CNA 19 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. What keeps Indo-French ties ticking C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. A push for GM mustard disregarding science, the law INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. The India-UAE deal to trade with rupees F. Prelims Facts 1. Uneven monsoon could fuel food inflation 2. Rock art in AP’s Rudragiri G. Tidbits 1. Declining exports 2. India-Russia Vande Bharat deal 3. DPT3 immunisation coverage 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. What keeps Indo-French ties ticking
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indian interests.
Mains: India-France bilateral relation.
Prelims: About Strategic Partnership, NATO-plus and P5 countries
Context:
The article discusses the longstanding strategic partnership between India and France, highlighting their shared principles, cooperation in nuclear matters, and unique geopolitical understanding.
Introduction:
- The relationship between India and France has been characterised by a strategic partnership built on shared principles of non-interference, strategic autonomy, and non-alignment.
- Despite occasional challenges, both nations have maintained strong ties through joint parades and mutual respect, focusing on key areas such as space, nuclear energy, and defence.
- The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Paris further exemplifies the significance of this unique partnership.
Philosophy of the Relationship:
- Mutual non-interference in internal affairs.
- Strong belief in strategic autonomy as advocated by President Charles De Gaulle.
- Adherence to non-alignment principles as expressed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Refusal to be drawn into each other’s coalitions and alliances.
Nuclear Cooperation and Civil Nuclear Deal:
- France supported India during the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, not imposing sanctions or scrapping the Strategic Partnership Agreement.
- France played a pivotal role in India obtaining a waiver at the Nuclear Suppliers Group in 2008, resulting in India’s first civil nuclear deal with France.
Geopolitical Stance: Ukraine War and NATO-Plus Partnership:
- France’s approach towards India’s position on the war in Ukraine, respecting India’s non-interference policy.
- France’s disapproval of NATO-plus partnership plans, respecting India’s rejection of NATO as a template.
Indo-Pacific Roadmap:
- India and France reaffirm their strategic autonomy and do not attempt to pull each other into regional military coalitions.
- Both countries reject the idea of “Quad-Plus” coalitions and maintain a unique geopolitical stance.
Joint Patrolling and Future Prospects:
- India conducts joint patrols only with France among the P-5 countries.
- Possibility of using French international territories and India’s Andaman Islands for port calls and reconnaissance on a bilateral basis.
Conclusion:
- The India-France strategic partnership is characterised by a shared geopolitical understanding, devoid of value judgments and pressure to align positions.
- This unique approach has allowed both nations to build a strong and enduring relationship, which continues to evolve in the face of changing global dynamics.
Nut Graf: India and France maintain a strong strategic partnership based on non-interference, strategic autonomy, and non-alignment, with key cooperation in nuclear matters and respect for each other’s geo-political stances.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. A push for GM mustard disregarding science, the law
Syllabus: GS-3, Biotechnology
Mains: GM crops in India
Context
There is a debate over environmental clearance for indigenously developed genetically modified (GM) mustard seeds in India.
Need for GM Crops
- GM crops differ significantly from conventional types and hybrids like those created by farmers, agricultural research organizations, and businesses.
- To create a GM crop, biotechnologists randomly insert chosen genes into the DNA of a plant.
- A GM crop now expresses features that it wouldn’t have otherwise because of the insertion. For instance, GM mustard has been modified to withstand the glufosinate herbicide or broad-spectrum plant-killer.
- This enables the creation of hybrid mustard seeds for greater yields.
- The herbicide can be sprayed by the farmers who are producing GM mustard to destroy all vegetation but the mustard.
The debate about GM crops in India
- Many people have been worried by the experience with Bt cotton, the country’s first and only certified GM crop.
- Long-term study indicates that Bt cotton has greatly increased farmers’ risk and cultivation expenses while offering just temporary benefits.
- On the other side, some seed businesses have made large profits from the pricey GM seeds.
Concerns over GM Crops
- Weakness of Regulatory System: The parliamentary committees called attention to significant regulatory system flaws and urged extreme caution before releasing genetically modified foods that could have long-term effects on biosafety, environmental danger, and socio-economic effects.
- Convergence in Risk Assessment: The parliamentary committee declared HT (herbicide-tolerant) crops entirely unsuited in the Indian setting and warned of significant consequences for the environment, rural livelihoods, and sustainable agriculture. In this instance, eminent experts and the people’s elected representatives have come to a certain consensus. This is the strongest possible argument against the release of any HT crop and in favour of significantly tighter regulation prior to the introduction of GM food. Such convergence disproves the myth that those who oppose GM crops are anti-development.
- Government Policies: The government must handle the problem of HT crops in a clear and forceful manner, with a focus on caution, given the overwhelming political and technical consensus. Rather, there seems to be a push towards GM mustard with a heedless disdain for both the law and science.
- Misleading the Court: The government has recently argued that GM mustard should not be called HT at all since the goal of producing it was to boost yields in order to circumvent the mounting evidence of long-term ecological and health dangers of HT crops. The government’s defense is nothing more than a red herring that may have been used to mislead the Supreme Court.
Conclusion
The government has been requested by the Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, and Forests to carry out an exhaustive, impartial, and open evaluation of GM Crops. Constitutional concerns regarding public health, environmental conservation, and agricultural livelihoods should be taken seriously by the government. Other HT crops like cotton, rice, and maize would probably be released if the Supreme Court approves the release of GM mustard.
Nut Graf: A determined struggle before the Supreme Court of India by environmentalists against Delhi University’s genetically modified (GM) herbicide-tolerant (HT) mustard is all that lies between GM food and Indian farmers and consumers.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The India-UAE deal to trade with rupees
Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Mains: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Relations
Context
During the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the UAE, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of the UAE signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
Study more about the India-UAE Trade deal here!
Impact of the India-UAE Trade Deal
- Impact on Local Currencies:
- The India-UAE MoUs intend to build a Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) to promote the usage of the rupee and the dirham bilaterally.
- Exporters and importers would be able to send invoices and make payments in their respective national currencies as a result.
- The INR-AED foreign currency market would then benefit from this. Additionally, it would encourage trade and remittances between the two nations.
- In general, the agreement would reduce transaction costs and speed up settlement times for all kinds of transactions, including remittances from Indians living in the UAE.
- Impact on Exports
- Exchange rate risks are minimised by emphasising local currency-denominated export contracts and invoices. Additionally, it will make it easier to find prices that are reasonable.
- Additionally, it might open up more opportunities for collaboration between the banking systems of the two nations, boosting exports in both directions.
Significance for Indian Remittances
- According to the 2023 Migration and Development Brief published by the World Bank, India had a year-over-year growth in remittances of 24.4% in 2022, reaching $111 billion.
- Currently, roughly 28% of the nation’s overall inflows of remittances come from GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nations.
- High-skilled and primarily high-tech Indian migrants in the U.S., the U.K., and Singapore were responsible for about 36% of the remittances.
Nut Graf: India-UAE deal will impact the high energy prices that favoured the employment and incomes of the less-skilled Indian migrants in the GCC countries, while the GCC governments’ special measures to curb food price inflation shielded Indian migrants’ remitting potential.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Uneven monsoon could fuel food inflation
Syllabus: GS 3- Economy
Prelims: Impact of below-normal monsoon on agriculture and inflation
Wetter July Fails to Improve Monsoon in Some Regions
- Despite overall rainfall above long period average, Southern peninsula, Deccan Plateau, and eastern region experience below-normal monsoon
Kharif Sowing Remains Lower Than Last Year
- Overall sown area of kharif crops down by 2% compared to 2022
- Major crops facing shortfalls: maize (5.6%), rice (6.1%), and pulses (13.3%)
Significant Drop in Sowing of Arhar
- Arhar sown area down by more than 38% compared to last year
- Risk of scarcity in Arhar production
Uneven Rainfall Distribution
- Some parts of West and North India experience excessive rainfall
- Deficiency in States like Bihar and Jharkhand
Impact on Reservoir Levels
- Western and southern regions’ reservoir levels lower than last year
- Uneven rainfall distribution affects water availability
IMD’s Forecast for Low Rainfall in Some States
- Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Bihar, Punjab and Tamil Nadu may see less than normal rainfall
- Further risk to paddy and pulses sowing
Food Inflation on the Rise
- Deficient rainfall leads to lower sowing of rice and pulses
- Pushes food prices higher
Crucial Period for Kharif Crops
- July is critical for sowing kharif crops
- Approximately 32% of monsoon precipitation occurs during this month
Syllabus: GS 1- Art and Culture
Prelims: Mesolithic drawings and Kakatiya Artworks
Historical Significance of Rudragiri Hillock
- Located in Orvakallu village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
- Boasts a celebrated past and remarkable archaeological monuments
Combination of Prehistoric Rock Paintings and Kakatiya Art
- Mesolithic rock paintings from around 5000 B.C.
- Exquisite artwork from the Kakatiya dynasty (13th century A.D.)
Rock Shelters from the Mesolithic Age
- Rudragiri features five naturally formed rock shelters
- Served as living quarters during the Mesolithic period
Kakatiya Artwork in Natural Caves
- Two natural caves at the southern end of the hillock exhibit exceptional murals
- Artistic brilliance of the Kakatiya period showcased
Physical Condition of Kakatiya Artwork
- Paintings adorned with colours derived from white kaolin and pigments
- Depict captivating scenes from the epic Ramayana
Narrative Murals in the Caves
- First cave portrays the intense battle between the Vanara brothers, Vali and Sugriva
- Middle cave features a grand sketch of Hanuman carrying the Sanjivani hill
Unique Depiction of Hanuman
- Third cave houses the prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic era
- Kakatiya artists superimposed the figure of Hanuman in a divine offering posture
Harmonious Coexistence of Mesolithic and Kakatiya Art
- Ramayana figures do not overshadow the Mesolithic drawings
- Visitors can appreciate the artistic techniques of two distinct periods
G. Tidbits
- Shrinkage in Merchandise Exports
- Q1 2023 sees a decline of 15.1% in merchandise exports
- Record $450 billion exports achieved in 2022-23
- A Cautionary Approach to Setting Export Targets
- Government refrains from announcing a clear target for outbound shipments in 2023-24
- Considering a range of scenario-based targets instead
- Rethink on Initial Targets
- Commerce Ministry reevaluates the set target for exports in 2023-24
- Internal exercise underway; reconsideration indicated
- Declining Trend in Goods Exports
- Goods exports decelerated by 12.6% in April and 10.2% in May
- Witnessed steepest fall in 37 months in June with a 22% drop
- Slower Growth in Exported Services
- Forex earnings from services exports slowed sharply after 28% growth in 2022-23
- Services exports estimated to grow only 5.2% to $80 billion
- Target of $2 Trillion by 2030
- Broader target set as per the new Foreign Trade Policy
- Aims to achieve $1 trillion each through goods and services exports
- World Trade Organisation’s Forecast
- Alignment with WTO’s prediction of slower global trade growth in 2023
- Singular target reconsidered due to uncertain global trade conditions
- Petroleum Exports Impacted
- Petroleum exports witness a sharp plunge of 33.2% in Q1
- Reduction in global oil prices contributes to the decline
2. India-Russia Vande Bharat deal
- Share Purchase Agreement Signed
- Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) announces the signing of a share purchase agreement
- Involves RVNL, Kinet Railway Solutions Ltd., Metrowagonmash, and Locomotive Electronic Systems
- Stake Distribution in the Deal
- RVNL holds a minority stake of 25%
- Metrowagonmash retains the majority stake of 70%
- Locomotive Electronic Systems holds 5%
- Troubled Waters and Flipped Terms
- Joint venture faced issues due to disagreement over shareholding terms
- RVNL initially sought a 69% majority shareholding, which was opposed by Metrowagonmash
- Manufacturing Requirements and Spare Parts Import
- Joint venture aims to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat train sets each at ₹120 crore
- Spare parts for trains need to be imported from Western European and American counterparts
- Loss of Trust and Confidence-Building Measure
- Russia facing a “loss of trust” from supplier countries after the Russia-Ukraine war
- RVNL sought majority shareholding as a confidence-building measure for smoother project execution
- DPT3 Vaccine
- It is the 3rd dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines
- Significant Increase in DPT3 Vaccine Coverage
- DPT3 coverage rate in India reaches an all-time high of 93% in 2022
- Surpasses pre-pandemic best of 91% in 2019 and a sharp increase from 85% in 2021
- Positive Trends in WHO South-East Asia Region
- WHO and UNICEF report shows the region’s DPT3 coverage recovered to pre-pandemic level of 91%
- Witnessed a 6% improvement in measles vaccine coverage, reaching 92% in 2022 from 86% in 2021
- Reduction in Zero-dose and Partially Vaccinated Children
- Number of zero-dose children (those not receiving any DPT vaccine dose) halved to 2.3 million in 2022 from 4.6 million in 2021
- Partially vaccinated children decreased to 6.5 lakhs in 2022 from 1.3 million in 2021
- India and Indonesia Lead Immunisation Recovery Efforts
- WHO South-East Asia Region’s best immunisation recoveries attributed to India and Indonesia’s efforts
- Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia, commends their work
- Impressive Immunisation Rates in Other Countries
- Indonesia records 85% DPT3 coverage in 2022, a significant rise from 67% in 2021
- Bhutan achieves 98%, the Maldives reaches 99%, surpassing pre-pandemic rates
- Consistency in Routine Immunisation
- Bangladesh maintains 98% and Thailand 97% coverage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
- Demonstrates commitment to routine immunisation services
- Every Child Deserves Protection
- Regional Director emphasises the importance of protecting every child against life-threatening diseases
- Urges continued efforts to sustain the momentum in immunisation coverage
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding DPT immunisation:
- The DPT vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against diseases: diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.
- It is recommended for children above the age of 6 years.
- DPT vaccination is given in a single dose and provides lifelong immunity against the mentioned diseases.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
DPT immunisation consists of 5 doses given at specific ages: 2, 4, 6, 18 months, and 4-6 years. It does not provide lifelong immunity; booster doses are recommended as the vaccine’s protection decreases over time.
Q2. Which of the following statements about Rudragiri hillock in Andhra Pradesh is correct?
- The Kakatiya dynasty artworks in the caves depict scenes from the epic Mahabharata.
- The paintings in the third cave are from the Gupta period and superimposed on Mesolithic drawings.
- It features five naturally formed rock shelters with prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic period.
- The hillock is situated in the Western Ghats and served as living quarters for people during the Gupta period.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
Statement (c) is correct because Rudragiri hillock in Andhra Pradesh has five rock shelters with prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic period, providing valuable insights into that era’s artistic expressions.
Q3. With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard developed in India), consider the following statements:
- GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
- GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
GM mustard has been developed by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at the University of Delhi.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo):
- DR Congo is rich in mineral resources, including copper, diamonds, and gold.
- DR Congo is one of the world’s leading producers of cobalt, a crucial component in electric vehicle batteries.
- The mining of natural resources in DR Congo has significantly benefited the people and contributed to their economic development.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
Statement 3 is incorrect as mining in DR Congo has not benefited the people or their economic development. Resource management challenges, governance issues, and inequitable wealth distribution have led to exploitation and negative impact on local communities.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Vande Bharat train:
- It is India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed train.
- The train is designed and manufactured by Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
- Vande Bharat train operates on the Delhi-Chennai route.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
Statement 3 is incorrect as the Vande Bharat train does not operate on the Delhi-Chennai route.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss Sri Lanka’s ethnic problems and examine the need for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, IR]
- Critically examine the pros and cons of GM crops. What aspects should India consider before rolling out GM food crops in the country? Illustrate with examples where necessary. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Environment & Ecology]
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 19 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
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