18 Jul 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 18 July 2023:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
POLITY
1. Risk of small states’ heavy reliance on Union govt
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Conclusion of Trade Disputes at WTO
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
POLITY
1. A common civil code spelling equality for every Indian
GOVERNANCE
1. A Bill that fences in the right to information
F. Prelims Facts
1. NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index
2. Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex
G. Tidbits
1. Russia exits Black Sea Grain Initiative
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Conclusion of Trade Disputes at WTO

Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting the Indian interests; Important International institutions.

Mains: Indo-US bilateral trade

Prelims: About WTO

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the U.S. resulted in the resolution of six trade disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO) between India and the U.S.

Conclusion of Trade Disputes at WTO:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the U.S. resulted in the decision to end six long-standing trade disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
  • The disputes were resolved between India and the U.S., aiming to bring about a meaningful resolution despite the redundancy of the WTO Appellate Body.

Background and Nature of Disputes:

  • One of the settled disputes involved challenges related to India’s National Solar Mission and certain sub-federal programs in the renewable energy sector in the U.S.
  • India had concerns about compliance with WTO treaty obligations, while the U.S. sought authorization for trade retaliation from the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body.
  • Over time, some schemes expired or were modified, making enforcement of WTO panel rulings challenging.

Settlement of Disputes and Pragmatic Approach:

  • Both India and the U.S. demonstrated a pragmatic approach by settling the disputes, acknowledging each other’s domestic challenges and the need to bury differences.
  • India found relief in resolving challenges regarding foreign trade policy schemes, including special economic zones (SEZ) and export-oriented unit schemes.
  • The settlement showcased a pragmatic approach between two strong trading partners.

Understanding in Ongoing Disputes:

  • Two ongoing disputes, particularly the challenge against the controversial Section 232 tariffs imposed by the U.S., were kept on a temporary hold.
  • India imposed retaliatory measures, considering the U.S. tariffs as safeguard measures, leading to a series of WTO challenges and unilateral trade responses.

Modification of Measures and Market Access Opportunities:

  • The proposed termination of disputes does not entail giving up measures but modifying them to address concerns and interests.
  • The U.S. will consider exclusion requests from India for steel and aluminium products, providing market access opportunities for Indian exporters.
  • Indian steel and aluminium exporters, who faced challenges in the U.S. market, can benefit from the committed approval rates.

Mutual Assurances and Reverting to Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Rates:

  • India has assured the removal of retaliatory duties on certain U.S. agricultural imports affected by Section 232 measures.
  • India will revert to the currently applied ‘most favoured nation’ (MFN) rate for eight products, not offering preferential concessions but maintaining MFN-applied rates.

Significance and Implications for India-US Trade Relations:

  • Resolving six separate disputes sets a precedent for finding mutually agreed solutions in the WTO and strengthens India-US trade relations.
  • The decision demonstrates a new chapter in trade relations, emphasizing diplomacy and bilateral negotiations as practical tools when immediate adjudicatory outcomes are not feasible.
  • The deal aligns with the deepening economic engagements between India and the U.S. and serves as a template for other WTO members to follow.

Nut Graf: India and the U.S. ended long-standing trade disputes at the WTO, showcasing a pragmatic approach and setting a template for other members, fostering stronger bilateral trade relations.

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. A Bill that fences in the right to information

Syllabus: Government policies, transparency and accountability

Mains: Impact of Digital Personal Data Protection Bill on Right to Information

Context:

The news that the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill has been cleared by the Union Cabinet and would be introduced during the monsoon session of Parliament raises some concerns. 

Impact of Digital Personal Data Protection Bill on Right to Information

  • The proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Bill contains provisions that will significantly curtail the right to information for Indian citizens. 
  • The Right To Information Act’s Section 8(1)(j) will be changed by the proposed Data Protection Bill to read as exempting information under (j), which relates to personal information.
  • All information that can be attributed to a person could be legally denied if this amendment is approved. 
  • The term “person” is used quite broadly throughout the proposed Bill to refer to people, businesses, and the state. 
  • Most data would be connected to one of these, with the exception of budgets. As a result, the RTI would turn into a Right to Deny Information, making it a useless tool.

RTI and Refusal of Information

  • Right To Information acknowledges that each citizen has the right to access practically all of the information held by the government by default. 
  • The most frequently misunderstood exemption is Section 8(1)(j), which exempts personal information that does not relate to a public activity or that violates an individual’s privacy. 
  • According to the law, personal information may be excluded if it: is unrelated to a public activity or interest; or would result in an unjustified breach of an individual’s privacy.
  • Many information requests were turned down with the bland justification that they would not provide the information because it was personal information, in violation of the law. Although prohibited, this has been frequently used to justify arbitrary, dishonest, or unlawful actions by government employees. 

Conclusion

Democracy demands informed citizens and transparency in the business of their government so that they can hold it accountable and fight corruption. It balances the requirement for an effective government with the preservation of democratic ideals.

One of the best transparency laws in the world, the Indian Right to Information (RTI) Act gives citizens more power and formally acknowledges their status as India’s owners and rulers.

Nut Graf: The attempt to modify the RTI Act in the proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Bill will significantly weaken the freedom to access information for Indian citizens and will result in a significant retreat for democracy.

F. Prelims Facts

1. NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index

Syllabus: GS 3- Economy

Prelims: Poverty measurement indices

Decline in Multidimensional Poverty:

  • India’s multidimensional poverty has decreased by 9.89 percentage points from 2015-16 to 2019-2021.
  • The number of multidimensionally poor individuals reduced by nearly 13.5 crores during this period.
  • The assessment was based on United Nations-approved parameters focusing on health, education, and standard of living.

Rural Areas:

  • Rural areas experienced the fastest decline in poverty, decreasing from 32.59% to 19.28%.
  • Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan showed significant progress in reducing multidimensional poverty.

Urban Areas:

  • Urban areas experienced a reduction in multidimensional poverty from 8.65% to 5.27%.
  • Uttar Pradesh, in particular, saw the most significant decline, with 3.43 crore individuals breaking free from multidimensional poverty.

Regional Disparities:

  • Delhi, Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu, along with the Union Territories, had the lowest number of people facing multidimensional poverty.
  • Meghalaya, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh reported a higher percentage of population living in multidimensional poverty.

Methodology and Parameters:

  • The report is based on the latest National Family Health Survey of 2019-21 and is the second edition of the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
  • The methodology examined 12 parameters, including nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, education, sanitation, and access to basic amenities.

Impact and Future Strategies:

  • The MPI value nearly halved from 2015-16 to 2019-21, and the intensity of poverty reduced from 47% to 44%.
  • The report will aid policymakers and the wider community in addressing poverty-related issues and achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
  • District-wise estimation of the MPI will prioritise efforts to uplift the most vulnerable sections of society.

2. Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex

Syllabus: GS 3- Science and Technology

Prelims: James Webb Space Telescope and Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex

Introduction:

  • NASA celebrates one year since the unveiling of the James Webb Space Telescope’s first scientific results.
  • The telescope captured an image of the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, the nearest star-forming region to Earth.
  • The image showcases a nebula, an immense cloud of interstellar gas and dust that acts as a nursery for new stars.

The Significance of the Image:

  • Insight into New Star Formation: The Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex offers a glimpse into the formation of new suns and planet-forming disks.
  • Time Capsule: The image presents similarities to what scientists believe the early solar system looked like over 4.5 billion years ago.
  • Dusty Cocoon: The Rho Ophiuchi core is concealed by vast amounts of dust, rendering it invisible to telescopes operating in visible light.
  • Webb’s Capability: The James Webb Space Telescope overcomes this challenge by peering through the dust, revealing the young stars within and capturing the earliest stages of star formation.

Details of the Image:

  • Jets of Material: The image showcases the influence of material jets emitted by young stars on the surrounding gas and dust, illuminating molecular hydrogen.
  • A Star in a Glowing Cave: One section of the image displays a star situated within a luminous cave formed by its stellar winds in space.

Webb’s Achievements:

  • Unveiling Early Galaxies and Black Holes: Since becoming operational, Webb has uncovered the existence of the earliest-known galaxies and black holes.
  • Compact Yet Mature Galaxies: The telescope has observed large and mature galaxies with a surprising level of compactness, brimming with stars formed shortly after the Big Bang.
  • Enhanced Sensitivity: Webb, designed to be more sensitive than the Hubble Space Telescope, primarily observes the universe in the infrared spectrum, offering a unique perspective.
  • Looking Back in Time: Due to its increased capability and ability to study greater distances, Webb enables scientists to peer further back in time, unravelling the mysteries of the early universe.

G. Tidbits

1. Russia exits Black Sea Grain Initiative

  • The Kremlin announces Russia’s withdrawal from the major agreement allowing Ukraine grain exports.
  • The decision comes shortly after drones strike Russia’s only bridge connecting its mainland to the Crimea peninsula.
  • The attack on the Kerch Bridge is claimed to be unrelated to the withdrawal, with Moscow expressing long-standing complaints about the pact’s implementation.
  • The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) overseeing the agreement states that no new ships have been approved for participation since June 27.
  • Previous Dissatisfaction and Termination Announcement
    • Putin indicated Russia’s intention to terminate the agreement, citing Moscow’s interests being overlooked.
    • Russia notifies Turkey, Ukraine, and the UN of its opposition to extending the deal.
    • The Foreign Ministry of Russia conveys its discontent with the agreement’s renewal.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Multidimensional 
Poverty Index (MPI):
  1. It measures poverty by considering multiple dimensions of deprivation, such as health, education, and living standards.
  2. It is an index developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assess poverty at the national level.
  3. It is calculated solely based on monetary terms.

How many of the statements given above are incorrect?

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

Answer: b

Explanation: 

  • Statement 2 is not correct. National MPI is not developed by UNDP but by the NITI Aayog.
  • Statement 3 is not correct, as the National MPI considers multiple dimensions, not just income levels.
Q2. Which of the following statements about the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) 
and the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex is correct?
  1. The JWST was launched in 2021 and collects data primarily in visible light.
  2. The Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex is located in a galaxy far beyond the Milky Way.
  3. The JWST has revealed the existence of the earliest-known galaxies and black holes.
  4. The Rho Ophiuchi nebula is only a few hundred years old.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

The JWST has been used to observe some of the earliest galaxies and black holes that formed in the universe. These objects are so distant that they can only be seen in infrared light. 

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding endometriosis:
  1. It can be cured with early diagnosis and effective treatment.
  2. It affects approximately 10% of reproductive-age women and girls globally.
  3. It can cause severe pain during periods, sexual intercourse, and bowel movements.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: b

Explanation: 

Endometriosis cannot be prevented, and currently, there is no cure. However, its symptoms can be managed through medications or, in certain situations, surgical intervention.

Q4. Which of the following statements regarding Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) 
technology used in submarines is correct?
  1. AIP technology allows submarines to recharge their batteries while remaining underwater, improving endurance and stealth.
  2. AIP technology is developed by foreign countries and is not available indigenously.
  3. AIP technology increases the speed of conventional submarines, making them faster than nuclear-powered submarines.
  4. AIP technology is only applicable to aircraft carriers and not to conventional submarines.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

AIP technology, developed indigenously by DRDO, boosts the underwater endurance and stealth of conventional submarines, eliminating the need for surfacing to recharge batteries.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD):
  1. NCORD is a specialised agency dedicated to combating narcotics and drug trafficking in India.
  2. It was established to enhance coordination among various law enforcement agencies involved in anti-narcotics operations.
  3. NCORD operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

How many of the statements given above are incorrect?

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

Answer: d

Explanation: 

All three statements are correct.

CNA 18 July 2023:- Download PDF Here

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