18 Jan 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Iran strikes in Iraq, Syria & Pakistan 2. China-Taiwan Relations C. GS 3 Related INTERNAL SECURITY 1. Delisting Kuki-Zomi Tribes D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials F. Prelims Facts 1. Jallikattu 2. Moreh town 3. CERT-In 4. Human Microbiome Project G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Iran strikes in Iraq, Syria & Pakistan
Syllabus: India and its Neighbourhood – Relations.
Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests.
Mains: Recent international events and their implications
Introduction: In recent times, Iran has faced mounting security challenges, prompting a robust response from the nation. The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, marked by conflicts in Gaza and heightened tensions with Israel, has created a complex scenario for Iran.
Recent events of escalation:
- The sequence of events unfolded with an attack on a police station in Rask, Sistan Baluchestan, leading to casualties among Iranian security personnel.
- Subsequent strikes targeted Iranian officials, including the assassination of Brigadier General Sayyed Razi Mousavi in Damascus. These incidents raised concerns about Iran’s vulnerability to security threats.
Complex Regional Dynamics:
- The Gaza war, involving Hamas (supported by Iran) and Israel, added a layer of complexity to the regional dynamics.
- Israel’s strikes in Lebanon and Syria intensified, affecting Iranian commanders. The Houthi rebels, another Iranian-backed group, faced U.S. and U.K. attacks in the Red Sea after targeting commercial vessels.
Iran’s Strategic Messaging:
- Amid these challenges, Iran employed a multi-faceted military response, signalling its willingness to defend its interests aggressively.
- The attacks conveyed a message to both Sunni militants and conventional rivals, emphasizing Iran’s readiness to take military action if its security red lines are crossed.
Global Implications:
- Internally, the Iranian government aimed to reassure its citizens that it could assertively ensure the nation’s security and avenge the killing of its commanders.
- However, the repercussions of these military moves on the broader regional security landscape remain uncertain.
Conclusion:
As Iran navigates through this ring of fire, the strategic implications of its responses will likely shape the future security dynamics in the Middle East. The region watches closely to discern whether Iran’s assertive military actions will lead to improved internal and external security or contribute to the escalation of an already volatile situation.
Nut graf: Iran’s recent response to mounting security challenges amid conflicts in Gaza, tensions with Israel, and internal incidents, highlights the complex regional dynamics, global implications, and Iran’s strategic messaging through military actions. The uncertain outcomes of these assertive moves and their impact on the Middle East’s security landscape are highlighted.
Syllabus: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests
Mains: China-Taiwan conflict
Taiwan’s Democratic Elections:
- Lai Ching-te, from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), wins the presidential election in Taiwan.
- The third term for the DPP is perceived as a setback for China.
Diplomatic Shift: Nauru Moves from Taipei to Beijing
- Nauru’s decision follows a pattern of smaller nations shifting diplomatic ties from Taipei to Beijing.
- Beijing’s strategy involves financial incentives and infrastructure promises.
- Taiwan’s diplomatic space has shrunk from 22 to 11 recognitions since 2016.
China-Taiwan Ties and the ‘1992 Consensus’:
- China’s assertiveness is linked to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s refusal to accept the ‘1992 consensus.’
- The consensus recognizes ‘One China,’ agreed upon by Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC).
- Tsai’s opposition stems from a ‘Taiwanese consensus’ and a rise in ‘Taiwanisation.’
- Younger generations in Taiwan identify as Taiwanese, not sharing historical ties with China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Goals:
- Xi emphasizes rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and reunification with Taiwan.
- Taiwan’s pro-independence stance intensifies China’s aggressiveness.
- Xi’s New Year’s address asserts reunification as ‘inevitable’ and Taiwan as ‘sacred territory.’
- DPP’s electoral victory signals Taiwanese resistance to rapid reunification.
Democracy in Taiwan:
- Taiwan’s democratic elections started in 1996, marked by Chinese missile firings across the Taiwan Straits.
- Democracy in Taiwan has strengthened and regularized since then.
- Beijing’s discomfort with Taiwanese democracy challenges the notion of the CPC as the sole political option.
Implications of DPP’s Victory:
- Lai’s presidency signifies a tougher path for Taiwan’s future.
- A win for Taiwan’s democratic future and a challenge to China’s reunification aspirations.
- Despite Xi’s denial of a set timeline, pressure on Taiwan is expected to increase.
- The situation is complicated by escalating nationalism on both sides of the straits.
Future Diplomatic Challenges for President Lai
- Lai must navigate diplomatic challenges resulting from China’s pressure and Taiwan’s pro-independence stance.
- Intensifying nationalisms on both sides add complexity to the diplomatic landscape.
- The DPP government faces the task of maintaining Taiwan’s democratic identity amid external pressures.
Nut Graf: Taiwan’s recent democratic election, resulting in Lai Ching-te’s victory, poses a challenge to China’s reunification aspirations. Despite diplomatic setbacks, Taiwan’s resilient democracy and pro-independence stance signal a complex future under President Lai, navigating heightened tensions and nationalism.
C. GS 3 Related
Syllabus: Role of External State and Non-state Actors in Creating Challenges to Internal Security.
Mains: Reason of Ethnic conflict in Manipur and possible solution
Background:
- The Centre has requested the Manipur Government to examine a representation for delisting certain Kuki and Zomi tribes from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.
- Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced the formation of a special committee to investigate the representation.
Initiating the Representation:
- Maheshwar Thounaojam, National Secretary of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) in Manipur, submitted the representation.
- The representation seeks the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list and proposes the exclusion of specific Kuki and Zomi tribes.
Ethnic Conflict Context:
- The move to delist Kuki and Zomi tribes is amid an ongoing ethnic conflict between valley-based Meitei people and hills-based Kuki-Zo (ST) people.
- The conflict began on May 3, 2023, triggered by a Manipur High Court order regarding Meiteis’ inclusion in the ST list.
Meitei Argument for ST Status:
- Meiteis argue for ST status due to their inability to own land in forested hill districts, reserved for STs.
- This marks the first instance of Meiteis seeking ST inclusion by questioning the legitimacy of certain Kuki and Zomi tribes.
Representation Contents:
- Thounaojam’s representation objects to the inclusion of specific entries in the ST list: “Any Mizo (Lushai) Tribes,” “Zou,” and “Any Kuki Tribes.”
- The primary argument is that these tribes are not indigenous to Manipur, claiming their absence in pre-Independence Censuses.
Validity of Claims:
- The claim that these communities were not present in Manipur during the 1950 Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) list publication is disputed.
- No empirical evidence supports the assertion that the presence of these tribes aids organised illegal immigration.
Historical Commission Reports:
- The First Backward Classes Commission in 1955 recommended adding individual tribe names for Assam and Manipur tribes, but “Any Mizo (Lushai) Tribe” was retained in 1956.
- In 1965, the Lokur Commission noted a “splintering tendency” among Kuki tribes and recommended mentioning tribe names in the ST list to address inter-tribe differences.
Evolution of Kuki Tribe Classification:
- Over the years, Kuki tribes exhibited a “splintering tendency,” resulting in the establishment of independent tribe names.
- In 2002-2003, “Any Kuki Tribes” was added to the ST list, leading to confusion, as observed by the Bhuria Commission Report in 2002-2004.
Recommendations for Clarity:
- Historical commission reports recommended mentioning specific tribe names in the ST list to avoid confusion and inter-tribe differences.
- The representation’s call for delisting should be examined considering the historical context and the evolving identities of the Kuki and Zomi tribes.
Nut Graf: In Manipur, a contentious move to delist certain Kuki and Zomi tribes from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list sparks ethnic tensions amid an ongoing conflict. The representation, driven by Meitei’s demands for ST status, raises historical and identity concerns, risking further community divisions.
D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
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F. Prelims Facts
1. Jallikattu
Context: During a Jallikattu event in Siravayal village near Tirupathur, two spectators, including a minor boy, were fatally gored by bulls, with over 100 others injured.
About Jallikattu:
- Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport originating from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
- Also known as “manju virattu” in the region, it is traditionally held every year as part of Pongal.
- Participants, known as “Jallikattu warriors,” attempt to grab the hump of a bull and hold on to it.
- The sport has cultural and religious significance, symbolizing bravery and valour.
- Bulls used in Jallikattu are specifically bred for this purpose, and their participation is considered an honour.
Significance:
- Jallikattu has faced controversy due to concerns about animal welfare and safety, leading to occasional bans. Efforts have been made to strike a balance between preserving tradition and addressing animal rights concerns.
- Supporters argue that Jallikattu is an integral part of Tamil culture and should be safeguarded.
- The sport continues to be a subject of debate, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between tradition, culture, and ethical considerations.
2. Moreh town
Context: In Manipur’s Moreh town, recent armed confrontations between police and suspected miscreants, notably linked to the Kuki-Zo community, have heightened security concerns.
Issue:
- The Kuki-Zo community’s demand for the State police’s removal, citing representation imbalances, adds complexity.
- Moreh, crucial for cross-border trade with Myanmar, faces recurring security challenges.
- Moreh town is strategically situated along the Myanmar border in the northeastern state of Manipur, serving as a critical point for cross-border trade and interactions. Its proximity to the international border contributes to its significance in regional dynamics.
- As tensions rise, local communities seek justice, emphasizing the intricate ethnic dynamics in northeastern India’s border regions.
Significance: The situation in Moreh underscores the complex security landscape in certain border regions and the delicate interplay of ethnic and community dynamics in the northeastern states of India.
3. CERT-In
Context: In a commendable move, the Corporate Affairs Ministry has successfully rectified a critical vulnerability that left the personal details of notable individuals exposed.
Issue:
- Sai Krishna stumbled upon this cybersecurity loophole during the Pongal holidays last year while working on a security tool named “Eagle Eye.”
- The inadvertent discovery revealed personal information such as Aadhaar, PAN, voter identity card, passport details, date of birth, contact numbers, and communication addresses. Notably, this vulnerability affected nearly 98 lakh directors of Indian companies.
- Upon identifying the flaw, Sai Krishna promptly reported it to the Computer Emergency Response Team, India (CERT-IN).
- The exposed information poses a severe risk for scams, and he has called for a thorough investigation into the extent of the vulnerability’s exploitation.
About CERT-IN:
- Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-IN) is the national agency responsible for handling cybersecurity incidents and strengthening the country’s cyber resilience.
- As part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, CERT-IN plays a crucial role in responding to and mitigating cyber threats.
- It collaborates with various stakeholders, provides incident response services, and offers cybersecurity guidance to organizations and individuals.
Significance: The Corporate Affairs Ministry’s actions in resolving this critical vulnerability demonstrate a commitment to cybersecurity, but the incident also sheds light on areas that need improvement in India’s cybersecurity landscape.
Context: Launched in 2012, the Human Microbiome Project provided the first insights into the intricate microbial makeup using genome sequencing. The microbiome’s influence extends to digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system development, and mental health.
Human Microbiome: The human microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms in the body, plays a pivotal role in regulating health and disease. Genomic technologies have been instrumental in unravelling its complexities.
Issue:
- Recent studies delve into the connection between human genetic variations and gut microbe genes.
- Specifically, variants in the ABO blood group locus show associations with cardiovascular disorders and even severe COVID-19 infections.
- The microbiome’s impact on health extends to cancer development, neurological signalling, and the metabolism of urobilinogen, influencing urine colour. Understanding these links opens avenues for personalized healthcare interventions.
- Microbial communities change over time, notably during antibiotic treatments.
- Faecal microbiota transplants highlight the potential to manipulate microbial compositions for clinical outcomes.
Significance:
- As research progresses, human genomic studies will continue shaping healthcare by providing insights into personalized interventions.
- The delicate interplay between genetics and the microbiome underscores the importance of understanding these intricate relationships for future medical advancements.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to BOT (Build Operate Transfer) model:
- A private company (or consortium) agrees with the government to invest in a public infrastructure project. The company then secures their own financing to construct the project.
- The government then operates, maintains, and manages the facility for an agreed period and transfers the income to the private company.
- After the concessionary period the company transfers ownership and operation of the facility to the government or relevant state authority.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- Any one
- Any two
- All three
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 3 are correct:
- In a Build Operate Transfer (BOT) model, a private company or consortium enters into an agreement with the government to invest in and construct a public infrastructure project. The private entity secures its own financing for the project.
- At the end of the agreed concession period, which is the duration the private company operates the facility, ownership and operation are typically transferred back to the government or relevant state authority. This transfer is a key characteristic of the BOT model.
Statement 2 is incorrect:
- The government typically does not operate, maintain, and manage the facility. Instead, it allows the private company to operate and maintain it.
- After the concessionary period, the company often transfers ownership and operation of the facility to the government or relevant state authority.
Q2. How many of the following nations share their land border with Iran?
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Syria
- Kuwait
Choose the correct code:
- Any one
- Any two
- Any three
- All four
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
Iran shares its land border with the following nations: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan.
Q3. Consider the following statements with regards to the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act):
- FCRA was enacted during the Bangladesh war in 1971 amid apprehensions that foreign powers were interfering in India’s affairs by pumping money into the country through independent organisations.
- FCRA registration is valid for 3 years, and NGOs are expected to apply for renewal within six months of the date of expiry of registration.
- Once the registration of an NGO is cancelled, it is not eligible for re-registration for 5 years.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- Any 1
- Any 2
- All 3
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
All three statements are incorrect.
- FCRA was enacted in 1976, not during the Bangladesh war in 1971. The purpose was to regulate foreign contributions and hospitality to Indian individuals, associations, and companies.
- FCRA registration is valid for 5 years, and NGOs are required to apply for renewal within six months of the date of expiry.
- If the registration of an NGO is cancelled, it is not eligible for re-registration for 3 years, not 5 years.
Q4. Consider the following statements with regards to the Food Corporation of India (FCI):
- FCI is a statutory body set up in 1965 under the Food Corporations Act 1964.
- FCI coordinates its functions through a country-wide network of offices with Headquarters in New Delhi with five Zonal Offices.
- FCI delivers food grains to State Govt./ State Agencies from its base depots for distribution by the latter through Fair Price Shops.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- Any 1
- Any 2
- All 3
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
All three statements are correct.
- FCI is indeed a statutory body established in 1965 under the Food Corporations Act of 1964.
- FCI operates through a network of offices across the country, with its headquarters located in New Delhi and five Zonal Offices.
- FCI is responsible for delivering food grains to State Governments or State Agencies from its base depots, and these commodities are then distributed through Fair Price Shops.
Q5. Disguised unemployment generally means,
- large number of people remain unemployed
- alternative employment is not available
- marginal productivity of labour is zero
- productivity of workers is low
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Disguised unemployment refers to a situation where a large number of people are engaged in a task, but the marginal productivity of labour is essentially zero.
- This occurs when more people are employed in a particular job than actually required, leading to inefficiency.
- It does not necessarily imply a high level of visible unemployment but rather a situation where additional workers do not contribute meaningfully to the overall output.
- In such cases, alternative employment may not be readily available, contributing to the persistence of disguised unemployment.
- The productivity of workers in such a scenario is low as the excess labour does not contribute significantly to the overall productivity of the task.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Iran’s recent escalatory attacks in the region further destabilise West Asia. Comment. (250 words, 15 marks) (General Studies – II, International Relations)
- The demand to delist Kuki-Zomi tribes could have social and security implications. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks) (General Studies – III, Internal Security )
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