16 May 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related GOVERNANCE 1. Probe agencies must give written grounds of arrest, says SC INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. India-gifted ambulance service in Sri Lanka in need of support 2. Slovakia PM shot multiple times, suffers life-threatening wounds C. GS 3 Related SECURITY 1. India records highest number of Internet shutdowns in 2023 D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. New term, old issues INTERNAL SECURITY 1. Manipur accounted for 97% of displacements in South Asia F. Prelims Facts 1. Summer 2023 was hottest in 2,000 years, says study 2. Army set to receive next batch of shoulder-fired Igla-S air defence systems 3. Conflict with pachyderm pathways G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category: GOVERNANCE
1. Probe agencies must give written grounds of arrest, says SC
Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors
Mains: Issues with Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
Context​: The Supreme Court’s recent ruling emphasizes the importance of upholding the right to life and personal liberty, particularly in cases of arrests under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Court has mandated that investigating agencies provide arrested individuals with a written copy specifying the grounds of their arrest, aligning with previous judgments on similar matters.
Issues:
- Lack of provision for informing arrested individuals of the grounds of arrest under UAPA.
- Potential violation of fundamental rights, particularly Article 22(1) of the Constitution.
- The discrepancy between the treatment of arrests under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and UAPA.
Significance:
- Ensures transparency and accountability in the arrest process.
- Facilitates the right of the arrested person to seek legal counsel and challenge custody or seek bail effectively.
- Upholds the sanctity of fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, especially the right to life and personal liberty.
Solutions:
- Mandate investigating agencies to provide arrested individuals with a written copy specifying the grounds of arrest under the UAPA.
- Align arrest procedures under the UAPA with those of other relevant Acts, such as the PMLA, to ensure consistency and adherence to constitutional principles.
- Establish clear guidelines and protocols for implementing the provision of written grounds of arrest to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation.
Nut Graf: The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the primacy of fundamental rights, particularly the right to life and personal liberty, in the legal framework of the country. By requiring investigating agencies to provide written grounds of arrest under the UAPA, the Court has taken a significant step towards safeguarding individual freedoms and ensuring fair and transparent legal proceedings.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India-gifted ambulance service in Sri Lanka in need of support
Syllabus: Relations between India and neighbouring countries
Mains: India – Sri Lanka relations
Context​: The India-gifted ambulance service in Sri Lanka, known as Suwaseriya 1990, has been instrumental in providing pre-hospital emergency care across the island for the past eight years. However, recent challenges indicate a pressing need for support to sustain its operations effectively.
Significance:
- Suwaseriya 1990 has attended to millions of calls and medical emergencies, including in remote areas, making it a vital component of Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure.
- Recognized as one of the world’s most digitally advanced and free ambulance services, its sustainability is crucial for ensuring timely access to emergency medical care for all citizens.
Issues:
- Recent instances of delayed response times and offline ambulances highlight operational challenges.
- Sri Lanka’s financial crisis since 2022 has severely impacted the public health system, including the ambulance service.
- Staff shortages and delayed vehicle repairs are hindering the service’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Solutions:
- Increase funding support from both government and private sector sources to address operational challenges and ensure the service’s sustainability.
- Implement measures to attract and retain qualified medical professionals and technicians, including competitive salaries and training opportunities.
- Strengthen partnerships with international stakeholders, including India, to leverage expertise and resources for enhancing the service’s capabilities and resilience.
Read more on India – Sri Lanka relations in the linked article.
Nut Graf: The India-gifted ambulance service in Sri Lanka, Suwaseriya 1990, has been a lifeline for millions of citizens in need of emergency medical assistance. However, the service faces significant challenges amid Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, necessitating urgent measures to ensure its continued operation and effectiveness.
2. Slovakia PM shot multiple times, suffers life-threatening wounds
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests
Mains: India – Slovakia relations
Context​: Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was the victim of an assassination attempt, suffering life-threatening wounds after being shot multiple times. The incident occurred following a government meeting in Handlova, sparking condemnation from European leaders.
Issues:
- Prime Minister Robert Fico’s assassination attempt raises concerns about political stability and security in Slovakia.
- Criticism surrounding Fico’s foreign policy stance, particularly his perceived alignment with the Kremlin, has led to tensions and controversies.
- Fico’s anti-Ukraine stance and controversial policy decisions have strained relations with neighbouring countries and triggered mass protests domestically.
- The attempted assassination of a sitting Prime Minister is a significant event with potential implications for Slovakia’s political landscape and international relations.
- Fico’s pro-Russian inclinations and scepticism towards Ukraine’s sovereignty have drawn attention to the geopolitical dynamics in Eastern Europe.
- The incident underscores the importance of maintaining political stability and addressing contentious issues through dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
Solutions:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the assassination attempt to determine the motives and individuals behind the attack, ensuring accountability and justice.
- Enhance security measures for government officials and public figures to prevent future incidents and safeguard political stability.
- Foster constructive dialogue and engagement with neighbouring countries to address geopolitical tensions and promote regional cooperation and stability.
Nut Graf: The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico highlights the complex challenges facing Slovakia, including political polarization, security threats, and foreign policy dilemmas. It underscores the need for robust security measures, diplomatic engagement, and adherence to democratic principles to navigate through this crisis and uphold stability and peace in the region.
C. GS 3 Related
Category: SECURITY
1. India records highest number of Internet shutdowns in 2023
Syllabus: Challenges to Internal Security through communication networks
Mains: Challenges due to Internet shutdowns in India
Context​:
- India experienced the highest number of Internet shutdowns globally in 2023, maintaining this dubious record for the sixth consecutive year. The frequency of these shutdowns, imposed for various reasons including communal tension, violence, and exams, has raised concerns among civil society organizations both within India and internationally.
Issues:
- India witnessed 116 instances of Internet shutdowns in 2023, surpassing all other countries in the world.
- Shutdown orders are often imposed over communal tension, violence, exams, and other reasons, leading to disruptions in communication and access to information.
- The regional application of shutdown orders, rather than localized ones, indicates a broader impact on affected populations.
Significance:
- Internet shutdowns hinder access to vital information, communication, and services, impacting individuals, businesses, and communities.
- The use of shutdowns as a tool to control information flow during times of unrest or conflict raises concerns about freedom of expression and human rights violations.
- Instances like the ethnic violence in Manipur highlight the severe consequences of Internet shutdowns, particularly for marginalized groups like women, who face challenges in documenting and reporting atrocities.
Solutions:
- Implement transparent and accountable procedures for imposing Internet shutdowns, ensuring that they are used as a last resort and strictly adhere to legal standards.
- Strengthen mechanisms for oversight and judicial review to prevent arbitrary or excessive use of shutdowns and safeguard fundamental rights.
- Invest in alternative communication infrastructure and resilience measures to minimize the impact of shutdowns on essential services and emergency situations.
Nut Graf: India’s high number of Internet shutdowns in 2023 underscores the need for a balanced approach to maintaining public order while respecting fundamental rights and freedoms. Addressing the root causes of unrest and conflict through dialogue and inclusive governance can help reduce the need for such drastic measures.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests
Mains: Russia balancing defence and economic needs amidst the protracted war
Context:
- Vladimir Putin’s decision to replace long-time Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with civilian Economist Andrei Belousov reflects the evolving nature of Russia’s military strategy in the face of the Ukraine conflict.
- Despite Shoigu’s successful track record in previous military interventions, criticisms have emerged regarding his handling of the current war, prompting Putin’s decision for a change in leadership.
- Belousov’s appointment signifies a shift towards prioritizing economic considerations within the Defense Ministry, as Russia grapples with the economic repercussions of prolonged conflict and Western sanctions.
Current Military Dynamics:
- Russia has recently launched a new offensive targeting Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, indicating ongoing battlefield momentum.
- While Ukraine anticipates receiving new weapons from the U.S., doubts persist regarding their adequacy in bolstering the war-weary Ukrainian army against Russian advances.
- Putin’s immediate objective remains securing victory in the war, yet the path to achieving this goal remains uncertain amid escalating tensions and international repercussions.
Ramifications on Russia’s International Standing:
- The conflict has significantly strained Russia’s relations with the West, particularly Europe, undermining previous efforts to foster economic and energy partnerships.
- Consequently, Russia has found itself increasingly reliant on China for support and strategic cooperation.
- Domestically, Putin has tightened control over the state and society, suppressing dissent while striving to shield ordinary citizens from the economic impacts of sanctions.
Uncertain Future and Long-Term Implications:
- Despite Putin’s confidence in Russia’s military momentum, the protracted nature of the conflict threatens to leave Russia internally repressive, economically vulnerable, and diplomatically isolated.
- Ukraine’s retaliatory actions, such as targeting Russia’s Black Sea fleet and border towns, have escalated the costs and complexities of the conflict.
- Putin’s pursuit of victory risks entangling Russia in a prolonged war of attrition with a perpetually hostile neighbour, raising concerns about the sustainability of current military strategies and their broader implications for Russia’s future.
Nut Graf: Putin’s decision to replace Defense Minister Shoigu with economist Belousov reflects Russia’s shift in military strategy amid the Ukraine conflict. Despite recent offensives, uncertainty looms over achieving victory, with implications for Russia’s international standing and domestic stability.
Category: INTERNAL SECURITY
1. Manipur accounted for 97% of displacements in South Asia
Syllabus: GS-3, Role of External State and Non-state Actors in Creating Challenges to Internal Security
Mains: Manipur Violence Causing Displacement Crisis
Introduction: South Asia’s Displacement Crisis
- A new report by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) reveals alarming statistics of displacements in South Asia in 2023.
- Conflict and violence accounted for 69,000 displacements, with Manipur alone contributing 97% of this figure.
Ethnic Clashes in Manipur: Trigger and Impact
- On May 3, 2023, the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in Manipur’s hill districts ignited ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, claiming over 200 lives.
- The violence stemmed from resistance to recognizing the Meitei community as a Scheduled Tribe, exacerbating existing land disputes.
- The clashes spread across various districts, leading to approximately 67,000 displacements within Manipur and to neighbouring states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Assam.
Government Response and Relief Efforts:
- In response to escalating violence, the Union government imposed curfews, shut down the internet, and deployed security forces.
- Relief camps were established, and a peace committee for Manipur was formed, albeit hindered by disagreements over its composition.
Global Context and Overall Displacement Trends:
- Globally, conflict and violence displaced 68.3 million people by the end of 2023, with significant contributions from Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Palestinian territories.
- The past five years witnessed a notable increase in conflict-induced displacements, totalling 22.6 million, with peaks in 2022 and 2023.
- When accounting for displacements due to natural disasters, the global figure rises to a record 75.9 million internally displaced persons by the end of 2023.
Nut Graf: The report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre reveals that conflict and violence in 2023 triggered 69,000 displacements in South Asia, with Manipur accounting for 97%, reflecting a concerning trend of internal displacement in the region.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Summer 2023 was hottest in 2,000 years, says study
Context: Recent studies indicate that the summer of 2023 was not only the warmest on record but also the hottest in approximately 2,000 years. This unprecedented heat, driven by climate change, had profound implications globally, including wildfires, infrastructure damage, and strain on power grids.
Issues:
- The intensity of the northern hemisphere summer heat in 2023 led to wildfires, road buckling, and power grid strains, highlighting the severity of climate change impacts.
- Research based on meteorological records and tree ring data suggests that 2023’s summer temperatures surpassed those of the past 2,000 years, indicating the unprecedented nature of recent global warming.
- The El Nino climate pattern exacerbated the summer heat, resulting in longer and more severe heatwaves and extended periods of drought, further exacerbating climate-related challenges.
Significance:
- The findings underscore the urgency of addressing climate change and mitigating its impacts to prevent further escalation of extreme weather events and associated risks.
- Heatwaves pose significant health risks, with a substantial number of heat-related deaths reported annually across the globe, particularly in Asia and Europe.
- The implications of extreme heat extend beyond immediate health concerns, affecting infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate change impacts.
2. Army set to receive next batch of shoulder-fired Igla-S air defence systems
Context: The Indian Army is poised to receive the next batch of Russian Igla-S very short-range air defense systems (VSHORAD) by the end of May or early June, marking a significant step in fulfilling critical air defense requirements.Â
Issues:
- Delays in fulfilling air defense requirements have left the Army vulnerable to threats from enemy combat aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs.
- Payment issues between India and Russia have previously hindered critical defense deals, impacting procurement timelines and strategic readiness.
- The need for indigenous assembly and manufacturing capabilities to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and enhance self-reliance in defense production.
Significance:
- The acquisition of Igla-S VSHORAD systems strengthens the Army’s air defense capabilities, providing soldiers with essential protection against aerial threats.
- Resolution of payment issues with Russia facilitates smoother defense transactions and underscores the importance of maintaining robust international partnerships in defense procurement.
- Assembly of defense systems like Igla-S and Hermes-900 UAVs in India promotes technology transfer, indigenous manufacturing, and job creation in the defense sector.
3. Conflict with pachyderm pathways
Context: The recent death of a Kadar tribesman in Tamil Nadu due to an elephant attack has reignited concerns over escalating human-elephant conflicts in the region. These conflicts stem from various factors, including habitat degradation, developmental activities in forest areas, and disruptions in critical elephant movement pathways or corridors.
Issues:
- Human-elephant conflicts in Tamil Nadu have intensified, leading to casualties among both humans and elephants.
- Factors contributing to these conflicts include habitat degradation, developmental works in forest areas, and disruptions in elephant movement corridors.
- The deaths of elephants due to unnatural causes such as electrocution, poisoning, and accidents highlight the urgent need for conservation measures and conflict mitigation strategies.
Significance:
- The formation of a panel by the Tamil Nadu government to identify elephant corridors reflects a proactive approach towards addressing the issue.
- The panel’s report, which identifies 42 elephant corridors, has received positive feedback from environmentalists for doubling the number of corridors identified compared to previous reports.
- Securing elephant corridors and ensuring safe movement paths for elephants is crucial for mitigating conflicts and conserving the elephant population, which plays a significant role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. The Supreme Court's recent ruling on arrests made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) emphasizes the need to:
- Grant bail to all individuals arrested under UAPA
- Provide the arrested person with legal representation during questioning
- Furnish the arrested person with a written explanation for the detention
- Ensure a speedy trial for individuals arrested under UAPA
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Furnish the arrested person with a written explanation for the detention.
Q2. With reference to India's cooperation with Sri Lanka in the health sector, consider the following statements:
- India gifted Sri Lanka a fleet of ambulances known as Suwaseriya 1990.
- Suwaseriya 1990 is a program that provides training for Sri Lankan medical personnel in pre-hospital emergency care.
- This initiative reflects India’s commitment to strengthening regional healthcare infrastructure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct. India gifted ambulances named Suwaseriya 1990 to Sri Lanka.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. It is not a training program.
- Statement 3 is correct. Donating ambulances to improve emergency care reflects India’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure.
Q3. With reference to internet shutdowns in India, consider the following statements:
- According to a report by Access Now, India witnessed the highest number of internet shutdowns globally in 2023.
- These shutdowns can potentially hinder access to essential services and information, raising concerns about digital rights.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct. India had the highest number of internet shutdowns in 2023.
- Statement 2 is correct. Internet shutdowns can disrupt access to critical services like healthcare, education, and communication. This can also limit access to information and hinder freedom of expression, raising concerns about digital rights.
Q4. A recent study published in the journal Nature highlighted an alarming weather trend. Which of the following statements is most accurate in this context?
- The depletion of the ozone layer is primarily responsible for the record-breaking heat experienced in Summer 2023.
- There has been a significant increase in global volcanic eruptions, contributing to the hottest summer in 2,000 years.
- Summer 2023 witnessed the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the Northern Hemisphere, exceeding those of the past two millennia.
- The study suggests that Antarctica is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, melting glaciers at an alarming rate.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Summer 2023 witnessed the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the Northern Hemisphere, exceeding those of the past two millennia.
Q5. With reference to India's air defence capabilities, consider the following statements:
- The Indian Army is scheduled to receive a new batch of Igla-S air defence systems, which are man-portable and shoulder-fired.
- The Igla-S system utilizes radar technology for target acquisition and tracking.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct. The Indian Army is set to receive a new batch of Igla-S air defence systems, highlighting their portability.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Igla-S system relies on infrared homing technology for target acquisition and tracking, not radar.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss global warming and its implications on the global climate with a special focus on developing countries. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Environment]
- Critically examine the objectives, provisions and implications of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, Polity]
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