CNA 14 June 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related GEOGRAPHY 1. Lightning, blamed for Canada fires, will get worse in a warming world B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. HAP to take AI governance global C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND POLITY 1. Tax law in the shadow of the higher judiciary INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Musings on the frictions in India-Canada ties F. Prelims Facts 1. UN needs to be more democratic and representative, says Rajnath G. Tidbits 1. World Cup triumph and Dronacharya award will be the crowning glory for seasoned coach Kumar 2. Twitter faced threats, says ex-CEO; Centre calls it a lie H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
1. Lightning, blamed for Canada fires, will get worse in a warming world
Syllabus: Important Geophysical Phenomenon.
Mains: Lightning activity and wildfires.
Prelims: Phenomenon of Lightning.
Introduction
- The smoke drifting from the wildfires in Canada has impacted the air quality in New York City, Washington D.C., and other parts of the North American Continent.
- As per the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, there were almost 426 active fires in Canada as on 8th June 2023.
- The wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta (Canada) began in late April and spread to Quebec, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
Causes of Wildfires:
- Most of these fires are caused due to lightning.
- Human activities are also responsible for it.
- It was also reported that Canada’s Atlantic coast received lower snowfall in the winter followed by an unusually dry spring.
- Moreover, Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax, received only 120 mm of rain between March and May 2023. This is a third of the average precipitation during this period.
- Additionally, a late-May heatwave resulted in an increased temperature.
Also read: Forest Fires – Concern, Causes, Effects & Prevention
Details about Lightning:
- It is revealed in various studies that lightning electric currents that flow for more than some tens of milliseconds are called long-continuing currents (LCC). They can potentially produce fires.
- The water droplets in warmer air and ice crystals in cooler air coalesce together to form thunderstorm clouds (especially cumulonimbus clouds). The negative and positive charges build up in clouds and over time the voltage difference becomes high.
- It then leads to a rapid discharge of electric charge and is seen as a lightning flash.
- A study published in Nature (February 2023) reveals that there will be an increase in total global lightning activity and global LCCs by the 2090s.
- It was also found in another study that an increase in global average surface temperatures by 4 degrees C results in an increase of lightning activity by 11% per K.
- It is also found that LCC lightning activity increased by around 47% over land. It implies that it would ignite more wildfires in the future.
- However, in other parts of the world like the western parts of North America, northern and southern South America, the Scandinavian peninsula, and parts of central Asia, the total lightning activity will decrease. Notably, LCC lightning activity might increase.
- It is suggested that long-term changes in lightning patterns reflect climate change.
- The World Meteorological Organisation considers lightning to be an essential climate variable.
- Moreover, lightning produces nitrogen oxides that react with oxygen in the air to form ozone. It should be noted that ozone itself is a strong greenhouse gas.
Lightning Strikes in India:
- Lightning strikes are one of the deadliest natural disasters in India.
- As per the Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council, there were approximately 18.5 million lightning strikes between April 2020 and March 2021.
- It is reported by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune that there is a sharp increase in lightning strikes since 1995.
- Between 1972 and 2019, around 90632 people died by lightning.
- As per the National Crime Records Bureau, lightning caused nearly 2875 deaths in 2019.
- Odisha records the highest lightning strikes among all states (Skymet).
Also read: Lightning Strikes & Climate Change: RSTV – Big Picture Discussion
Nut Graf: It is reported that one of the major causes of increased wildfires in Canada is lightning. Several studies point out that lightning activities have increased due to climate change. It will further increase as the climate warms.
B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. HAP to take AI governance global
Syllabus: Regional and Global Groupings (G-7).
Mains: Details about Hiroshima AI Process.
Prelims: Hiroshima AI process.
Context: Annual G-7 summit took place in Hiroshima from 19 to 21 May 2023. The Hiroshima AI Process was initiated during the summit.
Introduction:
- The annual G-7 summit was hosted by Japan in Hiroshima from 19 to 21 May 2023.
- During the summit, the Hiroshima AI Process (HAP) was initiated.
- HAP is an effort to determine a way forward to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- The ministerial declaration of the G-7 Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting (April 2023) discussed “responsible AI” and committed to promoting human-centric and trustworthy AI.
- Despite deliberations and accords to regulate AI, each country is promoting human-centric and trustworthy AI.
Hiroshima AI Process:
- Despite several other issues, the communiqué accorded more importance to AI. It discussed inclusive AI governance and trustworthy AI, in line with shared democratic values.
- It also took stock of the opportunities and challenges of generative AI.
- The G-7 communiqué aimed to establish the Hiroshima AI process, through a G7 working group, in an inclusive manner and in cooperation with the OECD and GPAI, for discussions on generative AI by the end of 2023.
- Ways in which HAP can move forward are:
- It can enable the G-7 countries to move towards a divergent regulation based on shared norms, principles, and guiding values.
- It is suggested that it can become overwhelmed by the divergent views among the G-7 countries and fail to deliver any meaningful solution.
- It can also end up delivering mixed results with some convergence on certain issues and divergence on others.
Significance of HAP for AI:
- It will indicate the values and norms and from where AI will derive its guiding principles.
- It will align the development and implementation of values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.
- It also emphasizes fairness, accountability, transparency, and safety.
- The HAP will not address AI regulation from a state-centric perspective but will be a multiple-stakeholder approach through a fair and transparent mechanism.
- Regulating AI is a challenge due to divergence among G-7 member countries.
- It is said that HAP will be similar to intellectual property rights (IPR).
- The HAP will bring greater clarity to the role and scope of the ‘fair use’ doctrine in the use of AI for various purposes.
Associated Concerns:
- The communique’s emphasis on working with others like OECD countries and on developing an interoperable AI governance framework implies that HAP will be impacted by the concerns of other country groups.
- Moreover, countries that aren’t part of the G-7 would want to influence the global governance of AI. They can also launch a process of their own.
Nut Graf: The initiation of the Hiroshima AI Process (HAP) in the G-7 summit intends to regulate Artificial Intelligence. This reflects that AI governance has become a global issue that could become more contested in the future.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND POLITY
1. Tax law in the shadow of the higher judiciary
Syllabus: GS-2, Separation of Power.
Mains: Judiciary and Legislative responsibilities.
Introduction:
- The tax law in India is built on two central precepts:
- A tax may be imposed only with the authority of law (Article 265 of the Indian Constitution).
- Any levy ought to be clear, consistent, and predictable. It is based on the principle of sureness.
- These precepts emanate from the rule of law, especially the values of legality and certainty.
- It is argued that in various instances, the Supreme Court (SC) has undermined these commitments.
Details:
- It is suggested that the SC has reversed well-reasoned judgments of High Courts and virtually enacted into existence taxes that lack legislative support.
- For instance, in ITO vs Vikram Sujitkumar Bhatia case, it was discussed whether the provision (Section 153C) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, could have a retrospective effect in the absence of a legislative mandate.
- Section 153C is concerned with the conditions under which a search made on a person’s premises could result in the opening of proceedings against other persons and entities.
- It allowed the Revenue Department to proceed against third parties to a search if material seized (such as money, bullion, jewellery, or books of accounts) “belongs or belong to” a person other than the one who was subject to the search.
- At least three different High Courts held that “belongs or belong to” should be narrowly construed. This implies that a mere reference to a person’s name would not by itself satisfy the law.
- Consequently, the law was amended in 2015. It meant that assessments could be made against third parties to a search, even if the material seized (particularly documents and books of accounts) “pertains or pertain to” the person or if the information contained in those items “relates” to the person.
- The question was whether it would apply to searches conducted prior to its enactment.
- The Gujarat HC ruled that it could not be retrospective as the amendment was bringing into the fold of Section 153C a new class of assessees, who were previously excluded.
- The SC reversed this verdict on 6th April 2023 and gave the justification that:
- It should be presumed that the unamended provision never existed in law.
- Moreover, the new law is declaratory and seeks to explain an earlier provision, and is hence retrospective.
Associated Concerns:
- It is argued that the Court in holding that the provision will apply to past searches, has acted not as an interpreter of the law but as a maker of the law.
- In a similar case in Union of India vs Ashish Agarwal, the Court resuscitated notices of reassessment that had been issued by the Revenue without any sanction of law.
- It should be remembered that if any law has to be mended, it is the sole domain of the legislature. The court should not encroach on the legislative functions.
- Moreover, in resolving these cases, SC invoked Article 142 of the Constitution. It has been argued multiple times that this power should not be applied in breach of statutory law.
Also read: Judiciary versus Legislature: Sansad TV Perspective
Nut Graf: Article 265 of the Indian Constitution forbids taxation without legislation. Any attempt by the Judiciary to bypass it is seen as a serious cause of concern. The judiciary should avoid encroaching on matters that are the sole responsibility of legislatures and abide by the Separation of Power doctrine.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Musings on the frictions in India-Canada ties
Syllabus: GS-2, Bilateral relations.
Mains: India-Canada Relations.
Context: A pro-Khalistani parade on June 4 in Brampton, Canada.
Introduction:
- A pro-Khalistani parade on June 4 in Brampton, Canada showcased a tableau that depicted the message of not forgetting the riots of 1984 in India.
Details:
- As a response to media questions on the above incident, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar objected to Canada’s support for “separatists, extremists, and those who advocate violence”.
- He spoke out against Canada’s hypocritical approaches to human rights issues and its decades-long disdain for the territorial integrity of India.
Diaspora and Foreign Policy:
- The ethnic Indian community, including the Sikhs, plays a crucial role in Canada’s demography and politics.
- The Indian diaspora has gained political, financial, and professional success in many countries including Canada. Thus the government’s attitude towards them has become a part of foreign policy.
- Diaspora in the current dispensation has become important not only for the destination country but also for the source country. This has resulted in diaspora politics.
Other Details:
- Another significant issue was Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Adviser’s remark on India as foreign interference and its categorization with Iran and Russia.
- In response to the remarks, Mr. Jaishankar stated that “India cannot be accused of seeking to influence Canadian domestic affairs.” Diplomatic activities and engagement with the diaspora should not be considered interference in Canada’s internal affairs.
- It should be noted that the Canadian Prime Minister is dependent on the New Democratic Party (NDP) for his government’s survival, and the party is a committed Khalistan sympathizer.
- This is a major cause of concern for India in maintaining good India-Canada relations.
- Moreover, bilateral ties between both countries are facing challenges in many areas of cooperation. For example, the Cannabis medicine project.
Also read: India-Canada Relations
Nut Graf: The India-Canada relations are facing tough times. It is the responsibility of the Indian diplomats to highlight the damage caused to bilateral ties when Canadian politicians support separatism in India.
F. Prelims Facts
1. UN needs to be more democratic and representative, says Rajnath
Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations.
Prelims: United Nations, UNSC
Details
- A seminar was organized by the Army, along with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies and Centre for UN Peacekeeping, to commemorate 75 years of UN peacekeeping.
- During the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commented that the UN and its bodies should become “more democratic and responsible” considering the current realities.
- It was further said that if India being the most populous country in the world is not finding a permanent seat in the UNSC, the moral legitimacy of the organization is undermined.
- Notably, India is a top troop-contributing nation to UN peacekeeping operations.
- India has contributed nearly 2.75 lakh troops to the missions so far.
- He further called for innovative approaches and enhanced cooperation for the safety and effectiveness of UN peacekeepers deployed in violence-hit regions.
- Mr. Singh also highlighted the need to invest in training, technology, and resources for their safety and productivity.
- He stated that “the entire world benefits as peace fosters stability and encourages economic growth”.
- Currently, 5900 Indian peacekeepers are serving around the world on various peacekeeping operations even comprising “female engagement teams”.
- A pictorial compilation of India’s peacekeeping journey was also unveiled during the event.
Also read: United Nations Security Council Reforms
G. Tidbits
1. World Cup triumph and Dronacharya award will be the crowning glory for seasoned coach Kumar
- C R Kumar was the mastermind behind the Indian junior men’s team in the Asia Cup in Salalah (Oman) recently.
- He will be the head coach of the side for the junior men’s World Cup that is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from December 5 to 16, 2023.
- Notably, Kumar coached the Indian senior men’s and women’s teams.
- The victory at the Asia Cup catapulted Kumar to the pinnacle of glory.
- Kumar has an unfulfilled dream, of winning the Dronacharya Award. Though his name was recommended in 2022, he was surprisingly left out.
- He started his coaching career in 1998 by assisting V. Baskaran at the 1998 Utrecht World Cup.
2. Twitter faced threats, says ex-CEO; Centre calls it a lie
- Twitter’s former chief executive officer Jack Dorsey has accused the Indian government of threatening to shut down the social media platform in India unless it complied with its orders during the farmers’ protest in 2020-21.
- He further said the government demanded “contact information” of certain accounts in addition to shutting them down.
- The government refuted the claims and has called it an “outright lie”.
- The Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology highlighted that Twitter had continuously resisted Indian laws. He further said that “India as a sovereign nation has the right to ensure that its laws are followed by all companies operating in India”.
- Notably, Mr. Dorsey quit as Twitter CEO in 2021 and Elon Musk purchased the platform in 2022.
- During the protests, some accounts were taken down. However, they were restored by Twitter following free speech concerns.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. How many of the following statements are true regarding the National Disaster Mitigation Fund? (Level- Moderate)
- It was mentioned in the country’s first Disaster Management Act (2005).
- It was established for the first time in 2021.
- State Disaster Mitigation Funds are to be established with contributions from only the states.
Options:
- Only 1 statement
- Only 2 statements
- All 3 statements
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The National Disaster Mitigation Fund is covered under the Disaster Management Act (2005).
- Statement 2 is correct: It was established for the first time in 2021.
- Statement 3 is not correct: State Disaster Mitigation Funds are established with contributions from both the centre and states.
Q2. How many of the following pairs of puppetry art forms and the states they belong to are correctly matched? (Level- Difficult)
- Ravanachhaya: Odisha
- Putul Nach: West Bengal
- Tholu Bommalata: Andhra Pradesh
- Kathputli: Rajasthan
Options:
- Only 1 statement
- Only 2 statements
- Only 3 statements
- All 4
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Ravanachhaya: Odisha
- Putul Nach: West Bengal
- Tholu Bommalata: Andhra Pradesh
- Kathputli: Rajasthan
Q3. Which of the following statements are true? (Level- Moderate)
- The USA left UNESCO for the first time in 2018.
- China is the biggest donor of UNESCO right now.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct: USA left UNESCO for the first time in 1984. It rejoined in 2003.
- Statement 2 is not correct: UNESCO is mainly financed by the compulsory contributions of its Member States. Currently, Japan is the largest donor to UNESCO.
Q4. Mayon Volcano, which has seen a recent eruption, is located in which of the following countries? (Level- Easy)
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- New Zealand
- Tonga
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
Mayon Volcano is an active volcano in southeastern Luzon, Philippines.
Q5. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct? (Level- Moderate)
- It is intended to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
- It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Green Climate Fund aims to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
- Statement 2 is not correct: The Green Climate Fund was established in 2010 as a part of the UNFCCC’s financial framework to channel funds from richer nations to developing countries in order to help them reduce climate change and adapt to its effects.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- The objective of ensuring ‘complete justice’ through Article 142 of the Indian Constitution has somewhere turned into ‘complete dominance’ of the judiciary over the other arms of the government. Do you agree? Critically analyze. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, Polity & Governance]
- Canada’s vote bank politics may dent its long-term Indo-pacific vision of countering China with India’s assistance. Comment. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, International Relations]
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 14 June 2023:- Download PDF Here
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