11 Jul 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 11 July 2023:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Wastewater surveillance
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. AI’s disruptive economic impact, an India check
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The Global South: origins and significance
F. Prelims Facts
1. Quantum computing & Majorana fermions
G. Tidbits
1. China & Solomon Islands sign deals
2. Import of urea will ease by 2025
3. China protests Dalai Lama’s meeting with US officials
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. The Global South: origins and significance

Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Mains: About Global South and Role of India in Global South 

Context: This article talks about the term Global South, its significance in recent global scenarios and the role of India in the Global South.

What do you mean by “Global South”?

  • The term “Global South” refers to a group of countries around the world that are sometimes referred to as “developing,” “less developed,” or “underdeveloped.”
  • Many of these nations are located in the Southern Hemisphere, primarily in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 
  • In general, they are poorer, have higher levels of income inequality, lower life expectancy, and harsher living conditions than the “Global North” countries. 
  • Global South appears to have been first used in 1969 by political activist Carl Oglesby. 
  • ‘First World’: The term refers to the advanced capitalist nations.
  • ‘Second World’: The term refers to the socialist nations led by the Soviet Union.
  • ‘Third World’: This refers to developing nations, many at the time still under the colonial yoke.

Geopolitical Significance of Global South

  • The phrase “Global South” refers to a group of nations that share a variety of political, geographic, and economic characteristics.
  • The majority of the nations in the Global South were under colonial and imperial domination. 
  • They are given a totally different perspective on the link between the centre and the periphery in the global political economy, as articulated by dependency theorists.
  • China, India, the United States, and Indonesia are predicted to be the top four economies by 2030, with three of them coming from the Global South. 
  • The G-7 club’s GDP has already been surpassed by that of the BRICS countries, which are dominated by the Global South and include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. 

Challenges before Global South

The Global South faces many difficulties. In terms of global geopolitics, there is a need to critically evaluate how to provide the Global South’s framework with some key teething. When examining the geopolitical aspirations of the Global South, it is essential to consider three crucial structural components: 

  • The countries of the Global South are the most vulnerable as seen during the Ukraine crisis which has led to the rise in energy costs and fertiliser prices. 
  • The great power rivalry has an impact on global decision-making. 
  • The other issue is the need for multilateral decision-making mechanisms to be reformed.
  • The major issue that needs to be addressed is the necessity to rethink normative idioms in global politics. 

India’s Approach to Global South

Being the leader of the Global South, India provides a voice to the Global South Movement. Some of the following policy prescriptions outlined by India are in sync with the ethos which the Global South Movement consistently advocates. 

  • India’s approach to global energy security and the energy transition is particularly pertinent to the Global South because of the many difficulties it is currently experiencing due to the energy transition. 
  • India’s viewpoint on democracy will address the ongoing crisis that the Global South has been experiencing because of the Global North. 
  • From the Syrian crisis to the current Ukrainian crisis, India backed the practice of foreign powers abstaining from meddling in internal matters. 
  • Over the years, India’s attitude to democratising international relations and reforming the United Nations has been consistent with the demands of the Global South. 
  • Some of the consistent demands India has made throughout the years include reforming the United Nations and expanding the permanent membership of the UN Security Council. 

Way forward

  • Need for an alternative approach to global normative order: The dialectic approach to normative concerns like democracy, human rights, and the Responsibility to Protect is the contentious topic that the Global South is currently facing in the international arena. As can be seen in this situation, the Global North employs these normative idioms as a framework to maintain its domination over the Global South. 
  • Need for equitable global energy order: In terms of energy security, the most pressing issue confronting the Global South is ensuring a sustainable energy transition.  In this aspect, the Global South is in a tough position. The urgent requirement is to guarantee a sustainable energy transition that can lead to overall socioeconomic development in the Global South.
  • Reformed multilateral institutionalism and Global South: The need to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other multilateral agencies to provide fair representation from the Global South is another crucial topic that requires more focus from the standpoint of the Global South. 

Nut Graf: The phrase “Global South” has once again come to light as a result of many powerful nations’ refusal to support NATO during the conflict in Ukraine. In this situation, India can offer the Global South the required leadership and a fresh perspective on world geopolitics.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Quantum computing & Majorana fermions

Syllabus: GS 3- Science and Technology

Prelims: General awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, biotechnology

Introduction:

  • Microsoft researchers have announced a breakthrough in creating Majorana zero modes, a type of particle that could transform quantum computing.
  • These particles, with unique properties, offer increased computational robustness and less fragility to quantum computers.

Understanding Majorana Particles:

  • All subatomic particles that constitute matter are called fermions.
  • The Dirac equation, developed in 1928, predicted the existence of antiparticles for each particle.
  • In 1937, physicist Ettore Majorana discovered that certain particles could be their own antiparticles, leading to their classification as Majorana fermions.

Majorana Zero Modes Explained:

  • Majorana zero modes are bound states that are their own antiparticles and possess specific quantum numbers.
  • They can be used in topological quantum computing, offering greater stability and protection of encoded information.
  • Unlike regular qubits, which are fragile, qubits based on Majorana zero modes can resist decoherence and maintain encoded information for extended periods.

Advantages of Majorana Zero Modes:

  • Majorana zero modes utilise topological degeneracy, where a system can exist in multiple states at the lowest energy level.
  • These modes can store information based on different topological properties, ensuring information retention and protection.
  • Majorana zero modes also exhibit non-Abelian statistics, enabling algorithms with increased degrees of freedom for complex computations.

Challenges and Progress:

  • Creating Majorana zero modes is a challenge, with various research attempts and studies underway.
  • Researchers at Microsoft recently reported engineering a topological superconductor that demonstrated indications of hosting Majorana zero modes.
  • The device passed a stringent protocol and showed conductance peaks associated with Majorana zero modes, but independent confirmation is needed.

Implications for Quantum Computing:

  • Majorana zero modes have the potential to revolutionise quantum computing, offering enhanced computational power and reliability.
  • However, further improvements in simulation, growth, fabrication, and measurement capabilities are required for practical implementation.
  • While estimates of achieving a quantum supercomputer with Majorana qubits vary, continued research and development are essential.

G. Tidbits

1. China & Solomon Islands sign deals

  • The Solomon Islands and China have pledged to deepen their relations, causing apprehension in Washington and Australia regarding China’s growing influence in the South Pacific.
  • Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare engaged in discussions and efforts to enhance cooperation during his meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
  • Agreements were signed between the two countries in areas such as police, economic, and technical cooperation.
  • The Solomon Islands, located northeast of Australia, has become China’s biggest success in its efforts to expand its presence in the South Pacific.
  • In 2019, the Solomon Islands switched official recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, aligning with China’s position on the Taiwan issue.
  • Concerns were raised over a secretive security agreement between the Solomon Islands and Beijing, which potentially allowed Chinese military forces in the region. However, Prime Minister Sogavare denied any intention to give China a military foothold.
  • Chinese leader Xi expressed China’s interest in expanding relations and trade through the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to develop infrastructure across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa.

2. Import of urea will ease by 2025

  • Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Manukh Mandaviya, proposed a special package worth ₹3.7 lakh crore for farmers to address unbalanced fertiliser use in the country.
  • The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratio should ideally be 4:2:1, but it currently stands at 8:3:1.
  • The imbalance in soil health has led to saturated production and interconnected issues of soil, human, animal, and environmental health.
  • The scheme aims to promote overall health by addressing the imbalances caused by excessive fertiliser use.
  • The balanced use of fertilisers is crucial for steady production, food security, and supporting farmers.
  • There are no plans to completely stop the consumption of chemical fertilisers, but the country is gradually transitioning towards natural and organic farming.
  • The government aims to end urea import dependence by 2025 and replace it with nano urea and other alternatives.
  • Nano urea will not entirely replace conventional urea, but its use can help improve soil health and reduce transportation costs.
  • Nano urea has undergone extensive scientific studies and is considered safe for soil health.
  • A 500-ml bottle of nano urea can replace one bag of 45 kilograms of conventional urea.

3. China protests Dalai Lama’s meeting with US officials

  • China protests the meeting between the Dalai Lama and U.S. official Uzra Zeya in New Delhi, calling it interference in its internal affairs.
  • The Dalai Lama stated that Tibetans do not seek independence and expressed openness for talks with the Chinese government, which has shown interest.
  • U.S. Under Secretary Uzra Zeya, also the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, met with the Dalai Lama and officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamshala.
  • The Chinese embassy spokesperson in India emphasised that Tibet affairs are China’s internal affairs and opposes foreign officials’ contact with Tibetan independence forces.
  • In the past, China expressed its objections to Zeya’s visit to Dharamshala in May 2022 and voiced its opposition to the creation of the Special Coordinator position for Tibetan Issues by the Biden administration.
  • China calls upon the United States to uphold its commitment of recognizing Tibet as an integral part of China, cease interfering in China’s internal matters, and refrain from endorsing the separatist endeavours of the Dalai clique.
  • The Dalai Lama confirmed Tibet as part of China and mentioned that the Chinese government has approached him for talks.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Arrange the following countries from north to south based on their location:
  1. Marshall Islands
  2. Solomon Islands
  3. Papua New Guinea
  4. Fiji

Which of the following sequences is/are correct?

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

Answer: a

Explanation: The correct sequence is 1-3-2-4.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding classical and quantum computers:
  1. Classical computers use algorithms and provide a single definitive answer, while quantum computers deliver a range of possible answers.
  2. A qubit can be in a state of either one or zero, similar to a classical bit.
  3. Quantum computers work faster than classical computers due to the interaction of qubits and simultaneous calculations.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect as in classical computers, bits can only be in a state of either one or zero. However, in quantum computers, qubits can be any possible combination of the two.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding liquid nano urea:
  1. Liquid nano urea is a nanoparticle form of urea, which provides nitrogen to plants.
  2. The efficiency of liquid nano urea can be as high as 85-90% compared to conventional urea.
  3. Liquid nano urea is applied by spraying it directly on the leaves of crops.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct as they describe the characteristics and application method of liquid nano urea.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Refugee Convention 
of 1951:
  1. The convention defines a refugee as someone who has fled their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
  2. The convention establishes the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of a refugee to a country where their life or freedom would be at risk.
  3. India has not signed the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951.

How many of the statements given above are incorrect?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: All three statements are correct.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission:
  1. Every citizen will receive a digital health ID and their health records will be digitally protected.
  2. The mission aims to develop the necessary infrastructure to support the integrated digital health system of the country.
  3. The Directorate General of Health Services is the implementing agency of the mission.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect as the National Health Authority (NHA) is the implementing agency of the mission.

CNA 11 July 2023:- Download PDF Here

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