CNA 1 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. India backs 2016 ruling favouring the Philippines in South China Sea C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INDIAN POLITY 1. The Governor’s move is dangerous, unconstitutional INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. A new chapter in India-Africa ties can be written F. Prelims Facts 1. Iran to join Shanghai alliance with China, Russia next week: Lavrov 2. May core sector growth pace brakes to 4.3%, from 19.3% G. Tidbits 1. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Knowledge Centre & Space Museum to be ready in 18 months 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
1. India backs 2016 ruling favouring the Philippines in South China Sea
Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Mains: Challenges to Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Context:
Mr. Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines has arrived in India on an official visit to strengthen ties between India and the Philippines. China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea was discussed in this context.
Introduction:
- China and the ASEAN countries are negotiating for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
- In this regard, India has called for adherence to the 2016 arbitration decision in favour of the Philippines.
What was the Arbitration Decision?
In 2013, the Philippines took the matter to the Permanent Court of Arbitration to resolve their dispute with China over rights to the South China Sea. The Arbitral Tribunal, established under UNCLOS, made several key rulings in favour of the Philippines:
- China’s claims to historic rights within the nine-dash line were found to be contrary to UNCLOS and beyond the geographic limits set by it.
- The Tribunal determined that China’s construction and presence on artificial islands and structures did not change the legal status of these features, meaning they cannot generate an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or a continental shelf (CS).
- The Tribunal ruled that China’s action violates UNCLOS in several ways, including temporarily banning fishing in the Philippines EEZ, failing to prevent Chinese vessels from fishing in the Philippines EEZ, preventing Filipino fishermen from traditional fishing at Scarborough Shoal, constructing artificial islands without the Philippines’ authorization, and causing damage to the coral reef ecosystem through land reclamation and construction in the Spratly Islands.
What are the difficulties in concluding the negotiations of the Code of Conduct?
- China has rejected the 2016 Arbitral award and considers it null and void. This creates a significant hurdle to reaching a resolution.
- China’s increased assertiveness in the South China Sea limits the likelihood of finding a mutually agreeable solution.
- ASEAN countries have differing views, and there is no unified stance on all issues. This lack of consensus among member nations makes it challenging to reach a final solution.
- The code of conduct will need to address a variety of details, such as what to do in the event of a collision at sea, how to deal with third parties, and whether the code will be legally binding. There has been no consensus on this.
- Manila’s efforts to strengthen its military presence in the region, while emphasizing its desire to assert rights and protect its fishermen, are met with opposition from China. This disagreement could potentially contribute to a stalemate in the negotiations.
Nut graf: India aims to enhance its ties with the ASEAN nations as part of its strategy to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region and establish a rules-based order. This pursuit has far-reaching implications for the balance of power, as well as economic and trade relations in the region.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. The Governor’s move is dangerous, unconstitutional
Syllabus: GS-2, Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.
Mains: Center – State relations and Role of Governor
Context:
- The Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi dismissed V. Senthil Balaji, a Minister in the Council of Ministers of Tamil Nadu, without the recommendation of the Chief Minister of the State. (This has now been kept in abeyance).
- The reasons for the dismissal were mentioned as follows: continuation of the Minister in the Council will adversely impact the due process of law, including a fair investigation that may eventually lead to the breakdown of the constitutional machinery in the State.
What does the Constitution say on these matters?
- The Governor’s action was unconstitutional because the Governor does not have the power to dismiss a Minister without the advice of the Chief Minister.
- Article 164 of the Constitution states that the individual Ministers are appointed by the Governor only on the advice of the Chief Minister. Consequently, a minister can be removed from office only on the advice of the Chief Minister.
- Comparison of Article 164 with the Government of India Act, 1935, provides clarity on the selection and dismissal of Ministers by the Governor.
- Section 51(1) of the Act states that the Governor has the authority to choose and summon Ministers, who hold office at the Governor’s pleasure.
- Section 51(5) further states that the Governor exercises discretion in the functions related to the selection, summoning, dismissal, and determination of salaries of Ministers.
- This discretionary power of the Governor in selecting and dismissing Ministers reflects the “hire and fire” approach that was prevalent during the colonial rule under the Government of India Act, 1935.
- However, this discretion is not applicable in the current constitutional framework where Ministers are chosen and dismissed based on the advice of the Chief Minister, as per the provisions of the Constitution.
- In the Constituent Assembly, Dr. BR Ambedkar highlighted that there is no executive work which a Governor can perform independently under the Constitution.
- The Constitution of India has incorporated the pleasure doctrine from the Government of India Act, 1935. However, it is important to note that the meaning of “pleasure” in Article 164 pertains to the formal act of issuing the order of dismissal, which can only be done by the Governor upon the advice of the Chief Minister.
- Also, the words “chosen”, “dismissal” and “discretion” were omitted from Article 164 to ensure that the Constitution did not confer any discretion on the Governor to either choose or dismiss an individual Minister.
What did the Supreme Court say in this matter?
- In the case of Shamsher Singh and Anr vs State Of Punjab (1974), the Supreme Court ruled that the Governor’s powers are limited and that he/she cannot exercise the formal constitutional powers without the advice of his Ministers.
- This was further affirmed in the case of Nabam Rebia vs Deputy Speaker where the court held that discretionary powers of the Governor are limited to those in Article 163(1).
Conclusion:
Critics point out that the Governor’s action of dismissing the Minister without the recommendation of the Chief Minister was unconstitutional and has set a dangerous precedent. It has the potential to destabilize State governments and undermine the federal system.
Nut Graf: Constitutional framework has envisioned a limited role for the Governor in the parliamentary process at the State. Deviating from this could place the federal system in jeopardy as has been highlighted by the Supreme Court.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. A new chapter in India-Africa ties can be written
Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Mains: India – Africa Relations and opportunities for shared development.
Context:
Africa has nearly 17% of the world’s population and is projected to reach 25% by 2050. India’s rise as a key player in global affairs is closely tied to its partnership with Africa.
Introduction:
India and Africa are two continents with a lot of potential for cooperation. A recent report titled “India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2023” makes recommendations for how India can deepen and diversify its partnership with Africa.
What is the current state of geo-politics in Africa?
- While progress is being made towards regional integration and the pursuit of democracy, peace, and progress, countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Central African Republic continue to grapple with insurgency, ethnic violence, and terrorism.
- The landscape is further shaped by the competition among various external partners, including China, Russia, the United States, and the European Union who seek to strengthen their relations with different parts of Africa for market access, energy security, and political and economic influence.
- China has emerged as Africa’s prominent economic partner, investing significantly in infrastructure development, resource provision, and financing.
- In contrast, India maintains a substantive partnership with Africa and enjoys substantial goodwill. However, the report emphasizes the need for New Delhi to periodically review its Africa policy, adapt to necessary changes, and implement it with utmost focus.
What are the recommendations to improve India – Africa relations?
- Political and diplomatic cooperation: The report recommends that India and Africa hold regular summits and dialogues to discuss common challenges and opportunities. For example, apart from the India Africa Forum Summits, the report calls for an annual strategic dialogue between the chairperson of the African Union (AU) and India’s External Affairs Minister. It also calls for the entry of AU into the G-20.
- Defence and security cooperation: The report recommends that India and Africa increase their cooperation on defence and security issues, such as counter-terrorism and maritime security. It calls for expanding the credit lines for defence exports from India.
- Economic and development cooperation: The report recommends that India and Africa increase their trade and investment ties, and that India provide more development assistance to Africa. India Africa trade can increase further from $98 billion in FY 22–23 if an Africa Growth Fund is established. The report also calls for an increase in exports by improving the logistics infrastructure, especially in the shipping sector.
- Socio-cultural cooperation: The report recommends that India and Africa increase their cultural and educational exchanges, and that India make it easier for Africans to study and work in India. The scholarships provided by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to African students should be named in honour of renowned African figures.
Conclusion:
The report’s recommendations are timely, as India and Africa are increasingly interconnected in the 21st century. By deepening and diversifying its partnership with Africa, India can help to promote peace, security, and prosperity on the continent.
Nut Graf: India – Africa relations have the potential to reach the next stage with opportunities for cooperation in Global Fora, Defence, Trade and Social Cultural domains. The report provides a timely reminder of the actions needed from New Delhi to realise this potential.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Iran to join Shanghai alliance with China, Russia next week: Lavrov
Syllabus: Current events of national and international importance.
Prelims: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
- Iran is expected to be approved as a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the second week of July 2023.
- The SCO is a regional intergovernmental organisation focused on regional security issues, regional terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism.
- The SCO has eight member states: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Four observer states—Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia—are interested in acceding to full membership, and six dialogue partners—Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey—are also involved with the organization.
- India and Pakistan joined the SCO in 2017.
- Iran has been an observer state of the SCO since 2005, and Belarus has been an observer state since 2015.
2. May core sector growth pace brakes to 4.3%, from 19.3%
Syllabus: Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
Prelims: Growth and Sustainable Development
- The growth of eight key infrastructure sectors in India slowed down to 4.3% in May 2023.
- The decline was driven by a fall in the production of crude oil, natural gas, and electricity.
- The Index of Core Industries (ICI) measures the combined and individual performance of eight core industries: coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity. These eight industries account for 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
- The compilation and release of the index are done by the Office of the Economic Adviser (OEA), Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Index of Eight Core Industries uses 2011 – 12 as the base year.
G. Tidbits
1. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Knowledge Centre & Space Museum to be ready in 18 months
- The Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Knowledge Centre and Space Museum is a joint project between the Kerala government and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
- The museum is being built in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and is expected to be completed in 18 months.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Arrange these islands in South China Sea from North to South:
- Scarborough Shoal
- Paracel Islands
- Spratly Islands
- Natuna Islands
Options:
- 2 – 1- 3 – 4
- 2 – 3 – 4 – 1
- 4 – 3 – 1 – 2
- 3 – 2 – 1 – 4
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
The arrangement of Islands in the South China Sea from North to South: Paracel Islands – Scarborough Shoal – Spratly Islands – Natuna Islands.
Image source: www.thehansindia.com
Q2. African Development Bank (AfDB) Group comprises of how many of these entities?
- African Development Bank (ADB)
- African Development Fund (ADF)
- Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF)
- African Union
Options:
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
The AfDB comprises three entities: the African Development Bank (ADB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF).
Q3. ‘Kowdiar Palace’ recently seen in news is located in:
- Karnataka
- Telangana
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
‘Kowdiar Palace’ where the erstwhile King of Travancore lived, is an architectural marvel. The APJ Abdul Kalam Knowledge Centre and Space Museum is being established at Kowdiar in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in close proximity to Kowdiar Palace.
Q4. Which of these countries made up the Shanghai Five?
- China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, India and Tajikistan
- China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan
- China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan
- China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
Shanghai Five emerged from a series of border demarcation and demilitarization talks that the four former Soviet republics held with China to ensure stability along the borders. Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were its members.
Q5. Which among the following core industries is given the highest weightage?
- Steel
- Coal
- Electricity
- Refinery Products
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
The eight core sector industries in decreasing order of their weightage: Refinery Products> Electricity> Steel> Coal> Crude Oil> Natural Gas> Cement> Fertilizers.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- 21st century is steering to become the African century in the coming decades. Do you agree? In this background, throw light on Indo-African relations. What more can India do to improve its partnership with the continent? (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, IR]
- What do you understand by Dark Patterns? Has the government of India taken any steps against this issue? (10 marks; 50 words) [GS-3, Economy]
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 1 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
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