19 Jan 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

19 Jan 2024 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related

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F. Prelims Facts

2. Panel on sub-categorisation of SCs

Context:

• The Union government established a five-member committee, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, to address the uneven distribution of benefits among over 1,200 Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India.
• Objective: Evaluate and devise methods for fair allocation of schemes and initiatives, particularly focusing on the most backward SC communities.

Background and Madiga Community’s Demand:

• PM Narendra Modi’s commitment to explore the sub-categorisation of SCs gains significance, responding to demands raised by the Madiga community during the Telangana Assembly election.
• The Madiga community has sought sub-categorisation since 1994, prompting the formation of commissions in 1996 and 2007, both concluding that possibilities exist for sub-categorisation.

Supreme Court’s Involvement:

• Current Scenario: A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is set to examine the constitutionality of sub-categorisation among SCs and STs, specifically concerning reservations in jobs and education.
• Government Approach: The committee, while respecting the court’s jurisdiction on reservations, will explore alternative means to address grievances, such as special initiatives and targeted schemes.

Legal Perspective and Caste Census Requirement:

• Legal Consideration: While the Constitution does not explicitly prohibit Parliament from sub-categorising SCs or STs, legal experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive caste census and socio-economic data for justification.
• Argument: Supreme Court advocate Mohan Gopal contends that a 100% count of all castes is essential to establish the empirical basis for sub-categorisation and determine the additional share of benefits for each community.

3. NATO’s Defence Spending Guideline

Context: Japan bought 400 Tomahawk missiles from the U.S., reinforcing defence against China and North Korea, aiming to double military spending.

About news:

• Japan entered into an agreement with the United States to purchase 400 long-range Tomahawk missiles.
• The decision to acquire these missiles reflects Japan’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities in response to the increasing military strength of China and the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.
• Japan aims to double its defence spending by 2027, reaching the NATO standard of allocating 2% of its GDP towards defence.
• The procurement of the Tomahawk missiles is part of Japan’s broader strategy to bolster its national security and contribute to regional stability.
• This deal underscores Japan’s commitment to fortifying its defence capabilities amid geopolitical challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

4. US hits Yemen’s Houthis

Context: The United States conducted additional strikes to thwart Houthi anti-ship missiles prepared for launch into the Red Sea. White House spokesperson John Kirby confirmed the targeting of 14 missiles in response to the Houthi designation as a “terrorist” entity.

Houthi Attacks in Response to Designation:

• In the aftermath of the terrorist designation, the Houthis targeted a U.S.-owned cargo carrier.
• The rebels declared their intention to continue attacks, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza.

U.S. Designation of Houthis as Terrorists:

• Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the re-designation of the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group, effective in 30 days.
• During the implementation delay, the U.S. plans robust outreach for humanitarian assistance and critical commodity imports to Yemen.

Implications and Conditions for Re-evaluation:

• Acknowledging ongoing attacks, President Joe Biden stated that the bombardment hadn’t halted Houthi assaults on vessels in the Red Sea.
• National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasised the designation’s role in impeding terrorist funding to the Houthis and restricting their financial market access.
• Sullivan indicated that a re-evaluation of the terrorist designation would occur if the Houthis cease attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, highlighting a conditional approach.

5. Second Thomas Shoal

Context: China and the Philippines agreed to ease tensions in the South China Sea, focusing on Ren’Ai Reef (Ayungin Shoal), following confrontations, including an alleged incident in November 2023.

Agreement to Ease Tensions:

• China and the Philippines have announced their commitment to reducing tensions in the South China Sea after a year marked by public confrontations between their naval vessels.
• The agreement emphasizes the importance of improving communication and utilizing friendly negotiations to manage differences, particularly focusing on the situation at Ren’Ai Reef.

Specific Focus on Ren’Ai Reef (Ayungin Shoal/Second Thomas Shoal):

• Ren’Ai Reef, known as Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines and Second Thomas Shoal in the U.S., has been a hotspot for tensions between Chinese and Philippine ships.
• The site has witnessed multiple confrontations, with the latest incident in November involving alleged dangerous manoeuvres by a Chinese coast guard ship towards a Philippine supply ship, which was reportedly hit with a water cannon.

Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts:

• Both nations expressed their commitment to ongoing diplomatic efforts by agreeing to limit tensions in the South China Sea.
• The recent meeting in Shanghai marked the eighth in a series that commenced in 2017, highlighting a sustained diplomatic engagement aimed at managing disputes and preventing armed confrontations in the region.

G. Tidbits

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H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. The SBI has recently issued AT1 bonds which are considered to be part of Tier 1 Capital.
2. The total capital with a bank is the sum total of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital.
3. No bank in India has so far issued Tier 2 bonds.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two 
3. All three
4. None

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the WTO Peace Clause:

1. It was introduced at the Bali conference.
2. The clause provides protection to both developed and developing countries.
3. India is the first country to invoke the peace clause.

How many of these statements is/are incorrect?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q3. In which of the following Latin American countries is there a large presence 
of the Indian community which can be attributed to the indentured labour system 
of the British?

1. Suriname
2. Jamaica
3. Bolivia
4. Guyana
5. Trinidad & Tobago

Options:

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
3. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only 
4. 2, 3, 4 and 5

Q4. India’s decision to quit RCEP was based on:

1. Concerns about the flooding of cheap imports.
2. Impact on domestic producers and industries.
3. Fears that India’s trade deficit with China would increase.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three 
4. None

Q5. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes 
importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?

1. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 
2. Nallamala Forest
3. Nagarhole National Park
4. Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve