CNA 04 June 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Shangri La Dialogue C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT 1. Groundwater depletion and recovery D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. What are the friction points on the LAC? HEALTH 1. Why is India rethinking its anaemia policy? F. Prelims Facts 1. Foucault Pendulum G. Tidbits 1. INDUS-X & iCET 2. G20 Global Vaccine Research Collaborative 3. Centre on structural safety of dams 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
Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests
Mains: Significance of Shangri La dialogue for global peace
Context: 20th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
Introduction:
- The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia’s premier defence summit.
- It’s a unique meeting where ministers debate the region’s most pressing security challenges, engage in important bilateral talks and come up with fresh approaches together.
- The 2023 event is taking place in Singapore on 2–4 June.
Peace plan by Indonesia:
- Indonesia proposed a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
- Indonesia called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and suggested a ceasefire at present positions, demilitarised zones guaranteed by observers and UN peacekeeping forces, and a unorganised referendum in disputed areas.
- However, the initiative faced swift criticism from attendees.
- Indonesia, known for non-aligned diplomacy, previously attempted peace mediation.
- Indonesian President Joko Widodo travelled to Kyiv and Moscow and met the nations’ leaders in 2022 while chairing G20.
Australia on US-China relations:
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a keynote speech urging the United States and China to resume high-level communication channels and establish safeguards to prevent the deteriorating relations from escalating into conflict.
- He emphasised that the potential repercussions of a breakdown in the Taiwan Strait or any other conflict would extend beyond the major powers and have devastating global consequences.
- Therefore, leaders in the Indo-Pacific region must exert all efforts to promote dialogue and prevent conflict, as the possibility of conflict in the region is not inevitable.
Nut Graf: The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, convenes ministers to address regional security issues and explore new strategies. In the 2023 event, Indonesia proposed a peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war, receiving mixed feedback. Australia stressed the importance of communication between the US and China to avert conflict in Taiwan strait and its global consequences.
C. GS 3 Related
1. Groundwater depletion and recovery
Syllabus: Environmental Pollution & Degradation
Mains: Water Stress in India & Prevention of groundwater depletion
Context: This article discusses various parameters of groundwater recovery.
Introduction:
- Over the past few decades, the rapid depletion of groundwater in north India has become a common occurrence, with 95% of India’s groundwater depletion happening in this region between 2002 and 2022.
- The two main factors driving groundwater storage are groundwater use and variability in summer monsoon rainfall.
Impact of Climate change on groundwater:
- Climate change poses new challenges for groundwater sustainability by increasing the need for groundwater pumping to meet irrigation demands.
- The warming climate is expected to bring more hydroclimate extremes like floods and droughts, which will further strain groundwater resources.
- Increased evapotranspiration resulting from a warming climate will reduce water availability for groundwater recovery, although its impact will be overshadowed by increased groundwater use for irrigation.
Research Findings:
- A team from IIT Gandhinagar analysed groundwater well data, satellite observations from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and hydrological model simulations to understand groundwater storage variability under a warming climate.
- The team discovered that continued unsustainable groundwater extraction and excessive pumping from non-renewable sources will worsen groundwater loss.
- Despite the potential for periods of high precipitation to contribute to partial groundwater recovery, the projected increase in rainfall may not lead to an overall increase in groundwater storage due to the dominant influence of evapotranspiration in the long run and at higher warming levels.
Implications and Solutions:
- Climate projections suggest that an increase of 6-8% in summer monsoon rainfall could aid in groundwater recovery.
- However, even in the most optimistic scenario, this increase would only help recover about 50% of the groundwater lost in the last two decades, emphasising the need to address unsustainable groundwater usage.
- It is crucial to restrict unsustainable groundwater use for irrigation to maximise the benefits of increased precipitation.
- With the possibility of more frequent droughts, efficient irrigation practices and the relocation of crop-growing areas is a way forward to mitigate the adverse effects on groundwater storage.
- Promoting groundwater conservation is essential for long-term sustainability, as groundwater plays a vital role, especially during periods of drought, even when increased rainfall can enhance recharge.
Nut Graf: The warming climate and unsustainable groundwater extraction pose significant challenges to groundwater sustainability in north India. While increased summer monsoon rainfall could aid in groundwater recovery, it is crucial to address unsustainable groundwater usage through efficient irrigation practices and groundwater conservation efforts.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. What are the friction points on the LAC?
Syllabus: India and its neighborhood.
Mains: India-China relations.
Context: The standoff between India and China in Eastern Ladakh marks three years.
Details:
- Even after three years of the standoff between India and China at Eastern Ladakh, both countries are far from achieving disengagement, de-escalation, and restoration of status quo ante.
- Both countries engaged in diplomatic, military, and political level talks for resolving the standoff.
Status of the Disengagement Process:
- Since the Corps commander-level talks (in 2020), disengagement has been undertaken from five friction points:
- Galwan in 2020
- North and South banks of Pangong Tso in February 2021
- Patrolling Point (PP) 17 in the Gogra-Hot Springs area in August 2021
- PP15 in September 2022
Source: The Print
- India maintains that there are two additional friction points at Depsang Plains and Demchok. However, China rejects it terming them as legacy issues predating the 2020 standoff.
- India is consistent in its stand of restoring the status quo ante as on April 2020 and restoring patrolling rights till the traditional patrolling points.
- Beijing is consistent that it would not restore its status quo ante prior to the standoff as it believes that “the status quo of April 2020… was created by India’s illegal crossing of the LAC.”
- Moreover, China is developing infrastructure and inducting new weapons along the 3488 km-long LAC.
- India is also undertaking infrastructure and capability enhancement projects to match the levels of the Chinese.
- Thus, this scenario highlights that any de-escalation process to restore status quo looks remote.
Buffer zones and their status:
- Buffer zones were created at the friction points during the disengagement process.
- Buffer zones imply that both sides would pull back at an equal distance to prevent any new skirmishes.
- Moreover, no patrolling would be undertaken to maintain peace and tranquility.
- The buffer zones at all five points continue to exist.
- In order to ensure the honouring of the understanding reached, India conducts regular monitoring by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and satellites.
Depsang Plains and Demchok:
- Demchok
- It is a disputed area and China has set up tents in the Charding La area.
- Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO)
- It is a part of the crucial Sub-Sector North (SSN).
- Currently, the airfield is accessible by the 255 km-long Darbuk-Shyok-DBO (DSDBO) road.
- It was an ancient trade route.
- There is a plan to build an alternate axis across Saser La.
- Depsang Plain
-
- It is another part of the Sub-Sector North (SSN).
- It is also close to the Karakoram Pass overlooking the strategic Saltoro ridge and Siachen glacier.
- Notably, the Chinese build-up in Depsang threatens Indian positions at DBO. It further brings Chinese troops closer to the DSDBO road.
- China is blocking Indian Army patrols from going up to the PPs 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13.
- According to reports, Indian Army last accessed the patrolling points in Depsang in January/February 2020.
- It is highlighted that the distance from the Limit of Patrol (LoP), on which the PPs are marked, to the LAC is the maximum in the Depsang area.
- Depsang has seen several faceoffs in the past.
- Moreover, the number of troops and frequency of patrols had gone up since 2013.
Related Link:
India – China Relations: Updates about the Recent Clashes at the LAC and other Events
Nut Graf: The situation in Eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control has not yet been resolved since the 2020 standoff. The present scenario highlights that de-escalation and disengagement and restoration of status quo in the region appear to be a distant dream.
1. Why is India rethinking its anaemia policy?
Syllabus: Issues related to Health.
Mains: India’s Anaemia burden and related policy.
Prelims: Anaemia
Introduction:
- The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) will begin on 6 July 2023.
- The questions related to anaemia will be dropped from the survey as several experts have challenged the efficacy of the method being used.
Also read: National Family Health Survey 5 – Facts about NFHS for UPSC
Details about Anaemia:
- World Health Organization (WHO) defines anaemia as a situation in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal.
- It causes fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
- Anaemia is caused by several factors, the major being the iron deficiency.
- According to NFHS-5 (2019-21), India’s anaemia burden is considerably high.
- It is found that 57% of women in the age group 15-49 and 67% of children between 6 and 59 months are anaemic.
- The Health Ministry noted that Anaemia is a public health challenge. It has thus shifted its assessment to new Diet and Biomarkers Survey in India (DABS-I).
- DABS-I was launched in 2022 to map diet, nutrition, and health status.
- It will provide the correct estimate of the disease among the rural and urban population.
New Changes in the Survey:
- Researchers argue that anaemia in India is being over-diagnosed as WHO cut-offs for haemoglobin are being followed. The cutoffs might not be suited to India, as it depends on several factors like age, gender, physiological status, and altitude.
- According to WHO, a person is anaemic if she meets one of the following situations:
- Haemoglobin concentration is <110 g/L at sea level for children aged under five years and pregnant women.
- Haemoglobin concentration <120 g/L for non-pregnant women.
- Indian researchers have also objected to the differences in the way blood is drawn for sampling in NFHS.
- The survey measures it through a drop of capillary blood that oozes from a finger prick. However, it might give a false value.
- The venous blood sampling method should be used as it gives a more accurate value.
Dietary Survey DABS-I:
- DABS-I is a comprehensive national-level dietary survey.
- It will collect individual dietary intake data of different age groups and will then define food and nutrient adequacy.
- Significance of Anaemia survey:
- Anaemia data is important for monitoring public health and devising new policies as it is associated with morbidity and mortality of vulnerable sections (pregnant women and children).
- It is also significant to monitor the progress of reproductive health.
- Iron-deficiency anemia reduces work productivity and hampers the economy and national development.
- It will help in evidence-based policy-making and targeted interventions.
Related Link:
Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) – A MoHFW Initiative [UPSC Notes]
Nut Graf: India is rethinking its anaemia policy due to concerns associated with the existing methodology. The new survey will collect individual data on food and nutrient intakes and will be a more comprehensive and evidence-based approach.
F. Prelims Facts
Syllabus: GS01-Geography
Prelims: Rotation of Earth; Coriolis Force
Context: Foucault pendulum in new Parliament building
Introduction:
- The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) in Kolkata designed and installed the Foucault Pendulum in the recently inaugurated Parliament building, specifically in the Constitutional Gallery area.
- The Foucault Pendulum is a device that demonstrates the rotation of the Earth. It consists of a long, heavy pendulum that swings back and forth in a fixed plane.
- Over time, due to the Earth’s rotation, the plane of oscillation appears to rotate, providing evidence of the Earth’s rotation.
- Jean Bernard Léon Foucault, a French physicist from the 19th century, accidentally invented the pendulum while working with a metal rod on a lathe. When he plucked the rod, one end vibrated in the same plane while the other end, fixed to the lathe, rotated.
- Foucault’s research revealed that it is easier to observe the Earth’s rotation using the pendulum at the Poles than at lower latitudes.
- At the Poles, the pendulum’s plane completes one rotation in approximately 24 hours, corresponding to the Earth’s rotation period.
- In contrast, at the Equator, the pendulum does not rotate at all due to the faster rotation of the Earth at the wider central region.
- The pendulum swings in a plane defined by the motion of its bob (the sphere). As the Earth rotates, the pendulum’s plane appears to rotate slowly. However, it is actually the Earth itself that is rotating, not the pendulum.
- This relative motion explains the Coriolis effect.
- Coriolis force is a phenomenon that appears to act on objects in motion in a rotating reference frame, like the earth.
Applications:
- One of the main applications of the Foucault Pendulum is in educational settings and science museums. It serves as a visual and interactive tool to help explain the concept of the Earth’s rotation and its effect on various phenomena.
- The Foucault Pendulum has been used to determine the latitude of a location accurately. By measuring the rate of rotation of the pendulum, one can calculate the latitude of the place where the pendulum is located.
- Another application of the Foucault Pendulum is in precision timekeeping. The pendulum’s swing is affected by the rotation of the Earth, and by measuring the period of the pendulum, one can accurately measure time.
- It has been employed in experiments related to atmospheric science, geophysics, and astronomy.
- It has also found its way into the world of art and architecture. It has been incorporated into installations and exhibits to create visually captivating and thought-provoking experiences.
- It has been used in some astronomical observatories to calibrate and verify the accuracy of certain instruments. Its precise and predictable motion serves as a reference for making measurements and adjustments.
G. Tidbits
- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin expressed that the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) enables the investigation of innovative approaches for joint development of vital defence platforms.
- Austin is set to meet with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to discuss co-development and co-production projects before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the U.S.
- Austin highlighted the progress made through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), particularly in maritime cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
- Austin also criticised China for declining a meeting with defence counterparts and emphasised the need for dialogue.
Read more on INDUS-X & iCET
2. G20 Global Vaccine Research Collaborative
- The Indian government is collaborating with global non-profit organisations to convene and foster consensus among G-20 member states and others to establish a Global Vaccine Research Collaborative.
- The G-20 platform is seen as a crucial facilitator of collaboration among governments, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders.
- The Global Vaccine Research Collaborative aims to bridge this gap and ensure equitable access to vaccines worldwide. Additionally, it seeks to optimise resources and prevent duplication of efforts.
- The initiative will primarily focus on addressing critical gaps in vaccine research and development before the occurrence of the next pandemic.
- Its objectives include establishing a framework and principles for enhanced preparedness, creating mechanisms to improve coordination, and fostering an environment conducive to vaccine research and development.
- India is promoting fair access to vaccines within the domestic market by providing financial incentives and streamlining regulatory processes to encourage vaccine manufacturers to expand their production capacity.
- Furthermore, steps have been taken to ensure vaccine availability in rural areas by leveraging existing healthcare facilities, such as primary health centres.
3. Centre on structural safety of dams
- The Malviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), located in Jaipur, has been designated as the inaugural National Centre for Earthquake Safety of Dams in India.
- This centre aims to enhance the country’s self-sufficiency in addressing technology-related concerns regarding the structural integrity and earthquake safety of dams.
- The centre will initiate a pilot study of specific dams with the objective of establishing and refining safety standards.
- Additionally, it will review the manuals of the Central Water Commission, ensuring their alignment with current practices and knowledge in the field.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements: (Level-Difficult)
- A Fixed-dose Combination (FDC) is a medicine that includes two or more active ingredients combined in a single dosage form.
- FDCs are less economic than single ingredient drugs.
- In case of any dispute with respect to the quality of the drug, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is the appellate authority.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 01 is correct, A Fixed-dose Combination (FDC) refers to a medication that contains two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in fixed proportions within a single dosage form. These combinations are formulated to provide the therapeutic benefits of multiple drugs in a convenient and simplified manner.
- Statement 02 is incorrect, FDCs are more economic than single ingredient drugs.
- Statement 03 is correct, The office of the DCGI acts as an appellate authority if there is any dispute with respect to the quality of the drug. The DCGI is also responsible for the approval of licences of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, I V fluids, vaccines and sera.
Q2. Consider the following pairs: (Level-Difficult)
Strait Contiguous Landmass
- Formosa Strait China and Taiwan
- Yucatan Strait Mexico and Cuba
- Messina Strait Italy and Albania
- Hormuz Strait Iran and Oman
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: The Strait of Messina is a narrow strait between the eastern tip of Sicily and Southern Italy.
Read more on Major Straits of the world
Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to Pygmy hog: (Level-Medium)
- It is the smallest species of pig in the world.
- Pygmy hogs only live in the wet high grasslands at the foothills of the Himalayas
- It is listed as a Critically Endangered species on the IUCN Red List.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Pygmy Hog is listed as an ‘Endangered’ species on the IUCN Red List.
Q4. Consider the following statements: (Level-Difficult)
- It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- It causes swelling of the tissues in digestive tract.
- There’s no known cure for this disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms.
The above statements best describe:
- Alkaptonuria
- Chagas Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Whipple Disease
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. It causes inflammation and ulceration in any part of the digestive system, most commonly in the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine (colon).
- Common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and rectal bleeding.
- While the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
- There is evidence to suggest that an abnormal immune response triggers chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to the characteristic symptoms.
- Crohn’s disease can lead to various complications, such as strictures (narrowing of the intestine), fistulas, abscesses, malnutrition, and bowel obstruction.
- Additionally, some individuals may experience extra-intestinal manifestations, including joint pain, skin disorders, eye inflammation, and liver conditions.
- While there is no known cure for Crohn’s disease, various treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and control inflammation.
Q5. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal? (Level-Medium) (PYQ-CSE-2011)
- Indian wild buffalo
- Indian wild ass
- Indian wild boar
- Indian gazelle
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: The Indian Wild Ass, also known as the Khur or Ghudkhar, is a unique and endangered species of wild equids (hoofed mammals) found in the arid grasslands and desert plains of the Indian subcontinent. Their natural habitat is the Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India.
- They are well-adapted to the harsh desert environment.
- The Indian Wild Ass is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- The population of these wild asses has been steadily declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and competition with livestock for resources. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and increase their numbers.
Read more on Indian Wild Ass
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- India – China border standoff appears to have hit a stalemate with regard to disengagement and de-escalation. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS-2; International Relations)
- Discuss the causes and impact of anaemia. Why is India shifting to a new methodology to estimate the anaemia burden in the country? (250 words, 15 marks) (GS-2;Health)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 04 June 2023:- Download PDF Here
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