25 Jan 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

25 Jan 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Choppy waters
2. The issue of genocide and the world court
SECURITY
1. Reconsidering the free movement regime
F. Prelims Facts
1. Jal Jeevan Mission
2. Turkiye ratifies Sweden’s NATO membership after protracted delay
3. Centre releases three-drug regimen for treating leprosy
4. Rs. 8500-crore aid for coal gasification
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

2. The issue of genocide and the world court

Syllabus: GS-2, Important International Institutions

Mains: Does International law and Institutions matter or is it a tool to pursue dominant power interests?

Background:

  • Initiation of Proceedings (December 29, 2023):
  • Hearing on Provisional Measures (January 11-12, 2024):
    • ICJ held a hearing to determine provisional measures.
    • South Africa and Israel had three hours each to present their cases.

Legal Context:

  • Genocide as the Most Serious International Crime:
    • Genocide involves actions intending to destroy a defined group.
    • Every state has an “erga omnes obligation” to prevent genocide globally.
  • Previous Cases and the Plausibility Requirement:
    • Reference to The Gambia versus Myanmar case and obtaining provisional measures.
    • Demonstrating specific intent (“dolus specialis”) for genocide is challenging.
  • South Africa’s Argument for Provisional Measures:
    • Plausible case based on Palestinian suffering, death toll, infrastructure destruction, and genocidal statements by Israeli leaders.
  • Israel’s Defense:
    • Denial of a dispute and interpretation variations of alleged genocidal statements.
    • Limited military operation scope focused on countering Hamas attacks.

Next Stage:

  • ICJ’s Potential Provisional Measures:
    • Question on the nature of measures if South Africa fulfils the plausibility requirement.
    • Suggestions range from a ceasefire to directing Israeli leaders and ensuring the entry of resources into Gaza.
  • Role of ICJ and ICC:
    • ICJ focuses on state actors; ICC handles non-state actors like Hamas.
    • ICC referral for investigation in Palestine/Israel conflict already done.

International Response:

  • Intervening States:
    • Bangladesh and Jordan support South Africa; Germany supports Israel.
    • Germany’s position was questioned vis-a-vis its stance in the ‘The Gambia versus Myanmar’ case.
  • Global Split and Historical Context:
    • Divide among countries, resembling the colonial or imperial power division.
    • Perception of the case as a test for the legitimacy of the “rules-based international order.”
  • Significant Implications:
    • Beyond Gaza, it is seen as a test of the legitimacy of international law.
    • Impact of ICJ’s decisions and responses of other nation-states on the “rules-based international order.”

Nut Graf: In a pivotal case at the International Court of Justice, South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza. The debate, highlighting historical divides and testing the legitimacy of international law, unfolds amidst global interventions and opposition, shaping the fate of a “rules-based international order.”

Category: SECURITY

1. Reconsidering the free movement regime

Syllabus: GS-3, Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas

Mains: Time to reconsider the Free Movement Regime

Introduction: Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision to fence the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border and reconsider the Free Movement Regime (FMR) during a passing out parade in Guwahati on January 20, 2024.

Historical Background of India-Myanmar Border:

  • The boundary between India and Myanmar was established through the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826 after British forces pushed out Burmese occupiers from the Northeast.
  • The border division separated people of the same ethnicity and culture, causing geopolitical challenges.
  • The FMR was introduced in 2018 as part of the Act East policy to improve diplomatic ties and counter Chinese influence in Myanmar.

Free Movement Regime (FMR):

  • The FMR allows people on both sides of the border to travel up to 16 km inside each other’s country without a visa.
  • Border residents need a border pass valid for a year to stay in the other country for about two weeks per visit.
  • FMR aimed to promote localized border trade, and establish customs stations and designated markets while facilitating access to education and healthcare.

Reasons for Reconsideration of FMR:

  • A significant portion of the India-Myanmar border is unfenced, making it susceptible to security challenges.
  • Extremist groups operating from clandestine bases in Myanmar have posed security threats to Indian forces.
  • Cross-border movement facilitated illegal activities such as drug trafficking and wildlife trafficking.

Trigger for Rethink:

Migration Statistics:

  • The civil war in Myanmar led to an increase in people seeking refuge in India, particularly in Manipur.
  • Manipur authorities recorded 2,187 Myanmar nationals in 2023, while Mizoram hosted around 40,000 displaced individuals.

Mizoram and Nagaland’s Stance on Fencing and FMR:

  • Mizoram’s Chief Minister opposes the move to fence the border, emphasising historical ties with the Chin people across the border.
  • The Nagaland government has not officially reacted, but the Naga Students’ Federation condemned the decision as “regressive,” emphasizing the historical claim of Nagas to the territories.

Conclusion: The reconsideration of the FMR and the decision to fence the India-Myanmar border is a complex issue with historical, geopolitical, and security implications, leading to varying reactions from different states and communities.

Also read: India – Myanmar relations

Nut Graf: Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement to fence the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border and reconsider the Free Movement Regime (FMR) has sparked controversy. The FMR, introduced in 2018, aimed to enhance ties but faces scrutiny due to security concerns and regional conflicts, especially in Manipur.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Jal Jeevan Mission

Context: In just two years, the Jal Jeevan Mission has brought about a revolutionary change in rural India by providing tap water to 73% of households.

About: 

  • Launched in 2019, the mission, guided by inclusivity and community participation, aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6. 
  • Diverse challenges, from hilly terrains to water quality issues, are addressed through tailored solutions, showcasing adaptability. Beyond water provision, studies reveal a broader impact, reducing infant deaths and preventing under-five fatalities. 
  • The Jal Jeevan Mission actively involves communities, empowering women and engaging the youth. Notably, it generates substantial employment and ensures transparency through real-time monitoring. 

Significance: 

With a positive outlook and a commitment to eradicating water scarcity, the Jal Jeevan Mission emerges as a transformative force, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for rural India.

2. Turkiye ratifies Sweden’s NATO membership after protracted delay

Context: In a historic decision, Turkey’s Parliament has ratified Sweden’s NATO membership, marking the culmination of a year-long deliberation. 

About: 

  • The approval, with 287 votes in favour and 55 against, solidifies Sweden’s path to becoming the 32nd member of the alliance. 
  • The delay in this process had raised concerns within Western diplomatic circles amid Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. 
  • The positive response from Hungary and the United States underscores the significance of this diplomatic milestone in reinforcing alliance cohesion and security.

3. Centre releases three-drug regimen for treating leprosy

Context: India’s health sector achieves a milestone in the battle against leprosy with the government’s approval of an advanced treatment regimen, targeting the cessation of transmission at the sub-national level by 2027. 

Issue: 

  • The Directorate General of Health Services emphasizes the National Leprosy Eradication Programme’s robust measures. 
  • A pivotal shift involves adopting a three-drug regimen for Pauci-Bacillary cases, replacing the existing six-month, two-drug approach. 
  • States and Union Territories are urged to requisition updated drugs 12 months ahead. The new regimen for PB and MB cases will commence on April 1, 2025. 

Significance: 

  • This adaptation aligns with global scientific research and garners World Health Organization support.
  • The shift from a two-drug to a three-drug regimen is anticipated to enhance the nation’s campaign to eliminate leprosy by 2027, ensuring a robust and effective approach to this chronic infectious disease.

4. Rs. 8500-crore aid for coal gasification

Context: The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned a substantial financial aid package of ₹8,500 crore to foster coal/lignite gasification projects. 

About: This move, approved during a Cabinet meeting, underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing initiatives in the energy sector. The allocation aims to bolster and promote projects related to the gasification of coal and lignite, aligning with the government’s strategic focus on enhancing energy infrastructure and diversifying energy sources.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1 . Consider the following statements:
  1. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is a foundation initiated by the International Olympic Committee to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against drugs in sports.
  2. ‘Operation Refuge’, a report published by WADA, is an analysis and examination of doping amongst minors in sports.

Which of these statement(s) is /are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 & 2
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is a foundation initiated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against drugs in sports.
  • ‘Operation Refuge’ is a report published by WADA, and it focuses on the analysis and examination of doping amongst minors in sports. 
Q2. Which one of the following committees is associated with Panchayati 
Raj in India?
  1. L M Singhvi Committee
  2. Abid Hussain Committee
  3. Damodaran Committee
  4. Shivaraman Committee
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

  • The committee associated with Panchayati Raj in India is the L M Singhvi Committee. This committee played a crucial role in recommending constitutional amendments to strengthen and empower the Panchayati Raj institutions.
  • Its recommendations led to the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, which formalized the constitutional status of Panchayati Raj institutions, defining their powers, functions, and devolution of authority to the local level.
Q3. Consider the following statements:
  1. Gasification is a technological process that can convert any carbonaceous (carbon-based) raw material such as coal into fuel gas, or synthesis gas (syngas).
  2. Anthracite is a hard, compact variety of mineral coal that has the highest carbon count and contains very few impurities.
  3. Anthracite is also referred to as blind coal.

Which of these statement(s) is /are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 & 2
  3. 1 & 3
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:

All statements are correct:

  • Gasification is a technological process that converts carbonaceous raw materials, such as coal, into fuel gas or synthesis gas (syngas). This process involves reacting the raw material at high temperatures with a controlled amount of oxygen or steam. The resulting syngas can be used for various purposes, including power generation and chemical production.
  • Anthracite is a hard, compact variety of mineral coal known for having the highest carbon content and containing very few impurities. It is considered a high-rank coal due to its maturity and carbon concentration, making it a valuable energy resource.
  • Anthracite is sometimes referred to as “blind coal.”
Q4. Consider the following statements:
  1. A unique feature of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is its tripartite character.
  2. India has ratified the Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100) of ILO.
  3. The Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182) of ILO, has not been ratified by India.

Which of these statement(s) is /are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 & 2
  4. 2 & 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • The International Labour Organisation (ILO) possesses a unique tripartite character, involving the participation of governments, employers, and workers in its decision-making processes. This tripartite structure ensures that the views of all key stakeholders are considered in the development of international labour standards and policies.
  • India has ratified the Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100) of ILO. This convention aims to promote the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value.
  • India has also ratified the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182) of ILO. This convention is designed to eliminate the most egregious forms of child labour and provide protection to children from exploitation and abuse in the world of work.
  • Therefore, the correct answer is 1 & 2.
Q5. Which of the following gives the ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking 
to the countries of the world?
  1. World Economic Forum
  2. UN Human Rights Council
  3. UN Women
  4. World Health Organization
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

  • The ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking of countries is provided by the World Economic Forum. 
  • It is an annual report released by the World Economic Forum that assesses gender-based gaps in various aspects, including economic participation, educational attainment, health, and political empowerment. 
  • The index aims to highlight disparities between men and women and track progress over time. 
  • The World Economic Forum plays a crucial role in promoting awareness and addressing gender inequalities on a global scale.

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