CNA 22 June 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT 1. What is the New Collective Quantified Goal? D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. More HIT than miss in India-Nepal ties GEOGRAPHY 1. Heat and state SECURITY 1. Internet Suspension in Manipur F. Prelims Facts 1. Veerangana Rani Durgavati 2. Kalasa Banduri Project 3. Wall of Peace at UN headquarters 4. St.Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) G. Tidbits 1. ‘NATO plus five’ status for India 2. India climbs eight places to 127 in global gender index: WEF report H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
C. GS 3 Related
1. What is the New Collective Quantified Goal?
Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
Prelims: About Bonn climate conference
Mains: New Collective Quantified Goal and the need for a new climate finance target.
Context:
The existing climate finance architecture and framework were reviewed and reformed at the recently-concluded Bonn climate conference held in Germany.
What is the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQC)?
- According to the target set at the Conference of Parties (COP) in 2009, developed countries had committed to extending $100 billion per year till 2020 to developing nations.
- This is based on the understanding that the economic growth of developed countries has come at the cost of high carbon emissions, and hence they must be accorded greater responsibility.
- However, recent estimates and reports have revealed that efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change may cost billions, and even trillions of dollars.
- This led to the adoption of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCGQ) for climate financing before 2025 during the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015.
- The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCGQ) acts as a reference point that accounts for the needs and priorities of developing nations and is regarded as the “most important climate goal”.
- The NCGQ, thus widens the ceiling on commitment from developed countries and aims to cater to the evolving needs and priorities of developing countries based on scientific evidence.
The need for a new finance goal
- According to a report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the developed countries in 2020 provided only about $83.3 billion out of the promised $100 billion per year.
- Reports also suggest that the yearly figures are misleading and inflated by close to about 225%.
- For example, an analysis by Oxfam observed that “there is too much dishonest and shady reporting”.
- Further, the $100 billion per year target was set way back in 2009 which was looked at as a political goal as there was no effort to provide clarity over the definition or source of climate finance.
- Although the funds available for climate finance have increased quantitatively it is seen that the funds have remained largely inaccessible, privately sourced, delayed and have also not reached countries that are actually in need.
- A recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment showed that only about 5% of climate finance comes in the form of grants, while the rest has been provided in the form of loans and equity which increase the burden on developing countries and heightened the risk of debt crisis.
- This has forced the countries in need of finances to wait for years in order to access money which forces them to pay interest at higher rates and led to an increase in their debt burden.
Dissent expressed by the developed countries
- Developed countries have held that NCQG must be looked at as a “collective goal” for all developed and developing countries.
- Developed countries argue that the NCQG framework pushes the “net zero” pathways onto developing countries.
- Experts fear that this mechanism would not be a feasible mechanism to pay for adaptation, mitigation, loss and damage.
- Developed countries further urge for mobilising private-sector investments and loans as they can act as a key component of climate finance.
Path ahead
- It is said that the countries are on a tight deadline to agree upon the NCQG ahead of 2024.
- According to the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan, the global transition to a low-carbon economy requires investments of about $4 trillion to $6 trillion per year.
- However, a few experts argue that instead of identifying a single aggregate figure, the NCQG must put in place separate targets or sub-goals on key focus areas which include mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage.
- The key objective at present is to focus on efforts to increase concessional financing, limit debt creation and facilitate NCQG to be a “process” rather than a goal towards an equitable and people-led transition.
Nut graf: The long-standing deadlock between developed and developing countries over the climate finance architecture has widened the gaps in the funding mechanism required to pay for critical climate action. In this context, there exists an urgent need for a fresh process or target for climate financing.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. More HIT than miss in India-Nepal ties
Syllabus: India and its Neighborhood – Relations
Mains: Recent geopolitical developments in India’s neighbourhood.
Context: Recent India visit by Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Introduction:
- Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ expressed his contentment, considering the recent India visit as a “successful” one.
- This marked Prachanda’s third term as Prime Minister, and in comparison to his previous official visits in 2008 and 2016, the visit in 2023 yielded a greater number of tangible outcomes.
- The successful avoidance of controversial issues and public disagreements during Prachanda’s visit contributed significantly to its success, allowing the focus to remain on economic ties.
- A complex power-sharing arrangement is underway in Nepal, with Prachanda serving as Prime Minister for two years, followed by Madhav Nepal (CPN-Unified Socialist) and Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress) taking turns for a year each, allowing the government to address economic issues while maintaining the coalition.
Complexities in India-Nepal Relations:
- In August 2014, during Prime Minister Modi’s significant visit to Nepal, the “neighbourhood first” approach was emphasised to foster improved relations, particularly focusing on connectivity through the HIT acronym (Highways, Infoways, and Transways).
- Although relations encountered difficulties in 2015 due to an economic blockade, efforts have been made to repair and strengthen the relationship, leading to visible progress and the revival of the HIT acronym by Mr. Modi.
- One of the main challenges with India-Nepal ties lies in ensuring the timely implementation of power projects, as negotiations have been time-consuming.
- The recent issue involves the Agnipath scheme, impacting the recruitment of Gurkha soldiers into the Indian Army.
- This requires discussions between the two armies and relevant defence and finance officials, but a resolution is possible due to the strong traditional ties between the services.
- The second issue pertains to the Kalapani boundary dispute.
- Resolving this matter will require time, political wisdom, and mutual understanding.
- In Nepal, there is a perception that the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed in 1950 was unjustly imposed. Despite the request to review the Treaty being raised in 1995 and subsequent summits acknowledging the need for a “review and update,” substantial discussions on the matter have not yet occurred.
- It is vital to address historical misunderstandings and consider the concerns of both nations in order to facilitate objective discussions.
Read more on India-Nepal Relations
Nut Graf: Nepal’s Prime Minister Prachanda expressed satisfaction with his successful India visit, marked by tangible outcomes and the avoidance of controversies. In Nepal, a complex power-sharing arrangement is underway, while in India-Nepal relations, efforts are being made to repair ties.
Syllabus: Climatology
Mains: Causes, Impact, Mitigation strategies of Heat Waves
Context: This article discusses the effects of Heatwaves.
Key Details:
- Amidst the scorching heatwave in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the district of Ballia in U.P. recorded the highest number of fatalities.
- A State-appointed team visited Ballia to evaluate the situation, and one member expressed doubts about the heat being the sole cause, citing lower casualties in nearby districts.
- This incident highlights the importance of recognizing that a heatwave’s impact goes beyond temperature, involving inadequate public infrastructure and social security.
- The high death toll in Ballia could be due to factors such as contaminated water or lack of means for people to cool themselves.
- The severity of heat’s effects depends on various factors like an individual’s well-being, acclimatisation, physical exertion, comorbidities, location, humidity, and duration of exposure.
Tackling deaths due to heatwaves:
- Combating the climate crisis, which is expected to increase heatwaves in India, requires literacy and access to resources for better preparedness.
- Basic literacy should include understanding that heat becomes lethal when the body cannot dissipate it as quickly as it accumulates, often due to poor living conditions and societal restrictions.
- Essential amenities like clean drinking water, proper ventilation, healthcare, regular breaks, and wage loss protection can help mitigate the impact of heat waves.
- To improve their response to heatwaves, state governments should record and assign causes to all heat-related deaths, and follow proper medical certification protocols.
- The Office of the Registrar General should compile and release annual data on the causes of death, enabling research and informed policymaking, and avoiding disputes over official figures.
- Ensuring good living conditions is crucial to distinguishing heat-related deaths from other causes.
Nut Graf: High number of fatalities due to heatwaves in recent days raises questions about the sole attribution to heat. It highlights the need for literacy and access to resources to combat heat waves. Improvement in living conditions is vital to differentiate heat-related deaths from other causes.
1. Internet Suspension in Manipur
Syllabus: Challenges to Internal Security Through Communication Networks
Mains: Implications of Internet Shutdowns
Context: Manipur government’s decision to extend net shutdowns.
Introduction:
- The Manipur High Court recently allowed limited Internet access in designated areas of the state following a petition for its restoration.
- Shutdowns, enforced since May 3, 2023, have adversely affected economic activities and livelihoods.
- Citizens have been unable to access vital services such as e-commerce-related activities, except for those who can get exemptions from the shutdowns with government permission.
Read more on 2023 Manipur Violence.
Reasons behind shutdown extensions:
- Threats to law and order and anti-social elements are cited as reasons for the shutdown extensions.
- The Manipur government also told the High Court that the shutdowns were needed to block websites where inflammatory material could be published.
- However, the government fails to meet the requirements of a public emergency or public safety as per the Telegraph Act, 1885 and Telegraph rules and such a sledgehammer approach is clearly problematic.
Supreme Court on Internet suspensions:
- The Supreme Court, in Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020), has ruled that indefinite suspension of Internet services violates freedom of speech and commercial rights, emphasising the principle of proportionality and necessary duration.
- The court also criticised the use of internet shutdowns as a substitute for maintaining law and order, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that respects individual rights and ensures public safety.
Road Ahead:
- The Manipur situation calls for restoring confidence, engaging civil society, isolating extremists, and pursuing a step-by-step approach towards peace.
- Despite the challenges posed by a troubled Chief Minister and ongoing ethnic tensions resulting in sporadic violence and displacement, it is imperative that the Internet shutdown, which has been enforced for an extended period of time, be terminated.
Read more on Internet Shutdowns in India.
Nut Graf: The recent decision by the Manipur High Court to allow limited Internet access addresses the adverse impact of shutdowns on economic activities and livelihoods. The reasons behind the shutdown extensions, including threats to law and order and the blocking of inflammatory websites, do not meet the requirements of a public emergency or public safety.
F. Prelims Facts
Syllabus: GS-1; History; Significant personalities
Prelims: About Veerangana Rani Durgavati
Context:
The Union Home Minister will launch the “Veerangana Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra”, which is an initiative of the Madhya Pradesh State government to honour the legacy of Veerangana Rani Durgavati.
About Veerangana Rani Durgavati
- Veerangana Rani Durgavati was a 16th-century queen of the Gondwana kingdom.
- Rani Durgavati was the queen of Gondwana from 1550 to 1564.
- Rani Durgavati was born in 1524 A.D. in the family of Chandel emperor Keerat Rai.
- Rani Durgavati was married to Dalpat Shah, the son of King Sangram Shah of the Garha Kingdom in 1542.
- In 1545 A.D., the queen gave birth to a son who was named Vir Narayan.
- Dalpat Shah died in 1550 A.D. and with Vir Narayan being too young at that time, Rani Durgavati took the reins of the Gond kingdom.
- The queen was assisted by two able ministers named Adhar Kayastha and Man Thakur.
- During her reign, Rani Durgavati moved her capital to Chauragarh from Singaurgarh.
- Rani Durgavati is known for her resistance against Mughal domination.
Syllabus: GS-1; Geography; Water bodies and resources
Prelims: About Kalasa Banduri Project and Mahadayi River
Context:
Tenders floated for implementation of the Kalasa Banduri Project by the previous Karnataka government may run into troubles as they were announced without obtaining the required forest and environment clearance.
Kalasa Banduri Project
- The Kalasa-Banduri Nala is a project undertaken by the Government of Karnataka to build barrages on the Kalasa and Banduri streams.
- Kalasa and Banduri streams are the tributaries of River Mahadayi or Mandovi.
- The Kalasa-Banduri project aims to divert water from Mahadayi to satisfy the drinking water needs of the Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Gadag, and Hubli districts of Karnataka.
- Through the Kalasa-Banduri Project, the Karnataka government aims to divert Mandovi River water from Kalasa and Banduri canals into the Malaprabha River in the state.
- Kalasa-Banduri Project includes the construction of a total of 11 dams on the River Mahadayi or Mandovi.
- However, the sharing of the waters of the Mahadayi River has been a cause of dispute between the states of Goa and Karnataka since the 1980s.
River Mahadayi or Mandovi
- River Mahadayi or Mandovi is a west-flowing inter-state river in the Western Ghats.
- Mahadayi or Mandovi or Mhadei River originates in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka.
- Mahadayi enters Goa from Sattari taluk of the North Goa district and it finally joins the Arabian Sea at Panaji.
- The Mandovi river basin falls in the states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
- The river is regarded as the “lifeline of Goa”, as most of the rivers of the state contain salt water and Mandovi being a sweet-water source ensures water security and is important for fishing.
3. Wall of Peace at UN headquarters
Syllabus: GS-2; International Relations; Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Prelims: About Wall of Peace at UN headquarters and UN peacekeepers
Context:
The Prime Minister of India recently paid tributes at the Wall of Peace at the UN Headquarters.
Wall of Peace at UN headquarters
- The Wall of Peace is located on the north lawns of the UN Headquarters in New York.
- The Wall of Peace acts as a “Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeeping forces”.
- Recognising the selfless service of UN Peacekeepers, the Prime Minister of India reiterated that their contributions would never be forgotten and their selflessness will forever be etched in our memories.
About United Nations peacekeeping forces
- United Nations Peacekeeping is a joint effort by the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support.
- The United Nations Peacekeeping operations are policing and peacebuilding actions carried out by the UN to bring order and stability to war-torn nations.
- United Nations Peacekeeping helps countries torn by conflict create the conditions for lasting peace.
- UN Peacekeeping is guided by three fundamental principles namely:
- Consent of the parties
- Impartiality
- Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate
- The 29th of March 2023 marked the 75th U.N. Peacekeepers Day.
- The day marks the start of the first UN peacekeeping mission “U.N. Truce Supervision Organisation” in Palestine in 1948.
- A peacekeeping mission is funded collectively by the United Nations member states, while the establishment and maintenance of its operations are decided by the United Nations Security Council.
- At present, 12 UN peacekeeping operations are deployed on three continents.
- India is one of the largest troop-contributing nations to the UNPK and at present about 5,900 troops have been deployed on 12 missions.
- India has contributed around 2,75,000 troops to peacekeeping missions so far and 159 Indian Army soldiers have lost their lives across the globe.
Read more – United Nations Peacekeeping
4. St.Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF)
Syllabus: GS-2; International Relations; Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Prelims: About St.Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF)
Context:
The 26th edition of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) was recently held.
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF)
- The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) has been held since 1997, and it has been held under the ambit of the President of the Russian Federation since 2006.
- The SPIEF is regarded as one of the unique events in the world of business and economics.
- The Forum brings together the chief executives of major Russian and international companies, heads of state, political leaders, prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, departmental ministers, and governors.
- The SPIEF has become a leading global platform for members of the business community to meet and discuss the key economic issues facing Russia, emerging markets, and the world as a whole.
- The SPIEF was known as “Russian Davos” since it was the only such elite gathering of global business community leaders in this part of the world.
- The main objective of the Forum is to provide practical solutions for businesses and governments, helping to overcome the geographic and information barriers between Russia and other countries.
G. Tidbits
1. ‘NATO plus five’ status for India
- The U.S. Senate India Caucus looks to introduce legislation to extend India a “NATO plus five” defence status.
- The External Affairs Minister of India, however, has already rejected the framework for India.
- The “NATO plus five” defence arrangement currently exists between the U.S., its NATO partners and five countries namely Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Israel.
- The latest announcement follows a recommendation from the U.S. House of Representatives committee on China that India be included in the NATO plus five club.
2. India climbs eight places to 127 in global gender index: WEF report
Image Source: The Hindu
- India has been ranked 127 out of 146 countries in gender parity as per the Gender Gap Report, 2023 published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
- India was ranked 135 in 2022.
- As per the Gender Gap Report, 2023, India’s immediate neighbours such as Pakistan have been ranked at 142, Bangladesh at 59, China at 107, Nepal at 116, Sri Lanka at 115 and Bhutan at 103.
- Iceland has remained the most gender-equal country for the 14th consecutive year as per the index.
- India has improved by 1.4% points from 2022, marking a partial recovery towards its 2020 parity level.
- The report also noted that India had closed 64.3% of the overall gender gap, but the country reached only 36.7% parity in economic participation and opportunity.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1 Global Gender Gap Index is released by:
-
- World Economic Forum
- Oxfam International
- Sustainable Development Solutions Network
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- India ranks 127 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 released by the World Economic Forum.
- India has shown an improvement of 1.4% points & 8 positions from 135 in 2022.
Q2. Consider the following statements w.r.t International NorthSouth Transport Corridor (INSTC):
- It is 15,000 km long and is a multi-mode network of ship, rail, & road routes.
- Russia, India, and Iran are the founding member states of INSTC.
- It connects Russia with Iran and India via the Caspian Sea.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- One only
- Two only
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect. The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road routes for moving freight between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.
- Statement 2 is correct. Russia, Iran & India signed the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) project in 2002.
- Statement 3 is correct. It connects Russia with Iran and India via the Caspian Sea.
Q3. Which of these countries make up the ‘NATO plus five’ arrangement?
- Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel and South Korea
- India, New Zealand, Japan, Israel and South Korea
- India, New Zealand, Ukraine, Israel and South Korea
- Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Ukraine and South Korea
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- US Senate India Caucus will introduce legislation to give India ‘NATO plus five’ defence status.
- Currently, NATO Plus 5, is a security arrangement that brings together Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel and South Korea.
Q4. Queen Durgavati is the most famous warrior-queen of:
- Garha Kingdom
- Gajapati Kingdom
- Sivaganga Kingdom
- Thanjavur Nayak Kingdom
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Queen Durgavati is the most famous warrior queen of the Garha-Mandla/Garha Kingdom.
- In the tribal belts of the Vindhyas and Mahakoshal regions, Queen Durgavati is revered.
Q5. Consider the following statements w.r.t Mahadayi River:
- Mahadayi is a west-flowing river.
- It originates in Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district of Karnataka.
- Kalasa, Surla and Banduri are its major tributaries.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- One only
- Two only
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- River Mahadayi or Mandovi is a west-flowing inter-state river in the Western Ghats.
- Mahadayi or Mandovi or Mhadei River originates in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka.
- Major Tributaries of River Mahadayi are Kalasa Nala, Banduri Nala, Surla Nala, Haltar Nala, Poti Nala, Mahadayi Nala, Pansheer Nala, Bail Nala, Andher Nala.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Examine the detrimental impact of heatwaves and measures to be taken to mitigate the disaster. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS-3; Disaster Management]
- India – Nepal relations have seen a lot of ups and downs. Examine with a focus on ongoing connectivity and infrastructure projects. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS-2; International Relations]
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 22 June 2023:- Download PDF Here
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