disqualification petitions filed against legislators, which often leads to delays and political influence.
- There have been instances where Speakers have delayed or ignored disqualification petitions, or have given biased decisions in favour of the ruling party.
- Another issue with the Tenth Schedule is that it gives a lot of power to the party leadership.
- The law places significant pressure on legislators to toe the party line and follow the directives of the party leadership, even if it goes against their own convictions or the interests of their constituents.
- Furthermore, there have been instances where the Tenth Schedule has been misused for political purposes. Parties have often used the threat of disqualification to coerce legislators into supporting them, or to bring down rival governments.
- There have also been instances where the ruling party has used the law to target opposition legislators, while turning a blind eye to defections within their own party.
Role of Judiciary:
- In recent years, the judiciary has been proactive in enforcing the anti-defection law. It has struck down several decisions of the Speakers or Chairpersons of the Houses, and has also given directions to expedite the disqualification process.
- The judiciary has also clarified and interpreted the provisions of the Tenth Schedule to prevent misuse of the law and to ensure that it is applied in a fair and impartial manner.
- However, the toppling of governments remains as frequent as ever. Politicians are finding loopholes in Supreme Court judgments as well as in the Tenth Schedule.
- The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to intervene in anti-defection cases is limited by the Constitution, which gives the power to decide on disqualification petitions to the Speaker or Chairman of the House.
- This can make it difficult for the court to intervene in such cases, as it has to balance the constitutional provisions with the need to ensure fairness and impartiality in the disqualification process.
- Delayed judicial interventions can hasten the toppling of a government and contribute to turning the Tenth Schedule into a dead letter.
- The Court’s judgement in the ongoing case can act as a counterweight to political power, and infuse a dose of constitutionalism into the politics of government formation and toppling.
Nut Graf: While the Tenth Schedule was intended to promote stability in the political system and prevent defections, its implementation has been patchy and there have been several challenges in its effective functioning. The judiciary’s proactive role in enforcing the anti-defection law could help to maintain the integrity and stability of the political system in India.
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Children
Mains: Rights integral to a harmonious upbringing of a child in India
Context: Supreme Court order on DNA test of a minor child.
Introduction:
- The Supreme Court of India has ruled that children cannot be mechanically subjected to DNA tests in each and every case between warring parents as a shortcut to establishing infidelity.
- In a petition filed by a man who questioned his second child’s paternity, the court observed that genetic information is intimate and personal and it is part of a child’s fundamental right, therefore, children have the right not to have their legitimacy questioned frivolously before a court of law.
- The Supreme Court also directed family courts that children are not to be regarded as material objects and be subjected to forensic/DNA testing, particularly when they are not parties to the divorce proceeding.
- The court also held that permitting DNA tests will also harm the reputation and dignity of the mother. So, family courts should direct a DNA test only in reasonable situations and in the interest of justice, as a last resort.
Policy on DNA tests:
- The Supreme Court in Sharda vs. Dharmpal has held that a matrimonial court has the power to order a person to undergo a medical test. Such an order would not be in violation of the right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- The Indian Evidence Act,1872 allows for the admissibility of scientific evidence, including DNA evidence, in legal proceedings. However, the admissibility of DNA evidence depends on the circumstances of each case and the quality of the evidence.
Read more on Various aspects of Child’s rights in India.
Nut Graf: Leaning on a child’s fundamental right to privacy, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that children cannot be mechanically subjected to DNA tests to prove infidelity if other materials are available so that children do not become the focal point of the battle between spouses.
Category: ECONOMY
Syllabus: Indian Economy & Issues Relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development & Employment
Mains: Advantages of UPI over other cashless transaction methods
Context: Recently, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapore’s PayNow have been integrated.
Key Details:
- The official integration of India’s UPI and Singapore’s PayNow was announced in February 2023, following the project’s initiation in September 2021.
- The integration aims to facilitate transparent cross-border transactions, and efficient and faster payments relating to remittances, trade and travel between the two countries.
- The integration allows for a “real-time payment linkage”, enabling faster remittances between the two countries at a competitive rate.
UPI and PayNow:
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system that enables the instant and quick transfer of funds between two bank accounts through a single mobile application.
- PayNow is a fast payment system accessible to retail customers through participating banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NFIs) in Singapore.
- It enables peer-to-peer funds transfer service, allowing users to receive and send instant funds from an e-wallet or one bank account to another in Singapore using just their Foreign Identification Number (FIN) or Singapore National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) or mobile number.
Read more on UPI-PayNow Linkage
Syllabus: Mobilisation of Resources
Mains: Various issues with R&D Statistics compilation in India
Context: This article discusses India’s research and development (R&D) statistics.
Introduction:
- India’s R&D expenditure-GDP ratio has been relatively low compared to other developed countries. According to the National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS), the R&D expenditure-GDP ratio in India was around 0.7% in 2018-19.
- While this represents an increase from previous years, it is still significantly lower than the R&D expenditure-GDP ratios of many other countries, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea, which all invest over 3% of their GDP in R&D.
Inaccurate Data:
- The main reason is the low investment in R&D by the corporate sector. While the corporate sector accounts for about two-thirds of gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) in leading economies, its share in India is just 37%.
- However, evidence suggests that India’s GERD data are incomplete and inaccurate.
- For instance, a 2022 info brief of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States on Foreign R&D by U.S.-based multinational corporations (MNCs) shows a spend of $9.5 billion (₹649.7 billion) on R&D in India in 2018.
- But the latest Research and Development Statistics, published by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 2020 has provided an estimate of ₹60.9 billion in R&D spending in 2017-18 by foreign MNCs, which is only about 10% of what U.S. firms have reported to have spent in India on R&D.
Issues with the current system:
- NSTMIS compiles GERD statistics in India. And it faces challenges in collecting data from the private corporate sector.
- One issue with compiling statistics on GERD is the challenge of defining what exactly counts as research and development. Different countries and organisations may have different definitions and criteria for what qualifies as R&D spending, which can lead to discrepancies in reported figures.
- The method used by NSTIMS for the identification of R&D performing firms does not capture all the R&D performing firms due to poor registration and categorisation of firms.
- For example, SigTuple Technologies, which is a leading start-up in India focusing on artificial intelligence-based HealthTech and has filed 19 patents as of 2021, is unlisted in government databases.
- For those firms which do not respond to the survey by NSTIMS, the data is collected from secondary sources such as annual reports and the Prowess database.
- This method will work only if firms disclose their R&D spending. However, some firms do not report any spending on R&D in spite of their declarations and have patents granted in India.
- Additionally, accurately measuring R&D spending can be difficult, as it may involve estimating the value of intangible assets such as intellectual property.
Way Forward:
- In the short term, the NSTMIS should use the patents granted data, both in India and the U.S., in addition to its current method to identify R&D-performing enterprises.
- Annual R&D estimates can be prepared from mandatory disclosures that the enterprises are required to make to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs instead of confining R&D statistics to the responses to the surveys.
- In order to ensure compliance and proper reporting, technologies can be used like in the case of revamped income-tax return forms where various sections are interlinked.
- Proper disclosure of information to regulatory agencies, including R&D spending data, should be made an essential component of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) ranking of enterprises.
- While GERD statistics can provide valuable insights into the state of research and development in a country, they may not capture all relevant factors, such as the quality or impact of the research being funded. It is important to interpret statistical data in context and to consider other sources of information when making decisions related to research policy and funding.
Nut Graf: India’s research and development (R&D) expenditure-GDP ratio is 0.7% which is much below the world average of 1.8%. India also has various issues with collecting data from the private corporate sector on gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD). Therefore, transforming India’s R&D statistics to truly reflect the R&D ecosystem calls for short-term and medium-term measures.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Nine guest countries for G-20
Syllabus: GS-2; International Relations; Gobal groupings involving India
Prelims: Facts about G20
Context: The “nine guest countries” to the G-20 summit are expected to come up with their own plans but they will be ultimately guided by the “continuity” of G-20.
G20 or Group of Twenty
Image Source: pmindia.gov
- G-20 was established in 1999 as an acceptable medium between the elitist G-7 (G-8 earlier) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- The G20 is a strategic multilateral platform connecting the world’s major developed and emerging economies.
- The G20 holds a strategic role in securing future global economic growth and prosperity as the G20 members represent:
- Over 80% of the global GDP
- About 75% of international trade
- Close to 60% of the world’s population
- Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.
- It should also be noted that the current year’s “Troika” of G-20 is made up of emerging economies for the first time with India, Indonesia, and Brazil.
- India assumed the presidency of the G20 grouping from Indonesia, on December 1, 2022, and will hold the post for a year.
- Under India’s Presidency, nine countries have been invited to be the “guest countries”, they include Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and the UAE.
- India’s G20 logo juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India’s national flower and the theme is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth-One Family-One Future’.
- The G20 Logo draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of India’s national flag – saffron, white, green and blue.
Know more about – G20
2. Indian Rhinoceros and Kaziranga National Park
Syllabus: GS-3; Environment; Biodiversity and Conservation
Prelims: About Indian Rhinoceros and Kaziranga National Park
Context: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has asked for a “factual report” on the rhino population enumeration, conducted in the Kaziranga National Park in March 2022.
Indian Rhinoceros
Image Source: IUCN
- The Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), also known as the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, is the largest species of the three known Asian Rhinoceroses, the other two being the Javan Rhinoceros and the Sumatran Rhinoceros.
- Indian Rhinoceros is known for its single black horn along with the gray-brown hide and skin folds.
- Indian Rhinoceros are solitary animals except when adult males gather at wallows or to graze.
- Indian Rhinoceros like the other rhino species is mainly a grazer and its diet consists almost entirely of grasses.
- The Indian rhinoceros once occupied an extensive range across northern India from Assam in the east to the Indus River valley in the west.
- At present, the species is restricted to about 11 reserves in India and Nepal.
- The Kaziranga National Park and the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam are one of the most well-known Indian Rhino sanctuaries in the country.
- The population range of the Indian rhino is limited, with 70% of the population occurring at a single site – Kaziranga National Park.
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
- WPA Protection: Schedule I protection
Read more about – Indian Rhinoceros
G. Tidbits
1. GST revenues hit a record ₹1.59 lakh crore in January
Image Source: The Hindu
- According to the data from the Union Finance Ministry, India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues have grown about 12.7% in January to reach ₹1.59 lakh crores, which is the second-highest monthly collection on record.
- The Finance Ministry’s monthly economic review notes that the total GST revenues between April 2022 and January 2023 have now reached ₹14.9 lakh crores which is 23.1% higher than the corresponding period of 2021-22.
- GST collections have also remained above the ₹1.4 lakh crore mark for 11 months continually which indicates robust domestic economic activity despite a global economic slowdown.
2. Early summer won’t impact wheat this season: IARI Director
- The Director and Principal Scientist of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has said that a possibility of an early summer would not affect the wheat crop this rabi season.
- At present, the maximum temperature in the wheat belt of northwest India is between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius and the minimum is between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius.
- The maximum temperature is above normal by three or four degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature is above normal by two or three degrees Celsius.
- The IARI is also expected to release new heat-tolerant varieties of wheat which it has developed in the coming days along with new varieties of cereals, fruits and vegetables.
Read more about – Wheat cultivation in India
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. With respect to Sangeet Natak Akademi, which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level – Difficult)
- It is the first national academy of the arts set up by the Republic of India.
- Its first Chairman was Dr. Sadashiva Rao.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi is an autonomous body of the Ministry of Culture.
Options:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s national academy of music, dance and drama and is the first national academy of the performing arts set up by the Republic of India.
- Statement 2 is not correct, Dr P.V. Rajamannar was the first Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi.
- Statement 3 is correct, Sangeet Natak Akademi is an autonomous body of the Ministry of Culture.
Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs): (Level – Moderate)
- LGDs have physical and optical properties similar to that of natural diamonds.
- It takes more energy to extract a natural diamond from the earth than to create a lab-grown diamond.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, Lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) are man-made diamonds that are grown in labs using advanced technologies.
- LGDs have physical, chemical and optical properties similar to that of natural diamonds.
- Statement 2 is correct, As per reports it takes ten times more energy to extract a natural diamond from the earth than it takes in creating one above the ground (lab-grown diamond).
- Furthermore, the manufacturing of lab-grown diamonds has a lesser environmental impact than natural diamond extraction.
Q3. Which of the following operations of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is/are correctly matched? (Level – Difficult)
- Operation AAHT – against smugglers involved in the illegal trade of wildlife
- Operation Amanat – rescue of children
- Operation Nanhe Farishte – initiative to make it easier for passengers to get back their lost luggage
- Operation WILEP – rescuing women and children from the clutches of traffickers
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Operation AAHT: It is an RPF operation against Human Trafficking with the aim of rescuing victims, mainly women and children.
- Operation Amanat: Under this initiative, the RPF looks to make it easier for passengers to get back their lost luggage.
- Operation Nanhe Farishte: This operation aims to rescue children.
- Operation WILEP: Under this operation, RPF has been taking action against the smuggling of wildlife, animal parts and forest products through rail.
Q4.With respect to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level – Moderate)
- The offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker originated in India under the Government of India Act of 1935.
- First Indian and first elected Speaker of the central legislative assembly – Vithalbhai J. Patel
- The Speaker can be removed if a resolution is passed by a majority of all the members of the Lok Sabha, that is, by absolute majority and not by ordinary majority.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker originated in India under the Government of India Act of 1919 (Montague – Chelmsford Reforms).
- Statement 2 is correct, Vithalbhai J Patel was the first elected Indian and President (Speaker) of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925.
- Statement 3 is not correct, According to Article 94 of the Constitution, the Speaker may be removed from his office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then members of the House, that is, by effective majority.
Q5. Consider the following statements: (Level – Easy) PYQ (2007)
- The annual range of temperature is greater in the Pacific Ocean than that in the Atlantic Ocean.
- The annual range of temperature is greater in the Northern Hemisphere than that in the Southern Hemisphere.
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:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The annual range of temperature is lesser in the Pacific Ocean than that in the Atlantic Ocean.
- The bigger the size of the ocean (Pacific), the lesser will be the annual range of temperature.
- Statement 2 is correct, The annual range of temperature is greater in the northern hemisphere than that in the Southern Hemisphere because of larger land masses.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Examine the anti-defection law and evaluate if there is a need to amend it. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS-2; Polity)
- Illustrate the global and national approach to protecting child rights. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS-2; Social Justice)
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CNA 24 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
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