CNA 26 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Israel-Palestine conflict C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SOCIAL ISSUES AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Will the Seattle move shield against caste bias? ECONOMY 1. Who will benefit from the UPI-PayNow link? 2. IMF stresses crucial need to fix global debt architecture F. Prelims Facts 1. Aztec hummingbirds and Indian sunbirds 2. Neutrinos G. Tidbits 1. 2023 Marconi Prize 2. Early Galaxy Formations 3. International IP Index 2023 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
Syllabus: Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed & Developing Countries on India’s Interests
Mains: Impact of Israel-Palestine issue on the region and its impact on India’s interests.
Context: Jordan to host talks between Palestine and Israeli sides.
Introduction:
- Jordan is hosting a “political-security” meeting between Israel and the Palestinians to try and restore calm to the occupied Palestinian territories after deadly violence.
- It aims at “building trust” between Israel and the Palestinians.
- The meeting to be held in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba, Jordan will also be attended by the U.S. and Egyptian representatives.
- In January 2023. Jordan’s King Abdullah held a meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the capital Amman, amid heightened diplomatic tensions over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem.
Recent Developments:
- The year 2022 has experienced increased conflict and violence in the region with increased attacks by Palestinians and Israelis carrying out raids in West Bank towns on a daily basis.
- Organised armed resistance has been increasing in the West Bank region, ever since the clashes in Jerusalem in May 2021, which led to the 11-day war on the Gaza Strip and new militant groups have also sprung up in recent times.
- Israel believes that it can manage the security challenges from Palestinians with heavy force and no concessions because of weak and divided Palestinian leadership.
- The Palestinian Authority, which occupies few parts of the West Bank, is led by Fatah while the overpopulated Gaza Strip is being ruled by its rival Hamas.
- 11 Palestinians were killed and more than 80 wounded in a gun battle on February 22,2023 when Israeli troops raided the city of Nablus in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 Six-Day War.
- The death toll was the highest since the second Palestinian uprising, which ended in 2005, the year the UN started tracking casualties.
- Intensifying unrest this year has sparked international concern and follows violence in 2022 which was the deadliest in the West Bank since UN tracking began.
Read more on Israel-Palestine Conflict
Read more on India-Israel Relations
Nut Graf: Jordan is hosting a meeting between Israel and the Palestinians with the aim of restoring calm and building trust between the two sides. The meeting, which will be attended by US and Egyptian representatives, comes amid increased conflict and violence in the region, with raids by Palestinians and Israelis in West Bank towns, and the emergence of new militant groups.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: SOCIAL ISSUES AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Will the Seattle move shield against caste bias?
Syllabus: Effect of policies of developed countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Mains: Seattle Ordinance against caste-based discrimination.
Context: Seattle city council has issued an ordinance against caste-based discrimination.
Details:
- The Seattle City Council became the first U.S. city to ban caste-based discrimination.
- An ordinance was issued on 21st February 2023 that amended the City Municipal Code and include caste as a class to be guarded against discrimination apart from race, gender, and religion.
- Many universities in the U.S. such as Harvard, Brown, and California State University also added caste criteria to their anti-discrimination policies.
- The council defined caste as:
A rigid social stratification characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social barriers sanctioned by custom, law, or religion.
- The fight against caste-based discrimination in Seattle was led by Dalit rights activists, local groups, and organizations like Equality Labs.
- On one hand, Dalit rights activists praised the ordinance, while some groups like the Hindu American Foundation raised concerns about more legal scrutiny.
For more information, read here: https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/seattle-bans-caste-discrimination-upsc-current-affairs/
Causes of move against caste-based discrimination:
- As per a survey by Equality Labs in 2016, one in four Dalits in the U.S. had faced verbal or physical assault. Moreover, two out of every three reported facing discrimination at work.
- Various companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing, are located in Seattle and have many workers from South Asia (including India).
- There are more than 150000 South Asian residents based in Seattle (Washington report).
- In the year 2000, the first case of caste exploitation was reported in California, U.S. Several Dalit workers including minor girls were trafficked from Andhra Pradesh, India by a person of a Dominant caste.
Status in India:
- As per Census 2011, 20 crore Dalits are estimated in India.
- The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950 was enacted, recognizing Hindu Dalits as Scheduled Castes. The order was further amended to include Dalits that converted to Sikhism and Buddhism.
- Article 15 of the Indian Constitution also prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any of them.
- Despite constitutional and various legal provisions (including reservation), discrimination still persists in society. For instance, according to National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) around 50,900 cases of crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) were registered in 2021. It is a 1.2% increase from 2020.
- The crime rate is particularly high in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Also read: Right to Equality [Article 14 to 18] – Definition & Importance – Indian Polity Notes for UPSC
Related Link:
Vulnerability Due To Caste – An Overview and Laws in Constitution for Protection
Nut Graf: The proposed Seattle ordinance makes it illegal to tarnish someone in the name of caste. It is suggested that every city and nation should add caste to their non-discrimination policies.
1. Who will benefit from the UPI-PayNow link?
Syllabus: Economy and Banking.
Mains: UPI and PayNow link.
Prelims: UPI and PayNow.
Context: India’s UPI and Singapore’s pay now were officially connected on 21st February 2023.
Details:
- India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapore’s PayNow were officially connected to each other on 21st February 2023. It will allow “real-time payment linkage”.
- Singapore has become the first country with which cross-border Person to Person (P2P) payment facilities have been established.
- The plan to provide instant low-cost cross-border fund transfers was first proposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in September 2021.
- In November 2022, India and UAE also deliberated on a similar procedure for cross-border remittances.
Significance of the move:
- It would strengthen trade, travel, and remittance flows between India and Singapore.
- It is a part of government measures to promote the UPI-based payment ecosystem. Some of the new measures to boost UPI payments are:
- In April 2022, the Union cabinet approved incentivization schemes for promoting low-value BHIM-UPI transactions.
- Moreover, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in January 2023 enabled international phone numbers to transact using UPI.
- It would help the Indian diaspora in Singapore, particularly migrant workers and students.
- It would provide the benefits of digitalization and fintech to the common man.
For more information, read here: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) – UPSC Notes
Mechanism of the scheme:
- In India, the State Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, and ICICI Bank will provide both inward and outward remittances, whereas Axis Bank and DBS India will facilitate only inward remittances.
- In Singapore, DBS-Singapore and Liquid Group will provide similar services to users in Singapore.
- Account holders of listed banks can transfer funds to and from India using their UPI ID, mobile number, or Virtual Payment Address (VPA).
- Initially, Indian users can remit up to ₹60,000( equal to $1000(Singapore)) per day through a mobile application or internet banking facilities.
- Currently, only UPI IDs registered with the bank where an account is held can be used to receive remittances in accounts of participating banks.
- It should be noted that the P2P remittances between the two countries are allowed only for purposes like “maintenance of relatives abroad” and “gifts”.
Real-Time Payments
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Related Link:
Linkage between UPI and Singapore’s PayNow: AIR Spotlight [UPSC Notes] Download PDF
Nut Graf: The UPI-PayNow link would strengthen the relationship between India and Singapore and would benefit the citizens of both countries. It is one of the many efforts to promote the UPI-based payment ecosystem.
2. IMF stresses crucial need to fix global debt architecture
Syllabus: Global economic structure.
Mains: Sovereign debt vulnerabilities.
Context: G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting was held in Bengaluru.
Details:
- Sovereign debt vulnerabilities have increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- International Monetary Fund(IMF) Managing Director during the meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors suggested that the entire international community should come together to find solutions for the most vulnerable members of the world.
- The developing and low-income countries with limited policy space and huge development requirements are in urgent need of financial safety.
- The comments came in the backdrop of acute economic stress in South Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
- China (the largest bilateral creditor) also asked the G20 to conduct a fair, objective, and in-depth analysis of the issues of global debt.
- It was further highlighted that as global growth is set to suffer a slowdown in 2023, the IMF chief endorsed efforts to improve the speed and effectiveness of debt resolution.
Related Link: International Monetary Fund (IMF) – History, Functions | UPSC Notes
Nut Graf: In G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting at Bengaluru, it was suggested that there is a crucial need to fix global debt architecture and strengthen the global financial safety net, specifically for low-income and developing countries.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Aztec hummingbirds and Indian sunbirds
Syllabus: GS03-Environment
Prelims: Biodiversity; Endangered Species
Key Details:
- Hummingbirds are small, colourful birds found throughout the Americas. They are known for their unique ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings, which can beat up to 50 times per second.
- There are over 300 species of hummingbirds, and they range in size from the tiny bee hummingbird, which is only 2.25 inches long, to the slightly larger giant hummingbird, which can be over 8 inches long.
- Despite their small size, hummingbirds are incredibly active and energetic, and are known for their aerial acrobatics. They are also able to fly backwards, upside down, and even hover in place for extended periods of time.
- Their wings have very long hand bones but very short arm bones that are connected to the body through exceptionally flexible ball-and-socket joints.
- These joints allow the wings to rotate after each half-stroke, permitting manoeuvrability and backward flight.
- Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers, and are important pollinators for many plant species. Tubular flowers that are bright red or orange (such as lantana and rhododendron) are preferred.
- The energy demands of hovering are very high. Relative to their body mass, hummingbirds have the highest metabolic rate (calories burnt per minute) among vertebrates.
- Most of this energy comes from nectar. Rapid sugar uptake by their digestive system ensures that they utilise energy from nectar ingested just a few minutes ago.
- Their lungs are 10 times better at absorbing oxygen from air than mammals of similar size.
- During the night or during periods of bad weather, hummingbirds will go into a state of torpor, in which their body temperature and metabolic rate drop significantly to conserve energy.
- Hummingbirds are capable of vocal mimicry similar to parrots.
Image Source: BBC
Similarities with Indian Sunbirds:
- Indian sunbirds are small, brightly coloured birds found in South and Southeast Asia. They belong to the family Nectariniidae, which also includes other sunbirds and spiderhunters. There are around 15 species of Indian sunbirds, ranging in size from 8-15 cm.
- Nectar feeding: Both hummingbirds and Indian sunbirds are nectar feeders, and play an important role in pollinating many plant species.
- Small size: Both species are small birds, with hummingbirds ranging in size from 2-8 inches and Indian sunbirds ranging from 3-6 inches.
- Active and agile flight: Both species are highly active and agile, and are known for their aerial acrobatics. They can hover in mid-air, fly backwards, and even fly upside down in search of nectar and insects.
- Brightly coloured plumage: Both species have brightly coloured plumage, with males of both species exhibiting more vibrant and striking colours than females. The colours are often iridescent and can reflect different hues depending on the angle of light.
2. Neutrinos
Syllabus: GS03-Science & Technology
Prelims: Anti-particles
Key Details:
- An experiment in Japan recently reported that it failed to find “strong evidence” that the neutrinos are their own anti-particles.
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- Every elementary particle has an anti-particle. If the two meet, they will destroy each other in a flash of energy.
- The electron’s anti-particle is the positron. They can be distinguished because they have opposite charges.
- Similarly, neutrinos have anti-neutrinos. However, neither is electrically charged, nor possesses any other properties to really differentiate between them.
- However, physicists working with the Kamioka Liquid Scintillator Antineutrino Detector (KamLAND) in Japan recently reported that after analysing two years’ data, they could not find signs that neutrinos could be their own anti-particles.
- KamLAND looks for an event called neutrinoless double beta-decay.
- In normal double beta-decay, two neutrons in an atom turn into two protons by emitting two electrons and two anti-neutrinos.
- In neutrinoless double beta-decay, the anti-neutrinos aren’t emitted, which can happen only if anti-neutrinos are just different kinds of neutrinos
- Neutrinos are the second most abundant particles in the cosmos. Because they are so ubiquitous, their properties have an important influence on the structure of the universe.
- Every elementary particle has an anti-particle. If the two meet, they will destroy each other in a flash of energy.
- This rules out a few theories trying to explain neutrinos’ many mysterious properties.
Read more on India-Based Neutrino Observatory
G. Tidbits
- Dr. Hari Balakrishnan has been awarded the 2023 Marconi Prize. He is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- He has been cited “for fundamental contributions to wired and wireless networking, mobile sensing, and distributed systems”.
- He graduated with a computer science B.Tech from IIT Madras in 1993.
- The Marconi Prize is an annual award that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of communications and information technology.
- It is named after Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor and pioneer in the development of wireless communication.
- The Marconi Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the field of telecommunications and is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Telecommunications.”
- The prize is administered by the Marconi Society, a non-profit organisation that promotes awareness and understanding of important scientific and technical issues in the field of communications.
- The Marconi Prize consists of a cash award of $100,000 and a commemorative medal.
- The Marconi Society also awards other prizes and scholarships, including the Marconi Society Paul Baran Young Scholar Award, which recognizes young researchers who have demonstrated exceptional technical and leadership abilities in the field of communications and information technology.
- Previous winners of the award include Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke.
- In a new study, an international team of astrophysicists has discovered several mysterious objects hiding in images from the James Webb Space Telescope: six potential galaxies that emerged so early in the universe’s history.
- The telescope made observations of a population of candidate massive galaxies that formed around 500-700 million years after the Big Bang .
- These galaxies are more massive than have been expected for this early point in time.
- These observations offer insights into early galaxy formation.
- If verified with spectroscopy, these findings provide evidence to suggest that galaxies grew quicker than expected early in the history of the Universe.
- Spectroscopy is the scientific study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. It involves the analysis of the way in which different types of radiation (such as visible light, X-rays, and radio waves) interact with matter, such as atoms and molecules.
- If verified with spectroscopy, these findings provide evidence to suggest that galaxies grew quicker than expected early in the history of the Universe.
Read more on James Webb Space Telescope
3. International IP Index 2023
- India has been ranked 42nd out of 55 countries in the US Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 International Intellectual Property Index report.
- The annual International IP Index evaluates the protection of IP rights in 55 of the world’s leading economies, together representing around 90% of global GDP.
- The report covers everything from patent and copyright laws to the ability to monetise IP assets and the ratification of international agreements.
- According to the report, India has maintained continued strong efforts in copyright piracy through the issuing of “dynamic” injunction orders.
- As per the report, India is ripe to become a leader for emerging markets seeking to transform their economy through IP-driven innovation.
- However, the 2021 dissolution of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board, combined with the long standing issue of an under-resourced and overstretched judiciary, raises serious concerns.
International IP Index:
- The 2020 U.S. Chamber International IP Index titled ‘Art of the Possible’ creates a template for economies that aspire to become the 21st century, knowledge-based economies through more effective IP protection.
- The Index evaluates the IP framework in each economy across 50 unique indicators which industry believes represent economies with the most effective IP systems.
- The indicators create a snapshot of an economy overall IP ecosystem and span nine categories of protection:
- Patents; Copyrights; Trademarks; Design Rights; Trade Secrets; Commercialization of IP Assets; Enforcement; Systemic Efficiency; Membership And Ratification Of International Treaties.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following Pairs: (Level-Difficult)
GI Product State/UT
- Blue Pottery Rajasthan
- Pattachitra paintings Odisha
- Bagh Prints Chhattisgarh
- Rice-Jeeraphool Madhya Pradesh
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
- Only one pair
- Only two pairs
- Only three pairs
- All four pairs
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Recently, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Federation of India’s (TRIFED) TRIBES India store products were tagged with One District One Product (ODOP) and Geographical Indication (GI)
- The ODOP and GI tagging was done for a range of products, including Kullu Shawl from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling Tea from Darjeeling, West Bengal, Blue Pottery from Jaipur, Rajasthan, Bidriware from Bidar, Karnataka, Pattachitra paintings from Puri, Odisha, Bagh Prints from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, Coffee from Wayanad, Kerala, Bastar Craft from Kondagaon, Chattisgarh & Rice-Jeeraphool from Balrampur, Chhattisgarh.
- The tagging is intended to create awareness about the sources of products representing different districts of India.
Q2. Ex Desert Flag is an annual multinational large force employment warfare exercise hosted by the (Level-Difficult)
- Qatar Emiri Air Force
- Royal Air Force of Oman
- Royal Saudi Air Force
- United Arab Emirates Air Force
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Ex Desert Flag is an annual multinational large force employment warfare exercise hosted by the UAE Air Force.
- The 2023 edition will be held from February 27 to March 17, 2023. The Indian Air Force participated in the exercise for the first time in 2021.
- Air Forces from UAE, France, Kuwait, Australia, the UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, Korea, and the US are also participating in the exercise.
Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to NITI Aayog? (Level-Medium)
- The Governing Council of NITI Aayog comprises the President, Prime Minister; Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories with legislature; Lt Governors of other UTs.
- Ex Officio members: Maximum of 6 members of the Union Council of Ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister.
- The Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
Options:
- 1 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 01 is incorrect, The Governing Council of NITI Aayog, comprises Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories with legislatures and Lt Governors of other Union Territories.
- Statement 02 is incorrect, Ex Officio members: Maximum of 04 members of the Union Council of Ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Statement 03 is correct, Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog is to be appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
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- Retired civil servant B.V.R. Subrahmanyam was recently appointed as the CEO of Niti Aayog. He will replace Parameswaran lyer, who was assigned as the Executive Director of World Bank.
Q4. With respect to Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level-Difficult)
- It came into existence in 1948 based on the recommendations of the National Mineral Policy Conference.
- The objective of the IBM is to promote systematic and scientific development and optimum utilisation of mineral resources of the country (both on-shore and off-shore).
- It functions as the National Technical Regulator in respect of the mining sector and lay down regulations, procedures and systems to guide the State Governments
Options:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) established in 1948, is a multi-disciplinary government organisation under the Department of Mines, Ministry of Mines, engaged in promotion of conservation, scientific development of mineral resources and protection of environment in mines other than coal, petroleum & natural gas, atomic minerals and minor minerals.
- It also undertakes scientific, techno economic, research oriented studies in various aspects of mining, geological studies, ore beneficiation and environmental studies.
- IBM is also mandated to function as the National Technical Regulator in respect of the mining sector, and lay down regulations, procedures and systems to guide the State Governments (first tier of regulation); provide technical consultancy services; participate in international collaborative projects in the area of regulation and development of the mineral sector.
Q5. In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)? (PYQ-CSE-2022) (Level-Difficult)
- CCO is the major source of coal Statistics in Government of India.
- It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/ Lignite blocks.
- It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
- It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2 and 3
- 3 and 4 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 4
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Statement 01 is correct, Coal controller organisation (earlier Coal Commissioner), established in 1916, is one of the oldest offices in the Indian Coal sector. Main aim behind setting up this office was to have Government control to adequately meet the coal requirement during the First World War.
- Under Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, Coal Controller has been made the statistical authority with respect to coal and lignite
- Statement 02 is correct, It is entrusted with the task of monitoring captive mines. Work such as permission for opening and reopening of coal mines… has been entrusted to CCO.
- Statement 03 is correct, Under Coal Bearing Area (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, Coal Controller is the competent authority under this act to hear any objection to the Union Government’s Notification relating to acquisition of coal bearing land and to furnish his reports to the Union Government.
- Statement 04 is incorrect, Ensuring that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time is not the function of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO).
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Expansion of UPI beyond the Indian borders is another indication of India’s rising soft power. Comment. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-2; International Relations)
- Rising global debt since the pandemic has only enhanced the North – South divide. In this context, discuss ways to overcome this issue. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-3; Economy)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 26 Feb 2023:- Download PDF Here
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