12 Jan 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

12 Jan 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Hirakud dam & tribal displacement
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Maldives-China sign 20 MoUs
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
POLITY
1. Speaker’s disqualification powers
F. Prelims Facts
1. Atal Setu
2. Swachch Survekshan Awards
3. Black Sea mine clearance initiative
4. UK’s Civil Nuclear Roadmap
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Nut graf: Odisha has initiated a groundbreaking overhaul of legacy land records, primarily addressing the displacement caused by the historic Hirakud Dam Project. This transformative step aims to streamline land classifications, empower farmers, and set a precedent for inclusive development, fostering economic growth and providing a stable foundation for property rights


Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Maldives-China sign 20 MoUs

Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests.Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Mains: Maldives – China relationship and the impact on India

Introduction:

China and the Maldives have decided to elevate their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This move underscores the growing strategic significance of their alliance. The leaders expressed their intention to deepen political engagement and expand practical collaboration in various fields.

Key Initiatives:

  • Amidst the diplomatic backdrop, both countries announced several key initiatives, including Maldives’s participation in the Global Security Initiative (GSI). The governments agreed to draft an “action plan” aimed at building a robust China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership from 2024 to 2028.
  • The signing of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) marked agreements in blue economy, digital economy, disaster and risk mitigation, and news corporations.
  • Both leaders discussed expanding channels of cooperation and fostering a high-quality partnership in BRI projects.
  • The joint communiqué emphasized not only the immediate collaborative efforts but also the long-term vision of establishing a China-Maldives community with a shared future. 

Way Forward: 

Against the backdrop of a diplomatic row with India, President Muizzu’s visit to China has assumed increased diplomatic significance. The decisions made during the visit underscore the Maldives’ intent to diversify its strategic partnerships. The strategic implications of this evolving relationship are likely to shape geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region, marking a new chapter in China’s growing influence in South Asia.

Nut graf: China and the Maldives have upgraded their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, highlighting the increasing strategic importance of their alliance. The diplomatic significance of this move, amid a diplomatic row with India, suggests a strategic shift in the Maldives’ partnerships and signifies China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean region.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Atal Setu

Context:

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, is set to transform travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. 

About the project:

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project costs ₹20,000 crore. It is India’s longest sea bridge—spanning 22 km.

Significance: 

It will help in reducing the commute from two hours to just 20 minutes. With cutting-edge Japanese technology, the six-lane structure incorporates advanced safety measures and aims to boost economic growth, fostering employment opportunities.  Beyond its infrastructural marvel, the Atal Setu aligns with sustainable development goals, emphasizing efficiency while preserving the environment.

2. Swachch Survekshan Awards

Context: Recently, the results of the Swachh Survekshan Awards were declared.

About:

  • Surat in Gujarat and Indore in Madhya Pradesh secured the top positions as the cleanest cities in India at the 2023 Swachh Survekshan Awards by the Union Urban Affairs Ministry. 
  • Navi Mumbai claimed the third spot.
  • Indore retained its cleanest city title for the seventh consecutive year. Maharashtra topped the state rankings, followed by Madhya Pradesh.
  • The theme for the cleanliness survey was “Waste to wealth,” emphasizing sustainable waste management.
  • The awards also recognized Varanasi and Prayagraj as the cleanest Ganga towns, and Chandigarh won the award for the safest city for sanitation workers. 
  • The Swachh Survekshan initiative has grown significantly since its inception in 2016, covering 4,477 cities in 2023.

Significance: 

The Swachh Survekshan Awards hold significance as they recognize and encourage cities for their outstanding efforts in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards. Surat and Indore’s consistent wins highlight their sustained commitment to urban cleanliness, setting benchmarks for other cities. The awards contribute to the Swachh Bharat Mission’s success, emphasizing the transition from a government program to a people’s movement.

3. Black Sea mine clearance initiative

Context: Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria have officially signed an agreement in Istanbul to jointly address the issue of floating mines in the Black Sea resulting from the conflict in Ukraine. 

About the initiative: The Black Sea Mine Clearance Initiative is a collaborative effort among NATO member countries, particularly Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, aimed at addressing the threat posed by floating mines in the Black Sea. This initiative was established in response to the mining of Ukraine’s Black Sea coastline during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago. The agreement involves a joint plan to clear these mines and enhance safety in the Black Sea. The initiative includes deploying minehunting ships and a command control ship, with coordination led by naval commanders from the participating countries. 

Significance: The mines in the Black Sea have posed a significant danger to maritime activities, including shipping and export routes. The overarching goal is to ensure safe passage and navigation in the Black Sea region.

4. UK’s Civil Nuclear Roadmap

Context: The UK government has revealed a comprehensive roadmap for a significant expansion of nuclear power, marking the country’s most extensive effort in 70 years. The initiative aims to bolster energy independence and achieve carbon emission targets.

Issue:

  • Outlined in the Civil Nuclear Roadmap are plans to explore the construction of a major new power station. 
  • Additionally, a substantial £300 million ($382 million) investment is earmarked for the production of advanced uranium fuel.
  • The proposed measures, collectively, envision a fourfold increase in the UK’s nuclear power capacity to 24 gigawatts by 2050.
  • Despite facing criticism for issuing new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea, the government asserts its commitment to the 2050 net-zero target. 
  • Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscores nuclear power as the antidote to Britain’s energy challenges, while Energy Minister Claire Coutinho emphasizes the plans’ role in ensuring the UK is not held hostage to energy geopolitics.

Significance:

The ambitious nuclear expansion plans signal a substantial shift in the UK’s energy landscape. As the government navigates a delicate balance between energy independence, environmental commitments, and geopolitical considerations, the roadmap sets the stage for a transformative period in the nation’s energy sector.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to the International Court of Justice:
  1. Unlike the six principal organs of the United Nations, it is the only one not located in New York (USA)
  2. The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. These organs vote simultaneously but separately.
  3. Its official languages are English and Mandarin.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any one
  2. Any two
  3. All three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: UN Headquarters in New York accommodates five of the UN’s six principal organs—the General Assembly (GA), the Security Council (SC), the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Trusteeship Council, and the UN Secretariat.
The sixth organ, the International Court of Justice, is situated in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Statement 2 is correct: The ICJ consists of 15 judges who are elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, voting separately but simultaneously. To be elected, a candidate needs an absolute majority in both bodies.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The official languages of the ICJ are English and French, not Mandarin.

Q2. Consider the following statements with regards to Cervical cancer:
  1. India contributes the largest share of the global cervical cancer burden; nearly 1 in every 4 deaths globally due to cervical cancer.
  2. Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
  3. Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any one
  2. Any two
  3. All three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: All three statements are correct.

  • India plays a significant role in the global cervical cancer burden, contributing the largest share with nearly 1 in 4 deaths worldwide attributed to cervical cancer, making it a critical health concern for the country.
  • The overwhelming majority of cervical cancer cases, around 99%, are associated with high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, a common virus transmitted through sexual contact, emphasizing the crucial role of preventive measures, including vaccination.
  • Cervical cancer has its origins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Early detection and intervention strategies are important.
Q3. Consider the following statements with regards to Swachh Survekshan Awards:
  1. The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry presents the awards, which began as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
  2. The methodology for measuring cleanliness rests on two main criteria – citizen feedback and field assessment.
  3. Ever since the awards began in 2016, Indore has consistently been at the top of the rankings.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any one
  2. Any two
  3. All three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry presents the Swachh Survekshan Awards, which originated as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The methodology for measuring cleanliness relies on two primary criteria – citizen feedback and field assessment.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: While Indore has been a top performer in Swachh Survekshan rankings, it has not consistently held the top position since the awards began in 2016. In 2016, the top performer was Mysuru.
Q4. Consider the following statements with regards to the Generalised System of Preferences:
  1. GSP is the largest and oldest US trade preference programme, designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.
  2. It is an umbrella that comprises the bulk of preferential schemes granted by industrialized nations to developing countries.
  3. It involves reduced Most Favoured Nations (MFN) Tariffs or duty-free entry of eligible products exported by beneficiary countries to the markets of donor countries.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any one
  2. Any two
  3. All three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • All statements are correct. GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) is the largest and oldest US trade preference program, aiming to foster economic development. It achieves this by providing duty-free entry for a wide array of products from designated beneficiary countries.
  • The GSP acts as an umbrella encompassing a substantial portion of preferential schemes that developed nations extend to developing countries, creating a framework for facilitating international trade on favourable terms.
  • The essence of GSP lies in offering reduced Most Favoured Nations (MFN) Tariffs or even duty-free entry for eligible products exported by beneficiary countries, fostering economic ties and aiding the growth of the beneficiary nations in the markets of the donor countries.
Q5. Which one of the following statements is correct?
  1. Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919.
  2. The Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces.
  3. There was no Indian member in the Simon Commission.
  4. The Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:The people of India protested against the Simon Commission primarily because it lacked Indian representation, as there was no Indian member in the commission. The absence of Indian involvement was seen as an affront to India’s right to self-determination and constitutional reform.

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